A Bat’s Eye View of Eyecon!

A couple of the fans who won tickets from TrueBloodNet.com agreed to write up their experience at the convention.  We’re so glad they had a good time and agreed to share their experiences with us!  Thank you Beatrice and Sharon!
Their Eyecon Story:

Our journey began when I came across the TrueBloodNet.com contest. I wanted to win so badly I could taste it. All I had to do was state the question I would ask the cast if I had the opportunity. My question was “What character on the show would you most want your character to do bad things with?” I checked my email several days later after accepting defeat, and lo “ I was a winner”! I jumped up, grabbed the phone at 12:30 am and called my friend Sharon, and told her we won. Oh, but that was just the tip of the ice burg. Reality set in. We had to figure out transportation and lodging on a budget that was so small it was almost invisible. I broke the news to my husband and he broke the news to me that he had Guards the same weekend. Crap now I had to find someone to help out with the kids too! Ok, I called the campground that I have a membership with and asked if they had any openings. After the representative was done laughing she sounded surprised that she actually had exactly the days we needed. Sharon and I pawned the kids off on different friends and family. Things were starting to fall into place.

Thursday night we got a late start and it was pouring down rain .The kids and husbands were fairly easy to pry off however the family dog had to be bribed with a biscuit to move away from the magical vacation door. We jumped in the car making sure our families didn’t go on recon missions to bring us back. We drove from New Jersey through seven states, torrential rain storms and a set of wiper blades going nonstop, with no sleep.

Eighteen hours later we were in Florida driving around in circles. After threatening the Evil GPS and all its components we found our way to the campground. We pitched the tent took a well-deserved shower and ventured out to the Conference center. We registered at the Eyecon convention and were recruited to donate blood. Because they rarely allow us out of the state of New Jersey and we are women on a True Blood mission we saw fit to have more fun giving blood than anyone has the right to. By the time we were done we each had a T-shirt, extra cookies and juice. Now were talking, breakfast and lunch! I can guarantee the vamps there [red cross] will never forget our names.

Our next stop was the vendor room. Our first table was for the Choroideremia Foundation, which Deborah Ann Woll supports. It raises money for research on this degenerative genetic eye disease that causes irreversible blindness. I bought raffle tickets, not thinking I would win but feeling good that I was donating to a good cause. To my surprise I did win one of the prizes, a T shirt!  There were only a few more tables to visit and we left the convention feeling a little disappointed that there weren’t more vendors.

After an evening of fighting a GPS for directions and a demon possessed flashlight that kept blowing bulbs and leaving us in the dark, we devoured our cookies and juice and called it a night.

On Saturday there were quite a few more people at the Eyecon convention but not enough that it was overcrowded. This was great! We talked with members of the band Nova Echo and got an autograph and pictures. Next we moved on to the Q & A’s. The first one was with Sam Trammell. Yes, I asked my winning question. Sam turned red and laughed but never really answered the question saying he would get in trouble. This question had the same effect on Todd Lowe, however he answered saying Arlene. The autograph sessions were great we were actually able to talk directly to the stars. Sam couldn’t believe my last name was truly Blood and I pulled out my license to prove it. After the autographs we once again fought the demon GPS back to our campsite, had Chinese food and relaxed. About 7:30pm we started getting ready to go to the Fangbangers Ball. We got to the Conference center about 45 minutes before the ball so we went to the Nova Echo concert and sat in the back realizing most of the people were not in costume yet. (Talk about awkward). The music was good and not that many people showed up. It was to our surprise that Todd Lowe sang two songs with the band and then we looked to our left and right next to us stood Allan Hyde, Ashley Jones and Sam Trammell. Can you say “We’re in Heaven!!” We did not bother them; we continued to watch the concert and smile. We went to purchase one of Todd’s CD and he autographed it and took a picture with us and then Sam, Allan and Ashley took one with us too. It was AWESOME!

Although we had fun at the Fangbanger’s Ball, it was not the same as the advertising of the event. The description in the advertising left one with the expectations of seeing Fangtasia or a representation there of. This ballroom fell a little short. On the upside it wasn’t overcrowded and one could stop and talk to the star of their choice. But I’m still wondering if the judging of the costumes happened or not [Editor's Note: It didn't, disappointing yours truly as well who went as an incompetent shifter].

Leaving the Ball at 1:00am, we popped in Todd’s CD, let’s just say: not for kids or the faint of heart. However, we found it twisted and entertaining.

Sunday, the last day for the Eyecon Convention and the final Q & A’s, with Ashley, Nelsan, and Allan. While Ashley was entertaining, Allan was genuinely sweet and innocent and opened up sharing many personal stories. But it was Nelsan who took the show. He was funny and almost fearless in his answers and stories about other cast members. He answered my question, but only after first trying to get clarity about “bad things”. Sharon and I both said “use your imagination”. Nelsan’s answer was he wanted to do bad [criminal] things with Eric and nasty things with Anna, also mentioning Stephen Moyer did good by her. On a more serious note he discussed his sister’s death and domestic abuse. All the stars were down to earth , humorous and pleasant to be around. After the Q & A’s we attended another autograph session where we met up with Kasandra from TrueBloodNet.com and thanked her. Overall, we had a wonderful once in a lifetime adventure. Now it was time to drive 18 hours and seven states home. Thanks again to the TrueBloodNet.com fairies [Editor's Note: We're shifters not fairies!] for sprinkling a little magic in our otherwise ordinary lives.

~ Beatrice Blood

~ Sharon DeHainaut

We at TrueBloodNet.com are thrilled that you got to go and had a good time.  You were very inventive and fun!  Wish we’d met up earlier!

Fans Mingle with Stars and Give Blood During EyeCon’s True Blood Convention

During the EyeCon True Blood Convention in Orlando last weekend, Central Florida News Channel 13 caught up with the stars in attendance, including Todd Lowe (Terry Bellefleur), Ashley Jones (Daphne), Allan Hyde (Godric), Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette Reynolds) and Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte).

No Season 3 secrets were shared with the newscast, though Ashley caught herself nearly giving away something that happens to Lafayette, saying, “He’s gonna get…a lot’s gonna happen to Lafayette.”  Todd also was careful about the next season, telling interviewers:

I’m incredibly tight-lipped. I can tell you I got the first two scripts just before I came here to Orlando and I poured through them veraciously. They’re great and I’m dying to tell someone.

Lucky fans who attended the convention had the chance to talk to their favorite actors with photo ops, panel discussions, a buffet banquet, and Masquerade Ball. A blood drive was held during the convention as well at Florida’s Blood Centers.

Click here to be taken to Channel New 13 for an exclusive video about the event.

SOURCE: Central Florida News 13

(Photo Credit: Central Florida News 13)

VIDEOS: Nelsan Ellis Q & A at the EyeCon True Blood Convention

The following is a series of videos taken by a True Blood fan named TammyDevil666 on YouTube at Nelsan Ellis’ question and answer session during the EyeCon True Blood Convention that was held from November 13 -15, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.  In the videos Nelsan discusses how much his life has changed since being on True Blood and the some of the scenes from the show. Thank you so much TammyDevil666 for the videos so all those True Blood fans who could not attend can take in a little bit of the convention. Enjoy!

(Photo credit:  Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos via exposay.com)

VIDEOS: Allan Hyde Q & A at the EyeCon True Blood Convention

The following are two videos taken by a True Blood fan named Belenski28 on YouTube at Allan Hyde’s (Godric) question and answer session during the EyeCon True Blood Convention being held this weekend, November 13 -15, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.  In the videos Allan discusses his experience shooting True Blood and his role of Godric.  Thank you so much Belenski28 for the videos so all those True Blood fans who could not attend can take in a little bit of the convention and Allan. Enjoy!

Sam Trammell Radio Interview in Florida

Sam Trammell recently did a radio interview in Florida shortly before EyeCon. The interview opens with the playing of our favorite theme song, “Bad Things”. Sam is asked how he came to be involved with the show.  He explained that there had been a lot of buzz about a new show that Alan Ball was creating with HBO and his agent got him a copy of the script for the pilot episode, then he went and auditioned for the part. It was about a week and a half long process of auditions and call backs and then he found out he had received the part.

Sam was then asked if he had been a fan of the Sookie Stackhouse books before he started working on the tv series and Sam admits that he was not familiar with the books at all but he did start reading them after he got the part. He said the books helped him to better understand who his character Sam was.  He also goes on to talk about performing nude scenes and the rigor of trying to stay in what he calls “nude shape”.

Also, Sam spoke a bit about his past acting performances and his background in theater before talking about EyeCon and his appearance for the first fan convention for True Blood. Sam explains what an amazing feeling it is to get to meet the fans face to face and to see just how many people love and enjoy the show. We sure do love our True Blood and Sam is one of the reasons why we love it so!!

To listen to the interview click here to be taken to the EyeCon website and click on Sam’s interview.

SOURCE: EyeCon

(Photo credit: Tina Gill / PR Photos via monstersandcritics.com)

VIDEOS: Ashley Jones Q & A at the EyeCon True Blood Convention

The following is a series of videos taken by a True Blood fan named TammyDevil666 on YouTube at Ashley Jones‘ question and answer session during the EyeCon True Blood Convention being held this weekend, November 13 -15, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.  In the videos Ashley discusses her experience filming some of the various scenes. Thank you so much TammyDevil666 for the videos so all those True Blood fans who could not attend can take in a little bit of the convention. Enjoy!

VIDEOS: Todd Lowe Q & A at the EyeCon True Blood Convention

The following is a series of videos taken by a True Blood fan named TammyDevil666 on YouTube at Todd Lowe’s question and answer session during the EyeCon True Blood Convention being held this weekend, November 13 -15, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.  In the videos Todd discusses some of the spoilers that have come out regarding his character for season 3 so we will have to wait and see how that is going to play out. Thank you so much TammyDevil666 for the videos so all those True Blood fans who could not attend can take in a little bit of the convention. Enjoy!

VIDEOS: Sam Trammell Q & A at the EyeCon True Blood Convention

The following is a series of videos taken by a True Blood fan named TammyDevil666 on YouTube at Sam Trammell’s question and answer session during the EyeCon True Blood Convention being held this weekend, November 13 -15, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.  In the videos Sam discusses various topics including doing nude scenes and tidbits about season 3. Thank you so much TammyDevil666 for the videos so all those True Blood fans who could not attend can take in a little bit of the convention. Enjoy!

IFAW Event with Kristin Bauer at LUSH Cosmetics

Kristin Bauer, who plays the hilarious vampire Pam on HBO’s True Blood, is a big advocate for IFAW and their Tails for Whales Campaign. IFAW has organized a grassroots effort to protect whales worldwide from the many threats that they face. They use pictures of Americans making the “whale tail” and combine them in a visual petition, seeking stronger leadership and policies in U.S. government. On Saturday, November 7, Kristin will be joining IFAW Director Jeff Flocken at the LUSH Cosmetics store in Santa Monica. She encourages everyone who can to come to the store between 1pm and 3pm, where you can help in this very important cause of the protecting whales:

“I’ve partnered with LUSH and IFAW. LUSH has created a cream for IFAW and is donating the proceeds to help save the whales from unnecessary deaths and extinction. I will be appearing at the LUSH store in Santa Monica on the third street promenade Nov 7th from 1pm -3pm and I’ll trade you a photo for a photo. Mine signed for yours making the Whale Tail! Let’s take a bite out of whaling!”

This event gives True Blood fans a great opportunity to see Kristin and get an autographed picture! Even if you are unable to go, you can still make your voice heard for the whales by uploading your picture to the Tails for Whales website. Another thing that would help would be to purchase the LUSH cream Kristin mentions. LUSH is a generous supporter of the IFAW effort, and proceeds earned from their “Charity Pot” products become contributions to IFAW’s marine mammal programs like the Tails for Whales campaign.

The picture below was taken by acclaimed photographer Larry DiMarzio, featuring Kristin as her True Blood character, Pam, with the cream that LUSH created for this cause. DiMarzio is a very talented guitar designer and photographer, and well-known in the music community. If you visit his website, you can see more of the great work he has done. Like Kristin, he donated his time and effort to help IFAW by doing the photo shoot.

SOURCES:

ifaw.org

tailsforwhales.org

dimarzio.com

(Photo credits: Kristin Bauer, IFAW, Larry DiMarzio)

Kristin Bauer To Appear At The Boston Mega Superfest 2009

Kristin Bauer, who portrays vampire Pam in Alan Ball’s hit HBO TV series True Blood, will be attending the Boston Mega Superfest 2009.

The Boston Mega Superfest is New England’s largest multimedia fanfest. The megafest features one the largest selections of DVDs, posters, autographs, comics, toys, videos and memorabilia from TV, movies, and rock and roll. Moreover, fans have the opportunity to mingle with their favorite creators of comics, TV and movies stars, and get the chance to pose questions to their favorite stars at a number of Q&A sessions. The event will be held at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel on November 21 – 22, 2009.

In addition to Kristin Bauer, other stars who will be appearing include James Marsters (Spike from Buffy); Bionic Woman Lindsay Wagner; Ray Park (Edgar from Heroes; and Darth Maul from Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace); and Brent Spiner (Data of Star Trek: The Next Generation).

When: November 21 – 22, 2009

Where: Sheraton Framington Hotel, Farmington, Mass.

For further details: Boston Mega Superfest

SOURCE: Swords.com

Photo credit: HBO Inc.

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