TV
Preview: Spartacus gets his Vengeance On
Taken from Film.com, by Ashley Warren.
It's been almost two years since Spartacus and his fellow gladiators slaughtered the house of Batiatus and escaped slavery on Starz's hit Spartacus. Season two, subtitled Vengeance, will follow Spartacus as he starts the slave rebellion that will eventually throw Rome into upheaval.
The first episode of season two, Fugitivus, takes place a couple of months after Kill Them All. Spartacus (Liam McIntyre) along with former rival, the Gaul Crixus (Manu Bennett), and Mira (Katrina Law), Aurelia (Brooke Williams), and Agron (Dan Feuerriegel) make up Team Spartacus, which has been terrorizing Capua for weeks and killing as many Romans as possible. The city is in a panic, but Team Spartacus is no closer to figuring out long-term goals, and they're living in the sewers. Spartacus is all for killing Glaber (Craig Parker), newly elected Praetor in the Roman Senate, but Crixus favors leaving Capua to gain larger numbers, and to search for lost love Naevia. Glaber, along with pregnant wife Illythis (Viva Bianca), is dispatched against his will back to Capua to clean up Spartacus' mess, and he brings with him a Roman legion to calm the citizens. He's got a big task ahead of him, because not only in one of them killed violently every five minutes or so, but there's also that niggling doubt in their minds: If Batiatus' slaves can do that, what about mine? (Not a good idea to mistreat the slaves you've spent years teaching to fight and kill, is what I'm saying).
While Team Spartacus scuttles about the sewers, skewering every Roman they can fing and scrounging for food, Illythia is cleaning up the Ludus and the villa. The blood from all those dead Romans still coats the walls (but where are the bodies?) and the place is full of nothing but bad memories for her. Well, that and the crazed, cow-eyed Lucretia (Lucy Lawless), who appears like Gollum from the shadows. Lucretia's appearance solidifies an already great episode. Lucy Lawless' performance of this character is pure genius, and she's such a delightful performer it's a crime she hasn't been recognized for it.
Read the full article here.
New Spartacus enters arena
Taken from Stuff.
What a different vision these two stars of Spartacus: Vengeance offer in person.
Here is New Zealander Lucy Lawless: In her Starz adventure-action series she builds on worldwide fame as Xena, Warrior Princess, by playing wily Lucretia, widow of the Roman sports impresario whose "ludus" - an extreme training camp for gladiators - was where Spartacus had been enslaved. Transported from Capua in the first century B.C to modern-day Manhattan, Lawless - in bright sweater and snug jeans - is pretty, girlish and full of laughs.
Alongside her for this recent interview is Liam McIntyre, who is taking over the role of Spartacus as the new season begins.
His personality is far removed from the raging Thracian out to forge an army and topple the Roman Empire. Instead, McIntyre is chipper, affable and ready with wisecracks delivered, at times, in a comic squeal.
"More than all of my dreams come true, in one fell swoop," he declares, though now he's not joking as he describes the thrill of landing this show's title role. "It's almost impossible to fathom."
Read the full article here.
New Year's Honours: Pio Terei
Taken from NZ Herald, by Amelia Wade.
Working as a salesman at an Auckland car yard in the 1980s, Pio Terei had no idea he would carve a successful career in entertainment.
But that was exactly what he did, and today he is recognised for his shaping a life around making others smile.
The New Year honour for his services to entertainment came "out of the blue" for the ever-humble man, who said he was still having trouble believing it was true.
"I'm wondering who put me up for it, but it was really cool."
As Terei sees it, the greatest part about being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit is the honour it has brought to his family name. "To see your grandparents' name, or our name, in that category is pretty special you know? I think that's the big buzz for us to see.
"Maori think that way, it's not just about you," he said.
Read the full article here.
NZ Herald: The top ten shows of 2011
Taken from NZ Herald, by Paul Casserly.
Here's my top 10 shows of 2011. You need to watch them, buy the box set, or tell me I'm wrong.
10. Super City, TV3. Madeleine Sami's multiple personalities rampaging through Auckland in a comedy of the uncomfortable. That's my kind of TV. The good news is that there's already a DVD of the first series and a second is due in 2012.
9. My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, TV1. We were invited to snigger perhaps at the deluded young travellers in gigantic wedding dresses who were about to sign up to a life of servitude, so morally it's probably wrong, but it was riveting for at least three episodes. It also introduced us to the ritual known as 'grabbing'.
Read the full article here.
Super City series 1 now on DVD
TV3's award-winning comedy series Super City starring Madeleine Sami and directed by Taika Waititi arrives on DVD.
Sami hilariously transforms into five very different characters all living in New Zealand's super city. There's Pasha, an aging cheerleader clinging to her partying lifestyle; Azeem, an immigrant taxi driver embracing Maori culture; Jo, a closeted gym instructor in love with her best friend; Linda, the runt of her "old girls" clique fostering impoverished artists and Georgie, a homeless girl whose freedom is unexpectedly interrupted when she finds a baby.
Pre-order your copy with JB Hi-Fi here.
Get to know: Henry Beasley
Taken from TVNZ, Shortland Street.
Henry Beasley joins Shortland Street as the new teen in town, Tom Stanton. He talks to us about being the new kid on the block.
How did you get your role on Shortland Street?
I got an audition in August through my acting agency. (Auckland Actors)
How long have you been acting and how did you get your first big break?
Shortland Street is my first big break into television. Very exciting. I have had some experience but none in TV.
Name three similarities between you and your onscreen character.
Both consider ourselves artistic. Both born and bred in New Zealand. Both laid back.
What has been your best experience on the show to date?
Got given a birthday cake when I was new to the show. No one knew who I was. The experience was both mysterious and chocolatey.
Which other character would you like to be and why?
Most likely Luke. He's a bit of a kook.
What are your hobbies / interests outside of Shortland Street?
Aside from drama, my passion is music. I love everything about it and have since I was in primary school. I love performing music, writing music and just listening to music. I play the electric / acoustic guitar, the bass, and the keyboard / piano. I've involved myself in heaps of different styles of music performance and composition from pop to heavy metal to rap to rock. I've been involved in choirs, rock bands and acoustic groups just through school and friendship circles.
I own a skateboard. And I skate... but not very well. Not competitive or serious about it. Just a good thing to pass the summer holidays!
What do you do in your down time during the day when you're not shooting?
Doing exams at the moment so a lot of my down time has been getting some of that done. It's super hard though when you have so many interesting people to talk to. Also, I do have a tendency to doze off in my room when I get the chance to.
What is your favourite destination in NZ and overseas?
Queenstown. Love Queenstown. It's beautiful and I love the snow. I've been to Australia, Fiji and Vanuatu but I really love the idea of going to the States. Out of all the places I've been though, I'd have to call Vanuatu my favourite.
How many brothers and sisters do you have, are they older or younger?
Two brothers. One older (21) and one younger (13).
What is your date of birth and what star sign are you?
2nd of September.
Do you have any pets?
I have a dog (a Welsh corgi, like the Queen) called Bodie and a cat called T.K.
Who is the actor or actress that you look up to or admire most?
I love John Malkovich. I think he's fantastic for reasons that I cannot describe or explain. I'm also a big leonardo DiCaprio fan. I'm always impressed by the way he can pull off the hardest roles so convincingly.
What is the thing you enjoy most about going to work everyday?
Seeing people who can work a job that they are so good at in a way that keeps everyone smiling. It's a real privilege to be in a workplace where everyone seems happy to be in the job that they are in.
What has been your favourite scene to film in your time at Shortland Street?
A fight scene I had with Ula today was pretty great. It's nice to get to squeeze some emotion out of a teenage boy that's a bit too cool to care.
Do you watch Shortland Street at home? If yes, is it strange seeing yourself on television or are you used to it?
I don't. But still, it's strange seeing myself act.
What is your favourite food?
Gotta love Mexican food. Tacos, tortillas, enchiladas, nachos, the lot!
What is your favourite programme and / or film of all time?
It's hard to pick a favourite, but I love films like Lords of Dogtown and Almost Famous. I love them for the characters and lifestyles of the era and for the music.
Are you from Auckland or did you move here to film Shortland Street? Where did you grow up?
Born in Auckland at North Shore hospital, lived in Mt Albert, then grew up on the North Shore. Been in Auckland all my life.
Which other actors / actresses do you like working with the most and why?
Frankie (Ula) and the teen cast are awesome to work with. There's always a lot of banter and laughter. It's very rare that it feels like work.
Have you made any good friends amongst the cast and crew?
Frankie and the teenage cast for the most part because I've worked so much with them. But the rest of the cast and crew are all so friendly they make it easy to get along with everyone, even if you're shy.
What's the best experience you've had with a fan / fans?
No fans yet. Haha.
Tell us about your first day on Shortland Street - what was it like?
It was so daunting and ridiculously exciting. Couldn't really believe I'd be doing it as a job. Everyone I encountered was helpful and welcoming so it made it less intimidating but still really intense.
Second round for Nothing Trivial
Taken from TVNZ.
TVNZ and NZ On Air are delighted to announce that TV ONE's record breaking series, Nothing Trivial, will return for a second season.
The series started with a bang - it was the highest rating debut of a local drama for this millennium. 516,300 New Zealanders tuned in for the first episode and the show has since held a loyal following of fans. As well as this week being the most viewed programme on TVNZ OnDemand, Nothing Trivial has sustained its television ratings success.
The decision from NZ On Air to fund another season of the hit drama is welcomed by Jeff Latch, head of TV ONE and TV2: "Nothing Trivial has great writers, a fantastic cast and it allwos New Zealanders to see their stories on screen. This has been a winning combination with viewers returning week after week. New Zealanders can't get enough of Nothing Trivial."
NZ On Air Chief Executive, Jane Wrightson, said the funding agency was delighted to support a second series.
"TV ONE has provided a great home for local drama this year with the first series of Nothing Trivial launching well and more recently the local Sunday Theatre season being received so positively. We look forward to the second season of Nothing Trivial continuing this strong performance next year," she said.
Head of Commissioning, Andrew Shaw, is also pleased with the decision: "The talented team at South Pacific Pictures has successfully brought endearing home-grown characters to life. TVNZ is proud to be associated with Nothing Trivial."
Tilly Devine: Violent femme
Taken from NZ Herald, by Barney McDonald.
Of the few photos of Tilly Devine online, the most telling are three police photos from May 27, 1925. Standing 1.6m in a heavy satin bonnet, the notorious Sydney madam is dressed in a dowdy jacket and skirt, with fancy shoes on her feet. A plain scarf imprisons her neck and her countenance is joyless, almost expressionless.
What strikes you most is how unlike Kiwi actress Chelsie Preston Crayford she looks. With a face to wither any red-blooded male's libido, Devine doesn't live up to her promising surname or her risque reputation. Physically, she's about as non-descript as anyone from the early 20th century could be, though a few other pictures display a set of Shirley Temple curls and a more gregarious personality.
But the Australian TV phenomenon Underbelly has never been interested in depicting historical figures with accuracy anyway. Across several different stories, the show has played fast and loose with facts and figures, which is part of its charm. It certainly underscores its success. In the fifth instalment to hit our screens, following the recent New Zealand addition, Land of the Long Green Cloud about New Zealand's Mr Asia connections, Underbelly: Razor on TV3 turns its attention to a couple of female rabble-rousers from Sydney's nefarious past. Unsurprisingly, the makers don't let the truth get in the way of a good yarn.
Read the full article here.
Get to know: Judy Rankin
Taken from TVNZ, Shortland Street.
Judy Rankin plays Mona "the moaner" McKay, Callum's no-nonsense mother.
How did you get your role on Shortland Street?
The wig did it! Actually, Mona is my fourth character on the show. The first being Susannah Beauchamp back in the 1990's.
How long have you been acting for?
All my life or ever since I could dress up in old curtains. I'm involved in community theatre... Howick Little Theatre for 30 years or so and professionally on and off since Theatre Corporate in the 80's.
Name three similarities between you and your onscreen character.
Only the wrinkles! I'm not a bit like Mona!
What has been your best experience/scene on the show to date?
The welcome back.
Which other character would you like to be and why?
Sorry - I'm sticking with Mona.
What are your hobbies / interests outside of Shortland Street?
Howick Little Theatre... I am deeply immersed in Shakespeare at the moment in preparation for directing As You Like It for HLT next year. Apart from that travel, Zumba and family.
What is your favourite destination in NZ and overseas?
Very fond of central Otago and also our wonderful native bush and overseas - Italy, Italia, Italy!!!
Do you have any pets?
One black cat rescued as a kitten from Cornwall Park who can still show his feral side (ouch!)
Who is the actor or actress that you admire the most?
Michael Hurst in New Zealand and amongst others Cate Blanchet and Diana Rigg.
What is the thing you enjoy most about going to work everyday?
While on Shortland Street... just going to work.
What has been your favourite scene to film in your time at Shortland Street?
There's a talkback radio scene with Vinnie (Pua Magasiva) which is coming up soon.
What is your favourite television programme and / or film of all time?
Good grief! Too many to mention.
What's the best experience you've had with a fan / fans?
Being asked, "excuse me... are you on Shortland Street?"
What's the strangest experience you've had with a fan / fans?
I'm not that famous, thank goodness.
Can you remember your first day on Shortland Street - what was it like?
It was way back when the studios were in Browns Bay. I was soooo excited.
Oliver Driver takes on directing
Taken from Stuff, by Kate Mead.
Oliver Driver's lofty frame looms over actors in Shortland Street's nursing station. He sweeps his hands through his curly hair and walks through the scene in stompy boots. This isn't back in 1999 when he played a pot-smoking nurse. Driver has switched to the hot seat and has just started directing New Zealand's longest-running soap opera. In between takes he leaves his director's chair and saunters over to the actors. "Move the clipboard down... get quick into positions... that was great timing," he guides.
Culture is at Shortland Street's studio in West Auckland and Driver - better known as an actor and theatre director - has snaffled some time in between scenes to chat.
He has been learning the ropes from the soap's other directors. "This is like being paid to go to a film school where you're the only student in some ways," he says. It takes four weeks to make one week's worth of episodes, known as a "block", and Driver began observing directors Wayne Tourell and Jonathan Alver before calling his own shots.
When Culture arrives, he is directing alongside Geoff Cawthorn. After the next block, he will be going solo with a director in the wings "who's just there if I get into trouble". His television-directing debut screens on October 24, but his solo episodes will not hit screens until early next year.
Read the full article here.