A Richard Armitage fan ventures into unknown territory: or, Sydney Supanova [guest post by KatharineD]
[KatharineD is a regular commentator on “me + richard armitage.” — Servetus]
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With some initial misgivings, I ventured to my first ever pop culture convention yesterday — Sydney Supanova.
Why did I go? I certainly don’t fit their target demographic (way younger than me!) and I knew it would be crowded and noisy. I’m not into comics, sci-fi (other than Doctor Who) or cosplay, so I knew a goodly part of the event wouldn’t interest me at all. However, it was advertised quite some time ago that Aidan Turner, Jed Brophy and Adam Brown would attend and I thought maybe I could just pop along to hear them talk about The Hobbit.
I now know you don’t just “pop along“; if you’re smart, you take all your provisions with you and scope out the lay of the land in advance. If you have your heart set on certain events, plan to be there early and join a queue. I was in no way interested in paying $30 for an autograph or $40 for a photo, so I was spared the longest queue of all — the one for buying the tokens, which visitors would then take along to queue yet again to meet up with the “star guests.” It’s an exercise in patience and tolerance I was more than happy to do without! Having said that, it’s lovely to read accounts on tumblr of young fans being absolutely beside themselves after having a moment or two of personal conversation with their fan favorite! (The boys from Merlin gave our dwarves a run for their money.)
***
I eventually got seated for The Hobbit panel, having by chance run into a fellow RA fan who came there under somewhat the same assumptions as myself. We were not seeing the person whom we most would have liked to have seen, but happy to be in the company of some of the other dwarves nonetheless — only one degree of separation from RA, so to speak.
The lads were all absolutely charming, and while I know it’s been observed before, it’s lovely to see them interact in a fun, relaxed manner. They banter back and forth constantly, talking over the top of each other at times, almost falling over themselves to tell funny stories. Where Richard was somewhat reticent to talk about the Dwarf Calendar, these three jumped up and acted out their poses with great glee.
***
Aidan certainly has the “Irish blarney” down pat, displaying an easy charm that will take him far in life, but he was also apparently incredibly sweet with all the girls (and guys?) who met him. Adam has a naughty twinkle in his eye that belies his more demure demeanor — he told a funny story from his late twenties about pretending to be in drama school even after he was finished, so he could score a role as a much younger extra in one of the Harry Potter movies. Jed is a bouncy, effervescent character with a great zest for life. He brought a gold coin that he’d pilfered from the set, and gave it away to a young boy in the audience.
Aidan was asked how he would like his death scene to be, but he was too nervous to talk about it, in case he gave anything away. They are apparently filming it next week — cue collective sigh from the audience!
[Right: Karl Urban at Sydney Supanova. Source. Here’s a supersweet fan meetup report with him.]
Peter Jackson’s reputation for hiring not only good actors, but good people as well, was much in evidence. I sat in on a panel with Karl Urban, and I was struck by how down-to-earth and approachable he was. He happily acknowledged Jackson’s part in affording him an international career via the role of Éomer in LOTR, and made a great point of saying how grateful he is to come to cons so he can meet and thank his fans. No inflated ego there, either.
The last panel of the day featured the lovely Daniel Falconer from WETA — the author of the two Hobbit “Chronicles” books. He spoke about the development of the look for each dwarf, with amusing anecdotes about how they arrived at the final image. He thinks highly of Graham McTavish and several of the others, but he volunteered an emphatic “awesome” when speaking of RA! Falconer speaks with great passion for his work at WETA. He has clearly found his niche in life.
I need to take a short moment to talk about the cosplay — oh, my lord! That was a genuine eye opener for me. Half the difficulty getting around the venue came from people stopping suddenly for a photo opportunity. The level of detail in some costumes was incredible, and it genuinely beggars belief what some people are happy to venture out in public wearing! I take my hat off to them for their sheer joy in embracing the event so wholeheartedly. I wonder now why I thought I might feel self-conscious going; far more interesting people than I were on show for anyone to pay me any notice whatsoever.
I concluded the day happily with the purchase of a rather lovely letter opener-sized Orcrist!
You are brave! The thought of dealing with crowds and queues is not a pleasant thought, but I’m sure it was worth it to see the boys! 😍
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dennib68 said this on June 24, 2013 at 6:13 am |
You have no idea how I dithered over whether to go or not, but I’m glad I did. I only made up my mind for sure that morning, as I was worried the Wellington storm might have prevented the actors from getting on a plane to come over.
I only had to queue for maybe 20 minutes at most to go into the panels, so I got off lightly, but reading about the fans who got kisses and hugs from Aidan, I’d say they probably considered it time well spent!
I tried to stay out of the crowds as much as possible, but at the same time I wanted to see what the event was all about, so I did do one circuit of all the stalls – replica swords, cosplay accessories, movie memorabilia, comics……
A big hit were R2D2 wandering around, the Tardis for Doctor Who photo ops and the Witch King from LOTR in full regalia.
Yes, it was worth it – a memorable day, and if the right incentive presented itself in the future I’d even go again!
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 7:02 am |
Ahhh, thanks for the nice stories about Karl Urban. Always loved his portrayal of Éomer in LOTR and am happy he’s been able to continue his film career in other blockbusters, including his standing role in the current Star Trek franchise re-boot.
So nice to hear he enjoys the entire process of attending the “Cons” and meeting and thanking fans. 🙂
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UK Expat said this on June 24, 2013 at 7:53 am |
I’ve been a fan of Karl since LOTR days too, although most of his recent films have been in the sci fi genre which isn’t really my thing. He’s a great guy who has a great rapport with Australians from when he lived here for a while before he became well known. There was lots of ‘g’day mate’ going on during his panel.
He told the story of the infamous prank on the Star Trek set which is going round on YouTube at the moment.
Apparently he’s done quite a few cons, so he’s quite at home in that arena, but he still comes across as just a well grounded, hard-working actor, grateful for his career.
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 9:49 am |
Thanks for that, Katharine, that was a great eye-opener for me. I have never been to a con (not really planning on ever going, either), but I was wondering how things work, especially those ubiquitous photos?! Glad to hear it reinforced again that all those Hobbit actors are such genuinely nice people. Not sure why I find that so important – to justify my partiality? Oh, and glad to hear that my countryman Aidan is a dearie.
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guylty said this on June 24, 2013 at 8:16 am |
Would you consider going to a con if RA were to be there?
There was a board listing the prices for each special guest’s photo and autograph- If you wanted either from Carrie Fisher you would have had to fork out $80!! You have to pay through the nose for a little piece of pop culture royalty, it seems.
Aidan was clearly the dwarf the majority of young girls had come for, and he didn’t disappoint. That accent’s a winner of course, but he went out of his way to make fans feel special- imagine hearing yourself being called ‘darling’ in that soft brogue- the stuff of fan girl dreams!
I think it does the heart good to know these guys are what Aussies would call ‘a good sport’.
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 10:12 am |
No, I don’t think I’d even go if RA was there. Well, or if I did – I’d stay so far away from him, I’d hardly see him *ggg*. Not for shyness. I’d have no problem involving any other celebrity in a chat. I think it is because I care too much that my lovely little fantasy of who he is stays unspoilt *ggg*.
I really have to catch up on Aidan’s accent and make sure he has not got that nasty, horrible Dublin accent that I find hard to stomach. As a blow-in, I find the Irish accent quite charming, myself, but in all honesty, some crisp, British received pronounciation, honed in years of theatre school, makes me shiver with more pleasure 😉
Yes, it is heart-warming to know these guys are good sports, and real. It is a huge part of their appeal, and they do well to keep it all up.
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guylty said this on June 24, 2013 at 10:20 am |
Ah well see, unless you pay extra you don’t get to chat with the ‘stars’ anyway. My admission price (quite reasonable) gave me entry to the general panels as well as access to all the stalls etc, so you don’t have to interact with anyone if you don’t want to. It’s admiration at a distance, which suited me fine.
There were special tickets- I hope you’re sitting down when I tell you this- $250, which would get you entry to a ‘special’ dwarf panel and a group photo, as well as priority queuing ahead of the rest of the masses. You have to want it badly for that price. The $27 I spent to listen to RA speak for 40 minutes AND see The Hobbit again was the most ridiculous bargain!
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 11:09 am |
They appear to have been clueless / surprised about Armitage’s appeal.
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Servetus said this on June 24, 2013 at 5:02 pm |
I’m wondering whether Popcorn Taxi do deals with the film studios to make their tickets so affordable- it was good publicity for Warner Bros after all. I’d be interested to know what the set up was there- who approached who? Was RA asked by Warners to come out and promote the DVD, or did PT come to him?
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 6:37 pm |
Without knowing, I’d guess the former. They wanted to promote the DVD release and were looking for a local event venue that could be used for that purpose?
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Servetus said this on June 24, 2013 at 6:47 pm |
Hi katherined, I’ve never attended any of these sorts of events either, despite being a fantasy & sci fi fan, so thanks for the insight. Though I will definitely make an exception if a certain mr armitage makes good on his promise to attend another such event (made during the popcorn taxi interview. Well didn’t promise exactly, just answered yes to a question of whether he might attend) in my hometown of melbourne! Imagine the cosplay!
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Astera said this on June 24, 2013 at 8:40 am |
I’m sure RA will be reminded of that comment, having made it in front of so many people that night. Melbourne seems to have two big cons a year- Supanova and Armageddon, so you have a good chance of it happening. The good thing about becoming well known in genre movies, you’re popular for years to come; look at Billy Boyd- he’s still in demand a decade after the last Rings movie. RA could do the cons circuit until he’s as old as my older son thought he should have been to play Thorin in the first place!
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 10:45 am |
I think that would be my only real temptation — if Armitage were at a con that were in easy distance from me. I can’t imagine flying hundreds / thousands of miles to see him at a con. Whereas I can imagine doing that to see him in a stage play.
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Servetus said this on June 24, 2013 at 5:03 pm |
Thanks for a great report Katharine. It sounded like fun – i take my hat off to you for battling through not only the crowds but also the terrible weather to get there.
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bollyknickers said this on June 24, 2013 at 12:12 pm |
Someone apologised to the boys for the bad weather, and to quote Aidan, ‘pfft, this is nothing, I’m from Ireland. New Zealand’s weather though, that really is crap!’
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 12:40 pm |
LMAO!
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Servetus said this on June 24, 2013 at 5:04 pm |
1st Thanks Servatus for having KatherineD! 2nd–Thanks for letting me tag along! I am in the initial planning stages of a trip with friends to go to a Con this year. We were still trying to decide if it was worth it. You have answer our question. Yes it is. Even for us old fogies. Love the energy! Now we have some pointers. I felt like I was right there with you! THANKS! (I think I would rather go to an interview session with RA than a Con.)
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TheArkenstone said this on June 24, 2013 at 12:35 pm |
I wonder if all these events are run along the same lines? Hobbitcon in Germany earlier in the year would have been a great one to go to- just The Hobbit guys, in a far more intimate venue.
I wouldn’t have gone if I was only half-hearted about seeing the guests- for me it was all about not missing an opportunity that may not come round again.
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 1:13 pm |
I think so, too — the people who went to that even ran into some of the actors in the hotel lobby, etc.
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Servetus said this on June 24, 2013 at 5:07 pm |
Thanks also to Servetus for finding the visuals to accompany my text!
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 1:16 pm |
Thanks to KatharineD for offering her report 🙂
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Servetus said this on June 24, 2013 at 5:04 pm |
Pardon–ServEtus—It’s still early here and I haven’t finished my tea.
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TheArkenstone said this on June 24, 2013 at 12:37 pm |
🙂
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Servetus said this on June 24, 2013 at 5:07 pm |
Oh, that was a wonderful account of the con! Thanks so much, KatharineD! I’ve never been to one either, but I’m really glad to have heard all those great little details.
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saraleee said this on June 24, 2013 at 1:13 pm |
You’re welcome. It was fun to make sense of a somewhat strange day by writing it down.
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 1:37 pm |
Thank you KatharineD for the first hand view of something so alien to many of us. It sounds like the experience met or exceeded your expectations- anyway,did not disappoint. What more can you tell us about the Dwarf calendar?
And Servetus, thank you for sponsoring a guest writer and providing visuals.
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perry322 said this on June 24, 2013 at 3:24 pm |
It’s funny, because when I was writing the report I was thinking maybe most people already knew about these types of events and I was in the clueless minority!
The Dwarf Calendar info given wasn’t new to me- it seems to get brought up at all the cons now. Basically- Aidan and Dean did a tango pose together, Adam was dressed in leg warmers while washing PJ’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car (don’t know how you manage that on the sly!) and Jed did a Baywatch pose.
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 4:23 pm |
Up until very recently, I thought ComicCon was like an open mike thing for Comedians and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why Richard Armitage would attend. Now I realize what it is- it’s like a Trekkie convention with more flavors.
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perry322 said this on June 25, 2013 at 6:24 am |
Hi Katharine!
Thanks for sharing your experiences. It was a fun read!
Cheers! Grati ;->
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Gratiana Lovelace said this on June 24, 2013 at 6:45 pm |
Thanks Grati- it seems admiration for an actor can lead you right out of your comfort zone. Oh the things I have seen…
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KatharineD said this on June 24, 2013 at 7:06 pm |
that’s for darn sure 🙂
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Servetus said this on June 24, 2013 at 7:10 pm |
Katharine, Thank you for your account on Supanova. Your braver than I would even dream of being. It sounds like you had a good time.
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katie70 said this on June 24, 2013 at 8:57 pm |
Thanks for the comment. Brave? No, not that- although I do tend to feel disoriented in new, chaotic situations of that sort. It was a matter of telling myself to stay calm and figure out how to navigate the whole experience to best suit me.
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:03 am |
I’ve always had a good impression of Karl Urban and I’m very happy to see that he is lovely.
I’d totally go to a convention with RA but I tend not to venture very far. I don’t think I would go to another country. Not even for him. But if he was to do a con on the East Coast, I’d be there in heartbeat.
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Little Red said this on June 24, 2013 at 11:08 pm |
Karl was great, and has quite a big body of work that lies in the ‘genre ‘ category, so I noticed there were lots of guys asking geeky type questions at his panel.
He’s more than happy to make jokes at his own expense and tell stories about the absurdities of his profession which I found very appealing.
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:21 am |
This was fun to read. Thanks, Katherine, for giving us a feel of the convention. I love to hear that the actors are being sweet and and endeavoring to keep fame from making them change for the worse. If they can do it….
I would so have bought something like the Orcrist letter-opener! At least it has the potential of being useful! 😉
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trudystattle said this on June 25, 2013 at 1:23 am |
I hope what we are seeing from the actors at the moment (enthusiasm for meeting fans, genuinely nice demeanour) won’t change and harden over time.
I guess you could say quite a number of the cast are still in the ‘honeymoon’ phase of experiencing fame and haven’t had a chance to become jaded by it at all yet. That was part of the impetus to get me to a con now, as opposed to years after filming on the trilogy has finished. It’s all fresh and new for us and for them right now.
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:31 am |
Karl Urban sounds like he’s been through a few rounds and is still a nice guy. It may also have something to do with the comparative size / participation of the cons — I can imagine an event in Wellington or even Sydney might be smaller than one in San Diego or NYC. OTOH, I honestly can’t imagine that I’d sustain the energy for smiles, calling everyone “darling,” writing dedications on command, and posing in odd pictures positions for years and years, either. Then again, I’m not an extrovert … maybe some of them are.
I’m still turning over in my mind the question I had after the conversation referenced below — is Richard Armitage going to meet fans for money at cons? (as that post says, no criticism implied by me, but wow; that might change some people’s picture of him).
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:38 am |
I just re-read the post you linked, and some of the comments.
From what I observed on Saturday, if you as an actor agree to come to Supanova, then signing autographs and having your photo taken with fans is all part of the deal. If RA were looking for a way to interact with Hobbit fans and chose this route, he would have no choice but to participate fully, regardless of how he might feel about the exchange of money.
As I said before, there are some very happy Aidan Turner fans out there at the moment, and I’m pretty sure they were more than happy with the cost of fulfilling their dreams!
As you say, all that smiling and hugging must be exhausting, and you can be sure one cranky slip up on an actors part over the course of a day would be picked up and dissected ad nauseam on tumblr.
For my part, I’d have to crawl into my hobbit hole for a week of solitude after all that public interaction.
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 3:50 am |
I think it would be interesting to know if there’s significant crossover for an event like that, i.e., would most people who bought tokens to meet / get a signature from Richard Armitage be sci-fi / Tolkien fans, or would in fact “legacy” fans take an opportunity like that even if they weren’t all that interested in everything else that happened. You are an example of that but I wonder how significant a group that would be as a segment of our fandom.
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 3:55 am |
I’ve been thinking about that previous discussion over the last day too. I tend to think Katharine is right – if the actors choose to participate in the convention, they are contractually obliged to do the signings too. But
without wishing to judge anyone else, the idea of buying an autograph/ photo/ audience with an actor doesn’t sit well for me. It just feels wrong somehow – even though i have happily gone to book signings and stood in line to get my copy signed. I’m not sure why is is so different, but it is.
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bollyknickers said this on June 25, 2013 at 4:28 am |
you could take your Hobbit DVD 🙂
I think there’s a cultural issue involved, and I mean more specifically the culture of sci-fi fans / people who attend sci-fi conventions, among whom this is an accepted practice. Thinking back to that post, Chad and Lisa do this kind of thing off and on and Chad was obviously completely untroubled by it. Maybe if we attended more stuff like this we would think it was normal.
And no saying what the folks do with the money. Probably some need it as income, but who’s to say someone like Armitage who might not need it as income at this point might not donate it to charity or something? I agree that he couldn’t agree to sign autographs for free if everyone else were charging.
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 4:33 am |
Judging by the comments generated by my article, there is a definite wariness of crowded events of this nature, and it’s certainly not the more sedate proposition of turning up to a theatre like the Popcorn Taxi Q and A was.
It would be fascinating to discover how intrepid those legacy RA fans would be, given the right incentive. It would certainly be an entertaining sight to see fans of my, ahem, age bracket going toe to toe with the young Hobbit fans in the RA signing queue! What would we wear- gotta get into the spirit of the thing after all. A whole line up of Margaret Hales?
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 4:37 am |
I thought about exactly that, about twelve hours ago. A mob of Margaret Hales. In a way, it would be perfect. They’d be getting into the spirit of the thing, and it would be a way to costume themselves which could be seen as an emotionally self-protective move for a legacy fan in a setting like that. He would totally get a kick out of it, I bet 🙂
Also, I look great in a corset.
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 4:42 am |
You can just see the Supanova organiser’s eyes lighting up- a whole new demographic to pitch to- just watch those well-read, well- educated ladies strut their stuff!
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 4:52 am |
Ok, who coined the phrase “legacy fan?” I like it. Does that mean pre-Hobbit fans?
Thanks a lot – My mind has already latched onto the Victorian costume idea. Where we would we get Margaret Hale outfits en masse? Either of her green outfits for me!
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trudystattle said this on June 25, 2013 at 5:19 am |
I think the term was coined to describe the original North and South fans. Imagine the sudden run on the costume hire places! I’d have to diet to fit into a corset though- that would go down on the list of the things we suffer for our RA admiration.
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 6:04 am
Katherine–They make corsets in our sizes. That’s what makes them so great! We look oh so much better in corsets than the how do I say slimmer ladies do…LOL
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TheArkenstone said this on June 25, 2013 at 12:45 pm
That would be me — I started using it in those posts about fans of longer duration last fall. My meaning was people of longer fan duration than me, esp N&S-era fans, but I think it fits well to pre-Hobbit fans.
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 5:06 pm
I’d love to be considered a legacy fan. I think as the years go on, the distinction between pre-Hobbit fans and those who discovered him after his first Hollywood blockbuster will continue to be heightened. As to those illustrious fans who found him in 2004-2005, I might call them original fans.
In my daydreams of meeting RA for 20 seconds, I imagine myself proudly blurting out that I’ve been a fan since October 2009. I think he will always have a soft spot for those who knew and loved him way back when…
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trudystattle said this on June 25, 2013 at 5:33 pm
I think you’re right. Below was my post, by the way. I really think that his message from just before the red carpet in 2012, published just afterwards, was directed specifically at those fans so they knew how grateful he was – a sort of “look where we’ve come together” message.
And now, Serv, get your *ss on the road again … this free Internet at fastfood restaurants is a real time waster 🙂
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 5:37 pm
It’s perfectly acceptable to stop along your solitary travels and take some time to chat with your friends. 🙂
I’m convinced that with his pre-red carpet message, he has assured all legacy fans that he will always cherish those fans who cheered him on before PJ brought him out into the light of day. I’ll never forget how ecstatic I was when I heard he had been chosen to play Thorin….way back when.
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trudystattle said this on June 25, 2013 at 6:57 pm
Steampunk–We could all meet up and dress like Margaret Hale in steampunk corsets!
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TheArkenstone said this on June 25, 2013 at 12:39 pm |
I had to google that to put the visual in my head- wow, that would be some fun dress ups.
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:13 pm |
Nice report! I went to San Diego Comic Con a few years ago. Queues?? People SLEPT ALL NIGHT ON LINE there. I had fun anyway. Got into lots of panels that I wanted to see – Doctor Who, Torchwood, True Blood, Stargate. I like SciFi. Also saw Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long-Blog panel with Nathan Fillion and Josh Whedon. Hilarious. I also go to NYC ComiCon every year. Sadly no majorly interesting guests for me so far. Fun though! Glad you had a (mostly) good experience. The cos-play is so entertaining! 😀
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marieastra8 said this on June 25, 2013 at 1:42 am |
Forgot that I did see J. Michael Stracyznski and chatted with Colin Baker, the 6th Doctor Who at NYCCC, which was very cool. To me. 😀
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marieastra8 said this on June 25, 2013 at 1:45 am |
I looked today and this year’s San Diego event has not yet announced its program. That would be an issue for me as well, since you ahve to buy the passes months ahead of time. I buy the pass and no Armitage? I suppose I could give it to someone.
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:39 am |
Same with NYCComiCon. I love going and bring friends too so it’s always fun, even if no special guests I’m particularly interested in. I’m a scifi fan anyway, so more likely I’ll find something interesting than you would! 😀 If I was solely interested in Armitage being there I’d be out of luck, probably! OTOH, if Armitage IS there, my extra ticket becomes very very valuable….;D
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marieastra8 said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:49 am |
you may discover friends you never knew you had … 🙂
I assume they’ll go to San Diego again (no?) and it will be Jackson, Boyens, McKellen, Freeman, and some elves — Bloom, Pace, Lilly?
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:51 am |
Yes, they seem to be pushing the elves for DoS. I’m guessing you are right. I was tempted to go again this year in hopes that RA would be there, but sadly work commitments prevented it. Even if I could of gotten a ticket. Just because he seems NYC based, I’m a tiny bit hopeful for NYCCC. Very tiny bit. Have no idea who will be there, but I have my tix!! 😀
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marieastra8 said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:57 am |
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 3:00 am |
Hey! Thanks! 😀 Keep hope alive! 😀
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marieastra8 said this on June 25, 2013 at 3:02 am |
oh, and of course Cumberbatch. I just saw WETA’s dedicated ComicCon motif for hats, t’shirts and it’s Smaug’s eye.
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Servetus said this on June 25, 2013 at 3:37 am |
I presume Comic Con is what I experienced only to the power of ten! Tell me, can you still get your photo or autograph with the actors? How on earth do they sell the tokens (on line?), because it was the most horrendous queue for that at Supanova.
Did you see John Barrowman? I just watched a video the other day of him wowing the audience for well over an hour at a con- just pure star power that man has! I didn’t mention in my report, but I watched a panel with Eve Myles and Kai Owen at the con as well- talking mainly about JB constantly disrobing on the Torchwood set. Those two together were a hoot!
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:45 am |
LOL!! Yes, Barrowman was well-known for showing his…um…little friend off on set. Eeeks! Barrowman is also a fabulous Broadway musical performer and he and Naoko Mori sang something from Miss Saigon that was sublime! I didn’t pay to have my pic taken with anyone. Took pics of the actors signing autographs though, without paying. If RA was ever there? I wonder if I would pay to have an autograph or picture. Kind of not feeling it, really. Just want to see him, not pay for him. Ewwwy.
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marieastra8 said this on June 25, 2013 at 2:54 am |
I suppose if RA were at a con you could rationalise the cost of an autograph as a way of getting 2 minutes of his undivided attention- the piece of paper with a scrawl on it then becomes the memento of a happy moment. Photo though? Couldn’t do it- that would feel weird and awkward to me.
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 4:14 am |
Yeah I know what you mean about the photo. It would feel weird. But feeling him putting his arm around you and pulling you in next to him like he does in all the photos we see of him and a fan? That would be pretty special. But I don’t think I could do it either. Weird.
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marieastra8 said this on June 25, 2013 at 5:36 am |
For one thing, I don’t photograph well, but the whole thing would feel so orchestrated. It’s a kind of enforced intimacy, I think, like a staged photo at a wedding of people who’ve never met before. Nice though I’m sure it would be, I’d only want that arm around my waist if it had some genuine reason for being there.
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 5:57 am |
I think it probably would be nice to have a photo of the event that you could look at later. Me, I think it would be fine to have his arm around me, whatever the reason! lol!
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marieastra8 said this on June 25, 2013 at 1:39 pm |
I have a couple of Barrowman’s CDs- one I absolutely love is just Cole Porter songs. Oh boy, what a voice- he does a fabulous rendition of ‘Night and Day’ which just knocks me for six.
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KatharineD said this on June 25, 2013 at 5:45 am |
I have that CD too! I really like the one that he sings Broadway songs on too. If you like musical theater I recommend it.
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marieastra8 said this on June 26, 2013 at 12:47 am |
Thank you KatharineD and Servetus for the report 🙂
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Joanna said this on June 25, 2013 at 6:39 am |
[…] the fantasy. He is, in that respect, a “good sport” (thank you, KatharineD, for the phrase and the reminder). No doubt the press junket in New York must have been an exhausting affair […]
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*ooof*: A Room with a View | Me + Richard Armitage said this on June 25, 2013 at 10:00 am |
[…] those who have not yet read it, here's a previous post by KatharineD, a regular commentator on "me + richard armitage." Many, many thanks, KatharineD, for […]
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Why I’m salivating for the extended edition of The Hobbit on DVD [guest post by KatharineD] | Me + Richard Armitage said this on August 5, 2013 at 4:04 am |
[…] occasional guest author on "me + richard armitage". Her previous guest posts treated her visit to Sydney Supanova 2013 and her musings on the prospective extended edition DVD release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected […]
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Playing Thorin, or: Pitfalls and rewards of taking on an iconic Tolkien character, part 1 [guest post by KatharineD] | Me + Richard Armitage said this on August 29, 2013 at 6:24 pm |
[…] Perry for part of the story when I wrote of my experience of the actor panel at Supanova on me+richard, for which I have since apologised. I myself haven’t read TH since I was a child, […]
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Catching Up With Thorin – A Conversation Between KatharineD and Perry -Part 2 | Armitage Agonistes said this on September 26, 2013 at 5:41 pm |
[…] and occasional guest author on "me + richard armitage". Previous guest posts treated her visit to Sydney Supanova 2013 and her musings on the prospective extended edition DVD release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected […]
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Promoting Thorin: Richard Armitage’s whirlwind journey | Me + Richard Armitage said this on October 13, 2013 at 7:09 pm |