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An absolute pleasure meeting Val. When he signed my Willow photograph, I asked for the phrase "I am the greatest swordsman that ever lived." Val joked about the phrase ... "Are you the best swordsman that ever lived or is it me?" A lot of eye contact, smile and handshake. On Saturday's Photoshoot, in my turn, he grabbed my shoulder, then, the photographer stopped for a moment. During those 20 seconds of stoppage, Val took a pink quartz stone from his pocket and offered it to me. "For you," he said. I thanked him and he squeezed my shoulder. He was one of the best guests I remember. I would pay again for the signature and photo.

Many people I work with think I'm nuts spending that money, but I think they're nuts spending £3.50 on a cup of coffee 2-3 times every day.

Nice ones everybody! :) Here are also 2 of mine:

Yup most people drink and smoke (or do worse) and in my eyes waste a fortune in their lives going out and acting like idiots. With a few good memoies mixed into them nights out at best, they all merge into one for most. So personally I spend my cash on memories, not brain destroying addictions like the majority of the UK. And boy do I have memories, tales and proof of it all from the last 10 years! If people I know want to know I can tell and show, but most pretend to not be impressed, when we know many are haha I do this stuff alone for me, if anyone else likes it then so be it. Lets all make memories

Oh I do. They never like it when I do that! I have to say that while I don't earn much, this is really the only thing I do splurge on. I don't drink or smoke or go out, I don't have holidays, I don't have a car or my own home that I have to pour money into, so these events are the only things that I'll spend vast amounts on right now. Most of the people who act snotty about this are the ones who blow 200 quid in a single night at a club or a bar. Not much room left to judge me when you're basically paying for a hangover!

Most of my friends know what I am up to and used to it, my very best friend, which I have known since the early 70’s, is so used to me and my interests so it will take alot to surprise him. My family knows for sure. I spent alot of time with my dad’s aunt who worked in the business and thanks to her I met a few stars from the olden days, some I do or dont remember depending on when an where. I have a very good friend since a number of years back and I get alot of inspiration from her, she is an actress, we talk..mostly e-mail..on a regular basis and share thoughts and ideas. Around me I dont have so many I can talk about these things but here I have someone with a good ear and who knows exactly what I am talking about, and I love learning new things. But I havent run into anyone negative to what I am doing but only those who really arent familiar with it. I live by the rule that we are all different with different interests and as long as we do something that gives us happiness and a goal in life I am all supportive. Those who want to see my photos or autographs are free to do so and I have shown a few. This is a wonderful way to keep my spirit up and running and I have no intention stopping.

I do show my parents cause I know that they are happy for me - and they don't care where I spend my money. They themselves are like: "You don't smoke, you don't drink" and so on. But I don't show to friends - unless they want to have a look. And when they do they usually try to find something negative to say. Something like: "Wow, that person got old" or "He could have smiled more". But I don't care. I prefer to share my stuff here or somewhere else where people like me share the same passion. As some of you already mentioned - we do this for us. It's our memories, our experiences, our time and our money. I don't need to show my pics to 50 friends so that I can say: "Ha, look whom I met!". I enjoy checking out my folder all alone cause I love to remember the meetings!

You've answered your own question Tim. You pay the extra for the guarantee of an autograph (and in most cases a gift). With vq you run the risk of not getting an autograph with a DP guest.

Yeah thats one i get quite a lot. My response is compare a photo of how old you were when that film first came out, to how you look now. Usually gets a laugh and a defeated "point well made"

Very pleasant time putting all my photos and autos into some sort of order. Took longer than expected as each one brought back happy memories. At least I haven't got too many yet - 28 autos and 32 photos so far. Looking forward to adding to this at the next con. Maybe Winter LCC (depending on guest announcements).

Naaaah, I'm going to share the love and just cough into envelopes that I'm going to post to you all. Shhhhh, don't say that or everyone will want one

Why is he on his own? *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* Oh hello!

OK, here are mine (I can't remember how many I can get in here at once, so will attempt the whole lot and split if required): Ian Whyte (7'1" to my 5'4") Gina Torres Brendan Fraser Ian Somerhalder Carrie-Ann Moss Zachary Quinto Peter Serafinowicz Peter pretending to feel up my bicep (tee hee) Iron Fist group shoot Tom Ellis Lucifer Wings shoot Ethan Phillips Tara Fitzgerald

Yes, the DST photos do have the logo on them. I have scanned a small selection from last year’s batch so you can see what they look like. Usually each guest has at least three or four different ones to choose from.

Starbucks is £4.80 for the coffee I want haha 10 of them and you can meet a lot of guests

Diamond Passes have been great for me. Besides a guarantee of meeting the guest, it means I don't have to stay in hotel the night before and start queuing from 5.30am for VQs like I have in the past. I brought my 7-year-old and the diamond made everything much easier for him.

My brother and I were very happy with our diamond passes. Without one I would not have been able to get an autograph from Ian Somerhalder. And when I got to Haydens photo shoot I was like: "Oh my gosh, now THAT'S a queue". But I was brought right inside when showing my pass. Same counts for the autograph tables. Sometimes we were late and our batch was already being called. And we were always brought right to the table (often because they were already through with diamond pass holders or because we had a low batch number). That saved us a lot of time. Even with my DP I ran out of time. But without them I would have only half of what I have now. So I'm glad I payed the extra costs.

So true. Scan as soon as possible and archive the originals for safe storage.

I'd rather not have an extra charge added to photo opps for 'free' digital prints, however I would be very happy to pay the £5 for one of my photos should one get damaged, or I need a reprint. I think many people just scan their photos as a backup anyway.

It was an emotional experience of a meet, just the sheer great strength after what Val has been through, to then fly to London to meet us all.

That sucks, sorry hun. Hope you're feeling better very soon x Yup, week before a convention, time passes as slowly as a drunk 3-legged tortoise. Week after, gazelle on speed.

You poor thing! *get well hug*

@doctorwhoman No he didn't unfortunately. Wish I had showed him but got a bit star struck when I met Charlie Sheen.

Thanks for the reply :) I’ve been to a lot of conventions (some of which are bigger than LFCC), and they all printed the photo ops in 8x10. But you’re right I can print a larger version if I have the digital file.

I just filled out the survey, but there wasn't a "free text" field to add additional comments, so I hope it's okay to share feedback about my experience here. The pros: - Great guests, including at least one legend (Martin Sheen), and some rare signers. Thanks to Showmasters for bringing over people like Martin Sheen, Bob Gale, Brendan Fraser, Val Kilmer, and William Zabka. - I really enjoyed all the panels I attended. Especially William Shatner's was quite entertaining, and I loved "An Evening With" the Sheens, even though it was half an hour shorter than advertised (more on that later) - There was a lot of seats at the main stage (aka super stage) which was nice - Having a separate entry for YALC is really nice - Lots of good stalls - The app is brilliant. Makes it so much easier to see the schedule and plan your own days - Not many cancellations this year! Especially compared to Collectormania. - Olympia is central in London and easy to get to, and there are hotels nearby, etc. The cons: - The “Evening” with the Sheens started half an hour late, and was cut by half an hour. In addition, there was no information about where to queue and crew didn't know where to go. - The photo op areas are chaotic at best (see this pic from Sunday: https://imgur.com/HxDY906). For starters, why not put the current batch number on a board, like you do with the current VQ number in the guest area? Or, even better, for the popular shoots with many batches, make it easy to find out what the current batch is, for example by making the info available in your new app. Having a crew member shout out batch numbers amongst a sea of hundreds of people all stood cramped together in the photo op area is not the best approach, in my opinion. - The big screen by the main stage was not particularly useful, due to the way they had placed the camera. It would be better if the camera was placed in the middle of the room and only filmed the guests instead of filming half the big screen itself, or the top of the heads of the people in the first several rows... - The photo op prints are very small. I wish they were 8x10 like the autographs, and like at other cons - I loved the panels/talks and they are my favorite thing. Kudos for having so many of them, and for having many free ones. However, I think they should all be free like at other cons - There wasn't really a place to sit and chill inside the venue, except for the seating by the stages - Digital photo ops should ideally be free (or cost less, like £1) and be available for download sooner than 2-3 months after the event. At some other cons, they automatically email you the digital version seconds after the photo has been taken. - The photographer in A was ... loud! With every single photo she shot, she would shout “Ready and lovely thank you next please” all day, lol

One of the perks with 3 Day is not having to scan and just move into the queue to get in. I support a 3-Day entry.

This lady is way up on my list of those who I have met over the years, and together with Emilie De Ravin. Both were so patient and so wonderful. Talked alot at the auto table, asking me questions..making sure I was having a great time. I even got some time to talk Spin City with her. That was so fun.

Great blog WrongName! :)

When I saw the no personalisation sign I knew he must have been asked to speed up his signings. That's why I was worried he would rush. But when I saw how much time he took with his fans before me I calmed down again cause it was pretty clear that he don't wanted to rush. It felt like ordering something at Starbucks (in a very positive way off course). "Where would you like to get the signature?" "What colour do you prefer?" And before I could say the colour he was like: "What about here in black?" Seriously, I am still so happy and think about the meetings every day. I've been disappointed by a lot of celebs in the past (Jake Gyllenhaal comes to mind). Hayden is my number one actor and seeing that he really enjoyed being around his fans and really taking care of everyone made me so happy. I know that he did only a few signings so far. But I feel like he might be in for this in the future as well - seeing how much he enjoyed the experience himself. So please showmasters, get him back again.

The office came back on Wednesday and is still working through stuff. Just so all of our newbies are aware: StuartG and I are both voluteers and do not work in the SM office. The location in my profile is correct, I am not even in the UK. It's not as easy that we can walk over in another room and ask "what's going on?" Also we were at LFCC as attendees. We help out at the show when we can, but it's not as simple that we can walk backstage and yell for Jason, TooTall or someone else who can answer our questions.

Bob Gale was my last guest of the weekend. Such a great guy and I'm so happy I had the chance to thank him for helping make some of the greatest movies of all time!

It’s one of these damned if you do damned if you don’t things. Like you say separate queues wouldn’t be fair on single day people but then the current system isn’t fair on 3 day people who have to queue longer waiting for people getting things scanned so which do they go for?

Hayden Christensen. I really wanted to meet him, but he would have taken me well over my budget. *sigh*

Loved my guest experiences from when I attended on Saturday: Tom Ellis - Met him quite early for a photoshoot. The people ahead of me weren’t getting hugs, just one arm around the shoulders and I’m a very huggy person. Also my friend who came with me, it was her first convention, she was only there to see Tom and I knew she wanted a hug too. So stepped up to him with my arms out “Can we hug?” “Of course!” However, with me being just 5ft in heels and him being 6ft 3, it was a challenge He said to me after “I was afraid I was going to crush you! “ I’m thinking “Crush away love!” Everyone thereafter got hugs too including my friend so mission accomplished. When I met him for an autograph, he’d just got a pint of beer, takes a swig of it, looks up at me “I’ve got beer on my nose haven’t I?” “Yes, you have Tom Ellis!” Thinks to self, should I offer to lick it off? No, don’t say that to him! Discussed the heat instead whilst fanning myself wildly and he said it was all worthwhile to meet us lovely people. Left autograph desk grinning like an idiot Tom Felton - Was absolutely lovely although got the distinct impression he’s quite shy which is fair enough when you’re meeting complete strangers. He took great care and attention over his autograph and I still hugged him properly during the photoshoot which he didn’t appear to mind. Hope not anyway! Alfie Allen - I met Alfie for a photoshoot on The Iron Throne. He was a really sweet guy. I’d taken my heels off by this point so once I’d sat properly on the throne and leaned into Alfie, I was having a few problems reaching the floor so I had to scooch forwards a bit but it doesn’t look too bad in the photo. The Iron Throne is more comfortable than it looks, I could quite happily curl up in it for an evening. Manu Bennett - Another absolute gentleman, was still struggling in my heels to reach “chest area”, he was very cuddly for the photoshoot. We release, he looks at me and starts stroking my head. It felt so nice I just let him get on with it but was wondering what he was up to. I go get photo and realise I had a tiny bit of hair out of place - Manu was sorting my hair out for me by smooshing it down. What a guy! He was equally charming at the autograph table. I think because he appreciates and sorts out women’s hair issues, he is my favourite Ian Somerhalder - was projecting love at everyone at about 1000 megawatts which was incredibly overwhelming but very enjoyable. Gave great hugs in the photoshoot and was totally worth the 3 hour wait for the autograph as he seemed genuinely interested in all who visited his table and made conversation with people plus gave more hugs and kisses. I did look into his eyes and knew I shouldn’t have as it was then a case of “What’s he asking me? Have I had a good day? I don’t know, what’s my name???” Fairly sure I actually skipped away from the autograph desk on Cloud Nine, any sense of dignity gone. Have now set myself the challenge if I ever see him again, to try and hold an intelligent conversation with the man and not get sucked into his gorgeousness.

I'm agree with you ! What a lovely woman, so kind, caring, smiling ! She take time with everyone and want to everyone have the best time. There was no personalization during her autograph but she was very chatty, she make you feel comfortable. During her photoshoot on saturday I had the best time so I bought another picture with her on sunday . I was going for a "simple pose" and she said "no no, we doing a big hug !", during my photoshoot on sunday she remember me, so lovely. She is one of the best I have met. Honestly, I had the best time with Karen David and Lana Parrilla last week-end. Thank you so much to invite her, I hope to see her again at London Film & Comic Con.

My pre-orders for this year, thanks to Jason G and the team as always!

My weekend just got better! What a nice thing to wake up to!

And just under a year until the next LFCC...

Here is what Val Kilmer did to my Charlie Sheen diamond pass: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=wksj20&s=9#.XUSyq6eZNsM

I missed Dean Cain. He wasn't at the show this year but after meeting him a couple of years ago and him being so awesome, I miss him.

The October Man by Ben Aaronovich

The Lego was awesome!

A few more signings:

A few folks might remember that on the Sunday I'd posted on the forum that I'd made a mistake with times and that I might have made my mum miss her photo op with Lee majors. As soon as I'd realised I'd told her where to go - and quickly - as there were still 5 minutes left of the session. I waited only 5 minutes for her to return saying she had indeed missed it. Of course I then started crying cause I cannot cope with letting people down (she wasn't annoyed at me at all I'm just a muppet). But she told me it was okay and to follow her. Apparently my mum had passed Lee major's table and seen he was already there and asked who she thought was his aide/handler if she knew if he were doing any more sessions, to be apologetically told no and then asked why. My mum explained what had happened and this wonderful woman told her she would arrange a photo of her and Lee majors at his table. Turns out she was his wife and when my mum brought me over to be able to take the photo she could see I was upset and was so kind and friendly and compassionate, she gave me a hug and held my hand reassuring me we'd get a photo, honestly she was *wonderful* <3 Lee majors then came over and shook both my mum's hand and mine, chatted with us both for a few minutes and then stood with my mum with his arm around her for a few pics. I couldn't thank them enough which they were both so lovely about and honestly they didn't have to do that??? I was completely blown away by their kindness and what started as an upsetting mistake turned into an amazing moment that we won't ever forget <3

Just want to thank any and all who complimented my cosplay this year. I'm not the most confident of cosplayers, so it was more appreciated than you know

Hello everyone, It's been the third year in a row I attented LFCC (and DST last year for the first time) and I was still very pleased to be there. I spent a great week end and I have the after con blues like many here I guess. That's why I am writing my appreciations here. It's like reliving the con again!! This year I decided to do only one comic con (the London one) because I was so disappointed by the other so my budget was higher than usual . So first, thank you Showmaster for organizing this event! Thanks for all the people running it (blue and red shirts people and the ones we did not see). Very helpful during the event when I was lost (I thought it was photoshoot D on Friday but didn't pay attention it was H instead of D: I was told the right info) or when I had a clash and was just asking which one I should go first and I could join batch 1 instead of my batch 3 so I can calmly go the other shoot, their good mood #NotPicard, etc I was like a child ans seeing the other people admiring their photos with their favourite actors, I cannot stop thinking that I must have the same face or the same feeling. LFCC brings so much joy and happiness! I had more photoshoots than usual (13) and only get one autograph. The temperature was quite cool except in the photoshoot area and the guest signing area, more crowded. I wanted to write more but as English is not my first language, I think you got the point! See you maybe during the Winter LFCC, depending on the line up but this year, I wish I could have an unlimited budget! I still have some regrets about guests I chose not to meet especially after reading your stories! Thanks for reading me. Wei

I know they attended last year but I couldn’t attend and would LOVE the Discovery cast brought back again...along with Michelle Yeoh!!

I loved loved loved meeting Val Kilmer <3 I wasn't sure what to expect (I say that with no negativity) but he was really wonderful and as said above, was conveying himself very well in his mannerisms and gestures. The two folks with him in the auto area were really friendly and chatty (the lady had the same name as me so we were joking about that and the gentleman sat next to him really liked the Willow print I was having signed, which Val indicated he also liked). There were smiles and eye contact and I came away from that on cloud 9. For photographs he put his arm around me and I asked if it was okay to put my hand on his shoulder which he indicated was okay, he then held my arm with his other hand to bring me in for a lil hug which was AMAZING. After I said to him Thank you so much, and he said Thank you back and perhaps it doesn't sound much but to me was huge. Wonderful all round