By: Marlene Sharp
Everything you wanted to know about Autism in Entertainment (but were afraid to ask) happened at San Diego Comic-Con.
On July 25, the who, what, when where, why, and how of the first-ever Autism in Entertainment Conference (4/5/24 at Skirball Center in LA) were on full display at the Marriott Harbor San Diego and environs, albeit in encapsulation. However, it was key for the Con-goer to know where to look, à la buried treasure, thrift store bounty, or Easter eggs (video game and otherwise).
Who: Judi Uttal, Autism in Entertainment founder and Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) president, led the charge during the Comic-Con International Film Fest screening of the original mini-documentary SPECTRUM SPOTLIGHT: DANI BOWMAN. Paneling with her onstage post video exhibition was the official entry’s cast and crew: Dani Bowman (autistic short film star and writer); Julian Grajczak (autistic short film director, cinematographer, and editor); Paul Hemstreet (co-director and producer/father of autistic twins Gustavo and Joaquin/Warner Brothers alum and CalArts graduate); and Marlene Sharp (consulting producer and publicist).
What: The 23-year-old San Diego Comic-Con International Film Fest hosted global entries in a competition that spanned – and screened across – the confab’s duration. SPECTRUM SPOTLIGHT: DANI BOWMAN, a 5-minute opus on the life, animation career, and philosophy of Netflix’s LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM-series regular Dani Bowman, originally appeared on April 5 at Skirball Center. After the inaugural AIE Conference, it regenerated on YouTube and within the international film festival circuit. Thus far, SS: DB enjoyed nods from KIDS FIRST! Film Fest; Planet Classroom; and an honorable mention at RTF Real Time Film Fest in the UK.
Where and When: Although the flagship Autism in Entertainment Conference unfolded on a single day (Friday, April 5, 2024), its planning phase began approximately 18 months prior. In 2022, The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provided a generous grant to OCASG. The funds enabled Judi Uttal to assemble a programming committee and to reserve Skirball Center as the venue for general and breakout sessions, plus an employer and service-provider exhibit floor. In the following months, Conference preparation included production of six (6) non-fiction, live-action SPECTRUM SPOTLIGHT 5-minute videos that cover achievements of exceptional autistic adults in the entertainment industry. San Diego Comic-Con International chose the Dani Bowman SPOTLIGHT as an official film festival selection to screen in competition on July 25.
Why: Autism in Entertainment aims to unite work-ready talent on the spectrum with open-minded employers. Shaking trees is akin to a full-time job. To fundraise for 2025, AIE top management is on a virtual and physical mission. Since April 5, related public appearances, film/video contest applications and participation, webinars, mixers, pitches, schmoozes, meet-and-greets, podcast interviews, media alerts and the like have gained momentum. The April 5 Conference – plus ensuing follow-up activities – yielded paid internship opportunities for 30+ neurodivergent individuals. However, the need is much greater, and the outreach campaign continues in earnest.
How: The small but mighty AIE filmmaking contingent – plus supporters Dollie Grajczak (AIE planning committee member and Julian Grajczak’s mom); Jeudi Cornejo Brealey (official AIE event photographer); Patrick Eidemiller and Sandy Vielma, (top brass at Dani Bowman’s Danimation and Dani’s uncle and aunt, respectively) – traveled to and from San Diego via car, plane, and train and at AIE’s own expense to bask in Comic-Con glory . . . with toys in tow. The toys were gifts from Mattel, which debuted 12 special collectibles at its booth on the Comic-Con main hall floor. The kidult playthings were icing atop the metaphorical Comic-Con cake!
*Bonus Material: San Diego Comic-Con Special Mattel Toy Reviews!
Mini BarbieLand: Ken Mojo Dojo Casa House playset
This playset resembles a Barbie DreamHouse but with a masculine, equestrian twist. Just like in the Barbie movie, Ken takes over the DreamHouse. This set features a paper platform for Ken’s house that’s easy to set up thanks to straightforward visual instructions attached to the box. The only drawback is that the Ken figure has limited articulation; only his legs are bendable while his head and arms remain stiff, similar to the Barbie figure (Dreamhouse Version). Despite this, Ken can sit, lie down, and slide just like Barbie. I overall the love the style of the playset, brought me back an enchanting childhood memory of playing Barbie and Ken dolls.
Street Sharks action figure: Ripster, “A Shark Among Us”
I received this Mattel toy set because it reminded me of the 1990s show of the same name. The 30th-anniversary, biker look makes Ripster appear bolder and more rad, complete with a pool stick to fight off bad guys, perfectly suiting his personality. I was pleasantly surprised to find that his sunglasses and biker jacket are detachable—which are my favorite things about this action figure. The box design also has a cool, nostalgic 90s appeal.
Monster High: Deadfast Ghoulia Yelps
I was thrilled to receive this rare, limited-edition superhero-themed doll. The Ghoulia Yelps doll stands out with its blend of monster and superhero aesthetics, and the electrifying stand that helps her stay upright. Ghoulia comes with accessories like removable glasses and a tote bag featuring the superhero Deadfast. The biggest surprise and my favorite part this toy comes with a mini Deadfast action figure…a toy package within a toy package!
– Dani Bowman (Founder and CEO of DaniMation Entertainment)
Hot Wheels Batmobile collector set
The 2024 Hot Wheels Batmobile collector set is unique like no other. Not only is it supplied with all 6 original Batman cars, but it comes with all 6 original Batman characters themselves! It was hard to remove the toys from the packaging because the illustrations representing each era were just too cool. I love the clean, sleek design of each vehicle, and I especially love how epic each Batman poses behind their cars. This truly adds a unique look to my room!
– Julian Grajczak
Shawn Michaels SDCC 2024 Wrestlemania figure
This Shawn Michaels SDCC 2024 Wrestlemania figure is the perfect addition to our doll collection, because his suit is flashy like Elvis, white like my hair, and he is a hunk of burnin’ luv all around. These are a few of my favorite things, especially the color white which means the same thing as my name.
–Blanche DuBois Sharp (dog daughter of SPECTRUM SPOTLIGHT consulting producer Marlene Sharp and co-founder of Pink Poodle Productions).
