Showing posts with label Paley Center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paley Center. Show all posts

Friday, September 11, 2009

Medium at Paley

Pen and I went back to Paley tonight to see what was on tap for CBS. Truth be told, we went to see if Alex O'Loughlin would show up to sell his new show, "Three Rivers". Sadly, he did not, and the premiere wasn't ready, so they didn't screen it either. So, while we missed Alex in every possible way, we did happen upon the cast of Medium who seemed quite happy to be on CBS this year. Alas, I didn't get clear shots, but some "Friday night in LA" flavor follows.

Oh, and I should definitely get bonus points for going out two evenings this week. That's almost unheard of social activity for me. To show your appreciation of my newly adventurous ways, please send cash.








Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Glee at Paley

Pen and I wandered into the Paley Center's Fox panel tonight. And because I love you, and because I think many of you are secret Glee lovers, I bring you some shots from the reception.









Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Moonlight at Paley Recap

Another Paley evening means another tired and slightly bemused morning—but it was worth it. As I mentioned earlier, last evening I attended the last in the drama screening series at the Paley Center. It was a night with the cast and the creators of the CBS drama, “Moonlight”. The panel included Harry Werksman (Executive Producer), Brian White, Gabrielle G. Stanton (Co-Executive Producer), Jason Dohring, Eric Winter, Sophia Myles, Alex O'Loughlin and Joel Silver (yep, that Joel Silver).

To say the Moonlight fans were enthusiastic would be a huge understatement. They are very invested in the success of this show, and had a really interesting give and take with the panel. Kristin (from E!) was the moderator, and even she remarked that she had never seen a crowd so excited before one of the Paley events (LOL! She should have attended the X-Files event, which was probably close).

Disclaimer here: I watch Moonlight, but wasn’t there from the beginning. My friends PT and M were already big fans, and their interest made me go online to watch the first four episodes that I had missed. So, relative to the crowd on hand, I’m a novice. As one fan humorously told the panel (specifically, Alex, I think), “[we] know more about the episodes than [you] do.” This is a good environment for me to observe rather than participate because I knew any question I might have had for the panel would have been stupid, and clearly something discussed already on a message board somewhere. I kept my head down, and tried not to embarrass PT.

PT had two goals: Meet Alex O’Loughlin and not get arrested. Good solid goals for the evening, particularly since I had limited funds to extract her if she got arrested. I assume she would have needed no extraction from Alex, if that had worked out. Alas, she did not get to meet him one on one. Normally, the clips are shown before the panel, and then the fans get a chance to meet with the cast/creators after the event. For this one, they showed a full episode (fans who weren’t there—you’re going to be pretty pleased with Friday’s ep) at the end, and the panel left. PT did go down as the screening was starting in hopes of a glimpse, but sadly, not meant to be. I heard somewhere that some of them were heading back to set, so that must have been a long, long evening for them.

Some of my favorite moments from the evening:

1) Sophia Myles on why she couldn’t give blood at the blood drive that was being held in conjunction with the event (long story—fan driven event): Apologies, I’m not able to give Blood because I’m from England. Apparently, we might still have mad cow disease [much laughter], so I did try, but they said no.

2) The accents! Intellectually, I knew that Alex O’Loughlin was Australian and that Sophia was English, but it did throw me a bit when they began speaking. Joel Silver joked as each of them started “he’s Australian, he’s not doing an accent” and “English, she’s English, another accent”.

3) The crowd reaction to Eric Winter talking about joining the cast was very entertaining. Look, this guy is hot. As an observer, I can see why having a very attractive man add some sexual tension to the story could be a good thing. But I know any time a woman showed up on The X-Files, I got a little tense, too (Diana Fowley, anyone?). Kristin kept mentioning that she missed Eric on Brothers & Sisters. He pretended to use the big scales: “Kevin or Beth, Kevin or Beth” – which actually got him booed (but not in a mean way) because fans are always going to be protective. Kristin explained, “If you are moving in on Beth, I think they want you back on Brothers & Sisters”.

4) The interplay between Alex and Sophia was very entertaining. While discussing their on-screen chemistry (which they both think is hot on camera):
Sophia: “I think because our relationship is so strong and platonic—I often think when people get involved outside of work, chemistry onscreen goes—but because we’re like brother and sister…”
Alex: “Which is why I just say, No, Sophia” [laughter] “They are friends, they can know”

5) Listening to Joel Silver talk about the process with his other producers was enlightening. I’m sure there is a certain level of frustration with not really knowing what the show’s fate is, but they seem to be planning for an engaging and intense second season should they (when they) get that pick up.

It was a really entertaining evening, and if you have been a casual fan (or if you are a new fan because of Eric Winter), now is the time to check out the show.

As a side note, for those of you keeping score at home, I’ve spent time in the company of 4 of my 5 men of distraction in the last two months. Duchovny in February. Nick Lea in March. George Clooney in March. Alex O’Loughlin in April. Sure, there were hundreds of other people there, but I think it still counts. I even had the opportunity to add #5 (Jon Hamm), but I was so exhausted from The X-Files Paley event, I didn’t go to the Mad Men one the next day. Still—not a bad spring, distraction-wise. I have to hope my late spring/early summer is equally enticing!

Kate
http://www.cafepress.com/katedating
http://katedating.blogspot.com
katedating@yahoo.com

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

More Moonlight at Paley

















Moonlight at Paley

Another night in Los Angeles surrounded by handsome men. I know, you'd think I'd be tired of this by now. Oh, wait, no that's crazy talk. But I did enjoy another night at the Paley Center. Tonight's screening and Q&A was with the cast and creators of the CBS show "Moonlight". I'll write more on this later, but for the moment, I'm loading some of my favorite photos from the event (all thanks to Dee who sacrificed her camera to the cause!).

(as always, click on the small photo for a much, much, much larger version)















Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Bones at Paley

I went over to the Paley Center this evening to see the seminar and screening for the television series "Bones". This was the first in a three part drama series that is going on in April. I’ve always enjoyed the show when I’ve seen it, but I’ve really just been a casual viewer.

I have to say, the rapport of the cast and creators was so amazingly entertaining, that I’m going to have to really start paying attention to this show. There is a genuine affection and respect among this group, and you can see why the banter works so well on screen—it’s because it works pretty darn well off screen, as well.

As with most shows, Bones was hit hard by the strike. It derailed (or at least delayed) some character exploration for “Zack” (Eric Millegan) relating to his character’s time in Iraq. Oddly enough, Eric’s real life brother is starting his second tour of duty in Iraq. The executive producers talked about how difficult it was to get the show geared up again after the strike, and about how they were very much hoping that a SAG strike can be avoided (well, except for John Francis Daley, aka Dr. Sweets, who joked “Oh, it’s happening” to hilarious effect for the audience).

The banter between Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz was priceless. At times, it was easy to get lost and end up seeing the characters rather than the actors given some of the back and forth. I can’t even begin to explain how we got from the possibility of Bones and Booth getting married and having six children (remarkably slim, by the way) to David claiming that he wanted to have children with all the women on the show—but we got there, and it was pretty damn funny. I sincerely hope the footage ends up as one of the highlights featured at the Paley website.

They also spoke a bit about Kathy Reichs’ involvement. Apparently, she does review scripts and gives notes. They did hasten to note that Bones is not reflective of Kathy’s real life.

All in all, it was a really fun evening. I wasn’t able to stay for the screening after the panel, but I am looking forward to seeing the new episodes starting next week.

Check the paleycenter.org website for highlight clips and photos!


Kate, who discovered if you stand downstairs at Paley rather than taking your seat right away, you can see the stars as they come in for the press call (helpful tip for those traveling in to see the Moonlight panel in two weeks)

Friday, March 28, 2008

And Now a Moment With…

If you read this blog with any regularity, you know: a) my love life has replaced the standard definition of "ridiculous" in Webster’s; and b) I’m not really what any sane person would refer to as a social butterfly (more like, "girl-who-blends-with-ficus"). In fact, if I could cocoon myself away from the rest of the world, I’d probably give it a shot—most of the time. So, the project I assigned myself at The Paley Fest might seem like an odd choice.

I talked to people—a lot of people. I walked up to perfect strangers and asked them questions about what they wanted to say to Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz (on the chance that they didn’t get to ask their questions during the evening), and for their thoughts on the upcoming movie. This act was, in fact, so remarkable for me that Dee actually took a picture of me talking to people. She felt she needed proof of the pending apocalypse (hang on, are those horsemen, I see in the Dome?).

Much like the experience at WonderCon, I was struck by how genuinely excited people were to not only reconnect with the characters, but to express their gratitude to the creators, writers, directors, production crews and actors of this show. I’ve cut together some small videos of a group of fans I interviewed that night. I swear to you, I tried to interview some men, too, but they all refused (see, even with a camera and a chance to talk to The X-Files creator, men in Los Angeles wont talk to me!).

I’m not an editor, and there was no post-sound mixing, but I think you’ll get the idea. Next time—I’m bringing a film crew. And yes, I realize I use the word “excellent” far too often. Perhaps I should rule out “on-air reporter” as my next career? Well, at least it's still slightly more likely than "relationship counselor".

Video 1: What would you like to say to Chris and/or Frank?




Video 2: Are there any "deal-breakers" for you? What needs to be in the movie? What do you not want to see?


Kate

http://www.cafepress.com/katedating

http://katedating.blogspot.com/

katedating@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Paley 2

Just got back from the fest, and I had a great time. I met so many people, and I hope to put the fan video interviews up later tomorrow.

The highlights:

1. Got to see the full trailer. I'm sure it's up on the web by now which is key because it was very intense. I can't wait to see this movie!

2. The William question was addressed (God bless Cynthia). Chris Carter's answer to the question:

Cynthia: Baby William. Happy go lucky kid in Wisconsin, or is he setting cornfields on fire with his eyes? Give us a hint.

Chris: "It will not go unconsidered in the movie". To me, this means that the William issue wont be ignored.

3. You can't imagine our reaction seeing Mitch, Nick and Dean, again. In fact, I may have girlie screamed when I realized Nick was sitting behind us (across the aisle so when I turned my head, there he was). And I so do not girlie scream.

4. We got an amazing chance to see and hear about the process of creating the show which was a huge thrill for me.

5. They showed a montage of X-Files moments over the years, and the audience went absolutely mad for the more... um... personal moments between Mulder and Scully. You certainly couldn't tell where our minds were. ;)

I'll start pulling down pictures and post them just in case you guys are interested.

Paley Center

One of the more interesting things about living in Los Angeles is the amount of access you have to film and television cast/crews/productions. I was a big fan of knowing the “behind-the-scenes” type of information long before I headed out here to the land of the perky 22 year old blond. One of the best venues for this kind of thing has always been the Museum of Television and Radio/Paley Center. Each year, the Paley Fest brings on the cast and creators of television shows to talk to fans about how that show was created. In some cases, it is a chance to get fans and potential fans interested in upcoming story lines, guest stars, etc. Tonight, it’s a chance to relive the glory that was The X-Files.

I’d like to point out, that I did not know there was going to be this X-Files retrospective before I took my butt up to San Francisco—which I don’t regret at all because I got a chance to see David and Gillian, along with Chris and Frank, and I met some incredibly cool people. Tonight’s event is actually in Los Angeles. Naturally, that means that I’ve been uncertain about whether or not I’m going to go—I mean it’s so far. Sadly, I’ve been feeling like 6 different kinds of hell, but some things are more important than clutching my blankie and moaning “why me”.

Plus, I think we can all agree that idle hands lead to the devil’s text messages.

At this moment, I plan to be there. I might even reach out and meet some more very cool strangers if I go. No! Not like that. Gutter brains, all of you.

I can’t guarantee that there will be photos—most of the time you can’t take them during the panels. But if I go, I will try very hard to ask Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz something... I was going to say something interesting, but in reality, I’ll just try not to pass out. Or I promise to force my friend to do it, instead. Oooh, the second option, definitely.

If you are curious about the panel, check back tonight, and I’ll let you know if I made it, and whatever details I retain after the drive. Maybe I'll even learn to blog from my phone. :)

Kate

http://www.cafepress.com/katedating
http://katedating.blogspot.com/
katedating@yahoo.com