Andreas Apergis is known best for playing Ray on SyFy’s “Being Human”. Andreas also has a role in the upcoming third “Riddick” film coming out in 2013. Media Mikes had chance to chat with Andreas about his role and reflecting on season two shocking cliffhanger of “Being Human”.

Mike Gencarelli: What do you like most about playing Ray in “Being Human”?
Andreas Apergis: I love the whole supernatural aspect of the show. It is definitely cool to be playing a werewolf. Usually for these characters their word is dangerous. It always allows for interesting situations as an actor. It is definitely not a boring show to work on. Ray is kind of a tortured soul who has been through a lot. I’m sure it’s not easy being a werewolf. It’s a very rich role.

MG: How do you compare playing your character from this season to last season?
AA: I call Ray this season Ray 2.0. He has kind of evolved and it is nice to see that growth in a character. He is definitely not the same character we see in season 1. He is more unbalanced and I think still reeling from his change. When we see him this season he seems to have made a pretty good turn around. He has some stability in his life and is happier. He has found some balance and seems to be in a way better place this year. It was nice to come in to a Ray that wasn’t a lunatic. Of course playing Ray last season was fun but he has grown in season 2.

MG: Can you reflect on the shocking season 2 finale?
AA: These characters get very desperate. Making themselves human is a real struggle. I don’t even know where the chips will land for next season. I guess we will find out what happens but the characters have been through a lot. Josh has really paid the price for being a werewolf. I am a fan of the show also so I am waiting to see how everything is going to be resolved.

MG: What are you most looking forward to for your character in season 3?
AA: I wish I could tell you. I have no idea what happens after the cliffhanger from season 2. I am in as much of the dark as to what comes next as everyone else. I don’t know? I am dying to find out what happens.

MG: Can you tell us how you got involved with the “Assassins Creed” video game series?
AA: Ubisoft is based out of Montreal. I played a couple minor characters in the second game and then they asked me to come in and read for the Cesare Borgia charcater. It was a lot of fun. You are in a world where the characters are larger than life. There are a lot of things going on. How often do you get to play a maniacal guy who wants to take over the world? (Laughs) Cesare is very nutty. It’s a fun role to play. There are so many diehard fans that are into every single detail of both “Being Human” and “Assassins Creed”.

MG: Are you working on any other projects?
AA: I just finished doing the 3^rd Riddick film which doesn’t have a release date yet. I play a necro-monger commander. I can’t wait to see how that turns out. That was shot in Montreal and we just wrapped on that about a month ago. I have a knack for getting into these situations where the characters and their worlds are larger than life. It was fun to meet Vin and David Twohy. I am really looking forward to seeing the film.

Gianpaolo Venuta is known best for playing Danny in Syfy’s “Being Human”. Gianpaolo can also been seen recently in the new TV series “The Firm”. Media Mikes took a chance to chat with Gianpaolo about his role on the show and his reflection on season two.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us what you enjoyed most about playing Danny on the series “Being Human”?
Gianpaolo Venuta: It actually wasn’t really “enjoyable”. It’s hard to empathize with a character like that. He had so many opportunities to do the right thing but his self-preservation always trumped any thoughts of confessing. It was also confusing for the audience to see this quiet, shy, guilt-ridden guy then suddenly turn into this homicidal maniac without.

MG: How was it working with Meagan Rath?
GV: Really, it was a lot of fun. We had a great rapport from the start. She’s really down to earth and always available for others. And super hot.

MG: In the end of season one, your character’s true identity gets darker and darker; how did you prepare for the role?
GV: You know that famous quote: “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering”? Well…

MG: In season two, your back with a vengenace; how was it playing a ghost?
GV: I didn’t really have any personal experience to draw on, obviously, so I focused more on the circumstances that led Danny to become the ghost. The guilt, paranoia, fear, etc., and how that transformed him.

MG: Due to the eclipse situation you came back after being shredded, any word about season three?
GV: No word as of yet, but I’m pretty sure Danny has breathed his last breath.

MG: How does this show compare that your other recent TV work like “The Firm”?
GV: It’s different in that “Being Human” always felt like one big family. I was fortunate enough to be there at the beginning and see the chemistry between the leads develop. But that chemistry was not only limited to the cast – it included the crew as well as the creators and producers of the show. “The Firm”, which i am incredibly proud to be a part of, has been different for me because my character’s story line only really gets going in the last 5 episodes of the show so I feel like a bit of an outsider.

MG: What do you have planned next?
GV: I’m not really sure – to be honest. I haven’t done any theatre in a few years and it’s always nice to go back to it every now and again.

Kristen Hager is known best for playing Nora on SyFy’s “Being Human”.  Season two really gave her a chance to explore the dark side of her character as she became a wolf.  Kristen had a chance to chat with Media Mikes to discuss her character and season two’s finale.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you reflect on your character Nora during the first two seasons of “Being Human”?
Kristen Hager: It has been a great journey so far. I have loved it. In season 1 she is just a nurse and a normal human being. She is dating a guy with some commitment issues which coincide with a full moon. By the end of season 1 my character ends up being scratched. Season 2 has been Nora dealing with her new infliction. She is grappling with being a werewolf and everything that comes with that. Nora starts to think that this is something she wants however over time she begins to realize that it may be too much for her.

MG: What do you like most about your character being a wolf?
KH: It is different from a lot of the other things I have done. Not a lot of women have played a

female werewolf on television. That it’s self has been really exciting. Nora becomes a strong and very independent woman. This is ideal when you are a female. It’s been a fun adventure getting to play out all these scenarios that the writers create. I think we have done a really good job doing things that have not been done before.

MG: What was the initial make-up process like?
KH: I think the first time you see Nora change is the only time you see her full transformation. I was super nervous about filming that scene. Sam Huntington is a good friend and told me ahead of time about the process. I knew there were going to be a lot of prosthetics. I really didn’t have to do much of the prosthetic stuff. When they do the snout transformation they put these dots on your face and do a CGI transformation. The real challenge is the physicality of it. You have to act as though your body is being ripped apart. In the car scene where I first change there were certain spots I had to hit. They say action and you just go for it and see what happens.

MG: Do you have a favorite episode from season 2?
KH: My favorite episodes were the first couple from this season. I love all of the Nora and Josh stuff. I like working with Sam. I think those scenes are so well done. I like episode 2 from this season. Nora is just coming to terms with

her disease and there are a lot of lovely scenes in that episode.

MG: Do you think there is any hope in saving Nora and Josh’s relationship?
KH: I really hope so! That is really the main thing I am hoping for out of season 3.

MG: Do you have any sneak peeks into season 3?
KH: I don’t. Your guess at this point is as good as mine. I know the writers are working on the episodes but other than that I have no idea. I am really excited to find out. We are scheduled to start shooting in mid June so I hope to have some idea of what’s going on soon.

Related Content

• Natalie Brown talks about playing Julia in SyFy’s “Being Human”
• Dichen Lachman talks about playing Suren on Syfy’s “Being Human”
• Dusan Dukic talks about playing Reaper in SyFy’s “Being Human”
• Susanna Fournier chats about playing Zoe in Syfy’s “Being Human”
• Kelly Hu talks about voicing Karai on Nick’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

Natalie Brown recently c0-starred in Season 2 of SyFy’s “Being Human”, playing the role of Julia.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Natalie about her role on the show and what we can expect from her next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with the show “Being Human”?
Natalie Brown: It was funny… The night before I even knew about the audition, I was on a panel judging submissions for best actor for the Gemini Awards (Canada’s Emmys) and it was then that I saw both Sam Huntington and Sam Witwer’s performances from the first season… I was blown away. The very next day, my agent called with the audition for Julia- Aiden’s new love interest, and Josh’s ex fiancé. I’d get to work with both of them!? I put myself on tape to send to Montreal, (where the show shoots) the director gave me a few notes, and after sending the second audition tape, I got the part!

MG: Where you aware/fan of the BBC series?
NB: I hadn’t heard of it before the US version, but once I saw it, I understood why it was such a hit- the chemistry between the actors, the mix of humor & humanity set against superhuman circumstances – the same factors that make the US version every bit as gratifying.

MG: What did you like most about playing the role of Julia?
NB: Besides working with the best cast ever?!? It was a great opportunity bringing Josh’s past to life. There was some pressure to live up to this legendary fiancé fans had only heard about in Season One, and I was also a bit concerned over what Nora fans might have to say about a new (albeit old¡) girl in the mix, but to my surprise and relief, there wasn’t any backlash. Julia is one of the few completely human characters, who represents what Josh, and the rest of the main characters are seeking- something normal and grounding… Although “normal” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. She too is dealing with loss and pain, trying to make sense of her life and find her place in the world after hers was turned upside-down. Getting dumped – twice! – first by her fiancé, and again by a really hot vampire… totally sucks!

MG: The second to last episode in season two was a real shocker, can you reflect on that for us?
NB: I was shocked too! I received a nice phone call from the writers, saying how pleased they were with the job I was doing, and that what was going to happen to Julia was nothing personal. Normally, when you receive these types of phone calls, it’s sad because you know it’s the end, but in this case, this is the kind of show where you’re HOPING for that phone call. I thought “Great! I can’t wait to die! Get bitten, come back as a ghost, become Sally’s new BFF… The possibilities are endless!” But not Julia. I didn’t realize til I saw the long faces on everyone on set the next day that not only was Julia going to die, but she was getting her door. Immediately. Julia’s only issue was not truly knowing why Josh left her, & once she understood, Poof! Her door appeared and off she went into the … Well we don’t know what’s on the other side of the door, but hopefully if we ever do find out, fingers crossed Julia will be back! It was an emotional but really rewarding day on set. It didn’t take much to get to a gut-wrenching place when the circumstances were so dire, I was sad to be leaving, and Sam Huntington brought the house down and made every grown man cry with his performance.

MG: What was your highlight of working on the show this season?
NB: My first and only threesome, filming with Sammie and Jay Baruchel, for sure! Bestest strangest day on set.

MG: You also appeared on SyFy’s “Lost Girl” is season two, which has not aired in the US yet, tell us about that?
NB: Lost Girl is such a fun show with cast you can crush on. I was lucky enough to have scenes with most of the gang, playing a light Fae imprisoned for 80 years for falling in love with a man who was Dark Fae. I got to change from prison garb to sacrificial princess gown, to 1940’s hats and dresses in flashbacks, to finally running through the woods in head-to-toe leather, shooting porcupine quills out of my hair. Soooo much fun!

MG: What else do you have planned upcoming?
NB: Right now, I’m in Sault Ste Marie filming a small but fun role in the psychological thriller “Compulsion,” starring Heather Graham and Carrie Anne Moss. I’ll be playing opposite Kevin Dillon, which should be fun. I’m lucky, I get to work with a lot of talented people when they come to shoot in Canada.

Dichen Lachman appeared in season two of Syfy’s “Being Human” playing the role of Suren. Dichen is also known for her role in the TV series “Dollhouse”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Dichen about her role in “Being Human” and what she has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: What did you enjoy most about working on “Being Human”?
Dichen Lachman: I think playing a vampire is one of those things that are very appealing as an actor. You get to explore the shadows. You also get to dress up and go into that fantastical world. It’s such a gift.

MG: How did you prepare for your role on the show?
DL: The make-up and effects help you get into character a lot. What I did was I discovered a specific dialect that Suren spoke in. I worked with an incredible dialect coach. With the creators of the show we discussed how Suren should sound. That was probably the most challenging thing. In the end we were able to find something that everyone liked. You can tell I sound quite different playing that character.

MG: What was the best part for you working with Sam Witwer?
DL: He is great! Sam is so funny as are all of the cast members. They are great actors. It’s very refreshing to work and have fun at the same time. It’s amazing that they are able to snap back in and out of working so quickly.

MG: Do you have a favorite episode that you worked on?
DL: I loved doing the flashback stuff. It’s very rare that someone like me gets to do something like that. I don’t get to play people from the 1920’s and 30’s. It just doesn’t happen. For me to be in that world was remarkable. The costumes and set designs were so good. I was really excited to be able to do that.

MG: have there been any talks about doing flashback scenes in the upcoming season?
DL: I am not sure. I think it might depend on my availability and where they want to take the story. I would go back to Montreal to work with those guys in a heartbeat. Everyone involved with that show is great.

MG: How does this show compare to another show you have worked on “Dollhouse”?
DL: It’s hard to compare them. They are both sort of in that fantasy world. You are still dealing with real world issues but in a roundabout way. For me the only real difference was that I was working in another country. People were speaking French. I remember working on a scene and turning around and everyone had just left. I didn’t know what was happening. They had called lunch in French and I had no idea. It was strange to be on a set where for the most part everyone was speaking French. It was a total trip at first but I got used to it. It was strange but awesome.

MG: Can you tell us about your upcoming pilot “Last Resort”?
DL: “Last Resort” is very exciting! I think people are going to like it and I hope it gets picked up. I may be doing a film called “Too Late” which I hope will start shooting in May. I also am in post production for a film I produced titled “Lust for Love” which stars Fran Kranz from “Cabin in the Woods”. It is a very busy time but it is good and totally worth it.

MG: Do you have any plans to do more producing in the future?
DL: I think so. The world is changing and people are getting content in more ways than ever. Things have been going this way for some time now. I think more now than ever the internet and television are converging. We just have to start making our own things. It’s inevitable. I am still going to be working on other projects an auditioning. It’s important for us as actors to make things our fans want to see. It’s getting increasingly harder to make studio films that are going to make lots of money. Films have to be a 3 dimensional fire fest to get people to go to the cinema.

Dusan Dukic is known best for playing Reaper in season 2 of SyFy’s “Being Human”.  Dusan took out some time to chat with Media Mikes about the role and his reflection on season 2.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us how you got involved with “Being Human” season two?
Dusan Dukic: I got a call from my agent to audition for a part called the Reaper in Being Human season 2. On the original casting breakdown it stated that it was a character that would recur for 3 episodes. I said I would do it, not knowing what would be the outcome, as I thought at first that the role would not be so heavily involved in the season. I was wrong and it was pleasantly surprising that I got to partake in such an exciting and interesting journey playing the Reaper.

MG: There is little known about the reaper, how did you prepare for the role?
DD: There is very little known about the Reaper, and when your character’s name is the Reaper, it seemed a very daunting role to play. However, Adam Kane and I had lengthy and extremely helpful conversations giving me great insight into the character, who he is, what purpose he serves and what is the precise connection to Sally.  Yes the Reaper exists in Sally’s mind, but to her he is completely real. The most important question to me was, why did she create him and why does she need him.

MG: How was it working with Meagan Rath?
DD: Working with Meaghan was absolutely fantastic.  She is very connected to her role, and she is extremely generous as an actress. She also has a great sense of humor.  It was a pleasure.

MG: What did you enjoy most about season two? Favorite episode?
DD: My favorite episode and what I most enjoyed in season 2 was “Dream Reaper”.  The episode was a blast to shoot, from the new décor, to the purple fashion invasion. It was a chance for the audience to see a different side of the Reaper. From my point of view he really was trying to help Sally, and I think he really cares for her well being in his own special way. I’m still getting so many wonderful comments by the fans  @dusandukic on how much they enjoyed the episode. I’ve never had the chance to wear so much purple in my life before.  I think, however, that Reapers prefer black.

MG: Can you reflect on the fantastic season two finale?
DD: The season finale was full of adrenaline and action. By the end of the episode all of the story lines are left hanging in the balance. We have no idea of what will happen to all of the characters. It was a rush to watch.  I’m really looking forward to seeing Sally in “limbo” next season. I’m curious to see what it looks like and what happens there.

MG: Any word if the reaper is coming back for season three?
DD: Will the Reaper be back for season 3? We will have to wait and see. That rhymed by the way.

Susanna Fournier is known best for playing Zoe in Syfy’s “Being Human”.  The show recently ended its second season and is already beginning season three production shortly.  Susanna took out some time to chat with Media Mikes about her role on the show and her reflection on season two.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with season two of “Being Human”?
Susanna Fournier: I had known about the show from season 1 since it shoots in Montreal. I had read some of the scripts when they were originally casting the show then. I liked the concept and then fell in love with the humor in the writing. I knew this was a show I wanted to be a part of. When I got the breakdown for Zoe I got a really strong sense of her, and felt this was a character I could bring a lot to. I put an audition on tape and within a week was headed to Montreal for the read through.

MG: What did you like most about playing Zoe Gonzales?
SF: I like how weird she is. She’s bad at a lot of things, like any kind of social interaction with another person is a nightmare–especially flirting–she can really kill a buzz. It’s not often you get a chance on tv to play someone so obviously not cool. I love awkward humor so her deadpan approach to life is right up my alley. Yet when it comes to ghosts she’s like a whole other person with confidence, friends, and vulnerability. I liked the challenge of discovering how both of these sides of Zoe are always at play depending on who she’s with.

MG: The cast seems like a big family, was it fun working with Meagan Rath and the rest of the cast?
SF: I had a blast. The whole team is amazingly friendly. Meagan and I had the most stuff together so it was great to get to know her over the 5 months of shooting. She cracks me up and I learned so much from her. The double Sam effect of Witwer and Huntington is quite a combo–their senses of humor compliment one another so well I was sometimes amazed we got any work done cause everyone’s laughing all the time. It really is like a big family (on a really bizarro adventure).

MG: You definitely had some emotional scenes, tell us how you prepared for the role?
SF: Well my job was made a whole lot easier by the writers of Being Human. Everything on Zoe’s journey leading up to Nick’s shredding was all about her learning to open herself up to love and life and risk getting hurt. The whole season really builds up to her allowing herself to really love someone, who in her case happens to be the ghost Nick, and then he’s taken away from her. Learning to love someone and risking getting hurt is a story I can relate to, so when it came time to play out her emotional scenes with Nick I just remember about how vulnerable love makes all of us.

MG: What was your favorite episode this season?
SF: Episode 10! Again the writers totally took me by surprise with the Dream Reaper episode. We shot most of it over one very long week in studio and it began to feel like we were living the episode….trapped in the studio never to see the light of day again…since much of the action took place on the stair case we had to remove walls to shoot certain angles and then there was always the question of which layer of Sally’s consciousness we were in…the whole thing became like a really awesome puzzle we were all in. Plus it was a roller coaster for each character, the stakes were really high and everything was down to the wire. Also, who doesn’t love getting bitten by a vampire?

MG: Any word if Zoe will be back for season three?
SF: I hope so! I think she’s an extremely useful character for Sally, Aidan, and Josh. I mean with the amount of trouble those three get into they need as many people on their side as possible. Who’s gonna rescue Sally the next time she gets all Reaper on us!?

MG: What do you look for in a role when approaching a project?
SF: I definitely track my reactions about a character when I’m first reading a script. I like to see if my first impression remains the same, or if through the story unfolding, I feel differently about the character at the end. People are full of contradictions, quirks, and secrets and I’m interested in playing characters that are written as complexly as humans are. I like to be surprised by a role and I like to risk playing a character I might not at first see myself as. Of course super powers or sword fighting are big draws for me…

MG: What else do you currently have in the works?
SF: I’m also a writer and am developing three new plays at the same time right now (insanity) with theatre companies in Toronto. I’ve also been directing a theatre project with grade 8 students dramatizing the lives and words of famous figures in social justice–it’s an amazing thing to introduce young people to acting and performance and watch them come out of their shells. Most recently I finished an exploratory workshop of Chekhov’s “The Seagull”–it was great to get back onstage again after a year of television and film!

Sam Witwer is the star of Syfy’s Being Human, which just concluded its second season.  Sam also recently voiced Darth Maul on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Sam about playing Aiden on “Being Human” and Darth Maul on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.

Mike Gencarelli: What seems to be with your character and the women on the show?
Sam Witwer: Don’t date Aidan! [laughs] That’s what it’s about. If you are smart you won’t date this guy. He is dead and death kind of follows him everywhere. It’s too dangerous to be around him.

MG: What was it like working with Dichen Lachman on the show?
SW: Aiden had this strong emotional attachment to Dichen’s character Suren way back in the day. It didn’t really survive the decades. It wasn’t a good relationship. I think that Aiden is relieved in some ways but at the same time he didn’t want anything to happen to her. He has been looking for some solid ground but comes across the wrong solid ground.

MG: What was your biggest challenge playing the character this season?
SW: I think trying to maintain the sense that this guy is real. The stuff written was very dark and vampire like. I did my best to kind of fight against that as I don’t think people want to see Aiden sitting there saying a bunch of weird vampire stuff. I tried to bring as much realness as I could to the role this season.

MG: What was your favorite episode from season 2?
SW: I really enjoyed episode 10. That is the one where Sally is sort of stuck in her own head. I loved that situation and the range of that episode.

MG: Can you reflect some on the season 2 finale?
SW: I think that we are going to see a lot of changes. I think the effort that we make is to make each season different. I think you will see the roommates spending a lot more time together in season 3.

MG: Can you tell us about voicing Darth Maul in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”?
SW: It was awesome! And it continues to be awesome. I was worried about getting the roll and thrilled when I did finally get it. It was a huge challenge. We were trying to reinvent this character. He originally only had two lines so we knew there had to be more to him than that. You still have yet to see who this guy is. As we start to see him in season 5 we see there is more to him and he is a much smoother and dangerous than we originally thought. He was trained to be much more than just a great fighter. The experience is great. I love playing the mad side of Darth Maul. You get to see the face of the dark side.

MG: How has it been juggling both the role of Darth Maul and Aiden?
SW: “Clone Wars” has been very reasonable with my schedule. There is no real conflict. They have been great.

Palmer Scott is known best from working on the sketch show “Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job!” and his Sit on You sketch. He also appears in the “Tim & Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie” as the Shrim God. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Palmer about his work with Tim and Eric and also his new book.

Mike Gencarelli:  Can you tell us about the origin of the Sit on You skit from “Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job!”?
Palmer Scott: I have been acting since I was 10. I did a few things before coming to California and getting representation. I got a call from my agent one night to be at this place to read for Cartoon network. I asked if it was voice over but she told me no, it was going to be live action. They wanted comedic actors doing dramatic monologues. I didn’t really have anything like that. I ended up taking a monologue from a play I had done previously and cut it down some. A day or two later they asked me if I would listen to this song and come in a little later and do a dance number for them. I had seen one or two episodes of “Tom Goes to Mayor” but I had never seen “Awesome Show”. I didn’t even know that’s what it was called then. I wasn’t sure what to do so I dressed all in black and did a few different things. Tim and Eric were there watching me and at one point Eric told me what I was doing was not sexy. They asked to try a couple things and if I had a denim shirt. I told them yes and they asked me to come back tomorrow after thinking about it over night. Tim and Eric eventually ended up busting a gut and said that what we are going to film. I had to try and remember what I did after watching myself on a tape. I showed up that day for filming and there was a bunch of people they had brought in. The idea was to go to a park for some of it but I had suggested this small area behind the studio. We ended up doing it basically in their offices. There was only one part that ended up being cut. I was worried though when I had to sit on the guys head. I didn’t want to fall or break wind on his face. I was supposed to sit on this small 14 year girl. I was so sacred I was going to fall on her and break her back. It was sort of a basement like setting and I think it wound up looking to cheesy for Tim and Eric so they cut it.

MG: Have you been surprised with the response this one skit has gotten?
PS: Good god yes! The first job I booked in California was as a guest star on “Frasier” in 1997. I have done “Nip Tuck”, a bunch of commercials as well as Shakespeare in the Park. What do I get known for? This silly little thing. I love it! In 3 months we had 700,000 hits on YouTube. Adult Swim ended up pulling it because they wanted to sell a DVD of the series. I think I would have gotten a lot more hits if the video hadn’t been pulled. There ended up being several different remake versions of the song. It has gotten a variety of responses.

MG: What has been the strangest thing they have asked you to do for the show?
PS: Tim and Eric will ask me to do things and I end up sitting back saying “What the Hell?” I will do it for them. They have been so good to me that I don’t think I could ever say no to them. I really admire what they have done and how they have treated me.

MG: Can you tell us about your role as the Shrim God?
PS: I have not seen the movie. I don’t even know what shrim is. From what I have seen I am assuming it has something to do with kids and diarrhea. They called me about a month before to see if I would do the film. I of course said yes. They ended up changing my shooting day as I guess Ray Wise who I love was there. I had to be in Palm Springs and on my way there it was lightly raining. There is a sharp interchange and I was driving a little too fast, spun out and got a flat tire. What I found out was that about 3 hrs earlier there had been an accident there and I had hit an oil slick from that. About 15 minutes after I had my accident there was another accident. I ended up having to drive the rest of the way on a donut. It was 90 miles in the rain on a donut. It was not a great start to the day. When I got there they had a costume for me. They filmed the scene with Ray and bunch of little boys dressed in burlap sacks first. I could just see where this was going. This whole time I am wandering around in a skin tight costume.

MG: What can you tell us about your upcoming book?
PS: I am a working actor. One of the biggest problems for an actor is when you do work and people take their time paying you. I have had a couple people who have waited up to 90 days to pay me for my work. That put me behind on bills. I got into a bind and ended up asking for some help. A talked with a couple writers who said they couldn’t help me financially but they thought what I had to say was pretty funny. We started putting together stories about my work and my life. I also am I cat person so there is stuff in the book about that as well as the things I have done for Tim and Eric. It’s been quite a collaboration. We were hoping to get it out for the general release of the film but it may end up coming out a week or so after that.

MG: What other things do you have going on this year?
PS: I just finished a family movie called “The Stray” that is being released in Europe this month and in the States in August. I really enjoyed playing the spooky janitor role in the film. I also will be performing in a stage performance of “A Mid-Summers Night Dream” in Semi Valley.

Ralphie May is a comedian, who recently released his special “Too Big to Ignore” on DVD. Ralphie is constantly touring and took out some time to chat with Media Mikes  about the new special.

Mike Gencarelli: Do you feel your latest DVD “Too Big to Ignore” differs in any way from your previous releases?
Ralphie May: Yes. I think the content of the material is a lot deeper. I think it’s the best stuff I have ever done. It shows me as a family man, a thinker and a motivational speaker. It’s very raw and there are a lot of elements to it. It’s big.

MG: How long does it take you to prepare for each show?
RM: It takes me about 2 years to get 2 hrs. of solid material. Most comedians in 2 yrs. Might get 30-40 minutes of material and I get 2 hrs.

MG: Are you afraid to touch on any certain subjects?
RM: I don’t think so. If I have I just haven’t gotten to that subject yet.

MG: What do you enjoy talking about most when you are on stage?
RM: My babies. I like talking about my kids because I get to relive those moments which are true stories.

MG: Did you feel restricted in any way with your Comedy Central special?
RM: Of course. There were some restrictions. There were accommodations for image to sell me in other ways. I work within those boundaries and try to respect them. I want to help them by making the product as good as I can.

MG: Do you feel DVD live shows are the future of comedy?
RM: Audio albums are definitely out. You can get the audio via iTunes but then most people are watching it on their iPhone’s or iPad’s.

MG: What do you like most about touring?
RM: I don’t. It’s work now that I have children. People think they pay for the jokes well they don’t. They pay for me not being at home. The jokes are on the house. I will tell them to anybody.

Bruce Campbell is one of my favorite actors of all-time. His films like “The Evil Dead” series have such a cult following behind them. Bruce is also a series regular on the hit show “Burn Notice”, entering its six season this summer. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Bruce again about the upcoming “Evil Dead” remake to “Burn Notice” to hanging out on Twitter.

Mike Gencarelli: We are all anxious for a sequel to “My Name is Bruce”, what is the current status of “Bruce Vs. Frankenstein”?
Bruce Campbell: On hold. Not sure if I want to make another “meta” movie. I think fans want real action, not “fake” action.

MG: You mentioned it would be the “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World of horror”, can you let us know who are looking to get in the film?
BC: If we make it, I would try and get as many old/new horror icons as possible.

MG: Season 6 of “Burn Notice” is expected to begin Summer 2012, what can we expect from Sam Axe?
BC: More of the same bad ass action. I don’t know the upcoming plots, but the basic stuff I have been told is really cool.

MG: Anymore spin-off movies planned after “The Fall of Sam Axe”?
BC: Not sure. None planned now, but the ratings were great, so…

MG: Tell us about your experience working on “Cars 2” voicing Rod ‘Torque’ Redline?
BC: It was very enjoyable working directly with John Lasseter, but very short. I just did one session since, technically I get killed off early.

MG: We all know that “Ash” isn’t going to be in the “Evil Dead” remake, why did you decide to assist in producing the film?
BC: I’m a producer on all the Evil Dead films, so it’s only natural. This way, we can stay involved and make sure the fans dig the end result.

MG: Will you having a cameo the film in any sense?
BC: Can’t say.

MG: Since joining twitter as @GroovyBruce, what do you enjoy most about using the social network?
BC: It’s a great way to see who’s out there, what they like, what they want to know – and it’s also a way to let them know what’s coming up.

MG: Tell about your involvement with Oregon Cultural Trust?
BC: I’m just a big fan of Oregon and a big fan of culture, so it seemed like a good fit.

MG: Can we expect you to make a cameo in Sam Raimi’s latest film “Oz: The Great and Powerful”?
BC: Heck yeah – filmed it last fall. Stay tuned on that!

A VISUALLY STRIKING ANIMATED SERIES FEATURING

A NEW HERO BATTLING FOR FREEDOM ON THE GRID

Special Prelude “TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning”

Premieres Friday, May 18 on Disney Channel;

Series Premieres Thursday, June 7 on Disney XD

Disney XD delves inside the computer world of The Grid and the people who live there with “TRON: Uprising,” a visually striking new animated television series that follows the heroic journey of a new character, a young program named Beck, who becomes the unlikely leader of a revolution. The series, produced in CG animation with a 2D aesthetic, is set in the era of “TRON” between the stories in the 1982 feature film and Walt Disney Studios’ “TRON: Legacy.” Disney Channel will present “TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning,” a 30-minute uninterrupted prelude to the series on FRIDAY, MAY 18 (9:30– 10:00 p.m., ET/PT). The special will encore uninterrupted on Disney XD on MONDAY, MAY 21(7:00 p.m. ET/PT), followed by the series launch on THURSDAY, JUNE 7 (9:00 p.m.) on Disney XD.

“TRON: Uprising” stars Elijah Wood as Beck, Bruce Boxleitner as Tron, Mandy Moore as Mara, Emmanuelle Chriqui as Paige, Nate Corddry as Zed, Lance Henriksen as General Tesler, Reginald VelJohnson as Able, Paul Reubens as Pavel and Tricia Helfer as The Grid.

Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series is executive-produced and directed by Charlie Bean (“Robotboy,” “Samurai Jack” and “Powerpuff Girls”) with Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz (both screenwriters of “TRON: Legacy” / executive producers of ABC’s “Lost” and “Once Upon a Time”) and Justin Springer (co-producer of “TRON: Legacy”) as consulting producers. The music is composed by Joseph Trapanese (“TRON: Legacy”).

“TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” introduces Beck, a young mechanic living in Argon City, a growing metropolis in a far off corner of The Grid that has just been occupied by General Tesler, a henchman of the notorious Clu. After his best friend Bodhi is ruthlessly derezzed by Clu’s army, Beck seeks justice for his lost friend and launches a crusade against the regime. His rebellion captures the attention of Tron, the greatest warrior The Grid has ever known, who sees the potential in Beck and trains him to be his successor. Labeled with the moniker of The Renegade, Beck sparks a revolution to fight for the freedom of The Grid.

The multiplatform premiere schedule is as follows:

Monday, April 30

(9:00 p.m., ET/PT) – Disney XD will debut the official trailer for “TRON: Uprising” during the series premiere of “Motorcity” and online at DisneyXD.com.

Friday, May 11

“TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” will be released on Disney Channel and Disney XD On Demand.

Sunday, May 13

“TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” will be available on YouTube via Disney XD’s Facebook Page.

Monday, May 14

“TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” will be available on iTunes as a free download.

Tuesday, May 15

DisneyXD.com launches a new side-scrolling adventure-puzzle game, “Escape from Argon City,” in which players help Beck master his light disc throwing skills to defeat General Tesler’s army.

Friday, May 18

(9:30 p.m., ET/PT) – “TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” airs uninterrupted on Disney Channel.

Directly following the linear premiere, DisneyXD.com will launch a new interactive video and gaming activity that invites users to immerse themselves in the world of TRON; the special will be split down into 10 micro-episodes in which users take on the role of Beck and help him fight to become the next hero of The Grid.

Monday, May 21

(7:00 p.m., ET/PT) “TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” airs uninterrupted on Disney XD.

Thursday, June 7

(9:00 p.m., ET/PT) – “TRON: Uprising” Series Premiere on Disney XD

In the premiere episode, “The Renegade Part 1,” Beck’s training with Tron is interrupted when he’s captured by a Recognizer patrol and sent to the Coliseum to fight in the games. There Beck meets a fellow prisoner Cutler, a fierce warrior program who has been inspired by The Renegade’s actions. Recharged by their shared passion for freedom, Beck and Cutler fight their way out of the deadly disc games. Meanwhile, Zed and Mara head out for night on the town, but run into trouble when an enchanted Zed is lured away by Perl (voiced by Kate Mara), a program from the wrong side of the tracks.

Directly following the premiere on air, “The Renegade Part 2” will be available on DisneyXD.com, along with a new game, “Renegade Strike,” where users take on the identity of The Renegade and defend The Grid from Clu and General Tesler.

Friday, June 8

Following the premiere, “TRON: Uprising” will be showcased via Disney XD on Demand, DisneyXD.com, Disney XD Mobile, Sony Playstation, Xbox Live and iTunes.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. Disney XD channels are in the UK, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Latin America, Japan, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and The Netherlands among other countries.

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Brendon Small is a God among metal fans. He is the guy behind Adult Swim’s hit show “Metalocalypse” and the virtual band Dethklok. He has even went on tour with the band across the country. “Metalocalypse” is currently beginning its fourth season on Adult Swim on April 29th. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Brendon about what we can expect this season and also get a glimpse into the show/band’s future.

Check out our interview with Brendon Small about his new solo album “Galaktikon”.

Mike Gencarelli: Since you started “Metalocalypse” almost seven years ago, did you think this show was going to be as successfully as it has even spawning the virtual band Dethklok?
Brendon Small: Well the whole idea of the show, or any show, is to make it gets made. Then you want to keep it on the air and that is your job and your way to pay rent, feed you dog etc. What I realized what that after doing “Home Movies”, making the show costs a lot of money but making music doesn’t cost as much money. When you start including animators and a huge team of 40-50 people, it starts getting expensive. I thought wouldn’t it be cool to create a show that if it ever got canceled or ended, that it would continue on through music. I studied music forever and have been crunched over a guitar for the better back of 20 years. I always wanted to put music and comedy together but I didn’t want to be like a guitar-parody act on stage. I figured if I could talk the studio into doing 20 episodes, I could also get them into doing a record, tour and etc.

MG: The show hasn’t aired since October 2010, why the major gap? How long does each episode take to complete?
BS: It takes a lot time. We have been in production actually since early 2011 and we are in still in the same production cycle, just to give you an idea of time. I have 12 quarter hour episodes that I am doing this season and have spent well over a year in production. It takes a long time. Animation is like hurry up and wait [laughs]. All the writing has been done now. I am currently in post-production and have been writing a lot of the music. After this, I still have like one more voice to record. It takes about 3-4 months per episodes but we have them staggered, so a few are in the works at the same time.

MG: With season four, the show returns back to the 11-minute format, why was that decision?
BS: This show is huge amount of work between the music and the animation and as I get through the years I ask myself “How can I make my job easier? How can I take the weekends off?” [laughs]. So, that is what I am trying to do. This season has been plotted out more in advance than any other season. The network gave us the option of doing quarter or half hours. The quarter hours are much easier but I think the show also functioned really well in the half hour format. I thought for the story in this season, that we should do it in quarter hours. So that was the reason and I am really happy with it.

MG: What crazy brutal shit can we expect Dethklok to get into this season?
BS: [laughs] I think you will notice that we upped the brutality in a real fun and clever way. I think some people were missing the brutality a little bit in season three. Our main issue was that we didn’t just want to kill people…we wanted to find a clever way to kill people and have fun with that. I think we have a whole bunch of that put into this season. In addition to that, what I think you will also notice when you see season four is that there is a bigger “Metalocalypse” story. There is something dramatic going on, of course, also laced with tons of jokes and stupidity. The idea is to start telling the bigger story and start involving the band more and then moving on from there.

MG: How does the music in season four compare to the past seasons?
BS: I don’t really know. I really trying to do something that we haven’t done and/or keep that sound alive. That sort of changes from season to season. I still think it sounds like Dethklok and I am still using the same element. I think we have a great couple of cool musically highlights in this season.

MG: Can we ever expect “The Dethalbum III” consisting of season three’s songs? Should I start begging?
BS: You can beg. I love people are begging for me to do more [laughs]. All I can say right now is stay tuned. We hopefully will have some really cool news in the very near future.

MG: What do see in the card for the future of “Metalocalypse”?
BS: We are living in an amazing era of cable TV right now. With all cable stations like AMC, HBO and, of course, Adult Swim, you see that people are utilize the format and still able to tell a story. The way that this show works is that in order for this to be a story, it will have to have an ending. And the ending is in sight for this show. It doesn’t mean the show will be totally done but the story I want to tell has a finish to it. I don’t want to sit around and vamp for 15 years instead of telling a cool story.

Marty Ingels is known best for his role of Arch Fenster in the 1962 short-lived series “I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster”.  Thanks to Lightyear Entertainment, the series has been revived and Volume 1 containing the first 16 episode was recently released.  Read our review here.  Media Mikes had a chance to revisit the show with Marty and also talk about working with his wife, Shirley Jones and his possible upcoming one-man show.

Mike Gencarelli: Since “I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster” only lasted one season of 32 episodes, how can you reflect on its renewed interest?
Marty Ingels: It is hard to get people interested in things that happened 50 years ago. The fact that it still holds up today is impressive. The big mistake was that it was canceled in the first place.  All the rumors said that they canceled it before the ratings even came in.  When the ratings came out, we had beaten both of our competitions  “Sing-along with Mitch” and “Route 66”.  We had beaten both of them and they were giants.  If we had stayed on one more season we would have caught up and then who knows what would have happened.

MG: How was revisiting the show with the Volume 1 DVD release with new interviews and episode commentary?
MI: Good question.  I will be honest with you, I am 76 years old now and I thought this show was going to be the rocket for me. Funny story, Patrick Cassidy came to me after watching these episodes and told me “Ingles, I have to tell you when I saw you in your twenties and what a natural comic with such great timing you were…you must have done something monumental to fuck up your career.” [laughs]. So, there was a lot of feelings of nostalgia though and looking back over my life, but I am glad the show is getting the attention it deserves.

MG: Did you how any room to improv at all during the production?
MI: You know something, I leaned very much on the material.  All of the writers were great. Lenny Stern came from “The Honeymooners”, amongst many others.  I was up to my ass in creative people, who knew what to do with Marty Ingels.  It was just great.  At that time, improv wasn’t that big either.  Nobody really said “Hey guys, we want you to run with this here”.  There was so much precise physical stuff.  I got a fan letter from Stan Laurel and complimented me on my physical comedy, so that was amazing.  But when you do physical comedy, you can’t improvise as much.

MG: Looking back you have done over 100 TV and film appearances, which are some of the best ones which were some of the worst ones?
MI: All my TV and movie “guest shots” were good…small but good. I only wish they’d have been “bigger”.

MG: How has The TV sitcom changed over the years, good or bad?
MI: It’s easier to get a laugh with blue stuff. The guys who work clean are the REAL comedy masters, period.

MG: You got a couple of films coming up co-starring with your wife Shirley Jones, tell us about that experience?
MI: Those came about when Shirley got the job and they asked “Doesn’t she have an old Jewish husband that they keep upstairs in the Anne Frank room?” [laughs].  We just did a film in Cincinnati and we’ve been doing a lot of independent films naturally.  Shirley had some scenes with me and what’s funny is that we have never worked together before. She works in a different way that I do and goes very strictly by the word of the script.  The director said when we were done with a scene if we could do it again and try improving it and just letting it flow.  So it was fascinating, I did my comic thing and I didn’t hold back at all and Shirley wasn’t afraid to bring it either. So I have been enjoying it quite a bit.

MG: Have you ever considered to do a one-man show?
MI: I have been told that I should do a one-man show many times now.  Nobody gets a regeneration at 75 as a comic.  I actually never did stand-up either, I went straight to Hollywood.  Everyone has been telling me to do it, so I have going back and forth figuring out if I have enough material.  Since comedy now is all about stories, I have quite a few of those.  So I have been circling around that.  I already have my opening line written.  I would point to the lady in the first row and ask “How long did it you to get here?” and she would say “Oh I took the freeway, so about a half hour”.  Ask the person next to her and they would say “I came from Pasadena, so it took an hour and half.  Then I would say to the audience “It took me 47 years to get here”.  Life is interesting and it has a lot of twists and turns.

When I’m asked how/why I got into film reviewing I cite three film critics whose work inspired me. The first is Steve Otto, who was the film critic of the Tampa Times when I was in high school. He took the time to talk to me every time I stopped by the paper and would often lend me photos to reproduce with my school paper reviews. Second was Stephen Hunter, who was the film critic of the Baltimore Sun when we first met. I actually paid $50.00 in a PBS auction for a chance to go see the film “Beastmaster” with Stephen and then discuss it with him during lunch. When I got into the promotions/marketing field I got to work with Stephen often and we became friends. He later went on to write for the Washington Post and won the Pulitzer Prize in 2003 for Distinguished Criticism. The third is Robert (Bob) Butler, former film critic for the Kansas City Star. When I arrived (the first time) in Kansas City in 1979 the first thing I read in the local paper was Bob’s review for the film “10.” The more I read his work the more I began appreciating how much fun and passion one person could share with the written word. When I moved to Baltimore I would pick up the Star at the local out of town newspaper stand each week and did that until I moved back to KC in 1996. I finally got to meet Bob when I was admitted into the Kansas City Film Critics Circle. To now be considered a colleague of someone I admire was a pretty great feeling.

I give you this background information as a way of introducing Blair Butler. You probably know her from her stand up comedy routines, appearances on the G4 television network or creator of the popular comic book “Heart.” That’s how I knew her until her mother, Ellen, remarked to a fellow critic that “Blair was coming home this week.” After listening for a few more moments It suddenly dawned on me that Blair was Bob and Ellen’s daughter! Small world.

Blair was indeed “home” this week, appearing at Planet Comicon 2012. While here she graciously took time out to answer a few questions.

Mike Smith: How did a girl from Kansas develop a love for comic books?
Blair Butler: My Dad took me to Clint’s Comics in Westport and let me buy comics out of the 25 cent bin when I was little. After reading some really terrible issues of Werewolf by Night and She-Hulk, I stumbled onto Batman and the New Mutants – and I was hooked for life. After a brief lapse in the mid 90s (I got burnt-out on gimmicky covers, variants, and style-over-substance) I came back to comics thanks to great titles like Planetary, The Authority, and Geoff Johns’ run on JSA. And I’ve been there ever since.

MS: How did you get involved with G4?
BB: I was hired as the head writer for “X-Play,” a videogame show on the TechTV network. When G4 bought TechTV, the two networks merged – and I wound up becoming the comic book correspondent for “Attack of the Show” – which was an amazing opportunity that I’m incredibly grateful for. If I knew at age 12 that I’d be covering comics for part of my day job, I think my 12-year-old self would hyperventilate with excitement.

MS: You once reviewed comic books in your “Fresh Ink” segment of “Attack of the Show,” by rating them either BUY, BROWSE or BURN. Have you ever gotten a nasty message from someone whose work you trashed?
BB: Well, the good news is that I haven’t used the BUY, BROWSE, or BURN system for a few years on the show – primarily because I was pretty adamantly opposed to the suggestion of “burning” any comics. Now, I usually only review comics that I really love on the Live edition of “Attack of the Show,” or on my weekly review segment at www.G4tv.com/FreshInk — so thankfully, I haven’t met any furious writers or artists. Yet.

MS: What do you have coming up in the future?
BB: Well, I’ll be busy writing full-time for “Attack of the Show,” as well as working as a correspondent for two of the show’s signature segments: “Fresh Ink” – where I cover the wide world of comic books, and “M.M.A. Chokehold,” where professional fighters come in and do analysis for several of the biggest UFC events. We’ve have Chuck Liddell, Urijah Faber, Forrest Griffin, Nate “Rock” Quarry, Roy “Big Country” Nelson, Mayhem Miller, and a ton of other great fighters on the show, so — as a fan — that’s been amazing. And now that I’ve written my first comic book HEART — about a young, up-and-coming cage fighter named Oren “Rooster” Redmond – I’m hoping to make even more comics. And if I’m lucky, I’ll get to make them with my amazing HEART collaborators, artist Kevin Mellon and letterer “Crank.”