Well, as mentioned last post, went to see the film 'Death' , at BAFTA, a small independent piece by the excellent Martin Gooch who wrote, directed and did all the jobs that nobody else was available for, and we had a good time, both watching the film, which features my work in the titles and in a couple of scenes, and meeting others.
Now this is where I was wondering if there might have been a roll of drums, or at least a crack of thunder [it rained enough] when I introduced myself to that doyen of gaming Ian Livingstone. Who, along with Steve Jackson, created the Fighting Fantasy series and launched a lot of happy people into the world of roll playing gaming certainly in this country.
As it turned out there was no roll of drums, or thunder, but in the ensuing din around we had a nice conversation, in which he voiced his surprise that we'd never spoken to each other face to face. I had intended to start with a quip about, 'Dr. Livingstone I presume', but in all the turmoil of reaching him through the packed room .... forgot. I also met his lovely wife, and lad, and she very kindly took our photograph, which Ian has passed on and I post below.
So for all those that wanted to see us together.... there you have it, and who knows maybe we'll work together again in the future.
As mentioned, it was good evening, and day, for caught a 'free' rehearsal of Beethoven's 1812 Overture at the local church of St. James. Most interesting to see how the conductor chose what to emphasis and of course there was the flying baton.... But we're only now recovered from travelling under London, via Piccadilly, would you believe ... Never again on the underground. It's too much walking and climbing for two old dears.
Now I cannot go without posting a couple of other pictures, thanks to the incomparable Andy these come from Blacksand Advanced Fighting Fantasy.
Also a couple of old White Dwarf magazine pieces [ If I've posted these before my apologies].
Right that's it for now. Next time, some new work.
Now this is where I was wondering if there might have been a roll of drums, or at least a crack of thunder [it rained enough] when I introduced myself to that doyen of gaming Ian Livingstone. Who, along with Steve Jackson, created the Fighting Fantasy series and launched a lot of happy people into the world of roll playing gaming certainly in this country.
As it turned out there was no roll of drums, or thunder, but in the ensuing din around we had a nice conversation, in which he voiced his surprise that we'd never spoken to each other face to face. I had intended to start with a quip about, 'Dr. Livingstone I presume', but in all the turmoil of reaching him through the packed room .... forgot. I also met his lovely wife, and lad, and she very kindly took our photograph, which Ian has passed on and I post below.
As mentioned, it was good evening, and day, for caught a 'free' rehearsal of Beethoven's 1812 Overture at the local church of St. James. Most interesting to see how the conductor chose what to emphasis and of course there was the flying baton.... But we're only now recovered from travelling under London, via Piccadilly, would you believe ... Never again on the underground. It's too much walking and climbing for two old dears.
Now I cannot go without posting a couple of other pictures, thanks to the incomparable Andy these come from Blacksand Advanced Fighting Fantasy.
I'm really amazed that Ian and yourself had never met before - when you consider how much work you did for him with the FF books, Dicing with Dragons and all the White Dwarf stuff I'd always assumed you had a desk next to his or something!
ReplyDeleteMee too, glad you had a good time in London Russ,if you are ever in Surrey drop in for dinner!:) How was the movie?
ReplyDeleteIan looks different without that magnum p.i soup strainer!
Thank you for the invite :) as for the film; overall I enjoyed it for story, acting and direction. There is a lovely bit where you suddenly realise .... but if I tell you you wont want to go and see it [grin].
DeleteWhen gods collide! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat art posts as well.
Ah, sacrificial naughtiness! The Blacksand pictures are stunning.
Thank you all.... desks? Being a freelance I've always worked in a garret [grin]. Ian and I did chat on the phone many years ago, but that was our first meeting, and I'm still in contact with Steve, but I've never met him either. The two writers I've had most contact with over the years are Dave Morris and Jaime Thomson, especially during the creation of The Fabled Lands series.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post , thanks for sharing, I always liked Jaime Thomson stuff .
ReplyDeleteBonjour Russ !
ReplyDeleteThat's really great !
Does the Film will be translated in french soon ?
Great to see you both together at last! Congrats on the movie also, with any luck we will even get to see i down here in NZ!
ReplyDeleteThe 'Rat attack' picture from 'Blacksand' is one of my personal favourites, as a teenager I always thought your female Elf was very alluring... =)
I'm also astonished about the fact that M. Livingston and you never met before and so I found this picture is very moving... Thank you for sharing that moment !
ReplyDeleteWhen I consider amazing things you have done together, for our selfish pleasure I really whish you work again with him ! What about starting with a great artbook compiling your artwork in the fighting fantasy word ?
By the way I'm looking forward seeing the movie too, I just hope there will be subtitles in french ...
Historic meetings of the last 100 years...
ReplyDelete- Sigmund Freud bumps into Gertrude Stein on the Orient Express, and insists on dining with her every night.
- The Beatles travel to India to receive the wisdom of the Dalai Lama.
- Nelson Mandela meets the Spice Girls.
AND NOW, in 2012, fantasy giants Russ Nicholson and Ian Livingstone have at last pressed flesh!!
Paul G.
Amazing that you had not met in person before this. Now I have a snap of my two favorite living Brits. :)
ReplyDelete