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Author
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Topic: The return of the BFCC - post feedback here!
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Adrian Winchester
Film God
Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted May 15, 2011 09:42 AM
The new venue in leafy Ruislip made an impact even before we were let in. It was a dramatic change to be in a comparatively rural environment, albeit still within London, and many collectors were already chatting happily in the sunshine before the doors opened. The site itself is unusually interesting, with two or three display boards explaining aspects of its history. Although some of the dealers and the Bring and Buy could not be fitted in the main hall, that reflected the good number participating, and the rooms in a separate building were not far away. The cafe resembled a barn in a picturesque square garden, which added to the charm of the complex.
The compact dealers room adjacent to the cinema was soon bustling and raised hopes of a good turnout. Derann, CHC, Buckingham and several others were there, as you would expect. I'm grateful that I could buy a pack of the hard to find Kood Super 8 splicing patches from Perry's. These were going like 'hot cakes' while I was at their stall, with Ian and his colleague having to repeately put out more!
The cinema itself must surely be the finest in BFCC history, in view of the substantial size and the fairly steep raking of the seats, which gives everyone a completely unobstructed view. The recent releases screened included a rare chance to see the Kraftwork 'Autobahn' animated short, which is a 'Reel Image' release from Steve Osborne. I'm almost grateful to Ealing Town Hall for prompting the move as although the facilities there were by no means bad, I found Ruislip more pleasant in every respect.
I picked up a few interesting odds and ends (including a sprocket repair machine for a bargain price) but no films other than a couple of Elvis 400's. My only minor disappointment, as someone who collects horror and fantasy material, was that there appeared to be an almost total lack of this on sale. But I had the consolation of going home with more money than I arrived with, due to sales on the Bring and Buy.
As usual, talking to fellow collectors is a part of day and I was very pleased to meet Forum members including Paul Adsett and Colin Hunt in person.
I must express commiserations to Keith and John in view of the 'gremlins' that I know from experience strike when you least want them. This resulted in the final 35mm show being cancelled, and I heard that another interrupted the 16mm show. But I hope they won't be too discouraged by this as it was clear that people had a very enjoyable day. The chap at the door confirmed the attendance was up on the good number that attended the last Ealing event, so that's encouraging in these 'use it or lose it' days. So, I do hope there will be more BFCCs in Ruislip, although we have to keep our fingers crossed that a major refurbishment starting soon does not result in increased hire charges!
[ May 15, 2011, 03:02 PM: Message edited by: Adrian Winchester ]
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Adrian Winchester
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Adrian Winchester
Film God
Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted May 17, 2011 04:20 AM
Regarding the anti-film chaps, it's hard to see the logic of them turning up to a film collecting convention, but my theory is that however much they may be in denial, deep down they miss having a distinctive hobby that isn't part of a mass market, and miss the cameraderie that goes with it. However, having disposed of their films and equipment, they have to constantly try and convince themselves that they made the right choice! Anyway, so long as they pay to get in, their presence isn't entirely a bad thing!
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Adrian Winchester
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Keith Ashfield
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 997
From: U.K.
Registered: Dec 2006
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posted May 18, 2011 08:25 AM
I totally agree Simon, about the admission cost and I have mailed John Clancy and said as much.
£10.00 for a prestige venue like this is not too much to ask, in my opinion.
What difference is an extra £3.00 going to make on top of what most collectors pay to actually get there, not to mention what we spend whilst there for our "goodies"?
Is that "extra cost" going to make any difference to the possibility of getting that much sought after bargain or rarity?
I have not heard, or read, one discouraging word about last weekends event, or the venue it was held at. I discount the comments about the "technical gremlins" that were encountered because they no doubt have happened at previous events, to some degree, and not been mentioned. It's very much a case of "what you don't know about, you don't worry about".
A great day, a superb venue, excellent company, bargains found and memories held forever.
Who wouldn't pay a tenner for all of that?
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"We'll find 'em in the end, I promise you. We'll find 'em. Just as sure as a turnin' of the earth".
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Adrian Winchester
Film God
Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted May 18, 2011 08:54 AM
I agree that £10 wouldn't be unreasonable and no doubt the Ruislip event would not have made a loss if everyone had paid this. It's not a lot in this day and age and some attractions in London (e.g the London Aquarium) charge £18 or considerably more in some cases. Whether £10 would have resulted in the same number attending, though, I honestly don't know.
I agree that the BFCC is a spectacular event and it wouldn't be the same if it scaled down. In these gloomy times, we also have to be careful when referring to declining numbers of attendees and dealers, as numbers of both were up at Ruislip and I don't think there has been a downward trend over the last 3 or so BFCCs.
However, to be fair to Graham, St. Gabriels is a particularly attractive church hall, so I don't suppose Keith would decribe it as "shabby" if he saw it. If the BFCC remained a once a year spring event, St Gabriels could certainly serve well as a venue for a smaller scale London autumn event, if a downstairs room was suitable for shows and someone was willing to organise the event.
Much as I liked Ruislip, we have to acknowledge that it might nor represent the future, in view of the costs involved and the fact that the refurbishment could possibly cause a substantial price rise. Those of us in London may have to think about whether we know of any venues with potential. Some schools/colleges/universities/student unions have facilites which could be suitable and might not charge excessive amounts, although the desirabilty of free parking for a good number of people is likely to reduce the options.
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Adrian Winchester
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