Surviving SFL All-Nighters

Introduction

Manga Wall 1, (taken by Mac, original art by unknown)

This survival guide has been (slowly) developed since we first went to the Anime Allnighter  (now Manga Allnighter) at Sci-Fi-London (the London international festival of science fiction and fantastic film) in 2003. Each year (minus a few) we attend we seem to drag a few more people with us, to whom we have to repeat the same advice time and again. So where better than stick it online so everyone can see it, We hope you find it useful.

Feel free to send your comments/suggestions/stories/pictures via the information on the contact page, we're always looking to improve this guide.

Also note that there is another guide available on the SFL Forums.

Contributors: J.N, S.T, G.H

Last revised: 09 June 2010 – General corrections

Format

The Predator stalks his prey (taken by Mac, guy wearing suit unknown)
Venue
It used to change fairly regularly, but it seems it's now pretty fixed at the Apollo Cinema (not the theatre!) in Piccadilly Circus.
Times
They usually start between 11pm and 00:30am, but it's always a good idea to get there at least an hour earlier. Generally it ends somewhere around 9am.
Breaks
The breaks are about 20 minutes each. The cinema allow you to go outside (and smoke, if you do) between films, and it's a good idea to do so. And if you don't like the current film then you might take that chance to stretch your legs in the foyer, or go to the toilet and beat the rush.
Toilets
There's not much capacity in the toilets, and despite the SFL people doing their best to stagger breaks between films to reduce numbers the queues can get quite big. In the gents, usually the queue forms for the cubicles, so don't be afraid to check if there's space.
Free stuff
There's usually some sort of goodies being given out, so make sure you take a look around. As free stuff goes, it's usually pretty good and ranges from flyers to posters, books to DVDs.

Etiquette

Manga Wall 2, 'The Girl Who Lept Through Time' (taken by Mac, original art by unknown)
Be friendly
This should be an obvious one really. You're all going to be there for a while, so try to get along. It should go without saying that this includes the staff/volunteers.
Sleeping
People will fall asleep, and most likely so will you. If you're sat next to someone who snores, then give them the little kind nudge.
Smelliness
Many people take their shoes off during the films, that's fine as long as you don't have smelly feet. The same really goes for any bodily smell, there's not a great deal of air circulation in there and things have a tendency to waft.
Booze
Not really a good idea, and this goes for before and during the event.
Phones
It should be off. On the same note, avoid talking during a film.

Checklist

Things you should bring with you, but try to pack light as there's a limited amount of space in the cinema (under the seats).

Clothes
Haha! Seriously, it can get hot in the cinema, especially if the air conditioning breaks. So wear layers. A fresh pair of socks for the morning isn't a bad idea either.
Deodorant
Keep yourself fresh, but try to take a roll-on or similar. The idea is to stop you smelling, not choke everyone in the room.
Toothbrush
They sometimes provide those disposable chewable toothbrushes either in your goodie bag, or in vending machines. We recommend the real thing.
Food
Bring some food. There's a Tesco Express near the cinema, which is good for the last minute purchases. Don't rely on caffeine/sugar/nicotine to get you through. As for sweets, try to avoid anything that rustles too much. Sandwiches, breakfast bars, etc. are all good choices.
Drink
As previously mentioned, try to avoid alcohol. Although there is free tea/coffee/Red Bull, it's a good idea to take some (flavoured?) water.

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