Cardiff Autograph Signing
Forbidden Planet
January 30th, 2002.

A rather rambling report!

I didn't get to FP until about 4pm (an hour before the start) and the line wasn't too bad. Michael turned up at about 4.50-ish and despite standing quite close to the entrance, we all managed to miss the taxi arrive. Doh! He disappeared inside and upstairs to sit in front of the massive window that is the front of FP.

We were called in ten at a time. Went inside then up the stairs where the photos were laid out. There were four I think but I can't describe them - one was the no glasses, short hair, sideways in SG outfit. I didn't buy any photos because I was planning to get them at the SG4 convention the following weekend. I took the TV Zone magazine with Michael's pic on the front cover and got that signed.

And then we get to Mr Shanks himself. Black shirt, blue jeans, *that* leather jacket, and unfortunately absolutely no time to talk whatsoever! The organiser, Bryan from Wolf (great guy), asked everyone what they wanted signed, and what name etc. so he kept things moving. He also made sure that flashes weren't continuously blinding Michael. Lexa Doig (Rommie from Andromeda), who was on tour with Michael, was there too. She was quite quiet but seemed to be enjoying herself.

The conversation (it can't really be called that!) was very short and the only part I can really remember was saying "Hello" and getting a "Hey sweetie" back in a lovely Canadian accent (which took me a little by surprise because I don't really notice it in the show, although of course it's obvious - just not something I thought about). The other memorable part? Tk making a pratt of herself!

Me: "Is it okay if I get a photo?"
MS: "Sure"
<Attempt One>
<Attempt Two>
Me: "Okay, the camera's not on."

Michael laughed. Idiot here turns the camera on and takes another three attempts. No doubt the picture will probably have camera shake. Oh well!

Michael Shanks in Cardiff
(Look, no camera shake!)

Yeah, he was nice. It was literally "hello", sign, "thanks, bye!" - very little time for conversation. But when we left, myself and a mate (we met at SG3 although we're from the same town - go figure!) stood outside for about half an hour watching the signings through that window. That sounds a little sad but it was actually brilliant - watching Michael call kids around the table so they could get in photos with him; at one point he got up and went around the table himself to have a photo with someone. That's what I'll remember the most about this - just seeing him sign all those autographs and have all those photos taken with a permanent smile on his face, even if it was from a floor below and in the freezing cold.

Cute bits: We were two people from the table when someone was trying to take a photo and couldn't get it to work (see, I wasn't the only one!), Michael made this impossible-to-describe expression, like an impatient little head movement. I guess you had to be there but it was funny! Also, whilst standing outside, Michael did look out and make another funny expression - no way I could get a pic tho :(

One thing I realised was that Michael Shanks is very different to Daniel Jackson. I can't actually explain 'how' but there's no mistaking the character for the actor. Unless you've only ever seen Meridian.

Okay, I'm done rambling. It was a short and sweet encounter. Thanks to everyone who made it happen and Michael in particular for agreeing to stop by in Cardiff!

~Tk~

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