My Berlin Trip
May. 11th, 2004 01:04 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
estepheiaThis is as much an entry for myself to nail down the memories (because my brain often acts like a sieve) and an entry for friends who are interested in my RL. And there is some fannish JM and Ghost of the Robot related stuff too, then there are two reviews of movies I've seen while in Berlin, namely Van Helsing and Kill Bill 2. I will therefore use lots of cuttags.
The drive to Berlin was uneventful. L met me at a suitable S-Bahn stop, so I couldn't get lost. L's place is really nice, particularly because the floor wasn't littered with toys and dirty clothes. Heee. L. and I took the S-Bahn to meet![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
the_resa_ii aka Tracy at one of Berlin's Starbucks where I had my first White Chocolate Mocha with cream, ever. That drink is a "Plombenzieher" as we say in Germany, so sweet it destroys your fillings. Of course I loved it because unlike many Germans I am so not a coffee connoisseur. Tracy looked fabulous as always. Because she is translating a Berlin travel guide she knows the city very well. She was able to steer us towards an Indian restaurant. Indian food, yum. The spinach tasted a tad bitter, but the rest was yummie. I love Indian food so this already sent me to a happy place. Afterwards we rushed back to Starbucks to briefly meet isarobogirl and a bunch of other Gotr fans from the GotR boards. The whole GotR cavalcade marched off to find dinner, while L and I stayed to wait for blondegirlchris and her bf T. More chatting and catching up ensued.
The four of us decided to see Van Helsing and took the S-Bahn to a movie theatre that showed the original version. Since there was enough time for a few drinks I had my first Desperados. I am embarrassed to say, here I am, 40 years of age, and I never had a Desperados until now. For those as ignorant as I was: it's a beer with tequila aroma and slightly more alcohol that gets served in the bottle with a wedge of lemon or lime. Yum.
Anyway, Van Helsing: Did I expect it to be good? Not really. I loved the theatrical trailer and the featurette, but they also reminded me of the way League of Extraordinary Gentleman had looked good in theory and sucked dead toads when I actually saw it. Is Van Helsing good? Not by a mile. Was I entertained? Definitely - but I was biased. Hey, I was taking a few days off from the family, of course I was feeling happy and kindly disposed. I could bitch about how there's a pretty decent movie buried underneath superfluous special effects that's screaming to get out, but hey, that doesn't come as a great surprise now, does it? The effects are good, Dracula is pretty (but his accent sucks). the brides are gorgeously voluptuous, the architecture is impressive, Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale are veritable eye candy, Whatsisname, the guy who played Faramir in LotR is great comic relief, there are amusing allusions to other movies, some great fight scenes and clever ideas. There is also predictable dialogue, a dull story line and the unforgivable fact that they swap the Vlad Tepes myth for a new myth. The special effects are gratuitous and whenever two characters talk the writers get scared the audience might get bored and hurry towards the next silly action scene. Don't expect the movie to make sense. Just buy some pop orn, tune down your IQ, lean back and enjoy the whole action palooza for what it is: a dumb blond - worth a fling but not much more.
Anyway, Saturday was the big day of the concert. Early in the morniing the truly devoted GotR fans took up their positions outside Huxley's (the place where the gig was taking place). Meanwhile, yours truly slept long and well. At 2 pm L and I arrived at the Sony Center to find a red carpet and Wolfgang Petersen's Trojan Horse - preparations for the premiere were in full swing. L and I went to see Kill Bill 2. You guys in the states have seen it already, but in Germany the movie has only been out for a few weeks.
IMHO KB2 is much better than KB1 - finally Tarantino gives us some backstory instead of minced meat. While I have yet to understand why anyone finds Uma Thurman attractive I certainly thought she acted well in KB. But my fawning goes to David Carradine. This may age me but I adored him in the original Kung Fu series (and the TV thingie with Brandon Lee) and greatly admired him in Ingmar Bergman's chilling movie The Serpent's Egg. I was utterly pleased when I heard that Tarantino had given him a part in his movie. I love it when old actors I adore get a meaty role from capable directors (like Christopher Lee as Saruman and his role as Count Dooku). So, is KB2 any good? Oh yeah, definitely. Michael Madson is awesome. Tarantino gets such great acing out of the ensmble, the movie is a real treat. Does it still celebrate vioence? Yup, and part of me thinks that's not such a good thing, but I can't help it: I loved the movie.
After the movie L treated me to sushi. Mmmmmm. There is no surer way into my heart than to take me to movies and feed me well. Some of the rolls were odd, more savory than what I am used to but so mmmmmmm. And I had my first taste of kimchi, some Korean chili-pickled cabbage dish. Hot but yummie.
But you're not interested in that, you're dying to know what the Ghost of the Robot concert was like, right? Bear with me, I'm getting there....
I arrived two hours early, queued for about ten minutes, then dicided I was too old for this shit. The queue was pretty long, most people, including me, dressed in either black or red. I had a spare ticket and decided to sell it, so I asked an official looking lady with a GotR t-shirt if the concert was sold out. No, she told me. Did I want a ticket. No, quoth I, I want to sell one. the lady kindly gave me the tip to try the end of the queue where I should catch potential buyers before they reached her. I thought that was very kind of her. I tried to sell the ticket... without success. Like I said, I felt too old for this kind of crap, so I sat down in the outside seating area of an American bar there and pondered drinks.blondegirlchris and T arrived shortly afterwards. I had a Pina Colada and we amiably watched the queue move at a snail's pace. BTW, Chris managed to sell the ticket in no time. I guess I am not a salesperson. At. All.
About ten minutes before the venue Chris, T and I decided to join the crowd. The Huxley's was not a bad place. From what I heard later about 1050 tickets were sold. The room could have held about 400 more people, but I thought it was nice that it wasn't too packed. I did not try to get to the front, I ended up in the middle section - but still able to breathe. In front of me people were happily jumping up and down. My own enthusiasm was a little less pronounced. IMHO their songs still suck. I can happily sing along to David Letterman - but that doesn't make it good music. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by James's voice. He has improved greatly. He was consistently on key. So, no bleeding ears this time. But Charly? Can't sing and therefore shouldn't. James sucked lots of lollies, sometimes splashed water into the audience and visibly had a ball. His good mood was infectuous. He is a great front man! And he looked abso-fucking-lutely gorgeous!!! The sound? So so. Better than last time, I guess. The new drummer sounded good to my admittedly incompetent ears.
After the concert? Drinks with Chris and T. Then back to L - who had been to Peter Gabriel's concert while I enjoyed the GotR gig. (Incidentally, Peter Gabriel played for 160 minutes, GotR for 80).
Registration was supposed to take place at 12.30 - at least for the lower numbers but of course most people had arrived early. The lobby was packed. Too packed to allow for a smooth registration. I won't dwell on the organisiation. They were friendly and tried very hard to accomodate both James and the eager crowd - not an easy job. People were given access into the main hall where vids and clips from TV shows were projected on a screen. We were a bit restless because we were supposed to meetdrcoulter but we didn't know what she looked like. Luckily she recognized me, so soon the quartet was complete.
The signing started right away. When I stood in front of James I was dumbstruck. I was also struck deaf and stupid because my brain just blanked for a moment. Tracy said later that James muttered something like "so you're here too" or something like that. I just stared. Then stammered something about how you wait for this moment and when it happens you are too tongue-tied to say anything. James laughed at that (I think). I recovered and tapped on the photograph he was signing (the Tampa pic from my icon) and told him I'd taken it in Florida and if he wanted a copy. He nodded, made appreciative noises. I got the photo out, handed it to him and was then herded away. Guh. He is such a gorgous man. Close up he looks normal enough to be almost accessible. He feels very real, like a person. Not glamorous at all. Just very very nice. And gorgeous. Guh. BTW, since Tracy is not one for autographs, my booty consists of three autographs. Yay.
I can't say I was very interested in the band or their musical roots. I was interested in the dynamics on stage. James is definitely an ensemble man, not pushing the others in the background but elevating a bunch of inexperienced (and frankly quite boring youngsters) to almost celebrity level. Charly seems to be quit full of himself. He likes the attention. Steve seems self-confident in a more unobtrusive way. The rest? *shrug* The band made several jokes about David Hasselhoff - to the audience's great delight. They explained that they won't make any more rap songs (there's one on the new maxi CD - but only as a joke, still, I kinda like it *facepalms*). Someone asked about a video. The band said that videos are commercials and that without a record contract there's no chance to get it aired even if it's maded. A lady in the audience suggested retail of the video via GotR promotions, whereupon the band made appreciative pondering noises. Words like "rockumentary" were uttered.
After the band Q&A the movie Chance was shown. Drcoulter and Tracy and I left to grab a cuppa coffee. Blah blah, fanfic blah blah band. Fun was had. :-)
James wore black in black, sucked lollies throughout. Participants had to submit their questions a few days early and when we arrived for registration we were given a piece of paper with our question on it. Initially I did not like this lack of spontaneity, but in retrospect I have to say it worked very well. No dumb questions like "would you like to read my fanfic"...
Anyway, those with permission to ask a question were requred to kneel or crouch in one of the aisles so as not to obstruct people's LOS. So, I was crouching in that aisle, clutching my slip of paper, when a lady said to me:
"Say, are you a writer?"
me: "huh? Uh, yeah."
lady: "Are you Estepheia?"
me (stunned): "Yeah, but how do you know????"
lady: "I'm a friend ofdrinkthepoisonx and she showed me your picture."
We talked a bit more, but I won't bore you with the details. Let's just say I was tickled pink! (In case you read this, M, I hope you got home safely.)
So, what was my question? Here goes:
James, you have already recorded two audio books, namely the first two Harry Dresden novels by Jim Butcher. Are there any plans of you making a third? Also, since a TV series based on Butcher's books has been greenlighted, is there a chance that you will play the lead in that series?
Even as I was still speaking the audience whooped out loud, and James nodded his head vigorously. He looked really pleased. I took his nodding to mean 'yes, he'd do another audiobook if asked' and then he said something like "yeah, Jim Butcher really wants me" (maybe it was just me, but I thought James looked very flattered about that fact). He also said that Nick Cage will produce and make all the decisions (as opposed to Butcher). He said it's the kind of role he can see himself doing (or something like that) and that he wants to audition for it. But no, nobody has approached him yet.
Asked what historical person he'd like to meet and talk to, James answered: Gandhi and Martin Luther King.
Which actress would he like to kiss on film? Meryl Streep. James said he's a big fan of hers. The list of actresses that talented is pretty short. He definitely wouldn't want Jennifer Lopez. Heee.
What about a Buffy movie? According to James it all depends on SMG. If she agrees then the film will be made. But, "in all honesty" James thinks she shouldn't - not at this time, anyway.
What about playing a gay man kissing another man? James said that should the project come round again he*d still be interested. He spoiled the end of the film though when summing up the story of his character. He still thinks it's a great role. He also stated that he has no problem whatsoever with gay love. (I don*t remember his exact words, but he was pretty emphatic, I thought).
He talked about the hawaii shirt incident, and about how embarrassing it is to be naked when all the others are dressed... the usual.
He said when he auditioned for the role of Spike he was in a relationship that made him feel sexy - and that's what he tapped into during the audition.
James has no immideate projects waiting for him when he gets home. Developing movies and shows takes time and he only finished shooting Angel two weeks ago. But he is confident he will get work. Apparently people mentioned wanting to have him. Maybe some guest spots here and there? He mentioned the Spike TV movie (the concept was greeted with great enthusiasm by the crowd) and that he'd like to do it in the next 5 years because he is aging. He mentioned Steve deKnight as a potential producer and writer. James seemed really happy about the whole idea. A bit like 'a movie all about me???' - At least that was the vibe that I picked up. If there*s one thing that stood out it's James' unbridled enthusiasm. And I think he liked the questions asked (nobody brought up the dreaded r-word, thank god).
Of course he gave us the Spike is not a nice man - mantra again. But he was clearly referring to early Spike. It started with a girl asking what method acting meant when palying a vampire. Did he visit graveyards at night? - James replied he starved himself. Talked about the hunger for affection and that he turned into a loner, that he barely talked to people, because the character was isolated too. James also said at one point that in order to play Spike he had to tap into a part of him that thinks that hurting people is fun. Normally you learn that doing evil things has repercussions, consequences that cannot be undone. To play Spike he had to unlearn that and go back to a part of him that's capable of hurting someone. He said that there's an angry base line to Spike.
James thinks that Spike is partly based on him in the later episodes. The early scripts were written without a particular actor in mind but later they used parts of him. He quoted an exchange with Marti Noxon, how ME leave him too exposed (sorry my memory gets hazy here) . He didn*t really agree with wussy William at first, because it reminded him too much of his own wussy past. James claims he likes being the cool guy.
That's about all I can remember right now. If I find a good transscript I will link to it.
The Q&A lasted approximately an hour. It was entertaining and enlightening. I feel so utterly sorry forthe_resa_ii who for professional reasons had to leave shortly before the Q&A began. She missed a great Q&A. James is such a crowd pleaser, it's actually quite amazing. Plus he's gorgeous.
One amusing thing happened to me after the event had finished. I walked over to the lady who was the head of organisation to say goodbye (I'd run into her a few times during the day) and when she asked if I was coming to London I had to decline but mentioned Vegas in passing. And she asked me if I were a writer. Yeah, I said, surprised. 'What handle are you writing under?' - 'Estepheia' sez I. That earned me an excited squeal and a hug and she gushed that she really likes my fic. Heee. So I asked (because I couldn*t resist):' which ones - het or slash?' Answer: 'Oh, the slash,' Heee. *preens*
Anyway,drcoulter and I drove to L and then the three of us went to an Irish Pub where yours truly had a few Baileys (mmmm!). We gossiped and talked for a few more hours. Later L and I watched American Pie 3 on DVD (gross but funny).
This morning I wandered up and down Kurfürstendamm, then bought a few gifts for the kids.blondgirlchris and T gave me a ride back to Braunschweig. Thus ended a marvellous mini-vacation that was chock full of food and fun fun fun. I feel like I should do this kind of thing more ofen. LOL.
And I am so pleased I finally got to meet drcoulter and was able to spend quality time with L,blondegirlchris and T, and the_resa_ii.
Lucky me!
(Tired now)
The drive to Berlin was uneventful. L met me at a suitable S-Bahn stop, so I couldn't get lost. L's place is really nice, particularly because the floor wasn't littered with toys and dirty clothes. Heee. L. and I took the S-Bahn to meet
the_resa_ii aka Tracy at one of Berlin's Starbucks where I had my first White Chocolate Mocha with cream, ever. That drink is a "Plombenzieher" as we say in Germany, so sweet it destroys your fillings. Of course I loved it because unlike many Germans I am so not a coffee connoisseur. Tracy looked fabulous as always. Because she is translating a Berlin travel guide she knows the city very well. She was able to steer us towards an Indian restaurant. Indian food, yum. The spinach tasted a tad bitter, but the rest was yummie. I love Indian food so this already sent me to a happy place. Afterwards we rushed back to Starbucks to briefly meet isarobogirl and a bunch of other Gotr fans from the GotR boards. The whole GotR cavalcade marched off to find dinner, while L and I stayed to wait for blondegirlchris and her bf T. More chatting and catching up ensued.The four of us decided to see Van Helsing and took the S-Bahn to a movie theatre that showed the original version. Since there was enough time for a few drinks I had my first Desperados. I am embarrassed to say, here I am, 40 years of age, and I never had a Desperados until now. For those as ignorant as I was: it's a beer with tequila aroma and slightly more alcohol that gets served in the bottle with a wedge of lemon or lime. Yum.
Anyway, Van Helsing: Did I expect it to be good? Not really. I loved the theatrical trailer and the featurette, but they also reminded me of the way League of Extraordinary Gentleman had looked good in theory and sucked dead toads when I actually saw it. Is Van Helsing good? Not by a mile. Was I entertained? Definitely - but I was biased. Hey, I was taking a few days off from the family, of course I was feeling happy and kindly disposed. I could bitch about how there's a pretty decent movie buried underneath superfluous special effects that's screaming to get out, but hey, that doesn't come as a great surprise now, does it? The effects are good, Dracula is pretty (but his accent sucks). the brides are gorgeously voluptuous, the architecture is impressive, Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale are veritable eye candy, Whatsisname, the guy who played Faramir in LotR is great comic relief, there are amusing allusions to other movies, some great fight scenes and clever ideas. There is also predictable dialogue, a dull story line and the unforgivable fact that they swap the Vlad Tepes myth for a new myth. The special effects are gratuitous and whenever two characters talk the writers get scared the audience might get bored and hurry towards the next silly action scene. Don't expect the movie to make sense. Just buy some pop orn, tune down your IQ, lean back and enjoy the whole action palooza for what it is: a dumb blond - worth a fling but not much more.
Anyway, Saturday was the big day of the concert. Early in the morniing the truly devoted GotR fans took up their positions outside Huxley's (the place where the gig was taking place). Meanwhile, yours truly slept long and well. At 2 pm L and I arrived at the Sony Center to find a red carpet and Wolfgang Petersen's Trojan Horse - preparations for the premiere were in full swing. L and I went to see Kill Bill 2. You guys in the states have seen it already, but in Germany the movie has only been out for a few weeks.
IMHO KB2 is much better than KB1 - finally Tarantino gives us some backstory instead of minced meat. While I have yet to understand why anyone finds Uma Thurman attractive I certainly thought she acted well in KB. But my fawning goes to David Carradine. This may age me but I adored him in the original Kung Fu series (and the TV thingie with Brandon Lee) and greatly admired him in Ingmar Bergman's chilling movie The Serpent's Egg. I was utterly pleased when I heard that Tarantino had given him a part in his movie. I love it when old actors I adore get a meaty role from capable directors (like Christopher Lee as Saruman and his role as Count Dooku). So, is KB2 any good? Oh yeah, definitely. Michael Madson is awesome. Tarantino gets such great acing out of the ensmble, the movie is a real treat. Does it still celebrate vioence? Yup, and part of me thinks that's not such a good thing, but I can't help it: I loved the movie.
After the movie L treated me to sushi. Mmmmmm. There is no surer way into my heart than to take me to movies and feed me well. Some of the rolls were odd, more savory than what I am used to but so mmmmmmm. And I had my first taste of kimchi, some Korean chili-pickled cabbage dish. Hot but yummie.
But you're not interested in that, you're dying to know what the Ghost of the Robot concert was like, right? Bear with me, I'm getting there....
I arrived two hours early, queued for about ten minutes, then dicided I was too old for this shit. The queue was pretty long, most people, including me, dressed in either black or red. I had a spare ticket and decided to sell it, so I asked an official looking lady with a GotR t-shirt if the concert was sold out. No, she told me. Did I want a ticket. No, quoth I, I want to sell one. the lady kindly gave me the tip to try the end of the queue where I should catch potential buyers before they reached her. I thought that was very kind of her. I tried to sell the ticket... without success. Like I said, I felt too old for this kind of crap, so I sat down in the outside seating area of an American bar there and pondered drinks.
blondegirlchris and T arrived shortly afterwards. I had a Pina Colada and we amiably watched the queue move at a snail's pace. BTW, Chris managed to sell the ticket in no time. I guess I am not a salesperson. At. All.About ten minutes before the venue Chris, T and I decided to join the crowd. The Huxley's was not a bad place. From what I heard later about 1050 tickets were sold. The room could have held about 400 more people, but I thought it was nice that it wasn't too packed. I did not try to get to the front, I ended up in the middle section - but still able to breathe. In front of me people were happily jumping up and down. My own enthusiasm was a little less pronounced. IMHO their songs still suck. I can happily sing along to David Letterman - but that doesn't make it good music. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by James's voice. He has improved greatly. He was consistently on key. So, no bleeding ears this time. But Charly? Can't sing and therefore shouldn't. James sucked lots of lollies, sometimes splashed water into the audience and visibly had a ball. His good mood was infectuous. He is a great front man! And he looked abso-fucking-lutely gorgeous!!! The sound? So so. Better than last time, I guess. The new drummer sounded good to my admittedly incompetent ears.
After the concert? Drinks with Chris and T. Then back to L - who had been to Peter Gabriel's concert while I enjoyed the GotR gig. (Incidentally, Peter Gabriel played for 160 minutes, GotR for 80).
Registration was supposed to take place at 12.30 - at least for the lower numbers but of course most people had arrived early. The lobby was packed. Too packed to allow for a smooth registration. I won't dwell on the organisiation. They were friendly and tried very hard to accomodate both James and the eager crowd - not an easy job. People were given access into the main hall where vids and clips from TV shows were projected on a screen. We were a bit restless because we were supposed to meet
drcoulter but we didn't know what she looked like. Luckily she recognized me, so soon the quartet was complete.The signing started right away. When I stood in front of James I was dumbstruck. I was also struck deaf and stupid because my brain just blanked for a moment. Tracy said later that James muttered something like "so you're here too" or something like that. I just stared. Then stammered something about how you wait for this moment and when it happens you are too tongue-tied to say anything. James laughed at that (I think). I recovered and tapped on the photograph he was signing (the Tampa pic from my icon) and told him I'd taken it in Florida and if he wanted a copy. He nodded, made appreciative noises. I got the photo out, handed it to him and was then herded away. Guh. He is such a gorgous man. Close up he looks normal enough to be almost accessible. He feels very real, like a person. Not glamorous at all. Just very very nice. And gorgeous. Guh. BTW, since Tracy is not one for autographs, my booty consists of three autographs. Yay.
I can't say I was very interested in the band or their musical roots. I was interested in the dynamics on stage. James is definitely an ensemble man, not pushing the others in the background but elevating a bunch of inexperienced (and frankly quite boring youngsters) to almost celebrity level. Charly seems to be quit full of himself. He likes the attention. Steve seems self-confident in a more unobtrusive way. The rest? *shrug* The band made several jokes about David Hasselhoff - to the audience's great delight. They explained that they won't make any more rap songs (there's one on the new maxi CD - but only as a joke, still, I kinda like it *facepalms*). Someone asked about a video. The band said that videos are commercials and that without a record contract there's no chance to get it aired even if it's maded. A lady in the audience suggested retail of the video via GotR promotions, whereupon the band made appreciative pondering noises. Words like "rockumentary" were uttered.
After the band Q&A the movie Chance was shown. Drcoulter and Tracy and I left to grab a cuppa coffee. Blah blah, fanfic blah blah band. Fun was had. :-)
James wore black in black, sucked lollies throughout. Participants had to submit their questions a few days early and when we arrived for registration we were given a piece of paper with our question on it. Initially I did not like this lack of spontaneity, but in retrospect I have to say it worked very well. No dumb questions like "would you like to read my fanfic"...
Anyway, those with permission to ask a question were requred to kneel or crouch in one of the aisles so as not to obstruct people's LOS. So, I was crouching in that aisle, clutching my slip of paper, when a lady said to me:
"Say, are you a writer?"
me: "huh? Uh, yeah."
lady: "Are you Estepheia?"
me (stunned): "Yeah, but how do you know????"
lady: "I'm a friend of
drinkthepoisonx and she showed me your picture."We talked a bit more, but I won't bore you with the details. Let's just say I was tickled pink! (In case you read this, M, I hope you got home safely.)
So, what was my question? Here goes:
James, you have already recorded two audio books, namely the first two Harry Dresden novels by Jim Butcher. Are there any plans of you making a third? Also, since a TV series based on Butcher's books has been greenlighted, is there a chance that you will play the lead in that series?
Even as I was still speaking the audience whooped out loud, and James nodded his head vigorously. He looked really pleased. I took his nodding to mean 'yes, he'd do another audiobook if asked' and then he said something like "yeah, Jim Butcher really wants me" (maybe it was just me, but I thought James looked very flattered about that fact). He also said that Nick Cage will produce and make all the decisions (as opposed to Butcher). He said it's the kind of role he can see himself doing (or something like that) and that he wants to audition for it. But no, nobody has approached him yet.
Asked what historical person he'd like to meet and talk to, James answered: Gandhi and Martin Luther King.
Which actress would he like to kiss on film? Meryl Streep. James said he's a big fan of hers. The list of actresses that talented is pretty short. He definitely wouldn't want Jennifer Lopez. Heee.
What about a Buffy movie? According to James it all depends on SMG. If she agrees then the film will be made. But, "in all honesty" James thinks she shouldn't - not at this time, anyway.
What about playing a gay man kissing another man? James said that should the project come round again he*d still be interested. He spoiled the end of the film though when summing up the story of his character. He still thinks it's a great role. He also stated that he has no problem whatsoever with gay love. (I don*t remember his exact words, but he was pretty emphatic, I thought).
He talked about the hawaii shirt incident, and about how embarrassing it is to be naked when all the others are dressed... the usual.
He said when he auditioned for the role of Spike he was in a relationship that made him feel sexy - and that's what he tapped into during the audition.
James has no immideate projects waiting for him when he gets home. Developing movies and shows takes time and he only finished shooting Angel two weeks ago. But he is confident he will get work. Apparently people mentioned wanting to have him. Maybe some guest spots here and there? He mentioned the Spike TV movie (the concept was greeted with great enthusiasm by the crowd) and that he'd like to do it in the next 5 years because he is aging. He mentioned Steve deKnight as a potential producer and writer. James seemed really happy about the whole idea. A bit like 'a movie all about me???' - At least that was the vibe that I picked up. If there*s one thing that stood out it's James' unbridled enthusiasm. And I think he liked the questions asked (nobody brought up the dreaded r-word, thank god).
Of course he gave us the Spike is not a nice man - mantra again. But he was clearly referring to early Spike. It started with a girl asking what method acting meant when palying a vampire. Did he visit graveyards at night? - James replied he starved himself. Talked about the hunger for affection and that he turned into a loner, that he barely talked to people, because the character was isolated too. James also said at one point that in order to play Spike he had to tap into a part of him that thinks that hurting people is fun. Normally you learn that doing evil things has repercussions, consequences that cannot be undone. To play Spike he had to unlearn that and go back to a part of him that's capable of hurting someone. He said that there's an angry base line to Spike.
James thinks that Spike is partly based on him in the later episodes. The early scripts were written without a particular actor in mind but later they used parts of him. He quoted an exchange with Marti Noxon, how ME leave him too exposed (sorry my memory gets hazy here) . He didn*t really agree with wussy William at first, because it reminded him too much of his own wussy past. James claims he likes being the cool guy.
That's about all I can remember right now. If I find a good transscript I will link to it.
The Q&A lasted approximately an hour. It was entertaining and enlightening. I feel so utterly sorry for
the_resa_ii who for professional reasons had to leave shortly before the Q&A began. She missed a great Q&A. James is such a crowd pleaser, it's actually quite amazing. Plus he's gorgeous.One amusing thing happened to me after the event had finished. I walked over to the lady who was the head of organisation to say goodbye (I'd run into her a few times during the day) and when she asked if I was coming to London I had to decline but mentioned Vegas in passing. And she asked me if I were a writer. Yeah, I said, surprised. 'What handle are you writing under?' - 'Estepheia' sez I. That earned me an excited squeal and a hug and she gushed that she really likes my fic. Heee. So I asked (because I couldn*t resist):' which ones - het or slash?' Answer: 'Oh, the slash,' Heee. *preens*
Anyway,
drcoulter and I drove to L and then the three of us went to an Irish Pub where yours truly had a few Baileys (mmmm!). We gossiped and talked for a few more hours. Later L and I watched American Pie 3 on DVD (gross but funny).This morning I wandered up and down Kurfürstendamm, then bought a few gifts for the kids.
blondgirlchris and T gave me a ride back to Braunschweig. Thus ended a marvellous mini-vacation that was chock full of food and fun fun fun. I feel like I should do this kind of thing more ofen. LOL.And I am so pleased I finally got to meet drcoulter and was able to spend quality time with L,
blondegirlchris and T, and the_resa_ii. Lucky me!
(Tired now)
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Date: 2004-05-10 04:27 pm (UTC)::hugs::
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Date: 2004-05-10 04:28 pm (UTC)No wonder you sound so happy and refreshed!
The write up was wonderful. Made me feel like I was right there with you. If I had known you were meeting drcoulter though I would have major Squeed and demanded that you hug her once for me.
She has been SUCH a luv.
Man. I can NOT wait till WriterCon when I can finally meet so many of the people that I've just "known" for a year.
LOL
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Date: 2004-05-10 04:42 pm (UTC)I may not be the biggest Spike fan out there like some of y'all but I certainly wouldn't pass up a chance to meet him in person.
I'll make do with my doll, and holding yours ransom of course, lol.
Kisses!
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2004-05-10 05:48 pm (UTC)So when you say something, I tend to assume credibility. And when you're happy, it pleases me especially. Ya know? Like, I know GOTR isn't the preeminent musical ensemble of its generation. But I'm real happy to hear that JM's singing is better, and that he continues to be an ace performer.
And I'm thrilled - - at your own well-deserved writerly recognition.
Great report, my friend. (And excellent question for James!) Thank you.
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Date: 2004-05-10 06:11 pm (UTC)Nice to hear that James is such fun in person.
So, very cool that you were recognized for your writing (which rocks!)
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Date: 2004-05-10 06:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-10 06:33 pm (UTC)And got your props!
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Date: 2004-05-10 07:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-10 07:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-10 08:43 pm (UTC)Even better? That you bumped into people who knew you and your writing! Too awesome for words.
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Date: 2004-05-11 01:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-11 08:09 am (UTC)I guess that the Hasselhoff jokes were inevitable, 'cause frankly, that man scares me. But I did enjoy Knightrider, and I was eight at the time so I plead young innocence as a defense. I'm more of a classical music/jazz lover, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised by James' voice on Sharon Osbourne and the FCUK broadcast. Even the music didn't sound too bad, but then, I might not be the best judge.
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2004-05-12 05:18 pm (UTC)It's wonderful to hear you got recognition as a writer from some fans too. I'm so glad you had a good time. :)
(no subject)
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