Up, up and away!
Caped crusaders Create a secret identity and help support worldsaving foundations with the Design a Superhero charity fundraiser
Screenwriter and selfconfessed visual effects geek Michael Papadakis is on a mission to make the planet a better place with his Design a Superhero charity drive, and he needs your artwork to help save the world.
“I always admired the strength, love and compassion my mother had for others,” Michael says when explaining the spark behind the project. Dedicated to her memory, Michael wants to inspire other people to take positive action. “Only a hero dares to put his hand into darkness, to bring another into the light,” he adds.
“The initial idea was to ‘be a superhero’ and as a prize costume designers would have brought the winner’s vision to life,” says Michael. However, to make the contest easier to enter, this was simplified into a character design competition.
With such a clear focus, it’s a surprise to learn that the project is Michael’s first professional fundraising experience, especially considering who’ll be judging the entries. “We’ll be working closely with Emmy award-winning costume designer Poli Kyriacou (X-Men: First Class), plus film producer and VFX editor Howard Berry (Kick-Ass, Sherlock Holmes and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World),” he reveals.
The judges are looking for original ideas rather than the best artistic ability. As well as supporting worthy causes such as the Superhero Foundation, the overall winner will receive 10 per cent of the money raised. Hopeful heroes can learn more by visiting