London Film and Comic Con

Last weekend was a busy one! On the Saturday, I popped down to Earl's Court exhibition centre for the latest "London Film and Comic Convention" - one of the many sci-fi collector's events run by my old pal Jason. I've been going to these since the tail end of 1990, and having spent most of the following decade working at them (and spending lots of cash as well!) I'm now an old hand at this stuff. They are still one of my favourite things to do. Even though I don't collect that much merchandise any more, the buzz at the shows is really good as the people who go there *love it*!
The fair was made up of the usual stalls selling film and TV related merchandise, original props on show, people in costume, and special guests selling their autographs and conducting talks to their fans. Luckily, I was able to bump into two pals, Ben and Jamie, and before that have a long catch-up chat with Jason.

I met Jay Benedict (an American actor based in the UK since the mid 1970's, who was at the show mainly to sign pictures from "Aliens") who provided the voice for Shiro Hagen in the early 1980's sci-fi puppet series "Star Fleet". The DVDs come out in September, which is fab as I love that show! As you can see, I got him to autograph my old "Star Fleet" video cover: his signature is now next to Garrick 'Biggs in Star Wars' Hagon, who played Captain Carter. Maybe I can get Liza Ross' signature in the future (she played Lamia.)

I also got to meet director Stanley Long who made the "Adventures" series of sex comedies in the 1970's. The films are now out on DVD (distributed by Mel Gibson's Icon no less!) I bought his book which covers his life in the film industry, and the DVD set. Good silly stuff! It was nice to meet his wife Julie and his brother as well, who were all working on the stand.

There were some other guests stars there including Margot Kidder, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Hurt, and director John Landis - all attracting big crowds. I spotted Tim Brooke Taylor and Bill Oddie doing a talk about "The Goodies" as well!

I was going to get David Warner's signature, but he wasn't there on Saturday! Oh well, next time.

When I sort the pictures out, I will blog about the English Heritage 'Festival of History' event that we went to.