Sorry I dont have pictures as yet, have to wait for my camera to finish the film (note to myself - must get a digital camera for Christmas!)
Anyway, went to Collectormania yesterday, just for the one day and it was an amazing day, even though there were very few LOTR stars.
Firstly, I have to thank Roz and Gimli for their combined efforts in getting hold of Carrie Fisher queue tickets for me - considering they were in the huge queue for about 1 1/2 hours before I even got there, and got me low numbered tickets too! It was great to meet people from the forum who are very nice and as movie-mad in real life!
My main focus was in getting my Starwars poster signed, and I managed to get Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) and Dave Prowse (Darth Vader). Peter wasnt the most enthusiastic person there I have to admit, but Carrie was really nice and posed to take a photo, even though we were told that she wouldn't be able to. Dave Prowse was also friendly and very precise with his signature. Each actor signed in a different colour pen when I asked them to, and I am so happy with the poster and particularly having met Carrie Fisher.
My bloke was intent on getting Star Trek Next Generation signatures (Data, Worf and Deanna). I have to say that Brent Spiner (Data) is the best person I met there - funny, charming and nothing was too much for him. He constantly made us laugh with his comments, and was such a warm and genuine guy, it really made the day. You could see some of the other actors looking tired or not that bothered, but he smiled and chatted with everyone and stood up whenever anyone wanted a photo.
I didnt see many Harry potter cast, as there were people blocking the queues, but did see a few LOTR actors. Sala Baker, Royd Tolkien and Thomas Robbins queues were suprisingly non-existant, but Billy Boyd was as busy as ever and we managed to get to the side of the queue and see him quite close up. He appeared to look quite tired and was talking on his mobile phone for a lot of the time - it was a shame, as I saw him at C4 and he was much more chirpy and enthusiastic - maybe he was jetlagged, or has stardom affected him the wrong way? I'd be interested to hear from people who actually got his autograph as to what he was like.
Anyway, as well as meeting and watching the actors, the stalls had plenty of merchandise to keep us occupied (and our pockets empty!) Was tempted by lots of the trading cards and it was great seeing all the LOTR, HP and other auto/costume cards for sale - but no good bargains. Saw the LOTR Trilogy promo 'Chrome' cards which I have to say look very smart indeed and also saw a few opened HP POA Hobby boxes for sale - but no sealed ones anywhere - I guess they are getting harder to find.
I ended up buying the Star Wars Top Trumps which I've wanted since seeing them on ebay, and a rather cool C3PO large rotating figure brand new for only £3!
So, all in all a very good and exciting day - too much money spent though which means I'll have to do a selling spree on Ebay! I think it was very well organised this time and the queues were not bad at all. Also, pleased that the tickets now have the actors name printed on them so that people cant try and obtain fake tickets.
Thanks again Roz and Gimli (and Showmasters) for making it such a success for us
