This was probably one of the most pleasant premieres I have ever covered.  We're usually stuck at the end of a line of twenty-some media outlets, where we're easily snubbed by publicists and ignored by their clients.  At the Golden Compass premiere, there were easily fifty photographers there, but only five or six media outlets looking for interviews.  We weren't even at the end- we were somewhere between the local CW affiliate and in front of the woman from the New York Times.

One of the reasons for the low media attendance was probably the shortage of the movie's biggest stars- Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig.  But who needs really famous people, when you've got somewhat famous people?  Or something like that...

From our prime red carpet spot, we chatted with:

• Sam Elliot - You may remember him from playing a cowboy in a movie, but he plays an aeronaut in this film.  I chatted with him about acting against an animated polar bear and hanging out with author, Phillip Pullman.

• Datoka Blue Richards - She was chosen from 10,000 girls to play the lead part of Lyra in this movie.  We talked about the surreal experience of watching herself on screen for the first time.  I sort of felt like she was the bizarro, British version of Dakota Fanning, but I didn't mention it...