Blog 14: Independent Component 1

Literal
(a) I, Leslie Lopez, affirm that I have completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.
(b) Matt Mogk
310-266-1868
mogk@zrs.me
(c) Log of Independent Component Hours (Begun Oct 1)
(d) I worked on getting George A. Romero the recognition that he deserves. The Zombie Research Society and I had launched a campaign to get Romero a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I contacted various celebrities, authors, and fans who shared the same interest in zombies as I. (Quentin Tarantino, Simon Pegg, Steve Hockensmith, Max Brooks, Jonathan Maberry..) However, the project was unfortunately shut down by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce due to the fact that we were advertising that the star costs so much money. Before the project was shut down I did however get to put together an article within the Hero Complex of the LA Times with the help of Steve Hockensmith and Gina McIntyre.

Interpretive
These 30 hours of work were significant for this independent component because I had to go out of my own way to contact MANY zombie fans including the famous ones and it was extremely difficult to get a hold of them. Surprisingly they were enthusiastic in helping out with the project due to the fact that it was for a great cause (getting George Romero a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since he was the one who started it all). Alone, I had helped the Zombie Research Society raise a bit over $7,000 out of the $45,000 goal. Unfortunately the project couldn't be proceeded due to The Chamber of Commerce not enjoying our announcement of how much the star would cost. However, these hours and this project really helped me learn how to contact various people in a professional way and also allowed me to make connections with some of the most helpful people who are actually successful. For example, I have contacted various successful authors and or writers who specifically write under the zombie genre and know much about zombie culture that I have easily provided myself with future interviewees that are willing to help me. I have also made a connection with someone who works within the Hero Complex of the Los Angeles Times which will benefit me later in the future for when I want to have a message sent out to a large audience regarding something I believe that matters and this really comes in handy.
Hero Complex Article

Applied
This independent component helped me understand my senior topic better by showing me that zombie culture is indeed popular and how George Romero pretty much revolutionized the idea of zombies with his films (adding a deep central theme to them) to the point that many people believe he deserves an award for it - a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This proves that our society or a huge part of our society has great respect for a man like George who provided that form of message. This component also made me realize that by working together, you can get so much done within a short amount of time. For example, if you contact people and ask for their help with something, you will get it done quicker such as for fundraising for a great cause. People will be willing to help as long as you have an explanation for what you are doing and are willing to cooperate. They are also willing to get as many other people involved as well in order to add on to the aid.

January 27, 2013

Today I set up an interview with John Joseph Adams, editor of the anthology, The Living Dead as part of Interview 3. The Living Dead is a compilation of short stories regarding zombies. I'm excited about this interview because I'm pretty sure that since he has read a lot of zombie fiction, he could help me figure out an answer for my essential question: What is the most important factor for successful zombie fiction?

Blog 13: Rough Draft of 30 Minute Presentation

30 Minute Presentation Rough Draft

Blog 12: Third Interview Questions

1. What main aspect makes zombie culture so popular in today's society?
2. In your opinion, what does a zombie signify?
3. Which film do you believe best represents the zombie genre overall? Why?
4. What central message do you believe most zombie films send?
5. Out of your book, The Living Dead, which story would you say was your favorite?
6. What makes zombie fiction amazing?
7. What is your favorite zombie book? Why?
8. What is your favorite zombie film? Why?
9. What is the most important factor for successful zombie fiction?
10. What do you personally like about the zombie genre? Do you prefer zombies rather than any other monster?

Blog 11: Mentorship 10 Hours Check

1. I am doing my mentorship at Zombie Research Society.
2. Matt Mogk Phone Number: 310-266-1868 Email: mogk@zrs.me
3. 30 hours and 15 minutes https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akw9-202dQLGdC1CSHlsTFllWkhjS28yX2hNelBRWFE
4. On October 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, and 25 I spent the minimum of 2 hours each day contacting several famous zombie authors, fans, and LA Times writers in order to let them know of the campaign that was launched by the Zombie Research Society. I also helped fundraise money for the George Romero Star Project which was needed to be brought up to $45,000.