diff --git a/openlp/core/lib/__init__.py b/openlp/core/lib/__init__.py
index 2c0b53a95..1454f877e 100644
--- a/openlp/core/lib/__init__.py
+++ b/openlp/core/lib/__init__.py
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ def resize_image(image_path, width, height, background):
     new_image = QtGui.QImage(width, height,
         QtGui.QImage.Format_ARGB32_Premultiplied)
     painter = QtGui.QPainter(new_image)
-    painter.fillRect(new_image.rect(), background)
+    painter.fillRect(new_image.rect(), QtGui.QColor(background))
     painter.drawImage((width - realw) / 2, (height - realh) / 2, preview)
     return new_image
 
diff --git a/openlp/core/lib/imagemanager.py b/openlp/core/lib/imagemanager.py
index 4d6c90078..0dcc2246b 100644
--- a/openlp/core/lib/imagemanager.py
+++ b/openlp/core/lib/imagemanager.py
@@ -215,6 +215,8 @@ class ImageManager(QtCore.QObject):
         image = self._cache[name]
         if image.image is None:
             self._conversion_queue.modify_priority(image, Priority.High)
+            # make sure we are running and if not give it a kick
+            self.process_updates()
             while image.image is None:
                 log.debug(u'get_image - waiting')
                 time.sleep(0.1)
@@ -235,6 +237,8 @@ class ImageManager(QtCore.QObject):
         image = self._cache[name]
         if image.image_bytes is None:
             self._conversion_queue.modify_priority(image, Priority.Urgent)
+            # make sure we are running and if not give it a kick
+            self.process_updates()
             while image.image_bytes is None:
                 log.debug(u'get_image_bytes - waiting')
                 time.sleep(0.1)