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London Film and Comic Con!
November 8, 2004
Posted by Paul Heath
Source:

Every six months, in the place they call Wembley, London, England, an event takes place that attracts thousands upon thousands of movie fans from around the country, each one of them setting off for a personal pilgrimage to see their favorite cult TV and movie stars at the London Film and Comic Con.

Six months ago we were treated to the company of such talents as Andy Serkis, Billy Boyd, John Rhys Davies, Tony Todd, Vanessa Angel and Pat Morita at the March Con (read our report here). This time the likes of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars had a lack of presence from their talents, signing for the many fans. Instead we were treated to a wider variety of celebrity.

The stars on show were very Aliens heavy, featuring the likes of Michael Biehn, Yaphet Kotto, Collette Hiller, Ian Whyte, Jenette Goldstein, Ricco Ross, Mark Rolston and Veronica Cartwright all signing on both Saturday and Sunday. Aliens and Alien vs Predator talks were a plenty, as was a fantastic display and presentation on the effects on the AvP movie on Sunday. Tom Woodruff Jnr and Alec Gillis (AvP effects and make-up) were both present to discuss their experiences on set and the largest ever display of Alien props were on display courtesy of Harry Harris and the Aliens Prop Collectors. So what if you weren't an Alien fan? What would you have got out of the show? If the first European public showing of the Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith trailer, the presence of The Exorcist's Linda Blair, Carl Weathers performing his own blue steel look (see below), Star Trek's Commander Riker Jonathan Frakes, the chance to meet Shaun of the Dead's Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, or the 700 or so memorabilia stands didn't do it for you, then well, what could have? For me, two words. BURT REYNOLDS.

My new hero, and best friend, the man is a legend. And I mean that. I loved 'ole Burt in the classics, Smokey and the Bandit, Cannonball Run and the superb and more recent Boogie Nights, but to meet him was truly an honour. One of the only people at any convention like this that I have seen that actually took the time to talk to his many fans. Hell, me and my two mates stood for at least ten minutes chatting to the guy while he played around with our cameras and made general chitchat with us. I'd heard that the guy was a little difficult and if I was honest a little arrogant/ complete jerk. One hundred percent untrue. The man was a pleasure to talk to and made our day, and left us smiling from ear to ear with his anecdotes, as he did the hundred or so other fans that had the unique opportunity to meet him. I only wish that I made it to see the talk he gave on Sunday afternoon and got him to sign my copy of Stick on VHS. Next time though, next time Burt. One of the nicest guys that I have ever had the opportunity to meet, Mr. Reynolds, I salute you....and can't wait for Boss Hogg!

Here's some images from around the convention.

Okay, let's do this!

The main hall.


So that's Simon Pegg, but who's the tit on the right? Some geek.


Shaun of the Dead's Pegg and Frost.

He directed Thunderbirds you know! Jonathan Frakes (aka Commander Riker, Star Trek)

Linda Blair (The Exorcist). She's lovely.

The HUGE (believe me) Ian Whyte (Scar Predator) from AvP. All 7ft 1 inches of him.

No posed photography?


Hang on! Important call.

THN photographer Andy Powell (left). Dark Lord (right)

The 'Revenge of the Sith' trailer.

Alien....thing.

Quarter scale Thunderbird 4 from the film Thunderbirds, which was directed by Star Trek's Jonathan Frakes ya know!

Fifth Element....thing from The Prop Store of London.

I love you I do! Photographer Dave and the Bandit!

Thanks once again to David Wade and Andy Powell for the photography on the day. And to Burt. I love you man!

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