Part 2 of 6 Includes Dammitgirlie & Flyhead with a Highlight by Rosie
Dammitgirlie’s Report:
OY! I am at work, at least physically, so I am submitting my Big Damn Report.
But first...
#1 If there is a god, there is no way he ever intended me to balance all my weight on a two inch square of shoe. My feet are killing me, and yes I did walk through the parking structure at the end of the night without my shoes...you wanna make something of it?
#2 yes I did doze off in my car this morning in the school parking lot. But I still got here on time so give me a break!
Ok report time. There's not much and yet there’s a ton, hard to explain. We arrived around 5:30pm and headed toward the will call tables, which were located about a mile and half around the opposite side of the theater from the "Browncoat Corral". On the way I just kept running into folks I recognized. Browncoats abounded. We waited in line and picked up our tickets and buttons and then we went and stood in the Browncoat Corral, back all the way around the way we had come. Imagine this ...the theater is in the middle of a thoroughfare with the Hard Rock being sort of across the way and in the center of the area. Now normally, you could walk around either side of the Hard Rock, but because of the red carpet they had the front side of the theater blocked off so you had to walk around behind the Hard Rock to get to the beginning of the red carpet where "will call" is, but you had to walk back to the end of the red carpet to get into the Browncoat Corral, then you had to walk back to the will call to get into the theater. Throw in a few trips to the locker area...good lordy, that’s a stretch of land... and you have your exercise cut out for you.
Anyway we got a fairly good place; we were on the very end of the red carpet, opposite the press area and behind a plethora of signage and a giant column. We basically stood there and chatted for about an hour, an hour and a half. Ewok and Pajamasam got a lot of film coverage. Guys with cameras kept walking up and putting mics in their faces and asking them questions. They were young, cute and enthusiastic, who wouldn't want a shot of that. If you see them anywhere let me know. Finally a guy, Paul, got up on a stage, which I could see on the overhead screen (they also showed the commercials and some various music videos on it.) He was our announcer. Nice guy, pronounced the names correctly, he sort of rolled things along as the MC, told us why we were there, who was coming etc. Finally around 7:00 some celebs rolled up. Ron was first he was interviewed by Paul on stage. Morena followed, but I don't recall her getting on the stage, she must have. Stage was nowhere near us, but we could see it on the big screen. While Ron and Morena are across from us talking to the press, Nathan comes stealthily along the outside of the red carpet along the corral railing greeting Browncoats and signing things. WHAT A SWEETIE! He bypassed the press and came by us first. There was no screaming Beatles-ish behavior, everyone said hello and thanks etc, but you never would have known that one of the big stars was moving among the crowd if you didn't know him.
Naturally right as he started down the line my camera batteries overheated. I figured it wasn't meant to be and waited for him to sign the kids stuff and said thanks, before reloading my batteries. If anyone got a pic of him especially near the kids, I would love a copy. Pajamasam had the poster that she got at the testimonials so it won't be hard to see us.
Overall it was fairly quiet. They all arrived so late that the Browncoat corral was almost empty after that. I still had to run the ten minute mile to the lockers to put my camera away and then go get into the theater, which was BACK around the Hard Rock again. Mostly we applauded the Browncoats as they went by, I took a few pics, but the security pretty much kept them moving. Saxon and Rosie and their group took off just before us, and then Ric and the kids went into the theater while I went to the lockers. I almost ran down the red carpet. I know I heard them announcing Adam as I went in the building, and I passed a bunch of folks along the way, like Allyson Hannigan, but I was concerned about the time. If I had known they were not seating us all in the same theater, I would have stayed outside and cheered longer, but I was concerned we would mess things up if we stayed outside too much longer. There were only a couple of Browncoats still outside when I went in and I think only three of the stars had gone by. I got settled into the theater, with our complimentary snacks then met a few more Browncoats, like Arlo and Shiny. I met Pip outside earlier. And I handed off the extra screening and party ticket to someone who still had a friend on the outside. (Very happy fellow today I bet!)
Anyway, we watched the film and here I have one warning, no spoiler...Our sound sucked! The stereo in our theater kept going out and crackling and it made the film seem very amateur, which is sad because it had nothing to do with the movie and was just our projection. It jumped a few times too so the editing looked rougher then it was. I hope Universal fixes that problem before they let press see a screening like that. I'm sure no one who had seen it minded that much, but I think the Serenity Virgins need to go see it again soon so they can see it the way it was intended, you know with sound! It was too fun to see it with that many virgins. Every time the audience jumped or gasped I would get giggly. It was so cool hearing all the responses.
When the movie ended we stood in line for the bathrooms, I met a few more folks. It was a LONG line. Then my family cruised outside in search of after party. There was Adam standing right outside. Apparently while I was at the lockers he had seen the kids with their posters and told them to catch up later and he would sign them. His staffer was very nice, asked the kids their names etc and he signed the posters. Then we headed to the party. I believe it was in Tommorowland...no I'm not kidding, they took us on a walk to God knows where I was so turned around by the time we got there; It could have been Disneyland by that time. It was a nice little paseo area outdoors (it was chilly but they had heaters) and there were food and drink stations and tables lining the walkway. We tracked down some familiar faces, dropped our stuff and had some food. The talent and important folk were all being corralled in VIP ballroom style place just off the Paseo. Eventually they allowed us in. I think I was one of the last to enter. Pajamasam and LittleBear went to work strolling around meeting and greeting. I pretty much stuck to the outside walls. :) I was just happy to stand back and watch. Anywhere there was a large mass of folk; there was inevitably a hero in the middle.
Best moment of a 13 year old boys life (especially a short one) LittleBear is waiting patiently to say hello to Jewel and suddenly finds himself happily sandwiched between Jewel and Christina Hendricks. That's where I left him, smiling! Dad made sure he went to check on the boy though...*snicker*
I eventually found a place to sit and just crowd watched most of the night, visiting with many Browncoats. I only approached one person, Chris B to say thanks again. It was sort of funny, because he had been speaking to Jewel when I approached and her security man stepped up to me and said "I'm sorry. Miss Jewel has asked for privacy" and I said "oh that's Ok I'm waiting to speak to Mr. Buchanan" The security guy smiled big and said "Well OK" I told him he was doing a fine job and it must be tough and he said everyone had been very nice and thank you, before moving away with Jewel.
Rosie dragged me over to meet a star at one point "Pick one" she kept saying, so we picked Morena, because she was closest. I said hello and then moved on. She is very pretty and very petite. I don't know who said she was 5'8 but she can't be, because I'm just under 5'7 and in heels we were about the same height.
Anyway, Pajamasam has MANY stories, like how she ended up pushing Nathan out of her way (long story short she was heading through the crowd with Ewok and as she was maneuvering her way through, she sort of shoved passed him, not knowing who he was, and then he started picking on her saying "did you just push me" I really hope it was in fun and not serious, I wasn't there. She apparently apologized and hopefully it was all understood)... Little Bear had encounters too, although he didn't actually physically assault anyone. We stayed until about 12:45 when I collected the kids and said our goodbyes.
Little Bear was just standing waiting to say hi to Nathan (what a man he stayed till the very end!) Nathan turned to him, smiled and said, "Wait, I remember you. What does your name start with?" Little Bear says "J" Nathan looks confused "what's it end with?" "Y" then Nathan smiles and says "Right Jibilitby!" (Nonsense word) and gives him a big hug and a kiss on the check. Little Bear was all smiles. He got a hug from the Captain. Mom is jealous, but happy too.
By the time we had trekked out to the lockers they had apparently broken up the party and sent the last diehard Browncoats packing.
I know I was there, but I don't really have any good first hand stories, can't wait to hear some, including those from my own family.
Flyhead Report:
I saw Rosie this morning. Wow. Brain still fried. ;p Mine too. I could not sleep what with the 3 hour time thingy, my bio clock & my brain racing like mad!
I've got to see many Browncoats that I haven't seen in a few years, like Betsy & Pip. And I got to meet DG oh so briefly, Ying, Shiny, EARTH2KIM. ACK! There are so many more, but like I said same fried brain problem as Rosie & hotel dial up for 79 cent s minute. Can't really afford to sit here & collate! *L*
A bunch of us were trying to get a drink at the Hard Rock & planned to watch the BDHs arrive from there. We couldn't get a waiter & then they threw us out for not buying anything! *L* AmyL & I went around the HRC to the back of the venue where you entered to walk the red carpet. There were 2 - side by side, one for the BDHs & other celebs, one for the rest of us.
We were just hanging back waiting to see the BDHs walk out & lo and behold, who is standing next to us? Mark Sheppard!! I told him we all miss him posting here & want him in the next movie. He truly wants to be.
Then this gorgeous woman in a beautiful long Chinese styled coat stands next to me. I had seen her earlier & admired her coat. So here she was & I complimented her. She was telling me how a lady on her street made it for her, when Amy says something to her about how much we love her son Nathan.
TO WHUBBA WHO??!!! Yep. It was Cookie Fillion & her handsome, charming, husband Bob! We told them we were Fillionaires & understood if they wanted to run away, but no, the brave, gracious souls talked to us at length. They are such wonderful folk, loved them to death.
Amy gave Cookie her rhinestone "F" Fillionaire pin & I gave her a Fillionaire Charter Membership card. *L* I think she really liked our little gifts. I hope so. She also made a point to introduce us to Nathan, er...I mean Jeff Fillion's *swoon* little brother. He was extremely preoccupied, as he was about to make his red carpet walk, but still... pretty darn cool. Thanks Cookie! :)
There's so much more, but like I said...79 cents a minute. Talk at ya'll later!
Rosie highlights:
Chris Buchanan on the Red Carpet. I blew him a kiss as I was walking by once he recognized me. He blew a kiss back.
Adam Baldwin shouted, "ROSIE!!!" I love it.
Alan Tudyk is a sweetheart. The short version: I said hi to him and he greeted me warmly. I introduced Ying and Windhover to Alan. There was much talking Alan was great. He was talking to others so we started to back away. He noticed me backing away, reached out grabbed my hand drew me close and gave me hug and said, "Always a pleasure to see you." I was so touched that he did that. Alan is a true gentleman and a class act.
Met Cookie Fillion finally, she is a doll. The last BDH I spoke to was Nathan himself he said my name and shook my hand. What a way to end the party.
More Flyhead Report:
Here's a little bit, before Rhoby knocks me out to get her hands on this laptop...
The movie was shown on multiple screens to accommodate all the invited guests. The red carpets were parallel & next to each other, so you were at times walking next to the stars. Once inside all popcorn & soft drinks were there for the taking. Makes sense, of course. But stupid me, 48 years of conditioning had me ordering my drink & getting money out! *L*
When we (Rhoby, Rosie, Pip, Laura, AmyL, MOH, Saxon & Co., Odile, KernelM...) got into our theatre we were thrilled to learn it was the BDH theatre. It's not like I was sitting with Adam or Ron or anything, but just to be in the same room with the BDHs after all these years for the premiere of Serenity was so very special. I was thrilled, honored, blessed, excited & GRATEFUL.
AmyL sat next to me & had not seen Serenity yet. That was pretty intense for the both of us! There was polite applause as each BDH's name was shown on the screen. I obviously can't say much more about the movie, but it was almost as intense the second time for me. I was still physically affected by it.
Afterwards we were directed to an area behind City Walk, which was part of the Universal theme park. There were cobbled streets & little shops. Very 'old world' looking - in the dark anyway. Food carts & bars were everywhere. The food was served buffet style & the alcohol was served STRONG!
The Globe Theatre was pretty much in the center of the area. After a few minutes it was open to everyone & in just about everyone went. The BDHs were each surrounded by clusters of people. I felt a bit sorry for them, but as usual, they were the epitome of graciousness. I would have liked to have talked to a few of them, but the timing rarely seemed right. I did get to talk to Ron Glass (who I always knew was hot, but learned at D*C was made of pure gold) for a few minutes. I also spoke to Mattie for a few minutes & gave him & Jewel Fillionaire Membership cards.
Chris was not as recognizable to some of the people, so we OB'rs did get some nice moments with him. I LOVE this man for numerous reasons, so I was thrilled. I also met Chris' wife for just a sec. She has a face like Rosie's - all sunshine & goodness. She seemed very sweet.
I tackled...er...I mean intercepted Bob & Cookie inside to see if they had a camera. I was hoping to get my Cappy picture with it as proof of my date for all the Filly's! *LOL* Even they were not allowed to bring one in. (That just seems wrong to me!) That led to more talking with Cookie. Windhover also joined in shared an amazing story with us.
Summer was her classy, gorgeous self with flowers in her hair. I never saw Jewel. She was engulfed in a crowd. Morena was in black & beautiful as ever. Never saw Gina or the operative actor, whose name I can neither spell nor pronounce. (Sorry sir. I'm slow & my memory card sucks.) He is magnificent in this movie. I wish he had been there. Saw Sean & Alan just briefly; same with Adam, though I did get a hug.
I danced with Arlo, which was something, as I am not a dancer (two left feet). Thanks for asking Arlo. That will be one of my favorite moments of the evening, no matter how brief it was or how flighty drunk I was!
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