8mm Forum: Ealing BFCC

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Posted by Barry Attwood (Member # 100) on October 29, 2016, 03:05 PM:

I just got back from another enjoyable day at Keith Wilton's BFCC at Ealing. I got to see all the shows, and as usual the content was brilliant, but I'll do my usual review for my booklets (and it usually ends up in Film Collector too!). I saw many old friends, and had a great day chatting away (as you do at these events), and yes it could be the last ever BFCC, but no confirmation for certain (I'm crossing my fingers Keith will have another one, but I can understand if he calls it a day). I picked up some new stock, so I was pleased, but 8mm was a bit thin on the ground again, hardly anything on the Bring & Buy stall, but I guess there were one or two bargains had, that I must have missed.

If I missed talking to anyone, I'm sorry, but when I make a promise (to myself, at least!) to see all the film programs, I only get so long in between shows to talk to people, but I managed quite a few as usual, and it was most pleasing to see the efforts of some of the long distance collectors to attend, I even talked to Massimo Dalla Pria who flew in from lovely Venice for the day, now that's a real effort, well done.

Overall another very enjoyable day for all who attended.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on October 30, 2016, 01:14 AM:

This was a day when you simply had to be there to mark the extraordinary history of the BFCC - 65 conventions over 40 years - and I'm delighted that the attendance looked like the biggest for some years. It was great to see the film of the first nine years of the BFCC and the two guests from the team that launched the event in 1976, talking about how it started. We even saw a promotional short on Super 8, shot before the first convention, plus the 'Film 86' item. Keith had gone to a lot of trouble to produce a number of decorative posters featuring package movie box art and photos of various characters who have been prominent over the years.

It certainly had the feel of the end of an era and staff at the desk thought it was the last, even though Keith or John didn't make a conclusive comment on this. I sincerely hope a London convention continues in some form, but Keith and John have certainly earned the right to retire or take a back seat, if they want to! The BFCC has of course made an outstanding contribution to the film collecting scene, and in these days of inflated eBay prices, it's all the more welcome to be at an event where the prices are reasonable.

I thought there was more film on sale than I've seen at recent BFCCs. I was pleased to find four items on Super 8, including a mint low fade copy of 'A Walt Disney Christmas' and a rare low fade US trailer for 'The Beastmaster'. I saw some people buying a whole stack of films just from (e.g.) CHC.

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on October 30, 2016, 03:26 AM:

I thought it was a very good event this year with a good selection of films and turnout,most sold early and i certainly bought more nice titles than i have for a while at any convention.I just missed out on some Bond titles and CHC had a few nice features,The Rake boys were there on a double stall which is where i bought most of my films,bring and buy had a few bargains too.Nigel Higgins seemed to be selling well as his table was full of 16mm and 8. Enjoyed the film show we saw and a great effort by everyone who helped bring it all together.

Posted by Stuart Reid (Member # 1460) on October 30, 2016, 03:55 AM:

A splendid day I thought. The 'scope 8mm show was a knockout, don't think I've ever seen such high quality prints as Supergirl and Poultergeist. I want to add that one to my collection, that's for sure!

Posted by Paul Mason (Member # 4015) on October 30, 2016, 09:01 AM:

It did seem very well-attended though I didn't put many names to faces unfortunately.

Posted by Brian Fretwell (Member # 4302) on October 30, 2016, 09:36 AM:

With Keith apologising for the (public address) hum and blaming his socks the 'Scope show should have had that extract from "Brainstorm" he showed many years ago. He said that would "blow your socks off" and had a pair hidden between the seats to retrieve later to prove the it had worked.

Great to seen the early years film despite my then bearded face appear very large on screen.

I too hope this was not the last one. Pity I forgot to pick up my camera on the way out - but that did make room for more films to bring home.

Posted by Phil Slater (Member # 2388) on October 30, 2016, 12:09 PM:

I had a really enjoyable day although it was tinged with sadness if its the last one. I have attended these events since 1988. Keith put on a superb film show and I picked up a real bargain in the bring and buy - an Elmo ST1200HD which had just been serviced by John White and was fitted with an Elmo f1.1 lens, for £115. Also a mint condition Niles release of the Beatles concert in Washington, 2*400 foot. (sorry, I'll stop gloating now). Anyway, a huge thankyou goes to Keith Wilton and his team for putting on these events for so many years.

Posted by Barry Attwood (Member # 100) on October 30, 2016, 12:33 PM:

Phil,

My first event was at the "Home Screen Scene '79" at the Rembrandt Hotel in London, I could only go on the Sunday, but what an eye opener it was, all I had done up to then was mostly hire films from Perry's Movies in Wimbledon, it wasn't until I went to my first event with all those dealers I realised what was really available on 8mm, and how bright a future it was going to be, with all the new titles being announced from the dealers. Now we know that this was the golden time for 8mm, but you don't know it when you're living through it, it's only now with hindsight (and some great memories) that brings it into focus. I know from the show of hands at the BFCC that I'm not alone, as many hands were raised when they asked how many collectors had being going to the various incarnations of the BFCC for 20 years or more, and their were a few there on the day who were at the very first BFCC in 1976, and I didn't know that dealers were not present at the first one myself, so you learn something every time you visit these events, don't you!

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on October 30, 2016, 02:54 PM:

I agree Barry, I remember my first BFCC and what an eye opener to all those releases and film dealers, it was my first ever convention and led to many more visits to this and other do's, hopefully it will continue.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on October 31, 2016, 06:49 PM:

I hope, too that there will be further editions ! Due to the automatism of my camera I could not picture the seller's room (photos are too dark), so just three pictures of the projection room. The good idea this time was to put the projectors downstairs so the audience could see them.

I hope that other members of the forum will add more pictures.

Posted by Ali Hipperson (Member # 5643) on November 01, 2016, 06:30 AM:

I was able to attend this year for my first ever BFCC - I certainly hope it won't be the last one held! [Frown]

As my time was limited I'm afraid I could only stay for an hour - but with that in mind I had to mainly concentrate on my main mission - adding to my new (but second time around) collection.

Within the first half an hour I was able to pick-up several titles on my 'wish-list'! [Smile]

The Blackpool convention is just not feasible for me - so I really hope that there will be another BFCC in London next year and for many years to come!

Ali.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 01, 2016, 06:51 AM:

Ali, two weeks ago there has been the Get Together 9.5 at Harpenden, not too far away from London. Despite the name of the event may suggest, you could also find super 8 films and material. There should be an edition next year. The 9.5 Spring Fair at Pimlico (in April) sees also super 8 items for sale.

Posted by Ali Hipperson (Member # 5643) on November 01, 2016, 07:04 AM:

Hi Dominique and many thanks for that information - I will certainly put those dates in my diary!

I have also just made my first purchase from the '8mm films for sale' lists on this forum - so I'm definitely getting 'up and running' now'

I've been reading with great interest the posts on Cine-Sea convention these past few days - if only one could attend ALL these wonderful conventions and give them the support they definitely deserve! [Smile]

Ali.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 01, 2016, 09:40 AM:

Happy first screening again Ali! [Wink]

Posted by Ali Hipperson (Member # 5643) on November 01, 2016, 10:12 AM:

Hi Andrew - I wanted to post a reply to your own 'story' on the in initial thread I started, but as I am currently the last person to post to that thread it won't let me post again until someone has.

This seems a bit strange to me as, out of courtesy to anyone who has gone to the trouble to send a post to me - I would like to reply to them on an individual basis which seems more personal - or is that not how it works on here??

When you have time, perhaps you might just repeat your message to me on here over on my original thread - that way I can reply properly.

Ali.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on November 01, 2016, 11:52 AM:

Ali,

If you are the last person to post in a thread, there is a time period that must elapse before you can have two posts back to back in the same topic. This is simply to prevent run on posting.

Doug

Posted by Ali Hipperson (Member # 5643) on November 01, 2016, 12:01 PM:

I see Doug and many thanks - still finding my feet here!

Ali.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on November 01, 2016, 12:21 PM:

Ali,

I'm thrilled you went to the BFCC. I've made the trip from the U.S. three times and I hope to do it again.

Doug

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on November 01, 2016, 01:57 PM:

I do hope the BFCC continues in some form. Like Doug I have been to three of them, in fact the first time I met Doug was at the 2004 BFCC where they were showing a reel from Master and Commander with Synch Pulse THX sound. Each of the three occasions has been a joy for me, chatting with Keith and John and so many forum members (friends), and browsing through all the goodies on the dealers tables, and enjoying the great film shows. You go to these conventions, be it in London or Wildwood, and you return home with renewed enthusiasm for this fantastic hobby. Just browsing thru all the pics, from both conventions, makes me want to fire up the GS1200 again! [Smile]

Posted by Stuart Hilliker (Member # 737) on November 02, 2016, 05:58 AM:

Here's a link to a few photographs from Saturday.

https://we.tl/4tk5HXmVzL

The link will expire in a few days.

Stu

Posted by Ali Hipperson (Member # 5643) on November 02, 2016, 06:16 AM:

Hi Doug

I really enjoyed my first BFCC and only wished I could have stayed longer - but as a carer for my elderly mother I'm afraid it had to be a 'smash and grab' visit! 😦

That's a fantastic effort by you to come all that way over here - and three times too!

Now I have 'returned' I will definitely try to make Blackpool next year and hopefully Cine-Sea one day! ☺

Ali.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on November 02, 2016, 08:28 AM:

Stuart,

Great pictures! If you can narrow down the number (from 49) I'll be happy to post them in this thread. You can email me with the pic numbers if you'd like.

Doug

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 02, 2016, 08:51 AM:

I'm on the picture 31, with a big blue backpack, readind the title of a film :-)

Posted by Nick Vermeirsch (Member # 4136) on November 02, 2016, 09:53 AM:

Wish I were there... [Frown]

Posted by Barry Attwood (Member # 100) on November 02, 2016, 10:42 AM:

Stuart,

Great photos of Saturday, luckily (for all of you!), I'm not featured in any of them, cor what a relief, you'd have had to put up the old "X" Certificate as a warning (I hate seeing photos of myself!). But well done for taking them, at least it shows the collectors who couldn't make Ealing a taste of what we enjoyed on the day.

Posted by Stuart Hilliker (Member # 737) on November 02, 2016, 05:44 PM:

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on November 02, 2016, 05:45 PM:

Great photos!

Posted by Stuart Hilliker (Member # 737) on November 02, 2016, 05:50 PM:

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 02, 2016, 05:57 PM:

Let's hope there will be another one next year.

Posted by Antonio Costa Mota (Member # 221) on November 03, 2016, 12:26 PM:

I did attend the April BFCC but unfortunately I could not make it to this latest one in October. I sincerely hope however, that
Another BFCC will happen next year.Best regards to everyone.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 03, 2016, 04:22 PM:

Great historic photos taken there Stuart by the sounds of things. Thanks for posting them Stuart.

Incidentally, I noticed earlier today much of what Phil is displaying there in the photo, finished up on his list today.
Seems strange these quality titles did not sell, given those are what collectors are repeatedly asking for more of at these events. Very strange [Confused]

Posted by Stuart Hilliker (Member # 737) on November 03, 2016, 04:51 PM:

I bought Phil's print of Pinocchio on Saturday and have to say it is absolutely great.
Incidentally, does anyone have s print of Disney's "Hunchback of Notre Dame" they would like to sell?

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 03, 2016, 05:23 PM:

Andrew, I don't know how many films CHC sold but I had the feeling that their sale was not bad.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 03, 2016, 05:58 PM:

You just missed one Stuart on ebay last week. It finished up selling for more than Lady & The Tramp, which surprised me no end!

It is a stunning print though once you find one Stuart.
Well worth the wait!

As for Pinocchio, I'm baffled.
Pinocchio and Bambi plus Star Wars digest, were new on Phil's list today????

Maybe he wrote the list in advance of the weekend's event perhaps?

But then why not simply delete the titles already sold before airing the new sales list? [Confused]

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 03, 2016, 06:04 PM:

Maybe not the same copies ?

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 03, 2016, 06:24 PM:

Quite a coincidence then Dominique given the timing. None for years then two in two working days.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 03, 2016, 06:35 PM:

If it's not a coincidence, then it is incomprehensible, except if the list has been updated but the previous version was sent by mistake...

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 03, 2016, 06:49 PM:

No Dominique, the things that were on today's list superseded what had previously been listed.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 03, 2016, 07:01 PM:

So, mystery...

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 03, 2016, 07:22 PM:

04:22pm post here, makes it strangest of all Dominique. [Confused]

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on November 03, 2016, 10:58 PM:

Two full pages of pictures of this convention have just been posted on the BFCC website.

Posted by Brian Fretwell (Member # 4302) on November 04, 2016, 04:18 AM:

And the fact that when he left Phil said to me, when I said I would see him at Blackpool, that he would have to get some new stock for there.

Posted by Del Phillipson (Member # 513) on November 04, 2016, 04:30 AM:

Phil's a dealer, I do know he had some films delivered yesterday as I bought one of them, who's to say he didn't have more than one copy of it.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 04, 2016, 05:34 AM:

Yes it's possible Del, except to say when he gets a new collection, he usually looks through them a little before placing them up for sale on any list.

Still [Confused]

Posted by Fabrizio Mosca (Member # 142) on November 04, 2016, 01:50 PM:

Unfortunately I wasn't able to partecipate to this one due to overlapping with another big event in Italy (not film one), but I would have liked to be there.

Browsing youtube I found this video of the day: https://youtu.be/BTfcdlW281g

I hope that Keith will decide to have another one if not next year in the following one.

Posted by Kevin Hassall (Member # 2352) on November 04, 2016, 05:16 PM:

Saw Pinocchio on his new list àndrew wow

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 04, 2016, 07:11 PM:

Yes Kevin and according to this thread here, thats two prints in less than a week!

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on November 05, 2016, 04:41 AM:

Sorry to have not posted sooner everyone but I had forgotten this forum still existed as I stopped posting on here years ago after some rather abusive comments suggesting I didn't know what I was talking about. Anyway, nobody has said this will definitely be the last BFCC but that will probably turn out to be the case. This one lost Keith a lot of money and that has been the problem for several years now.

Thank you to everyone who came to what proved to be a celebration of the history of the original film collecting convention. It's still under the same management as it was back in 1976 although Keith was only marginally involved then. Keeping it going for 40 years is an incredible achievement although Keith was at the end of his tether when I made the mistake of getting involved about 25 years ago. After that though we proved to be quite a good partnership and we took Super 8 to heights most can only dream of. Yes, we did do a 34ft 'Scope screen one time and we did have Dolby Digital THX sound synchronized to Super 8 feature extracts. Live music accompaniments to silent films and a full orchestra playing well known film scores live at lunchtime are just some of the stand out highlights. We tried to generate new interest in a hobby that by any sensible measure should have died in the 1990s. When Bill Parsons converted my ailing GS1200 300w Gemini machine into HTI not even I believed his claims over the telephone regarding the light output he was reading. We all believed it once that extract from Terminator 2 fired up on the 24ft Harkness Hall CinemaScope screen. It needs another new lamp now to restore full brightness but still out performs the standard Xenon version. I'm sure many of us have some great memories of the BFCC and not just myself. It's nice to be able to look back now and Keith and I did just this during one or two of the shows last week.

There is no intention to drop the web site despite what may happen with the BFCC. You will find two pages of pictures from last Saturday on the 'Past Events' page. home

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on November 05, 2016, 05:04 AM:

Thanks for clearing that up John, I thought attendence was good but obviously not enough if Keith has lost money, a great achievement by all as you say for 40 years, Mark

Posted by Paul Barker (Member # 4318) on November 05, 2016, 05:04 AM:

the BFCC has been an inspiration over the years. i have attended myself in the past and always had a tremendous time. what has been achieved over the years really is remarkable. i really dont think some people realise the ammount of planning goes into such an event.and the time given by helpers also. i hope Keith is now looking forward to a more relaxed time at the blackpool film fair in 2 weeks time. i know he really enjoyed last year. all these events throughout the year need to be supported. where and whenever we can.

Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on November 05, 2016, 05:53 AM:

I was hoping to be there but I have been struck by
" Bells Palsy".
I am really sad about this as it seemed excellent.

Meantime thanks for the posts and photos guys.

Never mind MAYBE next time!

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on November 05, 2016, 06:02 AM:

Although we didn't attend this one we are, like many others, pleased to have experience a few over the years. Better some than none thats for sure. Great to hear from John C again, hope all is good with you John.

David, really sorry to hear your wernt well, i do hope you get better and are still viewing all your favourites. How was that standard 8 western you bought?
Best
Tom [Wink]

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 05, 2016, 06:39 AM:

I hope also there will be other BFCC in the future. Sorry to hear that the costs are higher than the incomes. I understand more the higher entrance price asked this time. As far I'm concerned, I'm ready to support as possible this event if it is still organized as John's message is suggesting that there is a hope in this direction (if that sentence is English :-).

Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on November 05, 2016, 07:20 AM:

Sad news to hear but 40 years was a good run. From all reports this year went out on a high so better to leave it like that rather than let it wane to a shadow of its previous existence.

Realistically if those in the South East and London are serious about having a 8mm meeting/convention the only option would be to join up with umbrella type organisation like the Westminster Memorabilia Fair then at least you can share costs have a place to buy and sell films and equipment and meet fellow collectors in a film themed environment. If a cinema room could also be developed you have the opportunity to create a similar type experience. You do lose exclusivity but there is the opportunity to attract newer younger faces who are attending a film related event and likely have never been exposed to celluloid.

It certainly focusing the mind that the Blackpool convention is the last event now left standing for film collectors and bar David Guest's intervention would have disappeared quite a few years ago. So if you don't make the effort to attend you are going to lose it.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 05, 2016, 07:32 AM:

Mike, don't forget the Get Together 9.5 and the 9.5 Spring Fair.

Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on November 05, 2016, 08:34 AM:

Dominique 9.5 is pretty well indestructible as a gauge and it seems to have been successful in attracting future younger generations into the hobby. Maybe there are lessons to be learnt two meetings/conventions a year is very impressive [Smile]

Mike

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