Sunday, June 14, 2009

Ten Things You Didn't Know about the 'True Blood' Cast

Ten Things You Didn't Know about the 'True Blood' Cast

HERE

'True Blood' is back: Check out NYC's best vampire haunts

Vampire fans are in for a treat tonight when "True Blood" returns to HBO for its second season.

For those who need even more to satisfy their cravings, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the undead here in New York. The show's bloodsucking stud Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) sleeps in a coffin and sinks his fangs into victims - but here are some more appealing options.

Have a Bloody Mary

Drinking real blood is gross, but a Bloody Mary has a kick that could wake even the undead.

The spicy vodka cocktail gets its color from tomato juice, and usually contains Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces, beef bouillon, horseradish, celery, an olive, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and lemon juice.

The River Cafe in Brooklyn, deemed to have the best Bloody Mary in New York by Citysearch users last year, prides itself on presentation.

"We put slices of red and green pepper, a little bit of fresh cucumber," says bartender Larry Trap. "We wrap a little lemon wheel around the celery, so when they get the drink, it looks pretty nice." Customers can order the $13 cocktail spicy or mild.

River Cafe, 1 Water St., Brooklyn; (718) 522-5200.

Producer Alan Ball hopes viewers bite into humor of ‘True Blood’

from the Boston Herald

Executive producer Alan Ball doesn’t want viewers to take his HBO series “True Blood” too seriously.

“There’s a big part of the show that’s very much like one of those old-fashioned Saturday matinee serials with the cliffhangers and everything,” Ball said during a recent conference call with reporters.

“No matter how interesting and complicated and real, the dynamics of human behavior that the show explores are ultimately its thrill ride.”

When the drama about vampires in Louisiana premiered last year, many speculated that the show was a metaphor for society’s treatment of homosexuals.

“I would say to look at the vampires on the show as a metaphor for gays and lesbians is so simple and so easy, it’s kind of lazy,” Ball said. “Ultimately, I do have to say, ‘Come on, they’re vampires.’ They’re not real. None of it is supposed to be real or supposed to represent anything specific, and I just hope people can remember that. It can’t be taken that seriously. It is supposed to be fun.”

Read on

'True Blood' Fans All A-Tweet?

Don't miss my live show tonight at 9:30 pm cst with the queen of Sookieverse twitterati herself the lovely @sookiebontemps...

It's around 7:30 p.m. on a Saturday. A quick check of the Twitter shows that among the top ten trending topics on the microblogging service are Tehran (things are tense in Iran right now), Six Flags (it's summer...and the company just filed for Chapter 11) and... HBO.

HBO? What could cause the Twiterrati to be talking about HBO on a Satuday night?

Well, the network's got a big fight tonight. But, there's this: "True Blood" returns for its second season tomorrow night. And the faithful are clearly getting excited.

From TVWeek

True Blood: Where Were We... and What's Coming Next?


from TV Guide

Who's dead? Who's undead? We'll find out Sunday, as True Blood returns for its second season (9 pm/ET, HBO). Let's remember where everyone in Bon Temps was way back in the final episode, and get a sneak peek at what's in store for Season 2. (SPOILER ALERT: This story reveals some future plot elements... but not the juiciest ones.)

TARA
Where Were We? After discovering that her exorcism was a sham, Tara goes on a joyride and is arrested for drunk-driving. She's sprung from the pokey by Maryann (Michelle Forbes), a mysterious benefactor who takes her in and encourages her to pursue a more fulfilling life. But Maryann has a secret: For now, all we know is that she can vibrate — yes, vibrate — but clearly there's more to it. As Tara wonders aloud where her cousin, Lafayette, has been for two weeks, in the finale's final scene, Tara, Andy and Sookie discover an African-American body with painted toenails in Andy's car. (Cue the screaming.)
What's Next? As Maryann ingratiates herself with the gullible folks of Bon Temps, Tara becomes suspicious. Plus, her flirtation with Eggs (Mehcad Brooks) heats up.

SOOKIE
Where Were We? Sookie used her powers to figure out that Rene (aka Drew Marshall) was the killer, and — after a quick chase through a cemetery, and with an assist from a canine Sam — she snuffs him out with a shovel.
What's Next? Eric sends Sookie to Texas on an important errand, where she discovers that she's not the only human with special talents.

JASON
Where Were We? Jason spent much of the finale in jail, trying to figure out how he could have killed four women — including his grandmother and his girlfriend — without remembering it. He is saved by Orry Dawson, the leader of the Fellowship of the Sun, an anti-vampire church. By episode's end, the gullible Jason is worshipping with the church's closed-minded faithful.
What's Next? Jason's involvement in the Fellowship creates inner conflict for the pea-brained, kind-hearted hottie, who ultimately saw the good in vampires Bill and Eddie. Plus, Rev. Steve Newlin (Michael McMillian) — and his sexy wife, Sarah (Anna Camp) — have a proposition for him.

SAM
Where Were We? Having revealed his shape-shifting abilities to Sookie, Sam's relationship with her is strained, despite Sam's role in saving Sookie from Rene. Further, Maryann's presence sends Sam into a panic.
What's Next? We'll learn more about Sam's history with Maryann. And there's a new waitress at Merlotte's, Daphne, and she has sexy eyes for the boss.

BILL
Where Were We? Though Bill was burnt to a crisp by the sun when he ventured out in daylight to save Sookie from Rene, after a quick burial, he's good as new, still muddied from the grave and ready for some moonlit, late-evening delight with his best girl. Meanwhile, Eric and Pam have had enough of the impetuous teen Jessica, who Bill had to "turn" in the finale as reparations for killing a vampire. So they dump her back on her maker. Vamp parenting is hard!
What's Next? Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) creates some trouble in Bill's relationship with Sookie when she returns to see her family.

ERIC
Where Were We? Eric spent Season 1 just vamping around, doing seductive, ominous vampire stuff, hinting that his true importance to the story would only be realized in the future.
What's Next? There's trouble brewing in the Lone Star State, and Eric exercises his power as sheriff to assign Sookie and Bill to the case.

VIDEO: Anna Paquin shares a peek at Season 2. Also, watch clips of True Blood in our Online Video Guide

http://www.tvguide.com/News/True-Blood-Preview-1006881.aspx

True Blood Music Episode 2.01 - Nothing but the Blood

Now the one thing we know about True Blood is that the episode names come from the a song used in and significant to that episode.

Episode 2.01 - Nothing but the Blood


Nothing But the Blood is an old Baptist hymn that was written by Pastor Robert Lowry (1826-1899) in 1876.

Here is a version by Christian band, Jars of Clay






Or maybe you prefer the Stryper Version


Lyrics:

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing but the blood
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Blessings!!!

True Bood Season 2 Episode 1 : Nothing but the Blood description

June 14: “Nothing But the Blood”
A shocking murder outside Merlotte’s has Bon Temps reeling. Meanwhile, Sookie’s (Anna Paquin) relationship with Bill (Stephen Moyer) is tested when she learns about Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll), and of his involvement in her uncle’s death. Sam (Sam Trammell) recalls a shape-shifting encounter he had with Maryann (Michelle Forbes) as a 17-year-old. Jason (Ryan Kwanten) gets a sudden windfall that allows him to pay for a leadership retreat with the Fellowship of the Sun. Two adversaries find themselves sharing a mysterious dungeon and, possibly, the same fate.

Writing credits

Alan Ball (creator)

Charlaine Harris (novels)

Alexander Woo (written by)

Episode Cast (in credits order)

Anna Paquin ... Sookie Stackhouse

Stephen Moyer ... Bill Compton

Sam Trammell ... Sam Merlotte

Ryan Kwanten ... Jason Stackhouse

Rutina Wesley ... Tara Thornton

rest of cast listed alphabetically:

Anna Camp ... Sarah Newlin

Missy Doty ... Vonetta

Michelle Forbes ... Maryann

Rosemary Garris ... Bargirl

Sara Holden ... Female Prisoner

Ashley Jones ... Daphne

Todd Lowe ... Terry Bellefleur

Adrienne McQueen ... Sorority Girl

Jim Parrack ... Hoyt Fortenberry

Lauren Pritchard ... Coralee

Betsy Rue ... Shawnelle

Marc Schaffer ... Male prisoner #2

Deborah Ann Woll ... Jessica Hamby

Pasquale Cassalia ... Vampire Guest (uncredited)

Episode Crew
Produced by
Alan Ball .... executive producer
Gregg Fienberg .... executive producer

Makeup Department
Artie Glackin .... special makeup effects coordinator: Mastersfx Inc.
Lana Grossman .... key makeup artist
Brigette A. Myre .... makeup department head

Production Management
Gwyn Shovelski .... post-production supervisor

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Kyle Hollingsworth .... assistant director
Sunday Stevens .... second assistant director

Art Department
Ronnie Lombard .... greensmen

Sound Department
Jeremy Balko .... adr mixer
Lawrence L. Commans .... boom operator
Mark Fay .... boom operator
Ryan Maguire .... foley mixer
Michael Sana .... assistant sound editor

Special Effects by
Michael Gaspar .... special effects supervisor

Visual Effects by
Levi Ahmu .... visual effects artist

Stunts
Sara Holden .... stunt performer
Marc Schaffer .... stunt performer

Camera and Electrical Department
Eric Fletcher .... additional camera operator: Steadicam
Philip J. Jaffe .... first assistant camera: "a" camera
Simon Jayes .... camera operator: "a" camera
Simon Jayes .... steadicam operator
Bradley Richard .... first assistant camera: "b" camera/Steadicam

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Sarah Basta .... set costumer
J.R. Hawbaker .... assistant costume designer
Alexandra Hess .... costume production assistant
Lorie Shew .... costumer



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1368977/

True Blood Season 2 watching parties


Are you having a True Blood watching party ?
Did you make something special to eat tonight in honor of True Blood return ?
Let me know if you did ....( here was my menu from the finale)

Thanks devin for sharing your wife cupcakes ...yummy and fangtastic!

Previously on… True Blood

nice ....from Geeks of a unusual size

Season one of Alan Ball’s gory, sexy, supernatural masterpiece was packed with all sorts of happenings, so it’s a fair bet you’ve forgotten a few of them. I’ll run down some of the important ones here to get you ready for season two.

Tru BloodVampires live among us. Two years ago, they revealed themselves to mankind and are now part of everyday life. With the invention of synthetic blood (Tru Blood) they no longer feed on humans (officially) and just want equal protection under the law. Acceptance is not widespread, however, and no more is that evident than in the intolerance-happy town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. Sookie Stackhouse is a telepathic waitress who lives with her grandmother and works as a waitress at Merlotte’s. Her brother, Jason, lives in town and is something of a man-whore. Her best friend, Tara, is a sassy young black woman with a thing for Jason. Her boss, Sam Merlotte, has a thing for Sookie. Lafayette is a flamboyant cook at Merlottes who also deals in V (Vampire blood, a potent drug for humans).

One day, Sookie meets Bill Compton. Bill is a vampire from the civil war era and Sookie is instantly fascinated by him, in no small part due to the fact that she can’t hear his thoughts like she can everyone else’s. She saves him from some rednecks trying to drain him, and he saves her later in return, creating a blood bond between them.

Read on

Charlaine Harris speaking in Shreveport: Author!Author! Pt3

Charlaine Harris speaks Shreveport Author! Author June 13th pt 2

Charlaine Harris speaking in Shreveport: Author!Author! Pt1

'Talk Blood' live ! Ep. 1 right after True Blood tonight !

We are pleased to announce a new special weekly blogtalk radio program.

We are going to talk live every Sunday night immediately following the airing of True Blood on HBO.
Join us tonight for our first edition of Talk Blood hosted by Dallas and @SookieBonTemps.

Chat room open at 9:15 pm cst and Blogtalk Radio goes live at 9:30.
Tonight we will be joined by the Sookie Twitterverse who will be reacting and commenting on the episode events and we want to hear from you..

You can chat , tweet and call-in live .....
Call-in (646) 929-0825

We are so excited about the return of True Blood and can't wait to hear what you think!!



Talk Blood ( True Blood Ep 1 ) Chatroom transcript

Crowds pack Munci for "True Blood" author

Hundreds of fans with books in their hands and vampires on the brain lined the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, eager to get a signature and brief moment with Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series recently turned into HBO's "True Blood."Charlaine Harris among Southern writers at Author! Author! event

"We're just thrilled with the response," said Lynn Laird, committee chair of the Author! Author! Shreveport-Bossier Book Festival, which hosted the book signing. "Thanks to authors like Charlaine, it's just been an awesome event."

Harris' series, also known as the Southern vampire series, was turned into an HBO show by "Six Feet Under" creator Alan Ball. The story is set in Bon Temps, a fictional northern Louisiana town near Shreveport, and a minor portion of the first season was filmed locally.

Sookie is a telepathic barmaid who falls in love with a vampire named Bill Compton, with a relationship on the brink of two worlds: one of mundane rural Louisiana drenched in sweat, fear and superstition, and the other of mysterious bloodsuckers torn between ancient tradition and mainstream assimilation.

Read

Alexander Skarsgard Reveals on Playing "Thor"

"True Blood" actor Alexander Skarsgard was previously in-talks for the title role in the upcoming "Thor" film. He seemed like a great fit, being 32-years-old, 6'4 tall, blonde, voted sexiest man in Sweden, and being the son of Stellan Skarsgard. But the role eventually went to Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek).

Now, Skarsgard tells MTV News that he was very close to being cast. So close, that he even filmed an audition in the complete Thor costume, hammer and all. "Yeah," he said. "That was pretty fun."

Skarsgard added that he is still hopeful that one day he might land another comic book-based role. And since Kevin Feige is planning on briging back actors who auditioned for "Thor" for other Marvel role, we might still see Skarsgard as a superhero.

"It depends on the circumstances," Skarsgard said of possible roles in "Captain America" or "The Avengers." "Who the director is, and what the character is. But of course [I'd be interested in looking into it]. I think it's every little boy's dream; it would be a person's dream to play an action hero."
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/joshw24/news/?a=7952

Stephen Moyer is one to watch

Onestowatch does a nifty little guide to Stephen Moyer

If you are one of those people who like your vampires a little sexier, a little dirtier and a little bloodier , with fangs and a dose of Southern Charm, Stephen Moyer’s “Bill Compton” is your vamp. In HBO’s “True Blood”, Stephen manages to use his British background to channel an ex Civil War soldier / Southern gentleman when portraying a tortured, immortal soul who thinks that what he is .. is “bad”.. when in reality he is essentially a “good guy”. Throw in the drop dead (oops no pun intended) good looks and a sexy scowl and you’ve got one of the hottest vampires to come a long in centuries. The sexy story line is helped a long by the chemistry between Stephen and real life love, Anna Paquin as “Sookie Stackhouse”. The scenes between these two explode with electricity. And who can blame her? What woman wouldn’t want to hear their own immortal hottie growl “She is MINE!” to anyone who makes the mistake of thinking otherwise?

Born Stephen John Emery in Brentwood, Essex, England, he began his acting career close to home in local theatre in Brentwood & Chelmsford. Stephen also started his own theatre company in Brentwood called The Reject Society. He continues to support the Brentwood Theater, recognizing the start that the theater gave him.

Stephen trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and began his professional career working on stage. His first work on British TV included roles in ‘Men Only’, ‘NY-LON’, Five’s ‘Menace’ and the BBC’s ‘The Grand’, ‘Lilies’ and ‘Empathy’, He made his screen debut starring in ‘Prince Valiant’ with Katherine Heigl, Other early films included Quills , Entrusted and Restraint.

Stephen’s first US TV projects included ‘Princess of Thieves’, NBC’s mini-series ‘Uprising’, as well as USA Network’s Golden Globe and Emmy nominated ‘The Starter Wife’ starring Debra Messing, before starting his stint as ‘True Blood’s’ 173-year-old vampire ‘Bill Compton’. When first offered the role in “True Blood”, Stephen was ready to turn it down because it would mean being away from his two children, Billy and Lilac, who live in London with their mother. After being persuaded to take the part, he said that he manages to talk to his children daily via Skype.

As “True Blood” starts off its’ second season, Stephen’s fans are looking forward to many more brooding, sexy scenes with their favorite Southern vampire. Don’t try to get in their way or you are apt to hear a resounding “He’s MINE!”

Fansites:

Stephen Moyer dot Net

Stephen Moyer Online

Facebook Fan Page

Official True Blood Site

Contact Info:
Stephen Moyer
c/o Luber Rocklin Entertainment
8530 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 550
Beverly Hills, CA 90211 USA

http://ones2watch4.com/celebrities/actors/stephen-moyer/

True Blood Cover Shoot with Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer for TV Guide

Have you seen this week's cover of TV Guide ?
If you haven't - you might want to buy one ...

It's simply stunning, here is a behind the scene video shot at the photo shoot for the magazine's True Blood article .

Last minutes True Blood Season 2 spoilers


Last minutes spoilers

-We'll see some parts of Eric's life that is interesting.

-Scenes from the book that Alan loves will definitely make it into the series.

-Will shoot one ep of S3 before Christmas.

-Shooting episode 11 now.

-True Blood at Comic Con! Skarsgard will be there as well as everyone else!

-We'll see a more in depth Jason. Exploring him more as a person other than sex.

-The most evil character this season: Maryann and a character that has not been introduced yet. Another vamp.

-Alan feels it's important to show that vampires have that monster side to them.

-Will see a more 'monstrous' Eric, and a more sensitive Eric this season.

True Blood Music Video of the Day: Tainted Love