In a thread on the 8mm forum, Lee Mannering gives his thoughts on the 2013 Convention… the first held at the Hilton Hotel (now known as The Grand). This was the third Convention organised by David Guest who took over after Derann closed in September 2011. Pictures by Don Sykes.
I just wanted to pen a few words about the North West Film Fair.
The November weather was kind to us as we set up stall early in the morning for the event and yes the beautiful Hilton Hotel dealer room was indeed fully booked and fully stacked for prospective buyers. A long queue had formed ready for open time and the enthusiasm for film was very noticeable throughout the day with a very good choice of film material and all manner of projectors etc. Many unusual films were on offer including a super 8 print of The Untouchables, a Star Wars feature sold within the hour and we also had many 16mm and 35mm films available. Other film gauges were not forgotten including 28mm and also beloved 9.5mm with quite a few sound films on offer along with sound projectors. The event was also being filmed on super 8 by three film makers including young Simon Fairclough and myself with us all using 200D film which was rather interesting. Event organiser David Guest who as we know is a professional showman had arranged another room for the cinema which also had its new scope screen installed along with Super 8 Stereo and – wait for it – 9.5mm sound projectors. I did managed to see the 9-5 sound show and it was the most professional presentation of 9-5 I have seen in over 40 years visiting movie events with perfect projection by enthusiastic Don. That good looking chap Bob handled the Super 8 shows with a good selection of films throughout the day which kept movie buffs thrilled I am sure.
There was a buzz at the event I have not seen for many a year with sales also being very good, most popular I would say being the Derann Disneys perhaps due to Christmas coming up as well. Prices were as usual for the north very reasonable and not off the wall which does help make the hobby more accessible to newcomers I believe. All in all then a very healthy looking event and David did put so much effort into it which obviously paid off dividends. It was nice when chatting to fellow collectors to hear many were returning home with friends to project some films as well so this also extended the day further for them. Admission to the very full film day was only £5 and excellent value for money. The hotel staff were very helpful and polite with a spotless venue with excellent parking for both dealers and visitors so all in all a memorable day.
Well done Mr Guest and your helpers who made the North West Film Fair a resounding success.
Timetable for the day:
10.00am. Doors Open
IN THE DEALERS ROOM ………. Meet the Dealers, meet old Friends.
11.00am. In the Dealers Room. Dave Guest’s SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
11.20am. In the Cinema. Latest releases on Super 8. Pathe News ABC SPECIAL, Partly Cloudy (New Pixar Short), Pieces of Silver (Made by KODAK to celebrate 100 years of film), Hollywood Picnic (Colour Rhapsody), Genevieve Trailer, Carioca (Fred & Ginger).
Presented by Bob Nicholls.
12.15pm. Lunch Break.
1.15pm In the Cinema. THE 9.5mm SOUND DEMONSTRATION. Includes, Heritage of the Air, Hungarian Rhapsody, Up To The Hilt (Ace Cine Magazine), No Limit (extract, George Formby)
ALL ON 9. 5MM OPTICAL SOUND.
Presented by Don Sykes.
2.15pm In the DEALERS ROOM. The BIG Auction. 16mm Items on auction first followed by Super 8 items.
2.45pm. In the Cinema. SUPER 8 CINEMASCOPE SHOW. Including Die Another Day (James Bond Opening Sequence), June is Busting Out All Over (Oklahoma), Winter Jamboree, No Business Like Show Business (last part of Feature).
Presented by Bob Nicholls on the NEW CINEMASCOPE SCREEN.
3.30pm. In the DEALERS ROOM A last look around.
Standing room only for all shows.
Blackpool Film Collectors' Convention 