TV Heartbeat at the World Premiere of Outlander! Tartan Carpet Coverage! Bear McCreary Concert! Q&A! Men in Kilts!

We can’t believe this day finally arrived!

The Novel Strumpet (aka Alicia), The Lovely Erica (or just Erica – we’re all friends, aren’t we?) and Erica’s sister Linda all headed to the World Premiere of Outlander! Erica and Alicia are long-time fans of the book series and Linda is a new book reader so this was the Main Event at Comic Con for us this year! Here’s our story of how this amazing night unfolded!

Erica: Linda headed early to join the general admission line since I was the only contest winner and could only bring one person. Ahhhhh! Sophie’s choice on who to bring with me!

Long line of fans lining up for the Outlander premiere

Long line of fans lining up for the Outlander premiere

But since Alicia was headed to the Tartan Carpet, my sister got in line at general admission and I headed to the VIP will call line (how fancy of me!).

Alicia headed through the stones to the Tartan Carpet

Alicia headed through the stones to the Tartan Carpet

Alicia: First off…thanks Erica for letting me have the other ticket!!!! As she said, I got to cover the Tartan Carpet (no really it was tartan, not red) and was super excited for the opportunity! It was quite an experience and the photographers around me were really awesome people. Most of them knew each other, but they were all willing to help each other out for that “shot,” and the ones in front of me would even duck so I could get a pic over them. I was genuinely awed at how they looked out for each other. Of course I had to snap some pics of myself!

My humble self snapping a selfie before the stars arrive

My humble self snapping a selfie before the stars arrive

Alicia: I spotted someone who made myself, and #PocketJamie, verra happy and that was mega #PocketJamie (aka #GiantJamie)! So of course we had to get a shot of him!

#PocketJaime and #GiantJaime take time for a photo op

#PocketJaime and #GiantJaime take time for a photo op

Erica: Elsewhere, I also spotted some familiar faces!

Major Outlander fan Jenny and Erica

Major Outlander fan Jenny and Erica

After chatting with some nice Outlander fans (are there any other kind?), they held my spot while I went over to check on my sister whose line was on the other side of the building. She was doing fine since Starz very kindly sent out pizza to the dedicated fans, some of whom had been lined up since 9 am for the 8 pm screening.

Best dressed pizza delivery people ever -- courtesy of Starz

Best dressed pizza delivery people ever — courtesy of Starz

But Starz also sent over entertainment in the form of the Outlander men! The rousing lads in modern kilts were passing out tartan bandanas and a lot of love and energy for the appreciative crowd. They were terrific at the Outlander booth at Comic Con and so much fun out here with the crowd!

Outlander modern highlanders entertain the crowd

Outlander modern highlanders entertain the crowd

Yep, definitely a different energy in this line! After chatting with one of the gorgeous guys in kilts, they promised to come over and show the Will Call line a little love as well.

On my way back to my line, I stumbled upon another group of highlanders — this time in formal kilts. Other fans had found them and were all jumping in for pictures. One of the guys called out “Hey lass! Don’t be shy! Jump in for a photo!” And I did. It’d be rude otherwise, right? Lol!

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Alicia: I too was getting some kilt action as the Tartan Carpet was kicked off by…BAGPIPES!

Bagpipers and Kilted Men kick off the Tartan Carpet

Bagpipers and Kilted Men kick off the Tartan Carpet

Then talent began arriving so I started snapping away…

Sebastian Roche from CW's "The Originals"

Sebastian Roche from CW’s “The Originals”

Christina Ochoa from "The Walking Dead" is looking lively and lovely.

Christina Ochoa from “The Walking Dead” is looking lively and lovely.

Gorgeous Tricia Helfer of "Battlestar Galactica" and "Ascension"

Gorgeous Tricia Helfer of “Battlestar Galactica” and “Ascension”

Katrina Law of "Spartacus" and "Arrow"

Katrina Law of “Spartacus” and “Arrow”

Anna Martemucci (Director), Shane Dawson (Director), Drew Monson (Actor) and Chris Moore (Executive Producer) from upcoming Starz show "The Chair"

Anna Martemucci (Director), Shane Dawson (Director), Drew Monson (Actor) and Chris Moore (Executive Producer) from upcoming Starz show “The Chair”

The Chair is a new documentary series airing on Starz this fall. Anna and Shane are two directors competing to bring their first feature to screen. Audiences will then vote to determine which one will be awarded $250,000.

Erica: I got back into line and mentioned to my bandana-less neighbors that we should be visited shortly by some folks. True to their word, a few minutes later, the pack of Outlander men in modern kilts started their march up the street. After they got 10 feet, about a third of the women poured out of line swarmed the good-natured guys. Photo explosion and lots of giggling ensued…

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Alicia: While Erica was amidst kilts and giggling women, the Tartan Carpet was being boarded by pirates. Specifically those from Starz hit show Black Sails:

Luke Arnold, Jessica Parker Kennedy and Zach McGowan from Starz "Black Sails"

Luke Arnold, Jessica Parker Kennedy and Zach McGowan from Starz “Black Sails”

Luke Arnold, Jessica Parker Kennedy and Zach McGowan

Luke Arnold, Jessica Parker Kennedy and Zach McGowan

Erica: An hour before the premiere, they started to let my line in and I took a quick peek at the carpet to see Alicia clicking away on the Tartan Carpet for those fabulous photos!

Alicia in the photographer core on the Tartan Carpet

Alicia in the photographer core on the Tartan Carpet

As we entered the theater, we passed through a lovely forest of highlanders. These gentlemen were happy to pose with audience. (How can I grow my own forest of highlanders?!?!)

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Alicia: Meanwhile, I’m talking to photographers and then . . .the Outlander cast and creators began to arrive! I’d describe it all to you but what’s that they say about a picture and words?

Bear McCreary (Composer) and Raya Yarbrough (Performer)

Bear McCreary (Composer) and Raya Yarbrough (Performer)

Karen Bailey (SVP Original Programming, Starz) and Carmi Zlotnik (Managing Director, Starz) and wife

Karen Bailey (SVP Original Programming, Starz) and Carmi Zlotnik (Managing Director, Starz) and wife

Carmi Zlotnik and his wife were wearing the tartan colors of her family, which I find verra cool.

Erica: I chat a bit with one of the highlanders since he’s kind enough to let a couple pose for photos on his perch. Everyone on the Outlander team (at the booth or the premiere) had already seen the pilot and were excited to see more. This lad got really excited at one point since he’s hoping to see Ron Moore. I turned to see composer extraordinaire Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica, Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Walking Dead, Black Sails, Constantine, etc…)! Bear’s happy to stop for a couple of quick photos, but he was rushing in since he was treating us all to a mini-concert before the screening. (Woo hoo!)

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Alicia: Next were some of the creative forces behind the series. First up was the author of this amazing series Diana Gabaldon herself!

Diana Gabaldon (Author) in a lovely flower ensemble.

Diana Gabaldon (Author) in a lovely flower ensemble.

I get as giddy seeing her as I do any actor/actress tonight because she is one of my favorite authors, which is why I’m so excited for this series!

Erica: I love her too! She’s such a warm, funny presence. Such an amazing woman.

Alicia: Next was the man we all owe lots of love for finally bringing our beloved books to the screen! Writer and Executive Producer Ron D. Moore of Battlestar Galactica, Start Trek: Next Generation and my personal fave (before now of course) Roswell ;P :

Ron D. Moore (Writer/Executive Producer)

Ron D. Moore (Writer/Executive Producer)

He was joined by his fellow Executive Producer and Battlestar Galactica alum, Maril Davis

Maril Davis (Executive Producer) and Ron D. Moore (Writer/Executive Producer)

Maril Davis (Executive Producer) and Ron D. Moore (Writer/Executive Producer)

Erica: If anyone wants to keep in touch with how things are going behind the scenes at Outlander, follow Maril on twitter (@TallShipProds)! She’s a huge fan of the books so we know the show is in good hands…

While there was chaos on the Tartan Carpet, the folks who were patiently waiting outside in general admission are let in and I see my sister go by with better tickets. Lol!

Alicia: And now the cast started to walk the Tartan!

Nell Hudson (Laoghaire MacKenzie)

Nell Hudson (Laoghaire MacKenzie)

Lotte Verbeek (Geillis Duncan) strikes a pose

Lotte Verbeek (Geillis Duncan) strikes a pose

Graham McTavish (Dougal MacKenzie) giving us his imposing stare

Graham McTavish (Dougal MacKenzie) giving us his imposing stare

Graham McTavish and Lotte Verbeek having a great time on the Tartan Carpet

Graham McTavish and Lotte Verbeek having a great time on the Tartan Carpet

Then…eeeeee…look who just arrived! Frank, Claire and Jamie Fraser!

Tobias Menzies, Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan stop for some photos

Tobias Menzies, Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan stop for some photos

First to the Tartan is Tobias Menzies

Tobias Menzies (Frank Randall/Black Jack Randall) looking dashing in his suit on the Tartan Carpet

Tobias Menzies (Frank Randall/Black Jack Randall) looking dashing in his suit on the Tartan Carpet

Then Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe join him for some pics

Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies

Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies

Then it’s a cast reunion!

Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe, Graham McTavish, Lotte Verbeek, Tobias Menzies and Nell Hudson

Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe, Graham McTavish, Lotte Verbeek, Tobias Menzies and Nell Hudson

But wait, some others join in. . .

The cast are joined by author Diana Gabaldon, Writer/EP Ron Moore and Carmi Zlotnik

The cast are joined by author Diana Gabaldon, Writer/EP Ron Moore and Carmi Zlotnik

Then we get Sam looking smashing in his modern kilt…

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…and Caitriona who is looking stunning as always…

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…before they are whisked over for interviews!

Caitriona and Sam meet the press

Caitriona and Sam meet the press

As a bonus treat, we get mini Battlestar reunion when Tricia Helfer returns to hug her maker!

Battlestar Galactica reunion with Tricia Helfer and Ron Moore

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I grabbed a few more shots of the talent being interviewed and then it’s time for me to leave the press area and head inside! The premiere is soooo close…and I am super excited!!!!

Erica: Reunited, Alicia and I head over to take our seats at the back of the house. We can see the cast and creators “sneak” off into a private box — I say sneak since I don’t think we were supposed to notice them, but well, about 1400 people saw them.

Alicia: Hard not to, since some of them walked right down the far side aisle…LOL!

Erica: When the evening is about to start, they bring the cast and creators over to their seats which just happened to be down the aisle from us. Almost immediately, the lucky nearby audience members whip out their cameras until everyone is finally seated. The lights come down and the bag pipers come out.

Alicia: BAGPIPES!!!!!! Where’s a kilted man when I need him! Actually maybe Erica warned them ahead of time so they’re all in hiding ;P

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Erica: I was impressed you stayed in your seats rather than hunt down any of the kilts in the audience! Lol!

Then Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz, came out to greet the crowd..

Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz, kicks off the festivities

Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz, kicks off the festivities

…and to introduce Bear McCreary. Bear is a terrific composer whose trademark includes the use of usual instruments. I must say, I didn’t expect him to come out with an accordion!

Bear McCreary and Paul Cartwright

Bear McCreary and Paul Cartwright

He began with two gorgeous, instrumental duets with violinist Paul Cartwright. Then we get to hear Jamie and Claire’s theme…yep, we were in for a treat!

The concert ended with the lovely and wistful opening credits song, sung by Raya Yarbrough. Beautiful, haunting music. When is the soundtrack coming out?!?!

And then we had the main event! IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING!! I’ll save my full review for later….but I was NOT disappointed!

Alicia: I’ll just say for now that it is gorgeous! I mean the cinematography made me drool with all the amazing shots of Scotland.

Erica: I hope all the tour groups are ready for a spike in visitors. Castle Doune (aka Castle Leoch) better stock up gift store provisions for the ensuing tourist siege!

And now we had a quick panel with Lotte Verbeek (Geillis Duncan), Graham McTavish (Dougal MacKenzie), Tobias Menizes (Frank Randall/Black Jack Randall), Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser), Caitriona Balfe (Claire Beauchamp Randall), Diana Gabaldon and Ron Moore.

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By now, Graham, Sam and Ron have figured out how to sit in director’s chairs in a kilt, but I’m sure the front row was paying extra attention to figure out who’s a real highlander!

The first question was to Diana and what her initial reaction was to the first episode:

Most of the discussion covered a lot of the basics about how the show came together which we’ve covered before in previous interviews and cast discussions in New York and Los Angeles.

Originally the show was supposed to launch in March, but Ron explained some of the challenges of the show which has pushed back the start to August. The complicated production is also one of the reasons why the first season will be split into two halves:

Caitriona discussed the love she’s getting from the fans. It’s great to see that she and Sam get along so well as they tease each other so easily.

The teasing continued as Cait lifted up Sam’s kilt while he discussed Jamie’s journey…so very cute together!

Tobias talked about Black Jack’s redeeming qualities and Graham gave his take on Dougal and how Sam shares many qualities with Jamie.

The cast then named the time and place they’d love to visit if they had the opportunity:

Ron capped off the evening with a, um, interesting synopsis of where the show is headed…needless to say, SPOILER ALERT!!!!

Alicia: And then it’s over. Sad faces. So we headed out the front door to see more bagpipers!

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Erica and I decided to get some pics on the Tartan Carpet ourselves!

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Of course #PocketJaime felt he needed to get some as well

#PocketJamie on the Tartan Carpet

And that is a wrap on an epic evening of Outlander! We couldn’t have asked for a better night. Starz really gave us a great introduction to Outlander!

Erica: Thank you Starz for such a great send off for this show!!!

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Outlander debuts on Starz on August 9th.
You can catch the first episode starting August 2nd through Starz online!

Check back tomorrow for more photos from this incredible evening! We’ll also be doing weekly recaps/discussions and we also have Outlander swag to giveaway so check back with us!

Stay tuned!

Comment below or email us at Erica@MikeTheFanboy.com or thenovelstrumpet@gmail.com
For more adventures, follow us on twitter: @Cambear and @NovelStrumpet

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