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Who would be some of the people who helped you maintain and operate the
site?

ICM has a lot of wonderful people on staff that do a tremendous amount things for the site. Be it graphics, ideas, or just maintaining and posting news, they are a great help. Jo, Ivana, Darlene, Michelle, Lady, Neglo, Jesi, and Lyn. (The last two are currently unable to help as much as they like due to job requirements.)

Why the admiration for Rupert Grint? When did you first noticed the guy and why you became a fan? Tell us why you think he's a very promising new talent. What makes Rupert special?

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Chatting with the fans! Every time there is a news story or we start a topic at the forum, I get to chat with my fellow Rupert fans and learn about them. No one sees color, nationality, political affiliation, male, female, or whatever you can think of that separates us all. The most difficult is when there is something to do and you just don't have the time to do it. Being an older fan, I have bills to pay and work to do, so I don't always get to devote as much time as I'd like. So when that happens, you can feel a bit overwhelmed, and that can be quite unenjoyable at times.

Have you or one of your staff met Rupert already? Tell us your first impression of the young actor. What would be some of your most memorable experiences in meeting Mr. Grint?

I know Jo got to meet him while he promoted "Driving Lessons" at the Tribeca Film Festival. The one thing I know is that despite the late hour (I think it was 10pm EST, but for Rupert it was obviously much later considering he was probably still on London time!) he continued to take pictures with fans and sign autographs. (Jo can tell you more though.)

I personally, aside from the GoF premiere in which I was a fan for, got to sit in on the Order of the Phoenix press conference in LA. The one thing I noticed about Rupert is that he's not flashy or tries to take away from anyone else. He wants for the media to come to him rather than he go to the media.

Updated! Here's Jo's response:

I first met Rupert at the premiere of his “Driving Lessons” at the Tribeca Film Festival. I was the first one there lol. Those of us with tickets to the viewing were ushered inside but I did get a moment to see him signing autographs for the fans who didn’t make it inside the sold out screening! Rupert sat in the audience among the fans with his dad and was really pleasant and chatted with the fans till the movie began. After the movie he and director Jeremy Brock answered our questions.

Then he spent the rest of the evening signing and taking pictures. I was able to speak with him and tell him about our website. He was amused very much that we were called Ice Cream Man but he liked it. From there we just stayed in touch with his agency and they have been nice to give us updates, answer questions and forward messages from Rupert who always says that he’s overwhelmed by the support. His father Nigel Grint even took the time to write us a letter of appreciation. It can be viewed in our gallery here.

He also took out the time to hand sign a ton of autographs for our fan convention last year at the “Order of the Phoenix” premiere so what can I say Rupert is a great guy and every bit of time and effort we put into his career and out site is 100% worth it.

What roles did you think Rupert performed magnificently? What would be your favorite Rupert Grint movies? Tell us why.

Well, that's tough because Rupert is always magnificent!

I think one underrated role though is Alan A. Allen in "Thunderpants." It gets a bum
rap (no pun intended!) for the plot, but at the heart of it, it's a beautiful storyline and Rupert is entertaining and simple marvelous as the sidekick. He changes his voice, he talks with a different type of accent, and just doesn't get enough kudos for it. There is a deleted scene on the recently re-released version in the US that should've made the final cut. It really proves Rupert's ability even at the tender age of 12!

In operating the site, what sort of technical skills are important? Image/graphics editing, code/html/php, email, announcements, research - what would you say about these tasks and how important are they in maintaining a website?

Well, definitely the last three are important (announcements being more as 'news' instead). You have to be able to get into the e-mail to see what people have sent as news tips, you have to able to post those news tips (which isn't difficult because wordpress is quite easy) and sometimes you have to go out and find the news yourself. You can't always depend on the fans to send it, though they are a HUGE help. The others are good, being able to do your own graphics, say for layouts or news icons, helps make the site look really nice and stand out. Coding/HTML/PHP don't play a huge role like they used to. With the ability to make a website entirely with wordpress, even those who are not very handy with such things are able to do them. Of course, installing something like wordpress might be a different story! Best to know what you're doing in that case, but definitely not a priority like it once was.

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How different/unique is the website compared to other fansites out there? What are some of the features you offer fans that made them regular viewers?

I think the fact that we chat up with the fans, my staff and I. We just don't post news and run because we're fans too! We want to discuss everything that happens. And I don't know what made the fans regular viewers of the site. I like to think what I mentioned that sets us apart from other fansites is a big plus. I also think people enjoy the content I give.

One section we all worked really hard on is called "Rave Reviews" which lists every single review that currently exists (or at least we know currently exists) of Rupert's work. From Harry Potter to Driving Lessons, it's all there! And we're always adding more and doing more, and we'll be continuing to do that!

Any advice to fans who want to launch a site of their own dedicated to a fave actor/actress?

Don't start out with big ideas and plans. Start small. You want to build a fansite first and foremost because you're a fan. I think a lot of sites go under because they think too much of what they should be accomplishing and not enough of what they are accomplishing. Your site will grow in time. ICM is just over four years old now, and it took that long to have a huge site like we have now. And it will never stop, it will continue on to be a great fansite with dedicated viewers ands staff members!

What are some of your future plans in relation to the site?

We're going to be launching more areas to the site for fan involvement! This is a work in progress, but we hope to have it done before the year is out. We're also working on new sections to truly make ICM "the most extensive source for Rupert" because we want the fans to have the very latest! But also to go back and review things that had forgotten about. Or if they become new fans, they can go back and look through the site and find out things about Rupert that might get buried because he is getting older and his tastes change.

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Comments (23)

ICE CREAM MAN , THE PLACE TO BE!!!!

Congratulations Tao and all ICM staff for the featured!

Definitely IceCreamMan deserves a special place for all those who love, not only Rupert, but movies, music, people, everything!!A place where you can be heard and find new friends!
We´re like a family there, never afraid to get bigger!

In short, we´re a lot like Rupert and I think he´s very happy and proud of his fans!

And I´m also glad to have found this wonderful site, The Movie-fanatic through ICM!

Lilly

Lilly , October 09, 2008 | url

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

Ahhh Lilly thanks so much for that. Of course nothing is possible without all you because we all work together in this. But yeah we do work our tails off so the recognition is wicked cool as Rupes would say!

jo , October 09, 2008 | url

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Kudos to ICM!

This is THE "best friend" fansite. Personally, I do not know any other site (not even my yahoo mail/google) that gives me the enthusiasm to wake up every morning.

I am not just a Rupert fan, I am an ICM fan as well.

All my admiration to the staff!

Like Rupert says, "Cheers!"

Cheers to you ICM!

'Antoine
*wink* aka Rina.

Antoine , October 09, 2008

OMG! I'm crying!

I'm with Antoine! I am definitely a HUGE ICM fan as well as a Rupet fan. There really is no other fansite like it.

You remember what it was like going to team practice, or club meetings in high school? or meeting up at you and your friends favorite bistro to catch up. That's exactly what ICM feels like. We're all friends! And we all know we have at least one thing in commom...We love Rupert ^_^

Nia , October 09, 2008

YAY!

You couldn't have picked a better site! We are all friends there and have a blast. I mean just recently there hasn't been much Rupert news, but somehow we still have 300 comments on one post I have to go there every day! I love the site (and Rupert of course!!)

Dove , October 09, 2008

Congrats!

The site is awesome. Great job. This is one of the best fansites.

Carmen , October 09, 2008

ICM ROCKS!

I love that site! I visit it more than once a day to check up on news updates. They almost always get the Rupert news up first or have incredible exclusives for us all. I particularly loved their extensive coverage of the Order of the Phoenix promo with the HFW Ceremony/Premiere last summer. So many High Quality pics and videos! It was awesome. They have something planned for the next US premiere of Half-Blood Prince which I'm looking forward to seeing.

I've only recently become a huge Rupert fan over the whole OOTP film that came out last summer. I'll definitely be supporting Rupert all the way with his new projects!

TMF are super awesome for doing this. ^_^

Ki , October 09, 2008

ICM rocks!

I LOVE ICM!!!
If you are a Rupert fan then ICM is the place to be! They update constantly! People are so nice and amazing, they all work together for everything (graphics, news, videos, etc).

This site is just part of my life now, If I dont check it daily then I feel strange.

Congratulations Tao and staff! You rock!!

Val , October 09, 2008

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Same here - love the site! And checking it many times a day is like having coffee in the morning!

Thanks TMF for featuring!

By the way - love all youre doing in TMF - found miself browsing the page - love that you are featuring young talents!

francaise3 , October 09, 2008

ICM

I'm so happy to read this interview and I wanto to say if you're a Rupert fan, ICM is your place to be, defiently the best Rupert fansite in my opinion. And the reason for that everybody, staff or not, are great people, so just come over take a peek at it if you've never been there and levae a comment in the latest post. We're always there talking about everything and anything Rupert, Ron, Hp and much more
I visit it everyday and miss it when I can't, it's a very special "place"

WickedJo , October 09, 2008

ICMers rock!

Thank you to everyone. It put a huge smile on my face to see everyone talking so wonderfully about the site. Without you, ICM is nothing more than a space on the internet for the wonderfully talented Rupert which is great in it's own right, but sharing it with fellow fans makes it all worth while.

TaoICM , October 09, 2008 | url

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ICM is great! Esp if you want to talk about Rupert, no matter what time of day, there's usually someone there.
And everyone can send in news and it'll get posted very quickly. So its more interactive than other sites I've been to.

karo , October 09, 2008

Both sites rock!

I've been involved with a number of sites dedicated to the fabulous Rupert including Admin and Moderator however I do have to say in comparison I've enjoyed ICM so much more not only for content and integrity but for the fun and talented people involved. I'm finding this site TMF is most excellent and a pleasant surprise that it supports new and upcoming talent. Excellent work to both sites.

Sunbird , October 09, 2008

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ICM has such a warm and friendly atmosphere and it brings fans from all over the world together to chat about all things relating to Rupert.
AND, everyone works together, hunting news which means we get updates on Rupert quickly!

Karin , October 09, 2008

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Even though stocks are not a very popular issue, I'd like to compare ICM to a company that's gone public. I think the one thing that's helped ICM grow is that the fans feel that they can take ownership to some extent. The fans aren't waiting around for news to happen, they go out and search for news to share, they create graphics and art, whatever they can do to lend their time and talent.

And if there isn't any news, well we just keep the party going by creating our own (about everyday stuff) in the comments. Therefore, the site never has the time to get stagnant. So, whether it's about Rupert or about somebody's dog, we still keep the craziness going.

AJWC1 , October 09, 2008

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Congratulations ICM! It truly is a wonderful site and THE most entertaining of any of the sites dedicated to HP. They care about the fans of Rupert and try their very best to bring old and new news to us. It is a very open site too. Visitors can talk about anything and know they will be welcomed. There are so many talented fans of Rupert who visit the site and share their art, graphics, and stories about Rupert that enhances my own admiration of this very talented young man. Rupert Grint has shown as Movie-Fanatic acknowledges that he is a talented actor since his very first film role as Ron Weasley. I am super excited about his new projects, Cherrybomb and Wild Target. Rupert's down to earth and modesty has endeared me to him. On countless times he has displayed unwavering gratitude for his fans. He is finally starting to get the recognition that he deserves and hopefully more people will start admiring this talented, gorgeous, and sweet actor.

talley , October 09, 2008

Ice Cream Man Rocks

The Ice Cream Man site for our favourite guy is the best factual site for Rupert on the net given the chance it must be the best site to work with. Their reports and descriptions of Rupert are spot on. I just love what you are all doing a fantastic job. Congratulations to you all keep up the good work.
It's great to know that Rupert cares for and loves his fans regardless of age colour or creed or diabilities and is willing to spend time with them and most of all appreciates just what you all do and for the good and hard work you all put in.

Tina Jayne , October 09, 2008

Thanks Again!

So, whether it's about Rupert or about somebody's dog, we still keep the craziness going.

LMAO, but AJ you are so right about that. We never let the site go inactive and it can be hard to do but we manage to always keep something going on. I think the fans really appreciate this because anytime they need their Rupert fix or just somebody to talk to they know where they can go! Thanks to everybody for the support.

jo , October 09, 2008 | url

I love ICM!

Congrats ICM! I'm a new fan of both Rupert and ICM. I really do think what sets ICM apart from other Rupert sites is how involved the staff are. You really do feel a sense of family and teamwork from both the staff and fans. I'm not that active within the site, but I feel apart of it just the same. The "Cheers" theme song comes to mind... I'm very happy tMF decided to spotlight ICM. They definitely deserve the recognition. I don't think any other Rupert site stays so devoted to keeping Rupert news current, accurate, and ongoing. Congratulations again ICM!

Amber , October 09, 2008

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I'm positively addicted to ICM!! I check it whenever I can. The staff has done a tremendous job with the site and deserve tons of kudos. And the fans that post there are a wonderful, funny, friendly group, so much so, that even on slow news days, you'll find plenty of great people to talk and laugh with.

Thanks for recognizing one of my very favorite sites, TMF! And much respect and appreciation for the awesome job you all are doing here, too, at TMF!

Sophie , October 09, 2008

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Hi AMBER and Sophie! thanks!!!!!!

jo , October 09, 2008 | url

Congrats ICM !!

Being from an isolated country like Chile, when it is almost impossible to get magazines in English you really have to give kudos to such an amazing site! they have everything from pictures, reviews, and you can tell how much concern the webmistress and her crew have on Rupert, this is a swell site for such an outstanding actor! thanks for everything, especially for the passion and dedication!

Euge , October 10, 2008

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What can I say... ICM wow! Tao, Jo, Evanna and everybody... congratulations! :)

jesi , October 12, 2008

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