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Topic: My First BFCC....!

Alan Rik
Film God

Posts: 2211
From: New York City, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted October 31, 2004 06:45 PM

Ok! I have finally made it back home and are back online!
I first want to thank everyone in the England chapter of the Super 8 collective for giving me such a warm and gracious welcome. Like Doug and Paul had said the best part of my UK trip was the people that I had met through this forum.
On my first night in England after getting very lost, I finally found my way to the Princess Louise. Now I knew what Kev and Mike looked like but I didn't know what anyone else looked like. They didn't know what I looked like so when i walked up to Kev he didn't know it was me! [Smile]

I went to the restroom came back and approached Mike Peckham (the menacing looking one!) and introduced myself. Then the laughter began! They were expecting Alan Gouger, the tall blonde guy! I was the "other" Alan. The more compact darker one! [Smile]

I had a great little chat with everyone there and Mr. Millman got me my first English beer! And it was good! Thank you Mr. Millman! After a bit we went to John Clancy's place which was around the corner.
I have to say his movie setup is nothing short of awesome. Great sound running through a 5.1 surround, Cinemascope and he projected a 35mm print of Star Trek. Really an incredible testament to the quality of Super 8 and what it is capable of. After talking much about equipment with Kev, John, Mike and others, it was time to get some rest and get ready for the BFCC next morning.
It was in this Chuch like looking building.

We arrived early and thanks to Keith Wilton and Mr. Clancy we were allowed in to the BFCC early and with a VIP pass! Very nice. [Smile]

Now I didn't take any photos of the dealers room because to tell the truth I was in awe. I have never seen so much Super 8 in my life! Film upon film, equipment. I thought I had died and went to celluloid heaven! I got to meet Uncle Ian (very nice gentlemen!) and I asked him if he had the Muppet Movie 600fter!
Peckham and friend has the 8mm forum group booth. Nice booth with many things for sale! If it was my last day in Europe I would of bought the whole table. Nice selection!
And Phil had his copy of Spiderman out on the table. I kept walkin by and stared. If only I had won the lotto the week before...
Then I went to the BFCC screening room. Here was the legendary 24 foot screen.

It was an awesome sight to see Super 8 projected on it. The print of the 5th element looked really great. Lots of definition and very good sound considering they were using the prints sound stripe. It really was hard to believe that Super 8 could actually be blown up that large.
After the show there was a meeting of the minds. Clancy, Kev, son of Kev, and a mysterious stranger checking out the GS Xenon.

Afterwards my friend and I were invited to dinner at the Wilton home! The food was great and the conversation was even better!
Speaking to Wilton and his friends it was really a treat for me. Stories about the editing process of Phantasm and other films, about Wilton working with the projection of the William Castle films, and his wonderful tour of his home and his 2 screening rooms! Yes 2!
He played Fantasia on Super 8 with the Xenon and the sound was draw jopping! Truly incredible sound that he had re-recorded. Really impressive.
Then in the end it was time to leave and we were given a ride by one of the Keith's guests. Very nice gentlemen whom I cannot remember his name but will not forget his face. On the way to the station he told me stories of filming in Cinemascope and putting on shows for the retirement homes. A really nice person.
And then we made it back to the hotel.
The next day we went here, to the West End.

It was really great, my whole trip and my lady friend said she really loved the people that she had met. And she also said, "Hey, why don't you have a projection room like theirs? " All I could say was 2 words. New York.
Everyone should make it out to see the BFCC. I was impressed and loved it!
I will have to make it at least once a year. Great people keeping the hobby alive 8mm at a time.