collectorman

100% want to echo the gratitude here for the DP items! I was honestly expecting the usual print and was very happy to get the powerbank charger for Anakin and see the other items people received. They were GENUINELY THRILLED!!! THANK YOU and what a lovely gesture. I still wear my previous year's T-shirts from the MJ Fox diamond pass and Robert Englund one but the prints almost always get thrown away at some point or damaged. The powerbank is something I will use and loved the other DP gifts, I'd happily buy that stuff! Thanks Showmasters, you've grown a lot in 15 years and you've become an annual trip I have to take. I used to go twice a year even if there were no guests of interest as I like the atmosphere and stalls, but in 15 years you've definitely become one of my favourite events, favourite companies and I am so grateful for the people I've met. The Diamond Pass is brilliant and the way you described it first time they started encapsulates it for me as the ultimate exclusive: if it wasn't for the diamond passes, the guest would not be there (or the diamonds pay for much of the fee) or something like that - so it feels special and you've gone out to make us feel special too. Thanks Jason and team for the ultimate film and comic con and here's to the next 15 years!

Hayden was fantastic! I had the Diamond Pass and got to him around midday on Saturday. He made eye contact, smiled, asked how I was, thanked me for coming, made some small talk about the photos and shook my hand on meeting and before I left. It really felt like a personal interaction and experience. He even asked where to sign, what colour and about my name. He appreciated his fans which was very obvious in the signing and photoshoot. I read on another post that he was not personalising later in the day, I guess this is because during the photoshoot he was spoken to by someone and he had to temporarily leave the photoshoot area. It was soon after my photo so I could hear them discussing it and he was saying he was signing as fast as he could, then apologised to those waiting and said he'd be right back. I could be wrong, but I'm assuming given the number of diamond guests he may have been asked to speed up his signing time but given he was spending time with everyone and personalising, this may have led to the "no personalisations" sign up later in the day. He was definitely happily personalising asking spellings of names, whether someone wanted character name or not etc earlier on and I'm glad as I got 5 autographs from him! I knew he was only here for the one day and have no idea if he'll ever be back so I didn't want to miss getting everything I wanted done and he was happy to oblige, even a little surprised at me having all this stuff. When he asked if I wanted my name on it, I told him yes because I'm keeping it all and he laughed, saying "good!". Thank you Showmasters for getting him here and despite no talk, the Diamond Pass was worth it for the personal interaction and guaranteed autographs alone. Really happy with this experience and touched at how genuinely interested in people Hayden was. Was a huge fan, now I'm a massive fan!

I emailed them too before the convention, twice after and querying any update, but haven't received a response yet. Still waiting on any info on the signed comic, but happy to wait as hoping there's a chance they can get more signatures than advertised since they had some last minute additions to the convention. I'm guessing they're doing what they can and will write again if I haven't heard from them in another couple of weeks.

Thank you first and foremost to Showmasters - the event was not only a huge success but one of the most high-energy ones you've ever put on! There was something for everyone and excitement building throughout the days. I was only there Friday and Saturday and crew were brilliant. I wanted to attend Sunday but had a prior commitment which meant I missed the "Who-vention" which was a feat and a half. Friday was very hot in the venue despite less people so I was dreading Saturday, but with the cooler weather and management of people it worked out fine. Thank you to the Meatloaf fans because although I didn't get anything from him or know much about him, his fans were so many and so passionate you couldn't help but feel a bit "batty" too (not meant as an insult, just a pun). It was great to see so many people happy just to meet him. Thank you to the photo area guys - all my photo experiences went smoothly thanks to you and despite a clash between Tom Welling Diamond talk-David Duchovny photo-Tom Welling photo- Peter Weller photo and David Duchovny diamond talk on Saturday, you made it all happen through ushering me through the queue with determination to ensure I didn't miss the talks I had bought tickets for. Thank you to the guests who were enthusiastic about meeting their fans, even the ones I didn't meet - you could see it on their faces and fan reactions. Jason Momoa walking around pumping fists in the air was a highlight especially as I didn't pay to have a photo or get his autograph, I still got to high five him as he came past. He seemed to be enjoying both days and his audience. Thanks to Peter Weller who I told when I had a photo with him that I wished I could've seen him at the table but didn't make it to the front of the queue. His response was I'm sorry and what were you going to get signed? I said my Robocop poster and after our photo was taken, before I left he looked me in the eye and said "Thank you for your co-operation" in his Robocop voice! At least I have that memory! Hopefully he'll come back and we can have a diamond pass for him so I have a chance in the future. Thanks to the couple from Scotland who stood in front of me when we were waiting for John Schneider's autograph on Saturday for kindly taking my photo with him and the friendly chat. We were taken aback by a gold pass holder who skipped the entire queue and walked in front of us and insisted to the lady behind the desk he took priority over the everyone for being a gold pass owner. She wasn't so sure and when he became rude and boisterous, she calmly said the couple ahead of me and myself had already paid for our autographs and had been waiting for a long time so she was happy to slide him in after us. He stood in front of us so to act as a barrier between us and the table said he would wait there after which she tactfully and calmly managed convince him to wait on the other side and remove his stuff from the autograph table. A HUGE THANK YOU TO HER not only for her patience but for her courtesy, friendliness and calm demeanour which made the John Schneider signing perfect. Thank you to the crew on the info desk for trying desperately to find out what can be done about my pre-ordered Doctor Who comic and trying to get the remaining since announced guests to sign on it. They said they'd try but had no idea if this would be possible although I may be offered to buy a fully signed one at an increased price. We didn't get anywhere but I appreciate the full 15 minutes you spent calling people and trying, understanding my desire to get through to someone. Thank you to the crew who dealt with so many sudden changes including Tom Baker's late arrival, over-running photo shoots, difficult customers who sometimes were shouting at crew members for the shoot not being at the time printed on their ticket (Tom Baker photoshoot) and dealing with all the announcements as best as you could. Undoubtedly there was a lot of pressure on you with all the constant announcements (Peter Davison's been announced! Steven Moffat's coming on Sunday! David Tennant is coming on Sunday - pandemonium and hysteria! Peter Weller needs a longer photo shoot! Etc) and subsequent consistently evolving schedule and I can imagine the brunt of what you had to deal with - THANK YOU for trying your best and trying to keep everyone happy. Finally, thank you to all the attendees - your excitement and enthusiasm was beyond infectious. You MADE this event so special. There were X-Files fans, Smallville fans, The Dukes of Hazzard fans, Robocop fans, Cosplayers galore, Comic fans, Meatloaf fans, Doctor Who fans everywhere and so much more. Everyone I met in the queues were ace, the couple from Canada in the Tom Baker queue, the young Doctor Who teenage fan who gave Tom Baker biscuits, was overly worried about a spot ruining his photoshoots who not only was marvel to watch but helpful to all around him, seriously everyone - you're all great and this year's event was a true celebration of Film, Television and Comic fandom. I wasn't there on Sunday but followed it on social media and loved how ecstatic everyone was (especially Doctor Who fans), it's just great to see so many people happy! THANK YOU SHOWMASTERS!!

Wow! Broo that is amazing! I saw you in the Diamond queue for the photos yesterday for Tom Welling. You were a bit ahead else would've said hi. You should start taking commissions soon, you're a fab artist!

Thanks, will wait and see if I hear from the shop as have emailed them, but not expecting anything given the convention has started.

This is great news - but can any of the mods find out or get a message to whoever deals with the preorders: Can the Ghost Ship comic preorder with doctors autographs include Peter Davison's autograph too?

QS - can I just say a huge thank you for all you're doing. This is way above and beyond for anyone to do this from a hospital bed after surgery. I hope you look after yourself. Yes a lot of people (including myself) are waiting for refunds but you know what, your health is a million times way more important and we appreciate the updates you have provided so far. Take a break, get some rest so you recover fully because we need you healthy and happy. I partially hope the nurses do take your phone away so at least you HAVE to recover easily. Get well soon... sending fandom hugs and wishes, our eternal Queen.

I'd love to see Bella Ramsey and Claire Higgins at this as they've not appeared in London conventions. Make it happen please SM!

Just reset my password and logged on to actually comment after a whole year JUST TO SAY A HUGE THANK YOU FOR THIS! Your effort has made life much easier - I know it's based on a draft schedule but still helps. Thank you!

One more point, I think if Olympia can be stuck to as a venue for a few years and spread out across floors, then hopefully with many more successful events there may be a Showmasters Arena some day which exclusively also hosts their own events? I honestly think a purpose built venue for conventions by SM for their own events would be huge and doable. This would also have its own benefits as on site catering and parking which would cause additional revenue streams, plus catering well to those who come to the convention to sign. I also forgot to mention Sherilyn Fenn did not seem happy about how she was being treated by crew, especially when she got her food late on Sunday. She made a comment about MJF getting everything and I tried to pacify her as I was right in front of her by saying it was just great she came and this was her first con here and hopefully she'll come back again and she melted. I hope I was just there when things went a bit funny, because if guests complain about their treatment or venue heat (another gripe of hers and a few others near her) then this would definitely put many guests off attending in future. Again, well done. My criticisms are minor and I'm a happy camper who got what he wanted. And did I mention? Mary. Legend.

My honest feedback: Before the show, everyone online is excited, happy and begging for stuff to be done and very few of these things are dismissed. This adds to the excitement and the fan community fuel the enthusiasm that makes these things worth it - especially for other fans. I have attended a few of the LFCCs historically with my first being the one John Landis came to a few years back and enjoyed it and began coming semi-regularly when I knew I wanted to meet someone. At that time, venues were less crowded, there were less stalls, many guests had open queues and sat idle at times and photos would be taken and you'd have to come back at the end of the day to pick them up or leave an address for them to be posted to you. The convention atmosphere was good because it was like an undiscovered secret and the guests reflected this, with mostly (no disrespect at all intended) one or two semi-major guests and the rest being minor ones. All in demand by someone and worth having, but usual people on convention circuits you'd hear about, except it was great having them in London. The conventions got busier and bigger, the last one I went to was the one with David Hasselhoff which was great fun, more expensive and manageable in terms of queues (except Mike Tyson's who rearranged his timing a few times). Last year, Stan Lee was announced and also that this may be his last European signing. I wanted to go but knew this would be bonkers in terms of turnout. I was pleased for LFCC for going bigger and that it helped get them more coverage and notoriety within the international community and hearing the number of people who came for it, the queues all added to people taking notice. From what I've read here, it was good for some and terrible for many who missed out due to a high profile guest and managing expectation as well as things sold, but I can't comment too much because I wasn't there. Destination Star Trek was great. Very well organised and one of the rare occasions I would actually venture that far out for an event, as I preferred Earl's Court as it's easier to get to. I have never liked Olympia as I remember when LFCC was there previously and the heat. This year, I stopped following the threads and missed all publicity until an email came through about the BTTF stuff and I signed up for a MJF Diamond Pass. It was a huge ask financially and I kept checking the forums to see if it had sold out waiting to kick myself until I finally bit the bullet and went for it. Seeing that Sigourney Weaver was announced and Robert Englund in Make up, plus Richard Dean Anderson and Hayley Atwell, it was clear this was the biggest one SM were putting on and would be demanding for anyone. The Diamond Pass was a brilliant idea for someone like me who would only be focussing on and coming for one or two guests, although I begrudged the price didn't include entry and that by comparison the Sigourney Weaver one was fantastic value with what was included compared to the MJF one which had £5 prop shoots, only one MJF shoot despite him doing 3 different types of photos but at least it had the only way to get his autograph and access to the talks. Knowing I was only going for two guests made things much easier for me. I dreaded the queues and almost pulled out of it all when I read the forums, but thankfully after what I read was a terrible Friday and slightly better Saturday, Sunday was smoother and went fine for me. I would like in future Diamond Passes to hold their value by including entry, having guaranteed on-time entry and the items stated as guaranteed too. The MJF pass gave me everything I wanted when I agreed to go for it knowing it didn't have the clock face and delorean MJF shoots which I felt it should have. I paid a premium for this guest and got access to the lowest photo shoot value with him while those who snapped up the others got theirs, but then I knew that going in, I just felt it would've added value to the pass if SM had done what they did with Sigourney and included all guest photo shoots including with props. I had 2 guests to schedule and did ok. Where they were both concerned, my only gripe was that I didn't get the 'guaranteed' autograph with one despite paying for a Diamond pass but then am happy with what's being offered as a peace meal arrangement. Staff seemed to be hit and miss at the event but the majority I dealt with were fab. Luke and Chris in Photo A with Robert Englund and MJF kept everyone entertained despite a long wait, the MJF auto crew member who was tall with glasses and long hair and boomed to everyone how anyone trying to take a photo would have their camera taken and contents deleted was fabulous in making the rules clear and being friendly while doing it - it was what was needed and helped keep things orderly. I intended to only go to the talks and things included with my Diamond Pass but managed to get VQ tickets for others such as Neve Campbell and Christopher Lloyd who I had met previously at LFCC but wanted to get some BTTF items signed, and pit boss Mary was superb and did her best to help fans especially at the end of the day. Yes it was warm, but having it over 3 levels helped because for me I never went to anywhere except one floor so undoubtedly missed other things at the convention (and dealers) but managed fine. Having all these people and spreading them among different floors worked so much better than having it all on one floor. It also meant most who had paid for the 'headliners' could stay on that floor and those wanting others could go to the appropriate area which helped a lot. Yes the stairwell, especially on Saturday was a danger. Mostly because of selfish visitors ignoring crew instructions and actually pushing. One guy tried to push past a kid and I followed him and gave him an earful. The fans here are great but a few who think they deserve everything ruin it so much for the rest of us. I noticed a lot of people at the convention publicly slagging off SM and saying how badly it's organised every year but they still show up. These are probably long term attendees and fans who miss the secret conventions we used to attend before these things got bigger, but then if they didn't get bigger we would probably have no reason to meet the same people over and over again. I don't like it when people talk about how much money Jason and SM make at these events because it's like choosing to pay an entry fee and go to someone's house then just bad mouth them throughout. I know SM is a business and respect that. If I feel they are ripping me off, I simply won't pay it, its that simple. It's my choice. But hearing from people in the queue who much Jason is minting because Shatner got through X number of autographs and charged this much plus percentage or stuff about the Hoff really takes away from the magic of this fan-community and makes it about the business side. It's like movies. Just watch and enjoy them and take what you want. Don't even start going into what each actor is paid and what cost what because then your audience are just a demographic to make money off and not valued at all. The worst is it's not SM doing this, but other fans who want more and are becoming disillusioned with what has been a fantastic service for years. I've never bought into the Gold Pass thing and couldn't see value in it - but then I'm not the person who's attended every LFCC since the beginning and am a semi-regular attendee who tries to see who's coming and who I want and if it's worth me paying the entry fee and giving my time to attend. Gold Pass holders seem to be people who collect autographs and photos and come for the whole weekend - and respect to them, but they need to be catered to as seems fit and if you're not happy with it, don't pay and let your money do the talking. I weighed up ten times if I'd go for the Sigourney Weaver diamond pass, but given it was something I never wanted until it was on offer and the cost of it, added to how much I was already paying I chose to not go for it. I did have a look at other fans' autos and photos and appreciated them, but it just wasn't what I personally wanted for that guest. I was very pleased they got her and with others listening, there's hope for more big guests in the future. People travel from the UK to SDCC and now they don't have to. We have our own comic con that's great and has a greater chance of meeting guests and this time people travelled from the US to come to ours. Wow. Some of those who came were vocal at the event saying 'the heat in the venue is unbearable, how can they herd people like this it's very disrespectful' but would always end with 'this is definitely world class in terms of line up though'. I always make a point to thank those who crew that do a good job because I appreciate them making things better for us. This includes Mary at Christopher Lloyd's on Sunday, Luke and Chris at photo A, the husband and wife team that were at the Diamond Booth on Saturday and said it was her first day. Absolutely no complaints from these specific crew members at all and I appreciate them. Yes, I paid a lot of money for my pass but I feel now it was worth it. If it did go to Excel or O2, it wouldn't be feasible for me to travel so far out so I hope it stays in Olympia but learns the lessons of this year. The event being spread across floors was brilliant. What I want improved is: - Diamond Passes to continue for high profile guests but include entry and include any additional shoots like the Sigourney Weaver pass which seemed amazing value. I would have liked my MJF one to include either the Delorean or clock shoot with him too. - Entry to be made smoother for those who have such passes and Gold Passes because they pay a high price outlay and need to get things done, which is what they are paying for. Also more organised entry for everyone else as it seems unfair some queued up for hours to only miss their 0930 photo shoots or 11 am ones. This ruins events for many and they don't come back. - Interaction with guests. We used to be able to chat with them at auto signings but the high profile ones have such rules and demand, this is taken away from us. It's a shame because it's what causes repeat customers too. I read about what others say about a guest and want to meet them too, and those that went mechanically through people because they had to, are avoided in future. I remember John Landis getting up and taking photos of Star Trek Cosplayers at LFCC a few years ago and emailing them to himself. I loved that. He chatted to visitors as many do, but I'd request SM to allow 2 mins per visitor for those that pay a premium to meet them when signing. You'll lose maybe 50 or more tickets but those visitors will be ambassadors for life for the experience you've given them and would come every year. - Signage. I'm with most on this that there was little signage on who would be where at the show itself. Previously you've given out free programmes that are a few pages long and have a map and who's attending. This time the programme was £5 and so only those who paid got the map, unless they had their phones at the ready. -Climate. There's little you can do about this except manage the crowds which is when it gets hot. Saturday was roasting in areas, Sunday was much more bearable. I'm not going to make any comments about Air-con because what do I know if it was on or off, I just know when I was hot and when I wasn't. Saturday I stayed an hour and a half and Sunday all day. - Talks. Consider sending a link to those who attended to re-watch a stream of these. It would be appreciated. I loved Michael and Claudia's 'disagreement' about BTTF's premiere and it made so many of us laugh. Let's see it again! Finally, I too want to say despite the queues, the heat, the hours and hours of standing and waiting for things, thank you. I only attended for 2 guests and got them and more. You did deliver a fantastic event that made many fans' dreams come true and that's what it's about. There are definitely things that can be improved and I know you will listen because I've been going to your events for a while and can see the changes you implement for the better. Thank you for this one, it was an unofficial BTTF 30 Years event that was better than the Secret Cinema event last year (this year?) and reminded many of us why we loved this film to start with. I hope you're all getting some much deserved rest, are reading the criticisms while remembering all the compliments and knowing you really did deliver an event that other conventions and sponsors will have taken note of in a positive way. Thanks for being London's Premiere Comic Con and having us with you on the journey. I genuinely wish you the best and hope these events get bigger and better and keep improving every time. The fact you have this forum is great so we can all share our views and experiences. Thanks to QS for all the pre-show help to everyone and to all crew at the show. Thanks for helping us return to the future and so much more.

I tried for Chris on Saturday which was impossible without (and even with!) a Diamond Pass. On Sunday I went straight to him at 0920 and got VQ ticket 249. I knew there was no hope as the crew members told me he was only signing for a bit today - something like 1hr 40 mins due to photo shoots and talks he had to take part in. I asked if all the Diamonds had gotten through and she said no, but did say you're best bet is between 430 and 6pm. I went off, did everything I had to and came back around 540pm where they had started calling VQ tickets in batches of 5. Those who had collected VQ tickets and left meant they went through numbers reasonably quickly but without any promises you'd get seen to. At one point they said anyone above 120 was unlikely to get through but with 15 minutes of showtime left, there was nothing to lose through waiting. The crew were fantastic and made clear they would try and do what they could for fans and genuinely did. They kept looking for the signal to stop signing but got through as many people as they could with a one item restriction. I was number 249 and got seen to just after 6pm when Christoper was still signing and doing so carefully. A huge thank you to PIT BOSS MARY for this who looked after the 39 people left queuing for an autograph and tried her best to get everyone through - and did! It was a last minute hope dash and paid off, thanks to crew members who wanted to deliver the best and help. Seriously Mary, if you're reading you are a legend - THANK YOU. The Diamond Passes were previously hyped as the only guaranteed way to get his autograph and it ended up being true. VQ tickets were probably only a handful that were gotten through and even those were near 6pm. Christopher was great and I appreciate his autograph because he really does take his time. I had his auto from when he first came to LFCC a few years back but wanted to get something signed by him and Michael J Fox which I managed to do. Thank you SM, and HI to the nice chap from Derbyshire who I met in the MJF queue with his hoverboard. It's always great meeting fans and he was awesome, we were both delighted as we got our autos and hope he enjoyed the rest of his day.

I bought the Diamond Pass and was only planning to attend on Sunday but after hearing the horror stories from Friday about the queues and some missing photo shoots, I decided to come on Saturday to just pick up my pass. I could've got something signed but checked with a Pit Boss if I could get my item signed on Sunday and she said yes, so carried on. Sunday morning the talk was interesting, the shoot was great but yes had a long wait. I hated when they announced it being at the end of the day but that worked out great for mess I managed to get Christopher Lloyd's auto via a VQ ticket from when I arrived by chance as he was still signing. If the freddy shoot had been at another time, I would've missed this. Re: the cancelled signing: I went straight to the Diamond organisers when I found out he wasn't signing on Sunday and was told I could get a refund, autograph vouchers of a slightly higher value or hold onto my pass and get free entry to a future event Robert is at and also get his autograph then with the pass. I chose this as it's a nice incentive and good deal. I agree it's not ideal and at one point a crew member told me I could get my item signed after the talk with Robert Kurtzman but that seemed unlikely too. All crew I talked to were helpful and told me information as it was updated with the diamond booth also showing me the forum post by Jason on their phone. I chose to go to the next London comic con when Robert attends which costs me travel but without this incentive I may not have gone and I get no entry fee, so I appreciate it. I have other comments which I'll post elsewhere but with the signing I wish they had announced it earlier too but am happy with the alternative. I do feel for those who brought bigger items for him to sign and had to carry them all day.

I can understand your points Jason. On Sunday, in the last couple of hours someone came up to Dee Wallace and got her autograph then asked for a photo. When she said yes to a table photo, the gentleman asked if he could have a photo with her where the ET photoshoot was with the ET model. She looked a little uncomfortable (and to be honest did seem to be a bit tired by the end of Sunday) and she diverted the question to the Showmasters crew who was with her. The lady with her said she'd check then said the area for the photo was shared with the Game of Thrones shoot and so wasn't sure if it would be possible. The gentleman asked if she could check so she did. She returned to say it seemed ok as it was quiet and ET was still there. Dee seemed a bit incredulous as she obviously didn't want it to happen. She was at her desk signing autos and chatting away and someone asked to take her elsewhere for a photo. I understand completely the fan's desire to have a photo with the "Mum" and ET but this could've been a paid photoshoot. I was right behind this guy and then the crew member said to Dee and the gentleman "Yes the area's quiet and available we can do it if it's ok with you..." The gentleman looked at Dee and egged her on a bit. Dee looked very embarrassed and said to the crew member "Really? You're going to put this on me? I have to make the decision?" and she very obviously didn't want to do it. She couldn't say no and so agreed. Now, I'm behind this guy and have a few things to get signed. The crew member said "Dee you've got someone waiting so how about you sign this gentleman's stuff quickly then we'll head there". I felt slightly short changed because I was already being told it was going to be rushed because this guy ahead of me already got to whisk her away and I was on borrowed time. Dee was great and signed for me but did seem a little preoccupied and concerned that she'd have to leave the desk in a minute and go to the other area for this photoshoot. Also it was very obvious she didn't want to do it but didn't want to be the one saying no. When I saw her later after she got back from there she was with her staff having her head massaged, looking a little stressed. I'm pleased for the guy who got his photo, it must've been very cool to have that, but a little consideration from either him or the crew member would've saved her the embarrassment of the situation and she would not have to do something she obvious didn't want to. I guess the message is yep, respect the sign. If it's quiet you may be able to request to the contrary, but think twice before pulling someone away!