HPaddicted

I have to admit, I'm quite relieved. I couldn't afford to go to Northampton and I really didn't want to miss out!

Ahh I would do anything to meet Dom and Elijah! They look SO friendly

I'm excited! I haven't bought my tickets yet but should be finally buying them when I get paid next week! I wonder how many people are going? Does anyone know a rough estimate?

These pics reaffirm how much I want Elijah, Billy & Dom at the con! They all looks so friendly though :)

I'm not entirely sure - I don't know what he meant by seeing 3D bilbo. I didn't think so, but a lot of big films are being made in 3D these days. I kind of hope not, especially for part 1. I think that Peter Jacksons directing is of such a high standard and the story is captivating enough without additional effects IMO.

Hey! I thought we could create a thread to talk about Ian McKellen's blog and what he writes about (in particular the Hobbit) CLICK HERE for a direct link to the blog. Here is the latest Hobbit related one. I've seen Bilbo — in three dimensions. I was visiting old friends in the Stone Street offices and heard Martin Freeman was just round the corner by the permanent greenscreen, done up as Bilbo, testing his costume in front of the 3D cameras. Indeed, there he was in the open air, mostly oblivious to the camera, though turning this way and that as required. Martin improvised a hobbity gait, padding back and forth, testing his big hairy Hobbit feet, pointy ears and little tum. Beneath the shade of a tent, in a sun hat, Andrew Lesnie was remotely controlling the two lenses within the mighty camera which digitally records in 3D. His screen showed the familiar 2D image but next to it, above the director's chair, was a large colour screen in full magical three dimensions, much as it will appear in the cinema — courtesy of the spy-glasses that transform the blurred outlines onscreen to the high definition exactitude of the 3D effect. Three Bilbos simultaneously, two performances on screen and the actor beyond: which was the real one? Martin Freeman was transmuting into a character whose reality will soon be as authentic as his own. — Ian McKellen, Wellington, March 2011 It's exciting to know that things are progressing fast! I love the fact that Ian is getting very involved with the project and watching all of the 3D stuff (and reporting back to us!). Do you want The Hobbit to be in 3D or do you think that will ruin the overall effect of the film?

Does this mean tickets aren't selling too well then? Because I really, really don't want the event to be cancelled Saying that, i'm definitley on board to help!

Ian McKellen arrived FIVE WEEKS EARLY to the set of the Hobbit. No'one told him that the schedule was delayed due to Peter Jackson's operation. He doesn't seem to happy and I wouldn't be either if I had flown all the way to New Zealand! He blogged about it: “A wizard is never late: but I hadn't intended last Thursday to arrive in Wellington for The Hobbit filming, five weeks early. Filming was to start at the end of February 2011. I curtailed a holiday in India to make sure I would be on time. Then, while I was away, Peter Jackson had his stomach operation. The insurance company has insisted on five weeks recuperation. Which is why, yet again, I’m here early.â€

Yeah, i'm not too sure he looks up to reprising his role. It was quite sad to see him looking that frail. I know age is on his side, but it's still sad! I reckon he'll reprise his role though:)

Congratulations on him winning the Fellowship award at the BAFTAS. They showed many clips of LOTR in the montage. A well deserved award and very funny and moving speech!

Thanks for both of them links. I watched the press conference the other day. The cast seem to have great chemistry already!

THIS would be awesome!!

Hey! I haven't booked yet but I should be next month when i've saved up enough for a silver ticket. My sister and I should be going and getting silver tickets. I've been to the twilight convention and a vampire diaries one but this is definitley the one i'm most excited about to date!

SO happy Ian McKellen has been confirmed. I love the statement he made. (I wish Ian realised how much I detest Michael Gambon as Dumbledore..). The film wouldn't have been very enjoyable without Ian as Gandalf, he is Gandalf to me. Very please though

Haha clearly crossing my fingers worked!

According to news reports, andy serkis has signed on. Now all we need is ian! Ian is the major one. Finers crossed!

Elijah, Dom and Billy would be my absolute DREAM guests. They'd be down to earth, funny and they seem to really play off of eachothers humour

ANY of the fellowship would be amazing. Particularly the hobbits as Elijah, Sean, Billy and Dom have brilliant chemistry together, and i'm sure they're up for a reunion :)

I get paid next friday, looks like my money will be going on a ticket

brilliant! I have literally never been so excited for a con before :)

I think the hobbits would be the most exciting to meet. Particularly Eljiah! And I'm sure they wouldn't mind a reunion either! Actually, that's the great thing about this convention.. anyone will be a great guest!

it proves you really do listen to our suggestions. I'm SO EXCITED

I don't think SM look at this forum

Oh and a quick suggestion in relation to this, you could possibly add the cast of the hobbit to this con :)

just trying to keep this thread alive for as long as poss so that it stays fresh in show masters minds. Do they even look at this thread?