Shhh.... Secret Cinema is back this November

Secret Cinema the daddy of immersive cinema is back. And this November is seems as though they have pulled out all the stops.

I have been following their movements as closely as I can in the run up to their November screenings and I have to say that their November campaign is one of the most intricate and well thought out experiences yet. Top viral marketeers (I'm talking to you Dark Knight, Tron, etc.) could learn a thing or two from this month's campaign.

I've been sworn to secrecy, well it is Secret Cinema after all - but I can now let you know the following..

SECRET CINEMA CREATE A VIRTUAL WORLD

11TH – 21st NOVEMBER 2010

In Partnership with Windows® Phone

Secret Cinema is back. For this month’s immersive cinema
experience over 50,000 people join a virtual world. Visit the New Well
Being Foundation website, listen to the Wellbeing radio or call the
Wellbeing telephone line.

The journey begins here…

Please log onto:

www.thenewwellbeingfoundation.com

To get you into the mood I have lifted the following clips from their Facebook page here

Previously I have taken pleasure in guessing what the screenings are going to be and I have some guesses on what this months film could be, but in the spirit of Secret Cinema I'm telling no one.

Shhh.... Secret Cinema is back this November

Where:
It's a secret

When:
Yea, that's a secret too

More info:
All is revealed at http://www.secretcinema.org/

Jameson Cult Film Club presents: Taxi Driver

Given the increase and number of various Immersive Cinematic events to choose from I would be surprised if you haven’t participated - or at least aware of the uprising of events popping up in London (as well as the rest of the UK).

They are the cinematic equivalent of Tyler Durden’s Fight Clubs, the secret gigs of the 2000s and the warehouse parties of the 80s - they pop up, create an immersive experience and fade back into the night.

For years - in the hopes of offering a deeper, more compelling experience to keep audiences engaged and interested - there has been much talk of how audiences can be engaged beyond the passive viewing experience with immersive cinema.

With the continued dissatisfaction in traditional cinema, many of us are seeking out more niche experiences, not only more in line with our general social seeking behaviour but experiences that embody the same care and attention, showing a film that filmmakers put into a making a film (and which we view the film with.)

Their have been various attempts at this, the most enduring (and successful) of these being Surround sound, 3D and more recently IMAX. However there have been many other attempts including; Smell-o-vision (odours released to coincide with on-screen events) and its scratch-n-sniff offshoot Odorama (successfully employed last year at the ICA for a screening of Peter Greenway’s The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover), Percepto! (small electric buzzers attached to chairs), Illusion-O (coloured glasses reveal ghosts), Sensurround (incredibly loud rumbling bass output), Cinerama (curved 146 degree widescreens) as well as 4-D (3D combined with physical interaction like moving/vibrating chairs) mostly used in theme parks. Who can forget Feel-A-Round the parody technique demonstrated in The Kentucky Fried Movie?

Jameson too have crossed that bridge merging film and immersive experience with their ongoing Jameson Cult Film Club screenings held in unique and distinct locations, combined with performance art and props. These screenings also offer a warm platform for film lovers to come together and watch some of their favourite films. For more about previous screening see my post about the MOON screening here!

Although Jameson were not first, they certainly have consistently maintained the spirit of Cult, kept their screenings fresh, un-bloated, and on the button.

Some seem to be focussing on the “pop up” nature of these screenings as the heart of the event, rather missing the point that the bigger immersive experience is intrinsically tied into the ambient connection offered by the location of the screening.

As was the case when Jameson Cult Film Club presented the classic Taxi Driver at the Brewer Street public car park.

I had been to an event a little while ago at the same location so initially my thoughts were that they needed a space and this was it. However as I made my way through the streets of Soho things started to fall into place and the neon bathed wet backstreets of Soho were an inspired substitute for Travis Bickle’s sordid and grimy New York. This event started outside the actual screening. I’m unsure of how many people had assembled, but the queue was long, full of anticipation and well dressed urbanites.

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: In the seedy back streets of Soho people queue for the JCFC screening of Taxi Driver by Craig Grobler , on Flickr

We crossed the police barrier and made our way up the sign posted stairwell,
through the concrete car park to be serenaded by the haunting Bernard Herrmann Main Title theme from Taxi Driver emanating from a street musician’s Saxophone bathed by the green glow from lights above.

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Street Musician greeting people on entry with Bernard Herrmann's great Taxi Driver Theme by Craig Grobler , on Flickr , Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Ladies of the night by Craig Grobler , on Flickr ,

Passing the musician on our way up the vertical slope to the next floor we were first handed some dollars by Usherettes to be used upstairs and then accosted by some ladies of the night. We were well and truly immersed in the sleazy world of Travis Bickle.

Arriving at the top and turning the corner, there it was – straight from the opening scene of Taxi Driver like a shark, Travis Bickle’s cab comes gliding out of the steamy night.

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Like a shark, the cab comes out of the steamy night by Craig Grobler , on Flickr , Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Homage to the opening scene of Taxi Driver by Craig Grobler , on Flickr , Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Inside Travis Bickle's cab by Craig Grobler , on Flickr ,

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Travis Bickle's Taxi Cab by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Then I first saw her She was wearing a white dress. She appeared like an angel. Out of the filthy mess, she is alone - Betsy handing out "We are the People" vote for Senator Palantine badges. Nice touch a little takeaway paraphernalia from the evening.

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Betsy hands out vote for Palantine "We are the people" badges. by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Behind Betsy a queue for New York style hot dogs and a cavernous room filled with not one but three screens to ensure non of the action was missed by the growing crowd, neon lights, Usherettes ensuring libation for all, revellers - Hustlers, Hookers and Pimps all trying to get those recently acquired dollars off us when not fighting with each other.

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: New York Style Hot Dogs by Craig Grobler, on Flickr, Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Betsy and the end of the Hot Dog queue by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Pimps and hoes do getting on by Craig Grobler, on Flickr, Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Jameson usherettes ensure that drinks are topped up by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Hustlers and Hoes rarely get on by Craig Grobler, on Flickr, Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Street Hustlers. by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

On the right behind the DJ booth a long stretch of bar serving up customary Jameson refreshments adding some class and respite from the grim “streets of New York”.

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver DJ XXX by Craig Grobler, on Flickr, Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Precision Mixology by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: The New York Post headline Taxi Driver Battles Gangsters by Craig Grobler, on Flickr, Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Pre-screening refreshments by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

While nursing a Jameson Mule I headed past the Diner booths already filled with the more fleet of foot –

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Pre-screening by Craig Grobler, on Flickr, Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Pre-screening refreshments by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

and to my surprise bumped into the rather brilliant Riz Ahmed London Curator for the Jameson Cult Film Club screening, (if you haven’t seen Chris Morris’ bittersweet yet hilarious Four Lions yet. I strongly urge you to. You won’t regret it)

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: JCFC Curator Riz Ahmed & Jameson's team member. Travis Bickle lurking in the background by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Stephen Graham will be curating a screening of Dracula in Liverpool on October 28 and Matt Greenhalgh will be the Curator of a November screening of Aliens in Manchester – more info and tickets for these screenings can be found on the Jameson Cult Film Club website over here!

I had a really short chat with Riz Ahmed about what he had coming up next. He can currently be seen in a show stealing part in the Blu Ray/DVD release of Neil Marshall's spectacular vengeful sword and sandals adventure Centurion. Just before he had to rush off and introduce the screening of Taxi Driver he had a chance to mention that he was working with Plan B (Ben Drew). I had assumed that he was involved with Turnaround a new feature starring Ben Drew, however he may have been referring to their collaboration on the Party4Pakistan fundraiser for the Pakistan floods.

He also mentioned that he was starting production on a new film directed by no less than the great French auteur Jean-Jacques Annaud and will be working with Tahar Rahim.

OK! Hopefully by now you know that A Prophet (which starred Tahar Rahim) is one of my favourite films of all time. Holy Cow! (That’s an exclamation not the title of the film) turns out Riz is working on Black Thirst with Tahar Rahim, Freida Pinto, Mark Strong and possibly Antonio Banderas. Under the eye of Jean-Jacques Annaud and with a cast like that Black Thirst is shaping up to be something of a cinematic treat


Shooting in Tunisia Black Thirst is based on a 1957 novel by Hans Ruesch.

“Set in the 1930s Arab states at the dawn of the oil boom, the story centers on a young Arab prince torn between allegiance to his conservative father and
modern, liberal father-in-law.” – From IMDB

He had to shoot off to introduce Taxi Driver so I didn’t get the chance to delve deeper into either projects. As Riz Ahmed made his way backstage I spotted the man of the hour Travis Bickle. In fact when I noticed him I realised that he had actually been around the whole time lurking and watching. Although reluctant to stop for a photo I managed to get a couple of shots of him.

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Travis Bickle How's your drivin' record? - It's real clean, like my conscience by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Travis Bickle unhappy with the state of the nation by Craig Grobler, on Flickr, Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Travis Bickle surveying the streets. "King Kong Company 1968-70" by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

The PA system let us know that the screening would be starting shortly and we should take our seats. Everyone started making their way to their seats for Taxi Driver.

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Jameson Cult Film Club Curator the brilliant Riz Ahmed introduces Taxi Driver by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Jameson Cult Film Club Curator the brilliant Riz Ahmed introduces Taxi Driver by Craig Grobler, on Flickr, Jameson Cult Film Club - Taxi Driver: Travis Bickle puts his own twist on a film introduction by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Riz Ahmed introduced Taxi Driver as one of his favourite films and his love of anti hero Travis Bickle. Next up Travis Bickle (channeling Christopher Walken) spoke of the storm that was coming to clean the streets of all the scum.

After the screening Jameson treated all to an after party off note, allowing us to discuss just how brilliant Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver is, what an inspired choice for a cult viewing it was, what an absolutely blinding and brilliant cast it has (Robert De Niro, a 12 year old Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, Cybill Shepherd, Peter Boyle, Albert Brooks, etc.), Bernard Herrmann’s soulful score (one of his last), the larger social implications of vigilantism or just how bat shit crazy Travis Bickle actually was, which Jameson screening has been the best so far and will Jameson be able to top this evening given that Taxi Driver is the de facto king of Cult films? - Over a drink or two. As the bar filled and the DJ kicked off his playlist - filling the dance floor very quickly I made my way into the Fall Soho night.

I have to say I really enjoyed this screening; the performance art bits were pared down to the right balance of entertaining but not intrusive or distracting leaving the film to be the highlight of the evening. Hey Jameson how about a custom cocktail made to celebrate each film by a Mixologist of note? Just an idea.

For an insightful review of Taxi Driver by Dave Calhoun, TimeOut film editor head over to the Jameson Cult Film Blog here!

Thanks Jameson for another great night : )

The Jameson Cult Film Club continues with screenings of Dracula in Liverpool on October 28th, Aliens in Manchester in November (you lucky, lucky Mancurians) as well as their annual CHILLS IN THE CHAPEL season which includes screenings of Quatermass and the Pit (October 29), The Amityville Horror (October 30) and ends on Halloween with some classic Hitchcock Psycho (October 31) to be screened at Union Chapel in London.

Visit the Jameson Cult Film Club Box Office for more info and tickets.

20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition

I love the London Film Museum, not only are they the home for props, memorabilia and costumes from some of my favourite films ever (Bond, Excalibur, Aliens, Batman, Superman, Star Wars and currently a Ray Harryhausen Exhibition as well as many, many, many more) but some of my best recent film related memories are attributed directly to them (Star Wars Exhibition, celebrating Mr. Ray Harryhausen’s 90th Birthday, Meeting Bond alumni; George Lazenby, Maude Adams & Britt Eckland and separately meeting Herbert Lom & Burt Kwouk (responsible for some of the funniest moments on the silver screen from my childhood), as well as shooting the breeze with Terry (still not a Sir yet) Gilliam, Sir Peter Jackson and John Landis). And that’s just the stuff off the top of my head.

London Film Museum: John Landis & (still not a Sir yet) Terry Gilliam enjoying Harryhausen's Myths and Legends Exhibition launch and Birthday by Craig Grobler

I keep meaning to post more about the London Film Museum and my adventures there but invariably get bogged down by some other time consuming task, the best I have done so far is manage to get some pictures up on Flickr here.

The London Film Museum is like the spiritual home of all things film in the UK. It’s an immersive experience like nothing else. Visiting the studios that make motion pictures is a great but they are operating businesses so very often the bits that would lift these experiences - like visiting a film set are closed to the public and the tactile bits of film history like the relics, memorabilia or props are no longer stored site. So the London Film Museum really has a place as the home for this film history. Where else can you see Rexy from Night at the Museum.

Turn the corner view the Bat Suit while being watched by the Alien Queen and the Terminator?

London Film Museum: Christian Bale's Batman Bat Suit from Batman Begins by Craig Grobler

The place is full of bits of film history and there is something for everyone.

At the moment they have exhibitions featuring pieces from the awe inspiring and must see Ray Harryhausen - Myths And Legends Exhibition (you can see pics of some of the extensive collection over here), a Zulu Exhibition, along with loads of film props you can see some recently discovered original storyboards (pics of some of the collection over here), an Excalibur Exhibition (they have a huge collection of pieces bits from John Boorman’s English classic, with loads of pieces from master armourer Terry English).

London Film Museum: Excalibur Exhibition by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

You can still catch the Charlie Chaplin – The Great Londoner exhibit a retrospective displaying pieces from Chaplin’s life and films.

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London Film Museum: Charlie Chaplin – The Great Londoner by Craig Grobler, on Flickr & 20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition - Original Alien suit by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

London Film Museum: 20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Twentieth Century Fox the London Film Museum are exhibiting some pieces from Fox’s most loved films. The exhibit includes exclusive prints from the Fox archives and unique props from classic Fox releases including Alien and Star Wars as well as a small display of outfits from some legendary recent Fox films.

Costumes displayed include:

20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition - Costume Display by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Larry Daley’s (Ben Stiller) night guard outfit from Night at the Museum an excellent accompaniment to seeing Rexy (the Museum’s Tyrannosaurus Rex) right next to it.

Rexy is also doubling as a Dragon to add to the ambiance of the Eragon outfits. Within his “enclosure” there are two Eragon outfits on display Eragon’s (Ed Speleers) leather and scales armour and Elf warrior Arya’s (Sienna Guillory) tan armour. I’m unsure if she actually wears the lacy skirt with the boots and bodice together in the film.

20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition - Costume Display by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

The memorable and intricate cheongsam inspired dress that Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) wears to the Ball in Australia is the most beautiful piece on display.

Next to it you can see a Can-Can Dancer outfit from Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge. My understanding is that it is currently unknown who wore this glam outfit in the film.

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20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition - Wolverine's X-Men suit by Craig Grobler, on Flickr & 20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition - Sue Storm's Fantastic Four suit by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

The feral Wolverine or Logan’s (Hugh Jackman) leather X-Men suit. Which is very different from the original yellow outfit, wryly alluded to by Logan in the X-Men film. There is still a nod to the comic's original costume with the "claw" design on the shoulders and sides.

Sue Storm’s (Invisible Girl) Fantastic Four suit worn by Jessica Alba in Fox’s Fantastic Four.

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20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition - Tom Cruise's Precrime jumpsuit from Minority Report by Craig Grobler, on Flickr & 20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition - Tyler Durden's Fight Club outfit by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Chief John Anderton’s (Tom Cruise) Precrime Security jump suit worn by Tom Cruise in Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report.

The highlight and biggest disappointment for me was the outfit that Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) wore in Fight Club. It was great to see it but somehow the charity shop leather jacket and polyester trousers outfit lacks the lustre and edgy coolness when not animated by Tyler Durden. But I still love the early 80s motor cross t-shirt.

You can also see Capt. Jack Aubrey’s sea faring outfit worn by Russel Crowe in Peter Weir’s Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.

Along with these outfits the London Film Museum has 100s of others that can also be viewed as well as some special pieces for the Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition.

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20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition - Obi Wan Kenobi's Lightsabre by Craig Grobler, on Flickr & 20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition - Original Alien suit by Craig Grobler, on Flickr

Above, the original Alien suit from Sir Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic Alien and Obi Wan Kenobi’s Lightsaber from a Star Wars collection.

It’s already been extended once but the Fox display will be finishing its run at the end of September - so there are only a couple more weeks to get up close to these outfits from Fox classics.

20th Century Fox 75th Anniversary Exhibition

Where:
The London Film Museum, 1st Floor, Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

When:
Till the end of September 2010

More info:
Over at the London Film Museum website

London Film and Comic Con 2010 Review

“E! Are reporting from Comic-Con and Brad Pitt’s there now. Who reported from your (London Film and) Comic Con?” My girlfriend asked me a couple of days ago while watching E! She was of course referring to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) vs. The London Film and Comic Con (LDFCC). My mumbled response somewhat deflating the grand and exotic picture I had excitedly painted of my experience at LFCC the weekend before. “Err!! A couple of bloggers by the look of things”. Naturally this spurrned me on to create this post.

“LFCC takes place every summer (over a weekend) at Earls Court 2 in London. Celebrating the best of film, television, comics and sport, London Film and Comic Con is a day out unlike any other, giving you the chance to meet your idols, ask them questions as well as grabbing the latest film/tv/comic merchandise on the market.”

So on Sunday in between Lovebox days I made my way to the Earls Court conference centre. LFCC London Film and Comic Con was back and better than ever. This year the convention covered a smaller area than the huge space in previous years. But nevertheless was capital. Some astounding guests, loads of comics, film memorabilia, talks, art, sci-fi, super heroes, Cosplay, sneak previews and an exhibition from DC comics.

I missed last year’s convention but this year the draw proved too much.

As with previous years the arena was divided up into different zones; The Signing Zone, Anime Zone, Photo shoot Zone, Artists Alley, Video Game Zone, Talk Area, Cosplay Zone, Dealer Zone.

I arrived at the Earls Court conference centre hoping to breeze in as in previous years but arrived a little earlier than anticipated and had to join the long queue to get in. As with previous years crowd control was conducted by the Empire’s finest ensuring that Trekkie scum were dutifully harassed and that all was kept in order. All the while various characters from across comics, film, Sci-Fi and Manga either queuing up or interacting with the visitors.

LFCC: Stormtroopers enquiring about my photo permit, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler. LFCC: Call of Duty COD, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Queue monitored by Empire Stormtroopers, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The long line of visitors moved very quickly one the doors opened.

LFCC: London Film and Comic Con, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler. LFCC: London Film and Comic Con, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Making my way into the centre I was greeted by one of the main draws for me – Batman’s Tumbler. Yes you read correctly the 2.5 ton Tumbler from Batman Begins and The Dark Knight was on display.

LFCC: Tumbler Batmobile, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

After taking a substantial number of pictures and regaining my composure. I started my walk around LFCC 2010, every 6 steps encountering another character from the world of make believe. My first stop was the Resonance stand.

Resonance is an innovative multi-platform drama series. A super-powered espionage tale of a group of people caught up in an epic struggle to control a mystical object. It is a collaborative project. From production talent, high profile brands, charitable and educational organisations to physics professors, broadcasters and athletes.

Resonance is a 6 x 60 min sci-fi drama series. A mysterious object has been fought over for 1,000s of years. Those who have possessed it have wielded incredible power. Some have used it to build civilizations and push the boundaries of human achievement. Some have used it to crush armies and destroy their enemies. The Object’s origins are unknown. But its effect resonates through history. Nothing has been seen of it for 60 years. Until today. Now secret and ancient societies will stop at nothing to secure it. No one can be trusted. No one is safe. The battle to possess it will spill onto our streets and the lives of those who cross paths with it will be altered forever.

Resonance is a new sci-fi multi-platform digital drama starring Aidan Turner, Charles Dance, Nikki Amuka-Bird and Ruta Gedmintas. Directed by Colin Teague.

http://www.willyouhelp.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/willyouhelp
http://www.snipurl.com/willyouhelp

The number of costumed characters in the centre was impressive this year. I couldn't walk 5 steps without bumping into a Super Hero, Trekkie, Star Wars, Anime or Manga character. Some of the detailing in these costumes is awesome.

LFCC: The Invisible Man, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler. LFCC: Ghostbuster Proton Pack, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Kung Lao from Mortal Kombat, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Then sauntered past The Trading Card Zone which was hosting card games across a number of tables. Not to sure about the variety of games but there were a lot of guys playing Magic: The Gathering, Yu Gi Oh and Pokemon.

LFCC: The Trading Card Zone, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler. LFCC: LFCC: London Film and Comic Con Dance Off Zone, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Continuing to the The Video Game Zone where there were a multitude of platforms, game types, styles and consoles to play on including a retro game area. Games that I saw included; Stepmania, Guitar Hero, Mario Kart Wii, Super Street Fighter IV, DDR Tournament, New Super Mario Bros Wii, Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Skies, Metroid and Sonic The Hedgehog.

LFCC: Poison Ivy, The Black Canary ?, The Invisible Man & Spider-Woman, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler LFCC: Darth Vader vs The Terminator, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Intentionally passing by the stage where uber talented comic book writer and novelist Greg Rucka was conducting an in-depth QA session.

LFCC: Greg Rucka talking about his career and work, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

I headed to the Talk Zone where the gorgeous Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica, 24, Bionic Woman) was doing a QA session. During the talk Sackhoff came across as witty, fun, incredibly cute and was more than happy to openly engage with the audience who seemed quite star struck.

LFCC: Katee Sackhoff, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

She gave some interesting from behind the scenes on her shows as well as her experiences. At about 7:00 in the audio clip below from http://www.cinetalk.tv/ Katee talks about some of her upcoming stuff.

Throughout the weekend there were talks from actors, cast and production teams scheduled. You can find the complete time table over here 0n the LFCC site.

After Katee Sackhoff’s talk I continued my stroll around the centre heading through The Dealer Zone, where for a price you can obtain anything from the realm of Sci-Fi, Comics or film that your heart desires. The Dealer Zone has enough merchandise, memorabilia and artwork to keep any level of fan interested.

LFCC: The Terminator's T800 Endoskeleton ARM, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Figurines, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: London Film and Comic Con, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: T-shirts, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler. LFCC: Iron Man Mark 3 Suit, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Making my way through the The Anime Zone where Anime purveyors sell your favourite DVDs, manga, merchandise, goodies as well as rare and hard to find pieces. I headed towards the DC Comics 75th Anniversary Covers Exhibition, which was another one of main draws for me.

LFCC: DC Comics 75th Anniversary Covers Exhibition, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

On entry to the exhibition DC provided a DC goody bag which amongst other bits contained the Complete Motion Comic of The Watchmen DVD. Amongst the 100 or so enlarged covers the exhibition hosted a couple of pieces from DC films, a preview of the Batman: Arkham Asylum 2 game as well as a teaser poster for DC’s upcoming Green Lantern film.

Exiting the DC area I took a stroll past the Signing Zone with a huge number of guests and fans lining up to meet, greet and get their autographs.

LFCC: Sean Young, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Iron Mike Tyson, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Kristanna Loken, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Tom Noonan calls us over for a chat, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

LFCC: William Shatner (The Shat) "Khaaaan!", originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

It was time for another reason I was at LFCC. William Shatner or “The Shat” as he is affectionately known was about to deliver one of his much anticipated irreverent, scathing and completely hilarious talks in the Talk Zone. As can be witnessed from the clip below from shanghaichica

After The Shat I made my way past the Tumbler again and through the Preview Zone where fans needing a bit of a break were treated to a trailer reel of upcoming films. I have to say that the Preview Zone hasn’t changed much but it would be nice if it was upgraded. For instance it really needs a big screen projector rather than a big screen TV, and dedicated high quality sound system in its own darkened cinema like area. If you really want to push the boat out a pop corn stand wouldn’t go a miss. I’m just saying.

LFCC: Jessica Rabbit & Anime Cosplay, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Two versions of the X-Men's Rogue, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Shaun of the Dead, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Halo Spartan Warrior, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Through the Artists Alley where professional and beginner artists congregate, discuss and show off their art work. No experience required and absolute beginners are more than welcome!

Through The Cosplay Zone, in case it’s unclear the entire convention center is packed with characters wandering around in costumes and they have a dedicated area where they meet, chat, showoff, have photos taken and compete for the best outfits, in fact this year the Cosplay Olympics were held at LFCC on both days.

LFCC: Cosplay Zone, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Cosplay Zone building a robot, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Anime Cosplay on the left Legend of Zelda Wolf Link on the right Okami's Amaterasu (http://thekitsuneden.webs.com/), originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.LFCC: Anime Cosplay in the Cosplay Zone, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Other Cosplay events included the Cosplay Showdown, Elegant Gothic Lolita section and a Steampunk meet-up. I don’t pretend to understand it but participants seem to be having fun and loving it. Any help identifying characters would be appreciated.

Past the Photo Zone where fans can have their photo taken with their favourite star(s). Which brings me to the final highlight of the day for me. This year LFCC hosted a celebration for the 30th Birthday of The Empire Strikes Back.

LFCC: The Legendary Gary Kurtz SWLFCC, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

With the biggest reunion of cast I have had the pleasure of experiencing including; David Prowse (Darth Vader), Kenny Baker (R2D2), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) and Legendary Star Wars Producer Gary Kurtz. Amongst his other films I have been waiting for is 5-25-77 or 77.

Looks pretty neat huh?

All round a pretty awesome special day. Sorry I didn’t make it on the Saturday as well. My only complaints of London Film and Comic Con apart from there being too much to choose from please do something about the Preview Zone; it’s such a wasted opportunity. I for one look forward to seeing sneak peeks of upcoming films, viewing them in the right environment would be great. Also the Convention Centre’s awful yellow artificial daylights really kill any photos taken. I did notice one prepared photographer actually rigged up a portable light studio to ensure his photos came out well. I’m already looking forward to LFCC 2011 15th, 16th & 17th July 2011.

London Film and Comic Con 2010 Review

When:
London Film and Comic Con 2011 will be held over the 15th, 16th & 17th July 2011

More info:
Over at the LFCC website