ithildin: (Japan - Lips)
I know, two weeks later. But better late than never!


Nigel was only there on Saturday, and flew home Saturday night. It was a long way for him to come for just the day, so I hope he got some sleep on the flight home. He looked very tired on Saturday and he seemed very thin. Yeah, like I should talk, but I'm a mother hen :) So, with Nigel gone, Sunday, the MC duties went to Jon Cassar. And Sunday was 24 day. I was actually early for once, and then it turned out the day didn't start till 10am, not 9! Go us! So Nin and I decided to check out then, store our bags, and not have to worry about it at lunch.

The first panel was Nicole Burke (assistant director), Joseph Hodges (production designer), Sterling Rush (props manager), Julian Sands (actor), Jesse Borrego (actor), and of course, Jon. I think I remembered everyone! It was a great panel and it covered a lot different topics. Sterling was very cute! At one point, he took his shirt off, though how that happened, I'm still not sure. The panel after lunch had Paul Blackthorne (actor), David Fury (writer and exec. producer), Howard Gordon (show runner/exec. producer), Adoni Maropis (actor), Carlo Rota (actor).

I'm going to combine the two panels since some of the topics I've lost track of. The most memorable, for me, was the discussion about the broken business model of television. That was part of the after lunch panel. Jon and others on the panel, held a very frank discussion with us about ratings, DVRs, and downloading. Jon asked how many in the audience used 'alternative viewing methods' to watch TV, and I'd say 2/3s raised their hands. One attendee from Finland was quite honest about it, telling them why she downloaded. she said she needed to be current and didn't want to wait two years to see 24. She also said that she bought the DVDs as soon as they came out. It was a fascinating discussion all around. The panel participants were interested in what we had to say, and asked as many questions as we did. It really came though how much these people love what they do, and how much pride they have in their work.

Several people in the audience attempted to express how much they loved 'Dresden Files', but Paul didn't really respond at all. It was kind of odd, since you'd think he'd have some sort of reaction. Maybe he's just shy? Who knows.

Carlo brought his dog, who was adorable, and attempted to pretty much steal the show.

Adoni talked a bit about how being on 24 changed his life. He's gotten so much recognition from the role, he can't quite believe it. He's very charming and engaging.

David Fury was very entertaining, and auctioned off a whole set of that he called his life's work. And guilted the bidders into bidding more. He had his scripts from Buffy and Angel, a very cool cast t shirt form Angel, and stuff from Lost, including a Sawyer action figure.

The first of the big items went up for auction, the 24 set visit for two. It ended up going for $21,000 which astounded the gathered auctioneers and I think Jayne nearly went into shock! The woman who won got her photo taken with 24 folks.

After the break came the final panel of the day. We had all actors for this one: Leslie Hope Paul Schultze, and Jean Smart. They were all wonderful guests and auctioneers. Jean Smart is a classy and gorgeous woman! If I looked half as good as her when I'm her age, I'd be happy. Paul and Leslie talked about what it was like to be killed off on 24 and how much the show still impacts their lives. Jon talked a bit about Jean and her hacking up the kiwis scene. she was so into it, every time they did the scene, that they'd run out of kiwis. He says they bought out the entire kiwi supply for miles around. So they finally resorted to making some fake kiwi slices, one of which Jean auctioned off. He also told us that he'd written on a kiwi 'please don't kill me', but Jean just hacked it up without a pause.

The second big item was auctioned off, the walk on role. That went for $17,000. But before that, Leslie actually bid on it! She said it would get her back on the show! Too funny. I think the three of them just about had a nervous break down as the price went up and up and up.

House items went up for bid, which I dearly would have loved, but the women with the big purses were out in force, and I didn't stand a chance. So what else is new? :) Jean started taking the cookie tray set out for the guests around as an added bonus for higher bids! A cookie from the First Lady, as she called it! She is genuinely funny.

Glo won one of the wall panels from CTU as a present for her husband's birthday, and she had people autograph it through the day.

During the morning session, I sat in the back row, but this man stood behind me and chatted like he was in Starbucks for most of the morning. Gar!! so in the afternoon, I sat up a row, unfortunately, he took that as a sign he could talk louder, and he did the same damn thing! Then another man joined him, and they never shut up! I swear, I came this close to snapping and telling them to move the chatter to the back of the room. And they say women talk a lot!

We stayed way too late, but really wanted to be able to say goodbye to Jayne and Bev. That done, we got our luggage, which took forever! And we headed for home.

It was a wonderful weekend. And the hotel was excellent. Good service, clean rooms, well maintained meeting space. I'll admit, I'm a hotel snob. I'm picky as hell. I grew up in a hotel, and I've worked most of my adult life either in a hotel or a hospitality related industry, as I do now. The Woodland Hills Hilton was a first class property, and one of the nicest hotel stays I've had since, I'd have to say, the Niagara Falls Sheraton, which during another LCA!

The event itself was a testament to Jayne and Renata's love for the charity, and ten years of putting on these events. The work they put in each and every year is really amazing. I'm so glad I was able to go to this last LCA. I would have truly regretted missing it. The security, though heavy, was not oppressive. The guests all seemed to really enjoy being there and had as much fun as the attendees. And a lot of money was raised for charity.


Date: 2007-10-21 08:31 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] shenandora.livejournal.com
About Nigel's appearance - well, I guess the reason why he looked so tired was because of the 'trouble' they all had with the ATF. Nigel and his cast/crew were in their 2nd week of the "A Midsummer Night's Dream" rehearsal when one of the ATF's board members had to tell them that they had to cancel everything. That was probably one of the saddest thing that ever happened to all of them, because everything worked out so well.

However, thank you for the LCA report! I really enjoy reading them...

Date: 2007-10-21 05:43 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com
ext_9031: (Default)
When did that happen?

You're welcome! Took me a while, but at least I finally got it done :)

Date: 2007-10-21 05:55 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] shenandora.livejournal.com
That happened in September this year. We were there a few days later and saw all the remnants. A very sad moment indeed.
But Nigel wouldn't be Nigel had he not other projects to run ;-)

About Leslie Hope of 24

Date: 2007-10-21 07:47 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] fkastrider.livejournal.com
According to IMDb, Leslie was born May 6th 1965 in Halifax NS. I was in Jr Hi when she was born. So she's really young, but then so are you.

Re: About Leslie Hope of 24

Date: 2007-10-24 02:13 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] fkastrider.livejournal.com
I appear to have a problem with reading comprehension. Your reference to "age" was against Jean Smart who is roughly my age. My bad.

I still think you will be surprised when you reach my age that you look more than half as good as Jean Smart does now. All you have to do is let the years flow past you and not age. It works for my family. My eldest (Sagacitas) is 25 but is still carded as most people think she looks like a High School student and shouldn't be legally drinking, let alone Grey Goose.

Paul Blackthorn

Date: 2007-10-22 02:21 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] tequilajen.livejournal.com
I get the feeling Paul was pretty shy -- he seemed more interested in just listening to the rest of the gang than talking himself. I was just glad I got a chance to tell him how much I enjoyed it, just in case the campaign to save it does work and Lion's Gate tries to get another contract with him. I wanted him to know he has a fan club ready and waiting to pay a fortune for whatever props he can swipe from the set.

Re: Paul Blackthorn

Date: 2007-10-22 06:06 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com
ext_9031: (Holiday - Halloween Little Girl)
Is there talk about uncanceling the show?

Re: Paul Blackthorne

Date: 2007-10-22 07:31 pm (UTC)From: (Anonymous)
There are several groups campaigning to resurrect Harry and Bob. The one I'm involved with it www.dresdencity.org. If anyone knows of any other sites, please post them so we can network and combine our efforts!

Teresa

Date: 2007-10-28 07:36 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] averita.livejournal.com
Thank you so much for the fabulous report! Sounds like a fantastic time :) The kiwi story is priceless. Seems very Jean, lol.

Is there any word on whether Jayne will be in season 7? I'm still holding out hope!

Date: 2007-10-28 07:39 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] averita.livejournal.com
Also, would it be okay if I quoted bits of this on my LJ for 24 friends?

Date: 2007-10-28 08:32 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com
ext_9031: (Default)
Oh, sure :)

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