FAN ENCOUNTERS: Chan and Jenna Partying with Fans in Scotland

Over the past three months, numerous fans have run into Channing Tatum in Achiltibuie and other parts of Scotland while he films his Roman epic 'Eagle of the Ninth'.

Today, we have some great new pics of Chan and his wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum with fans Kelly, Abi, Phoebe, Kythe and Kim enjoying themselves at a dance that the town threw for the cast and crew. Here's what they had to say about their encounter with the couple...

"We met Channing and Jenna at a ceilidh in Achiltibuie, Scotland when Channing was up filming "The Eagle of the Ninth" in October! It was such a fun night!" - Kelly, Abi, Phoebe, Kythe & Kim :D

You can check out Jenna and Chan in a couple of his favorite caps and a t-shirt from Tampa-based Eleven O Twelve hanging out with fans in the new pics below...

You can CLICK HERE see a few more photos of Chan and Jenna with fans in Scotland, and you'll find tons more fan encounter photos in the CTU photo gallery too.

For those who don't know, Chan's movie 'The Eagle of the Ninth' is based on the best-selling, classic 1954 teen novel by Rosemary Sutcliff, and is set in the dangerous world of second-century Britain. In 140 AD, twenty years after the unexplained disappearance of the entire Ninth Legion in the mountains of Scotland, young centurion Marcus Aquila (played by Channing) arrives from Rome to solve the mystery and restore the reputation of his father, the commander of the Ninth. Accompanied only by his British slave Esca (Jamie Bell), Marcus sets out across Hadrian's Wall into the uncharted highlands of Caledonia - to confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father's memory, and retrieve the lost legion's golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth. Donald Sutherland portrays Marcus' uncle Aquila, who has retired in Britain; Mark Strong is cast as Guern, an ex-soldier who holds crucial information about the Ninth. The drama is scheduled to hit theaters in the third quarter of 2010!!!

Big thanks to Kelly for sending in the great pics! If you happen to run into Chan or Jenna, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe! ;-)

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PICTURES OF THE WEEK: Channing Tatum with Fans in Scotland

Each week Channing Tatum Unwrapped will post one or more of our favorite pictures of the uber hot Channing Tatum.

Today's Pictures of the Week were submitted by numerous Channing Tatum Fans who have run into Chan in Achiltibuie and other parts of Scotland while he films his Roman epic 'Eagle of the Ninth'. One of the fan photos below also includes Chan's 'Eagle' co-star Jamie Bell.

You can CLICK HERE to learn more about the movie, and you can check out the new pics below...

Big thanks to @kirstyg87, @xweelaurax, Rachel, and @triciamaclennan for the great photos! Fans can CLICK HERE to see tons more photos of Chan with fans from around the world.

If you have a favorite picture from this blog, our photo gallery, a picture you have made or a picture that you have found on the net that you would like me to consider, send the picture or a link to the picture to potw@channingtatumunwrapped.com and tell me why you like it. I will post it and your explanation on the blog. If you like or don't like today's picture (for some completely insane reason), let everyone know that too by clicking on the comments link below. :-)

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FAN ENCOUNTER: Fan Hangs with the Cast & Crew of Channing Tatum's 'The Eagle of the Ninth'

Filming began on Channing Tatum's Roman drama 'Eagle of the Ninth' in Hungary on August 24th and moved to Scotland a few weeks ago.

Ted from the fan site All Things Foe recently posted an exclusive report with photos from a fan named Julie who lives in the area where 'Eagle' is filming. You can read all about her encounter at the set and at a dance (called a Ceilidh) the town held for the cast and crew (including both Chan and his wife Jenna Dewan) below...

"On Saturday, 10th October, we decided to walk up to Fox Point to look at the set. The weather was great when we had left home and was still dry as we walked up the hill. Due to filming we had to wait for a while and once the all terrain vehicles started to move we were able to continue towards the set.

We met a really friendly guy near to the set and we spoke to him for sometime – he was telling us about how they were in Hungary for 6 weeks and how things were going here etc and told us to go and look into the huts, wander around the “village”etc and not to worry that if we were in the way, we would be asked to move. Having introduced himself as Duncan, asking our names as well, I asked if he would be going to the ceilidh at night. He was and we met him there and he spoke to us by name which I thought was really good. Only later did I find out that he was infact Duncan Kenworthy, the producer.

The set was so impressive – however getting across the boggy tracks was not at all easy, especially as I am a bog magnet and usually end up falling in them. We had seen some photos of the huts and were totally amazed at how realistic the fiber glass stones were – an amazing amount of work must have gone into it and the colors were incredible!

The costumes for the extras are fantastic and it was great fun looking beyond the green paint to see who we recognized!

As the weather was so bad by now – rain, rain and more rain we weren’t sure if we would just head back down the hill but noticed they were filming at ground level. 2 of the extras were walking past the black horse and the camera man was filming their legs through the horses legs!

The next bit to be filmed was Channing scraping a sealskin outside a hut so bark chippings had to be laid and covered with bracken as the ground was so wet. Then with everything about ready and Channing called the weather changed so they decided to do a close up of Channing with the horses.

By now we were well and truly soaked so headed off back down the hill. We had spoken to quite a few people involved in the filming and they were all really courteous and looking forward to the ceilidh...

The ceilidh was by far one of the best we have ever had in our community hall. Despite having taken 2 hours to get off the hill a great number of people came along – including some extras who were staying in Ullapool and had never been to a ceilidh before.

Jamie, Channing and his wife all came along and appeared to be really enjoying themselves...I had gone into the lounge to tidy the tea things and [Jamie] was there jamming away with a local guy and they were singing away (can’t remember the song) and Jamie was playing one of the kid’s guitars.

Both Channing and Jamie were really good about signing autographs and having their photos taken with people. Due to the problems with my camera I didn’t get any.

The music for the evening was varied but brilliant. So many of the kids were involved – guitars, bagipes, accordians and whistles. The Coigach singers did a few songs, lot of piping and a tremendous amount of dancing. It was great as we had our very own “Dancing with the Stars”...

At the end of the night we finished in true highland style with Auld Lang Syne and I hope that the memory and atmosphere of the night stays with everyone for a long time."

'The Eagle of the Ninth' is based on the best-selling, classic 1954 teen novel by Rosemary Sutcliff, and is set in the dangerous world of second-century Britain.

In 140 AD, twenty years after the unexplained disappearance of the entire Ninth Legion in the mountains of Scotland, young centurion Marcus Aquila (played by Channing) arrives from Rome to solve the mystery and restore the reputation of his father, the commander of the Ninth.

Accompanied only by his British slave Esca (Jamie Bell), Marcus sets out across Hadrian's Wall into the uncharted highlands of Caledonia - to confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father's memory, and retrieve the lost legion's golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth. Donald Sutherland portrays Marcus' uncle Aquila, who has retired in Britain; Mark Strong is cast as Guern, an ex-soldier who holds crucial information about the Ninth.

The sets in Scotland are being used to represent everything north of Hadrian's Wall, while the Hungary locations are a stand-in for everything south of the Wall in the film.

'The Eagle of the Ninth' is scheduled to hit theaters some time in 2010!!!

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FAN ENCOUNTER: Channing Tatum’s Thank You from a Hometown Hero

As I previously posted, Channing Tatum and the cast and crew of ‘G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra’ honored local service men and women with an early Hometown Hero Screening in San Diego, California during their world-wide press tour before the film was officially released in theaters.

At the event, Senior Community Representative Bill Cegelka presented local Hometown Hero Jose Velazquez and his son, Justin with a personal letter honoring Jose’s service in the US Navy.

In today's Fab Fan Encounter, Jose and his family have sent photos and a thank you letter to Chan and all of the supporters at the event and have given me permission to share...

"A 'G.I. Joe The Rise of Cobra' premier was held in San Diego on August 5th. My family and I want to take this moment to thank everyone for supporting the military and us. My family and I had a great opportunity to meet with Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Stephen Sommers, Community Representative Bill Cegelka, Lori Saldana State Assemblywoman, Neil Hoffman and so many others that made it such a great time for us and all because of my son Justin's letter was picked thank you.

We did have sometime to talk with Channing and he was very happy to be there with us and honoring the men and women in uniform. He is so modest and I thank him for that telling me and my family that this event was for us was a great honor. Justin, Raul, Aiko and I send a heart warming thank you for everything and we wish you the best in your career goals and family goals."

- From The Velazquez Family

I want to thank Jose and his family for sending the photos and letter and for all of the sacrifices they make on a daily basis for this country.

If you happen to run into Chan or Jenna, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe! ;-)

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FAN ENCOUNTER: Chan and Jenna Sign Autographs for Fans Outside New York’s Gramercy Hotel

Today's Fab Fan Encounter comes to us via IMDB user and Fabulous Channing Tatum Fan Juliaaa who ran into Chan outside the Gramercy Hotel in New York City during the recent 'G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra' press tour.

Here's what Juliaaa had to say about her lucky fan encounter...

"I met Channing on August 5 in New York City, in front of the Gramercy Park Hotel, which lies next to the Gramercy Park and two steps from Park Avenue, for whomever is familiar with the area. He was on his tour to NYC to promote "G.I Joe:Rise Of Cobra". It was almost noon. He came out of the hotel and was signing autographs and taking pictures with the fans for about 20 minutes, then headed to his car to get to some event, as far as I could understand. He was looking cute and confident and seemed to enjoy talking and taking pictures with everybody there." - Juliaaa

You can click on the wallpaper below to see even more photos of Chan with wife Jenna Dewan happily signing autographs out side their hotel around the same time Juliaa had her encounter...

Big thanks to Julia for posting her story and photos! If you happen to run into Chan or Jenna, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe! ;-)

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FAN ENCOUNTER: Chan Hangs Out with Fans on Wall Street

Today's Fab Fan Encounter was submitted by Fabulous Channing Tatum Fan Tammy who works on Wall Street in New York City. She met Chan on the recent 'G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra' press tour when the cast rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

Here's what Tammy had to say about her lucky fan encounter...

Hi there,

I work on Wall Street and recently had the pleasure of meeting Chan. It was my second week of work and he definitely made me love my job even more than I already do! He was incredibly down-to-earth, chatting and taking pictures with fans, signing autographs and even introducing himself to some starstruck fans.I can honestly say that I love Channing Tatum!! He's even hotter in person!

Thanks,
Tammy

In case you missed it in my previous post, you can click on the wallpaper below to see even more photos of Chan and the cast at Wall Street's NY Stock Exchange...

Big thanks to Tammy for sending in the great photo! If you happen to run into Chan or his wife Jenna Dewan, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe! ;-)

REMINDER: I am switching to a new photo gallery, so some articles on CTU may be missing photos until the switch is complete. I hope to have the new photo site ready some time next month. Thanks for your patience during the transition.

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FAN ENCOUNTERS: Lucky Fans Hang Out with Chan on the 'G.I. Joe' Press Tour and at LAX

Although I've probably had more than my fair share of run-ins with Channing Tatum, I'm not the only fan with encounter stories, and I really love to read the ones you all send me.

Today's Fab Fan Encounters were submitted by what I'll call a new fan, aka Goodcooker (from the CTU forum), and a well-established fan, Jirleymar, who met Chan on the recent 'G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra' press tour. Here's Jirleymar's story...

“My husband and I had the privilege to meet Channing on August 5th, 2009. We found out he was gonna be interviewing on Regis and Kelly so we drove to NYC the night before (we live in Delaware) to try and get in the show. Turns out we didn’t get it, I am so thankful because it worked out even better! We got more face time and I even got to take a picture with him after he came out of the show. What can I say, I am always gonna be on cloud 9 over this. What an amazing man! Besides being beautiful on the outside, he is so down to earth. Channing took the time to sign his autograph, take pictures and chit chat with everyone. God bless his family for raising such an amazing man. Inspite of being gorgeous and famous, he is humble and does not seem to consider himself better than any of us.

While Channing got into his SUV my husband gave him my card (I am a stylist) and told him if he ever comes to Delaware to let us know and that he had us as friends. Channing was thankful and shook my husbands hand (i was frozen out of excitement!) The only thing I said was “congratulations on your wedding!”…To sum up, this day I will never forget. Such an amazing experience to meet him and I hope to see him again someday. Hands down a beautiful man inside and out!”

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Although Goodcooker didn't get a photo of Chan when they crossed paths on a Southwest flight from LAX on June 16th and oddly had never even seen one of Chan's movies prior to becoming a fan, I have to say that he captures one of the best mental pictures of Chan that I've ever read in any encounter, and I really want to thank him for sharing it in the CTU forum. Hopefully you'll enjoy his story as much as I did...

“Funny how things go. I wasn’t fully aware of Chan’s stature as an actor, but found myself spending a bit of time with him at the earlier today. He and I ran into each other standing in the security line at the Southwest terminal in LAX, and when both of us were figuring out which security station to go through, he let me go in front of him. Real nice guy. Of course, extremely good looking.

He was one of those very handsome guys that when seeing him, it makes me suck in my gut a bit, and thrust out my jaw to hide the second chin that has started to creep around my neck. You know, I’m the slightly insecure middle aged guy who has a great family and a job but who had also once hoped to be an actor, who sees a young kid, great smile, who has that ‘thing’ about him. Makes you wish you had that ‘thing’, but the only thing you seem to have is debt, flab, and a diminishing coolness that makes your daughter roll her eyes a whole lot more than you used to whenever you talk.

I start joking around a bit about the hassles of getting through security, having taken up five plastic bins between my shoes, sports coat, laptop, laptop bag, my other bag, etc. I had to stick the ticket and ID in my teeth while I grabbed everything else, saying stupid things which made him laugh. So when the security guard working the X-Ray machine hears him laugh and spots him, then says ‘I don’t care if they fire me’, stands up, comes around the machine and gives him a big hug (to his surprise), I figure something’s up.

Sitting down putting my shoes back on (ah, the hassles of getting through airport security), I asked a girl sitting next to me who he was. She told me he was “Chan… blah blah”. This wasn’t what she really said. This is just what I heard. The area was noisy, and my ears, even at 52 yrs of age, are not working as well as they used to. I let it go, and left for the gate.

When I reached the gate, I noticed him in the bar nearby having what appeared to be a light beer. He was also reading his Kindle (has the second gen version, not the latest larger format). I’m a Kindle user, and given our previous encounter at the security station, I did what a rarely do when I see a celebrity and approached him. I asked about his Kindle, and told him that although I didn’t know who he was, my daughter would kill me if I didn’t find out. He told me his name was Channing Tatum. Of course, no bells went off in my head. Who the hell is this guy? Sure, I watch a lot of films and television, and think I pay attention to a lot of it, but there are always those actors or actresses that slip through the mental cracks, whose films you just never got around to see, or almost watched, but something else came up.

He told me he was in the “Step Up” films, whose previews I’d seen, but never the films. Only recently, with my family’s love of the show “So You Think You Can Dance?”, we’d learned that Adam Shankman was making a 3D Step Up sequel, and I asked if he was involved in that, which he isn’t. Of course, he’s moved on from those films, but what the hell did I know? We talked a bit more, mostly about some of the films he’s been working on, but this time, a loud bar, and I only caught a few of the details. After a bit, I knew I’d outlived my welcome, so I wished him continued success and he graciously thanked me for that.

I finally boarded the plane and got a seat near the front, on the aisle. A few minutes later, he’s on the plane, and sits directly opposite of me. He didn’t notice that I was there until he sat down, and we laughed at the coincidence. What followed was an extended conversation about his work and views on what is going on in the film industry. He mentioned his work in GI Joe. I asked if he had ever worked with a “green screen”, which I assumed was needed for GI Joe. He said ‘no’ and commented on the challenges of interacting with people and things that are not actually there. He mimed a scene where he had to be shocked that someone was killed in front of him. I told him I’d take a part time job actually stabbing myself with a knife in front of him whenever he need any motivation to act shocked on screen. A joke of course, which yielded another warm laugh from him. We spent a good amount of time discussing the problem with making money on films today if they are not blockbuster Sci-Fi, horror or adult R rated comedies. Escapist fare. So many great films are bombing at the box office, and it doesn’t bode well for those actors who need great venues for expressing their acting talent within intimate dramas and independent films.

I asked if he thought that GI Joe, if a big hit, could catapult awareness of his talents to a broader audience than he’s ever had before. He wasn’t sure about that, and felt that he wanted to be more defined as an actor, and not just an action star. He knows his athletism helps him get roles that need that ability, but he really wants more chances to stretch his acting chops. When I told him that just based on our chat, I was going to visit Netflix when I got home and order all of his films, he laughed at that, and suggested if there was one film of him I should see, I should check out A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS, which he feels is one of the best films he’s ever starred in.

He was extremely cordial with me, and was very engaged in our chat. He also seemed to respect my lack of awareness of his star power and popularity, and didn’t seem at all bothered by it. I kick myself now in retrospect, having arrived home and checked out his film history and credentials online, since he is clearly a bigger Hollywood presence than I had thought.

Our chat ended as the plane took off, and we went back to reading our respective Kindles. I was tempted to ask for a photo, or get an autograph, but I felt in a way that doing that would diminish the gift of what had transpired during our brief visit. My last words to him was another wish for his continued success, and although I have just returned home and will order my Channing Tatum/Netflix film festival in a few minutes, I’m already a huge fan of this gentleman.

Now, not having asked for the autograph, I suspect when I see my 12 year old daughter later today, she will wonder what the heck I was thinking (I assume she knows who he is). I may lose another level of ‘coolness’ with her, but so it goes. She’ll just have to touch my right hand, which vigorously shook Channing’s hand after our chat.

It hasn’t been washed yet…”

Big thanks to Jirleymar and Goodcooker for sending in the awesome stories and photo! If you happen to run into Channing Tatum or Jenna Dewan, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe! ;-)

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FAN ENCOUNTER: Channing Tatum with Extras/Fans on the Set of 'Dear John'

Earlier this week, I posted some new photos of Chan with fans that were able to get pictures with him after filming wrapped on the South Carolina set of his upcoming drama 'Dear John'.

In today's Fab Fan Encounter we have two exclusive new photos that were submitted by Fabulous Channing Tatum Fan Kira this week. They show Channing Tatum taking pictures with Kira and here two friends when they were extras on the 'Dear John' set. Here's what Kira had to say about their lucky fan encounter...

"My friends Amanda and Colleen were extras with me during the filming of 'Dear John'. We live in Charleston and were thrilled to be a part of the movie and get the chance to meet and talk to Channing. He was so friendly and made the experience one we will truly never forget! These were taken on our last day of filming on Folly Beach." - Kira

'Dear John' is scheduled for a February 5, 2010 release in the US, but you can find more international release dates on the CTU Calendar.

Fans can CLICK HERE to read all of the other fan encounter articles from the set of 'Dear John' and can CLICK HERE to get the latest location news from the set of all of Channing's films.

Big thanks to Kira for sending in the great photos from the set! If you happen to run into Chan or his fiancee Jenna Dewan, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe! ;-)

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FAN ENCOUNTER: Channing Tatum with Fans on the Set of 'Dear John'

In today's Fab Fan Encounter we have two great photos that were submitted by Fabulous Channing Tatum Fan Tiffini via Chan's official Myspace. They show Channing Tatum taking pictures with two fans on the set of his upcoming drama 'Dear John', which wrapped filming in the Charleston, South Carolina area last December.

Here's what Tiffini had to say about her lucky fan encounter...

"Just thought I would share this...I was in Charleston S.C. in October 2008 and Channing was filming 'Dear John' on the beach at our condo in Isle of Palms. Not a picture of me, I was to star struck to move. Can't wait till the movie comes out. I read the book and it was great." - Tiffini

Fans can CLICK HERE to read all of the other fan encounter articles from the set of 'Dear John' and can CLICK HERE to get the latest location news from the set of all of Channing's films.

'Dear John' is scheduled for a February 5, 2010 release in the US, but you can find more international release dates on the CTU Calendar.

Big thanks to Tiffini for sending in the great photos! If you happen to run into Chan or his fiancee Jenna Dewan, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe! ;-)

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FAN ENCOUNTERS: Channing Tatum with Fans at the New York Premiere & UK Screening of 'Fighting'

Today's Fab Fan Encounters include some great new photos that were submitted by Fabulous Channing Tatum fans Nell Z. and Paige B.

The pics show Channing Tatum signing autographs for fans in the rain outside of the April 20th New York City premiere of his new film 'Fighting' and show him hanging out with fans at last week's private screening of the film in London, England.

Paige thought that Chan "was so funny and has got a great laugh :D, I had a great time with him," and here's what Nell had to say about her encounter outside the premiere...

"I am not a photographer so the pictures aren't great quaility, but I thought it could be cool if you let all the fans know that Channing came out in the rain to sign autographs and take pictures with the fans. He is such a good person. AND WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO SEE PICTURES OF HIM."

You can check out all of Nell and Paige's photos of Chan in the slideshow below:

I want to remind fans that 'Fighting' premiered in the US and Canada on April 24th. The movie hits UK theaters TODAY, and will be released in Ireland, Spain, and Malta this Friday (May 15, 2009). Fans can go to the CTU Calendar to get a current list of international release dates for the film.

Don't miss my next post where I will finally share my photos and experiences at the 'Fighting' premiere, after party, and after after party with Chan, Jenna, Chan's parents, and Jenna's Dad!!! And incase you missed the re-tweets on Chan's official twitter, don't forget to watch Michael Yo's interview with Chan for 'G.I. Joe' on The Daily 10 on E! tonight at 6:30 PM Central!!!

Big thanks to Nell and Paige for sending in the great photos!

If you happen to run into Channing Tatum or Jenna Dewan, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe! ;-)

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CTU EXCLUSIVE FAN ENCOUNTER: Channing Tatum and Cung Le with Fans at the Fight Expo

Today's Fab Fan Encounter is an awesome, indepth, and CTU exclusive account of today's autograph signing at the Fight Expo with Channing Tatum and his 'Fighting' co-star Cung Le. It was submitted by Fabulous Channing Tatum Fans Becca and Dia and includes tons of photos from the event.

Here's what Becca had to say about their encounter...

Hey there, CTU readers!

My "sista from another mista", Dia, and I had the absolute HONOR of meeting and speaking with Channing today at the FightExpo, in Del Mar, California. I don't believe that either of us were expecting it to be such an incredible encounter! I am really excited to share about it here on CTU!

I made a call to the FightExpo people beforehand to find out what time Channing would be appearing, and was told that he would be interacting with the Make A Wish Foundation kids at 11am, and that the autograph signing would be taking place at Noon. It was a little disconcerting when things hadn't started yet, and it was already nearing Noon!

I was standing near the cage area, watching the kids interact with the famous fighters who were in attendance, when I turned around to see where Dia had run off to. Instead of Dia, however, I saw Channing walking toward me! Now, I'm ALWAYS really happy to see my best friend, but I have to admit...I was a little more impressed with Chan. He went into the cage, and Dia found her way over to the cage with me. We watched while he interacted with, and took photos with the kids from the Make A Wish Foundation, and I tried to take a few photos as well. They came out blurry, as I'm a little too overzealous with the zoom, though.

On his way out of the cage, I was able to get his attention for a moment, and Dia snapped a picture of Channing and I together. That picture, and the ones of Dia with him and with Cung Le are now three of my favorite pictures in the whole world! (I'm the one in the pale blue shirt and Dia is in black, for anyone wondering.) I was also able to get some really good photos of Chan and Cung Le during the interview he did! Dia and I weren't able to hear the entirety of the interview, but we do have a few highlights to tell you about that we were able to hear! (THANK YOU, D, for helping me remember!)

• Channing described his weaknesses as "Chocolate Cake and Coors Light".


• He described his fitness style, he said, "When I'm on, I'm 100% on. When I'm off, I'm 100% off." (Aren't we all, though? HA!)


• What are the healthiest foods to eat? According to Channing, "Chicken and Brocolli."


• Cung Le told a story about the filming of the movie "Fighting". He said that at one point, Channing told him to actually hit him, (instead of faking it for the camera) and that he took it because Channing is "a fighter".

After the interview, I was able to catch up with him before he got to the autograph table. In a silly little sentimental move on my own part, I bought Chan an early birthday card. (I wrote "Happy (Ridiculously Early) Birthday, Channing!" on the envelope, with a little note inside, mocking my own earliness.) I pulled him aside momentarily, and presented it to him. He then proved to me that every word Q, and the other CTU fans have written about how down-to-earth, and kind he is are completely true. He thanked me, told me how much it meant to him, and asked me my name. That would have been enough, but then, he gave me a huge hug, and a light kiss on the cheek, and sent me sprawling full speed into that look of awe that can only be described as "A deer caught in headlights". I was able to snap out of it quickly enough, and mentioned to him that I would be sending photographs and a write up here to Q. He asked me to pass on a message to her, which I did via email just as soon as I got home and to my computer!

The kids from Make A Wish were allowed first autographs at the table, and then were gathered behind the table to take pictures with Channing and Cung Le. It was fun watching them flex, and grin, and goof off for the camera. I've included a photo of a couple of them showing off their muscles. It was evident that this was a big deal for them, and it was so touching to see them have such a good time.

After the kids had their turn, the few people ahead of us got to go get their copy of the "Fighting" poster autographed. I think it's awesome how Channing personalized each autograph he signed. I've been fortunate enough to meet several celebrity-type people and acquire autographs, but very rarely do they take the time to ask each person their name - a lot of them have been downright stiff and mechanical. Not Channing, he greeted each and every person who walked up to the table with a friendly hello, and chatted animatedly.

At one point, a woman just ahead of us paid him a compliment, to which he responded by grinning and telling her that she was going to make him blush. (Between us, I think that he did blush...just a little.) And when a kid approached the table with an anime-style caricature of Cung Le, Channing seemed highly impressed/amused, and asked if he could have a copy for himself. He got one! Watching all this was merely further proof of the easy going, totally approachable nature that Channing possesses. This guy is a class act.

When I reached the table, he asked me how to spell my name, and signed my "Fighting" poster before passing it over to Cung Le. I then took a little something extra I had brought along out of my purse. You see, I work at Blockbuster, and we have these sturdy cardboard "backer cards" that sit on the shelves behind the DVD cases so the shelves don't look quite so barren when things are checked out. I had nabbed a "Step Up" backer card for myself, and a "She's The Man" card for Dia to have signed. I explained to Channing where I had gotten the card from, and he then proceeded to tell me that he always thought he would like to work at Blockbuster. He then said that he would love to have access to all the movies, which, I must admit is a nice little perk.

I then asked if I could please take a photograph of the two of them especially for CTU! Both Channing and Cung Le obliged, and I have to say, it came out great! I really hope that you all enjoy it!

The funniest moment, however, came when he signed Dia's backer card for "She's The Man". He announced, "I'm going to write on Robert's face!" and proceeded to give Robert Hoffman a handlebar moustache, and a pair of horns. It also looks as though he added an extra dark eyebrow to Robert's face. Dia was thrilled with her little piece of original Channing Tatum artwork, and I made sure to photograph it so we could show it to you guys as well!

The other cool moment involving Dia was when she first told him her name. See, the name Dia is rather unique, and some people even pronounce it wrong. (I just prefer calling her Deeeeyah to eliminate any confusion.) The moment that Channing heard her name, he looked at her and filled her in on a little bit of movie trivia in regards to her name! Unbeknownst to Dia, her name was also the name of a character in the movie "The Blood Diamond". I think she'd agree that it's not only cool to know that, it's even cooler that she was informed of it by Channing Tatum!

All in all, it was an experience that I will never forget. Having simply met him this one time, Channing has charmed me into so much more respect and admiration for him as an actor, and as a human being, than I had before even. And to think that this day would have never happened had I not seen the announcement for the FightExpo right here on CTU! So thanks to you as well, Q!

HUGE thanks to Becca for passing Chan's wonderful message along, for offering to be the CTU on the scene reporter for this event, and for sending in the great photos (which you can check out in the slideshow below)!!! And to Chan...right back at you kid. ;-)

'Fighting' will hit theaters on April 24, 2009 and fans can CLICK HERE to get a current list of international release dates for the film.

If you happen to run into Channing Tatum or Jenna Dewan, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe! ;-)

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