Comic-Con 2014: Samsung Experience + Trailer Reaction!

The line for the experience has been going around the corner every day so far, so get there EARLY!

*UPDATE: Unfortunately, we are sad to report that the Samsung Experience has already been taken down. :(
Comic-Con is almost over, BUT THERE IS STILL TIME to enjoy all the bells and whistles of Lionsgate's presentation of Mockingjay Part 1 at Comic-Con.

The Sneak Peek

Before the big event on Friday, we got a special opportunity to have a meet and greet with some of the cast members from Mockingjay Part 1! This included: Mahershala Ali (Boggs), Elden Henson (Pollux), Wes Chatham (Castor), and Evan Ross (Messalla). All four were quite easy to talk to, but I have to say that Wes was pretty hilarious and just really stoked about the fan reaction to The Hunger Games in general.

Hunger Games fan sites (with some Divergent mixed in too!) photo op with MJ cast

THE SAMSUNG GALAXY EXPERIENCE

Lionsgate provided fans with an interactive experience for Mockingjay with so much to do and see. This is the only place at the Con you can get Mockingjay pins, but you're gonna have to work for it! Fans can get their Mockingjay pin coupon punched for every event in the experience in order to get the pin achievement at the end of the experience. Check out our photos to get an idea of what you can do:

Get your holographic photo with Peeta and Johanna.
Obviously, it's not holographic when printed,
but when you sit down, look up.
TRIPPY!!

Using Galaxy tablets, you order from Peeta's Bakery and Haymitch's Elixers

For example, a Capitol Cronut!

Delicious Elixers

Opposite the counter lies the T-Shirt design center.
Get a free shirt with your district on it!

These are just a few of the activities you can do at the experience. I've seen lines around the block the whole con, so make sure you get in line ASAP if you have not done so already!

On Friday, the cast members came into the experience to talk to the fans along with Natalie Dormer:

MADNESS.

Natalie Dormer! CRESSIDA! MARGAERY TYRELL!!

Epic photo with Natalie Dormer with epic photobomb guy IS EPIC.

These guys had such a blast taking photos with fans :)

Trailer Reactions

Some may disagree with me, but I don't like to see too many things from a movie in a trailer. The less I see the better, but as long as we've been waiting for a trailer I definitely wanted to feel satisfied after viewing it. I believe it comes in at just over a minute, which I think is a very appropriate length for a "teaser".

I don't want to give it all away, but there are just some phenomenal shots chosen for the teaser. It was all I could do to not audibly freak out over my absolute favorite scene in the book being shown. It's a pivotal moment for Katniss' character and I think when you see it, you'll know exactly what I am referring to. All in all, I felt genuine emotion after viewing the teaser and I think fans will be leaving Best Buy very satisfied without having seen too much. As for when the trailer hits the web, the release should be imminent, but of course no official time as of right now. 

THE SHOW FLOOR

Lionsgate's booth is a little more compact this year, but I think the design and function of it is very superior to last year. It is definitely more open and clear as to what they are promoting when they are promoting due to their changing banner above the booth. 

Expect free posters from time to time, but as mentioned before there will be no Mockingjay pins on the floor this year. On the upside, you can totally have a photo op with a Peacekeeper behind the booth!

For those still going to Comic-Con on Sunday -- Don't forget to hit up the Samsung Galaxy Experience at The Hard Rock Hotel!! It is so worth it! 

Hangs With Sam Claflin at the Quiet Ones L.A. Premiere

Last night we attended the L.A. premiere of The Quiet Ones and got to chat briefly with Sam Claflin aka The Claf! Pictured above, the meet and greet with Finnick himself with our fansite friends from HGGirlOnFire and Mockingjay.net!

After finishing his last press interview, The Claf turned around to our group and yelled "HUNGER GAMES!" quite ridiculously to which I laughed obnoxiously. Lionsgate Movies actually caught this moment on film:

Sam was amusing and charming as always, and of course very excited for fans to see Mockingjay Part 1. I asked him if he minded being called The Claf since we've been calling him that for some random reason, to which he said he didn't mind and that he wasn't sure if it was a good or a bad thing as he was called "Claf" in high school. Well kids, *THE MORE YOU KNOW*.

We also spotted Stef Dawson on the red carpet, who of course plays Annie in the Mockingjay films. She's the red head in the background. You know, didn't want to be too creepy taking that photo. As it turns out, the fansites all got to chat with her for awhile during the after party. She is super nice, funny, and easy to talk to! She also mentioned that she is anxious to tell people all the hilarious stories that have come out of the Mockingjay film set.

Super fun night! Make sure you guys check out The Quiet Ones this Friday, you know, if you're into the whole scary movie thing.

Fansite Roundtable of Doom: The Sam and Jena Edition

Before The Hunger Games came out, we were invited to a round table interview with Josh Hutcherson. This time we had the opportunity to each ask one question for Sam Claflin and Jena Malone. They were both funny and nice, and you can tell they both had a passion for the series.

Our question and answer is below, and the rest of them are under the cut!

Welcome To District 12
What other role in the series did you see yourself playing or could you see yourself playing, no matter description or type.

Jena: I mean, I wanted to play Mags. That was my first choice, but…

Sam: You wanted to be carried by me.

Jena: During the audition, they kind of touched my face with fake old age makeup, and they're like "Jena, this is not going to work."

Sam: It's a tough question. I mean I'd most like to play Haymitch, I think.

Jena: Oh, really?

Sam: Yeah, because I think he just goes on one hell of a journey, and the fact that he is who he is, the things that he's seen and been through, that he's a mentor to Katniss and Peeta. Yeah, that's the character that most inspired me, I guess... Effie Trinket, just so I could've got the costume, you know. Anything for an orange wig.

Campaigning for Coin: Cate Blanchett

Welcome to "Campaigning for Coin"! The fan sites have been examine Coin possibilities the past few weeks and today we take a look at Cate Blanchett! As you read these posts, please comment on who your fan cast for Coin is! 

*SPOILER ALERT!*


Welcome to District 12

Courtney - Cate Blanchett is my number one pick for Coin, guys. Not only is she a superb actress, but has had experience playing women in power. Elizabeth: The Golden Age earned Blanchett an Academy Award nominee and her portrayal Galadriel has won over the hearts of Tolkien nerds everywhere. Talk about playing a women in power! Galadriel is so ancient, she's probably the only elf left alive in Middle Earth during the War of the Ring who has seen the Light of Valinor with her own eyes. All I'm getting at here is that Cate Blanchett is great at playing a women in power and playing it straight, whether her intentions are good or bad. She is also striking in the same way we gave a super thumbs up to Tilda Swinton. Cate Blanchett has the look I want for Coin, and it doubly helps she's got the experience.

HG Fireside Chat

Adam: Cate Blanchett has achieved as much as she could ever hope for as a thespian, which leaves her in a rather enviable spot: She can pick and choose which roles she wants. The question becomes, then, whether she wants to be part of the Hunger Games franchise, because it would be difficult to imagine Nina Jacobson, Francis Lawrence and company ever saying no to such a revered, accomplished actress. Perhaps her most comparable role to date was her turn as Marissa Wiegler in Hanna -- a vicious, calculating character with ruthless ambitions, yet also with tiny doses of empathy that come and go with the breeze. She has proven adept at being charismatic and stoic (Galadriel in LOTR, for instance), and with Mockingjay spaced out into two films, she would have plenty of screen time to enhance the book version of President Coin. Cate Blanchett is capable of playing anyone, and anyone would be lucky to have her, so if a match is desired, nothing but greatness would ensue.

HG Girl on Fire

Amie: Cate Blanchet is no stranger to science fiction and fantasy films, having played the beautiful Galadriel in Lord of the Rings. However to see exactly why miss Blanchet would be a perfect Coin, you must see her as Queen Elizabeth in the Elizabeth films. She brings a nation into it's golden age, and is praised among her people. Her strength and solidarity in this role is stunning. Yet she is vulnerable, and afraid, and, when in the private of her room or few trusted friends, she will break down. We don't have any moments in Mockingjay where we get to see Coin's breakdowns and weaknesses, but we know they are there, and these are elemets that must be in the film. Coin is a layered character; Cate is a layered actress. Don't let her beauty fool you, and she is gorgeous. I met her in person at a premiere and couldn't stop staring. She is flawless. This is another incredible thing, with how beautiful she is, her talent as an actress can make you think her to look plain and frumpy if she wants you to see her this way. If Cate were Coin, she would be an asset to a talented and seasoned cast, and I would be jumping for joy.

Mockingjay.net

Tash: Some illustrious actresses have already been discussed through the Campaigning for Coin series and Cate Blanchett is another. Of course being Australian I am going to be biased, but Blanchett's achievements are remarkable and her filmography speaks for itself. Perhaps best known to many for her role as Galadriel in the 'Lord of the Rings', Blanchett is also one of a handful to have been nominated for both a Supporting and Best Actress Academy Award in the same year. We're also talking about the woman who has portrayed Queen Elizabeth I, Katharine Hepburn and Bob Dylan (!) on screen. I think Blanchett would make a really interesting Coin and bring the multiple layers of Coin's personality to screen really well. She can exude charisma and confidence when she needs to and I always imagined Coin as a woman who knew exactly how to manipulate the situation in her favour without making waves and making her intentions obvious. The audience needs to be slow to work this out like Katniss was and I think Blanchett would be perfect at throwing the audience off the scent by creeping up on us slowly. Another thing I find important about the role of Coin is that ultimately her tale was rather tragic as well, on some level you do sympathise with her despite her actions. I can see Blanchett perfectly portraying the subtle malice, fierce determination, ambition, fear and cunning that Coin possesses and would love to see her in the role.

My Hunger Games

Kristen: Cate Blanchett...What comes to mind for me is her role as Marissa in the film Hanna. She had an objective and was ruthless when it came to attaining her goal. Of course, prior to that she made an absolutely brilliant head of state in her role as Queen Elizabeth I. That being said, she could definitely work as President Coin. The only real issue I have with Cate is that she's much younger than I had pictured Coin to be.

The Hob

Megan: Hands down Cate Blanchett is one of my favorite actresses. She just has a way about her that has "Classic Hollywood Icon" (as well as fashion icon) written all over it. She is graceful and so stunning. The list of films she's been apart of goes on for miles. Cate has been nominated a total of 5 times for an Academy Award for her roles in Elizabeth, Notes on a Scandal, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, I'm Not There and The Aviator (which did win her an Oscar for Best Supporting Role). Cate also portrayed Galadriel in the "Lord of the Rings" series, which is at the top of my all time favorite flicks list. She was brilliant in the film! I honestly believe Cate could take on any role given to her. If she were cast as Coin she'd nail it. She would be an amazing addition to the Hunger Games cast, but with all of that said she is not my first choice. Her looks are a bit too youthful (which could be changed) and to me President Coin should be played by someone a bit older or lesser known. There are several others who cross my mind for Coin and she's not one that particularly stands out.

Victor's Village

Tiffany: As a huge Lord of the Rings fan, I can't help but be excited by the thought of Cate Blanchett as President Coin. She has played rulers before, from Elf Queen Galadriel to one of the greatest rulers in history Queen Elizabeth I. She has an expansive filmography with a wide range of roles, so I have no doubt she could pull of Alma Coin. I think she could play cold, calculating President Coin very well. She has a face that can go from warm and friendly to harsh and vengeful in an instant. My only hesitance is, does she need another high profile role in a book-to-movie franchise?

12 Days of Christmas Fansite Giveaways!!

Happy Holidays! If you checked our post on December 12th, you'd know that Lionsgate kicked off their "12 days of Questmas" giveaway! 12 fansites are giving away free stuff as well as a new gift everyday in The Hunger Games Adventures facebook game. We'll be updating this list every day so you don't miss a thing!

1. Mockingjay.net

2. TheHob.org

3. HungerGamesTrilogy.net

4. Down With The Capitol

5. Sparks Will Fly

6. My Hunger Games

7. HungerGamesMovie.org

8. HG Girl on Fire

9. HG Movie Site

10. Victor's Village

11. Welcome To District 12   <------------ That's us!!

12. HG Fireside Chat

Josh And Liam Thank The Fansites!

Two videos have been uploaded onto Capitol TV of Josh and Liam thanking the fansites!





Oh my, we've got tears in our eyes! You're welcome, guys, and THANK YOU for all your hard work and dedication in bringing our favorite characters to life!

#HGFiresideChat 50th Episode TOMORROW!

Listen tomorrow at 7PST/10EST! Both Tiffany and Courtney will be on to talk about the premiere shenanigans!

“The World is Watching”
Happy 50th birthday (anniversary?) to us!
Click here to listen to Episode 50 LIVE this Monday night (3/19/12) starting at 10pm ET/7pm PT!
Episode 50 (hooray!) of Hunger Games Fireside Chat will air live this Monday, March 19, at 10pm ET/7pm PT! This week, our panel of experts will include some of our fabulous friends from Down with the Capitol, Crystal of Mockingjay.net and FictionalFood.net, Sam of Sam Cushion Music, Tiffany from Victor’s Village, Ariel of Nerdy, Wordy, and Almost Thirty, and Courtney of Welcome to District 12. Natasha from TheFandom.net will also join us to chat about her experience camping out at the Hob in L.A.
- We’ll spend most of the show talking about our experiences attending the World Premiere of The Hunger Games in Los Angeles. We’ll chat about the Hob, the actors we met, the premiere itself, and our reactions to the film. (If you missed our video Ustream live from L.A., click here to watch it. Our pictures and video from L.A. are here, and you can read our initial, spoiler-free movie reactions here.)
If you have any questions you’d like to submit about the premiere, please tweet us, e-mail us, or leave a comment here!
- We’ll also discuss the impending worldwide release of the movie, current box office predictions/reviews, midnight showing DOs and DON’Ts, costumes, and more!
You can chat with other listeners throughout the live show by using our hashtag #HGFiresideChat on Twitter! We recommend TweetChat to easily follow along with the conversation.
Follow this week’s participants on Twitter:
Adam Spunberg (Host): @AdamSpunberg
Savanna New (Co-Host/Producer): @MlleNouveau
Down with the Capitol: @HungerGamesDWTC
Crystal: @pikko / @mockingjaynet / @FictionalFood
Sam: @sam_cushion
Tiffany: @twiffidy / @VictorsVillage
Ariel: @Madam_Pince
Courtney: @WtoD12
Natasha: @TFGeekGirl

HGFiresideChat.com

#HGFiresideChat Host Savanna New & Fansite Shenanigans in the LA Times

Fansite people eat and chat at In-n-Out

So I guess it must be said that last weekend was the best weekend of our lives. We met fansite runners who we have been dying to meet for months, when Lionsgate was nice enough to invite us all to the Hunger Games World Premiere in L.A. In the photo above, mostly everyone had just flown in and we all sat and talked at the In-n-out near the airport. Pictured above, Adam Spunberg and Savanna New from the HG Fireside Chat, and Shylah, Arianna, Flo, and Theresa from Down With The Capitol.

Needless to say, we all had a blast. Visiting The Hob campground on Sunday was one of my personal favorites (which there will be a big post about that day soon), as well as Livin' it up at the "Capitol Shore" for a fun party, and lastly the big premiere. You can imagine my surprise when I found this article in the Business section of the L.A. Times quoting none other than #HGFiresideChat host Savanna New!

And the studio reached out to the operators of fan websites, sending them "Hunger Games" goodies and inviting them to the premiere. Dozens came to Los Angeles for the event and even met for a party in Los Feliz on Sunday.
'They did so much stuff for the fans, it was crazy' said Savanna New, a Florida teacher who runs a weekly podcast devoted exclusively to 'The Hunger Games.'
'We were all really glad they didn't show the games, because it kept up the mystery and made us want to see it more.'

Not only was our friend Savanna quoted in the L.A. Times, but it even mentioned the party we had at the house all the fansites were staying at! Too crazy! The shindig was a festivity full of food, Hunger Games discussion, and even a livestream hosted by Adam and Savanna.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING! Aldrin, the District 2 Mayor at the legendary shindig in Los Feliz

#HGFiresideChat Livestream during the shindig. CLICK HERE to watch it!

We also hung out with the likes of people from Mockingjay.net, HG Girl on Fire, and the ever so awesome Sam Cushion. It was so heartbreaking to say goodbye to all these fine people! The weekend was without a doubt, LEGEN-wait-for-it-I-hope-you're-not-lactose-intolerant-because-the-rest-of-that-word-is-DARY. 

Stay tuned for a post on our AWESOME GIVEAWAY, our reactions on the movie, and our experience at The Hob campground.

NECA Merchandise! Check out what the fan sites got!

As we pass the #HungerGames50 milestone, not only have received the trailer and opportunities abound to win tickets to The Hunger Games premiere, but the major fan sites announced the new line of Neca merchandise and that they are for sale RIGHT NOW!!

Head on over to HollywoodVideo.com to check out all the amazing merchandise! There is so much!

Fan sites such as Down With The Capitol, Mockingjay.net, and The Hob received a box full of different merchandise, and some sites are even giving some of it away next week!

See what cool merch the fan sites got under the cut