Serenity Convention, Thistle Heathrow

POSTED BY: Phoebe
UPDATED: Thursday, March 24, 2005 10:13
VIEWED: 71453
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PHOEBE

Sunday, September 12, 2004 1:34 PM

First off, I apologise if I shouldn't create this thread or if its in the wrong place! I'm still getting used to fff.net, so bare with me

Anyway. There's a convention in the Thistle Hotel, Heathrow, London, England. April 29th to May 1st. Its a Starfury ( http://www.starfury.co.uk/) convention and the page is here ( http://www.seanharry.com/serenity/index.htm). The only confirmed guest so far is Morena Baccarin, however having spoken to Sean Harry (the organiser) via phone, he believes that the full cast is going to be there. I'm just praying for Summer, Jewel, Nathan (who incidentally, I met last year at the Starfury Fusion convention) and Sean.

My tickets are already booked. So, my question... anyone else planning on joining me there?! Come on folks, you know you can't resist heading there..

Current Announced Guests:

Morena Baccarin
Alan Tudyk
Jewel Staite
Summer Glau
Nathan Fillion

EMBERS

Sunday, September 12, 2004 1:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Phoebe:
So, my question... anyone else planning on joining me there?!

Don't worry Phoebe, I already have my convention tickets paid for,
I think a lot of browncoats will be going!

I haven't heard back from the hotel yet though, does anyone know if they are taking reservations yet?

See you in April!
(personally my fingers are crossed that I'll get to meet Adam Baldwin)

PHOEBE

Sunday, September 12, 2004 1:52 PM

The Thistle, if that's the hotel you meant, are taking reservations. I actually called up the hotel the day before I called Starfury. Apparently you can get a small discount if you're at the convention. I'm going with a friend, sharing a roomand its £35 per night when dividing the room cost between us. I've already got a receipt thing (not sure what exactly they call it LOL) from the hotel. Just waiting to hear back from Starfury, though from my experience with Fusion last year, it might not be soon.

Nice to know you're going!

DEBBIEBUK1

Sunday, September 12, 2004 2:50 PM

Tickets and rooms booked (there's 5 of us so it gets expensive) - apparently parking is no problem, so we don't have to carry any costume stuff on the underground, for which I'm bvery grateful. I'm so looking forward to it.

MAJORFAILURE

Sunday, September 12, 2004 3:00 PM

This could well be feasible. What's the cost?

SHINAAIN

Sunday, September 12, 2004 3:08 PM

*quivering with excitement* I hadn't heard anything about this at all!! My friends and I were originally planning to attend the premiere in LA the week before, but I think I would rather combine the trip I've always wanted to take to England with some Firefly-lovin'!!! I think, of course, whether or not I could convince my friends to go with me would be dependent on the attendance of the majority of the cast. (And, possibly, JOSS???? Could that be too much to hope for??? Is that too greedy???)

*wheels turning, brain working feverishly*

"And so on."

NEDWARD

Sunday, September 12, 2004 3:16 PM

Yep, score another UK browncoat for this. It's going to be wacky fun!

WREN

Sunday, September 12, 2004 3:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by majorfailure:
This could well be feasible. What's the cost?

Tickets are £70, under 14's are £30 and under 7's go free.

Hotel rooms are available for £59:50 B&B per night for a single room and £77 B&B per night for a twin or a double room. There is a charge of £5 per day for parking. When I called the hotel in August there were no family rooms available.

At the con photos are usually £10 for a picture with 1 guest, it increases for guest groups (at Fusion Nathan, Summer and Jewel together cost £25)

You get one item autographed for free, then you can purchase photos and get them signed. The photos usually cost £10. I think you can get a total of 4 autographs per guest.

The cons are a lot of fun and are a great way to meet fellow fans.

MAJORFAILURE

Sunday, September 12, 2004 3:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Wren:
Quote:
Originally posted by majorfailure:
This could well be feasible. What's the cost?

Tickets are £70, under 14's are £30 and under 7's go free.

Hotel rooms are available for £59:50 B&B per night for a single room and £77 B&B per night for a twin or a double room. There is a charge of £5 per day for parking. When I called the hotel in August there were no family rooms available.

At the con photos are usually £10 for a picture with 1 guest, it increases for guest groups (at Fusion Nathan, Summer and Jewel together cost £25)

You get one item autographed for free, then you can purchase photos and get them signed. The photos usually cost £10. I think you can get a total of 4 autographs per guest.

The cons are a lot of fun and are a great way to meet fellow fans.

Thanks for the speedy information there...
Gorramit... wish I wasn't penniless. I live in London, which is a plus, but... £70? I'd have to eat sand for two weeks.... possibly worth it.

PHOEBE

Sunday, September 12, 2004 4:50 PM

If it helps any, I actually paid £69 for my tickets... that's one less pound to save LOL.

We really need to have some kind of gathering from this board, you know... a massive "meet'n'greet"

MAJORFAILURE

Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:08 PM

I think that would be a very fine idea....
I'm sure there'll be a thread somewhere for the purpose of assembling uk browncoats. I've only known of this board about a week, and only known of firefly about three weeks, but the sense of community is frankly awesome. Hell, even the cast of the show seem to be in on it. This is a nice bunch of folk we got here :)

MIREILLE

Monday, September 13, 2004 9:00 AM

Definitely be there. I've already booked my ticket and the accommodation.

It will be avery Shiny Shindig!!

Specially if we can get our American and otherwise Browncoat friends to come along! :-)

STEWIEGRIFFIN

Monday, September 13, 2004 8:58 PM

I'll be there too! I have my ticket, and just need to sort out the room. April can't come soon enough!

TRASK43

Monday, September 13, 2004 9:52 PM

Dont have my ticket yet but Im hoping to get it soon as long as it doesn't sell out.

www.summer-glau.com

PHOEBE

Thursday, September 16, 2004 8:35 AM

I doubt they'll sell out until every guest is announced. The previous convention I went to (Fusion) didn't sell out until after every guest was announced, pretty much...

IDEFIX

Thursday, September 16, 2004 9:21 AM

does anyone know how many tickets there will be for this convention?
I have no idea how big this Starfury events usually are.
some hundred or some thousand?

and do we know yet if the movie is gonna be out in the UK at 29.4.? it's a bit weird to have a convention and no one has seen thew movie yet, right? except for downloads of some bad cams of course. it's a whole big spoiler problem if some have seen the movie and some don't, right?

in other words I think about maybe coming too, but I'd have to fly over and get a room and all in all it's gonna cost me a bunch of money. and I'm really not sura about anything. if I at least could see the movie in a theatre in the UK at the same time that would motivate me somehow. I'm not sure yet it's gonna be shown in germany at all and if it is it's gonna be dubbed and I really hate that.

Idefix

WREN

Thursday, September 16, 2004 10:54 AM

It is going to be a 'small' con, so tickets should be in the hundreds - I would think 600-800 tickets will be offered.

No one knows when the movie will be premiered in the UK. They will try to premier in as many places as possible, but there is no guarantee.

The convention is for 'Firefly' fans so it won't matter if you haven't seen the movie. I think it is called Serenity more in honour of the ship, than in relation to the film.

IDEFIX

Thursday, September 16, 2004 11:52 AM

don't you think the most questions will be about the film?
and if the film's not released in the UK when the convention takes place none of the questions will be answered because that's spoilers and Joss hates those.
so if you have seen the film you will want to talk about it but since you shouldn't have seen the film no one will talk about it with you.
it think that's gonna be awkward. I wouln't know if I'd want to see the film in advance so that I don't get spoiled if someone talks about it or if I don't want to watch it before becaue it would be frustrating to have interesting questions about the film or just comments or praise or whatever and no be allowed to talk about it becaue it would spoil everyone else.

just my thoughts.

thanks about the ticket estimate by the way. small sounds nice but unfortunately also like you have to decide now if you want to go because it will sell out fast.

I just don't want to decide as long as I don't know the UK release date. I don't want to fly to the UK twice because of Serenity and I really want to see it on a big screen in english. I'm not so sure about wanting to attend a convention.

Idefix

REANNAREMICK

Thursday, September 16, 2004 12:47 PM

There is a possibility I will be hopping a plane and coming. I'm actually a US Browncoat, but I haven't been to England since April of 03 and I'd really love to go back, and a Serenity convention seems the perfect reason. Anyway, not set in stone, but I hope to join you all there!

"When you can't run anymore you crawl and when you can't do that you find someone to carry you."

RUTHIE

Thursday, September 16, 2004 1:21 PM

Another UK Browncoat already booked and looking forward to the con (my first ever, a a very grown-up age :P)

Shiny, shiny rumour about the whole cast coming - just hope it's true!

A previous rumour was that, even in Serenity hadn't opened properly here in the UK, a special screening may be arranged as part of the con. Only a rumour, but it would make sense, and avoid the spoiler worry.

*******************
Ruthie
*******************
By the data to date, there is only one animal in the Galaxy dangerous to man - man himself. So he must supply his own indispensable competition. He has no enemy to help him. (R.A.Heinlein)

IDEFIX

Thursday, September 16, 2004 2:34 PM

that would of course be beyond cool.

if we only knew I'd feel a lot better.

Idefix

GEORDIESTEVE2003

Thursday, September 16, 2004 9:32 PM

I'm all booked up too. I will also be at the White Room convention in about six weeks in London. Earlier this year I met Nathan, Summer and Jewel, and at this coming convention is Summer again who is very very very lovely, and our very own Tracy, Jonathan M Woodward, one of the hat-tricks from Joss universe, plus some Angel guests, so its gonna be wicked fun.

Maybe see some of you there.

And dont forget to read my fanfic, plug plug!!! (Dire Straits in General Fan Fic bit)

Steve

HEB

Friday, September 17, 2004 7:59 AM

http://www.seanharry.com/serenity/index.htm

Check out the new guest announcement.

Very shiny in my opinion!

...................
Well, my sister's a ship... we had a
complicated childhood
.................
I wear the cheese. It does not wear me.

LILITH

Friday, September 17, 2004 9:45 AM

I'll be there too at Serenity.. another UK Browncoat

And YAY! to the new guest announcement which I read this morning... if you haven't seen,

Alan Tudyk is coming to Serenity!

See you all there...

Nic xx

GEORDIESTEVE2003

Friday, September 17, 2004 9:28 PM

I reckon he will assemble most, if not all of the cast. Its gonna be amazing!!!!!!

LILITH

Friday, September 17, 2004 9:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by geordiesteve2003:
I reckon he will assemble most, if not all of the cast. Its gonna be amazing!!!!!!

Well, I was reading a rumour somewhere else that he had indeed got the whole cast coming over, but I don't know if that's for real. I mean, that's gotta be costly!

I'm just so excited, any cast member is a bonus shiny treat!

nic xx

PHOEBE

Saturday, September 18, 2004 12:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lilith:
Quote:
Originally posted by geordiesteve2003:
I reckon he will assemble most, if not all of the cast. Its gonna be amazing!!!!!!

Well, I was reading a rumour somewhere else that he had indeed got the whole cast coming over, but I don't know if that's for real. I mean, that's gotta be costly!

I'm just so excited, any cast member is a bonus shiny treat!

nic xx

That's what Sean Harry said he was hoping to do, the cast have all expressed interest because its around the time of the movie's release. That's what was said when I spoke to him on the phone... an indication that the film's UK release date is April also? Or just the world premiere? The theory of having a private screening at the convention, though... shiny!

STEWIEGRIFFIN

Saturday, September 18, 2004 6:50 PM

Its just getting better and better......!!

INARA

Friday, September 24, 2004 10:24 AM

Sweet! I must go book my tickets asap

EVILTOBZ

Friday, September 24, 2004 11:20 AM

i was kinda interested in this when it was announced, but didn't get tickets due to the combination of no announced guests and the fact that i'd be going on my own, but... morena and jewel... that's giving me issues. methinks i might be booking a ticket soonish.

/has very dirty daydreams

---------------------------------------------
eviltobz - that's lowercase gorram it!

OUTSIDER

Sunday, September 26, 2004 4:27 PM

Jewel is going too?! So hang on, so far it's Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin AND Jewel Staite?

Damn... I may have to get some tickets for this after all. There's still some left, right?

------------------------------------------
"Shouldn't you be off bringing religiosity to the fuzzy-wuzzies or some such?"

DOUBLESHINY

Monday, September 27, 2004 10:49 AM

There are still tickets left, but now the guests are being slowly announced I doubt they'll last too long. Has there been any word on the cocktail party yet?

Curse your sudden, but inevitable, betrayal!

www.alantudyk.net

OUTSIDER

Sunday, October 10, 2004 10:05 AM

Looks liek the mission to sign up the entire cast is progressing nicely - according to the website, now Summer is due to appear also.

Should be a mighty fine shindig!

-------------------------

"Shouldn't you be off bringing religiosity to the fuzzy-wuzzies or some such?"

GEORDIESTEVE2003

Sunday, October 10, 2004 10:15 PM

Really really cant wait for this, I do wonder if the entire cast will be there, but only 3 weeks now till we see Summer and JM Woodward, so can try and get a few hints about the BDM!!!

IAMZOE

Friday, October 29, 2004 10:44 AM

I just found this website
Just finished watching Firefly
Really want to go to the convention
But know almost nothing...
I've never been to anything like this before -
what are they like? Friendly?
How soon do you think it will sell out?
Is it worth the money?
I hope so!

MALADJUSTED

Thursday, November 4, 2004 11:19 PM

According to Sean Harry of Starfury, Nathan Fillion will be joining Jewel, Alan, Summer and Morena for the Serenity Convention. Five down, four to go! Ticket numbers are fairly small, so don't wait too long.

GRIMMA

Friday, November 5, 2004 8:25 AM

Oh, and Sean said he was trying to get Universal to have a copy of the movie to show at the convention, as a premiere. This way, even if the movie hasn't been released yet in the UK, we'll have stuff to talk about at the con :-)

OUTSIDER

Monday, November 8, 2004 12:17 PM

Even though it's not up on the website yet, the latest SFX Special has an ad in the back which clearly advertises Nathan Fillion as being one of the guests for the event.

---------------------------

"Shouldn't you be off bringing religiosity to the fuzzy-wuzzies or some such?"

SLAYERFEST

Monday, November 8, 2004 4:24 PM

Sean Harry has already announced Nathan Fillion will be a guest at Starfury Serenity. He announced it at the White Room and via his Yahoo group.

Andy

DOUBLESHINY

Monday, November 8, 2004 5:02 PM

I'm so excited about this, I really can't wait.

BTW what's all this talk about people going on their own? We'll all be there!

You're never on your own when you're a browncoat, isn't that right?

Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!

www.alantudyk.net

ROBYN12

Wednesday, November 10, 2004 1:59 PM

I concur with the last speaker before me, Browncoats are never alone. On that note I'm going to Starfury Serenity and will be accomopanied by three, if not five other Dutch browncoats. I do have to say though, there are a lot of threads about this con, spread all over the place.
I also know that Serenity (The Film) will have ti's Dutch premiere on May5th 2005 and it's french premiere around that time too. Still waiting for word from UIP for the British opening date.

Robyn.

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Sunday, November 28, 2004 8:48 PM

Now that we're facing a *DELAY* in the BDM premiere, the daughter and I are considering the possibility of flying to Jolly Old Heathrow for this Starfury convention. Can anyone tell me...

1) Must we call England for tickets, or is there a stateside way to go about it?

2) Eek - is it sold out?

3) What are Starfury conventions like? The website lists the featured guests and reservation info, but I don't see a schedule of events

Any British Browncoats wanna clue us in?
We would so appreciate it!

SIMONWHO

Sunday, November 28, 2004 10:20 PM

Okay, here's what help I can offer:

1) I got my tickets by sending a cheque to the guy by post, so you could do the same (I doubt he'd have any problem with sending the tickets internationally, there's only about 50p difference in price for postage.)

2) I spoke to the guy a few days ago and it certainly didn't sound close to being sold out. But then again I know lots of people have bought tickets so it won't be empty/cancelled either.

3) Starfury conventions are very, very experienced in organising such events. I have no idea what they have lined up for this one but they do have a good reputation, try having a look around the web for reviews of other conventions they have organised.

Plus of course, even if you hate the convention and walk away vowing to picket against the movie when it comes out, you would get to see England with your daughter. I would recommend not spending the entire trip in Heathrow though, there's a reason why it's only one letter away from Deathrow.

Hope that's at least slightly helpful.

SLAYERFEST

Sunday, November 28, 2004 10:31 PM

The Starfury event will be a lot like Sean's previous conventions. It will start with registration on the Friday afternoon and there will be an opening ceremony at which as many of the guests as possible will appear to say hi to the crowd. There will then be a meet and greet party for the first 170 people to have purchased tickets. The rest of the Friday night will be a party (usually themed somehow).

Saturday will probably start with a photo session with a set number of guests and there will most likely be talks on stage and screening of episodes interspersed. The people in the photo session will usually swap places at some point.

The talks will go on almost all day. The Main Hall will close to prepare for the evening party and fancy dress competetition and re-open around 7:30pm.

The actors will probably sign autos from 4:30pm - 7pm. The fancy dress competition is judged by the guests and is followed by another party with a different theme. The parties usually go on until around 3am.

Sunday will follow a similar pattern to Saturday and will end with the closing ceremony and final party again ending around 3am.

Sean Harry is one of the biggest convention organisers in the UK and is very well regarded by attendees who have been enjoying his various events for many years. I would recommend this event totally as the guests have proved time and time again how much they enjoy partying with the fans.

The only problem will be that cameras will be barred from the Main Hall in the evenings at the parties to allow the actors to feel they can relax without having a flash pushed in their face at every opportunity.

Summer and Nathan LOVE attending Sean's conventions having appeared at two and have spoken to other cast members about it and I think that everyone is excited about appearing (Jewel and Morena have also attended one of Sean's events each).

Book now while there is still time and tickets...

Andy

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Monday, November 29, 2004 12:08 AM

Many Thanks --Andy, Not-Simon - to BOTH of you :)

You're a big help.

So, I should contact the organizer himself - by email if I cannot manage the international phone codes? The activities sound lovely. Fancy dress party included. You do realize, of course, that we yanks rarely 'dress up' unless its a funeral or a wedding, so you'll have to let me know if this is fancy COSTUME or fancy FORMAL clothes?

My daughter and I have been to England on one prior occasion, and she's anxious to return ("and meet cute British browncoat guys!") Sigh.

The husband has overheard our scheming...he seems resigned to our blowing the money on this trip...hmmm, IT --MIGHT -- BE -- POSSIBLE!!

Wouldn't be lovely if I could get some more of my U.S. browncoat buddies to join us?

SLAYERFEST

Monday, November 29, 2004 12:32 AM

To be honest Sean is not always readily available by email as he gets hundreds of emails daily I am guessing. It is always better for you to speak to him by phone if you can. I know it has sometimes taken ages to get a reply by email from him if it arrives at all!

The "fancy dress" is a costume parade for our friends from overseas! The dressing up in character is not compulsory but for many people it adds to the fun of the event and each of the three parties will have a costume theme which you can follow if you wish but there is no obligation. Many just dress as they normally would regardless of the themes. There is no pressure to join in with this!

Any more questions fire away.

Andy

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Monday, November 29, 2004 1:46 AM

Drat! This Sean Harry fellow doesn't have an email contact, does he?

SLAYERFEST

Monday, November 29, 2004 10:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by firefloozysuzie:
Drat! This Sean Harry fellow doesn't have an email contact, does he?

He does have an email address it is seanharry@aol.com but as I mentioned above he is VERY busy and is unlikely to replt to general enquiries, you are better calling him by phone. That is my advice.

Andy

IAMZOE

Monday, November 29, 2004 10:31 AM

I just got my ticket today! I am so excited. I've never been to anything like this before...

HILARYJANEUK

Monday, November 29, 2004 10:20 PM

I second what Andy has said. It is far better to contact Sean by phone and book your ticket. Just remember the time difference - Sean usually takes bookings from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm UK time.

As far as costumes, again as Andy has pointed out, some people do dress up in the evenings depending on what themes are announced on the website, although many of us do not dress up (except for the meet and greet).

As someone who has worked for Starfury for a while now, my totally unbiased (!!) opinion is that they are the most fun conventions, and I am sure you will both have a great time.

DOUBLESHINY

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 11:37 AM

I got my ticket on my birthday last week, along with my cocktail party invitation. I am quite abnormally excited.

Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!

www.alantudyk.net

London Shindig This Saturday! PM me for details

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 2:02 PM

GRRR! Wish these Starfury types would make it easier to buy tickets from U.S. But at last! AFter a morning of struggle, many calls to phone company wondering why international dialing not working:

I HAVE TICKETS!!!

And get this folks: He said they've sold around 600 tickets already, so if you want to go, better get moving on it.

**EXCITED but terrified! No refunds! Must book flight! Probably need Rail Passes! Probably need a second mortgage on the family home! EEEEEEEK**

MARYA

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 3:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DoubleShiny:
I got my ticket on my birthday last week, along with my cocktail party invitation. I am quite abnormally excited.

I received my ticket two weeks and still go bouncing off the walls occasionally. It is a bit weird how excited I am about this. Never even been to a con before, never really felt tempted to go and now I am as excited as when I still believed in Sinterklaas and was waiting until I could unpack my presents. AND I am going to the meet-and-greet!

Quote:
London Shindig This Saturday! PM me for details

I really wanted to come over and combine it with some shopping and seeing old friends but I won't be able to make it. A bit too optimistic when it came to available funding. What with Sinterklaas, Christmas and a BIG holiday coming up, I simply can's spare the cash. I was really hoping I could make it.

PHOEBE

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 7:44 PM

I'm mad I sent off for the tickets the WEEK it became possible to buy them, never heard anything back, turns out that my mail never got delivered, so I've had to resend this week! Oh, I hope I'm going to get my tickets, otherwise if I can't go, I'm going to yell at the Post Office... then yell... then yell... demand compensation for the emotional trauma... Then try to crash the party anyhow :(

NEDWARD

Wednesday, December 1, 2004 1:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by firefloozysuzie:
I HAVE TICKETS!!!

Yay! Always good to have an international contingent.

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Wednesday, December 1, 2004 1:55 PM

Thanks, Ned.

I have one request for you English and other European persons, however.

Our original plans for The Daughter's spring vacation were supposed to included Quebec or France - she's in her third year of French in high school.

So if you see us at the Con, speak French to the girl, otherwise she'll *never* practice :-)

(Is there such a thing as a French browncoat?
I haven't seen any on the boards. Or am I opening a major can of worms asking mostly UK folk such a question???)

GRIMMA

Wednesday, December 1, 2004 3:51 PM

There is indeed a French browncoat!

I'm going to Serenity, along with (at least) 4 other froggies. Who knows, maybe other ones will be there.

So your daughter can do the French practice there.

DEBBIEBUK

Wednesday, December 1, 2004 7:00 PM

Your chances of getting most of us Brits to speak French are probably fairly low, we may study it for years at school, and in my case grow up only 21 miles away and visit often for town "Twinning events", but when it comes to actually speaking any foreign language while in the UK, somehow we feel very silly.

So bienvenue, wilkommen etc to anyone from outside UK!

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Wednesday, December 1, 2004 7:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Grimma:
There is indeed a French browncoat!

I'm going to Serenity, along with (at least) 4 other froggies. Who knows, maybe other ones will be there.

So your daughter can do the French practice there.

Bon! We'll have to look for you guys.
Make sure to speak French, now, while you're there or we'll never spot ya ;-)

I've also discovered that the girl we're visiting in Edinburgh has a French flatmate. See? Travel to the Serenity Con *can* be FUN and EDUCATIONAL!

GRIMMA

Wednesday, December 1, 2004 8:27 PM

To tell you the truth, we want to avoid looking like a French herd. Since there will also be German peeps as well and our common most-easily-spoken language is English, we will mainly be speaking English. Of course, if your daughter is there, we'll use French :-)

We should think about a plan to meet up at some point during the convention, just to insist on that EDUCATIONAL aspect of it :-D

IAMZOE

Thursday, December 2, 2004 2:09 PM

Salut Grimma
There could be a small amount of herd-iness, no? Then I could practise my Canadian French on you all too. I learnt it in a third country, but it's quite passable.
I am upset about the spelling errors in the little bit paper that came with my ticket though. The spelling errors in my DVD set bug me too. Especialy since one is in Joss Whedon's name.
Maybe that wasn't specific to a convention thread, but hey. There was a language link.

EMBERS

Thursday, December 2, 2004 4:45 PM

what spelling errors on the DVD set?
(now I must go back and read & study my DVDs)

I wouldn't be too worried about the flier enclosed with the ticket however,
that was clearly something that was printed out fast & dirty
(probably not even proof read)
and I make way more spelling errors than that!

Talking about herds however...
how about a meet up of Fireflyfan board members before the conventions starts?
I'm checking in on April 28th and I would love to meet some Browncoats for breakfast or lunch on Friday the 29th...

there is some possibility of a photo session on Friday afternoon so I'm guessing that we can expect registration to occure before then....

I am getting very excited about this convention!

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Thursday, December 2, 2004 4:56 PM

Yes, we should do lunch and identify ourselves!
When will we know the time for registration?

I'm booked only 2 nites (Apr 29-30), but I'm probably going to add May 1st so I can attend the last parties and fly out on May 2nd

The girl can miss a day of school for such an occasion as this, don't you think?

Any news about updated guest list?

SLAYERFEST

Thursday, December 2, 2004 7:13 PM

The normal time for registration to open will be around 3pm but will run for a good few hours as the fans arrive.

I would totally recommend that you book the third night at the hotel too as the closing ceremony will probably run late anyway if previous conventions are anything to go by!

And yes, I think it is certainly worth missing a day of school for!

Andy

HILARYJANEUK

Thursday, December 2, 2004 10:31 PM

Registration usually starts at around 3.00 pm, and generally runs until about 7.00 pm or thereabouts.

I certainly think you should stay the Sunday night. The closing ceremony usually doesnt' start until at least 8.00 pm, and is a lot of fun, followed by the final disco. Also, a lot of people will probably be staying for the party, as the Monday is a public holiday in the UK

PHOEBE

Friday, December 3, 2004 5:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by embers:
what spelling errors on the DVD set?
(now I must go back and read & study my DVDs)

I wouldn't be too worried about the flier enclosed with the ticket however,
that was clearly something that was printed out fast & dirty
(probably not even proof read)
and I make way more spelling errors than that!

Talking about herds however...
how about a meet up of Fireflyfan board members before the conventions starts?
I'm checking in on April 28th and I would love to meet some Browncoats for breakfast or lunch on Friday the 29th...

there is some possibility of a photo session on Friday afternoon so I'm guessing that we can expect registration to occure before then....

I am getting very excited about this convention!

I'm checking in before midday on the Friday - we should arrange to meet up somewhere! I'd love to find some of you guys.

Oh, yeah, I'm definately staying till the Monday *nods* Thankfully its already a day off college, and hell! Its London, baby! Post-convention shopping spree, anyone!?

PINKVELVET

Saturday, December 4, 2004 2:42 PM

Hello All

I'm also going to the Serenity convention (by mself!!) and am booked in Friday, Saturday and Sunday night so I would be delighted to meet any of you friday morning /lunchtime etc to say hello.

Looking forward to meeting all of you

rachel
xx

GWYNETHH

Saturday, December 4, 2004 2:44 PM

I will get in early Friday and leave Monday. This will be GREAT!!

Are You Asking me to Dance?

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Monday, December 6, 2004 2:27 PM

You know what? .

My girl Sami has one of those make-a-badge sets. Why don't we make a name button for each person on this Board Thread? We could meet at lunch and distribute them, or Sami and I could wear OUR name buttons and you can find us for one of your own! Please link Heathrow Con Name Badge design submissions here :-)

EMBERS

Monday, December 6, 2004 10:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by firefloozysuzie:
Please link Heathrow Con Name Badge design submissions here :-)

That is a fun idea!
Altho I confess to having no designs for them on me...
but I love the idea of having fireflyfans badges
and meeting up for lunch on Friday,
just to stretch the fun out.
There is probably a nice restaurant right there at the Thistle;
should we do that just to keep it simple?
Or is anyone familiar with the area and can recommend someplace else?

PSYCHICRIVER

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 10:23 AM

I got me ticket last night, and my friends gonna get hers soon! I can't believe im going!!! Yay! Maybe all us FFN Browncoats should take lil banners saying a codeword like "SHINY" so we know who we....know? Or maybe ones saying our FFN names!!??

PS Emma says hi!?

PsychicRiver

"Two by two, hands of blue."
"We can take care of each other. I'll knit!"

RELFEXIVE

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 11:05 AM

I made badges for a bunch of online buddies when we went to see Claudia Black and Wayne Pygram from Farscape two years ago. We still have them now and wear them whenever any of us meet up anywhere.

Mal: "We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. You know why? Because we are so... very... pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die."

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 1:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by RelFexive:
I made badges for a bunch of online buddies when we went to see Claudia Black and Wayne Pygram from Farscape two years ago. We still have them now and wear them whenever any of us meet up anywhere.

How many of you will be at the Serenity Con?
(And did all of your Farscape buddies come over to the browncoat side with you? ;-)

PHOEBE

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 4:57 PM

If badges are supplied, I will wear one with pride! In fact, I'll wear a violent, rainbow covered headband of my baby neice's, and pin a badge to that just to make sure nobody can miss me Whatever it takes!

Incidentally - I'm doing my part to convert the world! So far, in the last three months, I've convinced ten people to buy Firefly box sets without ever having seen the show. Five of those I've convinced to come to conventions, and only one of them is from England! One is from Wales, and THREE are from the USA - California, Michigan, and Kansas! I'm a genius in the ways of persuasion, oh yes

PINKVELVET

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 7:03 PM

I will gladly wear a badge if one is made for me

I am going to try and get a tshirt made with Pinkvelvet written ont he front so anybody who knows me from any firefly forums will know who I am!

RELFEXIVE

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 10:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by firefloozysuzie:
Quote:
Originally posted by RelFexive:
I made badges for a bunch of online buddies when we went to see Claudia Black and Wayne Pygram from Farscape two years ago. We still have them now and wear them whenever any of us meet up anywhere.

How many of you will be at the Serenity Con?
(And did all of your Farscape buddies come over to the browncoat side with you? ;-)

One or two made their own way there... I lent my DVDs to another and got a willing convert

As far as I know, though, I'm the only one going to Starfury. I'll probably bring my badge just to go, hey, here's my badge.

I made a badge for Claudia and Wayne too. Claudia received hers from us as her first 'question' and then wore it on stage

Mal: "We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. You know why? Because we are so... very... pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die."

SIMONWHO

Wednesday, December 8, 2004 12:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by pinkvelvet:
I will gladly wear a badge if one is made for me

I am going to try and get a tshirt made with Pinkvelvet written ont he front so anybody who knows me from any firefly forums will know who I am!

Ooh, you should get a shirt made from pink velvet. It would be both informative and stylish.

I'm up for wearing a badge just to break the ice at the Serenity convention. But then it would have to my real name too as well as SimonWho otherwise I would have the following conversation approximately 798 times:

"Ah, you're Simonwho."
"Yes."
"So... Simon who?"
"Yes."
"No, no, what is your last name?"
"No, Who is my last name."
"What?"
"No, Who."
"Okay then. I'll call you Simon."
"Actually it's Stuart."
*other person wanders off to have a more sensible conversation*

IAMZOE

Wednesday, December 8, 2004 12:03 PM

I make name badges at my work. A lot. Usually I handwrite them, but sometimes I type them. Our Christmas party is coming up. That’s 200 name badges to do.

Yes, my work is as exciting as it sounds.

I’ve developed an aversion to name-badge-events partly because of this, but I would make an exception for Firefly!

EMBERS

Wednesday, December 8, 2004 12:18 PM

LOL
I can understand the aversion to nametags...
but a convention badge is a thing of beauty
wearing 'fireflyfans.com' with pride...
and if you see one of the BDHs
and you are tongue tied and have trouble speaking
then they can see your name...right there!

I'll be wearing my Jayne Cobb hat...
or if that looks too silly indoors,
I'll just have it with me

PSYCHICRIVER

Wednesday, December 8, 2004 12:19 PM

Ooh might make a PsychicRiver t-shirt!!

PsychicRiver

"Two by two, hands of blue."
"We can take care of each other. I'll knit!"

SIMONWHO

Wednesday, December 8, 2004 1:15 PM

A good idea with name badges is to also have a couple of conversation starters on them. So I could have one that look like this:

Hello, my name is Stuart (SimonWho on FFN)
I hope Kaylee and River get together.
My cat's breath smells of catfood.

That way, people can take just one glance, have an opening topic of conversation ready or know that they should run away as fast as they can.

IAMZOE

Wednesday, December 8, 2004 2:18 PM

SimonWho, that sounds like one of those scary team-building exercises you get at scary seminars. I’ve been to one like that. But maybe it would work better with normal people like firefly fans.

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Wednesday, December 8, 2004 11:07 PM

I think my badge should say

1) FFF.NET Firefloozy
2) (My Real Name)
3) Place of Origin

And then something clever, if I could think of something clever AND have enough space on the badge!

SIMONWHO

Thursday, December 9, 2004 6:15 PM

*to the tune of your favourite gloating song*

I got my ticket, I got my ticket, they spelt my name wrong, but I don't care.

We'll do a "meet you there" thread nearer the time, yes?

PSYCHICRIVER

Thursday, December 9, 2004 6:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SimonWho:
*to the tune of your favourite gloating song*

I got my ticket, I got my ticket, they spelt my name wrong, but I don't care.

We'll do a "meet you there" thread nearer the time, yes?

Absolutley, dear brother!

Whats the ticket like? Is it pretty?

PsychicRiver

"Two by two, hands of blue."

"We can take care of each other. I'll knit!"

PHOEBE

Thursday, December 9, 2004 7:26 PM

The ticket's not 'pretty' per se, its nice and simple. Its black, with 'Serenity' text on it in the pretty font, and a white box with your name in it :-p Not as pretty as the Fusion name cards but nontheless nice.

Only problem is, I have two tickets, and neither of them have my name on LOL! My mother's name and my best friend's are on them... oh well!

SLAYERFEST

Friday, December 10, 2004 8:51 PM

Ah but you have to hand your ticket in to get your convention pass when you get there and they are almost always a thing of beauty at Starfury events! For those that don't know, you can't keep your original ticket as they are used to check on attendances for business and insurance purposes or some such.

If you notify Sean in good time, he may be able to amend one of your event pass so that it has your name on it rather than the one on the ticket.

Andy

IAMZOE

Tuesday, December 14, 2004 2:53 PM

Gorram it (or other suitable interjection), SimonWho is right: there is a mis-spelling in my post above complaining about mis-spellings. In my defence, it's more of a mis-typing: I have to do this pretty quick in case my boss spots I'm not working...
still thinking about the convention,
yours,
iamzoe

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Tuesday, December 14, 2004 10:26 PM

We got our tickies! Cool, they're like credit cards. Our number is real big, though, so no fancy greeting on first day and we'll be wayyyy back of the line for pics and autographs.

Why does Starfury do it that way?
I'd think it would make sales drop off over time, because early buyers get all the perks.

I'm no fan of Creation Entertainment, but at least they have a pay-for-better-tickets structure that doesn't punish folks who can't buy their tickets the first day.

I'm sure we'll still have fun...but I doubt we'll bother to stand in all those long lines.

HILARYJANEUK

Tuesday, December 14, 2004 10:38 PM

First, the photo session tickets are bought separately, you buy them after registration, they are not dependant on your registration number.

As far as the Starfury system is concerned, if people didn't book early, the event wouldn't take place, because Starfury wouldn't have money up-front in order to get guests to come to the convention. Creation also discriminates, because although people booking first don't get all the perks, in their case it is people with enough money getting all the perks. In other words, if you're not rich enough, you don't get the good seats, parties, photos and autographs. Unfortunately, someone loses out whichever way you organise it.

EMBERS

Tuesday, December 14, 2004 11:00 PM

Personally I'm comparing it, favorably, to Vulkon
where they have created 'platinum' tickets
($1,000 at Slayercon in Oakland...25 of them)
now $800 for three hundred of them at Houston.
so making the convention the same price for everyone
and giving a perk to those who jumped on the bandwagon
before we even knew for sure who could be there
sounds generous and reasonable to me.

At any rate they have a fabulous line up of the BDHs
and I am very happy and excited about this!

SIMONWHO

Wednesday, December 15, 2004 12:54 AM

Yup, that cocktail party is just a nice little thank you for those who ordered in early. I'm not going to be there but how could I begrudge those who can?

And yes IAMZOE, there was a spelling mistake but I didn't point it out, that's a self-inflicted wound.

137 days to go.

RELFEXIVE

Friday, December 17, 2004 12:23 AM

I don't know if anyone's noticed, but there are some excellent pics of Nathan, Morena, Summer and Jewel on the con site now

http://www.seanharry.com/serenity/index.htm

Mal: "We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. You know why? Because we are so... very... pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die."

GRIMMA

Friday, December 17, 2004 8:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by firefloozysuzie:
We got our tickies! Cool, they're like credit cards. Our number is real big, though, so no fancy greeting on first day and we'll be wayyyy back of the line for pics and autographs.

Congrats! After Sean left a message saying all tickets had been sent, I wrote him an email as I hadn' treceived mine.
I didn't exist in his list

, bwaaaaaaah... I know our conversation on the phone was difficult (I could only understand 1 word out of 5), but still.. I was so confident in my Serenity tickets.
Info is sent again; hopefully I'll get my "new" tickets soon

WREN

Friday, December 17, 2004 10:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by firefloozysuzie:
I'm sure we'll still have fun...but I doubt we'll bother to stand in all those long lines.

The only time your ticket number matters is for the autographs. They have a board on which they write batch numbers, so the first batch would be numbers 1-100. This means you don't have to stand around for hours. At Fusion we sat at the bar, or chatted with friends, and checked the board every now and again. As it got nearer to our numbers we checked more frequently. When our batch was called we joined the queue. Even that was enjoyable because we met new people. Treat the queueing as part of the experience rather than a chore.

The cast were wonderful. They were only booked to sign for a couple of hours, but they stayed until every one had an autograph. By the time my number came up they had been signing for three hours and there were still loads to do, but they were still smiling!

I think this is a fair way to sell tickets as it doesn't discriminate againt people with less money.

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Friday, December 17, 2004 12:59 PM

OK, now that's two of you have pointed out that early ticket buyers getting favors is better than "discrimination" against folks with less money. What I was saying was directed at the promoter and his strategy: Absolutely, I understand he needs the early capital to book the talent for his show. But I was wondering if it hurts later profit, because you'd think that some folks won't pay the same to be at the back of the line, or won't go at all because they had their heart set on meeting the actors in a social setting.

I get offers for Broadway shows all the time, and you can see promotions are geared both to drum up early ticket sales AND to fill up even the lesser seats in the house. Deals and best seats for early booking, okay. But if demand starts to taper off, then there's a discount to encourage continued ticket sales. Also, I would think the promoter could make a lot of money selling tickets to the Meet & Greet (say, an additional hundred people at the party would be latecomers who pay a premium of another $100 a ticket).

I think it's interesting that the promoter, in this case, even prevents such a thing as "scalping off" the low-numbered tickets by putting our names on them. That's just something I haven't seen done in the States. We love our eBay, you know!

It would be nice, since I'll be coming from far away, to have a shot at meeting the talent. So, yeah, it's disappointing to know it won't happen. I'm not an autograph collector, and that part of a convention never appealed to me. At the only other convention I ever attended, there were a dozen autographs included in my ticket price, and I didn't bother. Perhaps my daughter will want to go for them. We'll see.

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Friday, December 17, 2004 1:18 PM

I meant to say thanks to those of you who reassured me that the lines won't be bad. But, actually, that's not what bothers me.

The truth is, I feel guilty for the actors having to sit there for hours, writing autographs. There were thousands of people at that convention I mentioned...and I couldn't bring myself to be yet another fan shoving a picture a them for a signature. Please don't take this to mean that I find fault with people who DO go for autographs!

Perhaps at a smaller event, I won't feel that it's asking too much of the talent. Or maybe my daughter, being a teenager, will not have the slightest inhibition about making people sign things, so I'll have her do the deed.

Sigh. Please don't all yell at me for this.
Maybe my mother raised me to feel guilty for inconveniencing people (but, gee, I doubt it!)

SLAYERFEST

Friday, December 17, 2004 3:06 PM

Serenity will onlly have around 800 tickets tops in my opinion as the venue won't hold more than that. Its a very intimate way to see the guests. I have been to quite a few of Sean's events and have never failed to meet the guests though sometimes I get frustrated waiting for it!

Thing is, its just that Sean got into the business because he is a fan not because he saw it as an opportunity to make a quick buck. He is interested in repaying those who trust him and book early. People book months in advance for Sean's events without the announcement of a single guest. Without that money he would not be in such a safe postition to negotiate as Starfury is not run as a profit generating venture.

Personally, I have not always benefitted from high numbers for his events because I leave it late to book sometimes but it really doesn't affect my enjoyment of the event.

I don't like the idea of higher prices for some than others and have made a point of not booking for those events - even if I see guests there I would like to meet. I believe in a fair price and equal teatment as far as can be expected. I have ALWAYS managed to get autos and meet the talent and I have ALMOST always managed to get the photos with guests that I wanted.

Andy

FIREFLOOZYSUZIE

Friday, December 17, 2004 5:00 PM

Thanks, Andy.

Again, coming from the States, I don't know this Sean or his philosophy, nor anything about how he does what he does. I appreciate very much that there are people on this board who can vouch for him and the quality of his events. It's quite a leap of faith (not to mention a leap of the Atlantic Ocean!) for me, so thanks for calming my nerves :-)

P.S. Does he *often* add late guests to the roster? How do you see the odds of a full Firefly cast showing up at the Heathrow Thistle? Will there be happy surprises? I LOVE happy surprises...sigh.

SLAYERFEST

Friday, December 17, 2004 5:06 PM

At Sean's last event The White Room, we were graced with Nathan Fillion and Morena Baccarin as special surprise guests. Sean has a tendency to keep a few surprises to keep fans happy.

What are the chances of a full cast? Wow, I wouldn't like to speculate. I don't wanna disappoint anyone if they turn up expecting it and it doesn't happen. Officially there is one more Firefly actor expected to be in attendance.

I DO know that previous visits by cast members of Firefly have led to them telling the others that they all HAVE to come if they can, but it will depend on work commitments as much as anything.

Andy

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