Fan experience: Paley Fest 2011 was freakin’ awesome!

Posted by Lynnpd On March - 7 - 201115 COMMENTS

Below is an account from one of the Billsbabes who attended the PaleyFest 2011 on Saturday night, March 5, 2011 in Beverly Hills, CA. We all know her as “ThelLou” who makes all the wonderful videos in the Fan Creations section on AllStephenMoyer.com. Here’s her story:

If I had to describe “True Blood” at PaleyFest in a word? I’d have to use two – FREAKING AWESOME!! Wow, what a day. It started early when we were locked out of the apartment unexpectedly, but thankfully the day improved from there. We arrived at the beautiful Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills a little later than planned, but we were still early enough to get a great place in line with other diehard fans.

I have to say, waiting in line with a bunch of Billsbabes (and yes, we even socialized with the Eric folks and everyone was fabulously nice) was a pretty darn great way to spend a Saturday! We had beautiful weather – sunny, but just a little cool in the shade. We camped out on blankets and folding chairs, took turns picking up food and taking potty breaks, and of course had plenty of time to discuss our favorite show, “True Blood.”

Time flew by, and before we knew it, dusk was upon us, the theatre was lit beautifully, and it was time to be allowed inside for the event! There was so much excitement in the air, we just knew a wonderful time was going to be had by all. Lynn, Marshaa, Anita and I all managed to get third-row center seats, which was pretty kick-ass. We had a great view of the entire stage! After a quick introduction by a Paley rep, we got to see a nice little show recap including all of the main characters – Sookie screams a lot, Bill doesn’t play well with other vampires, Jason…is Jason, and we love him for it. It was a very nice clip package that I hope will be available at the HBO site soon if it isn’t already.

We also got a sneak peek clip for season 4. It wasn’t very spoilery at all, but I will say we got to see Pam, Jessica and Hoyt doing their thing – the Pam one-liners are definitely still zinging left and right just as they always have!


View from rear orchestra of PaleyFest (I had third row front orchestra)

The moderator for the panel was from TV Guide, and before we knew it all of our favorite TB stars were taking the stage! All of the main actors were there, as well as many of the supporting players, plus even the man himself, Alan Ball. I think if you’re a fan of the show, you had to be pleased with how many came out to support their fave job/show.

The panel was so much fun. This cast has chemistry and camaraderie in spades – they all seem to love each other, and everyone wants to work with everyone else! A fun question for all was about memorable fan encounters.

Joe M. was asked to lick a fan since werewolf saliva has healing powers. Thankfully, security saved him from that request

Chris Bauer was excited that a fan approached him, but it turns out the stranger only wanted to point out the bird poop on him.

Todd Lowe was asked to help a friend move, solely because the friend thought Terry’s pick-up truck in the show belonged to Todd. Todd did help him, though sadly without the aid of said truck.

Jim Parrack was asked to school a recent parolee on the finer points of being like Hoyt Fortenberry.

Sam and Rutina were both asked to be bitten by fans. Rutina claims they allowed the bites to happen, but Sam has blocked it out and has no recollection. He just took her word for it.

Alex once received a request in the mail to marry a woman’s daughter. I’m pretty sure he turned her down, but then he flashed a ring so who knows?

Stephen mentioned again all of the dogs he’s encountered named Sookie. He’s also been asked to call various wives/girlfriends on the phone with the hopeful result of getting their significant others “so laid.” Apparently this works well, and could be a side business should he decide to give up this whole acting thing.

Anna thinks it is cute that women approach her pretending to want her autograph, when what they really want to do is meet her husband. I’m pretty sure Mr. Moyer blushed at this, and it was a very cute moment.

Alan echoed Stephen’s comment, and said he’s been thanked so many times for improving sex lives around the world via the sexiness of “True Blood.”

After some audience questions, the panel quickly ended and the mad rush to the stage began. I think we’re all a little skinnier and taller now that we’ve been squashed into oblivion, and I got very well acquainted with a gentleman who gave me a forced lap dance when the crowd got to be way too overwhelming. Sir, I’m pretty sure you owe me at least dinner and drinks, or I owe you some singles down the waistband, so give me a call if you’d like to pursue that.


Stephen signing autographs on stage for the fans.

But you know what? It was so. worth. it. Not only did I get to have Stephen sign his lovely Details magazine cover, but he took a pic with me! What an absolute sweetheart of a man, and so attentive to the fans. He walked up and down the stage to sign for as many people as possible. Quite a few of the actors stayed a long while, and when we finally got out of the mad throng, the only signers remaining on stage were Stephen, Sam, Alex and Joe. Not only are they our resident hotties, they love the fans, too! What total sweethearts, all of them.

I bought a TB Paley poster on my way out to grab some much-needed oxygen, and then we were off to the back of the building to see if we could get more pics of our fave stars departing. I heard that several of the cast came out back to sign for fans including Marshall Allman, Kristin Bauer, Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin. Yes, I was lucky enough to see Stephen and Anna again! The stars of the show are the best at taking care of the fans – how awesome is that? They kept signing and taking pictures even though they were constantly encouraged by reps and security to leave. Even though I had already taken the time to meet with Stephen inside, I decided to give him a little more attention and take another pic with him. He thanked me profusely for flying across the country to attend the event. Stephen said the TB fans are absolutely the best. I also got a pic with Anna and had them both sign last season’s Bill/Sookie TVG cover. Niiiiiice!

Photos of me with Steve and Anna

Sadly, once Stephen and Anna left the night was officially over. What an experience! I can’t thank all of the stars, the Billsbabes and especially Lynn enough for such a wonderful time. I’d love to do it again next year!

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15 Responses to “Fan experience: Paley Fest 2011 was freakin’ awesome!”

  1. Lori says:

    I am so jealous! Looks like a great time! WOW! WOW! WOW!!!

    [Reply]

  2. Lisa Roma Perry says:

    Thank you Lou for this awesome summary of the event. I am so happy for you and alk the fans who got to attend this event. Love the photos of you with Anna and Stephen. Just so thrilled for you!!!! So jealous that his arm is around you!

    [Reply]

  3. ssora says:

    Such fascinating adventure! Thank you for sharing the experience with us.

    [Reply]

  4. Rowena says:

    Lou, what a fabulous report and pics, too. I so appreciate your attention to detail and your wonderful humor. I’m just delighted for all the fans who got to attend and see the cast and Alan Ball up close and personal. How wonderful that you got pictures with Stephen and Anna, and autographs, too. Thanks for sharing your Paley adventure with all of us.

    [Reply]

  5. Bills4me says:

    Couldn’t agree more. The experience was freakin’ awesome! It was wonderful meeting all the Billsbabes. I’m in awe of your enthusiasm and dedication. I just haven’t got it in me to sit on the sidewalk all day, but fortunately my tickets allowed me to show up later and still have terrific seats. It was especially cool that Stephen smiled and made eye contact with our group sitting up front in our Billsbabe t-shirts. Of course, it helps to be close to Lynn, whom he immediately recognizes : ) I was new to the uber fan experience and showed up woefully unprepared. Didn’t think to bring my magazines for autographs (duh) and a very kind young woman from Florida was good enough to give me one of her sharpies so I could get my Paleyfest pass signed. I had fabulous 2nd row seats, got lots of photos and Stephen’s autograph. A pretty amazing night I must say!

    [Reply]

  6. tbluv says:

    Thanks so much for sharing with us Lou. It must have been amazing to meet Steve and Anna.

    [Reply]

  7. Yamena says:

    I love that you loved your experience. Its always nice to put a face with a name of the poster. Lou you just look excited, and I don’t blame you at all. SM and AP truly appreciates their fans, they are so approachable and sincere. Again thanks for your summary!

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  8. shivermeBILL says:

    Wonderful recap Lou & having experienced it along side you, I couldn’t agree more. I enjoyed every minute of it, from waiting hours in line to getting a picture with our beloved board God. It was a treat to spend time with some Billsbabes I hadn’t met before. A really fun time & I hope we can do it again next year!

    [Reply]

  9. alice says:

    true blood prints on sale now…. http://nineteeneightyeight.com/index.php/prints-dkng-trueblood.html?SID=f69e887bec5b9daf2f56a0feab52326b

    If it’s sold out there- check ebay.

    good luck!

    [Reply]

  10. SenseofDoubt says:

    Thanks for the great recap, Lou! It’s almost like we were all there with you. So happy for you that you got the chance to meet Stephen and Anna and have your picture taken with them. It looks like you had a great time.

    [Reply]

  11. tutu says:

    Great rundown of the event Lou! It was a blast wasn’t it. Now coming back to reality is a bit of a let down, at least for me. So glad to have finally met you after all these years. You are a great gal, very friendly,vibrant and beautiful!

    Thank you a million times for taking the shot of Steve and me! Could you kindly forward it to me so I can just stare at it for a year or three?

    [Reply]

  12. gymvamp says:

    “I got very well acquainted with a gentleman who gave me a forced lap dance when the crowd got to be way too overwhelming. Sir, I’m pretty sure you owe me at least dinner and drinks, or I owe you some singles down the waistband, so give me a call if you’d like to pursue that.”

    I think I just peed myself…….

    [Reply]

  13. willkill4Bill says:

    Great recap of your Paley adventure. Love the pics. I guess I know what your Christmas card will look like. ;)

    [Reply]

  14. Cherie says:

    Lou, your recap is wonderful! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us. Also, your pics with Stehpen and Anna are great! Sounds like it was everything you hoped it would be.

    [Reply]

  15. Susanna says:

    Thanks. Lou .. Like someone else said it felt like I was there …
    It is especially pleasing to see the faces behind all the nick names. Now I know how you look …

    [Reply]

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