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Author
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Topic: VIsa's and shots ect, for traveling to the UK?
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Osi Osgood
Film God
Posts: 10204
From: Mountian Home, ID.
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted May 30, 2013 07:56 AM
My family is hoping to head over to the UK in October for the BFCC (there are rumors that this could, perhaps, be the last, only rumors, mind you), and I need to know, from Yanks who have headed to the UK and back, as to ...
How long ahead of time should we prepare, (how long is the process?
What will we need?
What shots will we need?
Fortunately, were going to an English speaking country, except for Irish, HAHAHA! Eh, don't give me crap ... I'm Irish! ![[Smile]](smile.gif) ), so language isn't an issue.
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"All these moments will be lost in time, just like ... tears, in the rain. "
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Paul Adsett
Film God
Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted May 30, 2013 08:13 AM
Osi,
The following is based on my experience:
1. Book your flights ASAP, now if posible. The longer you wait the more you will pay. Dont wait less than 3 months ahead of time or you may not be able to get the flights you want at ANY price.
2. Book any hotels ASAP
3. Buy American Express medical travel insurance for everyone who is going. Its cheap, and eliminates a lot of worry. The free British healthcare system does not apply to visitors from abroad.
4. If you are not comfortable driving on the left hand side of the road with a 5- speed manual shift, in congested areas with minimal parking space, then forget about renting a car. The UK rail and bus system is fantastic, and makes the US system look like a joke. If you do want to rent a car, get an automatic (rare in the Uk).
5. Get your passport NOW.
6. The only shots you will need is the cineitis shot, but only if you are going to the BFCC.
7. Take an umbrella! ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj
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Martin Jones
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1269
From: Thetford , Norfolk,England
Registered: May 2008
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posted May 30, 2013 08:38 AM
You will need an English Phrase Book and a "REAL ENGLISH" dictionary, as we speak "proper" English.
Not sure why Paul thinks you will need an umbrella; I haven't used one for about 30 years. However, it is rumoured that you could need one if you visit Manchester.
If you wish to travel about the country, but are NOT hiring a car, then consider carefully the possibilities of using National Express Coaches (our nearest approach to your Greyhound network). They are VERY much cheaper than train travel, but MUST be booked at least a day in advance; you can rarely be sure of a seat if you just turn up at the coach station... see www.nationalexpress.com .As Paul says, travel by bus, rapid transit or tube within cities is generally excellent. And DO NOT expect to catch a train where you see the word "Subway"; you will either get something to eat or find yourself on the other side of the street.
If you get to BFCC, wear a name badge so everyone knows its you.
Martin
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Retired TV Service Engineer
Ongoing interest in Telecine....
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Osi Osgood
Film God
Posts: 10204
From: Mountian Home, ID.
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted May 31, 2013 07:35 AM
Sorry Lads, but I'm a Irish Cream (or just about any cream liqour) fellow. I used to be able to chug some beers, (8 to 10 at a sitting, and still stagger home!), but they don't sit well anymore, not even four, but Liqour, for some reason, goes down easy ... oh so easy!
However, if one of you fine lads will provide the pint or two, I will not insult and say no. besides, I've never have a proper english brew, so, for all I know, I might do well ...
(and I've never been not able to walk home on my own two feet and I'm not a beligerant drunk, thankfully! I'm quite passive!)
DISCLAIMOR!!! OSI is NOT an alcoholic! (hic)
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"All these moments will be lost in time, just like ... tears, in the rain. "
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Maurice Leakey
Film God
Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007
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posted May 31, 2013 11:17 PM
Osi
Most leading car hire firms have automatics, but it's best to book in advance. I recommend the Volkswagen Golf Automatic, it has a fabulous 7-speed gearbox, and if you're in the mood you can select manual mode (no clutch.)
But unless you are familiar with the British roundabouts at major road junctions, often traffic light controlled, I suggest you stay clear of car hire and use the savings to buy just that last film.
If purchasing a projector, make sure it will work in the USA, our mains are 230 volts at 50 hertz/cycles. Most have various voltage tappings, but some haven't; the motor may rely on the mains frequency to run at the correct speed, some can achieve the change to USA 60 hertz/cycles by slipping the drive belt onto another pulley.
I hope you and the family make it to Ealing.
http://www.bfcc.biz/
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Maurice
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Osi Osgood
Film God
Posts: 10204
From: Mountian Home, ID.
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted June 02, 2013 01:37 PM
I'm thinking an hour ....
(snicker)
I'm hoping a good week. I have a few plans and I might as well state them here ...
I have a plan, (and I must talk to all that would be involved if they wish to) ...
I want to travel to the different surviving super 8 sellers, Barry, Ian, Umit, Tony, Paul and Phil, among possibly others.
Now, much of this could be done right at the BFCC, but I want to visit the actual store sites with my HD FLIP camera and just have a ball interviewing this odd but loveable lot!
Of course, I'd have to talk some fine lad in the UK into helping me find these folks, but I want to make a nifty documentary about these crazy people and why they still hold to a long dead medium (?) like celluloid!
Fun, eh?
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"All these moments will be lost in time, just like ... tears, in the rain. "
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