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‘Big Brother’ Summer 2013 Houseguests Revealed

By
Rebecca Murray
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Big Brother Season 15 CastCBS has announced the 16 competitors who will be houseguests on this summer’s season of Big Brother. Season 15 will once again be hosted by Julie Chen and is set to premiere on June 26, 2013 at 8pm.

Big Brother Season 15 Houseguest Bios”

Name: David Girton
Age: 25
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Occupation: Lifeguard
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Goofy, sarcastic and competitive.
Favorite activities: Surfing and skating.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Not going to the beach every day. Surfing is pretty much my life – it just makes me happier, calms me down and helps me out when I’m having a bad day.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: Be myself and let my personality show, and hope that my good looks take me to the end.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? I liked Jeff the most because he’s just a cool cat and got a great girl at the end, Jordan. She is 10/10 on my list… quite the babe to say the least. My least favorite is Erica – she is just annoying, always crying, too emotional for my taste and wears too much makeup.
 
What are you afraid of? Spiders, roller coasters and crows.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Doing the Lifeguard Academy.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… To have fun!
 
What would you take into the house and why? Surfboard if there was a wave machine, skateboard if there was a ramp and a TV – I watch way too much of it, and I like to be entertained.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? Open up my own restaurant of some sort, or a surf shop.
 
Name: Andy Herren
Age: 26
Hometown: Aurora, Ill.
Lives: Chicago, Ill.
Occupation: Professor
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Friendly, funny and red.
Favorite activities: Improv, eating candy, watching TV, running, laughing with friends, playing with puppies as they walk down the street, teaching, making lists, ranking things, teaching my family’s cockatiel to call my dad “gurl,” messing with people, eating ice cream too fast and being adorable.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Not having any privacy. I would be lying if I said I don’t find this intimidating. Also, the prospect of slop is something I have regular nightmares about. I just… can’t.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: I would start by playing a covertly aggressive game. I would lay low on the surface and be friendly to everyone (if this is possible) while secretly establishing a concrete alliance with people I have deemed the most trustworthy. I would scope out the house very quickly for these people, as I know you need to act soon to solidify trust and bonds. I’m quite good at reading people, so I would choose people I felt comfortable with, as well as people others would not expect me to align with. I also think my background in communications and improv would be great strengths. Through communication and public speaking, I know how to say what people want to hear and through improv I am able to lie without batting an eye. I’m a smiley, friendly person, so nobody will see it coming when I stab them in the back.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? My two favorites of all time are Britney and Ragan from Season 12. I think I would have been BFFs with each of them and I think I would have given Ragan the kick in the pants he needed to go far in the game. I thought he played a good social game (as he seemed to be genuinely well-liked by everyone), but I thought he wasn’t aggressive enough. He never made the big moves that I know he is capable of. Britney was similar. I would have smacked some sense into her and gotten her away from Lane. Her Diary Room confessions were like windows to my soul. She always said what I was thinking. They both made it far, but with me in the house during their season I think one of them (or me) could have won.
 
What are you afraid of? I am slightly afraid of heights, but it is not crippling or anything. I am terrified of bees, though. And people who enjoy Tyler Perry movies.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? There is a wall of graffiti on the first floor girls bathroom of the English Building at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that is solely dedicated to me. Quips include, “I AM IN LOVE WITH ANDY HERREN,” “Ha ha! I know that ginger bastard!” and “Andy Herren for President!” Pretty incredible, right?
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… “From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!” “Dr. Seuss, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.”
 
What would you take into the house and why? 1. My baby blanket. I’ve had it my entire life and it would give me a sense of security and comfort while in the house. 2. A notepad and pen to take notes after competitions/while observing others in the house. Duh. 3. Skittles. Just because, why not? What am I supposed to do if there are no Skittles in the house?
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? If Big Brother made me famous, I would definitely embrace it, but to a certain extent. I would love seeing people smile in my presence (and let’s be real – having the spotlight would feel nice), but I also love my life and my friends and family, and don’t want fame to come in the way of my already-established personal relationships. Thus, I would be sad if horrible tabloid stories were written about me or my loved ones, but I understand that this comes with the territory. Long story short, being famous would be totally cool, but as long as it is on my terms. Me me me.
 
Name: Judd Daughtery
Age: 26
Hometown: Englewood, Tenn.
Lives: Etowah, Tenn.
Occupation: Property appraiser
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Funny, unreadable and unpredictable.
Favorite activities: I love to frog gig (frog hunting) in the summer. I also love to camp, have bonfires, cookouts, go to the river, lake, etc. I love anything outside when the weather is good. Anything with friends and family is a blast.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? If there’s someone I can’t stand, I am used to just getting the hell away from them, so in the house it won’t be that easy. I will not only have to strategize a way to get them out of the game, I will also have to think if it’s a good time to get rid of them or if it would be better to keep them around and torture my sanity for a few more weeks just so it will help me more in the long run.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: My strategy is to play a complete social and strategic game, which I will be very good at. I would like to find an older loyal person to work with and also have a guy who is good at competitions that’s around my age I could relate to and that is loyal, and either a really hot girl or a smart person. Easier said than done. I don’t think a set strategy would ever work going into the game. But these are key character types I am going to be scoping out in hopes of making alliance or two. I want to outplay Will and Dan’s games. Come on, it’s possible!
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? Dan from BB10, Russell from BB11 and Keesha from BB10 are three of my favorite players based on their gameplay and how their attitudes were in the house. I also like Jeff, Jordan, Danielle, Cassi, Dominic, Frank, Jojo, etc. (I’m a fan). I despised Ronnie from BB1, “Cowboy” from BB5 and also didn’t like Mike Boogie! Mike Boogie is my least-favorite player to ever play the game.
 
What are you afraid of? Heights and spiders!
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Overcoming and dealing with anxiety! I have had anxiety all of my life and never really realized it. When I was about 21, I had a panic attack. I realized I had anxiety issues and though I did get some Xanax, I also had to coach myself and train my brain how to not get nervous, and it works! It took me a little bit but I have really learned how to stop it before it happens and just make myself chill. You would never understand what an accomplishment this was unless you have ever had anxiety.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Life’s a game, you should always be strategic and be ready for your next move.
 
What would you take into the house and why? 1. iPhone (would never happen) camera to take crazy pics with my new friends and pranks we pull. 2. Picture of family, 3. A ball – we could make up so many games with a ball. I’m not big on material things, I would be fine with just the basic BB necessities.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? I would appreciate BB for doing that for me and I would try to enjoy my 15 minutes as long as I could. If I made a lot of money, I would like to travel, donate to St. Jude’s, and maybe even go on a couple mission trips.
 
Name: Jeremy McGuire
Age: 23
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Occupation: Boat shop associate
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Charismatic, spontaneous and fearless.
Favorite activities: Painting, skating, boating and any sports.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Not being able to keep in close contact with my mom, since I always have – it would be difficult to just stop.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: Just to be versatile and always keep in mind that I’m there to win and not make friends.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? I’ve never really watched the show…my mom loves it though. She was the one who recommended that I sign up.
 
What are you afraid of? Poisonous animals.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Buying and owning my own sail boat, by far.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Dream as if you live forever, live as if you die tomorrow.
 
What would you take into the house and why? Paint supplies, skateboard and a hacky sack.
 
What would you do if “Big Brother made you famous? I’m not sure… I guess work hard to stay famous.
 
Name: Howard Overby
Age: 29 (will turn 30 during the season)
Hometown: Hattiesburg, Miss.
Occupation: Youth counselor
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Observant, trustworthy and reliable.
Favorite activities: I love playing city league flag football and softball. I love to mime and do drama skits at church. I love to read and take walks in the park or just be outside. I love to fish and hunt and shoot guns at the gun range. I love love love board games, especially Monopoly.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Nothing except being away from my church on Sundays.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: I will use intelligence without showing I’m as smart as I am and I will befriend people to get to know them and use their strengths and weaknesses against them – no matter how or what I have to use to get what I want to make my plan work.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? Jason from Season 2 because he was representing for the men and played a great game to the end. I didn’t like Lisa from Season 3.
 
What are you afraid of? I hate spiders and big birds.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I was the first person in my immediate family to graduate from college after receiving a full athletic scholarship.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is…to conduct myself in a manner that is worthy of Christ and to live abundantly and share it with others.
 
What would you take into the house and why? 1. My Bible, because it’s my guide on how to live and love. 2. My head phones and iPod, because I have to have my music. 3. My Xbox, because it keeps me competitive and calms me.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? Man, I would share it all on some level with the less fortunate and my family because I’m tired of them struggling. We would get some businesses started. Plus, I finally want my mom and sisters to ride a plane and go somewhere beautiful where there are no mosquitoes.
 
Name: Nick Uhas
Age: 28
Hometown: Hilliard, N.Y.
Lives: New York, N.Y.
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Positive, adventurous and excited.
Favorite activities: Skating, running, biking, lifting, hiking, skiing, snow-boarding, traveling, anything and everything that keeps your body moving…haha, yes…everything.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Not having information coming in from the outside world…. it will be like a nuclear bomb shelter living … I can still rock, it will basically be like wrestling season or studying for the MCAT operates.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: Make quick and personal relationships with a very select few. Stick with them through the thick and thin…. this is really the only way to rock n’ roll.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? Mike Malin the most! He is the man! His personality and attitude are perfect and on point… he’s an entrepreneur and smart as hell. I disliked Ashley… she’s a spray tan technician.
 
What are you afraid of? Actually nothing.. .my body is afraid of heights because there is potential damage… but my mind knows how to deal with it. My body will react to things like grinding a 20-foot drop rail and 540’ing off to the flat pavement with nervousness… but my mind is stronger, which is why I am a great roller blader… overcoming your physical fears with your mind!
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I placed 7th place in the North American World Championship, Aggressive Skating Association (stunt rollerblading); 4th place, Division 1 wrestling State of Ohio, 135 pounds; graduated with a 3.92 B.S. biology (Pre-Med major); minor at Yale University in Economics.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Work wild, live free.
 
What would you take into the house and why? Organic peanut butter and jam with cracked wheat bread: I live on PB and J’s… I know they are good and healthy and I love them! My phone to Instagram all the crazy stuff that goes down. Tony Robbins CD’s (every single one of them) to stay focused, sharp and on point!
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? I would use all of the brand equity as an entrepreneur and keep the ball rolling and build the life I want… the exact life! Hosted shows, Web shows, partnerships, branded products as residual of shows, collaborations, restaurants, coffee company, expert press consulting – the sky is the limit!
 
Name: Spencer Clawson
Age: 31
Hometown: Conway, Ark.
Occupation: Railroad conductor
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Mouthy, opinionated and chill.
Favorite activities: Watching TV and renovating my other house.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Being away from my dogs and trying to play my way through the game, the stress and the mental gymnastics you have to put forward to get through this thing.
 
Why will you make a great houseguest? I’m highly competitive, assertive, very funny but I’m also polarizing. People tend to either really like me or not like me. I feel like I’m very easy to get along with as long as I’m doing what I want to be doing. I understand that Big Brother is a very complicated game and I’ll be laying ground work from the very beginning to get me through to the very end. Being from Arkansas I’ve got a real laid back personality and people are drawn to me.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? I liked James from Season 6 and All-Stars and Enzo the most. I like Chima the least.
 
What are you afraid of? I don’t have any phobias.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Getting my job at the railroad on my own merit.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.
 
What would you take into the house and why? Picture of my dog Murdock because I love him, a good coat, because I get cold easily, and some Twix.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? I’d think it was awesome.
 
Name: Aaryn Gries
Age: 22
Hometown: San Angelo, Texas
Living: San Marcos, Texas
Occupation: College student
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Outgoing, driven and spontaneous.
Favorite activities: Snowboarding, wakeboarding, traveling, working out, Zumba, crafting, decorating, planning events, attending festivals and meeting people.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Not knowing who is genuine and who isn’t, and realizing that my trusting nature could be my downfall.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: I think I will go into the game with the same mentality I go into life: only focusing on myself and what I need to do to make it through, but I’m sure there will be moments of weakness where I second guess myself. I will use my Psychology training as best as I can and try to be strategic.
 
What are you afraid of? People with evil or absent minds that hurt or deceive others.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I am most proud of my ability to rise above disappointment and press on with a positive and peaceful mind. I am extremely proud that each day, no matter what happens, I do my best to look at every situation in a positive light. I can see my future clearly and I’m taking the right steps to reach my goals.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… What you think about, you bring about.
 
What would you take into the house and why? My music, books by Rhonda Byrne and my cat, Pumpkin, because these three things help my peace of mind.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? I would be entirely grateful for Big Brother putting my dreams on fast-track, and I would never forget the experience.
 
Name: Jessie Kowalski
Age: 25
Hometown: Beaumont, Texas
Living: San Antonio, Texas
Occupation: Unemployed
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Sexy, driven and smart.
Favorite activities: Reading, social media, yoga, swimming, taking my dog on walks, laying by the pool, cooking and dancing.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Being away from my Ari. He is my whole world and we have a great mom-pup bond.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: Lay low as long as possible and align with the smartest and strongest! Also, make a final two deal with who I have the best connection with. Try to win as many competitions as possible. Be friendly, fun and helpful… and enjoy the ride.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? Danielle was my favorite because she is pretty, cool, laid back and knows the game! Dick was my least favorite. I respect his gameplay but I would be annoyed by him.
 
What are you afraid of? Flying and overpasses.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Graduating from University of Texas in 4 years and getting this opportunity with Big Brother means everything to me.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… When at first you don’t succeed, try again.
 
What would you take into the house and why? My dog, Ari! Just kidding, but I would love that! My iPhone 5 so I could see what my friends and family are up to and my iPod because music keeps me entertained and helps me think.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? I would be the happiest girl on the planet. I would love the opportunity to share my life with others and inspire people to follow their dreams!
 
Name: Candice Stewart
Age: 29 (will turn 30 during season)
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
Living: Houston, Texas
Occupation: Pediatric speech therapist
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Outgoing, loyal and compassionate.
Favorite activities: Spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, cooking, watching movies & TV and exercising.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Not knowing what’s going on in the world and missing my family will be the most difficult.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: First and foremost, be myself. Analyze the game as it comes. Be smart and quick on my feet at all times. It is a game after all.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? I love Ian. I love that he was himself, quirks and all. Plus, the whole New Orleans connection is major. The person I like the least is Boogie. His game vibe just rubs me the wrong way. It came across like a shady car dealer that is trying to sell a woman who is buying her first car a lemon just to make a sale.
 
What are you afraid of? Honestly, I’m pretty adventurous, so things don’t really scare me. I don’t like drop roller coasters, though, and I don’t particularly like rodents or bugs. I guess I am more afraid of more serious life issues like health and the well-being of my family.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I’m so proud that I was able to meet my birth mother. I found out I was adopted at 26 and my life did a complete 180 in a matter of months. I am proud of my strength in pursuing the unknown and holding my family together through the struggle. Now things are great!
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Always live in gratitude. I feel that life will always throw curve balls and ups and downs. The only way to keep pushing and have faith to weather the storm is to find gratitude in the things you do have.
 
What would you take into the house and why? Pictures of my family and friends. I’m sure there will be days that I need to see love and the people who love me. I would also bring a journal, because a girl has to vent, right?
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? If I was to ever become famous either through Big Brother or another facet, I would never forget who I am. I would use the megaphone to work on causes that I am passionate about. I respect celebrities who still appear to be grounded and use their notoriety for positive causes.
 
Name: GinaMarie Zimmerman
Age: 32 (will turn 33 during season)
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Living: Staten Island, N.Y.
Occupation: Pageant coordinator
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Crazy, sexy and cool.
Favorite activities: My favorite activities are singing, dancing, modeling, sports and hanging with my friends and family.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Waiting for the bathroom.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: Just be me, make friends and try to be smart.
 
What are you afraid of? I would be afraid of aliens, if they ever exist, and if I ever see one I would probably s**t my pants. Those movies scare me.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? One of my biggest accomplishments is when I won the Grand Supreme overall pageant title. It took me over six years to win.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Everything happens for a reason.
 
What would you take into the house and why? I would take my grand supreme pageant crown, makeup and clothes.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? I would use my personality and popularity to be in the spotlight and make me a household name.
 
Name: Helen Kim
Age: 37
Hometown: Falls Church, Va.
Living: Chicago, Ill.
Occupation: Political consultant
Marital status: Married mom
Three adjectives that describe you: Stubborn, loyal and energetic.
Favorite activities: I love taking my kids to do anything: zoo, museums, swimming, soccer lessons, etc. Because I’m an only child and my parents are older than the parents of my friends, I always wanted to have a family so I would not feel alone. Activities without my kids include running, knitting and reading.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Being away from my family. While I love my husband dearly, I have never been away from my kids longer than one week.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: My strategy is to throw HOH in the beginning and have the strongest players vote each other out. However, I would try to win POV. It is always good to gain favors from people. As the strong players start to vote each other off, I would then do my best to win the HOHs.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? I like Jeff the most because he is down to earth and always was the least annoying. I like drama queen Rachel the least. I had a hard time watching her whine week to week. She has serious issues.
 
What are you afraid of? I’m afraid of blood, which is why I could never have been a doctor. I’m also afraid of bugs.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Leaving my family and moving to Chicago was a huge accomplishment for me. I am from the East Coast and the Midwest is very different. I felt guilty leaving my parents since I was an only child. I remember the day I drove away, my father started crying (the first time I ever saw him cry). I left all my family, friends and job for my husband. It was scary, but I am so glad I did it. I am so happy.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… You can live without it. It seems all good things and lost loves, you never really give them up, you just learn to live without it/them.
 
What would you take into the house and why? My iPad – it has pictures and videos of my kids, my Kindle for reading, and knitting yarn and needles.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? I would love to bring attention to infectious diseases like MRSA. There is not enough media coverage and public awareness about hospital infections, and we all should be educated and warned.
 
Name: Elissa Slater
Age: 27
Hometown: Concord, N.C.
Living: Kannapolis, N.C.
Occupation: Nutritionist
Marital status: Married mom
Three adjectives that describe you: Effervescent, ambitious and intriguing.
Favorite activities: I love to do yoga. I practice every day. I also run frequently as well as play tennis. I travel a lot and I love seeing the history of other countries. I like to go to the movies and cook.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Not talking to my husband or son. It will be difficult because I’m not away from both of them at the same time ever. I’m with either one or the other.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: I am going to bring qualities to the table that the house will like and want to keep around. I’m going to try and keep to myself and not let my emotions get the best of me. I’ll be more of a listener so I can feel out what’s going on in the other houseguests’ minds.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? Rachel Reilly rocks!!! I am biased. Rachel is fun, entertaining, plays the game, didn’t lie very often to get ahead and she is so hilarious. Monet was my least favorite because she was so bad at the game.
 
What are you afraid of? I’m afraid of heights and planes.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I am most proud of my son. He is so precious and such a beautiful boy and loves the Lord. It makes me feel amazing to know I contributed to his personality.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Live life to the fullest and have no regrets. Thank God for each good day He gives you, and learn from the bad days and try not to repeat what caused them. Make no mistake twice. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
 
What would you take into the house and why? A bible, yoga mat and spray tan.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? Use it to minister and help others.
 
Name: Amanda Zuckerman
Age: 28
Hometown: Long Island, N.Y.
Lives: Boynton Beach, Fla.
Occupation: Real estate agent
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Confident, sexy and funny!
Favorite activities: Horseback riding, hiking, shopping and going to movies.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Being away from my friends, family, my dog and my job, but they will be there when I get back.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: My strategy is to find common ground with everyone and share individual time and secrets to earn their trust. Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? Most – I love Britney! She’s hilarious, real and played an awesome game. Least – Jen from Big Brother 8 because she was fake, annoying and conceited.
 
What are you afraid of? Sharks!
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I’m proud of where I have brought myself to in my career.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Wherever you go, there you are. Which means to me, you choose where you want to be in life. The only person to get in your way is yourself. You are your own means to success.
 
What would you take into the house and why? My dog, my cellphone and my laptop.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? I would use my fame to further my real estate career and ride the five-minute fame wave.
 
Name: Kaitlin Barnaby
Age: 23
Hometown: Vadnais Heights, Minn.
Lives: Minneapolis, Minn.
Occupation: Bartender
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Persevering, tenacious and analytical.
Favorite activities: Enjoying music and coffee in a shop, taking walks and just being outside on beautiful days biking, running, etc.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Being cut off from the outside world. I am very dependent on the people in my life.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: Stay strong and focused! Don’t let these people play you since they can be very manipulative and fake. I’m a very closed off person and will keep to myself.
 
What are you afraid of? Spiders and the dark mostly… also dying alone.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Overcoming the obstacles my life and things my family has thrown at me and the person it has made me today.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… People are as happy as they choose to be.
 
What would you take into the house and why? My computer to stay somewhat connected to my friends and family, my closet because I’m clothes and shoes crazy and my Sudoku or a book to help me sleep at night.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? Pay off all of my debt, enjoy my 15 minutes of fame and send my money towards good causes.
 
Name: McCrae Olson
Age: 23 (will turn 24 during season)
Hometown: Zimmerman, Minn.
Occupation: Pizza Delivery Boy
Marital status: Single
Three adjectives that describe you: Funny, observant and calculating.
Favorite activities: I love playing ice-hockey out on the ponds. I also love reading comics and playing video games. Typical boy stuff.
 
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Just having my own privacy. It’s going to be tough having cameras on you 24/7 and trying to find a little peace in there.
 
Strategy for winning Big Brother: My strategy is to play like James from Big Brother 6. Play smart when you need to, play physical when you need to and lay low.
 
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most or least? My favorite player is of course Will Kirby. The way that man played the game is like watching the most beautiful ballet ever. It just seems like his mind was built for this game. There is something so beautiful about it.
 
What are you afraid of? Mice and ventriloquist dummies.
 
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Right now I am working on this cartoon that I created and wrote. I am so proud of it.
 
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Don’t take life too seriously…have a little fun with it.
 
What would you take into the house and why? A book, pen and paper. A book because I love reading and it’s going to be tough not reading anything in the house, and pen/paper because then I could write scripts, skits and draw to entertain myself.
 
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous? I would use that fame to tell better stories through the video medium.

‘The Smurfs 2’ New Trailer Shows Off an Evil Smurfette

By
Rebecca Murray
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Gargamel and his Naughties make cute little Smurfette act evil…well, evil by Smurf standards…in this new trailer for The Smurfs 2. The new trailer features an introduction by Katy Perry (the voice of Smurfette), with the Sony Pictures Animation sequel also featuring Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, and Hank Azaria as Gargamel.

The Plot: In this sequel to the hybrid live action/animated family blockbuster comedy The Smurfs, the evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence. But when he discovers that only a real Smurf can give him what he wants, and only a secret spell that Smurfette knows can turn the Naughties into real Smurfs, Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris, where he has been winning the adoration of millions as the world¹s greatest sorcerer.

It’s up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return to our world, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her! Will Smurfette, who has always felt different from the other Smurfs, find a new connection with the Naughties Vexy and Hackus ¬ or will the Smurfs convince her that their love for her is True Blue?

The Smurfs 2 opens in theaters on July 31, 2013.




‘Crossing Lines’ – William Fichtner Interview

By
Rebecca Murray
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Crossing Lines TV Series Cast
Donald Sutherland as Dorn, Richard Flood as Tommy McConnel, William Fichtner as Carl Hickman, Gabriella Pession as Eva Vittoria, Tom Wlaschiha as Sebastian Berger and Marc Lavoine as Louis Bernard in ‘Crossing Lines’ (Photo by: Dusan Martincek/Tandem)

NBC’s launching the new dramatic action series Crossing Lines with a two-hour series premiere on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 9pm ET/PT. The series follows a hand-picked, elite law enforcement team dedicated to bringing down criminals. What sets Crossing Lines apart from other cop dramas is the international element, as the five central characters travel the world to take down the bad guys.

In support of the show’s premiere, William Fichtner who plays New York cop Carl Hickman in the series joined with producers Rola Bauer and Ed Bernero to discuss Crossing Lines.

The series is international in scope. Where is it based and how far did you have to travel to work on the show?

William Fichtner: “Well we went on tour last fall into the winter. Our home base is Prague where we began shooting. Rola, I would say that’s a home base. Correct?”

Rola Bauer: “Yes. Prague was definitely our home base. We spent the majority of the 22 weeks in Prague. I’d love to hear Bill’s perspective on this adventure that we put him on.”

William Fichtner: “I’d love to talk about it because it surely was an adventure. You know, different than anything I’ve ever worked on before. Obviously Prague…I’m speaking from the perspective of the character of Carl Hickman, an ex-New York City cop living in Europe, living in Amsterdam. You know, it was great for an actor to not be searching being a little bit of a fish out of water because it’s exactly what it was, not that I felt that way, certainly not in the beautiful country of the Czech Republic and the wonderful City of Prague. But that’s where we began.

And also part of our episodes – the opening episodes – took us into a park in Paris and different places in Paris, France. So we shot there for a couple of weeks. And some of the episodes took us into the South of France and we shot there.

I think you can get the idea that as we went on this tour, it was remarkable because the places changed and the people changed and the locations changed. And it was fascinating and unlike anything that I’ve ever experienced. Sure, I’ve shot films where we’ve gone on location but nothing quite like this and the scope of this.”

Rola Bauer: “And checking out all those wonderful restaurants in those places.”

William Fichtner: “That was very hard. I still an’t get over the wine list. But no, it was a fantastic time.”

What is filming in Prague actually like?

William Fichtner: “Well I think Prague just has everything. Sure, you can find the sleek office building but you can find anything in Prague. And I really mean that. I lived in old town Prague with my family when I was there and there were days where we were shooting at locations that were literally a half a block away that I could walk to work. And other times we were at our home base at the sound stages. But it’s a beautiful city, very modern, and at the same time very old. I mean so much was available not only for visually but for the experience not only as actors but as people because this was our home. This is where we’re together.

Many of the actors and the producers, we had our favorite Irish pub in old town and on Fridays and Saturday nights and it was just it was a beautiful thing to be there and experience it. I said it earlier on this call and I’ll say it again that I’ll never forget it. It was really, truly that remarkable. There was nothing about it that felt like, ‘Oh boy, I can’t believe it. Man, I got to get out of here.’ No. Quite the opposite.”

Rola Bauer: “And if I may add to what Bill is saying, we also wanted to protect the look and the credibility of the story. We didn’t want to put any of our talent in front of a green screen, which is why we made sure that we had the ability to go to these places. We shot Prague for Prague. We doubled it also for other European cities but we also made sure that Paris and Nice and the South of France were very much a part of what the story location was and not pretending to be something else.”

Why do you think this series will really speak to people, will really draw in viewers?

Rola Bauer: “I think one of the things that is the DNA in the project is that as the title says it crosses lines. We’re living in a global world; we’re connected by the Internet. We are trying to have certain things that are common to each other through television. Hollywood has been an example of it in that films transcend the boundaries and are released everywhere. But what we sometimes forget is how we protect our families. And that is what the challenge was about for us.

When we started developing the idea and we pitched it to Ed, he loved it because he said for him it reminded him of how America had been when there was not an FBI, when criminals could cross from one state to the other, and where essentially there was no sovereign structured entity that could look after people. And from that Edgar Hoover had set up the FBI. And over here in Europe it doesn’t exist. So criminals can travel the borders, can cross over without being really monitored or checked anymore. Europe didn’t have anything that was proactive. There’s Europol and there’s Interpol, but they didn’t really have a structure like that.

And I think what attracts people is that ultimately these crimes…we can see them anywhere in the world. And this is a team that is proactive. You’ve seen it in different features where there have been teams from different parts of the world who come together and crack the case. And I think that’s an international subject that allows an audience to really connect from a fear factor of how do I protect my family in a normal situation.”

William Fichtner: “I also think that what also is going to be appealing is living in the States we occasionally get incredible actors from around the world doing being on the series and I love the aspect. I know the first time that I read the first couple of episodes of the show, I loved the fact of having the American guy be the fish out of water, having the American guy join in with his sensibilities.

And because we have a multinational cast, it’s not just a gimmick or something that’s like, ‘Oh, we’re the A team.’ It’s not that at all. It’s just that our experts come from different places. And you truly get the Italian girl with her own culture behind her, and Marc Lavoine – the leader of the team, the French singer and actor – abd his French sensibilities. And all of this plays in and all of it comes through. I found that that was not just something that was kind of a nifty thing about the show but part of the heartbeat of the show.”

What was the biggest challenge for you in tackling this series?

William Fichtner: [Laughing] “The 12-hour flight to London from LA. That’s just really challenging, I’m telling you right now. I can’t sleep on planes. I wish I could tell you that whenever I work on something that it hits me in a challenging sort of way. It’s all challenging, but it’s all part of the joy of doing things. I guess it never hits me like it’s a real job or it’s a real challenge. It’s just all part of what I love to explore and to try to find who is this guy. You know, what makes him tick? And what does he care about? And what’s his world about? What does he want and what does he dream about? All that stuff, all the actor speak that I have the most fun thinking about. Hopefully, at the end of the day, [you’re] fully realizing somebody that you made to be a real person.

I have to tell you this that I had a tremendous amount of support and help from the material. Because I guess I’m a little old school but if it is not on the page, it is not on the stage. And Ed Bernaro knows how to put it on the page. I mean, it’s true. The first two episodes alone, I as an actor, I’d love to keep reading it and reading them over and over and over because I think good scripts gives you more and more details and you get more and more layers as you work on them. I was not disappointed working on this material – ever.”

William, was it hard for you to remember to not use your one arm or is that something you get used to right away?

William Fichtner: “I love that question. It was halfway through the season where we were on one take and I walked in and [there was someone] taking off and I went to point at them and I’m like, ‘Get them!’ and I reached out. I’m [pointing] with my glove (down) and I’m like, ‘Okay. Cut. That didn’t work.’

But it didn’t happen that often because there’s just a few moments throughout the season – one is in the very first episode – that you actually see his hand and the damage that happened to it. But the rest of the time he has a glove on that covers the damage to his right hand. Once that glove was on, once I slid that glove on every day, as an actor it was great. It was a great reminder. I just all of a sudden after a very short time I felt the right hand is something that I just don’t have. So it was rare moments and when they happened they were usually pretty funny, at least inside of myself thinking, ‘Come on, Bill!’ But I had a glove so I got a constant reminder.”

How did the series come about and how did you become connected to it?

Rola Bauer: “Well, it started actually that we have been working predominantly in the limited eight-hour miniseries. You might know one of our productions Pillars of the Earth, and we wanted to get into the one-hour series. We looked around at all the different show runners who were available or interested in working in a different, independent way and were introduced to Ed Bernero. I’m sure you’re aware of Ed’s pedigree and his many, many years of experience, so we considered ourselves very luck to be able to have a chance to brainstorm with him and we talked about this idea. He just immediately broke the story. I mean he said, ‘Oh my god,I have been wanting to do something in this direction.’

At first I thought, ‘Oh, this is Hollywood speak.’ But he truly did have it in his head because he broke the story in literally a matter of weeks. We met and we’re starting to work together in February, and we went straight to an order of 10 episodes on the middle of July. We started shooting in the beginning of October. We shot 10 episodes and had them all wrapped in the can in the third week of February. So it happened in literally one year from meeting and getting to know [each other], to developing, producing it and delivering it. I don’t know if you want to know the auspices of the idea but that was kind of the technical.

That was the genesis of it. We were concerned about what was happening in Europe, how similar it was to what has happened in the U.S. and how could one create a new team, a team European FBI that could transcend the boundaries and help people. And that’s how it started in that. We sat with the broadcasters and we told them our wish list as filmmakers, as producers, and the people we would like to have for each of the roles, and Bill was number one for us in the role of Hickman. I mean we had to give them three names and he was number one. I have been hounding, tracking – what’s the word I’m looking? – stalking Bill for many years…”

William Fichtner: “Stalking is good. Stalking is good.”

Rola Bauer: “And when I gave his name to Ed, he was like, ‘Oh I love him. That’d be great. That would be fabulous.’ And so once we had a script we sent it to his agent and then I’ll pass on the baton to Bill.”

William Fichtner: “And then I had a conversation with Ed Bernero. I have to tell you though first I’m very bummed out that on the list of three, I thought I was going to be number one, two and three but I was only number one. That’s okay. I got over it. I got over it. I read it and I liked it but it’s a challenge. It was a big thing. This is not like I’m going to commute to California and see the family. This was a big commitment to go because I wasn’t going to do this without traveling with my wife and my entire family, which I did.

But I did speak to Ed and like I said earlier, you can talk about anything and imagine anything but if it’s not on the page, it’s not on the stage. And I thought the first two episodes were exceptionally well written. If I didn’t have that right off the bat, I don’t think I would have entertained it any further. And then I spoke to Ed, had a few questions and I wondered about, you know, characters and where it was going. Every time I had a conversation with him, it was better than the one before. So, it didn’t take long. Just a matter of a couple few shorts weeks and a lot of deep conversations with my wife – and onboard we were and away we went. Glad it all went that way.”

Was there anything about this role that wasn’t originally scripted and that you added to the character?

William Fichtner: “Good question. Well, it’s not there are not things… I mean every character with every show, this is like everything – you know, you take a first step and by the time you take 10 steps, you’re better on your feet on the tenth step than the first step. So we started from the beginning [and] we had a super strong base right off the bat. It’s so clear in the first two episodes who the character is.

It’s the backstory that, for me as an actor, I like to fill in because even though that’s not something that may be said in the production, it’s the understanding of the base of where somebody comes from and who someone is that really, really feeds who they are today. Those are the conversations over the phone and in Prague over many a Pilsner with Ed Bernero. I just loved talking to him about and sharing my ideas of who I think the guy is.

And so, yes, the backstory elements get deeper and deeper. But so much of what was there from the beginning, who he was and what his difficulties were and some of the crutches that he was leaning on in his life, Ed Bernero put that in the story I’m happy to say. It was just a matter of, most of it was just to go deeper with all of the thoughts that he’d already put out there for me.”

Why does William’s character decide to join the team? What convinces him?

Ed Bernero: “It’s an interesting question and actually something that Bill and I talked quite a bit about during the whole season about how committed the character is to the team and when he sort of commits completely to them. I think for both of us the complete commitment is going to happen more next year even. I think that he was pretty betrayed by the police world and I think he’s very reluctant to sort of join another group and be part of another team.

And I think that what happens in the pilot in the first two hours is certainly something that sets him on the course. But I think the most important moment is when Louie asked him if he wants to feel like a cop again, because Bill and I had many conversations about his state of mind and what he feels like and how he feels betrayed and sort of lost his identity not only with his wounding but also with the betrayal of the police department and his sort of leaving the NYPD.

So, it’s an ongoing process for him. You know, I think it’s something that the Hickman character may never fully embrace being part of the team. Wouldn’t you say that that’s probably true, Bill?”

William Fichtner: “Yeah, absolutely. What I love is there’s many things that I love about Hickman and that’s just the point. There are many things. I think he is a character that has more than one plate spinning. And one of those elements of his life is the bigger picture of why he’s in Europe in the first place, which by the end of Season one you will know exactly what that is.

There’s also, for as much as Hickman gives to the group, there are things that the group can give to him. And all of that begins to reveal itself throughout the first season. And that single thing alone is one of the big through-lines for the character and one of things that I really love about that journey because it’s always more than just one thing.”

Ed Bernero: “And there’s also quite a large element of the characters all in some way, shape or form using each other too. You know, that it’s not all just all for the same goal. I think you find out through the whole season that almost everyone has a little bit of an ulterior motive for being where they are and joining this team in the first place.”

William Fichtner: “Yes, absolutely.”

Ed, you’ve been involved in TV for a while now. Over the course of your career have you seen networks allowing more or less violence to make it into episodes? And do you think that networks cancel shows too early now? It seems new shows aren’t always given much of a chance to really catch on.

Ed Bernero: I’ll take the second part first. Yes. I don’t know that they have much choice. I mean, yeah, there are quicker cancellations than there used to be. I mean shows like Seinfeld and Hill Street Blues did horribly their whole first season, and people like Brandon Tartikoff stayed with them. But I don’t blame them for it. I think it’s a different marketplace right now and eyes go other places so quickly. Yeah, I would like to see shows get a little bit more of a chance to build some, but I don’t know that the marketplace will allow it anymore. But I don’t blame them for it. It’s just sort of what they have to do.”

And violence on television?

Ed Bernero: “You know, that’s an interesting question. The other show that I’ve done, Criminal Minds, we tried very hard to imply more violence than we show. But we don’t really get a lot of notes about violence, you know? In America you get notes about sex. You don’t get notes about violence. It’s actually quite the opposite in this European theatre that we’re in now. There’s more concern about violence and there’s almost no concern about sex. So it’s just culturally kind of a different thing.

But for my personal case, I’ve always thought that it was much scarier to not show things and let the audience fill that sort of blank in. But, no, we don’t get a lot of pressure – at least if you handle it responsibly you don’t. There may be other shows that get a lot of pushback on violence but we try not to do anything graphic, so I don’t have a problem with it.

Bill, what were the little surprises of everyday life you discovered while shooting in Prague?

William Fichtner: “Well I’ll tell you, first of all, one of the most important things about being in Prague is this: in the Czech Republic the national sport is hockey. Now, you’ve got to remember the NHL was on strike last year. But in a country of ten million people, there are 14 pro hockey teams in the Czech Republic, two in Prague alone. You have Sparta and you have Slavia. So I had the chance, being a hockey fan to go, with my son and with my wife to go watch hockey. I would go see both of them, so eventually I kind of leaned towards Sparta.

But, honestly, it’s things like that that really endeared me to the country and the people. I love the sport. The transportation guys that worked and moved the trailers around and everything, these guys were all hockey fans. We’d finish work in time and I would just like hop in the car and pick up [my wife] and my son and away we went; that was our life there.

We were close and we were working in the town and we were living in the town. We had a favorite Irish pub that we’d often meet at – all of us. We found that sort of existence…you can’t ask for anything more than that. I [have] absolutely never been on location anywhere that I had such a feeling of home that I had being there.”

Is there any particular scene or storyline that you’re real excited for the audience to see during this first season?

Ed Bernero: “Well just overall, this is the longest I’ve ever gone without something being on the air. I’m more used to being in the studio system here in the States where you do something and it’s on that September. So just in general I’m just excited about people seeing the show. This is the first time I’ve ever had the benefit of having the entire thing completed before it ever went on. It’s really exciting to me to know where it’s going and that it’s all sort of put together in the way we wanted it to be put together. I’m excited to see it.

I’m always most excited to see how people accept the family of the show and that the character moments come to mean more as the show goes on than they would have in the beginning. Most of the things that I’m interested in seeing is how the people react to the fact that they’re seeing people with French accents and German accents and Italian accents. It’s just something kind of really different for American television. I’m just interested in seeing how it plays around the world.

For me, every bit of it is exciting. There’s not any sort of particular moment that I’m looking forward to. I love the surprises, too. I think there’s a couple of surprises in the first two hours that I don’t know that many people will see coming. But overall, I’m just excited about the show in general.”

Rola Bauer: “I think one of the things that we’ve seen in this is Ed’s created fabulous character (arcs) and you’re going to be in for surprises on the nemesis of what brought Hickman over. I think you’re going to be intrigued to connect the dots. So we still have the crime of the week and we still have the team resolving cases, but there is a number of layers of mystery that come in.

And when you start getting towards the eight, the ninth, and the tenth episode, there is a real second layer of a story that makes each one of those characters stronger and quite exciting. Ed finished it off by having us have a cliffhanger on the tenth episode, and he’s probably going to get a lot of hate mail because of it.”

William Fichtner: [Laughing] “Not from me.”




Starz Plans to Preview Black Sails at Comic Con

By
Rebecca Murray
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Black Sails 2014 Poster
'Black Sails' Poster - Photo Credit: Black Sails © 2014 Starz Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.
Are you heading to sunny Southern California for the annual gathering of comic book, movie, and TV show fans/geeks known as the San Diego Comic Con? If so, Starz is offering up a special fan-only sneak peek screening of their upcoming pirates series Black Sails during the event you might want to check out. The network will be showing off the first episode on Thursday, July 18th – and promises there will be ‘special guests’ attending the screening. [More details will be released on where and when as we get closer to the actual date.]
 
The series wascreated by Jonathan Steinberg (Jericho) and Robert Levine (Touch) and is executive produced by Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form. The cast is led by Toby Stephens and Luke Arnold, and Starz is set to premiere the eight-episode season one in January 2014.
 
The Plot:
 
The pirate adventure Black Sails centers on the tales of Captain Flint (Stephens) and his men and takes place twenty years prior to Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic “Treasure Island.” Flint, the most brilliant and most feared pirate captain of his day, takes on a fast-talking young addition to his crew who goes by the name John Silver (Arnold). Threatened with extinction on all sides, they fight for the survival of New Providence Island, the most notorious criminal haven of its day – a debauched paradise teeming with pirates, prostitutes, thieves and fortune seekers, a place defined by both its enlightened ideals and its stunning brutality.
 
The series also stars Zach McGowan (Shameless) as rival Captain Charles Vane; Toby Schmitz as Rackham, Vane’s right hand; Hannah New as Eleanor Guthrie, a determined young woman who runs the smuggling operation on New Providence; Jessica Parker Kennedy as Max, a tortured young prostitute who sees the dark side of New Providence; Clara Paget as the beautiful but cold-blooded Anne Bonny and Tom Hopper (Merlin) as Billy Bones, boatswain of Flint’s ship.
 
Source: Starz

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First Look: ‘The Spectacular Now’ Trailer and Poster

By
Rebecca Murray
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The Spectacular Now Movie Poster

A24 is showing off the first trailer and poster for the coming of age film The Spectacular Now directed by James Ponsoldt (Smashed) from a script by the 500 Days of Summer screenwriting team of Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. Opening in theaters on August 2, 2013, The Spectacular Now earned stars Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley (soon to be seen starring in Divergent) the Special Jury Prize, Dramatic at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.

The cast also includes Brie Larson, Kyle Chandler, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

The Plot:

This is the tale of Sutter Keely (Teller), a high school senior and effortless charmer, and of how he unexpectedly falls in love with “the good girl” Aimee Finecky (Woodley). What starts as an unlikely romance becomes a sharp-eyed, straight-up snapshot of the heady confusion and haunting passion of youth – one that doesn’t look for tidy truths.

Bad Asses Finishes Up Shooting

By
Rebecca Murray
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Danny Glover and Danny Trejo Star in Bad Asses
Danny Glover and Danny Trejo Star in 'Bad Asses'
The sequel to Bad Ass, Bad Asses (makes you wonder how many names they came up before that one stuck…), has finished shooting in Los Angeles. 2012’s Bad Ass starred Danny Trejo (Machete) as Vietnam veteran Frank Vega and in the sequel he reprises that role, teaming up with a new partner played by Danny Glover.
 
Directed by Bad Ass helmer Craig Moss, Bad Asses is set to be released on VOD, digital download, Blu-ray, and DVD in early 2014 after its late 2013 theatrical run.
 
The Plot:
 
Since we last saw Frank, he followed his dream and opened a Community Center in East Los Angeles where he mentors young boxers, not only in the ring, but in life. When his prized student, Manny, gets in over his head with a bad crowd and winds up dead, Frank and Bernie team up, finding themselves ensnared in one life threatening predicament after another. Forced to escape using the only weapons they have – their wits and their fists – they must survive the onslaught of fury that is brought upon them and Frank’s new found love from a high powered, politically connected foe, Leandro (Andrew Divoff).
 
Source: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
 

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‘The Newsroom’ Season 2 Details and July Episode Guide

By
Rebecca Murray
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Jeff Daniels in 'The Newsroom' Season 2, Episode 2
Jeff Daniels in 'The Newsroom' Season 2, Episode 2 - Photo by Melissa Moseley/HBO

Season two of HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Newsroom will premiere on July 14, 2013 at 10pm. The new episodes, set a year after the events of season one, find Jeff Daniels back as Will McAvoy and Emily Mortimer returning as Mackenzie McHale. Also reprising their roles are John Gallagher, Jr. as Jim Harper, Alison Pill as Maggie Jordan, Thomas Sadoski as Don Keefer, Dev Patel as Neal Sampat, Olivia Munn as Sloan Sabbith, and Sam Waterston as Charlie Skinner.

Season 2 – The Basics:

“It’s a year later, and in the days leading up to election night 2012, the ‘News Night’ staff is being prepared to give depositions in a lawsuit — the circumstances of which unfold throughout the season. A mysterious tip has led to the airing of a story with consequences no one could have anticipated.”

The Newsroom Story:

The series is set at the fictional cable network ACN, but the news stories covered in the News Night cablecast are often actual past news events, or are inspired by them. The Newsroom offers viewers an opportunity to return to and relive the news that made headlines as they watch it unfold for the show’s characters, who race to put together the broadcast.

Covering the period from August 2011 to November 2012, the new season touches on the administration’s anti-terrorism policy, Occupy Wall Street, Troy Davis, Trayvon Martin, Benghazi and, of course, the primaries and general election.

The Newsroom July 2013 Episodes:

Episode #11: “First Thing We Do, Let’s Kill All the Lawyers”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 14 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: July 14 (midnight), 16 (11:00 p.m.), 17 (9:00 p.m.), 18 (8:00 p.m.), 19 (midnight) and 20 (10:15 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 15 (10:00 p.m.), 16 (9:00 p.m.), 17 (11:00 p.m.) and 20 (3:15 p.m.)
Will (Jeff Daniels) and the “News Night” staff are questioned by their lawyer about a story they’ve aired that’s become a network crisis. An on-air remark by Will has him pulled from 9/11 anniversary coverage. Jim (John Gallagher, Jr.) volunteers to cover for an embed reporter on the Romney campaign and Neal (Dev Patel) investigates the beginnings of Occupy Wall Street.
Teleplay by Aaron Sorkin; story by Ian Reichbach and Aaron Sorkin; directed by Alan Poul.

Episode #12: “The Genoa Tip”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 21 (10:00-11:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: July 21 (midnight), 23 (11:00 p.m.), 24 (9:00 p.m.), 25 (8:00 p.m.), 26 (midnight) and 27 (10:15 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 22 (10:00 p.m.), 23 (9:00 p.m.), 24 (11:00 p.m.) and 27 (12:40 p.m.)
A tip on a story that will ultimately cripple the network starts to become more real. Mackenzie (Emily Mortimer) and Sloan (Olivia Munn) continue to push Will on drones as Don (Thomas Sadoski) urges Will to advocate for Troy Davis. Maggie (Alison Pill) is un-friended by her roommate, but gets the assignment she’s been begging for. Neal gets arrested on Wall Street.
Teleplay by Aaron Sorkin; story by Dana Ledoux Miller & Adam R. Perlman and Aaron Sorkin; directed by Jeremy Podeswa.

Episode #13: “Willie Pete”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 28 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: July 28 (midnight), 30 (11:00 p.m.) and 31 (9:00 p.m.), and Aug. 1 (8:00 p.m.), 2 (midnight) and 3 (11:55 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 29 (10:00 p.m.), 30 (9:00 p.m.) and 31 (11:00 p.m.)
Will continues his mission to civilize by telling Nina Howard (Hope Davis) the truth. A new witness to the Genoa story emerges on Twitter, and in New Hampshire, Jim’s efforts to have his questions answered continue to fall on deaf ears.
Teleplay by Aaron Sorkin; story by Michael Gunn & Elizabeth Peterson and Aaron Sorkin; directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.




TV Spot: ‘R.I.P.D.’ with Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges

By
Rebecca Murray
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Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds team up as dead officers assigned to the R.I.P.D. department and in this new R.I.P.D. TV spot for the Universal Pictures release, the relationship between the two seems a bit rocky.

Coming to theaters on July 19, 2013, R.I.P.D. also features Mary-Louise Parker, James Hong, Kevin Bacon, Marisa Miller, Mike O’Malley, and Stephanie Szostak.

The Plot: Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds headline the 3D supernatural action-adventure R.I.P.D. as two cops dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from an increasingly destructive array of souls who refuse to move peacefully to the other side.

Veteran sheriff Roy Pulsifer (Bridges) has spent his career with the legendary police force known as R.I.P.D. tracking monstrous spirits who are cleverly disguised as ordinary people. His mission? To arrest and bring to justice a special brand of criminals trying to escape final judgment by hiding among the unsuspecting on Earth.

Once the wise-cracking Roy is assigned former rising-star detective Nick Walker (Reynolds) as his junior officer, the new partners have to turn grudging respect into top-notch teamwork. When they uncover a plot that could end life as we know it, two of R.I.P.D.’s finest must miraculously restore the cosmic balance…or watch the tunnel to the afterlife begin sending angry souls the very wrong way.

Cher Sings “Woman’s World” on ‘The Voice’

By
Rebecca Murray
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Cher performs on 'The Voice'
Cher performs on 'The Voice' (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

67 years old and Cher’s still rockin’ it. After a 12-year absence from the live stage, Cher performed her new single “Woman’s World” to a standing ovation by The Voice coaches and the crowd during the season’s finale.

Her age hasn’t affected her stage attire, as she strutted around The Voice stage showing off some skin (yes, it was much less than she would have a dozen years ago) while dressed in leather.

Watch the video:

‘True Blood’ – Jamie Gray Hyder Interview

By
Rebecca Murray
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Jamie Gray Hyder True Blood
Jamie Gray Hyder at the ‘True Blood’ season six premiere (Photo © Richard Chavez)

True Blood fans were treated to one of the sexiest werewolf threesomes ever on the small screen in episode one of season six. With newly installed pack master Alcide (Joe Manganiello) in place, the females of the pack are vying for his attention. Among those hungry for a little Alcide action are Kelly Overton, who plays Alcide’s girlfriend, Rikki, and Jamie Gray Hyder as Danielle, an attractive young pack member.

In the first episode of season six we learn that Rikki’s not averse to sharing Alcide’s affection, and the resulting scene was one of the episode’s most talked about moments.

So what’s it like to be a werewolf on True Blood? I found out the answer to that question – and many more – in this exclusive interview with Jamie Gray Hyder.

How is it to actually be on a True Blood set?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “It’s actually pretty fun. There is a lot, lot, lot going on with all the special effects and the animals – and the stunts. You’ve always got to watch out for something, but it’s a lot of fun.”

When you first signed on to the series last year, did you really know what you were signing up for?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “I knew what was happening last season; I didn’t really know how this season was going to go, or if I was even going to be coming back. I didn’t really know what was lying ahead for me, but I’m happy with how it turned out. I’m happy to be more involved with the show this season. I think this upcoming episode [episode two] is my favorite for my character. Yeah, it’s been a good ride.”

Did you have any qualms about taking on the role of a werewolf? Or did you know it would be fine because the show’s been so successful?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “I think it’s a really fun opportunity. There is so much hyper-realistic stuff right now in a lot of the sitcoms, so it’s really interesting to be able to play a more complex character. I grew up in theater and so I always got to play all these crazy characters, all of these different age ranges. Then when you come into television, it’s much more specific as to how you are really. Being able to play something fantasy or sci-fi, you just get to experience a lot more and it’s a lot of fun.”

Were you a fan of the series before you joined the cast last year?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “I had never really watched it. I watched it here and there with friends, but I don’t even have a TV.”

That’s a good excuse.

Jamie Gray Hyder: “It’s funny, but I don’t have a TV. I had heard of the show and my friends were all obsessed with it, and I watched a few episodes here and there but I had just never watched it regularly. As soon as I got cast I had to watch all four seasons in like three days, but I was immediately hooked. I loved it!

I don’t get to read the scripts for the episodes that I’m not in, so you also really become a fan because you get invested in it but you don’t actually know what’s going to happen all the time. A lot of it’s a surprise for the people on the show as well.”

What’s the reason for not having a TV?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “I don’t know. I used to have a really big one where I lived, and then I moved and I didn’t take it with me. I just never bought a new one.”

You don’t feel like you are missing anything?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “I don’t. I watch Netflix. You can find anything online. I’ve got an iPad and I watch a lot of stuff on there. I just kind of like not having a TV in the house. I know it sounds crazy.

I end up being more productive, I guess. Don’t get me wrong; I watch just as many shows on my iPad. Yeah, I just don’t have one.”

Did they give you any background information whatsoever on Danielle? Is there a detailed backstory to her?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “Not really. She didn’t have an established backstory or something that was in the books or anything like that. But the writers are so great at writing characters that you still have a sense for who she is and her history. She was very much always trying to vie for the attention of whoever is in power. She wants to just belong to the pack. I don’t think she really had belonged to a big family or had many friends in her life before. I imagine she just wants to belong to a group and probably didn’t have a very good home or family life prior to this.

As you go, that is something that is so interesting about TV, as the show develops the character develops with it. That has been one of the most interesting parts for me is that I don’t necessarily know where my character is going. You have to really be in the moment and have enough of your character’s characteristics and all of that really figured out and solidified from the beginning, and then you just alter that based on the situation you’re in. So it really calls on me to be in the moment and react to everything very honestly, because you don’t necessarily know your arc. You get a little bit of information, but everything can change three days before.”

What I find interesting with True Blood is that over the seasons, the writers seem to react to how the fans embrace characters and actual give some characters bigger roles in the storyline based on fan response. So the writers might not even know where your character is going because they probably have not totally figured it out yet.

Jamie Gray Hyder: “It is about fan reaction, it’s about what’s going on in current events. There’s so much involved in the production that a lot of it can also be with scheduling. There are so many little things that, honestly, can affect the plot and what they have to consider when writing.

Yeah, the fans are just insane and so supportive. They love the show and they are so involved and interactive in social media stuff. You just get such a sense of how people are reacting to the show. The producers, the writers, and the directors really respond to that. They’re very loyal to the fans, and that’s caused them to deviate from the books at times but that’s why True Blood is so successful. Sometimes we’ve been criticized in the media, but the fans are just so loyal and that’s who we make the show for.”

And speaking of fan reaction, one of the most talked about scenes from the sixth season premiere was your threesome with Joe Manganiello and Kelly Overton. That was definitely hot and steamy.

Jamie Gray Hyder: “I know! I didn’t know I was going to make such a splash.”

Can you talk about what it’s like shooting that sort of scene?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “It was a challenge, although it felt more comfortable than it should be as far as everyone on set’s used to it. It’s very much a normal day for most people involved. The cast and crew is so used to nudity on the show that they’re very respectful, and they figured out all the ways to make you feel comfortable and take care of you while the scene is happening. When you’re standing outside naked for 10 hours in 30-degree weather it can get a little trying.”

It was really just 30 degrees?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “Yeah, it was freezing cold.”

How do they make you comfortable? Is it that they don’t have very many people just hanging around that aren’t necessary? What is it they usually do to help put the actors at ease?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “Absolutely. First of all, there is a lot of dialogue that goes on before it’s being shot. I had conversations with Steve Moyer on the phone about it. He directed that episode, so he just wanted to make sure that I was comfortable. We talked about the context a little bit for my character and all of that. I had worked with Joe and Kelly all last season as well, so it was nice to have that scene with people that I trusted and respected and had worked with in the past.

Then, they have a closed set. There’s a skeleton crew, only the people that really need to be there. They treat it like any other shoot at the same time, so it’s not a ton of focus on it. You’ve just got to shoot it. You’ve just got to do it, got to commit and go for it. You’re just waiting until the last second to take your robe off and then the robe comes right back on the second they call cut.

You go along as the shot moves up; once they get the full shot and they come in a little tighter so I can put shoes on, and they get a little tight and I can put sweatpants on, a little tighter and you kind of work your way back into your clothes.”

Are we going to see more of this relationship this season?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “I think they cover it a lot in the first episode. You’re still going to see a whole lot of different dynamics between the wolfpack. You will see Rikki [played by Kelly Overton] and Alcide [played by Joe Manganiello] and Danielle in different ways. It’s definitely still an action-packed season to come. I know the premiere was just packed with so much. I’m really excited for everybody to continue to see all of the stuff that we’ve got.”

The show does a great job of balancing the amount of time the audience gets to spend with the central characters. Viewers get fed a little bit of everything, so we don’t feel like we’re missing out on seeing the werewolves. I would imagine it’s interesting when you get your part of the script to know exactly how much you are going to be in an episode, given the large ensemble cast.

Jamie Gray Hyder: “Yes, definitely. I think they have actually streamlined the storylines a little bit this season. In the past there was so much going on that it was hard to feature everybody every episode. There was so many different plotlines and everything. I was absolutely excited to see we had two big scenes in this episode. For the wolves, now we’re just starting a new chapter. There’s a lot to figure out and a lot going on in Bon Temps too, so we’re trying to maintain tight as a pack while everything else is falling apart around us.”

And working with Joe Manganiello – everyone’s favorite sexy werewolf pack master?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “Joe is definitely an attractive guy. He is really low key, down to earth, just a smart guy. We all have a really good time on the set, and I have a ton of respect for him. He is one of the most disciplined individuals that I have ever been around.”

Really?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “Absolutely. He is so dedicated to his work, as he should be. The amount that he trains and the discipline that he has for his body, he follows that very seriously. For actors, that is really important to see and be reminded of. We have our body and our voice, and you’ve got to take care of both of them, otherwise you can’t do much.”

Are you on the set when the real wolves are around?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “Oh, yes.”

What’s that like?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “In fact, this season after we shot the couple of days for this first episode, I had worked with my wolf on multiple occasions and at that point the trainer actually let me pet my wolf. This was after being told the entire night that you can’t look at them, you can’t get near them, can’t touch them, and can’t eat anything within 100 yards.

Now all of the sudden I got told that I could pet my wolf because I was the one who was working with her the whole time. That was a huge highlight for me. They’re wild animals. They’re real wild animals and we have a whole group of them that will work at a time. Some of them are hybrids, half wolf/half Huskies, and we do have one full-blooded wolf that we work with as well.

It’s serious stuff. They are insanely well-trained. They hit their marks every time. They don’t get distracted. Every now and then they do, but it’s amazing. They work like anyone else. You have to constantly remind yourself that they are wild animals, and although they are well trained they still have the instincts of a wild animal.”

You have to give them respect.

Jamie Gray Hyder: “It’s a really rare opportunity, I think, for an actor playing such a role to be able to interact with the same exact animal that you are being influenced by. To actually watch their behavior in person…it’s just such a rare opportunity. It’s not typical to be able to interact that closely. Especially when you are playing a werewolf, to actually have wolves around is a really cool thing, I think.”

Most productions use CGI wolves, but not True Blood.

Jamie Gray Hyder: “People are always so shocked by that. They always go, ‘Oh my God, they are not CGI?!’ I’m like, ‘No.’ When we’re all standing in the scenes together you’re standing a few feet from them. They just do their work and they get taken back to their kennels up on the hill, away from everybody. With the shifters on the show they have tons of animals, when you think about it.”

That’s true.

Jamie Gray Hyder: “So, we have the wolves but then if you think about how many times Luna or Sam have shifted into bulls, and pigs, and dogs, and birds…”

Just about everything.

Jamie Gray Hyder: “There is a lot going on.”

How was it to be directed by Stephen Moyer?

Jamie Gray Hyder: “It’s great. He actually directed me in an episode that I was in last season as well. It’s a really cool thing. We switch directors a lot on True Blood, which is an awesome opportunity to work with different people. You get a sense for different styles, both in the way they direct and just the general style of the episode as a whole. Working with a director who is also an actor is a really cool opportunity because they communicate with you in a different way.

Stephen is very collaborative. He’s got all of his own ideas and absolutely comes in with what he wants. He always also gives you room for adjustments or to offer things that you want to do or thought about. It’s a very much an open conversation. For me, it was particularly helpful to have him as the director for this episode because he has done so many nude scenes and things like that in the past. To have someone who has been through it directing you and being aware of that is also a huge asset for that episode.”

He could put himself in your shoes and know what you are going through in that situation.

Jamie Gray Hyder: “It’s just a different type of consideration, I think.”




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