New York Comic Con week 2014 report part 2

This report begins with the first day we attend NYCC

Friday

This day begins at NYCC, or as some have called it, panel con. Despite its nature we still manage to extract some good fruits out of that event. 

The top want for the day is Lucy Lawless AKA Xena: Warrior Princess. She is not going to be at her booth till later, so we worry about other things. We attend the panel for the movie "Young Ones". The celebrities who were here for Young Ones included Nicholas Hoult, Michael Shannon, Kodi Smit-McPhee and director Jake Paltrow. The goal was combos with everyone except Hoult who I only needed on the poster they gave out for free. 

The panel ends, shit hits the fan and everyone rushes to the stage. I manage to get Michael Shannon to sign both the poster and the Man of Steel magazine that I have. Unfortunately in the chaos ink smudged in the page, but the autograph is unaffected. I got Kodi combo, Jake combo, and as they were being rushed I manage to plead for a Shannon photo op and a Hoult autograph. I'm happy with the Michael Shannon upgrade because he was wearing a hat covering most of his head in my shot. This wasn't easy and was chaotic so I'm fortunate to have done as well as I did. A good start to NYCC. 

I then rush to the Epic photo ops are to get my Jennifer Morrison shot. Next up me and Joresky attend a free signing of The Librarians. The cast included Rebecca Romijn, Christian Kane, John Kim and Lindy Booth. I needed extra autographs from Rebecca and combos with the rest. Unfortunately they started cracking down on photo ops and extras as we were approaching the line, so sacrifices had to be made. We wanted a Christian Kane photo op the most. So we chose to sacrifice the Rebecca extras and Lindy Booth photo op. We got the autographs from Rebecca and Lindy (on the photo they provided) then we got to Christian and got the full combo no issue. Then snagged a full combo with John Kim just because.  

After this the next series of photo ops I got were Karl Urban, Stephen Amell, Manu Benette, Lucy Lawless, and former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone. 

When I went to the Stephen Amell photo op line to try and find somebody to split with me. I go down the line and find someone willing to do it. This is actually the second time ever I find a total stranger to agree to split with me, and most people are afraid to do it for whatever reason. But it gets even weirder. This guy didn't want my payment. 

After me and Joresky got the Lucy Lawless photo op he then left to an event that had music names I either had or had no interest in. So I stayed in NYCC in an attempt to get Michael Keaton and Ed Norton at their panels. As the panel was going on, I used a lot of stealth to mooch my way into that room. I got in, victory! Unfortunately this effort would be for nothing because as soon as the panel ended they bolted out  I then grabbed some free Birdman posters, and this ended my time at NYCC for Friday. 

I went to the next spot where I was hoping to see Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, and other actors. Unfortunately when I arrive the spot seems to have already peaked. But I saw someone taking photo ops and I had no idea who it was at the time. He was super friendly and I got a shot. It turned out to be a decent score, director Spike Jonze. 

On to the other side of the building where stars were exiting. There was a crowd. I then see Vanessa and two of NYC's top graphers rush car. I'm invited to join them. I figure I can't go wrong in a car with an entourage of that caliber. But to show you how there are no rules when it comes to this, even they fucked up and it was a total dud. Had I stayed put where I was I would have had a photo op or two. Wow what a bust. In terms of tactics I made what seemed like a good decision, stick with the best. But in hindsight I should have stayed put. Also goes to show you how unpredictable and volatile combo hunting is, even the best of the best have bad moments. 

After more barren time I decide to join Joresky to get Duff McKagan. I had him already but wanted an upgrade shot plus an autograph. Unfortunately traffic hinders me and I arrive too late. I pick up Joresky and we go to the final spot for the evening. As soon as we arrive we see Sienna Miller but unfortunately she says on the way out. 

Upon more waiting Steve Carrel comes up and I get an upgrade shot with him (he has a cap in my shot).

After I learnt that Bradley Cooper is in the building I rush to my car to get the photos I have randomly in my car. Unfortunately as I arrive Bradley is signing and I miss that chance to complete my combo with him. Bradley Cooper autographs is something I can never seem to score for whatever reason. I also missed Mark Ruffalo leaving but I have a photo op with him and had nothing on me so I missed nothing on that front. I then quickly snag a Sienna Miller photo op as kept her word and did photo ops. 

Lots of ups and downs for the day, but overall I would say success! 

Karl Urban (Star Trek, Dredd, among others)

Jennifer Morrison (Once Upon a Time)

Lucy Lawless AKA Xena: Warrior Princess

Stephen Amell AKA Oliver Queen/The Arrow

Former drummer of the Ramones, Marky Ramone (I Wanna Be Sedated)

Michael Shannon (General Zod in Man of Steel)

Sienna Miller (GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra)

Steve Carrell (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Despicable Me 1&2, Dinner for Schmucks, among others)

Full list of Friday photo ops part 1

Full list of Friday photo ops part 2

Friday autographs



Saturday

Back to NYCC. This day we would be joined at NYCC by Vanessa. Joresky won free autograph tickets for Robot Chicken and Rick and Morty. But sadly I won neither one. 

I also go to the Marvel booth to try and win tickets to the Daredevil signing, but sadly I didn't get a winning ticket. I won some sort of lame prize like a discount ticket to some merch, but I gave that away to someone who has seemingly happy to get it. 

After he picked up his tickets we got a photo op with Gillian Anderson. Already had her but this is a MAJOR upgrade. Sadly she looked a lot hotter the day before, so I was a little disappointed. I reserved my spot in the Powers signings and also in the Black Sails signing (thanks to Mr Notorious from markedout.com for the latter). Joresky then went to the Robot Chicken signing and I joined him. They were checking tickets but all I needed was a photo op with Clare Grant who I constantly fail to get every year. While the handler was saying no posed shot I gave him my camera and asked if he could take my shot with just Clare. While Joresky is getting his Robot Chicken stuff done I score my Clare Grant over the table shot! VICTORY WAS MINE! 

Now over to the Powers signing, despite security screaming no photo ops we clean swept combos with Noah Taylor, Olesya Rulin, Logan Browning, Susan Heyward, Brian Michael Bendis, and Eddie Izzard! Another victory! 

Next up was Rick and Morty. I mooched into the line with Joresky and again, clean swept combos with everyone! Namely Dan Harmon, Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, and Sarah Chalke (Roseanne). 

Now on to the Black Sails signing. The plan was to go to that then to a Bill Nye panel. Unfortunately the singing started late and it was impossible to do both. We had a backup plan for Nye, namely the signing. At the Black Sails signing it was another clean sweep of combos! Toby Stephens (the main villain in the James Bond movie Die Another Day), Zach McGowen, Luke Arnold, Hannah New, Jessica Parker Kennedy, Toby Schmitz, and producers Robert Levine and Jon Steinberg. This sweeping victory came with a punch in the face unfortunately. The line for the Bill Nye signing was already capped 

While Joresky is getting is Star Trek TNG cast photo op, I wait with Vanessa at the Marvel booth. Watching all these people go up to the signing was painful. They even let a little girl in the signing just for being a little girl. While waiting we see comic book writer/artist Joe Quesada. He does photo ops no problem. Then I find a credit card on the floor. I pick it up. I then ask one of the security guys at the Marvel booth if his name is Michael. He says yes I'm Michael. I tell him he lost his card, and he was ever so grateful. I ask him "does that mean I get to go in the signing" he goes "YES, that means you get to go to the signing". I went underneath the ropes into the line and Vanessa's reaction on the miracle that I pulled off was this face 

In order to help Vanessa out I tell the guy "could you also please take care of my girl" and the guy says he will. So I go through the line I ask for my first photo op with producer Jeph Loeb and someone says "no photo op" but Jeph agrees to it. I then score combos with producer Steven S DeKnight and actors Vincent D'Onofrio (The Kingpin), Deborah Ann Woll, Charlie Cox (Daredevil), and Elden Henson. Since I have Ben Affleck that means I now have both live action Daredevils. 

When I was done a TV screw took me aside and interviewed me about my experience and asked me other general questions while I showcased my signed poster. Apparently I may be in the promos for the TV show. So look out for that! After I was done with the interview I found out Vanessa went through the line so that was good to hear. Vanessa wanted to get The Hurricane. So I looked up the booth number and we went there. She asked me if I would split the photo op with her and I did it as a nice gesture to her and also because he was fully suited and masked so it was a cool shot. 

After this we all go down to see if we could mooch our way into the Bill Nye line, but they were REALLY micromanaging the line. Sadly it seemed like we would not get Bill Nye. We even pleaded to some staff members but no dice. Another crushing defeat came in the fact that we found out that Robert Smigel AKA Triumph the Insult Comic was just walking around but we found that out when it was too late. 

Also, Joresky spotted Jack McBrayer AKA Fix-It Felix walk around to go to the back room area, I tried to chase him down for a photo op but was unsuccessful. 

The last stop for Saturday at NYCC was the room where Mike Tyson was going to do his panel. Scored photo ops with both Judith Roberts and Amy Sedaris leaving. Then we all mooched into the Mike Tyson panel which Vanessa wanted to attend. After it was done I scored a photo op with Rachel Ramras and Vanessa managed to score Mike Tyson but I wasn't able to get that upgrade shot.

Another grueling yet mostly successful day at NYCC was in the books. We head over to a spot where Walking Dead actors were going to be at. Unfortunately it was a mad house. But I manage to get an Andrew Lincoln autograph. 

Next up Vanessa got info where Michael Keaton and Emma Stone were eating. Unfortunately the condition set by the person who had the info was that we had to relinquish to him any autographs we got. We refused since we had photo ops with them, so I just dropped Vanessa off at the spot and me and Joresky went to "easier" spots. In hindsight that was a horrible decision cause Vanessa got a PERFECT Michael Keaton where he looks like Bruce Wayne 

First spot we try for Rose Byrne. I got a perfect shot with her but wanted to try for autographs. While waiting James Earl Jones waves at the crowd. This would be a painful thing for me to see - IF I didn't already have a combo with him. Mark Linn-Baker comes out and I had a photo for him to sign, he said it was a nice photo. I marked out as I yelled "cousin Larry" to him which made him smile. 
The other names we got there were names and we later found out Rose Byrne no showed at the spot

If I didn't have Mark Linn-Baker this would have been a huge success. But since I had him it wasn't. On to the next spot for Michael Cera and Kieran Culkin. They took forever to come out that many people gave up and left which allowed us to get prime railing spots. Unlike his douche bag of a brother Kieran was friendly and posed. But Cera acted weird and would stand away or look away as he said "take it". But I managed to jump close to him and get a valid shot. 

The last spot for the evening was a spot for Bill Hader. We weren't expecting to see much, but boy did this spot flourish with random celebrities. Seth Rogen came in but didn't bother since I had him and wanted to give Joresky the shot. Leaving I got an upgrade shot (he was wearing a cap in my previous shot). Upgraded my shots with Steven Yeun and Robert Kirkman from walking dead. Paul Rudd, Sebastian Stan, Edward Norton, and Kristen Wiig did basically nothing. Rudd and Stan I have already, but needed Wiig and Norton. Though Norton is always an asshole. Another heart breaking rejection for me was Zach Galifianakis who used "social media" as an excuse for not doing photo ops. However I still had my Hangover photos handy cause of Bradley Cooper randomly showing up the night before, and he happily signed my 8x10. Would have much rather had the photo op though. 

The last person in the spot that I still needed a photo op with was Jack McBrayer who I failed to get at NYCC. I was dead set on this one so I waited it out even after all graphers left and even Joresky went to the car to nap. The spot let out, the doors were closing, I see a bunch of people come out at like 5am and still no signs of Jack! WTF! Did I miss him in exits? The workers were already putting the tables and chairs away. Then finally I see him. He was literally the last non-staff member to leave the restaurant! I ask for a photo op and I get it. My reaction was this face 

Since Vanessa wanted to attend NYCC with us in a few hours, she chose to crash in the car as well. We parked close to NYCC and got some VERY much needed sleep. 

Gillian Anderson (Dana Scully in the X-Files)

Toby Stephens (Die Another Day, Black Sails)

Charlie Cox (Daredevil in the Daredevil netflix tv series)

Vincent D'Onofrio (The Kingpin in the Daredevil netflix tv series)

Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page in the Daredevil netflix tv series)

Jack McBrayer (Fix-It-Felix in Wreck-It Ralph)


Seth Rogen

Full list of Saturday NYCC photo ops part 1

Full list of Saturday NYCC photo ops part 2

Fill list of Saturday NYC photo ops part 1

Fill list of Saturday NYC photo ops part 2

NYCC autographs part 1

NYCC autographs part 2

NYC autographs part 1

NYC autographs part 2


Sunday

Again, the day starts off with NYCC. Since I was still feeling the blow of missing out on Bill Nye the prior day, I was dead set on making it to the American Dad signing before that got capped off. Thankfully we make the signing. 

When it starts they're of course yelling no photo ops but I snag photo ops with everyone as they're yelling. Swept combos with producers Brian Boyle and Matt Weitzman and voice actors Wendy Schaal, Rachael MacFarlane, Scott Grimes, and Dee Bradley Baker. Upon leaving I sadly realized that I fucked up my photo ops with Brian and Matt. The first one was so blurry it's garbage, the second I'm looking away from the camera. Thankfully the ones with the voice actors came out fine that's the important thing. 

After this success we go upstairs to the booths for a free signing with Steve Wilkos, head of security for the Jerry Springer show. Got a free signed lunch box and a photo op. After this we got free photo ops with Gary Sohmers, host of PBS’s Antiques Roadshow and Lloyd Kaufman, president of Troma and creator the Toxic Avenger. 

Now there was a Bret Hart signing for his Simpsons action figure at the NECA booth. Vanessa wanted to meet Bret, unfortunately they said they stopped selling the figures. Vanessa was upset about that but I checked back later and they began selling them again. Both Vanessa and Joresky ended up getting him. 

There was also a photo op session with the cast of the Thrilling Adventure Hour but we had the timing wrong and missed that. 

The last stop at NYCC was a Jerry Springer signing. Thankfully he was nice as can be. He handed out a free cape which I had him sign, a free 8x10 which he signed and personalized for everyone, AND I had two 8x10s of my own which I got him to sign, plus the photo op. Wow why can't all celebrities be that nice and stress free. Good overall name and extra good name for me due to his appearances on RAW. Hell, there was even a Weird Al song about him. 

After Springer we left the convention. I was so damn tiered from running around all these days that I didn't check updates to NYCC since I wanted to get out of there so bad. And for that I got a punch in the face. We missed a panel with Josh Duhamel who did photo ops there 

After NYCC we head to a spot for Callie Thorne (TVs Rescue Me), Elizabeth Reaser (Twilight). Get Callie plus a couple of  names then finally we see Elizabeth dashing away. We chase her down and she is more than happy to do combos. 

We scouted out other spots after that but they were duds, then I dropped off Vanessa and me and Joresky left. This ended a very fruitful few days. 

Wendy Schaal (Francine in American Dad)

Rachael MacFarlane (Hayley in American Dad)

Scott Grimes (Steve in American Dad)

Dee Bradley Baker (Klaus in American Dad)

Jerry Springer

Full list of Sunday photo ops

NYCC autographs part 1

NYCC autographs part 2

NYCC autographs part 3

NYC autographs

New York Comic Con week 2014 report part 1

NYCC has become a yearly tradition. Every year NYCC has people I want each and every day, and this year was no exception to the rule. This is why nothing short of a parent on a death bed can stop me from going to that con provided that I can physically go. 

The first part will include my pre NYCC meets, then we will move into the days of the actual con. So let us begin to recap my 5 day journey with 

Wednesday (pre NYCC)


We arrive in NYC for the Billy Idol book signing at the Barnes and Noble on Fifth Avenue. Unfortunately we could not find free parking and had to pay some decent coin, but that would be the ONLY time we paid for parking throughout the week. 

We line up for Billy Idol. Sadly it was no photo ops no extras. When I get to him and try to sneak a photo op I was yelled at and assaulted by a staff woman As a result I left with a signed book, defeated. We found out where Billy was coming out from after the signing, so I had a back up plan. But wait, Vanessa the Jersey Shore stalker in the house! She arrives and buys two books. I ask her if I could carry one of her books to tag along in another attempt to get the photo op. Joresky didn't care too much as he had the photo op, but this seemed like a good plan for me. 

As me and her arrive the line is almost cleared out. The staff woman who assaulted me is now harassing me saying I've already been through. I rub the unsigned page of the book in her face and say I bought a new book She even went out of her way to make sure my camera was off (it was on but the screen was blank so she didn't notice). Vanessa then asks Billy for a photo op, gets yelled at but Billy approves it. Vanessa gets the shot and I told Billy I bought another book to get a photo op. I made Vanessa take not one but two shots! VICTORY WAS MINE! 

After we leave I give Vanessa back her book and we position ourselves outside to get Billy again. I had 4 vinyls. Since I knew I wouldn't get all that done I gave one to Vanessa and one to Joresky so they could get extras. Billy comes out and there was victory round 2! I got BOTH vinyls signed while most people were lucky to get one! 

On to the next spot, I get a couple of names then Billy Idol pops up and is rushed inside and does nothing for no one. It sure was a nice feeling watching that knowing I already got a perfect photo op and extras. 

Next spot we expected to see The Rock. Sadly I had nothing for him but could use an updated photo op, even though I already have a great shot. We see rapper TI, he did nothing on the way in but I barely managed to get a shot on the way out. Got a couple of other names we sadly never saw The Rock and assumed he garaged it. 

Next we left for the Joe Perry book signing at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ. Sadly he didn't sign extras but he did photo ops, which was nice. There was a cop physically taking away any extras from people. We wanted to wait for him to leave but decided to sacrifice our shot at extras to attend a Ron Perlman book signing (we later found out Joe did extras leaving). We had a shot at Ron at NYCC but that place is volatile by nature so we preferred to get him out of the way early. 

I spoke to the book store on the way down there and they were talking like he was almost done, so we were hauling ass to get there. As I park and run I arrive at the book store and run up the escalators I fell on my knee and screamed with pain. This pain would be excruciating for the entire NYCC week and actually still lingers on more than a month later! In fact, during NYCC week I would exit the car and literally scream out loud with pain. 

As we arrived we found out the signing was still a long ways off from being done and all that rushing was unnecessary Oh well at least we didn't miss him. 

Thankfully he was doing photo ops and extras. When we got to him he stood up for a handicap photo op and me and Joresky managed to snag great standing shots right there and then! He signed my Hellboy and Beauty and the Beast 8x10s no issue and he thanked me when I told him that I was a fan since Beauty and the Beast. 

We go to the next spot and that's where I get a punch in the face. Joe Perry went inside minutes before I arrived and signed! Sucks cause I had nice Aerosmith vinyls already signed by Steven Tyler. We then see Matt Senreich from Robot Chicken, but already had him. He's like "wow I'm not used to being recognized". Then Richard Chamberlain enters and I get a first time photo op with him. So decent score right there. 

The Best Buy theater is the final spot for the evening, where I wait for Limp Bizkit. All members are friendly and do combos. Sadly I had nothing for them but got photo ops with everyone. One grapher who had a photo of the Undertaker asked me if I knew the connection and of course I was able to answer that question. 

Billy Idol

Joe Perry 

Ron Perlman

Richard Chamberlain

Full list of Wednesday photo ops part 1

Full list of Wednesday photo ops part 2

Three signed books

Billy Idol vinyls and Ron Perlman photos


Thursday (pre NYCC)

Thursday starts off with a choice of trying for Stephen Speilberg or trying for Robert Downy Jr. I chose Robert Downy cause I see Speilberg a lot more than I see him.  

We arrive at the spot and there are already a good number of graphers. The witching hour arrives and Robert comes out. I try to get a photo op and out of nowhere a child pops up and the handler tells me he's doing a photo op with the child. I apologize and say I didn't see the child. The handler says he's only signing and not doing photo ops, and I get him on my Walmart exclusive Avengers Iron Man figure (already have Hemsworth on the Thor figure from that line). As he's leaving I plead Robert for a selfie. He stops and tells me to turn around. I approach and he says STOP and tells me to stay where I am. I of course comply. I then says turn around and take it. Again, I comply and take the shot. As I look in my camera, my reaction is this face  I couldn't believe I scored that! After he left I literally was on my knees, the figure was help up high with one hand, the camera held up high with the other hand, and I was screaming and thanking the combo Gods for what I just scored. A cab driver even called me over to tell him what I got. Though as we later found out, people followed him to the light down the block and got both autogarphs and car shots. But at that spot I was the only adult to score a photo op 

Next spot we target actress Elle Fanning and actor Robert Duvall. This was a photo op only mission for me as I had nothing for them. Going in neither did anything for anyone. Coming out Duvall sadly just went in his car, but Elle accommodated the large crowd and I got a great shot with her! Me and Joresky next meet up with our friends Jimmy and James at a Hillary Duff movie shoot. 15 minutes later we are one perfect Hillary Duff photo op richer! 

We then drive to another spot with Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning. As we arrive the spot is letting out we see Hoult leave. I get him on my 8x10 but didn't worry about a photo op as I have one. We couldn't find the next spot they were going to be at but we saw an old school Arcade place that looked like it was still operating in the 90s. Wow it was so cool I even got a photo op with Final Fight and Street Fighter 2 Championship Edition arcade cabinets. 

Next up we wait for Keanu Reeves. We saw two girls get a photo op, so we got one. It was Alfie Allen who plays Theon in TVs Game of Thrones. Finally Keaunu arrives and I ask for a photo op, and HE POSES! He wasn't happy to do it. In fact he looks pissed. BUT HE POSED! I scored the shot as he rushes inside. Joresky, Jimmy, and James get a shot but the fan girls don't! 

Now here is where keeping random stuff in your car pays off. I just happened to have my Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey laserdisc in my car with two autographs on it ready for Keanu Reeves to complete it. So we play the waiting game. As the event exits we get photo ops with TJ Miller. It's a car shot but still counts. When Reeves comes out I plead my case to him saying he's the last one I need on my laserdisc. He looks at it and says "last one, huh" and SIGNS IT!! After he signs his wife wanted to look at it as I held it up showcasing it to her! HCIT! Wow what a sweeping victory for me. To boot, he did nothing for the fan girls as he exits. It's not often that four males score big while two females fail. That was a nice feeling especially as the females were acting like stuck up bitches. 

We then hit up another spot where Jeremy Renner and others were. Renner did nothing though. We did get a photo op with Michael K. Williams. Ended the evening at yet another spot with a couple of  names then head to bed, ready for the trials and tribulations that is NYCC. 

Robert Downy Jr

Elle Fanning

Hillary Duff

Keanu Reeves

Full list of Thursday photo ops

Arcade cabinets

Bill and Ted laserdisc

Robert Downy and Nicholas Hoult autographs

The autograph doesn't show up too well on the picture, but here is a photo of the figure without the flash that showcases the autograph better. 

I took a bite as I fell into the PIT

October is always my busiest month ever, with so many cons and so many meeting opportunities. 

One of those opportunities befell me in mid October. An event with Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Bernthal, and a couple of others. So I figured I'd make this report before diving into NYCC week.

Unfortunately the stars didn't align for me at this particular event. I had an engagement I tried to get out of but couldn't. I probably could have tried harder, but I was discouraged because this venue has a garage. A garage that Angelina Jolie, Brad's wife, used in the past. 

However, my heart broke when I received word that Brad Pitt did multi combos! My reactions was this face 

Later I got word that the event is still going on, but that Brad Pitt left the event. Depressed but not deterred, I decided to try and salvage by rushing to the event and getting Logan Lerman AKA Percy Jackson himself and Shia LaBeouf. I figured if I got combos from these two it would not be a total loss. Upon arriving I wait with other graphers. Apparently no one really asked Logan or Shia for photo ops coming in, but one girl got a photo op with Logan. It was painful to see those Brad Pitt photo ops. Really painful. Especially since I had tried for him twice in the past but failed to get him photo op wise. 

Again, I thought to myself I could ease that pain with the other names. First name comes out, I rush to get a photo op. After I get the op I realize it's only Jon Bernthal. Not that he's a bad name but I've gotten him before. Next up I see both Logan and Shia smoking from a distance. Minutes later Logan comes and I tried asking him for a photo op. But WTF BRAD PITT is with him!  Everyone swore they saw him leave, but THERE HE WAS so he must have come back! Sadly my Brad photos were tucked away, and I couldn't risk going for them! I decided to sacrifice my Logan combo and shoot for glory. I tried to get the photo op as he was signing but failed. As Brad was going to his car I would of course follow!

Now a security guard literally grabbed my shirt to prevent me from going up to Pitt! I told him to let go and stop touching and he replied "I'm not touching you" which technically was actually true here. I asked him again he didn't let go. Then I try to physically remove his grip on me, but he wouldn't comply. With Brad Pitt in sight I had to think fast. And think fast I did. 
Since the guard refused to release me from his 110% illegal detainment of me (we were on a sidewalk), I reached out to bite his hand. As I approached to readily bite him with all my force, he let go as soon as my teeth touched his hand (and before I had a chance to fully apply force). I then quickly run to Brad Pitt and some woman is trying to get a photo with him. She spends, I kid you not, 3 minutes just trying to figure out her shitty phone camera. While this is happening I'm getting harassed by 2-3 guards saying I have to back off and I tell them all to calm down and point out that he's doing photo ops and he's waiting. As soon as that stupid woman finally gets the photo op I ask AND HE POSES! I get my selfie and thank him. 

There is no smilie that can accurately describe my reaction after this ordeal was over with. To showcase THIS reaction, I will use this YTMND

Wow, after failing to get him in the past, after I thought I wasn't getting him this evening, after I almost didn't get him when I saw him, I FUCKING GOT HIM! 

After I was so happy one random guy asked "so did you get it" I showed him the photo op he goes "oh good job" 

Then head of security comes up to me and has a polite conversation with me, saying I should calm down or my motives will be questioned, and I explained my side of things, he said he understood and was trying to advise me. I thanked him and we shook hands.  

While waiting for Shia and others to come out, the same security guard told me his name and I told him my name, and we shook hands again. 

Finally Shia comes out, and starts signing. I get an auto and I ask twice for a photo op and both times he tells me no. So that's a bust photo op wise. Didn't bother to follow as I didn't think it would lead to success. 

Michael Peña and director David Ayer are left inside. Michael Peña was in Tower Heist among other things, so I decided it was worth waiting for him. When he came out he was happy to take a photo op with me. Then finally David Ayer, and again nice as can be. He already has a good resume, but it's now about to get better. He is directing the Suicide Squad movie! 

As I was leaving, I told the security guard good night and we shook hands again. 

While I definitely should have done that event earlier as I would have gotten Pitt autographs and probably a Logan combo, I can't complain as I got the trophy of the evening, a Brad Pitt photo op (which technically completes my combo since I got him autograph wise in the past) and of course good bonuses in Shia auto, and Pena/Ayer photo ops. 

Brad Pitt

Full list of photo ops

Shia autograph

Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Show 2014

My final report for the month of September, the Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Show in Hunt Valley. 

The day I attended was Thursday, mainly because William Sanderson who I missed last year was not attending Friday and I could not make it on Saturday. 

I manage to mooch my way inA good start. I go to one of my main wants from the show Veronica Cartwright from The Birds,  Alien, among others. Since somebody I knew was getting two autographs, I was able to get a free photo op. That made me happy. Sadly another big want of mine, Angela Catwright, cancelled her appearance. So that was a punch in the face. 

Next up I mooch a Piper Laurie photo op. One guy whispered in my ear "have some respect buy her book" but I ignored him. Then I finally get a William Sanderson photo op after constantly missing him. I of course know him best from Bladerunner. 

Missing from his table was my main want for the show, George Lazenby AKA James Bond. Apparently he was at lunch. While waiting Lana Wood does a free photo op with me whilst groping me. HCIT. 

Then finally Lazenby arrives. I elected to get a full combo from him. Got him on my laserdisc. This marks my fourth James Bond. Now missing Timothy Dalton and Sean Connery. 

Ended my time at Mid Atlantic with a Connie Stephens photo op. 

Veronica Cartwright

George Lazenby

Full list of photo ops

The sole autograph obtained

I played the GAME and it set me FREE

Been a while since I made a catchy title, but two days in September are worthy of the title. Let us take a look. 

It was mid September and I had a plan to try an event with Morgan Freeman, Téa Leoni, and Tim Daly. The same day I got a great tip about a Susan B Komen event featuring Triple H. I would later be told Stephanie would be there. So I prepared my merch. Both events were minutes apart. This had the makings of a truly epic and orgasmic day!! 

I start at the Triple H event. Unfortunately there were a couple of ways they could enter. The front of the side. Joan Lunden and Bruce Hornsby were also attending the event. 

While we wait in the front, Joan goes on the side. We wait in the side, I see a glimpse of Triple H's head entering the front 

Total bust so far. But we quickly go to the Morgan Freeman event to see what's up. Unfortunately the setup was every combo hunter's worst nightmare! A wide open garage ready for any fancy car! And sure enough that's where the cars went. Now the only hope was the Triple H event. We play the waiting game, more graphers join. I get photo ops with Joan Lunden and Bruce Hornsby who were both friendly as can be. Then everything settles down, and all graphers except me and one other give up. We are now waiting hoping we did not miss Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. 

Minutes pass and they seem like hours, and Triple H and Stephanie come out the front! I couldn't believe it! I didn't miss them! I get Stephanie on the first WWE_E and Triple H on my DX mag signed by HBK and Chyna to which Stephanie comments "ohh, attitude era" 

They then sign for the other grapher and I then score the "Brangelina" shot of wrestling, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon! One of the handlers took the shot. Triple H event lifted his fist up AFTER posing. This also gave me a photo op with short haired Triple H, so it was a double benefit there! I then whipped up one more magazine for Triple H and said "one more attitude era" and he signed it no issue! It was another DX mag already signed by the New Age Outlaws and X-Pac. The handlers said that's the last one. Normally I ignore such things but since Triple H and Stephanie were so accommodating I just chose to be happy with what I got. 

As they were in their car I thanked them and they said I was welcome. HCIT. The evening was a bust all through but turned around at the very end 

Unfortunately the end result was not without a punch in the face. The first mag he signed, I pointed out the spot I wanted him on but he sadly signed somewhere else and it was a little over HBK's autograph, tainting the item. Thankfully the second one came out flawlessly. Now to showcase:

Triple H and Stephanie

Full list of photo ops

Full list of autographs (both mags now completed)

Close up of the first mag he signed, to showcase what I meant


I of course did not give up on Morgan Freeman and company. The next day they had another event, and the spot was more accessible. I figured going into the event that I would probably not get Morgan, but if I got a combo with Téa Leoni it would be worthwhile. Tim Daly I've seen so many times but I printed photos to make things more fruitful. 

So I arrive at the free event, and I feast on the food that was offered. The event starts and everyone goes on stage. It was painful seeing Morgan Freeman on stage, someone I've seen so many times and failed to get anything from so many times. Really was heart breaking watching him so close yet so far, talking in the same room I'm in. I also had to mentally prepare for failure Morgan Freeman wise. I had nothing for him to sign since I know he doesn't sign autographs anymore due to his health. But I also knew that Tea shot was a much safer bet, so I wouldn't leave empty handed. 

To make matter worse, there were security guards that seemed like they would hinder any attempts at combos. But there were other graphers there. My plan was this. Let the graphers go for whoever and get harassed by security, meanwhile I go for whichever celeb they did not go for as security is busy. 

So the event ends, and shit hits the fan. Graphers are trying to get Tea. I see her sign and quickly whip up my photos. Then Morgan Freeman comes down the stage, and lo and behold, he is doing photo ops. So I ask, and I get it! It was a little blurry and I ask for another he agrees! I couldn't believe it! I SCORED!  I broke the Morgan Freeman curse! Goes to show you that persistence pays off! I can't remember how many times I failed to get that photo op (most recently the prior day) and here I scored! I have to admit security was not a problem here as I feared they would be. 

After this score I score a Tea photo op and get Tim Daly to sign a Superman photo and he goes "ohh, supes". Then they started rushing them out saying they had a train to catch. 

After this I go outside and as they exit I improve my Tea shot saying it didn't come out, and she was nice about it. Daly did nothing else and didn't see Morgan (which didn't matter as I had nothing for him to sign and got the shot). 

Now I still had more photos for Tea and Daly, and they did say earlier they were going to the train station. So I run to the train station and I beat them there. Tea goes "ohh you guys are crazy" she signs my photo and I'm told that's it. I had an extra Tea photo that remained unsigned but that's ok. I also get one more from Daly and tell him that I'll see him again at an event in 2015.

Let's see, a first time A list photo op, a first time combo, and free food! Short of winning the grand prize of the lottery, I cannot think of a better day than that! 

Morgan Freeman

Téa Leoni (Jurassic Park III, Deep Impact, Tower Heist, among others)

Autographs

While the day ended, the evening was just beginning, and I was preparing for a Hall and Oats event. This one would be joined by 

We wait for the concert to let up, and stand where they are coming out from. Each would come out accompanied by cops. First Daryl Hall, I get him on two plus the photo ops! Next John Oats is quietly going to the car and while everyone is busy with Hall I ask for a photo op. The cop is about to physically stop me but when Oats consents to it he backs down. I get my photo op and autograph and he says he's only signing one. True to his word he did not sign my second item but accommodated others. Both were VERY rushed, if they had come out together this would definitely have not been the sweeping success that it was.

Daryl Hall

John Oates

Autographs 

Some scattered meets throughout September

With October being my busiest hunting month, I've sadly been lagging on reports. But now that I have some down time I will try to pump a report per day. I will start with some scattered meets in September as a prelude to more major September treks. 

We will start with an event in early September where I planned to get someone I've failed to get a couple of times in the past: Patrick Duffy from Dallas and Step by Step. Linda Gray from Dallas and RJ Mitte from Breaking Bad were the other names at that event. 

So I arrive and play the waiting game. One grapher points out senator Patrick Leahy to me. He had a speaking roll in Dark Knight. 

This is him in the movie:

So I declared him worthy of a photo op and he was nice about it. RJ Mitte then shows up and does combos no problem. Finally we see Patrick and Linda, and I manage to get combos and an extra from each. Had to beg Patrick for that extra but he did it. 

After the sweeping success I mooched my way into the event and enjoyed some food. I got photo ops with some animators from Frozen while in the event. Also got a better shot with RJ Mitte. On exits I took someone's double shot with Patrick and Linda, but when he took my double shot it sadly came out blurry. Also got a photo op with a make up artist whose name I don't know. 

Patrick Duffy photo op

Full list of photo ops from that day

Full list of autographs from that day

Photo of the mooched food

Overall a successful day of free food and combos 



Next day I get an evening call about Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers doing a show. They are probably best known for the Unchained Melody used in Ghost 

So I rushed to venue and saw that it was private property. We parked and decide to lay low and discussed strategies on where to wait. When it let out we mooched into the venue. Turns out he is doing a signing! Since I knew about this last minute I sadly had no albums to get signed. It was painful watching him rack on vinyl albums. I ended up buying his book and mooching some programs from the floor. When I got up to him he couldn't have been nicer. Stood for photo ops, signed, and I also got a photo with his daughter. 

WOW if only every meeting endeavor were that easy and stress free I'd actually enjoy them and do them more often It was such a wonderful feeling to walk out of there successful without having to wait for hours and be yelled at by security. But I guess if it were always that easy more people would have tons and tons of photo ops. 

One half of the Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley

His daughter

Autographs

Couple of days later I go try for someone I've failed on a couple of times in the past, Jerry Seinfeld! We arrive at the spot and play the waiting game. Going in he does nothing and says "on the way out". So we wait. Lots of security that I was expecting to try and bully me, but none did anything. Going out he is rushing to his car and I beg/plead him and he breaks down! I get my photo op, the other grapher gets his autograph, I then ask for an autograph he goes "I'M DONE" 

Didn't get a full combo, but success! 

Jerry Seinfeld


Next up I set out to meet an A lister, Reese Witherspoon! I arrive at the event and lots of reporters, fans, etc. Actor Corey Stoll and director Philippe Falardeau arrive and I get photo ops with them. I figured that it's probably what I'll begetting since Reese is not known to be nice. As she comes she is surrounded by security. I wait for her to leave, and she is leaving out the back. As she enters her car I ask for a photo op ONE ON ONE but sadly nothing. Failure. 

Photo ops


Towards the end of September is a flight for Stacy Dash from Clueless. Arrive at the spot and she is being rushed by airport personnel. WTF? Really? Stacy Dash? Despite that I manage to get a photo op and two autographs as the woman with her was threatening to call security on us. But we just ignored her and went for Stacy. After Stacy went to her car I told the woman she could call who she wants we're on public property. She replies "I understand" as she walks away. Definitely a success but much harder and much more rushed that I imagined this to be. 

Photo op

Autographs


Two days later 80s pop star Tiffany is doing an appearance at Rope Walk Tavern in Baltimore. 

We arrive and Tiffany shows up and has a meal. After her meal she does a meet and greet. VERY nice and friendly and does combos with everyone who wants. I got a photo op, my vinyl signed, the actual record signed, and a playboy. Again, a nice stress free situation. How refreshing. To boot, after the meet and greet I enjoyed a free concert. This concert was just how I like them. I was right next to the stage, AND it didn't cost money. After she was done I actually helped her off the stage, HCIT! 

I then went where Joresky was to try and meet actor Jon Lovitz, but sadly it was a total bust as the venue is IN the hotel. So he easily snuck out. At least I already got him before. 

Photo op

Autographs


A day after that back to the airport for Ansel Elgort who I failed to meet in NYC before. When he arrived he was nice as can be posing for all the teenage girls waiting for him, asking if everyone got one. I couldn't believe what I was seeing as I don't recall a celebrity ever being that accommodating. 

I had two things to get signed while someone else had like 15, he was signing the other guy's things yet he gave me a hard time for two things accusing of selling. My reaction was this face  After persuasion he did both my items though. 

Photo op

Autographs

Stay tuned for more September meets!