Welcome to sunny Phoenix, Arizona, everyone!

Fan Fusion 2019 has kicked off, and now that we’ve reached the end of day two, I thought a little update was in order.

<<Insert obligatory travel situational stuff here, if you don’t mind; it seems like travel never changes, does it?>>

Let’s talk security, shall we? It’s on everyone’s mind, these days, any time there’s and event  of any size and openness like this.

After the security scare of two years ago, the organizers really ramped up their security profile and protocols. (See my coverage of that event HERE.)

Regardless, I don’t recall last year looking like this year:

This is ONE row of tents containing 2-3 metal detectors each, through which everyone must enter, AFTER taking all phones, cameras, laptops, tablets and any other electronics out of their bags, then having the bag checked, then going through the metal detector, and then having an additional hand-wanding, if necessary.

Every. Time. They. Go. In.

Every. Time.

There are at least two other points of entry like this, but it still takes at least 30-60 seconds to get ONE PERSON through security if they’re carrying a bag.

Makes carrying cameras, audio equipment, etc., difficult for folks who are carrying Press or Media credentials for the event.

Oh, did I make a distinction above between Press and Media? I did, didn’t I? Well, that’s because so does Phoenix Fan Fusion.

Press is television, radio, and print (is that even still a thing?).

Media, on the other hand, is everything else, like this podcast, blogging, Youtube, etc.

I, for example, am carrying Media credential. A lovely blue wristband.

Now, you’d think that all the folks the event gives credentials to might be given an opportunity to bypass some of the more mundane limitations concerning entry, but you’d be wrong… well, half-wrong, anyway.

Press folks can use the same entry as event staff and exhibitors, while Media folks have to go through the standard entry, unpacking effectively the same equipment Press brings in, and then having to pack it all back up like we’ve just been hit by TSA for a random bag check at the airport.

Which happened to me leaving Salt Lake City, by the way. Great fun.

But I digress.

Look, I’m not asking for anything special, but everyone who’s been granted the privilege of covering the event in an official capacity should be treated equally, since we’re dealing with the same materials, evens if some of us don’t have the level of access to guests.

Something for Square Egg Productions to consider moving forward.

Now, having gone through two days of this years event, I have to say it’s been pretty good, overall.

Cool geeky car collection inside the secure area, which is always neat.

Lowlight of the day was some sort of an “issue” (crew’s word, not mine) with a celebrity that caused a delay in their appearance for autographs first thing in the morning. After around 40 minutes or so, it got fixed, but WTF?

Highlights from a fan standpoint for me were today’s photo op and autograph from the one and only Billy Dee Williams, aka Lando Calrissian, and an autograph and selfie with my favorite Doctor Who Companion, the wonderful Catherine Tate:

Found some cool art and trinkets (as you always seem to, don’t you?), with some more possible over the next two days.

From a professional standpoint the highlight so far was sitting on a panel: “Film as History.” What a great discussion about film and it’s place as a historical record, as well as the dangers of accepting film without critical evaluation. Many thanks to Don Guillory for inviting me to share the stage with him.

Sunday afternoon, I’ll also being sitting on another panel: “Twisted Endings,” about films with twists and how they work or don’t. Should be a great time.

Now, having said all that, it’s time for bed, as the predictable-as-high-con-food-prices pain has begun in earnest, and if I type too much more under the influence of pain killers, something bad may happen, lol.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@VSMoviePodcast) for updates and posts throughout the event, and there will a more detailed wrap-up here when all is said and done.

‘Night, all! See you on day three.

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