Jim Beaver's New Bullet Phobia

Did you guys see this great TV guide interview with Jim Beaver?

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Jim-Beaver-Supernatural-1041550.aspx

Maybe we won't see Bobby again for a while on SPN, but looks like fans can catch Jim on Justified sometime in the future!

Supernatural Sisters Presents...Richard Speight, Jr!

After his tremendous performance in "Changing Channels," I contacted Richard Speight, Jr.'s manager to ask for an interview. A fan favorite and definitely my favorite Supernatural guest star, Richard is gracious, intelligent and funny. So without further ado...

Richard, thank you for agreeing to do this interview for the Supernatural Sisters! First, let me join the cacophony of praise for your performance in "Changing Channels." The show keeps telling us angels don't feel emotion, but Gabriel's pretty torn up over his family's situation, and you portrayed it beautifully.

Thanks a lot. That’s nice of you to say.

So, what was it like going back to the show? What did you think when they asked you back, and when you saw the script? Did you have any inkling at the time of your past appearances that there would be a revelation of such magnitude about your character?

I was thrilled to be asked back. I had no idea I’d be a part of such a big revelation until I read the script. I was blown away. I thought the “Changing Channels” script was outstanding. And it gave me some fantastic turns to make as an actor – which is rare when you’re guesting on a show.

This revelation seems to open up greater possibilities for a return, maybe for the expected big showdown at the end of the season. Is there anything you can say about that, or any thoughts you might have?

Here is some fascinating inside information: I have no idea. Seems I’m always the last to know if/when I’m going to be on the show and what exactly I’ll be doing. Even some of the fans find out before I do. I need to get a better agent. (Just kidding, Sheree).

What have you been working on between your Supernatural appearances? What can we look forward to seeing you in? (Especially, do you have any pending TV appearances?)

I just completed shooting what should be a funny scene in an otherwise very dark film called “Crave.” And I am a recurring character in the upcoming Showtime series “Look” set to air in early 2010.

I had the great pleasure of meeting you at the Salute to Supernatural in New Jersey earlier this year. If my memory is correct, you said that of all the things you do (writing, acting, music), you like writing best. Does writing take a back seat because you've been so successful with acting? What are you writing now (if you don't mind telling us)?

I do write a lot and I love it. I have a few projects in development right now. I don’t like to discuss them in detail because so much can go wrong before a project goes into full production. I don’t want to jinx it, nor do I want to look like a goon by talking about something like it’s a sure thing only to have it collapse. As of now, acting is what pays the bills. Eventually, I hope acting and writing split that duty.

You've talked about how you got your start in show business as a dancer. Do you still do any tap or ballet? How about performing with the/a band?

Good news for the dancing community – I don’t dance anymore. I stopped tapping when I was around 13. Truth is I wish I’d stuck with it. I love to watch great dancers, especially tap. If I had stayed with it, I’d probably be pretty decent by now.

I don’t perform with a band regularly anymore. I don’t want my weekends taken up playing music and not playing with my kids. I still play guitar for them all the time, though. There are the rare occasions when I get to play with a band. For example, the TV show “Life” had a band made up of Damian Lewis (the lead actor and an old friend from “Band of Brothers”) and some crew folks. They were playing a few songs in a bar in Culver City and needed someone to sit in on lead guitar, so Damian asked me. That was a blast. I was hoping to play with them again, but “Life” got canceled and Damian moved back to England. So much for rock stardom.

Preference: Movies or TV? Why?

Movies – although TV has gotten significantly better over the last ten years. Why Movies? I like watching one story – from beginning to end – in one sitting. I don’t watch enough TV to be able to enjoy shows with long arcs. It means I miss out on some good stuff, but that kind of TV just doesn’t fit my lifestyle right now.

For your (arguably) three highest-profile roles (Trickster/Gabriel on Supernatural, Bill on Jericho, Skip on Band of Brothers), what is the biggest element each has brought to your life and career?

“Supernatural” has brought me a relationship with fans unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The cons, on line… even this interview – all things completely foreign to me until I worked on “Supernatural.” I love the reception my characters get. Actors work in a bubble. You shoot, you go home, you watch it or not, you go on to the next gig. The ongoing experience my role on this show is creating for me is amazing. I love it.

“Band of Brothers” brought me some of my closest friends in LA. More importantly, it instilled in me a greater appreciation of what it means to be free, to be an American, and to be a man. I hope I can impart a fraction of what I’ve learned from “Band of Brothers” to my sons.

“Jericho” made me realize that no matter how hard I try, I look like crap in a tan Deputy Sheriff’s uniform.

You do regular updates on your Facebook page, and get tons of comments on your Wall there. Social networking gives fans unprecedented access to our favorite celebrities--we see that as a good thing. What's it like from a celebrity/working actor perspective, and do you think it's good, bad, or a mix?

I think it is awesome. For years, I had a website where fans could check out my stuff and post comments. But it wasn’t like Facebook. On my Fan Page, I can chat with folks, comment on stuff – I feel like I am a part of the dialogue. And I’m able to answer fan questions in a timely fashion. I really enjoy being able to do that. The fact that I have “fans” trips me out. I feel like if someone takes the time to join my page and post something, then I need to read it/look at it/answer it. It is the least I can do.

By the way, anyone wishing to visit my Facebook Fan Page, it is listed as Richard Speight Jr.

Before last week's episode, your appearances on Supernatural were limited in terms of screen time. Yet the impact is pretty powerful, considering it's drawn you to live appearances all over the country well after the episodes originally aired. Is this insane, or gratifying?

Insanely gratifying.

Speaking of conventions...can we hope to see you at any over the next year? Like, say, oh, maybe Parsippany, New Jersey, in July?

I certainly hope so. I had great time in New Jersey last year. If I am invited and it works out with scheduling, etc., I’ll be there.

And for a touch of silliness:

Would you survive the Zombpocalypse? Why or why not?

Yes I would. I’m pretty pale, so they’d think I was already dead and leave me alone.

Soda or pop?

Neither. I’m from the South. We call everything “Coke.”

Typical conversation heard at a restaurant in the South:

Guy
You thirsty?

Gal
Yeah.

Guy
Wanna Coke?

Gal
Sure.

Guy
What kind?

Gal
Sprite.

Guy
Got it.

Y'all or you guys?

“You guys.” Not all Southerners say “Y’all.” But we do all say “Coke.”

Favorite NFL team? (In anticipation of your answer, this Patriots fan would like to offer an apology for 10/18. If I'm anticipating incorrectly...never mind.)

No apology necessary. I don’t really care about the NFL. If I had to answer, I’d say the New Orleans Saints because of Reggie Bush. Truth is, I only watch college ball. I’m a big fan of the USC Trojans – and a proud alumnus. Fight on!

Chips or fries?

Chips.

Broccoli or Brussels sprouts?

Both – diced up and crammed into a casserole.

Most recent book you read:

I’m just about done with Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey. Great book.

Most recent TV show that you got hooked on:

Ironically, “Supernatural.” I watched a bunch of recent episodes on DVD to prepare for “Changing Channels.” It’s a damn good show! Now I TiVo it. I’m a little behind, but I’ve got 'em saved.

Most fervent hope for the future (that you're willing to share with strangers):

A strong health care plan with a public option that covers all Americans and doesn’t add to the deficit.

Thank you so much, Richard, for doing this interview! I hope it wasn't torturous, and we look forward to seeing you on our screens for a long, long time to come.

Are you kidding? It was my pleasure!

Interview with Supernatural Guest Star Todd Stashwick

We probably know Todd Stashwick best as the Dracula-costumed shapeshifter in the Supernatural episode "Monster Movie." ("But wait...I have a coupon" is among my favorite lines of the series!) But I think the phrase "the hardest-working actor in Hollywood" was coined for him. Check out his IMDb page to see what I mean!

I was one of the lucky attendees at the New Jersey Salute to Supernatural convention in March who got to meet him briefly, and he not only graciously consented to an interview, he immediately responded when I contacted him on Facebook. Without further ado, here's Todd Stashwick!

First, I've been ordered to ask you HOW you prepare for the Zombpocalypse? (Thanks to fan/reader Megan Hart for the question :) )

Have an exit strategy, get the higher ground, aim for the head.

Photo used with permission by Todd Stashwick
For someone so young, you've accomplished quite a lot. You started in Second City and went from improv to television and film. Did you have a plan from the beginning, or did you just take each thing as the opportunity arose?

Wow, I like how 40 is now considered "young"!

I did have a plan, Second city was a training ground and a key to unlock opportunities. It has. Much of my career has been spent welcoming surprises but there is an underlying world domination plot.

You've been on a LOT of different kinds of television shows. What kind is your favorite? And of all you do (stage, TV, film, etc.), what do you like best?

Sounds like a cop-out but each have their own merit. Half hour sitcoms are breezy easy and fun. Stuff like The Riches is heavy lifting and guest star roles are always different without the responsibility of having to carry the show. It's all interesting. By and large, though, I'm in my element when improvising live in front of an audience in a theater. I'm stage creature.

Some of your past roles include the shows Enterprise, Buffy, and Angel, shows that have a similar cult following to the one surrounding Supernatural. Had you had any experience or familiarity with conventions before the March 8 Salute to Supernatural?

Never did a convention.

Did you have any idea what to expect?

Kind of. I've attended some as a fan (Star wars 30th)

How did you find the event?

I had a great time. Everyone was very kind. Also being a sci-fi fan myself, it was fun to geek it up with everyone.

Had you ever anticipated such adoration based on a one-episode guest role?

You never anticipate anything. You go to work for a week. Have a good time with some talented folks. Hopefully do your best and go home. Then a few months later your little job gets blasted out onto the airwaves. At the time we knew that this episode would be unique and the role I had was uncommon for the show, but to anticipate being invited to speak about it? Never. It's been a hoot.

What was the best part of being on Supernatural?

Getting to play the part. Getting to play with those guys and that crew. It was the highlight of last year acting-wise.

What can you tell us about your films Letting Go and Friendship?

Letting Go was an independent feature shot in L.A. I played the power-hungry media exec boss to the lead. It's a comedy. My role is small but featured. They were able to fit me in while I was shooting Surfer Dude. Not sure of the release date on that one.

Friendship is an independent comedy about a German guy and his friend going across America to find his father right after the fall of the Berlin Wall. I play Darryl, a stoner cartoonist that they hitch a ride with. I shot in New Mexico and New York. It premiers in Berlin in Nov.

Do you have any other upcoming TV roles we should watch out for?

I just wrapped a couple episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm. That doesn't air till October. The Riches Season 2 is out on DVD.

Your website also lists Live! as "coming soon." What's the status of this project (which also stars Supernatural star Jeffrey Dean Morgan)?

It's a fake Doc. about a network exec (Eva Mendes) that creates a Russian Roulette Reality game show. It's a pretty dark comedy. I'm part of Eva's development team for the show. I'm not sure of the American release of that. It premiered at the Tribeca film fest.

Thank you very much, Todd, for taking the time to do this interview for us!

Links:

The Official Todd Stashwick Website...Officially

Todd Stashwick's MySpace

The Hothouse (his improve company)

Also, follow Todd on Facebook , where he posts when he does an improv show, when his TV shows air, etc.

Interview with Betsy Morris, Screenwriter, Ten Inch Hero

Betsy, thank you so much for agreeing to do an interview for Supernatural Sisters! As you know, your movie, Ten Inch Hero, came to our attention because one of its stars is Jensen Ackles. But during the long filmmaking process, and as you all worked to get distribution, we came to love the movie for itself--even before we saw it!

Well, thank you very much. Truly, the friends we’ve made during this process have been amazing. We’re so grateful for all their support!

But I want to back up and start at the beginning. How did you become a screenwriter? Do you do any other kind of writing?

I’m a technical writer by trade. Many of us consider creative writing, of course, but I never really explored that. Then, I read a copy of the screenplay for Sense and Sensibility, and the light bulb went on. I love film, and it had never really dawned on me that someone actually writes films. I know, I’m a slow learner, huh?

The internet was so helpful as well. I was living in Maryland when I first started writing screenplays, and I think I would have been very isolated without writers’ sites and groups. Plus, as a working mom, I do lots of my writing at night or really early in the morning. If I had to relying on a group that physically met every Thursday at 7, I couldn’t do it.

How much involvement the original writer has in the production of a movie varies quite a bit. You seem to have been heavily involved all the way through Ten Inch Hero. How did this come about? How much time did you get to spend on set and in the editing booth, etc?

The decision about involving the writer generally comes from the director and, to a lesser extent, the producers. The stories of writers being blocked from the set are legendary.

In my case, well, David and Mark have ruined me for all other production teams! They were so open and approachable, and they included me in anything. Any limitations were imposed by me, just because life interferes sometimes, and I haven’t figure out how to be three places at once yet!

What was it like, seeing your vision come to fruition during the different stages? Once a written work is turned over for production by many hands and minds, the vision is no longer just the original writer’s. So how close was the final product to what you pictured?

Very close, actually. I can’t believe how tightly they stayed to the script. A few scenes were cut, just in the interest of keeping the film moving. But really, it’s so close.

I’m pretty solid on the notion that a script is just a blue print, that everyone involved in a film contributes to the final product. I love the collaborative process—I think actors, the director, even the makeup people (or especially the makeup people in our case), can only add to the quality of the product.

Now I’m sure there will be times I’ll have to eat those words, but for Ten Inch Hero, that was certainly my experience.

The TIH family seems to be a close one. Was the set and post-production as intimate as other interviews/blogging/the film itself made it seem?

Yep, it was a close set. I think indie films just lend themselves to that.

Okay, I’ve worked up to this, but I’ll get strung up if I avoid it any longer. :)

The Jensen Questions.

How was he cast (audition, invitation, etc.)?

Honestly, I wasn’t involved in the initial contact, so I don’t know. I think David has addressed that question, but I don’t have personal knowledge. Sorry! :-)

When you first found out he’d be playing Priestly, what were your thoughts? (That works/no way/meh/we'll see/ohyesperfect/none of the above)

Well, I knew he wanted it, but he was very much against part. Priestly was supposed to be sort of a Seth Green type.

Mark, David, and I talked about it, and they were quite sold on him. I did some web surfing, and saw the fan support for Jensen. Then I watched Supernatural, and I knew he’d be just fine. (My husband and older daughter had been watching the show, but I hadn’t—probably because I was upstairs writing!)

Did he embody the character you wrote, or did Priestly morph once Jensen interpreted him?

Yes and yes. I wrote words on a page…it’s up to the actor to make him a living, breathing character. Jensen did a terrific job. I’d love to see him do more comedy.

Okay, back to you.

BORING! LOL!

Oh, no, very far from it! :) In addition to Ten Inch Hero, you have a co-writing credit and co-producing credit on Last Call at Murray’s, which sounds almost as good as Ten Inch Hero. What can you tell us about this film?

Er…it’s dead. Or maybe just in a really deep sleep. We’ll see.

This is just the world of independent film. I have two other indie projects in the same situation. Maybe we’ll get them made, maybe not. There’s nothing you can do, but write the next one!

Here’s where I get bold. :)

Bring it, woman! You don’t scare me! :-)

See why I love this woman? LOL

As novelists, we here at Supernatural Sisters know how hard it is to break into any level of professional writing. Most of the authors I know have day jobs, or waited a really long time before writing became their day job. So I’m always curious...do you have a day job, and if so, how well does it mesh with being a screenwriter? Is it something you’re also passionate about, or just a way to get by until the screenwriting suffices on its own?

Ha! Yeah, I guess most of us walk that wire, huh?

No, I’m very conservative that way. As long as I have bills to pay, I’m going to keep working the day job. I enjoy Tech Writing, and I work with great people (most of my department drove up and saw TIH at the Newport Beach film fest!). So, since “independently wealthy” is apparently off the table, this is a fine alternative.

Yes, I do wish there were more hours to write, but I also know that my daily experiences make me a better writer. For example, a script of mine called e-LOVE just won the Austin Film Festival…and it’s set in an office, with engineers as the main characters. I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I didn’t know that life first hand.

Congratulations on the win!

I loved Ten Inch Hero. I loved the personalities, and how each distinct story thread came back to the sandwich shop, where they had the kind of friendships and support system I think most of us long to have (or are grateful to have, if we’re lucky). Priestly and Jen, specifically, broke my heart several times.

But I have to say, many of us were disappointed that to get his heart’s desire, Priestly had to change. I can see that maybe his appearance and attitude were a form of hiding, and he had to have the courage to come out from behind them—this fit the theme of the movie as a whole. But if he’d been female, and had changed to catch the guy she wanted...well, the response probably would not be pretty. :)

So we were wondering (honest, there’s a question at the end of this!)...is this how you originally wrote the screenplay? If not, how did it come to change? And if so, can you give us some insight into your thoughts on the sequence?

Yes, this question has come up. Honestly it took me by surprise. It wasn’t something I expected to have upset people. Somehow, I think it’s more intense because Jensen cleans up so nicely…if it had been cast with an actor more close to the way the character is described in the script, it may not have been an issue.

My take is this: it’s a film. Everyone is welcome to interpret it the way they want. I kinda hate it when writers say “But, you missed the point, this is what you SHOULD have felt.” It doesn’t work that way! We all take our own interpretation away from any movie or book.

That said, here’s the way I see it, and again, your mileage may vary:

Boaz, well he is one strange guy. He realizes early on that people are going to judge him for his looks. He goes into a club, and girls are all over him, but the moment he starts talking about his conspiracies and God knows what else, the girls are making excuses and running for the door.

So he learns that women think he’s strange. And his response to this is “Screw you, I’ll show you strange.” And that’s when Priestly was born. In some ways, the ’hawk and the shirts and everything else are his armor. The girls in clubs leave him alone now, and he’s fine in his isolated world.

At no point does Tish say “Hey, I’d jump your bones if it wasn’t for all the piercings.” We see his affection for her, long before she does. He’s hiding it well. She only just realizes that maybe he’s interested when he stomps out of the shop after Jen stands up Fuzzy. And again, when he tackles Tad. That’s why, when they’re at Trucker’s, she looks right at him and says “Nice guys don’t ask me out.”

So, she’s sending the signals, but he’s not asking. Why? Because Priestly feels he has to stand before her (as Zo says in the last scene), naked and needy. Priestly doesn’t have to change for Tish; Priestly chose to expose what he considers his weakness to her (which also explains his outrage over Jen’s treatment of Fuzzy).

In other words, he knows that Tish likes Priestly, but he has to know that she can love Boaz before he can risk it.

Why is he still Banana Republic in the last scene? Well, it’s a wedding. Everyone is dressed up, except Zo and Trucker, God love ’em! And that’s significant…now he can choose how he wants to look. He’s not hiding behind anything. He still has his shirts and kilt.

Whew! Probably more than you wanted, but there it is. But really, I’m fine with people not buying that…as I said, everyone sees a movie differently.

Thanks for the insight, Betsy, and though I can’t speak for anyone else, I totally see it and love him even more for it.

Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now, and what’s upcoming? We are and will continue to be fans, calling as much attention as we can to your work!

Well, thank you for that!! Right now, I’m trying to find a home for e-LOVE, and I’m working on a new comedy called Junk Bonds (cowritten with Brian Beatty, who also co-wrote Last Call at Murray’s with me). I’ll be sure to let you know if anything develops. Wait, did I say IF? I mean WHEN! :-)

Thanks for the questions!

Thank YOU, Betsy, for taking the time to answer them, even the bold ones. :)

Ten Inch Hero is available on DVD and can be rented at your local Blockbuster or via the Blockbuster Online service, and can be purchased at Amazon or directly here, where they also offer the TIH crew T-shirt!

Other links:
TIH Blogger blog

TIH MySpace

TIH official website

Betsy Morris MySpace