everybody’s a critic.(c) BK
глупо наверное, это все и так можно у него почитать, там все по месяцам сохранено аж с 2001-го года начал он у себя эту рубрику "Вопросы и Ответы" на сайте, но вот у меня например два года руки не доходили, и мне удобнее что б тут под рукой было) на самом деле - так увлекательно и познавательно, что конечно я думаю, это надо читать всем (тем более, что вот уж первоисточник))
я вытащила сюда пока за первые два года записи, только то, что касается QAF (хотя про остальное там немного))
и текста прорва, даже спрашивать неудобно, но все-таки - никто не хочет, может даже не перевести, а может и перевести, или пересказать, все или самое интересное?
зы а еще оказывается когда то Скотт выкладывал у себя на сайте фанатские клипы про Теда)
например авторства Ethan) ага, и даже приглашал всех посетить его сайт xhaleslowly.com ))
читать дальшеноябрь 2001
4. If you weren't playing Ted, which character on QAF would you most want to be?
A: Truly Ted is the only guy I relate to. But maybe I wouldn't mind being Baby Gus and suckling and wetting my pants whenever I wanted.
(ггы))
6. My favorite episode of Queer as Folk is:
A: So far, Michael's 30th B-day party. Episode 11 of Season 1.
10. I've noticed that you and some of the other cast members wear a silver or Platinum ring. Is there a meaning behind it?
A: Ummm...we like expensive gifts? No, actually Dan Lipman, Ron Cowen and Sheila Hockins our wonderful producers gave each of us a silver engraved ring for the Holidays last year and we wear them as often as we can to symbolize our commitment to each other and to the show. Plus they make us all look like hotties, don't they?
январь 2002
1. If you could be fantasy writer for a day, what story line would you write for Ted?
I had suggested a few story-line ideas to our producers at the end of last season for Season 2. One or two they actually liked, but this one may have been a little far-fetched: Given that Ted has a penchant for pretty young boys (like Blake) I thought it would be interesting to have him fall for a hairless hottie who seems reluctant to go any further sexually than making out. But they have a lot in common and this guy seems to really care for ol Ted. As they grow closer on a personal level, Ted becomes more frustrated sexually. Finally the truth is revealed that his new love is actually a female cross-dresser. Poor, Ted his perfect man is a girl. I kind of based it on a transsexual man Im aware of who, after his surgery, ended up falling in love with a lesbian. He had become she but was still attracted to women.
6. It would be interesting to read a little about what it's like for Scott to be living in Toronto... does he miss LA or does he get caught up in the insular QAF world such that it doesn't matter?
I do miss LA and all my friends there and my life. Honestly work is so all consuming for me up here that I tend to feel a little disconnected from the world in general. Its a bizarre way to live. Do I live in Toronto or LA now? Wheres my home? It gets confusing and leaves one feeling a little rootless.
7. In the LA Times article (November, 1999) 'No Tea and Sympathy for Them' by, Kristin Hohenadel, Russell T Davies mentioned (paraphrased) "a lot of men love the idea of playing a killer...but [shy] away from playing a gay man." It's an interesting societal commentary. Do you foresee this changing at some point in the future? Do you hope Queer as Folk may play a part in that change?
Its hard to have a real clear perspective on this topic up here in the wonderfully protective bubble of our set. But Ill try. An audience members ability to believe an actor actually IS whatever character theyre portraying is paramount to the success of a play or film or television program. If their perception is clouded by their opinion about the actor as a person outside the role, their ability to believe in the character is jeopardized. I know a lot of people who cant watch the film Manhattan anymore because of their opinion about Woody Allens relationship with Sun Yi. Likewise, there are certain actors I know to be complete cads and dogs in real life, so I just dont buy them as the sweet, romantic, guy-next-doors that they play in films. This is what those who hope to make money off an actors performance worry about: the audiences perception.
Given that this is the rationale (however misguided) behind studios fears to hire actors that the audience might perceive as gay to play straight roles, it is understandable that many actors would be worried that playing a gay character might hint at a sexual orientation that could limit their ability to be cast as a hetero romantic character and their career. I guess its just an assumption that if you play a killer the audience is fully aware that you actually arent one in real life or youd be in prison. A persons sexuality is another matter; especially to American men. Believe me I know first hand the difficulty people have separating reality and fantasy if youve done your job well as an actor.
Its interesting that close to 50% of QAFs audience in the States is straight. But the majority of that 50% is female. Its a wonderful thing to me that so many women have the hots for Gale and Hal even though they are playing VERY sexually active gay characters. But what really gives me hope is how many women lust for Peter and Randy knowing that they are gay in real life. I am sure their many female fans would jump at the chance to see them smooching girls on film. Unfortunately women still do not have the clout as audience members as the men do in the studios eyes. So, we need to eliminate the ignorance that makes so many American men homophobic. Do I hope QAF will do that? Yes. My hope is that wives who already love the show will get their husbands to watch and maybe theyll be brave enough to tell their friends and family to watch. I also hope that the show gives those still in the closet the courage to come out and tell those they love the truth. Soon it would be rare for someone not to know and care about a gay, bisexual or transgender person. Little by little maybe theyll be able to see that all this fear is stupid and unimportant. Only then, when the majority of people in our country dont have an opinion about a persons sexual orientation will actors stop shying away from playing gay characters.
8. What is the one thing you hoped Queer As Folk would achieve, that you have never admitted in any other interview? And similarly, what was your worst fear?
Secretly I hoped QAF would achieve the same success, respect quality and acceptance that The Sopranos has. My worst fear was that no one would watch or care about it enough to love or hate it.
10. You mentioned on "Open Mike" that your sister is gay, something you haven't revealed in interviews before. Did you know she was gay before you took the role on "Queer As Folk" and how has playing Ted affected your relationship with her?
My sister came out after her freshman year of college back in the early 80s. She is a brilliant lighting designer living in the Boston area. My doing the show has brought her a lot of joy and its nice for me to see on a very personal level how positive an effect the show is having on the gay community.
11. Do you think Ted will ever get together with Michael or has that storyline been dropped for good?
I dont know if theyll ever get together, but its definitely something I still pepper into how Ted reacts to certain things between Michael and himself.
12. What's the most frivolous thing you've bought for yourself since you landed the role of Ted?
53 Sony HD-ready TV. Ive had very little time to actually watch it!
февраль 2002
1. Do you get pressure from the "bosses" to keep your weight down?
Are you saying Im FAT?!?!?!? Actually the only way they pressure me is by keeping me in a state of sheer terror by never letting me know exactly when Im going to be naked in front of millions of people (counting future generations of QAF viewers). Thats enough to make me watch what I eat. If anything I have to keep my vanity in check and stop myself from hiring a trainer and working out like a fiend. Buff is not a word I ever want associated with Ted.
2. Dish about our staid, "bore"-derline trendy, yet super friendly city of Toronto. You like, you love, you crawl under the covers in the winter?
My, my. Do we have issues with Toronto? Hmm? I like ol Toronto quite a bit. As Ive said many times, it reminds me a lot of Chicago. Its a great walking city (something I miss living in LA). The area I live in this year is just chock-full of great restaurants and shops all around the corner from my apartment. Also, movie theatres, live theatres and cool music venues everywhere. I love how neighborhoods completely change personality every couple of blocks; from upscale to bohemian, to University, to Little Italy, Chinatown, etc. Now, I did leave Chicago to escape the winters (among other reasons) so the irony that after moving out to sunny LA Ive been shipped back to such a chilly place is not lost on me. However, as the oft-quoted Peter Paige always puts it: If Toronto was in Mexico, Id move there in a heartbeat. I will probably start nesting a little more now that the wind and snow have turned quite cold unless someone has a couple of courtside seats to a Raptors game for me. Thats a SURE way to get me out of the house!
6. How did your family and friends react to your decision to audition for the role of Ted on Queer As Folk ?
Well, I never really talk about auditions with people so as not to jinx anything. So no one really knew about the role until after I was cast. My family and friends have been amazingly supportive from the start. When I described Ted to my friends who know the many sides of me best they would all respond: Oh, perfect!
8. Have you ever gotten any negative attention, from friends or anti-gay groups, about your role in QAF or about QAF in general?
I guess Im lucky in that Ive had nothing but positive feed-back from those whose opinions matter to me. I gave up reading reviews many years ago (because even good ones make you self-conscious and are therefore disruptive) so I remain blissfully unaware of any negative comments. However, Ive spoken in the past of being 97% certain that I was not asked to be a part of new editions of a commercial campaign I had been involved with due to my role on QAF.
9. You mentioned hoping QAF would be recognized at the level of the Soprano's, (I feel it is and beyond), but do you think the awards institutions i.e.; Emmys will ever be open-minded and/or bold enough to recognize the obvious talent involved with this show from costumes, music, writing,acting, etc. We all can applaud seeing hatred, torture, scheming and murder, but will we also award loving and caring relationships even with the same sex?
You put it very well. The one thing Ive been disheartened about over the past year is how completely ignored QAF is by the awards shows (save for GLAAD). Is it homophobia or some vendetta against Showtime? When I try to answer the question I get quite angry so I try not to focus on it. It truly is most important that our fans are SUCH FANS! But, come on! Will & Grace gets nominated for a best costume Emmy and we dont? Even if you want to ignore the acting and writing, our show looks better than anything out there. It seems like theyre afraid of legitimizing our show with their attention. The mystery is: Why?
10. What is it about Ted that makes you play him so well? Is Ted the character you auditioned for or was there another?
Ted is the only role I auditioned for and the only role I wanted to play. I understand Teds psyche, love his big heart and dry humor. Ive been where he is and am very sympathetic of his plight. Its just one of those magical creative connections where so much of my own life experiences enable me to play him in a way that no one else could. Its not necessarily the best way, just unique to my vision.
15. Do you know why QAF uses production numbers for the episodes rather than giving them titles like most tv shows do? Do you think that will ever change?
Im not 100% sure why. Probably because the episodes are too complicated to sum up in a title. We do make up our own titles for in house use, however. Winnie Jong, our sсript supervisor and continuity chick, picks her favorite line from an episode and makes that the title. For example the episode in Season 1 where Justins mom takes him to see a shrink was titled: I Like Dick, after his famous response to the therapists questioning how he feels.
март 2002
6. Brian's "Roll over" is just the height of romance and class. Share some of your own special pillow-talk with the class.
Stand on that chair. Put this on. Now twirl.
17. If QAF's writers ever pass along a sсript that has Ted and Emmett getting it on, promise you'll quit. Please?
Ummmmm ...
3. I was wondering (and this is going back) what you thought of the whole Blake storyline on QAF? Do you think that Ted has recovered from that heartbreak, and if not, is it affecting his behavior in season two?
I loved the Ted/Blake storyline. His feeling that if he could just fix Blake (no drug pun intended) he would be the perfect partner was a side of Ted that I could relate to quite strongly. Its a pattern Ive repeated often in my own life. Those types of relationships are always doomed. The relationship also showed how much opera has warped Teds sense of reality a bit - - also a very real experience for so many people. Its no wonder to me that so many viewers responded so strongly to that storyline.
As to how it affects Ted in season 2, of course its affecting his behavior. We are all our own history. Everything that has come before affects our current behavior. So while it may not be specifically addressed this season, it has been very much a part of how Ive decided Ted will respond to certain events.
4. So...since "The Advocate" saddled you with a wife...want one? Just kidding! In all seriousness, as a former Journalism student, I was horrified by the misrepresentation in that article and the fact that, yes, you were basically put on the same block as the Eric McCormacks and Kerr Smiths of the world. Do you find it frustrating to deal with this subversive forced homophobia in both the media and the industry itself? In other words, do you think we'll ever get to a place where no one gives a damn who sleeps with who?
It has certainly been a learning experience for me. It does seem inherently homophobic, doesnt it? But it also shows how our society views sex as something kind of dangerous and all defining. I mean, no one asks James Gandolfini if hes ever actually garroted another man. My hope (and perhaps it is a nave one) is that QAF will help show people that these questions dont really matter - - people are queer in general, thats what makes us such a fascinating species to watch.
5. As a student of improv myself, I would love to know if improvisational theatre has had an impact on you and how you approach your characters...especially, of course, Ted, given the situations he finds himself in on QAF.
I love using improv with characters, but improv theatre scares the hell out of me. Many of my dear friends are alumni of Second City or Improv Olympic and I sit and marvel at what they do. I even did some last summer as a dare to myself and it STILL scares the hell out of me. Its an odd thing. Once I know a character well enough I can go on and on with ad libs, etc. if need be (and have been known to much to the dismay of directors and stage managers everywhere). I am a chronic mutterer after my lines are done. But the process of instantly creating a full 3-dimensional character who, generally, has to say really funny things terrifies me.
9. There was some flack over your comments about the Showtime forum in your blog. Do you feel that you might have made a PR mistake by insulting such a large community of the show's fans?
No. I expressed my opinion that is all. I will admit that I was surprised at the limited negative response. As ALWAYS seems to be the case in these types of he hurt our feelings kind of situations my comments were either taken out of context or only heard of second-hand. Lets look at what I ACTUALLY said, shall we: (I had been writing about watching the CBS special on 9/11 and how deeply it affected me) My emotions were rising. Then I made a mistake. I was curious to see what the response was to "Ted's" story-line in Episode 9 of QAF. I decided to check out the Showtime message boards. Now I should say that I had stopped reading them last year when I found them to be more of a distraction than an aid in my work (just like reading reviews) so it's been a while. What the hell has happened over there? So much bile and dissent spewing forth. It really upset me. So much hate. Even if it's only from a simple-minded few, the decision by so many to return hate with still more hate saddened me. Coming so close on the heels of reliving the 9/11 experience I began to have a "what will become of humanity" moment. Have we learned nothing?
I stand by my words. I never said EVERYONE at the Showtime site was guilty. If I was not specific enough as to the culprit(s) it was only done to avoid inciting any further fires or empower any arguments that were unworthy of discussion, in my opinion. That night may have been an unusually ugly one, but it is what I experienced nonetheless. If anyone can prove that was NOT my experience and that I am making things up then I will gladly retract what I wrote. Its sad to me that people missed the point of what I was trying to say. I was writing about something much larger than a message board. I was writing about human civility and a sense of community. There were those who understood that and those who helped to prove my point for me.
11. Many people feel the second season doesn't have the depth and emotional impact that the first season had and the comparison of Ted's storylines (Blake in the first season versus the porn website in the second season) brings home that point rather succinctly. Do you have a preference for the more dramatic storylines that season one gave Ted or the more comedic storylines in season two?
Ted and Emmett were both originally conceived as the comic relief characters on the show. When our producers and writers discovered that Peter and I could do so much more they did what they could to give us more dramatic scenes to play. The problem they faced was that by placing Ted in a multi-episode relationship with Blake, for example, it kept the character out of comic situations for too long. Its very important to Dan and Ron that the show have a strong balance between the comic and the dramatic. It was a mixed blessing to get so much wonderful, meaty dramatic stuff to do last season, because it left me hungering for more but the dynamics are such that those opportunities need to be limited this season. Theyre still there, just spread out more sparingly.
12. Ted, if you will pardon my language, has become a grade A asshole this season. Is his recent attitude towards Emmett and Michael going to be addressed? Will we see the sweetness of old Ted again?
Well, Im sorry you feel that Ted is being an asshole. I dont really see it that way. Hes finally learning to become his Own Man and of course hes going to stumble along the way. Hes never really been empowered before and it can be a difficult thing to learn to deal with. Thats only natural. I think he is VERY protective of his friends and slow to allow new people to enter into the circle, again a very human and natural thing I think. Might make him seem a bit of a prick, but hes the same old loveable curmudgeon hes always been at heart.
13. Many fans were appalled at Ted's reaction to Ben being HIV+, especially the gossipy way he told Brian, Justin, and Emmett, and wondered if you had problems with saying some of those lines. Do you ever feel uncomfortable or have moral disagreements with some of the things the writers make Ted say or do? How do you deal with those issues?
Ted expressed an opinion that is very true to his character, I think. You have to remember how deep his feelings for Michael go. As I said in the previous answer, he is very protective of his friends, Michael perhaps more than anyone. He doesnt want to see him hurt physically or emotionally. Now while that risk is inherent in almost every relationship people enter into, getting involved with anyone who has a sexually transmittable disease (especially one that has killed so many) only increases that risk. So whether or not I may agree with Teds point of view, I believe it was an honest and true one for the character. He is a bit of a pessimist after all and tends to be a catastrophist as well. Was it dangerous to have Ted and Debbie express concerns about this relationship? Perhaps, but its a very honest reaction that a lot of people have. If this show is going to be an honest portrayal of a part of the gay community, it needs to show the ugly side as well. And lets not forget this is a drama. The key to drama is tension. If all these characters did was support each other ALL the time and be all happy and fuzzy ALL the time it would be pretty f#$king boring.
There have certainly been times when Ive felt uncomfortable with situations Ted has been placed in. When that happens I go to Ron and Dan and express my concerns. They listen patiently, smack me on the side of the head and say: Quit youre cryin and get out there and DANCE! Actually there was an episode last season where Brian asks Ted to start hanging out with him (after Michaels 30th B-day disaster) and Ted starts getting lucky with all of Brians cast-offs and sluts around a bit. It felt to me like this scenario flew in the face of the operatic One True Love sense of romance that I had endowed Ted with. Plus, my own romantic sensibilities are very similar so I, as an actor was not comfortable. I had a long conversation with Ron about this and he really opened my eyes to how things were in the world that QAF was portraying, that fulfilling ones sexual desires and needs didnt necessarily preclude one from wanting to be monogamous and, as he put it so eloquently, He cant be a schlub ALL the time! It was a turning point for me in the development of the character. Its the wonderful thing about a collaborative effort like we have on QAF.
июнь 2002
2. Name one thing (funny, intellectual, profound) that people don't know about Ted. About Scott?
"Ted's" middle name is "Wolfgang", Scott's middle name is Agf734gf3fqvf. Damn! Sorry my keyboard is sticking a little and i 2rfbnifufh. Shoot. Sorry.
6. What has been your funniest QAF experience?
The fact that people send me questions that I'm supposed to answer seriously once a month. Everyone knows I HATE HOMEWORK! Especially in the summer. And yet the questions keep coming. Ha! You guys!
8. How do you feel about the opposition of the gay community to Queer As Folk? There is actually an organization in existence called Queers Against Queer As Folk (QAQAF). What do you have to say to the people who feel that QAF does not accurately present gay life at all, and that QAF is turning into a show for straight women, written by straight women?
Listen, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I've always been drawn to projects that people WILL have an opinion about. If people just didn't care one way or another we wouldn't be doing our jobs right. Our show, as has been repeatedly said, does not mean to portray every gay person's experience. THE SOPRANOS met with some of the same kinds of criticism from Italian-American groups saying that the show portrayed Italian-Americans in a negative light. THE SOPRANOS is about members of the Mafia who happen to BE Italian-Americans but it is NOT ABOUT Italian-Americans. Would you seriously want to see them always all cute and cuddly? BORING! QAF is about a group of guys that troll around clubs and bars looking for "love" who happen to BE gay but it is NOT ABOUT homosexuality. It's showing the "gay life" lived by these 6 gay guys (2 lesbians, 2 moms and an uncle) who live in a gay neighborhood and participate in an active nightlife at the various bars and clubs near them. From the little I've seen and/or overheard in the "Gay Ghetto" of Toronto that we often shoot in as well as the parts of West Hollywood that most closely resemble "Liberty Avenue", the world of QAF is quite accurate. It DOES exist. Those with contrary opinions about the show cannot deny that. I understand that, as QAF is the first drama to show multi-dimensional gay characters, there are those that wish it to portray a completely positive picture of these characters and the life they live. Unfortunately there is no way to please everyone in the community. If it tried to be all things to all people it would get far more "tedious" than some accuse it of already being. (Isn't it interesting that those who accuse the show of that never seem to miss an episode. Hmmm?) But this is a "drama" first and foremost, not a documentary. The primary element of drama is conflict. If these characters were living a happy life EVERY episode or were sweet and cuddly to each other every episode I don't believe for a second that people would be as addicted to it as they are. People are fascinating because they're flawed. Life (and television) would get mighty boring otherwise.
As to the show being written for straight women by straight women, well ... if you're telling me our writing staff is made up completely of women then, with the exception of Karen Walton they are the UGLIEST women I have EVER seen!
10. I was wondering if the cast gets a video copy of each episode from the show or if they want to see the episodes, do they have to tune in on Sunday or Monday nights?
We do get copies before they air usually (although at the time of this writing you all have seen episode 217 and I have not! Bastards!). I did sneak down to a bar called "Revolver" in West Hollywood in disguise last Spring to watch episode 115 ("Ted" in leather) with our producers and a huge crowd of people. That was amazing!
14. Are you aware of QAF fanfiction? Have you read any of it? Would you ever read any, especially if it was Ted fanfiction? If you have read any, what did you think and what do you think of the concept in general?
I am aware of it. No, I have not read any of it. I'm afraid to read any of it, honestly. But I think it's great that the characters we've helped create are stirring the creative souls of people enough that they feel the desire to write their own "adventures" for them. I just need to stay focused solely on what our own writers are coming up with for the character -- it's what I need to do in order for me to do my job well on the show. But I would love it if you want to write that "Ted" has a 132bdfy8o1cbb DTUbbbeo1go167. Arrrgh! Damn keyboard!
2. Being that you and Peter are (or seem to be) so close in "real life", was it awkward to kiss in the finale? Do you like the whole "Emmett and Ted as Lovers" storyline?
I also had to kiss one of my best friends, Dawn Maxey, in the workshop of BEDTIME STORIES that I did this summer. The weirdness in both instances comes only in thinking about it ahead of time. Once you're there doing it and you're both "the characters" it doesn't feel awkward at all. It's also kind of a fun thing to know that two of your dearest friends are REALLY good kissers. (повод для желающих пнуть рэндичку)) хотя я не думаю, что можно сравнивать - вряд ли атмосфера вокруг скотта и его партнеров была такой напряженной и любопытной как вокруг г и р)) да и характеры разные у них очень))
Both Peter and I, unbeknownst to each other, had pitched Dan and Ron story lines involving Ted and Emmett "gettin it on" at the end of last season. As I recall my version was more of a drunken falling into bed with each other that then had to be dealt with "the morning after." Ron very much wanted to explore it with more depth. The notion of friends becoming lovers and the wonders and dangers that are inherent in that intrigued him. I think he is right. Where it's all going I dont know. But it's absolutely a situation rife with dramatic (and comic) possibilities.
3. How do you stay focused, fresh, and challenged after doing the same character for what will be going on three seasons?
I change my boxers at LEAST twice a week. Seriously, you need help from the writers. Without good, challenging story lines it gets tough. Beyond that, every scene gives challenges to find the reality and ground it in that. Even when it's comic it's important to me that it be believable and not get cartoonish. Sometimes that can be a huge challenge. When it gets too forced it tips the scales of reality and becomes less funny . Perfect example: the gym scene in the last episode of Season 2. It's just a little TOO goofy for me. So every day, as trite as it sounds, brings new challenges.
4. I recently read in USA Today that Showtime has renewed QAF for 2 more seasons, but for only 16 episodes each. Was any explanation given as to why the number of episodes we'll in Season 3 and 4 dropped from the number shown in Seasons 1 & 2?
Well, I'm just a gun for hire so I'm not 100% sure of the network's reasons. It may be because of the escalating costs that a show takes on once it becomes a hit. It may also be because they're being kind to those of us involved in making the show. The 8 or 9 months that it has taken to do a 22 and then a 20 episode season is unusually grueling and it makes it near impossible for the cast to find outside projects to do besides QAF. I think in the end it will help the seasons be more focused.
5. I read somewhere that the cast of QAF has an opportunity to make suggestions about their characters direction. Were you given that opportunity at the end of Season 2?
Not yet. But Dan and Ron have been on vacation (FINALLY!) so that may be why.
8. Which would you rather be in the middle of: a blizzard, a hurricane, or an earthquake?
Did I do something terrible to you? Why are you wishing me to be in the middle of any of those things? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!?
(ггы))
8. What, exactly, did you have to do for your audition? Read from the sсript? Since you were cast first, did they have you read with actors being considered for the other roles?
Yeah, I had one audition just for the extraordinary, original casting directors for QAF, Linda Lowy and John Brace, in Linda's tiny office. I read 2 scenes from the pilot, the one with "Michael" in Babylon where he tells "Ted" to find someone more like - you know - himself and the scene in the street where "Ted" tells "Michael" that the chance of a guy named "Blake" actually liking a guy named "Ted" is in the .05 percentile. They had a little camera on me and John sat to the side of the camera reading "Michaels" lines. Pretty standard stuff. Well, they thought I was a pretty good loser so they had me come back a day or so later and this time joining Linda and John in the teeny office, crammed together on a little sofa were Dan Lipman, Ron Cowen and Tony Jonas. I did the same scenes for them. They thought I was a really good loser so a week or so later they had me come back to test for the Showtime execs. This involves negotiating your "deal" ahead of time and signing the 6-year contract (and nudity waivers) just before you go in the room to audition (so you know JUST how much you stand to lose if you blow the audition). A nerve-wracking experience. But it was 8 AM and I was too tired to let any of it really affect me. Besides, I had just met Peter Paige sitting out in the hall and we were already joking around with each other. So I went into what is essentially a conference room with a big table in it. The Showtime executives along with Dan and Ron and Tony sat at one end of the table and standing way at the other end of the table I did the same two scenes. Well they thought I was the BIGGEST loser in Hollywood so I got the part. That was that. Everyone else went through at least one more round of casting before they landed the roles I guess. So listen up, kids, if you're going to be a loser, be the BEST loser you can be.
9. With a plethora of various staff/actors/extras on location, I'm just curious if Showtime also staffs medical personnel in case of any injuries or if this is all handled by local hospitals/clinics in the Toronto area.
Are you looking for work, Doc? We've got nearby hospitals for emergencies and a doctor for other stuff. I had to use him at the start of last season - but thats a story for another time.
10. When do you start filming season three?
September 26th is our start date at this point.
октябрь 2002
3. You look great with a goatee. Do you think Ted might experiment with facial hair now that he doesn't have to maintain a corporate image?
Er, ah well thanks **blushing**. When I first reported for work up here in Toronto back in 2000 I had a goatee and the first thing our producers said to me was Youre gonna shave that, right? I think they very much like Ted having a clean-cut look and it does kind of suit his personality more.
4. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Usually my cat is yelling at me to get up so I have to apologize to her for being such a slug-a-bed.
5. How did you, Peter and Hal get started with those Rendez-View appearances?
Those were arranged by our publicists as a way to build up our panel show resums. When you want to do the big boys shows (Letterman, etc.) your publicist needs to be able to show them that you can string two words together and be somewhat entertaining in an interview situation. Hence doing things like RendezView.
6. Any word yet on the DVD's for season 2? Are you going to do any commentary/extra's for them?
No word yet on what the extras will be in the DVD for Season 2. But I know theyre trying to make it even more chock-full than Season 1.
8. If you could have the opportunity to switch characters on Queer as Folk, which character would you most like to play?
Debbie
10. What do you like to do in your spare time in Toronto? Which other cast members do you hang out with outside of work? Do you get recognized often in public and if so, what do people say to you?
Any more questions? Whew. I like to go see movies and plays. I like to eat out at all the wonderful restaurants up here. I do a lot of wandering around various neighborhoods, shopping, etc. It's just so great to be able to WALK places again. I hang out with whoevers free, really - a lot of time with Peter but also the rest of the gang at different times. Also, Dean Armstrong (when hes up here), crew members our producers. Really whoever can stand to be around me.
11. What do you like best about living part time in Toronto?
Living PART TIME in Toronto. Kidding, kidding. I like being up here for Fall. Having grown up in New England I really missed Fall in Chicago and LA.
13. When filming a QAF scene, do the actors not involved watch too?
When we can. Depends on scheduling, etc. If youre in the next scene up you might get to set early and watch the last few takes of the previous scene for example. We all try and show up for Michelle and Theas love scenes, though. Hee.
(хм.. то есть не такие уж закрытые были съемки секс сцен, или это совсем шутка?))
14. Having watched the QAF eps several times, I have begun to notice the "little" things you actors do that really add to a scene. I've noticed one of yours, in particular, in the scene where you, Em and Michael are in the apt. getting ready to go out to dinner (and Michael gets the phone call re Ben's hospitalization): You said, paraphrasing, "Let's go get some dinner...celebrate!! Between the words "dinner" and "celebrate," you snap your fingers excitedly (which I loved because poor Ted has had very few reasons to get excited). Did you add the finger snapping or was that scripted? How about other "little" scene additions, which seem to add so much?
Thats all actor stuff usually. The writers give us the words and the settings, but generally we come up with all the stuff that makes them have a life. The finger snap stuff was just something I did cause Ted was feeling so damned happy and was trying to spread the love.
15. Excluding Ted, who is your favourite character on QAF?
There are other characters than Ted?
2. Now that you've been back on the set of QAF for a month how do feel season 3 is shaping up? Anything funny happen to on the set since you got back?
It feels great to be back at work. Everyone is in wonderful spirits. The combination of a nice long break and a shorter season has really energized us all. Even though we were gone from these characters for 6 months it was amazing how quickly we slipped back into their skins. Almost as if we never left. I think people are going to really like season 3. Besides all the wonderful new hair-dos were sporting, Im very pleased with the journey Teds going to take this year. I cant really reveal any of the funny things that have happened on the set without giving away any plot points and well you wouldnt want me to do THAT would you?
4. I've noticed that your forum does not have spoilers. How do you feel about the spoilers posted on the internet, and more importantly, how do you feel about the possibility of "insiders" leaking information?
Mostly Im flattered that people are THAT addicted to the show that they just cant wait to find out whats going to happen to these. As long as people have a choice to find out or not I have no problem with it personally. Its a little creepy that people would go to the lengths of disguising themselves as dildos and vibrators to get on our set and spy. I would much rather people find out by watching the show, because it kind of spoils it (hence the name I suppose) to know ahead of time. I mean wheres the suspense and drama in watching something if you knew the chick in Crying Game was a dude or that Darth Vader was Lukes father or that Michael is going to have his foreskin re-attached this season on QAF ooooops.
5. How do you think the long hiatus between season 2 and 3 will affect QAF?
Hopefully it will only build up the anticipation (as it did for The Sopranos this past season). Its really up to Showtime to build up to the premiere in just the right way.
8. In season three, with fewer episodes, does that mean you are spending more time on each episode? Is more money being spent on each episode?
Were still shooting episodes in seven days, but we do have a bunch of Safety days to use now in case an episode needs an eighth day. Thats a nice luxury. The budget of the show has gone up quite a bit this year and thats part of the reason were only doing 14 episodes.
9. To what extent, if any, are scenes filmed in the order in which they are seen on screen?
Theyre hardly ever shot in order. The only way they are is if there are a bunch of scenes in one location. For example if there are three scenes in Teds condo in one episode we will shoot them all in one day and in order. Other than that its all over the place depending on location and cast availability. It does seem with me that we always manage to shoot my sex scenes with someone before we shoot any of the dialogue scenes. I try not to be paranoid about it.
я вытащила сюда пока за первые два года записи, только то, что касается QAF (хотя про остальное там немного))
и текста прорва, даже спрашивать неудобно, но все-таки - никто не хочет, может даже не перевести, а может и перевести, или пересказать, все или самое интересное?
зы а еще оказывается когда то Скотт выкладывал у себя на сайте фанатские клипы про Теда)
например авторства Ethan) ага, и даже приглашал всех посетить его сайт xhaleslowly.com ))
читать дальшеноябрь 2001
4. If you weren't playing Ted, which character on QAF would you most want to be?
A: Truly Ted is the only guy I relate to. But maybe I wouldn't mind being Baby Gus and suckling and wetting my pants whenever I wanted.
(ггы))
6. My favorite episode of Queer as Folk is:
A: So far, Michael's 30th B-day party. Episode 11 of Season 1.
10. I've noticed that you and some of the other cast members wear a silver or Platinum ring. Is there a meaning behind it?
A: Ummm...we like expensive gifts? No, actually Dan Lipman, Ron Cowen and Sheila Hockins our wonderful producers gave each of us a silver engraved ring for the Holidays last year and we wear them as often as we can to symbolize our commitment to each other and to the show. Plus they make us all look like hotties, don't they?
январь 2002
1. If you could be fantasy writer for a day, what story line would you write for Ted?
I had suggested a few story-line ideas to our producers at the end of last season for Season 2. One or two they actually liked, but this one may have been a little far-fetched: Given that Ted has a penchant for pretty young boys (like Blake) I thought it would be interesting to have him fall for a hairless hottie who seems reluctant to go any further sexually than making out. But they have a lot in common and this guy seems to really care for ol Ted. As they grow closer on a personal level, Ted becomes more frustrated sexually. Finally the truth is revealed that his new love is actually a female cross-dresser. Poor, Ted his perfect man is a girl. I kind of based it on a transsexual man Im aware of who, after his surgery, ended up falling in love with a lesbian. He had become she but was still attracted to women.
6. It would be interesting to read a little about what it's like for Scott to be living in Toronto... does he miss LA or does he get caught up in the insular QAF world such that it doesn't matter?
I do miss LA and all my friends there and my life. Honestly work is so all consuming for me up here that I tend to feel a little disconnected from the world in general. Its a bizarre way to live. Do I live in Toronto or LA now? Wheres my home? It gets confusing and leaves one feeling a little rootless.
7. In the LA Times article (November, 1999) 'No Tea and Sympathy for Them' by, Kristin Hohenadel, Russell T Davies mentioned (paraphrased) "a lot of men love the idea of playing a killer...but [shy] away from playing a gay man." It's an interesting societal commentary. Do you foresee this changing at some point in the future? Do you hope Queer as Folk may play a part in that change?
Its hard to have a real clear perspective on this topic up here in the wonderfully protective bubble of our set. But Ill try. An audience members ability to believe an actor actually IS whatever character theyre portraying is paramount to the success of a play or film or television program. If their perception is clouded by their opinion about the actor as a person outside the role, their ability to believe in the character is jeopardized. I know a lot of people who cant watch the film Manhattan anymore because of their opinion about Woody Allens relationship with Sun Yi. Likewise, there are certain actors I know to be complete cads and dogs in real life, so I just dont buy them as the sweet, romantic, guy-next-doors that they play in films. This is what those who hope to make money off an actors performance worry about: the audiences perception.
Given that this is the rationale (however misguided) behind studios fears to hire actors that the audience might perceive as gay to play straight roles, it is understandable that many actors would be worried that playing a gay character might hint at a sexual orientation that could limit their ability to be cast as a hetero romantic character and their career. I guess its just an assumption that if you play a killer the audience is fully aware that you actually arent one in real life or youd be in prison. A persons sexuality is another matter; especially to American men. Believe me I know first hand the difficulty people have separating reality and fantasy if youve done your job well as an actor.
Its interesting that close to 50% of QAFs audience in the States is straight. But the majority of that 50% is female. Its a wonderful thing to me that so many women have the hots for Gale and Hal even though they are playing VERY sexually active gay characters. But what really gives me hope is how many women lust for Peter and Randy knowing that they are gay in real life. I am sure their many female fans would jump at the chance to see them smooching girls on film. Unfortunately women still do not have the clout as audience members as the men do in the studios eyes. So, we need to eliminate the ignorance that makes so many American men homophobic. Do I hope QAF will do that? Yes. My hope is that wives who already love the show will get their husbands to watch and maybe theyll be brave enough to tell their friends and family to watch. I also hope that the show gives those still in the closet the courage to come out and tell those they love the truth. Soon it would be rare for someone not to know and care about a gay, bisexual or transgender person. Little by little maybe theyll be able to see that all this fear is stupid and unimportant. Only then, when the majority of people in our country dont have an opinion about a persons sexual orientation will actors stop shying away from playing gay characters.
8. What is the one thing you hoped Queer As Folk would achieve, that you have never admitted in any other interview? And similarly, what was your worst fear?
Secretly I hoped QAF would achieve the same success, respect quality and acceptance that The Sopranos has. My worst fear was that no one would watch or care about it enough to love or hate it.
10. You mentioned on "Open Mike" that your sister is gay, something you haven't revealed in interviews before. Did you know she was gay before you took the role on "Queer As Folk" and how has playing Ted affected your relationship with her?
My sister came out after her freshman year of college back in the early 80s. She is a brilliant lighting designer living in the Boston area. My doing the show has brought her a lot of joy and its nice for me to see on a very personal level how positive an effect the show is having on the gay community.
11. Do you think Ted will ever get together with Michael or has that storyline been dropped for good?
I dont know if theyll ever get together, but its definitely something I still pepper into how Ted reacts to certain things between Michael and himself.
12. What's the most frivolous thing you've bought for yourself since you landed the role of Ted?
53 Sony HD-ready TV. Ive had very little time to actually watch it!
февраль 2002
1. Do you get pressure from the "bosses" to keep your weight down?
Are you saying Im FAT?!?!?!? Actually the only way they pressure me is by keeping me in a state of sheer terror by never letting me know exactly when Im going to be naked in front of millions of people (counting future generations of QAF viewers). Thats enough to make me watch what I eat. If anything I have to keep my vanity in check and stop myself from hiring a trainer and working out like a fiend. Buff is not a word I ever want associated with Ted.
2. Dish about our staid, "bore"-derline trendy, yet super friendly city of Toronto. You like, you love, you crawl under the covers in the winter?
My, my. Do we have issues with Toronto? Hmm? I like ol Toronto quite a bit. As Ive said many times, it reminds me a lot of Chicago. Its a great walking city (something I miss living in LA). The area I live in this year is just chock-full of great restaurants and shops all around the corner from my apartment. Also, movie theatres, live theatres and cool music venues everywhere. I love how neighborhoods completely change personality every couple of blocks; from upscale to bohemian, to University, to Little Italy, Chinatown, etc. Now, I did leave Chicago to escape the winters (among other reasons) so the irony that after moving out to sunny LA Ive been shipped back to such a chilly place is not lost on me. However, as the oft-quoted Peter Paige always puts it: If Toronto was in Mexico, Id move there in a heartbeat. I will probably start nesting a little more now that the wind and snow have turned quite cold unless someone has a couple of courtside seats to a Raptors game for me. Thats a SURE way to get me out of the house!
6. How did your family and friends react to your decision to audition for the role of Ted on Queer As Folk ?
Well, I never really talk about auditions with people so as not to jinx anything. So no one really knew about the role until after I was cast. My family and friends have been amazingly supportive from the start. When I described Ted to my friends who know the many sides of me best they would all respond: Oh, perfect!
8. Have you ever gotten any negative attention, from friends or anti-gay groups, about your role in QAF or about QAF in general?
I guess Im lucky in that Ive had nothing but positive feed-back from those whose opinions matter to me. I gave up reading reviews many years ago (because even good ones make you self-conscious and are therefore disruptive) so I remain blissfully unaware of any negative comments. However, Ive spoken in the past of being 97% certain that I was not asked to be a part of new editions of a commercial campaign I had been involved with due to my role on QAF.
9. You mentioned hoping QAF would be recognized at the level of the Soprano's, (I feel it is and beyond), but do you think the awards institutions i.e.; Emmys will ever be open-minded and/or bold enough to recognize the obvious talent involved with this show from costumes, music, writing,acting, etc. We all can applaud seeing hatred, torture, scheming and murder, but will we also award loving and caring relationships even with the same sex?
You put it very well. The one thing Ive been disheartened about over the past year is how completely ignored QAF is by the awards shows (save for GLAAD). Is it homophobia or some vendetta against Showtime? When I try to answer the question I get quite angry so I try not to focus on it. It truly is most important that our fans are SUCH FANS! But, come on! Will & Grace gets nominated for a best costume Emmy and we dont? Even if you want to ignore the acting and writing, our show looks better than anything out there. It seems like theyre afraid of legitimizing our show with their attention. The mystery is: Why?
10. What is it about Ted that makes you play him so well? Is Ted the character you auditioned for or was there another?
Ted is the only role I auditioned for and the only role I wanted to play. I understand Teds psyche, love his big heart and dry humor. Ive been where he is and am very sympathetic of his plight. Its just one of those magical creative connections where so much of my own life experiences enable me to play him in a way that no one else could. Its not necessarily the best way, just unique to my vision.
15. Do you know why QAF uses production numbers for the episodes rather than giving them titles like most tv shows do? Do you think that will ever change?
Im not 100% sure why. Probably because the episodes are too complicated to sum up in a title. We do make up our own titles for in house use, however. Winnie Jong, our sсript supervisor and continuity chick, picks her favorite line from an episode and makes that the title. For example the episode in Season 1 where Justins mom takes him to see a shrink was titled: I Like Dick, after his famous response to the therapists questioning how he feels.
март 2002
6. Brian's "Roll over" is just the height of romance and class. Share some of your own special pillow-talk with the class.
Stand on that chair. Put this on. Now twirl.
17. If QAF's writers ever pass along a sсript that has Ted and Emmett getting it on, promise you'll quit. Please?
Ummmmm ...
3. I was wondering (and this is going back) what you thought of the whole Blake storyline on QAF? Do you think that Ted has recovered from that heartbreak, and if not, is it affecting his behavior in season two?
I loved the Ted/Blake storyline. His feeling that if he could just fix Blake (no drug pun intended) he would be the perfect partner was a side of Ted that I could relate to quite strongly. Its a pattern Ive repeated often in my own life. Those types of relationships are always doomed. The relationship also showed how much opera has warped Teds sense of reality a bit - - also a very real experience for so many people. Its no wonder to me that so many viewers responded so strongly to that storyline.
As to how it affects Ted in season 2, of course its affecting his behavior. We are all our own history. Everything that has come before affects our current behavior. So while it may not be specifically addressed this season, it has been very much a part of how Ive decided Ted will respond to certain events.
4. So...since "The Advocate" saddled you with a wife...want one? Just kidding! In all seriousness, as a former Journalism student, I was horrified by the misrepresentation in that article and the fact that, yes, you were basically put on the same block as the Eric McCormacks and Kerr Smiths of the world. Do you find it frustrating to deal with this subversive forced homophobia in both the media and the industry itself? In other words, do you think we'll ever get to a place where no one gives a damn who sleeps with who?
It has certainly been a learning experience for me. It does seem inherently homophobic, doesnt it? But it also shows how our society views sex as something kind of dangerous and all defining. I mean, no one asks James Gandolfini if hes ever actually garroted another man. My hope (and perhaps it is a nave one) is that QAF will help show people that these questions dont really matter - - people are queer in general, thats what makes us such a fascinating species to watch.
5. As a student of improv myself, I would love to know if improvisational theatre has had an impact on you and how you approach your characters...especially, of course, Ted, given the situations he finds himself in on QAF.
I love using improv with characters, but improv theatre scares the hell out of me. Many of my dear friends are alumni of Second City or Improv Olympic and I sit and marvel at what they do. I even did some last summer as a dare to myself and it STILL scares the hell out of me. Its an odd thing. Once I know a character well enough I can go on and on with ad libs, etc. if need be (and have been known to much to the dismay of directors and stage managers everywhere). I am a chronic mutterer after my lines are done. But the process of instantly creating a full 3-dimensional character who, generally, has to say really funny things terrifies me.
9. There was some flack over your comments about the Showtime forum in your blog. Do you feel that you might have made a PR mistake by insulting such a large community of the show's fans?
No. I expressed my opinion that is all. I will admit that I was surprised at the limited negative response. As ALWAYS seems to be the case in these types of he hurt our feelings kind of situations my comments were either taken out of context or only heard of second-hand. Lets look at what I ACTUALLY said, shall we: (I had been writing about watching the CBS special on 9/11 and how deeply it affected me) My emotions were rising. Then I made a mistake. I was curious to see what the response was to "Ted's" story-line in Episode 9 of QAF. I decided to check out the Showtime message boards. Now I should say that I had stopped reading them last year when I found them to be more of a distraction than an aid in my work (just like reading reviews) so it's been a while. What the hell has happened over there? So much bile and dissent spewing forth. It really upset me. So much hate. Even if it's only from a simple-minded few, the decision by so many to return hate with still more hate saddened me. Coming so close on the heels of reliving the 9/11 experience I began to have a "what will become of humanity" moment. Have we learned nothing?
I stand by my words. I never said EVERYONE at the Showtime site was guilty. If I was not specific enough as to the culprit(s) it was only done to avoid inciting any further fires or empower any arguments that were unworthy of discussion, in my opinion. That night may have been an unusually ugly one, but it is what I experienced nonetheless. If anyone can prove that was NOT my experience and that I am making things up then I will gladly retract what I wrote. Its sad to me that people missed the point of what I was trying to say. I was writing about something much larger than a message board. I was writing about human civility and a sense of community. There were those who understood that and those who helped to prove my point for me.
11. Many people feel the second season doesn't have the depth and emotional impact that the first season had and the comparison of Ted's storylines (Blake in the first season versus the porn website in the second season) brings home that point rather succinctly. Do you have a preference for the more dramatic storylines that season one gave Ted or the more comedic storylines in season two?
Ted and Emmett were both originally conceived as the comic relief characters on the show. When our producers and writers discovered that Peter and I could do so much more they did what they could to give us more dramatic scenes to play. The problem they faced was that by placing Ted in a multi-episode relationship with Blake, for example, it kept the character out of comic situations for too long. Its very important to Dan and Ron that the show have a strong balance between the comic and the dramatic. It was a mixed blessing to get so much wonderful, meaty dramatic stuff to do last season, because it left me hungering for more but the dynamics are such that those opportunities need to be limited this season. Theyre still there, just spread out more sparingly.
12. Ted, if you will pardon my language, has become a grade A asshole this season. Is his recent attitude towards Emmett and Michael going to be addressed? Will we see the sweetness of old Ted again?
Well, Im sorry you feel that Ted is being an asshole. I dont really see it that way. Hes finally learning to become his Own Man and of course hes going to stumble along the way. Hes never really been empowered before and it can be a difficult thing to learn to deal with. Thats only natural. I think he is VERY protective of his friends and slow to allow new people to enter into the circle, again a very human and natural thing I think. Might make him seem a bit of a prick, but hes the same old loveable curmudgeon hes always been at heart.
13. Many fans were appalled at Ted's reaction to Ben being HIV+, especially the gossipy way he told Brian, Justin, and Emmett, and wondered if you had problems with saying some of those lines. Do you ever feel uncomfortable or have moral disagreements with some of the things the writers make Ted say or do? How do you deal with those issues?
Ted expressed an opinion that is very true to his character, I think. You have to remember how deep his feelings for Michael go. As I said in the previous answer, he is very protective of his friends, Michael perhaps more than anyone. He doesnt want to see him hurt physically or emotionally. Now while that risk is inherent in almost every relationship people enter into, getting involved with anyone who has a sexually transmittable disease (especially one that has killed so many) only increases that risk. So whether or not I may agree with Teds point of view, I believe it was an honest and true one for the character. He is a bit of a pessimist after all and tends to be a catastrophist as well. Was it dangerous to have Ted and Debbie express concerns about this relationship? Perhaps, but its a very honest reaction that a lot of people have. If this show is going to be an honest portrayal of a part of the gay community, it needs to show the ugly side as well. And lets not forget this is a drama. The key to drama is tension. If all these characters did was support each other ALL the time and be all happy and fuzzy ALL the time it would be pretty f#$king boring.
There have certainly been times when Ive felt uncomfortable with situations Ted has been placed in. When that happens I go to Ron and Dan and express my concerns. They listen patiently, smack me on the side of the head and say: Quit youre cryin and get out there and DANCE! Actually there was an episode last season where Brian asks Ted to start hanging out with him (after Michaels 30th B-day disaster) and Ted starts getting lucky with all of Brians cast-offs and sluts around a bit. It felt to me like this scenario flew in the face of the operatic One True Love sense of romance that I had endowed Ted with. Plus, my own romantic sensibilities are very similar so I, as an actor was not comfortable. I had a long conversation with Ron about this and he really opened my eyes to how things were in the world that QAF was portraying, that fulfilling ones sexual desires and needs didnt necessarily preclude one from wanting to be monogamous and, as he put it so eloquently, He cant be a schlub ALL the time! It was a turning point for me in the development of the character. Its the wonderful thing about a collaborative effort like we have on QAF.
июнь 2002
2. Name one thing (funny, intellectual, profound) that people don't know about Ted. About Scott?
"Ted's" middle name is "Wolfgang", Scott's middle name is Agf734gf3fqvf. Damn! Sorry my keyboard is sticking a little and i 2rfbnifufh. Shoot. Sorry.
6. What has been your funniest QAF experience?
The fact that people send me questions that I'm supposed to answer seriously once a month. Everyone knows I HATE HOMEWORK! Especially in the summer. And yet the questions keep coming. Ha! You guys!
8. How do you feel about the opposition of the gay community to Queer As Folk? There is actually an organization in existence called Queers Against Queer As Folk (QAQAF). What do you have to say to the people who feel that QAF does not accurately present gay life at all, and that QAF is turning into a show for straight women, written by straight women?
Listen, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I've always been drawn to projects that people WILL have an opinion about. If people just didn't care one way or another we wouldn't be doing our jobs right. Our show, as has been repeatedly said, does not mean to portray every gay person's experience. THE SOPRANOS met with some of the same kinds of criticism from Italian-American groups saying that the show portrayed Italian-Americans in a negative light. THE SOPRANOS is about members of the Mafia who happen to BE Italian-Americans but it is NOT ABOUT Italian-Americans. Would you seriously want to see them always all cute and cuddly? BORING! QAF is about a group of guys that troll around clubs and bars looking for "love" who happen to BE gay but it is NOT ABOUT homosexuality. It's showing the "gay life" lived by these 6 gay guys (2 lesbians, 2 moms and an uncle) who live in a gay neighborhood and participate in an active nightlife at the various bars and clubs near them. From the little I've seen and/or overheard in the "Gay Ghetto" of Toronto that we often shoot in as well as the parts of West Hollywood that most closely resemble "Liberty Avenue", the world of QAF is quite accurate. It DOES exist. Those with contrary opinions about the show cannot deny that. I understand that, as QAF is the first drama to show multi-dimensional gay characters, there are those that wish it to portray a completely positive picture of these characters and the life they live. Unfortunately there is no way to please everyone in the community. If it tried to be all things to all people it would get far more "tedious" than some accuse it of already being. (Isn't it interesting that those who accuse the show of that never seem to miss an episode. Hmmm?) But this is a "drama" first and foremost, not a documentary. The primary element of drama is conflict. If these characters were living a happy life EVERY episode or were sweet and cuddly to each other every episode I don't believe for a second that people would be as addicted to it as they are. People are fascinating because they're flawed. Life (and television) would get mighty boring otherwise.
As to the show being written for straight women by straight women, well ... if you're telling me our writing staff is made up completely of women then, with the exception of Karen Walton they are the UGLIEST women I have EVER seen!
10. I was wondering if the cast gets a video copy of each episode from the show or if they want to see the episodes, do they have to tune in on Sunday or Monday nights?
We do get copies before they air usually (although at the time of this writing you all have seen episode 217 and I have not! Bastards!). I did sneak down to a bar called "Revolver" in West Hollywood in disguise last Spring to watch episode 115 ("Ted" in leather) with our producers and a huge crowd of people. That was amazing!
14. Are you aware of QAF fanfiction? Have you read any of it? Would you ever read any, especially if it was Ted fanfiction? If you have read any, what did you think and what do you think of the concept in general?
I am aware of it. No, I have not read any of it. I'm afraid to read any of it, honestly. But I think it's great that the characters we've helped create are stirring the creative souls of people enough that they feel the desire to write their own "adventures" for them. I just need to stay focused solely on what our own writers are coming up with for the character -- it's what I need to do in order for me to do my job well on the show. But I would love it if you want to write that "Ted" has a 132bdfy8o1cbb DTUbbbeo1go167. Arrrgh! Damn keyboard!
2. Being that you and Peter are (or seem to be) so close in "real life", was it awkward to kiss in the finale? Do you like the whole "Emmett and Ted as Lovers" storyline?
I also had to kiss one of my best friends, Dawn Maxey, in the workshop of BEDTIME STORIES that I did this summer. The weirdness in both instances comes only in thinking about it ahead of time. Once you're there doing it and you're both "the characters" it doesn't feel awkward at all. It's also kind of a fun thing to know that two of your dearest friends are REALLY good kissers. (повод для желающих пнуть рэндичку)) хотя я не думаю, что можно сравнивать - вряд ли атмосфера вокруг скотта и его партнеров была такой напряженной и любопытной как вокруг г и р)) да и характеры разные у них очень))
Both Peter and I, unbeknownst to each other, had pitched Dan and Ron story lines involving Ted and Emmett "gettin it on" at the end of last season. As I recall my version was more of a drunken falling into bed with each other that then had to be dealt with "the morning after." Ron very much wanted to explore it with more depth. The notion of friends becoming lovers and the wonders and dangers that are inherent in that intrigued him. I think he is right. Where it's all going I dont know. But it's absolutely a situation rife with dramatic (and comic) possibilities.
3. How do you stay focused, fresh, and challenged after doing the same character for what will be going on three seasons?
I change my boxers at LEAST twice a week. Seriously, you need help from the writers. Without good, challenging story lines it gets tough. Beyond that, every scene gives challenges to find the reality and ground it in that. Even when it's comic it's important to me that it be believable and not get cartoonish. Sometimes that can be a huge challenge. When it gets too forced it tips the scales of reality and becomes less funny . Perfect example: the gym scene in the last episode of Season 2. It's just a little TOO goofy for me. So every day, as trite as it sounds, brings new challenges.
4. I recently read in USA Today that Showtime has renewed QAF for 2 more seasons, but for only 16 episodes each. Was any explanation given as to why the number of episodes we'll in Season 3 and 4 dropped from the number shown in Seasons 1 & 2?
Well, I'm just a gun for hire so I'm not 100% sure of the network's reasons. It may be because of the escalating costs that a show takes on once it becomes a hit. It may also be because they're being kind to those of us involved in making the show. The 8 or 9 months that it has taken to do a 22 and then a 20 episode season is unusually grueling and it makes it near impossible for the cast to find outside projects to do besides QAF. I think in the end it will help the seasons be more focused.
5. I read somewhere that the cast of QAF has an opportunity to make suggestions about their characters direction. Were you given that opportunity at the end of Season 2?
Not yet. But Dan and Ron have been on vacation (FINALLY!) so that may be why.
8. Which would you rather be in the middle of: a blizzard, a hurricane, or an earthquake?
Did I do something terrible to you? Why are you wishing me to be in the middle of any of those things? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!?
(ггы))
8. What, exactly, did you have to do for your audition? Read from the sсript? Since you were cast first, did they have you read with actors being considered for the other roles?
Yeah, I had one audition just for the extraordinary, original casting directors for QAF, Linda Lowy and John Brace, in Linda's tiny office. I read 2 scenes from the pilot, the one with "Michael" in Babylon where he tells "Ted" to find someone more like - you know - himself and the scene in the street where "Ted" tells "Michael" that the chance of a guy named "Blake" actually liking a guy named "Ted" is in the .05 percentile. They had a little camera on me and John sat to the side of the camera reading "Michaels" lines. Pretty standard stuff. Well, they thought I was a pretty good loser so they had me come back a day or so later and this time joining Linda and John in the teeny office, crammed together on a little sofa were Dan Lipman, Ron Cowen and Tony Jonas. I did the same scenes for them. They thought I was a really good loser so a week or so later they had me come back to test for the Showtime execs. This involves negotiating your "deal" ahead of time and signing the 6-year contract (and nudity waivers) just before you go in the room to audition (so you know JUST how much you stand to lose if you blow the audition). A nerve-wracking experience. But it was 8 AM and I was too tired to let any of it really affect me. Besides, I had just met Peter Paige sitting out in the hall and we were already joking around with each other. So I went into what is essentially a conference room with a big table in it. The Showtime executives along with Dan and Ron and Tony sat at one end of the table and standing way at the other end of the table I did the same two scenes. Well they thought I was the BIGGEST loser in Hollywood so I got the part. That was that. Everyone else went through at least one more round of casting before they landed the roles I guess. So listen up, kids, if you're going to be a loser, be the BEST loser you can be.
9. With a plethora of various staff/actors/extras on location, I'm just curious if Showtime also staffs medical personnel in case of any injuries or if this is all handled by local hospitals/clinics in the Toronto area.
Are you looking for work, Doc? We've got nearby hospitals for emergencies and a doctor for other stuff. I had to use him at the start of last season - but thats a story for another time.
10. When do you start filming season three?
September 26th is our start date at this point.
октябрь 2002
3. You look great with a goatee. Do you think Ted might experiment with facial hair now that he doesn't have to maintain a corporate image?
Er, ah well thanks **blushing**. When I first reported for work up here in Toronto back in 2000 I had a goatee and the first thing our producers said to me was Youre gonna shave that, right? I think they very much like Ted having a clean-cut look and it does kind of suit his personality more.
4. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Usually my cat is yelling at me to get up so I have to apologize to her for being such a slug-a-bed.
5. How did you, Peter and Hal get started with those Rendez-View appearances?
Those were arranged by our publicists as a way to build up our panel show resums. When you want to do the big boys shows (Letterman, etc.) your publicist needs to be able to show them that you can string two words together and be somewhat entertaining in an interview situation. Hence doing things like RendezView.
6. Any word yet on the DVD's for season 2? Are you going to do any commentary/extra's for them?
No word yet on what the extras will be in the DVD for Season 2. But I know theyre trying to make it even more chock-full than Season 1.
8. If you could have the opportunity to switch characters on Queer as Folk, which character would you most like to play?
Debbie
10. What do you like to do in your spare time in Toronto? Which other cast members do you hang out with outside of work? Do you get recognized often in public and if so, what do people say to you?
Any more questions? Whew. I like to go see movies and plays. I like to eat out at all the wonderful restaurants up here. I do a lot of wandering around various neighborhoods, shopping, etc. It's just so great to be able to WALK places again. I hang out with whoevers free, really - a lot of time with Peter but also the rest of the gang at different times. Also, Dean Armstrong (when hes up here), crew members our producers. Really whoever can stand to be around me.
11. What do you like best about living part time in Toronto?
Living PART TIME in Toronto. Kidding, kidding. I like being up here for Fall. Having grown up in New England I really missed Fall in Chicago and LA.
13. When filming a QAF scene, do the actors not involved watch too?
When we can. Depends on scheduling, etc. If youre in the next scene up you might get to set early and watch the last few takes of the previous scene for example. We all try and show up for Michelle and Theas love scenes, though. Hee.
(хм.. то есть не такие уж закрытые были съемки секс сцен, или это совсем шутка?))
14. Having watched the QAF eps several times, I have begun to notice the "little" things you actors do that really add to a scene. I've noticed one of yours, in particular, in the scene where you, Em and Michael are in the apt. getting ready to go out to dinner (and Michael gets the phone call re Ben's hospitalization): You said, paraphrasing, "Let's go get some dinner...celebrate!! Between the words "dinner" and "celebrate," you snap your fingers excitedly (which I loved because poor Ted has had very few reasons to get excited). Did you add the finger snapping or was that scripted? How about other "little" scene additions, which seem to add so much?
Thats all actor stuff usually. The writers give us the words and the settings, but generally we come up with all the stuff that makes them have a life. The finger snap stuff was just something I did cause Ted was feeling so damned happy and was trying to spread the love.
15. Excluding Ted, who is your favourite character on QAF?
There are other characters than Ted?
2. Now that you've been back on the set of QAF for a month how do feel season 3 is shaping up? Anything funny happen to on the set since you got back?
It feels great to be back at work. Everyone is in wonderful spirits. The combination of a nice long break and a shorter season has really energized us all. Even though we were gone from these characters for 6 months it was amazing how quickly we slipped back into their skins. Almost as if we never left. I think people are going to really like season 3. Besides all the wonderful new hair-dos were sporting, Im very pleased with the journey Teds going to take this year. I cant really reveal any of the funny things that have happened on the set without giving away any plot points and well you wouldnt want me to do THAT would you?
4. I've noticed that your forum does not have spoilers. How do you feel about the spoilers posted on the internet, and more importantly, how do you feel about the possibility of "insiders" leaking information?
Mostly Im flattered that people are THAT addicted to the show that they just cant wait to find out whats going to happen to these. As long as people have a choice to find out or not I have no problem with it personally. Its a little creepy that people would go to the lengths of disguising themselves as dildos and vibrators to get on our set and spy. I would much rather people find out by watching the show, because it kind of spoils it (hence the name I suppose) to know ahead of time. I mean wheres the suspense and drama in watching something if you knew the chick in Crying Game was a dude or that Darth Vader was Lukes father or that Michael is going to have his foreskin re-attached this season on QAF ooooops.
5. How do you think the long hiatus between season 2 and 3 will affect QAF?
Hopefully it will only build up the anticipation (as it did for The Sopranos this past season). Its really up to Showtime to build up to the premiere in just the right way.
8. In season three, with fewer episodes, does that mean you are spending more time on each episode? Is more money being spent on each episode?
Were still shooting episodes in seven days, but we do have a bunch of Safety days to use now in case an episode needs an eighth day. Thats a nice luxury. The budget of the show has gone up quite a bit this year and thats part of the reason were only doing 14 episodes.
9. To what extent, if any, are scenes filmed in the order in which they are seen on screen?
Theyre hardly ever shot in order. The only way they are is if there are a bunch of scenes in one location. For example if there are three scenes in Teds condo in one episode we will shoot them all in one day and in order. Other than that its all over the place depending on location and cast availability. It does seem with me that we always manage to shoot my sex scenes with someone before we shoot any of the dialogue scenes. I try not to be paranoid about it.
@темы: Scott Lowell, Скотт Q&A
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29.01.2011 в 12:22-
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29.01.2011 в 12:34ага, пока только начало, больше не успела прочитать, да и много, лучше порциями)
и мне так удобнее, когда собрано все подряд) ну и потом вместе почитать еще интереснее)
когда при желании че-нить обсудить можно)
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29.01.2011 в 12:37и потом вместе почитать еще интереснее) да, да, согласна
когда при желании че-нить обсудить можно) жаль, что сейчас не успеваю прочитать, но чуть позже очень хочу присоединиться к обсуждению )
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29.01.2011 в 12:50*села читать*))
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29.01.2011 в 16:25вот они наверное с питером на пару развлекались)))
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29.01.2011 в 16:43читай, небось уже и на сайт сходила, и там до конда все дочитала)) пока я собиралась отвечать)
yennifaire таааак, если xhaleslowly приглашал посетить, значит и фанфики читал))
нуу... вот говорит что не читал
хотя я на его бы и вообще на их месте так и говорила, потому что если сказать читал.. ведь же захотят подробностей, да и ваще) проще сказать, что не читал)), но ссылки на итана вроде как позже были, так что возможно потом и читал уже)-
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29.01.2011 в 17:14только 2002)))
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29.01.2011 в 17:17Скотт молодец, поддерживает интерес к сериалу, все бы так.
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29.01.2011 в 17:26какаф!!!! ахаха!!! )))))))
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29.01.2011 в 17:53-
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01.02.2011 в 00:16никто не хочет, может даже не перевести, а может и перевести, или пересказать, все или самое интересное? а если медленно и печально, так пойдет?
Тогда можно попробовать-
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01.02.2011 в 16:24-
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01.02.2011 в 17:16-
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01.02.2011 в 17:55пжлста) еще б продолжить собраться, эх)
какаф!!!! ахаха!!! )))))))
ага)))
хотела кстати поискать че-нить про них, но так и не добралась пока)
tunka-s а если медленно и печально, так пойдет? Тогда можно попробовать
ну ты ж понимаешь) я не в том положении, что б условия ставить)) как тебе удобно, конечно.. тока это... иам впереди еще я думаю много всего, так что наверное придется жестче фильтровать))
Раз ты разрешила Рендичку попинать...
аха... ну вам тока дай! голову ведь откусите! )))
Ох не верю я в такую святую простоту! Роберт Гант вон тоже сказал, что Хел лучше целуется чем Лиза Кудроу...
люди разные... и я не знаю, многа букафф
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01.02.2011 в 18:42О! Этот вопрос меня тоже очень живо интересует, и я уже много раз думала, почему его никто об этом не спрашивал, но поскольку я сама себе никогда не верю, я думала, может не дорылась еше и кто-нибудь по горячим следам уже его допытывал. Поток сознания, sorryчитать дальше
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01.02.2011 в 18:45Может нам этот момент обсудить в приватнoй беседе? Я имею ввиду, какие части переводить, а какие пересказать схематичненько...
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01.02.2011 в 19:19а я в упор не вижу связи...
так же как мне тут года пол назад сказали, про неафиширование им отношений с брайаном
"Рэнди не слабак, чтобы бояться открыться.".. тоже в упор не понимаю, ну не слабак да и не трус, но при чем тут его нежелание что б к нему в постель лезли???
свое грязное белье запихали под кровать
если оно было)
Как мне представляется, что если что-то было и прошло, то конечно сложнее правду о пецелуях на весь мир выносить...
ну и тоже для меня совсем неочевидно, что это сложнее.. что он за столько лет ну никак не в состоянии научиться отвечать на эти вопросы)
Может нам этот момент обсудить в приватнoй беседе? Я имею ввиду, какие части переводить, а какие пересказать схематичненько...
можно) тока я очень плохо "выкидываю" мне все жалко)) так что ты мне скинь свои предложения, ну просто пометь по разному как-то, ага? к тому ж переводить то тебе)
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02.02.2011 в 00:27Я его нежелание совсем не оспариваю, очень даже уважаю. Меня все эти нестыковочки удивляют. Как ты верно подметила :что он за столько лет ну никак не в состоянии научиться отвечать на эти вопросы
читать дальше
Ну слабак - это помоему мимо кассы, при чем тут это на самом деле?
A pro ...для меня совсем неочевидно, что это сложнее.. ну это мне так кажется... Вот про случайную связь подруге можно пикантные подробности рассказать, а про мужа... Но повторюсь, это только ИМХО. К тому же столько лет прошло, мог бы и придумать что-нибудь
Посмотрю, повыделяю, пришлю для консультации
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02.02.2011 в 09:18-
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02.02.2011 в 09:32-
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09.02.2011 в 22:20