Jamie Bamber Apollo of Battlestar Galactica
Many thanks to the folks who brought us Emerald Con 2008. This year was the first time it was held at the Washington Convention Center. They had an increase in attendance and the growing popularity required a larger building. The highlight of the event was a rare Seattle appearance of Jamie Bamber of BSG. Being the huge fan I am, I dug through all my DVDs and chose a good cover for him to sign. First thing I did was get his autograph. He was extremely friendly and shook my hand before signing. I asked him about attending SDCC this year and he said he hasn't received an invitation yet... I told him I saw him a few years ago at SDCC and he recalled it being just a crazy place. Please read below for a quick synopsis on his Q&A session.
The advantage of having Emerald con at the WCC is the addition of rooms for panels. Luckily for us, Jamie had a one hour Q&A session. I had to wait about 30 minutes in line but it was worth the wait. He was the only speaker for the entire hour and it was a very personal event. It was a full house. From previous BSG panels, I expected this to be a very smart audience with invoking questions and this wasn't any different. Jamie started by commenting on the dimensions of the room, which had very tall ceilings, which he thought was a waste of space. Fortunately, someone started the question line which started an hour straight of other questions.
The variety of questions were astounding and it is difficult to recall all that was said. Jamie was very honest and very funny. He described his experience on set in Vancouver, everything from an actors self-consciousness to eating and sleeping a lot in the trailers. The life and mind of an actor is very complex, much like that of a musician, writer or artist. It is often filled with pressure and doubt. But at the end of the day you give your best shot and see where it leads you. He gave his take on the 'meaning' of the show, although he admitted that if he had his way he would ensure that every Cylon was killed. He also compared himself to Apollo, from which many similarities arose such as morality. Some differences were Lee's firm stand and courage, while he said himself he wouldn't last a second in a Viper.
Jamie was glad that the show has a definite end. He felt every epic and every road trip needs an end. He's uncertain about what he will do next. He received a buzz during the panel hoping it was his agent about future projects, but was disappointed to hear that it was his wife (quite hilarious).
The hour went by faster than we all wanted. The funny concluding question was asked by a young kid about whether Jamie was afraid he will forever be seen as Apollo. Jamie responded by saying of course not...not enough people watch the show. Nice work Jamie, thanks for 4 seasons of the best show on TV ever.
