VIDEO: Sam Trammell Excited About Season 3

Many thanks to Thomas Attila Lewis from LAist.com for informing us about his wonderful interview with Sam Trammell at the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards.  Sam revealed to Thomas that season 3 of True Blood is going to be very character driven and the writing will be very deep.  According to Sam,  it is definitely going to be a very successful year for True Blood.

If you want to read the latest entertainment news you can visit Thomas Attila Lewis at LAist.com or follow him on Twitter @TheTVJunkie

Enjoy the video!

VIDEO: Sam Trammell Talks About Season 3 At The Spirit Awards

Everyone’s favorite True Blood shapeshifter, Sam Merlotte, was recently spotted at the 25th Annual Film Independent’s Spirit Awards. The Spirit Awards are held each year to celebrate the work of independent film makers.

Prior to the event, About.com’s Rebecca Murray managed to catch up with True Blood star, Sam Trammell, and ask him some questions about the HBO hit drama’s upcoming third season. Sam promises that the third season is going to be the best season yet.

When asked about a raunchy scene that Sam Merlotte will share will Bill Compton, Trammell replies,

“The cat is out of the bag, I mean I can’t say anything more than that…people want to be surprised…but there is something people will be talking about, for sure.”

Many thanks to Rebecca Murray for informing us about her wonderful interview with Sam.  To enjoy the complete interview, please click the link here to watch Rebecca’s video interview with Sam which you do not want to miss.

Also please visit Rebecca’s blog to read her latest reports from the entertainment world.

SOURCE:  Rebecca Murray, About.com

(Photo credit:  HBO Inc., screencap by James)

PHOTOS: True Blood Stars Take to the Independent Spirit Awards Red Carpet

The Independent Spirit Awards are to independent films what the Academy Awards are to big budget movies. Both awards shows celebrate the best of the best, and accordingly, many stars from TV and movies walk the red carpets for both. This year, the Independent Spirit Awards had some True Blood celebrities to add to the power of the red carpet. Both Sam Trammell and Ryan Kwanten were found strutting the red carpet, looking handsome and enjoying the celebratory atmosphere. Check out these pictures of our gorgeous men Sam and Ryan!

SOURCE: Hollywoodcrush.mtv.com

TwiCon Day Passes For Ottawa and Las Vegas Conventions

TwiCon Announces Day Pass Options!

Due to popular request, TwiCon will now offer day passes! Day passes are a great way to attend TwiCon for your favorite theme day or fandom activities. Quantities for day passes are limited! General admission registration is still available and a very small number of platinum packages at each TwiCon are also available. Please note: Day passes include one autograph. If you purchase 2 day passes, for example, you will receive 2 autographs, but only one per day. Day passes will go on sale by noon on Thursday, March 4. Look for an announcement on TwiCon’s site, Facebook and Twitter. If you don’t follow TwiCon on Facebook or Twitter, be sure to do so!

If you just want to join us for Monte Carlo (Las Vegas) or Volturi Masque Ball (Ottawa), or are interested in bringing a date, you may purchase tickets separately.

TwiCon Las Vegas Monte Carlo Formal: $69, includes food
TwiCon Ottawa Volturi Masque Ball: $59, includes food

Sign ups for autographs, photographs, meet and greets and other paid opportunities will be available approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the event.

Pricing for Day Passes:

TwiCon Las Vegas Day Passes

Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Theme: Kickoff/Author Day $39-Super Saver Price!

• Author Q&As – Authors in the vamp pop culture genres will sit on a panel to answer your questions! This event is open to everyone! Platinum members will enjoy priority seating and line exemption.

• Author autograph session – Get an autograph from your favorite attending authors. This event is free and open to all. Announcements on our author guests will come soon.

• Black Dagger Brotherhood opening mixer – Our welcome event will be a high-energy overview of the hotel and amenities, programming, special guests and other information. Look for giveaways, a live performance and cash bar. This event is free for all attendees. More details to come.

• Twilight Moms event – If you are a Twilight Mom, then this event is for you! Get together with other Twilight Moms at a casual cash bar cocktail party. This is event would be a great place to exchange gifts or showcase merchandise specifically for the savvy TM. More details on who’s qualified and ways to get involved!

• Vendor Hall extravaganza – The Vendor Hall will open up for a sneak peek of what you can expect from our vendors. Special sales, discounts, snacks and other goodies will be part of the preview. Check back for more details on possible scavenger hunts, games and prizes. Vendors welcome all attendees.

• Breakouts – Our popular breakouts are back by popular demand, and are open to all. Fewer, but larger, breakouts such as book talks, craft rooms, self defense and dance, as well as other themed breakouts will be the norm! We will announce more specific breakouts soon.

Friday, July 30th, 2010
Theme: True Blood $89

• Cast Q & A – See our True Blood cast guests as they answer moderated, pre-selected questions about their roles in the award-winning series. This event is open to all attendees. Platinum members will enjoy priority seating and line exemption.

• Photograph session – A limited number of photographs with the True Blood cast members will be available for purchase. Platinum members will enjoy 2 included photographs of their choice at TwiCon and will have priority selection.

• Autograph session – This event is open to those who have reserved or paid for an autograph for the True Blood cast and will take place after the True Blood cast Q&A session. Platinum members will receive one autograph from each attending celebrity. General attendees receive one free autograph at TwiCon.

• American Vampire League/Fellowship of the Sun Event – The lines are drawn! How good are your acting skills? This event will showcase the scriptwriting, acting and production skills of our attendees by enabling them to re-enact or re-create their favorite True Blood plots or scenes. Creativity is critical! All attendees are welcome to attend as the audience in order to enjoy performances by our own fellow fans. Sign ups, applications, guest judges and rules to be announced soon.

• Cast meet and greet – This paid event is open to 20 attendees. Our celebrity guests will attend the meet and greet for one hour, spending 30 minutes with 10 attendees at a time and alternating between groups. That means you’ll always have a True Blood cast member sitting and conversing with you for the entire hour! Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• Cast Cocktail party – Hang out with 100 True Blood fans in a cocktail setting…then have the True Blood cast spend a few minutes chatting with your table! This event is similar to the meet and greet but with more attendees. Platinum members will enjoy one free cocktail party in their package. Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• VIP Dinner with Cast – 10 lucky fans will get the opportunity to purchase a seat at a private, intimate dinner with a True Blood cast member! The openings will be filled via an advance auction. A spectacular dinner at one of the premiere restaurants at Planet Hollywood is included in this 2 hour event (one hour with cast member). This event is open to 10 winning attendees PER ACTOR. Details on the auction coming soon.

• Fangtasia Club Night – Show off your creative side at our version of Fangtasia! As vampire lovers, you need to show the love by sporting your best self-made costume or outfit that shows you are a true Fangbanger or vamp wannabe. Bring out the fangs, glitter, theme shirts, red lipstick and corsets! Costume winners will receive prizes and memorabilia, and there will be a variety of categories. This event is free and open to all attendees. Platinum members will be ushered to the elevated VIP area close to the action. More details to come regarding freebies and the musical guests.

• Breakouts – Our popular breakouts are back by popular demand, and are open to all. Fewer, but larger, breakouts such as book talks, craft rooms, self defense and dance, as well as other themed breakouts will be the norm! We will announce more specific breakouts soon. Vendor Hall- Open from 9am-8pm! Shop til’ you drop!

Saturday, July 31st, 2010
Theme: Twilight $89 (excludes Monte Carlo Formal) $135 including Monte Carlo Formal

• Cast Q & A – See our Twilight cast guests as they answer moderated, pre-selected questions about their roles in the films. This event is open to all attendees. Platinum members will enjoy priority seating and line exemption.

• Photograph session – A limited number of photographs with the Twilight cast members will be available for purchase. Platinum members will enjoy 2 included photographs of their choice at TwiCon and will have priority selection.

• Autograph session – This event is open to those who have reserved or paid for an autograph for the Twilight cast and will take place after the Twilight cast Q&A session. Platinum members will receive one autograph from every attending celebrity. General attendees receive one free autograph at TwiCon.

• Band/Musical guest autograph sessions – Greet our musical guests and receive an autograph…maybe even a photo with your favorite fandom band! These events are free and open to all attendees.

• Concerts – Multiple musical performances litter the event, including The Mitch Hansen Band, The National Rifle and more! These events are free to all attendees. Select concerts will be open to the public for individual tickets. More details and announcements to come.

• Cast meet and greet – This paid event is open to 30 attendees. Our celebrity guests will attend the meet and greet for one hour, spending 20 minutes with 10 attendees at a time and alternating between groups. That means you’ll always have a Twilight cast member sitting and conversing with you for the entire hour! Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• VIP Cocktail party – Hang out with 100 Twilight fans in a cocktail setting…then have the Twilight cast spend a few minutes chatting with your table! This event is similar to the meet and greet but with more attendees and additional fandom celebrities. Platinum members will enjoy one free cocktail party in their package. Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• VIP Dinner with Cast – 10 lucky fans will get the opportunity to purchase a seat at a private, intimate dinner with a Twilight cast member! The openings will be filled via an advance auction. A spectacular dinner at one of the premiere restaurants at Planet Hollywood is included in this 2 hour event (one hour with cast member). This event is open to 10 winning attendees PER ACTOR. Details on the auction coming soon.

• Monte Carlo Formal – What better place to re-enact the Twilight Prom Scene than Monte Carlo’s hometown? Our signature dance event will be themed in roaring 20s style, with a DJ spinning tracks, heavy hor d’ouvres, an included drink voucher, live drawings and more. Dress in your best 20s speak-easy style, this one’s formal! This event is open to all attendees and will have individual tickets for sale that are open to the public. Platinum members will be ushered to the elevated VIP area close to the action. More details coming soon.

• Breakouts – Our popular breakouts are back by popular demand, and are open to all. Fewer, but larger, breakouts such as book talks, craft rooms, self defense and dance, as well as other themed breakouts will be the norm! We will announce more specific breakouts soon.

• Vendor hall open – Shop til’ your heart’s content! A great selection of vendors in vendor hall will be open to all attendees. Save up and get ready to shop! Vendors will be announced in advance of the event. Vendor Hall will be open from 9am-8pm and will close up for good, so don’t wait to stock up on your vamp wares!

Sunday, August 1st, 2010
Theme: Vampire Diaries $79

• Cast Q & A – See our Vampire Diaries cast guests as they answer moderated, pre-selected questions about their roles in the films. This event is open to all attendees. Platinum members will enjoy priority seating and line exemption.

• Photograph session – A limited number of photographs with the Twilight cast members will be available for purchase. Platinum members will enjoy 2 included photographs of their choice at TwiCon and will have priority selection.

• Autograph session – This event is open to those who have reserved or paid for an autograph for the Vampire Diaries cast and will take place after the Vampire Diaries cast Q&A session. Platinum members will receive one autograph from every attending celebrity. General attendees receive one free autograph at TwiCon.

• VIP Lunch with Cast – 10 lucky fans will get the opportunity to purchase a seat at a private, intimate luncheon with a Vampire Diaries cast member! The openings will be filled via an advance auction. A spectacular lunch at one of the premiere restaurants at Planet Hollywood is included in this 2 hour event (one hour with cast member). Details on the auction coming soon.

• Cast meet and greet – This paid event is open to 10 attendees. One Vampire Diaries cast member will attend the meet and greet for one hour. Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• Cast Cocktail party – Hang out with 100 Vampire Diaries fans in a cocktail setting…then have the cast spend a few minutes chatting with your table! This event is similar to the meet and greet but with more attendees. Platinum members will enjoy one free cocktail party in their package. Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• Diary Farewell event – This floating event will showcase fan fiction for our featured vamp pop culture themes! Black Dagger Brotherhood, Twilight, Vampire Diaries, True Blood and other vamp fiction will be enhanced by our own take on the storylines. A fan fiction contest will take place during this event; the winner will be presented with a prize. Get your writing journals out! This event is open to all attendees and will feature our announcement for the 2011 TwiCon events. You won’t want to miss it! More details to come.

• Breakouts – Our popular breakouts are back by popular demand, and are open to all. Fewer, but larger, breakouts such as book talks, craft rooms, self defense and dance, as well as other themed breakouts will be the norm! We will announce more specific breakouts soon.

TwiCon Ottawa Day Passes

Friday, June 25th, 2010
Theme: True Blood $79

• Cast Q & A – See our True Blood cast guests as they answer moderated, pre-selected questions about their roles in the award-winning series. This event is open to all attendees. Platinum members will enjoy priority seating and line exemption.

• Photograph session – A limited number of photographs with the True Blood cast members will be available for purchase. Platinum members will enjoy 2 included photographs of their choice at TwiCon and will have priority selection.

• Autograph session – This event is open to those who have reserved or paid for an autograph for the True Blood cast and will take place after the True Blood cast Q&A session. Platinum members will receive one autograph from every attending celebrity. General attendees receive one free autograph at TwiCon.

• American Vampire League/Fellowship of the Sun Event – The lines are drawn! How good are your acting skills? This event will showcase the scriptwriting, acting and production skills of our attendees by enabling them to re-enact or re-create their favorite True Blood plots or scenes. Creativity is critical! All attendees are welcome to attend as the audience in order to enjoy performances by our own fellow fans. Sign ups, applications, guest judges and rules to be announced soon.

• Cast meet and greet – This paid event is open to 20 attendees. Our celebrity guests will attend the meet and greet for one hour, spending 30 minutes with 10 attendees at a time and alternating between groups. That means you’ll always have a True Blood cast member sitting and conversing with you for the entire hour! Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• Cast Cocktail party – Hang out with 100 True Blood fans in a cocktail setting…then have the True Blood cast spend a few minutes chatting with your table! This event is similar to the meet and greet but with more attendees. Platinum members will enjoy one free cocktail party in their package. Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• VIP Dinner with Cast – 10 lucky fans will get the opportunity to purchase a seat at a private, intimate dinner with a True Blood cast member! The openings will be filled via an advance auction. A spectacular dinner at a local restaurant is included in this 2 hour event (one hour with cast member). This event is open to 10 winning attendees PER ACTOR. Details on the auction coming soon.

• Fangtasia Club Night – Show off your creative side at our version of Fangtasia! As vampire lovers, you need to show the love by sporting your best self-made costume or outfit that shows you are a true Fangbanger or vamp wannabe. Bring out the fangs, glitter, theme shirts, red lipstick and corsets! Costume winners will receive prizes and memorabilia, and there will be a variety of categories. This event is open to all attendees, and will take place offsite at one of Toronto’s hottest night clubs. Platinum members will be ushered to the elevated VIP area close to the action. More details to come regarding freebies and the musical guests.

• Breakouts – Our popular breakouts are back by popular demand, and are open to all. Fewer, but larger, breakouts such as book talks, craft rooms, self defense and dance, as well as other themed breakouts will be the norm! We will announce more specific breakouts soon.

• Vendor Hall – Open from 9am-8pm! Shop til’ you drop!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010
Theme: Twilight $79 (excluding Volturi Masque Ball) $125 including Volturi Masque Ball

• Cast Q & A – See our Twilight cast guests as they answer moderated, pre-selected questions about their roles in the films. This event is open to all attendees. Platinum members will enjoy priority seating and line exemption.

• Photograph session – A limited number of photographs with the Twilight cast members will be available for purchase. Platinum members will enjoy 2 included photographs of their choice at TwiCon and will have priority selection.

• Autograph session – This event is open to those who have reserved or paid for an autograph for the Twilight cast and will take place after the Twilight cast Q&A session. Platinum members will receive one autograph from every attending celebrity. General attendees receive one free autograph at TwiCon.

• Band/Musical guest autograph sessions-Greet our musical guests and receive an autograph…maybe even a photo with your favorite fandom band! These events are free and open to all attendees.

• Concerts – Multiple musical performances litter the event, including The Mitch Hansen Band, The National Rifle and more! These events are free to all attendees. Select concerts will be open to the public for individual tickets. More details and announcements to come.

• Cast meet and greet – This paid event is open to 30 attendees. Our celebrity guests will attend the meet and greet for one hour, spending 20 minutes with 10 attendees at a time and alternating between groups. That means you’ll always have a Twilight cast member sitting and conversing with you for the entire hour! Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• VIP Cocktail party – Hang out with 100 Twilight fans in a cocktail setting…then have the Twilight cast spend a few minutes chatting with your table! This event is similar to the meet and greet but with more attendees and additional fandom celebrities. Platinum members will enjoy one free cocktail party in their package. Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• VIP Dinner with Cast – 10 lucky fans will get the opportunity to purchase a seat at a private, intimate dinner with a Twilight cast member! The openings will be filled via an advance auction. A spectacular dinner at 360 Restaurant, atop the world’s tallest building, is included in this 2 hour event (one hour with cast member). This event is open to 10 winning attendees PER ACTOR. Details on the auction coming soon.

• Volturi Masque Ball – signature dance event will take you to a Venetian Carnival, with a DJ spinning tracks, heavy hor d’ouvres, an included drink voucher, live drawings and more. Dress in your best gown or tux, this one’s formal! This event is open to all attendees and will have individual tickets for sale that are open to the public. Platinum members will be ushered to the elevated VIP area close to the action. More details coming soon.

• Breakouts – Our popular breakouts are back by popular demand, and are open to all. Fewer, but larger, breakouts such as book talks, craft rooms, self defense and dance, as well as other themed breakouts will be the norm! We will announce more specific breakouts soon.

• Vendor hall open – Shop til’ your heart’s content! A great selection of vendors in vendor hall will be open to all attendees. Save up and get ready to shop! Vendors will be announced in advance of the event. Vendor Hall will be open from 9am-8pm and will close up for good, so don’t wait to stock up on your vamp wares!

Sunday, June 27th, 2010
Theme: Vampire Diaries $69

• Cast Q & A – See our Vampire Diaries cast guests as they answer moderated, pre-selected questions about their roles in the films. This event is open to all attendees. Platinum members will enjoy priority seating and line exemption.

• Photograph session – A limited number of photographs with the Twilight cast members will be available for purchase. Platinum members will enjoy 2 included photographs of their choice at TwiCon and will have priority selection.

• Autograph session – This event is open to those who have reserved or paid for an autograph for the Vampire Diaries cast and will take place after the Vampire Diaries cast Q&A session. Platinum members will receive one autograph from every attending celebrity. General attendees receive one free autograph at TwiCon.

• VIP Lunch with Cast – 10 lucky fans will get the opportunity to purchase a seat at a private, intimate luncheon with a Vampire Diaries cast member! The openings will be filled via an advance auction. A spectacular lunch at 360 Restaurant, atop the world’s tallest building, is included in this 2 hour event (one hour with cast member). Details on the auction coming soon.

• Cast meet and greet – This paid event is open to 10 attendees. One Vampire Diaries cast member will attend the meet and greet for one hour. Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• Cast Cocktail party – Hang out with 100 Vampire Diaries fans in a cocktail setting…then have the cast spend a few minutes chatting with your table! This event is similar to the meet and greet but with more attendees. Platinum members will enjoy one free cocktail party in their package. Sign up policies, freebies, live entertainment and pricing to be announced soon.

• Diary Farewell event – This floating event will showcase fan fiction for our featured vamp pop culture themes! Black Dagger Brotherhood, Twilight, Vampire Diaries, True Blood and other vamp fiction will be enhanced by our own take on the storylines. A fan fiction contest will take place during this event; the winner will be presented with a prize. Get your writing journals out! This event is open to all attendees and will feature our announcement for the 2011 TwiCon events. You won’t want to miss it! More details to come.

• Breakouts – Our popular breakouts are back by popular demand, and are open to all. Fewer, but larger, breakouts such as book talks, craft rooms, self defense and dance, as well as other themed breakouts will be the norm! We will announce more specific breakouts soon.

SOURCE:  twicon.org

(Photo credit:  twicon.org)

AUDIOS: True Blood Cast Interviewed for UK Premiere

As True Blood continues to gain international popularity, UK fans can let out a collective sigh of relief – season 2 finally premiered on Friday, February 26th!

Alexander Skarsgård (Eric Northman),  Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton), Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte), and Michelle Forbes (Maryann Forrester) sat down with TV.Com UK Podcast and talked about everything from dialect coaching to their off-screen relationships.

What was Eric REALLY saying during season 2’s Swedish scenes? Do the cast members believe in real vampires? What do they hope happens to their characters is season 3? All this (and more) is discussed in this two-part podcast special.

The podcasts can be downloaded for free at http://cdn.cnet.co.uk/tvcom/podcast/xml/podcast.xml.  Once on the page left mouse click the mp3 and then click the “Save link as” to download it.

You can get involved with any of TV.com’s our podcast discussions via their our twitter feed @TVdotcomUK.

SOURCE: TV.Com

(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)

Get Bitten at the True Blood Convention in the UK

British fans of the popular HBO series, “True Blood,” will finally have their thirst for blood quenched in the form of a “True Blood” convention. Vampires and shape-shifters alike are taking a break from the steamy heat of Bon Temps this summer to meet their devoted fans in the UK. So get ready all of you bloody Brits – some of your favorite actors and actresses from “True Blood” arrive this August:

Basic Event Details:
Massive Events Presents:  Bitten

When:  August 6th-8th, 2010
Where:  Northhampton, England
Venue:  The Park Inn

Cost:
Standard Pass  £78 ($120)
Silver Pass         £135 ($209)
Gold Pass           £195 ($302)

All participants must be over the age of 16.

The various passes will allow participants to attend events.  The level of pass will determine which events you can attend.  Events are being added daily, so make sure that you check the convention site to get the latest info.

Want to meet your favorite characters from the show? Enjoy a glass of wine with fellow “True Blood” fans? So far, the schedule sounds pretty exciting with the following events already confirmed:

• Exclusive wine reception

• Autograph Sessions

• Professional photo-shoot sessions

• Themed parties

• Sunday night “chill out” party

• Guest talks and panels

• Souvenir program

• Dealers room

• More to come

Bitten has also two confirmed guests for the convention:  our favorite bar owner and shape shifter Sam Merlotte, played by Sam Trammell, will be on hand as well as Fangtasia’s sexiest bouncer, vampire Pam, played by Kristin Bauer. Massive Events is also working to confirm more exciting guests from the show.

UK fans, make sure to keep checking back for further information as it becomes available because this is an event you don’t want to miss.

SOURCE:  Massive Events

(Photo credit: HBO Inc. screencap by James)

PHOTOS: True Blood Men At The Premiere of HBO’s The Pacific

The True Blood cast were out in full force on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the Chinese Theater on in Los Angeles, California for the premiere of HBO’s “The Pacific“.  The Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks war miniseries production is set to air next month on HBO.  The True Blood men including, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Sam Trammell and Ryan Kwanten, were all in attendance and looked fabulous on the red carpet.

True Blood Season 2 UK Premiere With Sam And Michelle

True Blood’s UK fans are in for a crazy, sexy ride when Season 2 arrives on FX this week. Sam Trammell and Michelle Forbes, whose characters are both major players in Season 2, told Scotland’s Daily Record what the show’s U.S. fans already know — the season is rife with new characters and plenty of excitement.

Sam, who plays bar owner Sam Merlotte, said the show took off in its second year, and attributes its success to Alan Ball’s writing. The exciting, fast-paced tone of Season 2 bolstered the show’s success in a way no one anticipated, he said.

“It’s different, it’s scary, it’s serious, it’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s bloody. It bridges so many different genres and there is nothing else like it on television. Not many programs can mix the fantastical with very good drama but this has both, with social commentary and relationships as well as fantasy and these great creatures.”

Sam’s character is one of those fantasy creatures, a shape shifter who turns into a dog. To prepare for his role, he took some cues from his West Highland Terrier, Flossy, he said.

“She is very helpful. In one scene last season, I had to sniff someone’s bed like a dog would, so l was rolling around on the bed naked, and l watched the dog to see how she would do it and got some good tips.”

Michelle Forbes, who plays a central role as Maryann in Season 2, shies away from maligning her character as evil — though Sam makes a point of saying she’s “bad news.

“It’s better to say she is enigmatic. Everybody thinks she is bad but, as an actor, I have to play her straight, as no one who is evil thinks they are evil. I think she is warm-hearted.”

She also praised the show’s global success, musing about its mass appeal.

“I love the fact True Blood is popular in Scotland and the way it has worked around the world. It means there’s something universal about the story, and that’s just gorgeous, isn’t it?”

Season 2 starts this Friday in the UK at 10pm on FX (Sky Channel 64 and Virgin Media Channel 157).

Source: Daily Record

Photo credit: HBO Inc.

Australia To Host “True Blood” At Hub Convention

Hub Productions announced its True Blood Convention, scheduled for Sept. 25, 2010, in Sydney and Sept. 26, 2010, in Melbourne.  Among the guests will be Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse book series on which Alan Ball’s “True Blood” television series on HBO is based.  Also to be in attendance are “True Blood” cast members Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte), Kristen Bauer (vampire Pam) and John Billingsley (coroner Mike Spencer).  More guests are scheduled to be announced.

Attendees of the convention will have the opportunity to see the True Blood cast members on stage from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Along with Q&A sessions, a few stories and anecdotes will be shared with the audience and time will be allotted to meet the guests for photos and autographs.

Throughout the day there will be other activities such as auctions and raffle giveaways, with auction proceeds going to charity. Vendors will sell merchandise and rare collectibles.  Here is the schedule at a Hub Convention:

• 9:00 a.m. – Registration and Welcome

• 9:15 a.m.  – Professional Photos

• 11:00 a.m.  – Question & Answer Session 1

• 12:00 p.m. – Lunch (not provided)

• 12:30 p.m. – Question & Answer Session 2

• 1:30 p.m. – Event (such as an auction)

• 1:45 p.m. – Question & Answer Session 3

• 2:45 p.m. – Autographs

• 5 p.m./6 p.m. – Close event

Seating for the convention is pre-assigned, based on the level of ticket purchased and the date of purchase.  Tokens may be purchased for the professional photo sessions, which means you get to pose with your favorite guest.  There will be an extra fee for autographed photos. Photos will be available the same day. Tokens may also be purchased for autographs.

The closing event is a farewell wrap-up, which may or may not include the guests.

“The Hub Productions is a small company out of Sydney, Australia, that strives to provide opportunities for fans to meet the actors, artists and behind-the-scenes stars who contribute to the TV shows, movies and comics that we all so love and adore.”

While the venues in Sydney and Melbourne are not yet disclosed, the pricing (in Australian dollars) is posted.  Add an additional $5.95 to all ticket prices for postage.

• Day Ticket - $100
• VIP Day Ticket*- $600
• Platinum Day Ticket* - $950
• Professional Photograph - $40
• Autograph - $30

*VIP and Platinum tickets include evening functions with the guests, front row seating and other entitlements.

To read the convention etiquette page, purchase tickets, enter a chance to win a full set of the Sookie Stackhouse novels (signed by Charlaine Harris) and get the latest updates, visit http://www.thehubproductions.com/events/true-blood-2010/home.

Source:  hubproductions.com

(Photo credit:  hubproductions.com)

Sam Trammell Talks Vampires and Sam Merlotte

The vampires from “True Blood” have picked a great time to “come out of the coffin” as the vampire craze doesn’t show any sign of wavering. Speaking to the Sunday Mercury, Sam Trammell discusses why he thinks vampires have taken over the screen and what makes his character, Sam Merlotte, interesting despite not being a vampire.

Sam talks candidly about the appeal of “True Blood” and how it differs from other television programs, noting that the elements of “True Blood” resonate across a range of people.

“I guess, in a way, our show has a lot of universal themes that different cultures can latch on to, like the archetypal themes of good and evil. These are very simple themes that are cross-cultural as opposed to say, an American doctors show or something like that. There’s a real fascination with vampires and fantasy in general; it is an interesting time.”

Life during an economic recession is definitely an interesting time, and could possibly be one of the reasons programs like “True Blood” have reached such popularity.

“… when real life isn’t great then who wants to watch entertainment about real life? You want to escape. That definitely could be part of it.”

Of course, we know Sam is not a vampire, but the lovable and protective Merlotte’s bar owner who also happens to be a shapeshifter. Throughout season one and season two we witnessed his longing for Sookie Stackhouse, played by Anna Paquin, and trouble with Maryann Forrester, played by Michelle Forbes, but Sam always seems to be able to hold things together for the people in Bon Temps.

“It’s interesting to play someone like that, who has had to fend for themselves on streets and who didn’t have parents and who knows how he found the money to buy the bar? That to me is the most interesting thing about Sam. More than the fact that he’s a shapeshifter, just the fact that he had a difficult childhood.”

Sam admits that with such a strong cast, great writers and the popularity of the characters, things don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

“This is the kind of show and these are the kind of stories that definitely don’t get boring very quickly. Anything can happen in our world and the writing is so good, and I’m definitely happy to go on. We’re all having a great time and it still feels very new. It really feels fresh like we just started.”

With season three currently being filmed, “True Blood” fans can rest assured that the future looks very bright for the series (even if our favorite vampires have to stay in the dark).

SOURCE: Sunday Mercury

(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)

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