Silas Weir Mitchell is playing Monroe in the new show “Grimm” on NBC. His character is similar to the “big bad wolf” from the Grimm world. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Silas about his role and what we can expect from season one.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with the show “Grimm” playing Monroe?
Silas Weir Mitchell: I had previously worked with Jim Kouf who is one of the creators of the show. He and I had hit it off and we have a great working relationship. They called me in and it was a good fit.

MG: What has been your greatest challenge playing the role?
SWM: The best part for me has been the inner conflict that the character has. He is a reformed criminal and I have to fight against my criminal urges. My character is really trying hard not morph as he is all done with those things.

MG: What has it been like working with the CG and make-up effects?
SWM:  I haven’t had to wear the prosthetics that much. It takes so long to get everything on that they have come up with a way to use both CG and make-up. They have a system that works really well. A lot of the time I just have markers glued to face for the computers to read.

MG: How has it been working with David Giuntoli?
SWM: We have had a great time working together. We are very lucky here as we have fun and everyone gets along. David is perfectly cast for this role. He has charm and a sort of haunting quality which is perfect for his character of Nick. Our relationship in the story is very unique and almost like a chess match. David and I really enjoy that.

MG: What can we expect from the first season?
SWM: In the first few episodes, the writers are definitely hitting the fairy tales that we know. The writers are changing them though. They are using the original stories as a foundation. The episodes are sort of jumping off points as opposed to a re-telling. There is a mythological quality to what is going on without using the humanity.

MG: How does this show compare to your other work?
SWM: It’s different for me as I have been in on this show from the start. I came in on the ground floor. Every other series I have worked on I have come in later in the process. When I did “Prison Break”, I originally was only supposed to do a couple episodes but it worked out to where I was around for awhile. I didn’t come in knowing I was going to be in every episode. With “Grimm” it’s been great knowing that I have steady work. There is also just so much to chew on as the character is very rich.

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Bitsie Tulloch is playing the role of Juliette on NBC’s new series “Grimm”. Her character is the girlfriend of Nick, played by David Giuntoli. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Bitsie about her role in the show and what we can expect from season one.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your role of Juliette Silverton on “Grimm”?
Bitsie Tulloch: I play a veterinarian on the show that is dating lead detective Nick Burckhardt. One of the reasons I was attracted to the role is because of the six regulars on the show that role is not a cop or a monster. I am thinking that with my character being a vet I might be helpful with some of the creatures down the road. Right now they are enjoying coming up with creative ways Nick can lie to me. When I read the script the first time I was shocked at how dark the show is. I knew enough about the original stories to know that the stories were pretty gruesome. I thought the idea to add a crime procedural element to these stories was fantastic. The show is just really smart and how they are reinterpreting these classic stories is great.

MG: Tell us about working with such a great cast including David Giuntoli & Russell Hornsby?
BT: It’s great. I am the only woman on the show who is a series regular. It’s not hard getting out of the bed in the morning. (Laughs) They guys are all great and different from each other. I love it. They all are so sweet. I have never been on a show or movie where everyone is this close.

MG: What has been the most challenging part of working on the show so far?
BT: Having to move to Portland was my biggest challenge originally. Now I think it’s the least challenging as I love the city so much. It’s been pretty amazing shooting up here with the five guys. We all live within about four blocks from each other.

MG: How do you feel that the show stands out from the standard cop procedural?
BT: It’s not your standard cop procedural by any means. One of the things that I think is really cool about the show is the fans that I think will be drawn to this show are the best type of fans. I think there will be a lot of artistic, passionate people watching the show. The turnout at Comic-Con was amazing! There are about eight different genres blended together into this one show. Something like this has not been done before.

MG: Tell us about your film “Caroline and Jackie” with “Grimm” co-star David Giuntoli?
BT: That was a film I actually co-produced. It’s an indie drama about two sisters who relationship is unfolding. The film takes place over the course of one day. We had a period of about six months where David and I weren’t shooting together and when we got back together the chemistry was still there. David plays my boyfriend and his character is really great.

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Reggie Lee is playing Sgt. Wu on NBC’s “Grimm”, which premieres on October 28th.  Reggie is also co-starred in Sam Raimi’s “Drag Me to Hell”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Reggie about his new show and what we can expect from season one.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you tell us about working on the series “Grimm”?
Reggie Lee: It’s going great. We are now filming our third episode and the show is what we call a procedural cop drama that takes fairy tales and drops them on their head. The series is from the creators of “Angel” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. People are expecting this sort of dual world thing. This series is a little darker than the creator’s previous works and leans more to an “X-Files” type theme. The story follows Nick Burckhardt played by David Giuntoli who starts to see people transform into characters from the Grimm fairytales. He is the only one who can see these people transform so it creates an interesting dynamic between him and the other detectives. Everything is an adventure on this show.

MG: What can you tell us about your character?
RL: I play Sgt. Wu and he is basically a smart ass sergeant. The character is a lot of fun and he technically really smart but he also has some great one liners. We find out as the series progresses that he has an addiction problem that is tied to one of the other characters on the show.

MG: What has it been like filming in Portland?
RL:  Portland is unbelievable! It’s just really great! Portland is almost like the 7^th lead character in the show. The landscape really lends to the story. Everything about the city is just great.

MG: What has it been like working with the rest of the cast?
RL: It’s been great. I have known Silas Weir Mitchell for quite awhile and it’s been great being back on a show with him again. David Giuntoli is a fresh new face and he has done really well. We are all on the same level in with our careers so there really isn’t one person who gets more attention than another. We have been really close since the start and I think both of these things have helped the show.

MG: How does this series differ from the others you have been involved in?
RL: This one is different because I have been with it from the ground up. The other shows I have worked on I have joined in the second season or there was a story arc that I was involved in as a reoccurring character. The other great thing about “Grimm” is that they created this character specifically for me after I had auditioned for a different role that I did not get. This character is really fun. I generally always play assholes and this character is nothing of the sort. I have a role in a film coming out Oct. 28 called “Safe” and I love it because I am finally being given characters that are diverse. My previous roles were just killing the guy and have no remorse. These recent roles are more like real life and I get to branch out.

MG: Since the character was created for you were you allowed any creative control?
RL: When you go with a series you almost always do. After an episode or two the writers start to write for your voice. Before I jumped into the project I wanted to know what exactly the character was going to be like. Jim Kouf and David Greenwalt who have been in the business for some time now have not one ounce of ego. They are the most collaborative people along with Sam Raimi that I have ever worked with.

Kate Burton is known for her role of Margo in John Carpenter’s “Big Trouble in Little China”.  Kate is co-starring in NBC’s new show “Grimm”, playing the character Marie.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Kate about working on “Grimm” and also some of her upcoming projects.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some background about your new show “Grimm”
Kate Burton: The story is an updated/modernized version of the Grimm fairy tales. I play Marie, who is the aunt of the main character Nick. Aunt Marie is sick with cancer and she tells Nick that he is a Grimm. Being a Grimm means Nick has supernatural powers which allow him to see things that normal people can’t. I have been in a lot of pilots and this is one of the best I have ever been in. The way the story is told is very gripping and funny. There is a little bit of a “Twin Peaks” feel to it but a little less perverse. My character was originally meant to be killed off in the pilot but it was decided against, so I return for the first episode and I am also going to also be in some dream sequences.

MG: You are currently shooting now correct?
KB: Yes. I just filmed the first episode in August and they have been filming ever since. I think they are going to be shooting 12 episodes plus the pilot. The show has been picked up for the beginning of the season and we will see where it goes from there.

MG: What do you think makes this show stand out and will make people want to watch it?
KB: Anyone who is interested in sci-fi/supernatural stories or magical themes, I think will like this show. I really think the show could take off! There are some really good stories. The Brothers Grimm really knew what they were doing. It’s just an interesting and gripping series.

MG: What was it like working on “2 Days in New York”?
KB: That was really fun as I don’t get to do comedy very much. Julie Delpy is very specific and knows what she wants. I worked for 2 days on the film on some really funny little scenes. Julie is really great and inspiring. The cast on the film is really great and a lot of fun.

MG: Can you tell us about another project of yours titled “Puncture”?
KB: That was a lot of fun. We shot that film in Houston about a year ago. The Kassen brothers were a lot of fun and really nice. It was a very happy experience. I have a wonderful scene with Chris Evans. I wish I was going to be able to go to the premier but I am shooting another television titled “Scandal”?

MG:  What can you tell us about that show?
KB: The show is a mid-season replacement and I am not really sure when it’s going to air. I start shooting later in the week.

MG: Can you tell us about the film “Liberal Arts”?
KB: That’s a great movie that I really love. We shot in Ohio with director/writer/actor Josh Radnor. The film has a great cast which features Zack Efron, Allison Janney, Richard Jenkins and Elizabeth Olsen, who is an up and coming actress. Josh was really great to work with and our location was really great as well.

MG: What can you tell us about working on “Big Trouble in Little China”?
KB: That film is such a cult classic and it was my first movie. Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall and I were the only three white people in that movie [laughs]. Everyone else was Asian and I got to meet practically every Asian actor that was working in Hollywood at the time. We also met a lot of great actors that came over from China to be in the film. John Carpenter was fantastic to work with as he is such a pro. My character was really fun to play. We didn’t know how great the film was as it came out the same day as “Aliens”. The film has really endured and people just love that film. Victor Wong was so funny!

Christopher Moynihan & Dan Fogler are the stars of ABC’s new comedy “Man Up!”, playing the roles of Craig and Kenny (respectively).  Christopher is also the creator and writer on the show.  Dan Fogler is known best for his roles in films like “Balls of Fury” and “Fanboys”.  The show is one of the funniest shows on TV right now easily.  It airs on ABC on Tuesday nights and their second episode is “Star Wars” themed so check it out.  Media Mikes had the chance to chat with Christopher (again) and Dan about the show and what we can expect from their characters.

Mike Gencarelli: You have have been filming for a while now, would you say that you are comfortable with your characters?
Dan Fogler: I think it is growing. Each episode it gets more hysterical and we get more into our skin. As you can tell from the pilot right of the bat it looks like we have been going this for a while. Everyone was really cohesive.  The chemistry from day one was great and we are just having a great time. I think that is going to come through when you watch the show definitely.

MG: You both have love troubles in the pilot, are we going to see any new love interests from your characters?
DF: Yeah!
Chris Moynihan: It is a good question Mike, actually we are going to be seeing quite a few new love interest for me and Dan.  We actually have a new girl for both of us for each episode.  At one point we are dating the girls who work the money and food windows at the local drive-in.  I am dating the first girl and we call her money because she takes out money [laughs].
DF: I date the second girl.  We call her food because she give me my food [laughs].
CM: So every week we have a different set of girls we are going after.
DF: It is like “Three’s Company” in here man.
CM: But…it is like Two’s Company with two more women…like four.
DF: And it all CHRISSIE! [laughs]

MG: Every show has its challenges, what are some of yours for this show?
CM: The truth is from a creative stand point, the only challenge is making something that you like and I think we have done that.  Actually the big challenge is getting people to watch it and getting the network to give it an honest shot.  I think the pilot tracked well, people watched it and hopefully more people will tune it each week.  Hopefully the network will give us a little time while to get our legs.  I have no doubt that we could be a show that people will really dig.
DF: My concerns are that I am hairy like a werewolf. I am really concerned about continuity day to day.  There is a lot of shaving going on.  I think that is going to get weird on my skin after a while.

MG: Dan, what drew you to work on this show?
DF: My wife. She forced me.  No, I loved the show.  I read the script and I thought it was hysterical.  I have been doing a lot of film and I thought it was time for me to break into TV.  I think I picked a winner with this show. I am really excited.  It is my first TV venture and it is really hysterical.  They are really letting me play and I love coming to work.

MG: Tell us about the transition with the character Grant joining your group?
CM: It was tricky thing from a writing stand point.  This is a guy who is sleeping with Kenny’s ex-wife. It was hard bringing him into the group without a little bump. What we did was we had it that Craig and Will really like Grant. He is a good guy.  He is going to be part of the family because Bridgette is going be part of the family because she is the God parent to Will’s kids. That was out way in.  In the second episode, we all sit down to watch “Star Wars” because Grant never has seen it. We figure since he has never seen it, he will watch it and love it and him and Kenny will have something in common. Of course it all goes array.  Our job as writers is to make him part of the group and make it feel organic and natural.  By the third or fourth episode, it is the four of us together and you don’t even question whether Grant should be there.

MG: The promos that you guys have done have been killer, any more plans for those?
CM: We are going to be doing as much as we can.  If you do on YouTube, we have been shooting some fun behind the scenes stuff like Teri Polo naked.  Really if you go on YouTube you can see it. We are trying to get people to watch by lying to them [laughs].  We are going to try to shoot at least one a week and keep posting them and trying to make it go viral.

MG: Any cool guest stars coming up that you want to tell us about?
CM: The big one is Billy Dee Williams.
DF: Yeah, we had Lando come on.  It was awesome. I worked with on “Fanboys”.  We have this sweet scene with him and I together and my God he is one manly space scallywag [laughs] if I have ever seen one.  Working with him was like being on cloud city [laughs].
CM: And Billy does some great dialogue from “Empire Strikes Back”
DF: Yes, there is a lot of “Star Wars” love. So if you are fan…tune it in.

Brad Neely & Daniel Weidenfeld are the guys behind Adult Swim’s new show “China, IL”. Brad is the writer, producer and star of the show and Daniel is the executive producer. The show just started airing on Adult Swim every Sunday, be sure to check it out. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with the guys about the new show and what we can expect.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about the journey for “China, IL” starting as web series to airing on Adult Swim?
Daniel Weidenfeld: I had worked with Brad on the shows at Super Deluxe. We had been talking about doing a four part episode. We wanted to do a television show however Super Deluxe wanted it to be a web series. We had this super complex story where we had a  four part show but in each part there were three acts. It was a very confusing. About a year and a half later, Adult Swim came to Brad about doing the show. I came on a short time after. Together we did a pilot titled “Professor Brothers”. The show ended up being picked up for series and Adult Swim wanted to develop it further. We made the show more about the world and added pupils to the characters which gave them a little more life. We also changed the name to “China, IL” and that’s where we are today.

MG: Brad, you not only write and produce the show but also voice the main character, How do you juggle those roles?
Brad Neely: It’s fun! You have to just put on different hats. Of course it’s not all just me either. While I am in doing voicing, Daniel is on the other side of the glass directing me. We have a lot of people working on the show that have editorial input.
DW: The crew here adds a lot to each frame of the show. It’s really great and we are very lucky.

MG: How did you get involved with Titmouse and Tommy Blanca who voiced the Mayor?
DW: Shannon and Chris (Prynoski) have been friends for a long time. They have done a lot of work with Adult Swim. There was a time when it looked like the show was going to be picked up just based on the written scripts. They were the first people we called.
BN: They were actually the first people I ever met with. I couldn’t imagine doing the show elsewhere. They presented a studio that had a booth in house. They were also able to do revisions and pickups on the fly. We were able to make everything run like a well oiled machine.
DW: With Tommy for the episode “Dean vs. Mayor” we had initially wanted to get Macho Man Randy Savage to go head to head with Hulk Hogan. However we couldn’t find him at the time and that was prior to him passing away. The next person we called was Tommy who used to be the head writer for the WWE. We knew he could bring that spirit to the episode. The voice he brought killed it! You’re going to be seeing a little bit more of the Mayor in the future.

MG: Tell us how Hulk Hogan came aboard to voice The Dean?
DW: It was tricky but we got him. We had to appeal to him in a way where it wasn’t about the money. He cares about doing awesome stuff! We sent him the script and he told us it was the weirdest thing he had ever seen in his life and  he wanted to be a part of it. It took some massaging and to this day we are still massaging.
BN: He has a comedy personality in him. He doesn’t just come in and do his lines. Hulk is a funny performer.

MG: Any other guest voices to keep an eye out for this season?
DW: Oh yeah!
BN: One of our favorite things about the show is the voice talent. We have Jason Alexander doing a voice in episode four.  We have Jeffery Tambor playing Baby Cakes’ dad.
DW: We also have Natasha Leggero and Chelsea Peretti doing voices. We are trying to stack the deck as much as we can. It’s been awesome!

MG: How long does each episode take from script to screen?
BN: It’s different with each as the writing process is unique for each episode.
DW: We started production in October of 2010.
BN: Right now we are finishing the tenth episode. While everyone is working on the first episodes we are writing the second half.

Rachel Federoff is known best for working with Patti Stanger at her The Millionaire Club and the reality series “The Millionaire Matchmaker”.  Rachel is married to Destin Pfaff, who is the COO of The Millionaire Club and also writer and producer of upcoming film “Sushi Girl”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Rachel about working with Patti Stanger and also what else she has planned.

Mike Gencarelli Did you have a role in helping your husband, Destin Pfaff on his upcoming film “Sushi Girl”
Rachel Federoff: I did a little bit. I was originally going to do a lot of the make-up on it but I didn’t get to do that much because our son was really sick. I was at home taking care of the little guy. I did write some fun little extras that I am hoping will be put on the DVD. It will be my writing debut because I am also a writer. Destin and I are like the Jack and Jill of all trades. What do we not do? We do everything [laughs]. That was my little addition to the film but my biggest part though of “Sushi Girl” is just being a supporter for them. I will be helping in any way I can. It is an AMAZING movie. It is awesome and no words can describe it.

MG: Tell us how you became involved with Patti Stanger, The Millionaire Club and “The Millionaire Matchmaker”?
RF: Well at the time I was dating Destin Pfaff, who was already working for with Patti at The Millionaire Club. I was really interested in matching couples and when I finally met Patti, she said I should come on board. At first Destin thought it was a terrible idea but it would be great as did Patti.I had already been doing some matching on the side with my friends, so it was something I really enjoyed. She gave me a board and I learned how to match for the club and eventually I became the VP of Matching. I really love it.

MG: What is the hardest part on your job as the VP of Matching?
RF: The hardest part is probably taking care of the girls that cause trouble. Sometimes we are left with girls who needs us to play mommy for them. We have strict rules in our club and all we ask is that people follow them. Some people just do not follow the rules and need to be taken care of. Patti is great though she just tells it like it is. We are not trying to be mean to some girls. We are honestly trying to help them and

MG: What is one of the biggest perks getting to work on “The Millionaire Matchmaker”
RF: The best for me is the end result and the success stories. I love when we have couples come back saying that they decided to take it to the next level and/or continue dating. That is really why I enjoy doing this. The show does show some of that but reality TV works better when you have more drama then happy endings. But we do get quite a few of the success stories and that is my favorite part.

MG: After co-starring in the show, do you actually watch the show when it airs?
RF: Oh yeah, we watch it all the time. Destin and I also blog about it on the Bravo website. We watch them and blog and also have been doing live tweeting during episode which has been really awesome. It is almost like a chat room. People can do to our twitters which is @RachelFederoff and watch the show with us. We talk smack on the show, the characters and ourselves. We answer peoples questions and it is really a lot of fun.

MG: Tell us about the PSA you recently did for mylifemypower.org and SFK (Success For Kids)?
RF: Being a mom now and a child and a victim of bullying pretty much my entire life, it is really crazy intense and horrible bullying has become. It went from me being followed home and threatened and now people are being beat up until they are dying or in the hospital. It is really horrible. It goes back to me being a people person. I am such an advocate for the gay and lesbian community and anti-bullying. I am a big supporter for the organization that help fight cancer for kids and illnesses. I have a child and God forbid something happens to him, I wouldn’t know what I would do. I think it is really important to help kids and let kids know that you are not alone especially with the bullying. I think it is a big deal. I think it is awesome that I can use my celebrity status to really promote it. It is a really important thing for me.

MG: Tell us about your role in “Deader Living Through Chemistry”?
RF: Well I was in it when we did the short for George Romero’s film “Diary of the Dead”. We are looking into making the short into the feature. Besides being on a reality show and a matchmaker…acting has always been a huge passion of mine. Ever since I was little I was always a ham and putting on shows. “Deader Living” was my first taste and getting my feet wet. I was in that short before even “The Millionaire Matchmaker”. I love making movies and I love being in them. I love all the aspects from zombies to comedies to whatever. The short was fun. George Romero had the contest…we entered and won first place. So it is on the DVD for the film. We want to make it into a full length because it is such a cool idea.

Preston Strother is currently appear in the Hallmark Channel film “Oliver’s Ghost”.  He also recently voiced a character on “Batman: Brave and the Bold”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Preston about his new film as well as what he has planned upcoming.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some background on role as Tony in “Oliver’s Ghost”?
Preston Strother: I play the bully who picks on Oliver. Oliver is a kid that moves into a haunted house near Halloween. I play the ghost who lives in the attic. At first I try to scare Oliver and his family away but we become friends and I end up helping him solve problems.

MG: What did you like most about working on the film?
PS: It was a tone of fun. We shot it in California and I met a lot of good people. I filmed for a week and it was really great?

MG: When can we expect to see the film?
PS: The film is going to be shown on the Hallmark channel on October 22nd.

MG: How did you get involved with the game show “Brain Surge”?
PS: That was a show where they get a bunch of kids together and compete for a bunch of different prizes. I didn’t quite make it to the final round sadly.

MG: How did you enjoy doing voice work on “Batman: Brave and the Bold”?
PS: That was one of the best times I have ever had filming. I play Aquaman’s son. Everyone there has the coolest voice. It was a blast!

MG: What are your other passions outside of acting?
PS: I like to draw, play guitar and football.

Hayley Holmes is known best for her role of Harper on “90210”.  This year she also recently appear in the film “Rubber” and the web series “The Guild”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Halely about her roles and also what she has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about experience working on “The Guild”?
Hayley Holmes: My manager submitted my reel for the audition. I love “The Guild”, I have been watching it since season one. I am huge fan of Felicia Day. When I had the opportunity to audition for it I was very thrilled. I was lucky to book the role and I got to meet everyone on set and it was all very exciting.

MG: How was it working with such a fun cast?
HH: It was amazing working on it. They are such great comedians. A lot of them also do writing as well. Every time you are on set someone is cracking a joke or coming up with a funny one-liner. It was just a great group of people.

MG: How did you become involved with the film “Rubber”? and what did you think about the film?
HH: Before I even auditioned I read the script for that and I thought it was such an interesting idea for a movie. It is something that has totally never been done. It was completed different from anything I have ever done. I was a fan of the director Quentin Dupieux and have seen his other work. I thought if anyone could do it Quentin could. When I was able to come on it was great. We filmed in Palmdale in the desert. We were almost living the circumstance that were in the film.

MG: You appeared on the show “90210”, how was working on that show? Any plans for this season?
HH: They just started filming season four but there are definitely plenty of options for my character Harper to come back. She likes to stir the pot with the other characters. It was so much fun and I love playing her. She is such a type-a nerdy person and I am so not that girl, so it was very fun to get on everyone nerves and push the envelope. Everyone on the set was so cool, laid back and fun. It was nice to see that coming from such a hit show.

MG: From teen to tween, how was it working on Disney Channel show “Good Luck Charlie”?
HH: It was great and such a different dynamic. The vibe is just so friendly and everyone is hanging out and having fun. It is also cool because you get to film in front of a live audience. It is almost like theater.

MG: Tell us about your work as a contortionist?
HH: Oh yeah. My mom enrolled me into gymnastics when I was 3. I started liking it. I would do backbends and my teacher told me it was amazing. I started to build upon it and practice and working the flexibility in my back. My parents didn’t think it was a skill that anyone would ever utilize but I have use it so much in so many different projects so far. It has been really cool.

MG: What else do you have planned next?
HH: I also recently learned that this McDonald’s commercial I was in was up for an Emmy this year, so that is really exciting. I am currently out auditioning and trying to get a TV show to work on and along those lines.

Mather Zickel is starring in ABC’s new comedy series “Man Up!”, along with Christopher Moynihan and Dan Fogler.  The show is one of the funniest new shows on television.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Mather about his new show and what we can expect from season one.

Mike Gencarelli: What do you like most about playing Will Keen in “Man Up”?
Mather Zickel: I like the character because I think he is a decent honest guy. I like playing a guy with the struggles that he has. He is someone that likes the life he created. He works hard and I think he is just a responsible honest guy. I think the character doesn’t feel that he is a man in the more traditional sense. I think he has some lingering insecurity about himself. I think he is a guy caught between generations in a funny way.

MG: It looks like the show is a lot of fun to shoot, tell us about the production?
MZ: We have shot about seven episodes so far and we are about half through this shooting block. I have been very impressed with the scripts and I think they are very funny. I think they always take a premise for each episode that is very germane to the show and to the idea of the show. I think they are very relatable and share a common place but then think the writers expand on it in a very silly way. I think the jokes are just great. Every script takes a turn that I never see coming…which I like.

MG: We spoke with Amanda Detmer and she said the woman rule on the show [laughs], any comment?
MZ: [Laughs] Well I guess they think they do [laughs]. The thing that I love about all of the characters, both men and women, they are both always trying to get away with something. All of the characters have their weaknesses and all of the characters mess up. Everyone is vulnerable and everything it puts themselves inthese silly situations. Teri (Polo) and Amanda are very funny on the show. I think they calls the shots often but they then will get busted doing other stuff. It all comes around full circle. The thing I like most about my relationship with Teri s that I think the characters still love each other and they are a team. I think they like their lives together and they both kind of jockey in the position of who is calling the shots. I think that Will has to often pick his battles and  ask himself [laughs] “Is this worth sleeping on the couch or not?” I think they do sling stuff back and forth in a fun way. They are a real team.

MG: Since Christopher Moynihan created and stars in the show, do you guys have a lot of room for ad libbing?
MZ: No we don’t ad lib, if we do it is very little. It is very tightly scripted and we are kept to the page.

MG: What has been your favorite episode to shoot so far in season one?
MZ: Actually yes there is. There is one we just did [laughs]. I think it is called “Disciplining The Keens”, which I particularly liked. The premise is that our son is not showing up for his science club and I am upset because I think he doesn’t have a discipline to stick with something. If it was my father he would never let me quit something and would be on my ass. The truth is that we discover he has an allergy to gluten and he is actually getting stomach aches. The doctor tells him he has to quit gluten and I tell him it is all about will power and the whole family is going to go off gluten. I have no idea what gluten is or how many things it is in. Within days everyone is starving and going crazy. It is this whole episode about how the whole family is cheating trying to find ways [laughs] to get away with eating gluten. I think it is a very funny episode.

MG: How do you feel this comedy will stand out amongst other comedies on TV?
MZ: I think it is strike a good balance between something that feels naturalist, relatable and very silly. I think it is a very funny show and the jokes are really strong. I find all the characters very appealing. I have seen some of it and I think it looks like our director of photography did a really nice job. The lighting also feels natural and layered. I think it is going to be really easy and fun to watch.

MG: How did you get involved with playing Louis La Fonda in “Children’s Hospital” reprising from the movie “The Ten”?
MZ: [laughs] Yeah, Louis La Fonda. He came from “The Ten”, which was written by David Wain and Ken Marino. Marino is a regular on “Children’s Hospital” and David is a director and producer on “Children’s Hospital”. David loves just bringing characters back even when it totally doesn’t make sense. He created this bizarre universe with repeated characters and that is what happened with Louis La Fonda. I have have two episodes now and he just does what he does.

Amanda Detmer is playing Bridget in new comedy TV series “Man Up!”. This show is easily one of the funniest new shows on TV this Fall. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Amanda about her role in the show and what we can expect from season one.

Mike Gencarelli: What do you like most about playing the role of Bridget in “Man Up!”?
Amanda Detmer: Bridget is funny and quick witted. Dan Fogler, who plays my ex-husband on the show, has a very similar sense of humor as me.  When you see us on the show you can totally see why they were married but at the same time you can see why they got divorced. Henry Simmons is the most serene person I have ever been around. I think he is going to win an Emmy. Every time he finishes a scene I am always laughing and he asks me why and I tell him “Because you’re so frickin funny!” Terry Polo is really great to work with and I am looking forward to our first fight on the show [laughs].

MG: You start to see some relationship drama between Kenny and Grant. Can we expect more of that throughout the season?
AD: It takes some twists and turns for sure! At first the guys aren’t really sure what to think of Grant.  He ends up being so endearing that as the season progresses you see the other guys try to get Kenny to see that Grant is not that bad. It’s total man drama! [laughs]. It’s man love gone awry.

MG: What’s it like being one of the female co-stars in a man led show?
AD: You just wait! The women will rise. The guys think it’s always about them but I am just waiting for them to realize that’s totally not the case [laughs].

MG: Will the guys getting in trouble be a common theme throughout the season?
AD: There are many situations that the guys get themselves into it. This group of actors have all done other work and had some success are still coming into the project as people you haven’t met yet in a way. Each character is so distinct and different. Chris and the team of writers are so great! They really write for the characters rather than just writing something that as actors and actresses have to make work. It’s so fun which is what it’s supposed to be.

MG: Have you had a favorite moment from shooting yet?
AD: There was a scenario that didn’t get cleared by the network where Chris Moynihan is singing to a group of women. He wrote a certain song so he could get a reaction from them. The song spelled out vagina and I was like what are you doing singing a song like that! I didn’t know that he was going to sing to this group of lesbians. (Laughs) I just lost it. There was also a great scene with my character and Kenny where you see just a glimpse of them getting along.

MG: How do you feel this show stands out from other comedies on television right now?
AD: I think we are people who get to be introduced as our characters as opposed to being known from a previous role. I think it’s hard sometimes for people to see an actor or actress outside of previously popular role and who are now playing a different role. We are sort of being introduced and we haven’t really been known to well as anyone else. The show is genuinely funny and you just can’t help but laugh. I love that I get a bird’s eye into the guy’s world.

Melissa Cowan is known best for her role of the Bicycle Girl zombie in season one of “The Walking Dead”.  Melissa became the poster girl for season one and her zombie is put on the same shelf as the greats. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Melissa about the role and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you come to get the role of the Bicycle Girl zombie in “The Walking Dead”?
Melissa Cowan: I had been doing a lot of work for a casting company here in Atlanta.  They just randomly called me one day looking for pictures from me.  I sent the pics and two weeks later I got a called that Frank Darabont wanted me to come in and do an audition.  It pretty much took off from there.  At the time I didn’t know what it was for or what the role was about?

MG: Can you believe that with only one episode your character has had such an effect?
MC: It was something I wasn’t expecting but it is very exciting.  It is also somewhat of any honor that out of all the zombies on the show, they choose me.  The zombie that I did became the poster child for the show.  It became an iconic zombie and compared to Bill Heinzman from “Night of the Living Dead” and other classic zombies.  It is an honor and a blessing.

MG: Tell us about working with Greg Nicotero and Frank Darabont?
MC: I met Greg went I flew out to LA for the last casting process.  Greg is a good guy and he has a good vision.  He knows what he wants and knows how to do it.  I think the fact I got to work with Greg and Frank Darabont in the same project was mind blowing.  It was very cool.

MG: Tell us about the makeup process for that role?
MC: The actually day we filmed it took probably 4-4 1/2 hours and 2 1/2 to take it off.  I had a lot of people asking how did I sit there for that long?  You have anywhere from 2 to 7 people working on you, so we were just having fun with it.  It didn’t seem long at all.

MG: What did you think when you first saw yourself in full costume?
MC: I was like a child at Christmas when you got that giddy feeling.  It was like that.  I have this visual in my head of what I thought it was going to look like was nothing like it ended up.  You really can’t put words on it, you just stare and ask “Is that really me?”  That is when I realized that it was going to be more than just another role.

MG: How was it working on various episodes of “The Vampire Diaries”?
MC: I originally started doing full time extra work for the show.  Towards the end of the first season the casting director called and said we have some vampire roles coming up.  So I went in and did an audition and they hired me on the spot to be a vampire.  I was one of the tomb vampires and I was also another vampire later in the season when they go into the vampire house.  It was so dark and cloudy that you can’t really see me.  I am hopefully that when they are filming the third season that there is some opportunity for me to come back and have a bigger role.

MG: What else do you have planned upcoming?
MC: I got some other films I actually can’t talk about yet.  There are two guys from Orange County Choppers that are creating a clothing line called Rotten Layer and it is all zombie related.  I will be one of the head models for that.  That is pretty cool.

Darth Maul returns to the Star Wars Saga this spring!

Darth Maul, the sinister Sith Lord who amped up the dark side in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, returns to the Saga this spring in Star Wars: The Clone Wars!

Revered by fans for his striking red and black tattooed-face, graceful but lethal fighting style, and signature double-bladed lightsaber, Maul was believed killed by Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi at the end of Episode I. In the Star Wars universe, however, one must never underestimate the power of the dark side!

“The decision to continue Darth Maul’s story was something that came directly from George,” says Dave Filoni, Supervising Director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “We all agreed that his return needed to be unique, unexpected and revenge filled. We don’t know what his outcome will be, and as a fan – that’s exciting.”

While fans await Darth Maul’s return to The Clone Wars, they’ll soon be able to experience the excitement of his original introduction to the Star Wars Saga when Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace is released in theaters on February 10, 2012 in spectacular 3D!

The trailer for Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace in 3D will be attached to The Three Musketeers on October 21^st and on select films throughout the holidays.

Tristan Wilds is known best for his role of Dixon in “90210”. With the show entering it’s fourth season, Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Tristan about his role and what to expect from this season.

Mike Gencarelli: Leading into season 4 what has been your biggest challenge playing the role of Dixon?
Tristan Wilds: I think the biggest challenge now would probably be showing the growth. I think people get used to seeing a certain thing every year and, sometimes they forget that as human beings we are supposed to change and grow. For me showing how Dixon has grown from the likeable high school kid to a young adult who has made some problems has been definitely the biggest challenge.

MG: How do you feel that this season in general stands out from the past 4?
TW: From a character stand point I really like it. You get to see a different dynamic of the Dixon character. In the previous seasons, Dixon was always the clean cut kid but this season you get to see him in an element we are not used to.

MG: What will be the main issue with Dixon this season?
TW: I think there is going to be a couple pinnacle points for Dixon this season. Probably the biggest one will be the pressure that has been put on him to make his music work. Dixon is going to try and prove to everyone why he chose not to go to college. With that will come many different issues.

MG: Will there be any love interests that we can be watching for?
TW: So far I think there is going to be one. It’s going to get a little steamy so everyone will have to be watching.

MG: After working on a season of “90210” do you find yourself watching the episodes each week?
TW: Yes. I always do. I am a very tough critic about myself. I am always looking at how I can better my performance and my craft. I am constantly taking notes on how I might be able to do something in an upcoming episode. I’m a work in progress and by watching the stuff I am in help me get better.

MG: What are your interests outside of the show?
TW: I am doing music as well which is pretty funny since they chose to make Dixon get into that also.

MG: Can you tell us about any of your projects?
TW: I am working on an EP which I hope to release before the end of the year. I plan to have a full album release sometime next year.

MG: Can you give us some background on your role in “Red Tails”?
TW: My characters name is Junior. He is the youngest guy in the group and he is really trying to be looked at as a man. It’s going to be a really great film!

MG: How does working on “Red Tails” compare to your work on “90210”?
TW: It’s definitely different. “90210” is kind of like school. We are all friends and a very tight knit group. For me it’s all about the dynamics and the relationship aspect. “Red Tails” was like a fraternity. No one could mess with someone in that group without the rest of us being right there.

MG: Being involved in music, television and movies is there one you like the most?
TW: For a long time I thought it would be music. However a couple years back I found myself being just as excited about watch the Emmy’s and the Academy Awards as I was to watch the Grammys. It just hit me that nothing could come between me and acting. Both are a huge part of my life.

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Ashley Madekwe is co-starring in ABC”s new hit show “Revenge”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Ashley about her new show, what to expect and also her upcoming film “Victim”.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your new TV series “Revenge”?
Ashley Madekwe: “Revenge” is a juicy drama set in the Hamptons. It follows the story of Emily Thorne who returns to get revenge on the people who wronged her father. It really reminds of the big soaps from the 80’s. Lots of drama!

MG: What do you like most about playing Ashley Davenport?
AM: Ashley acts as almost a narrator for the audience. Especially in the early episodes. She knows everyone and all their secrets.

MG: The show is loosely based on “The Count of Monte Cristo”, how do you feel it stands out from other shows?
AM: “Revenge” is a true prime time soap and it makes no apologies for that. We relish in the drama and it gets juicier with each episode!

MG: Tell us about the production so far for the show? How episode have you shot? Where is shooting happening?
AM: We’re just about to start shooting episode eight and so far we’ve had a big party or social event in each episode. I love these scenes because it’s a chance for a lot of the cast to be together at once. Those scenes start to feel like real parties.

MG: Did you enjoy working in the horror genre for “Bedlam”?
AM: I loved working on “Bedlam”. It’s fun to create the suspense of horror for the audience. I loved all the stunts. I don’t want to spoil the story for you but I have a great fire stunt towards the end of the season.

MG: How was it working with Billie Piper on “The Secret Diary of a Call Girl”?
AM: Billie is a fantastic actress so it was always a joy to go to work and film with her.

MG: Tell us about your upcoming film “Victim”?
AM: “Victim” was written by two friends of mine. The second I finished reading the script I knew I wanted to be involved. Its a really touching story about people escaping their circumstances, love and betrayal. We shot the entire thing on location in London which is my home town so it was a real treat for me.

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