**** a note to admin - i've posted this thread here for the purpose of linking the thread to face book ****
May the 4th weekend had me off across the sea to Ireland, to go and see 'invasion Dublin' hosted by the 'Emerald Garrison' a non 501st Affiliated Costume and Movie Prop Building club.
When i arrived i was amazed at how well i was received, they say the Irish are the most friendliest of people and this is just so true, they looked after me so well and gave me free access to the whole of their venue, allowing me to go beyond barriers and take a look backstage at how a Convention of this size comes together and the hard work these guys put in, not just on the day but weeks in advance.
It then became Clear that a lot of the guys over in Ireland are members of the RPF, and i thought it was just me they had warmed too, infact the guys were eager to show how good they are at putting on a great event and also showing how well they make their costumes and Props, i would go as far as saying the pieces were some of the best i had seen.
It is clear to me that the RPF members have a wealth of talent, we all know that, but what is so surprising is that there is a great abundance of talent right on my doorstep.
I am a massive fan (as you know) of the RPF and one of my goals is to make the RPF more aware to people outside the USA, hence why we now have UK RPF Prop Parties.
There are some really talented guys both here in the UK and in Ireland and i just cannot understand why they do not promote themselves,their talent and their work a lot more, my aim is to change that.
The Event was held in a Conference centre attached to a fantastic Hotel about a 20 Minute drive from the Centre of Dublin, everything was catered for a great weekend. A trip into Dublin to take in the wonderful city with a few pints of Guinness, back to the hotel for a sauna and then the Event itself who could ask for more
There were the usual Stalls selling items, ESB playing on a giant screen and the hall echoing to the sounds of Star Wars, the whole mood was set perfectly.
There was an Impressive line up of Star Wars signers, Jeremy Bulloch, and Billy Dee Williams to name a few who were willing to talk to the crowds and also take part in Q&As, last years invasion has Steve Sansweet in attendance, im told they are looking at getting Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, knowing these guys the way i do now, i'm sure they will achieve this.
The Great thing about this event were the Emerald Garrison members in their costumes, they were not there just to look good for endless pictures, they actually all had a purpose and that was to interact with the public, be that a Jedi Training School right up to the 'Galactic Invasion' were rebels would escort the public through a maze avoiding attacks from the Empire (stunning).
The very impressive 8 foot tall Tarfull standing in a mock up of Kashyk, the Emporer sitting at as throne beckoning young Sith apprentices to him and posing for photographs was just fantastic.
On top of all this you had very Talented RPF sculptors creating Clay Sculpts in full view of the public happily answering questions and also the awesome life Size Props which included the AT-ST and Y-Wing.
Invasion Dublin and Invasion Belfast is definitely on my radar now, i am already in talks with some of the guys and they have agreed to come to the UK RPF Prop Party in November, and next year the plan is to take the RPF to Ireland ....................
As you can tell i had a great time in Ireland with the Emerald Garrison and new found members of the RPF i never knew existed, what makes these guys remarkable at what they do regarding their events is they make everything themselves and they don't mind who see's it and openly encourage people to join in the whole Invasion Experience........
Look out for the RPF PROP PARTY IRELAND it will definitely be one not to Miss.......
*** PLEASE NOTE SOME OF THE PICTURES WERE TAKEN AFTER HOURS AND ARE NOT A TRUE REFLECTION ON HOW BUSY AND POPULAR THIS EVENT WAS ***
Reply with Quote
