10. My Close Encounter with X-FILE stars Nick Lea, Mitch Pileggi & Buffy/Merlin star Anthony Head at LFCC 2012
After over 24 hours without any sleep, finally being comatose till Monday afternoon (and still feeling like an extra from ‘The Walking Dead’), here’s my account of my experience at the London Film and Comic Con that was held at the Olympia Grand Hall.
The alarm went off at 3am (though I had been awake since 12.30, after having tried to get an early night by going to bed at 9.30pm.) I actually felt wide-awake as I got ready and Pete and I left the house in our car at 4.15am. My friend Denise was waiting for us outside her house (and she had spent the previous day in Blackpool, only just getting home for 3.30am, so had no sleep at all!) Then we set off for Manchester, said goodbye to my husband, and caught the National Express coach to London at 5.45am!
We arrived at Victoria coach station at about 10.45am (and luckily during a short stop at a motorway café, we managed to tuck into a fried breakfast in the space of 10 mins!) The next point of call was Victoria Station where we caught the tube train to Earl’s Court. Our next train was every half hour and we almost got on the wrong one to Wembley as it was on the same line! So we would have ended up at the tennis games instead of the sci-fi con!
We arrived at the Olympia Grand Hall at about 12pm, so unfortunately I had missed my opportunity to have a photo shoot with Mitch Pileggi (which had been earlier that morning.) I wasn’t happy as I had paid in advance for this event, but at least I was allowed to swap it for an autograph voucher instead. Luckily there was no queue outside so we walked straight in and while Denise found the Ladies toilets,
The alarm went off at 3am (though I had been awake since 12.30, after having tried to get an early night by going to bed at 9.30pm.) I actually felt wide-awake as I got ready and Pete and I left the house in our car at 4.15am. My friend Denise was waiting for us outside her house (and she had spent the previous day in Blackpool, only just getting home for 3.30am, so had no sleep at all!) Then we set off for Manchester, said goodbye to my husband, and caught the National Express coach to London at 5.45am!
We arrived at Victoria coach station at about 10.45am (and luckily during a short stop at a motorway café, we managed to tuck into a fried breakfast in the space of 10 mins!) The next point of call was Victoria Station where we caught the tube train to Earl’s Court. Our next train was every half hour and we almost got on the wrong one to Wembley as it was on the same line! So we would have ended up at the tennis games instead of the sci-fi con!
We arrived at the Olympia Grand Hall at about 12pm, so unfortunately I had missed my opportunity to have a photo shoot with Mitch Pileggi (which had been earlier that morning.) I wasn’t happy as I had paid in advance for this event, but at least I was allowed to swap it for an autograph voucher instead. Luckily there was no queue outside so we walked straight in and while Denise found the Ladies toilets,
Then I met Darth Vader and had a picture taken with him!
Once I’d met up with my friend, I went to the Organisers Booth where I was able to get a paper voucher that allowed me to skip queues, because of my disability which prevented me from standing in lines for too long. I was asked how many actors I would be visiting, and I decided as well as both Mitch and Nick, I would also like to meet Anthony Head (Buffy/ Merlin.) I already had my ticket for the photo shoot with Nick Lea (which was due for 1.30pm – 2.00pm.) So I went over to the sales desk and bought a few more autograph vouchers, and a ticket for the X Files talk later that afternoon.
I discovered a free Talk was just about to commence on Stage 1 with executive producer Frank Spotnitz (X Files) and Australian actress Melissa George about their new series ‘Hunted’ made in the UK, created by Frank with producers behind hit UK series such as ‘Life On Mars’, ‘Ashes To Ashes’ and ‘Spooks’.
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After we were seated we were shown a lengthy never-before-seen clip from the pilot, while both Frank and Melissa sat close by. The premise is basically about Samantha, an espionage operative who works for a private intelligence agency. An attempt on her life is made and she realises that members of her own squad probably orchestrated it. Having recovered and back in active duty, she goes back to work undercover as a nanny, not knowing who tried to kill her or who to trust. I have to say I am in two minds about it, as even though it looked action packed and interesting, it is rather violent. But I’m willing to watch the full pilot when it airs in September on BBC 1.
After an amusing and insightful talk with the two, everyone was invited to stay afterwards for autographs, absolutely free. However I already had Frank’s after I’d met him at the X- Files – I Want To Believe premiere in London, so declined and instead went over to the area where the guests were situated at tables. My friend Denise had been a fan of Mitch Pileggi and so was excited to finally meet him in person. I noticed there were not many folk around and no major queuing was taking place for his table, or Nick’s, a few feet away. (I’m guessing the bulk of X File fans were there the day before when Gillian Anderson had been in the building?) Before approaching him, I was able to pick from a selection of photos, and say if I wanted it personalized, before handing it to him to be signed.
He was very relaxed and extremely amicable, even when Denise reminded him of a certain Blooper with David on the X Files desk in the basement! LOL! I casually suggested that Duchovny had to have instigated this little enactment, to which he grinned and said ‘oh absolutely!’ I then told him I had something to give him, and went on to explain all about how a certain group of fans at the House of David Duchovny website got together to raise money for UNICEF on David’s behalf. And how I had performed a gig, had it recorded and copied to a DVD disc, and been able to give him a copy when I met him in New York after his play. I was wearing the special tee shirt with a photo of Dave giving me a hug, combined with the ‘Break Of Noon’ logo from the book, which I showed Mitch who thought my design was really good!
He was very pleased to hear the site had raised over £2,000 along with my contribution of a few hundred from the gig I performed.) I also told him how I’d met David online in the past, to which he smiled seeming to accept this (yet another member of the X File family who had known his colleague had been communicating with fans in the past via his computer! LOL!) I then presented him with a copy of my DVD, which he thanked me for. Little did I know that Mitch’s first love was musical theatre and he can sing very well! I then explained to him how due to travel problems I had missed my chance to have my pre-paid professional photo shoot with him, and was there a chance he could do it later? He said he was so sorry but due to doing two stints yesterday and one this morning he wasn’t doing any more. So, I asked if it was possible to have a photo taken with him at the table? I then realised there was a sign on the wall saying no photos were allowed, and queried this with the member of staff who was with him. She was quite adamant about it and quite harsh, although she did finally allow me to take one photo of him.
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Mitch apologised and said he had been offering opportunities for fans to have photos with him the day before, whilst signing autographs, but was told off for this? I still can’t understand why he wasn’t allowed to pose for photos, when the website for this event had clearly mentioned it was up to the celebrity to decide? I was not happy with this member of staff at all, but smiled at Mitch and told him maybe next time, to which he gave me a warm smile and thanked me again for the DVD.
My next appointment was for the professional photo shoot with Nick Lea, which was due between 1.30 – 2.00pm. A small studio area had been set up and each person took their turn in going up to the actor of their choice for a very special photo. Thanks to the paper voucher I was able to skip the queue, after borrowing a chair while we waited for Nick to arrive. I walked over to where he was stood in front of a backdrop and slipped an arm around his waist, He smiled, said ‘Hi, how are you’, to which I replied ‘fine, thanks’ then added how much I liked him in the episode of ‘Once Upon A Time.’ He said, ‘Aw, thank you dear’ and then we posed for the photo. Afterwards I said I’d see him later for an autograph, and I got another grin. In fact I ended up getting far more than I bargained for with this guy, which made up for the let down with Mitch due to the unkind staff member, who wouldn’t let me have the photo taken!
My next appointment was for the professional photo shoot with Nick Lea, which was due between 1.30 – 2.00pm. A small studio area had been set up and each person took their turn in going up to the actor of their choice for a very special photo. Thanks to the paper voucher I was able to skip the queue, after borrowing a chair while we waited for Nick to arrive. I walked over to where he was stood in front of a backdrop and slipped an arm around his waist, He smiled, said ‘Hi, how are you’, to which I replied ‘fine, thanks’ then added how much I liked him in the episode of ‘Once Upon A Time.’ He said, ‘Aw, thank you dear’ and then we posed for the photo. Afterwards I said I’d see him later for an autograph, and I got another grin. In fact I ended up getting far more than I bargained for with this guy, which made up for the let down with Mitch due to the unkind staff member, who wouldn’t let me have the photo taken!
One guy who was standing by some Daleks was the spitting image of David Tennant (well perhaps apart from the nose!)
We then found one of the four little café areas in each corner of the building and had a sandwich.
At 2.20 The X File talk was due with both Mitch and Nick, back over on Stage 1 where we had first seen Frank and the star of his new show ‘Hunted’. Denise didn’t want to pay the £10.00 for this event so chose to wait for me, as it was only supposed to be half an hour. But it ended starting later due to another talk with other actors who were running over-time. Once again I showed my paper voucher to a member of staff who allowed me to skip the large queue that had formed, and who also lent me her chair. When it came to be seated, another staff member told me I could sit on the end of one of the Gold Card holder’s row. There were 3 rows at the front saved for fans that had paid a special and rather expensive fee covering all 3 days of the event! Whilst I waited a few people came in whom I recognised from the X File site where I had met Duchovny back in 2004. Due to jealousy rearing its ugly head I had lost touch with a few of these girls, who had chosen to dislike me due to the admin giving them a false impression of me. I am so pleased to say that after meeting Tasha at this event, she rewarded me with a hug! The other person who I wasn’t expecting was the admin herself, who sat with some friends right behind me. I knew after past experiences of her spiteful comments about me to other friends that under the circumstances it would be best to ignore her, and thankfully she did the same. I completely forgot her presence while Nick Lea and Mitch Pileggi were chatting to us, and when it came to asking questions I had a few for them. They weren’t X File related but since they had been talking about fighting (especially Nick who had been telling us how he got hit by David Duchovny so many times!) I thought it was appropriate. I asked Mitch how it had felt duking it out with Pat Duffy on the new ‘Dallas’? Then asked Nick if he was likely to get the opportunity to come back on ‘Once Upon A Time’? They went on to talk about both their roles in ‘Supernatural’ and how it had been great to reunite with their old X File crew: like working with family again! The discussions were interesting, revealing…and humorous, especially when after being asked if Krycek had been a baddie or misunderstood? Nick had replied he was misunderstood, VERY misunderstood and a survivor. To which Mitch added “…and he was an asshole!” The real revelation was discovering both were passionate about singing! Apparently Nick did get the chance to sing a song he wrote on the series ‘Men In Trees’, and Mitch’s ambition is to play musical characters such as Tevye in ‘Fiddler On The Roof’, Fagin in ‘Oliver’ and ‘Don Quixote’!
In the programme it clearly stated recording the Talks were not allowed, yet I saw several folks doing just that using their I-phones during the ‘Hunted’ event, and not one member of staff stopped them. This time I took a chance and managed to record this whole Q&A with Mitch and Nick on my I-pod. Check it out!
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR1a8moAUBI
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8gZhxF7mps
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEbVvSEPUfs
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_5CIFdmkM0
I met Denise (who had been waiting patiently for me outside the Stage 1 booth) and we headed back over to area where the guests were signing autographs. I noticed John Simm (Life on Mars / Mad Dogs) over at a table, along with fellow Dr Who stars Bernard Cribbins and Freema Agyeman. But I had firmly decided I wasn’t paying out money for any more autographs, and anyway I had already got John’s for free after seeing him perform on stage as Hamlet then meeting him outside the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 2010.
At 2.20 The X File talk was due with both Mitch and Nick, back over on Stage 1 where we had first seen Frank and the star of his new show ‘Hunted’. Denise didn’t want to pay the £10.00 for this event so chose to wait for me, as it was only supposed to be half an hour. But it ended starting later due to another talk with other actors who were running over-time. Once again I showed my paper voucher to a member of staff who allowed me to skip the large queue that had formed, and who also lent me her chair. When it came to be seated, another staff member told me I could sit on the end of one of the Gold Card holder’s row. There were 3 rows at the front saved for fans that had paid a special and rather expensive fee covering all 3 days of the event! Whilst I waited a few people came in whom I recognised from the X File site where I had met Duchovny back in 2004. Due to jealousy rearing its ugly head I had lost touch with a few of these girls, who had chosen to dislike me due to the admin giving them a false impression of me. I am so pleased to say that after meeting Tasha at this event, she rewarded me with a hug! The other person who I wasn’t expecting was the admin herself, who sat with some friends right behind me. I knew after past experiences of her spiteful comments about me to other friends that under the circumstances it would be best to ignore her, and thankfully she did the same. I completely forgot her presence while Nick Lea and Mitch Pileggi were chatting to us, and when it came to asking questions I had a few for them. They weren’t X File related but since they had been talking about fighting (especially Nick who had been telling us how he got hit by David Duchovny so many times!) I thought it was appropriate. I asked Mitch how it had felt duking it out with Pat Duffy on the new ‘Dallas’? Then asked Nick if he was likely to get the opportunity to come back on ‘Once Upon A Time’? They went on to talk about both their roles in ‘Supernatural’ and how it had been great to reunite with their old X File crew: like working with family again! The discussions were interesting, revealing…and humorous, especially when after being asked if Krycek had been a baddie or misunderstood? Nick had replied he was misunderstood, VERY misunderstood and a survivor. To which Mitch added “…and he was an asshole!” The real revelation was discovering both were passionate about singing! Apparently Nick did get the chance to sing a song he wrote on the series ‘Men In Trees’, and Mitch’s ambition is to play musical characters such as Tevye in ‘Fiddler On The Roof’, Fagin in ‘Oliver’ and ‘Don Quixote’!
In the programme it clearly stated recording the Talks were not allowed, yet I saw several folks doing just that using their I-phones during the ‘Hunted’ event, and not one member of staff stopped them. This time I took a chance and managed to record this whole Q&A with Mitch and Nick on my I-pod. Check it out!
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR1a8moAUBI
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8gZhxF7mps
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEbVvSEPUfs
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_5CIFdmkM0
I met Denise (who had been waiting patiently for me outside the Stage 1 booth) and we headed back over to area where the guests were signing autographs. I noticed John Simm (Life on Mars / Mad Dogs) over at a table, along with fellow Dr Who stars Bernard Cribbins and Freema Agyeman. But I had firmly decided I wasn’t paying out money for any more autographs, and anyway I had already got John’s for free after seeing him perform on stage as Hamlet then meeting him outside the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 2010.
I also realised Nick Lea had returned to his table, and there was no one lined up, so I went over to him, having first chosen a photo from his repertoire. It was a picture I hadn’t seen before, and after giving me a huge grin and saying ‘hello again’ he told me it was from a movie he’d made called ‘Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye’, which I had to admit was one I hadn’t seen. He smiled and signed my photo personally adding ‘All The Best!
After pointing out my tee-shirt, (to which he’d said, ‘oh, that’s you and David!’) I went on to explain to Nick how I’d met him in New York, how we’d chatted online in the past (to which I received a smile), the HODD website raising money for UNICEF and my gig. Then I handed him a copy of my DVD, which he thanked me for very much. |
I asked if it was okay to take a picture of him, and was very surprised when the lady member of staff suggested we both be in it! I had thought that due to the way Mitch’s assistant had turned me down, that this applied to all the actors present? But this was not the case, and Nick was very happy to lean across the desk and pose for another photo with me while I jokingly said how I’d had to pay for one picture…and NOW I get a free one? LOL!
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In the X Files talk he’d spoken about how sadly, good TV shows were few and far between these days. I told him how I felt the same way, and it had been a while since X Files before I’d found a show again that I thought had real potential, and was glad he’d been a guest on it. We talked about his appearance in ‘Once Upon A Time’ again and I told him I really hoped he’d get the chance to return, as he’d said he might get the opportunity in season two. He thanked me again, we said goodbye, and I left feeling so pleased to have met this lovely and very gracious man.
I had my one autograph voucher left so while Denise waited I went over to meet Anthony Head, known for his role as Giles in ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ and more recently as Uther Pendragon in ‘Merlin’. The queue at his table was very long and I noticed had remained so throughout the day. But thanks to my trusty paper voucher, the lady member of staff at his table allowed me to skip the line. I picked a photo of him from ‘Merlin’ and went over to pleasantly discover he was yet another warm and gracious actor.
I told him I’d got his CD ‘Music For Elevators’ and how my favourite episode of Buffy had been the musical one. He smiled coyly and asked if I liked his CD? To which I said, yes very much and how I thought he had a lovely voice. He mentioned a single he had made and gave me the website address so I could download it, the proceeds of which (79p) would go to the children’s charity Barnardos.
I got out my camera and the staff member looking after him asked me if I’d like a photo with him? When I said yes, Anthony told her to wait a moment, came out from behind his table, put his arm around me, and leaned his head against mine. I thought that was such a sweet gesture and did the same. Afterwards I thanked him very much and said I’d be sure to listen to his single when I got home.
Feeling rather elated after having photos taken once more with Nick Lea and then one with Anthony Head, I decided I was going to approach Mitch Pileggi’s table once again. Only I noticed there were several people around him, so suggested to Denise that we first we go look at the TV and movie merchandise on various stalls up and down the hall. During our perusal we met up with more lively characters. We saw Alien walk by, and had a conversation with a zombie holding his arm that had been torn off! I also had my photo taken with more lively movie & TV characters!
Who you gonna call?
I must say I was quite impressed with many of the fans’ colourful costumes. I also thought they came across as very decent and sensible people. In the past I had thought this not to be the case with certain sci-fi fans, which I’d just found way too weird to approach.
I spoke with another member of staff about my unfortunate incident and how I’d not been there on time to get a professional photo taken with the X Files actor, Mitch Pileggi. I explained how the member of staff with him had told me I couldn’t have a photo taken at his table. So she suggested I try again closer to the end of the convention, when there wouldn’t be so many people around, and wished me luck. So, I waited and when I walked over to Mitch’s table there was not another fan in sight. I really thought that this time I would get my chance? I even told her that another staff member had suggested Nick posed with me for a photo but once again this staff member refused, explaining that some guests chose not to do this. However during my first meeting with him, Mitch had said to me he’d been told off for posing with fans at his table, so I knew she was lying but what could I do? What I did do was apologise to Mitch, who kindly winked at me and smiled, then I walked away. Denise agreed with me that I had been treated very unfairly, especially after missing my photo opportunity due to circumstances beyond my control. But at least I’d had a professional one taken with Nick, as well as an unexpected snapshot taken by a staff member with my own camera. And even got one taken with Anthony Head, which had been a lovely surprise, as I couldn’t afford another professional photo shoot!
I spoke with another member of staff about my unfortunate incident and how I’d not been there on time to get a professional photo taken with the X Files actor, Mitch Pileggi. I explained how the member of staff with him had told me I couldn’t have a photo taken at his table. So she suggested I try again closer to the end of the convention, when there wouldn’t be so many people around, and wished me luck. So, I waited and when I walked over to Mitch’s table there was not another fan in sight. I really thought that this time I would get my chance? I even told her that another staff member had suggested Nick posed with me for a photo but once again this staff member refused, explaining that some guests chose not to do this. However during my first meeting with him, Mitch had said to me he’d been told off for posing with fans at his table, so I knew she was lying but what could I do? What I did do was apologise to Mitch, who kindly winked at me and smiled, then I walked away. Denise agreed with me that I had been treated very unfairly, especially after missing my photo opportunity due to circumstances beyond my control. But at least I’d had a professional one taken with Nick, as well as an unexpected snapshot taken by a staff member with my own camera. And even got one taken with Anthony Head, which had been a lovely surprise, as I couldn’t afford another professional photo shoot!
Then Denise and I managed to catch the tube almost straight away. It was absolutely packed full of folk from the convention, but a very kind young man gave up his seat for me during the ride back to Earl’s Court. We got the next train back to Victoria and spent a while looking for a decently priced café, where we had a very nice evening meal – and I treated myself to strawberries and cream on a hot waffle for desert.
The tiredness was now descending upon me and my frazzled brain couldn’t remember where the coach station was, and neither could Denise! But after walking around and asking folk we finally found it. Due to it being a special offer with National Express we couldn’t leave until 9.30pm, so waited in the bay for about 2 hours. By now we were completely exhausted yet still didn’t manage to doze very well on the coach during our return to Manchester. At midnight we stopped for a short break and had a cup of tea to try and clear our heads, then arrived at our destination at 1.45am on Monday morning. Pete had texted us to say he’d be there, and sure enough he was waiting to take us home as soon as we alighted from the coach, which I was very grateful for. After an hour’s drive, and dropping off Denise at her place, I finally fell into bed around 3am, and didn’t wake up until sometime in the afternoon. It had been one long and exhausting day, but an experience was well worth it in the end!
The tiredness was now descending upon me and my frazzled brain couldn’t remember where the coach station was, and neither could Denise! But after walking around and asking folk we finally found it. Due to it being a special offer with National Express we couldn’t leave until 9.30pm, so waited in the bay for about 2 hours. By now we were completely exhausted yet still didn’t manage to doze very well on the coach during our return to Manchester. At midnight we stopped for a short break and had a cup of tea to try and clear our heads, then arrived at our destination at 1.45am on Monday morning. Pete had texted us to say he’d be there, and sure enough he was waiting to take us home as soon as we alighted from the coach, which I was very grateful for. After an hour’s drive, and dropping off Denise at her place, I finally fell into bed around 3am, and didn’t wake up until sometime in the afternoon. It had been one long and exhausting day, but an experience was well worth it in the end!