Today may be a day to wear green, but it’s also a day to celebrate the wonderful and talented Adina Porter who plays Lettie Mae Thornton! TrueBloodNet would like to wish Ms. Porter a very happy birthday and we hope that you have a great day. We can’t wait to see what season 4 brings to your character!
(Image Credit: Happy Birthday Clip Art.com)
Today is none other than our favorite Fangtasia employee, Tara Buck’s birthday! Her character Ginger may be known more for her screaming abilities than actually working, but that doesn’t stop truebies from loving her all the same. We here are TrueBloodNet would like to wish Tara a very happy birthday and hope she has a great day. We can’t wait to see where Ginger goes in season 4!
(Image Credit: Happy Birthday Clip Art.com)
Today, March 14, 2011 is James Frain’s birthday. The actor played the unforgettable role of the vampire Franklin Mott in the course of True Blood’s third season. We here at TBN would like to wish James a very happy birthday and hope that he has a wonderful day!
(Image Credit: Happy Birthday Clipart.com)
Have you ever wondered what it takes to get cast on True Blood? Gianna Sobol tackled the casting process in this latest installment of the Inside True Blood blog. Those who have been following the blog will recognize this post as part of the series Sobol is doing on the episode creation process and each step that is involved along the way.
Casting sessions take place in show creator Alan Ball’s office for every single role cast on the show. This includes every character from the ones who have no lines and appear in only one episode to those characters that have many lines and have multiple episode arcs.
Present in every casting session are casting directors Libby Goldstein and Junie Lowry-Johnson, casting associate Lisa Soltau, the writer for the episode, and the director for the episode. The actors are given “sides” or pages from the script to read.
So what makes True Blood’s casting process different from others in television? Alan Ball of course! He is present for every casting session no matter how big or small the role. After all, there are no small parts only small actors, right truebies?
Now that you have insight into the casting process, what do you think about it? Is it different than you originally imagined? Tell me in the comment section below!
Source: Inside True Blood Blog- Casting
(Image Credit: HBO, Inc.)
In continuing Truebloodnet’s coverage of True Blood at PaleyFest 2011, I have for all of our dear truebies video interviews from creator Alan Ball and the cast that they did in the press tent prior to going onstage for the panel. I have chosen interviews from E! Online and Access Hollywood and because I am reporting from more than one source and covering many cast members who were interviewed more than once, this article will be posted in parts.
In this first part, Alan Ball, Kristin Bauer van Straten (Pam De Beaufort), and Alexander Skarsgård (Eric Northman) are interviewed about their impressions of season 4 thus far. Please note that if you have chosen to be spoiler-free this season that you should not proceed past this point. It’s completely filled with spoilers!
In this first video interview conducted by E! Online, Alan Ball is asked how he connects to the world that was created by author Charlaine Harris and he responds first by saying that since he grew up in a small town in the south, he can relate to being different. But he says that Harris’ series has given him the freedom in True Blood that he didn’t necessarily have in his previous HBO series Six Feet Under. Because our favorite show focuses on the world of the supernatural, it can go places that other realistically based shows cannot and still make sense:
Speaking of making sense, Access Hollywood asked Mr. Ball if season 4 would include events from the fourth book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. He replied that it would but when asked about the infamous shower scene that occurs in the book between Sookie (Anna Paquin) and Eric, he said that a shower scene will happen but it could lead elsewhere. Since this season has been dubbed “the Season of the Witch”, Alan did confirm that we will be meeting some witches, ghosts, new werewolves, new shifters, and new vampires. But of the witches, he says that their viewpoint coming in is that they have been assaulted which is one reason why others on the show may not like them. Interesting. Watch:
In E! Online’s interview with Alexander, he is asked how he feels being at Paleyfest. While he admits that it is overwhelming, it is also very rewarding and flattering to know that people care as much as he does. So truebies, what do you think Alexander gets asked about the most for season 4? Two words: pink spandex. Watch:
By now, it is no secret that Eric loses his mind thanks to a witch. Why exactly he does lose it on the show remains a secret to fans. But when asked by Access Hollywood if this is the season of Eric, Alexander replied that Eric will have a lot to deal with this season and that he is pretty much a really big baby in need of protection:
Like her vampire counterpart Alexander, Kristin was also asked by E! Online about her frequently asked questions from fans. She says that women want to know what it’s like working with the “tall Swede” and while she says that she used to say how wonderful he is, now she makes up things like saying he’s a pain in the ass! That’s when you know that actors spend lots of time together. Kristin discussed being around fans of the show and how it’s nice to learn about what people are interested in given that there is such a large buffer between the actors and audience normally:
But what can we expect for Pam in season 4? A very excited Kristin informs Access Hollywood that so much good stuff is going to happen for her character that she doesn’t want to give anything away. But she does say that Pam continues to be tested beyond the limits of where season three saw her go. And not only does Pam get to leave Fangtasia but she also gets to interact with witches! Watch:
Those are all the interviews I have for the moment. But more are forthcoming so stay tuned to TBN for more season 4 interviews from Paley!
Sources: Access Hollywood: PaleyFest 2011- Alan Ball
Alexander Skarsgård
Kristin Bauer van Straten
E! Online: Watch with Kristin!: True Blood Videos- Alan Ball
Alexander Skarsgard
Kristin Bauer van Straten
(Video Credits: E! Online and Access Hollywood
Image Credit: The Paley Center for Media)
An Insider’s Look at PaleyFestGianna Sobol, assistant to creator Alan Ball was on hand at this year’s True Blood panel at PaleyFest 2011. And while she was there, she observed a few things that might not have made it into the coverage of the event that we the fans have been eagerly reading. Chris Bauer (Andy Bellefleur) claimed during the panel that he didn’t get recognized all that often.
In fact, Alan Ball said that the story of Chris thinking he was being recognized but actually being told he had bird excrement on him was one of his favorite moments. But one thing is for sure, Chris has perfected his signature as you can see from the picture on the right. Backstage posters were set up for the cast to sign and Chris has a very nice John Hancock.
However, the best backstage tidbit has to be the one about Alexander Skarsgård’s (Eric Northman) infamous wig from season 1:
While the clip reel played for the PaleyFest audience, the cast and their guests huddled backstage to watch on a little screen of their own. When they showed clips of Eric with his long hair from season 1, another cast member turned to Alexander Skarsgård and said, “You miss the wig, right?” Everyone laughed, knowing he does not miss the wig.
So that’s it for now trubies! But stay tuned to TBN for more on PaleyFest 2011 including a few videos and fan experiences coming very soon.
Source: Inside True Blood Blog– “What You Haven’t Read About PaleyFest…”
(Image Credit: Inside True Blood Blog/HBO, Inc.)
We’ve all heard of fashion designers being protested against for the use of fur in their designs. But times have changed and now there is a heavy emphasis on environmental awareness or being green. Fashion is no exception with many designers now getting into the habit of using more sustainable fabrics like silk to create fabulous designs. But what about green and animal friendly fashion? That’s where Born Free USA and Environmental Magazine’s (E! Magazine) 3rd annual Fur Free Fashion Competition comes in. And who better to judge it than a fashion diva?
Kristin Bauer van Straten who plays the stylishly undead Pamela De Beaufort on HBO’s True Blood will be serving as a judge for the competition. She announced the news via Facebook saying that her vampire counterpart would be judging the fashion:
“Guess who’s a judge this year? Pam! I mean, me, Kristin.”
Kristin has famously used her celebrity for good; harnessing social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter as well her own website to raise awareness for animal rights and environmental conservation issues. So there couldn’t be a more perfect choice! When asked about why she was so passionate about animal rights and the environment, Kristin had this to say:
“[Nature and animals] have always given selflessly to me, so much more than I could have ever dreamed or given back. Mother nature is the greatest and most magical artist I have ever seen.”
Joining Kristin as judges are actress Julia Barr, E! Magazine editor Brita Belli, actress Rachelle Carson-Begley, designer Elizabeth Emanuel, and Green Award judge Summer Rayne-Oakes.
Independent designers who are interested in entering the competition can check out the official rules here. The deadline is April 15th.
What are your thoughts on environmentally conscious and animal friendly fashion truebies?
Sources: Born Free USA– “3rd Annual Fur Free Fashion Competition”
Facebook- the van Stratens
(Image Credit: HBO, Inc.)
HBO is ramping up the anticipation for True Blood season 4! We’ve already seen what Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll), Hoyt (Jim Parrack), and Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) have been up to. But now it’s Sam’s (Sam Trammell) turn. Truebies may recall that Sam Trammell said that he might be getting a love interest. But is Luna (Janina Gavankar) the one? Either way, she’s got some major issues, admitting to Sam she has a stalkery werewolf ex-boyfriend.
Watch the clip below and let us know how you think True Blood Season 4 is shaping up:
Source: YouTube: HBO– “Season 4 Waiting Sucks: Sam”
(Video Credit: HBO, Inc.)
Premiere Date Not SetThe anticipation for True Blood season 4 is palpable among fans especially now that creator Alan Ball and the cast have appeared at this year’s PaleyFest. In light of this appearance, @TrueBloodHBO the official True Blood twitter account took to the social networking site to clear up a very important issue, namely the date of the season 4 premiere.
View the first official True Blood Season 4 Teaser
Our readers may recall that in the course of many articles we have written that June 14, 2011 was going to be the day that we have all been waiting very anxiously for. However, according to HBO that is simply not the case. The show’s twitter account stated:
Let’s clear up any confusion. The Season 4 premiere date of #TrueBlood on @HBO has not yet been announced. Summer 2011 is all we know. Xo
So Truebies it looks like we’re going to have to add waiting for an official start date to the list of True Blood things we can’t wait for. But rest assured that when that information is released, TrueBloodNet will let you know as soon as we do! But in the meantime, what can you do to make the wait just a little more bearable?
You can find the recently released True Blood Season 4 spoiler videos here and here for your viewing pleasure.
What have you been doing to occupy yourselves between seasons? Tell me in the comments below!
Source: Twitter– @TrueBlood HBO
(Image Credit: HBO/LocateTV.com)
Excitement is in the air with True Blood filming its fourth season. With filming underway so is one of my favorite things about television: casting! According to IMDB.com, two more gorgeous guys will be coming to Bon Temps.
Brandon Molale has been cast as Officer X and is described as being 6’4 and from Concord, CA. His credits include Mr. Deeds, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, NCIS (just like several other members of the True Blood cast), Reno: 911 and others. He is also described as being very athletic and was the guy behind Adam Sandler’s football stunts in the Waterboy.
While the name Officer X doesn’t tell us much, it certainly does make you wonder what he’ll be doing in Bon Temps with that kind of a description doesn’t it?
Randy Wayne has been cast as Matt and is an Oklahoma native. He is best known for his role in To Save a Life and most recently has been seen on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. But in addition to being an actor IMDb credits him as being a writer and producer. As it turns out he is one of the producers for a film called Open House which stars True Blood’s Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton) and Anna Paquin (Sookie Stackhouse). It really is a small world after all.
Both actors have been listed for two episodes so far and I for one can’t wait to see what they’ll be doing.
Source: IMDb.com – True Blood Cast
Photo Credit: IMDb.com
A few weeks back I reported that Kristin Bauer van Straten (Pamela De Beaufort) and her husband Abri van Straten would be putting in an appearance at Phoenix Comic Con in May. Recently however, it was announced via Abri van Straten’s website that he will be doing a gig in Los Angeles.
Abri will be playing at the Foundry on Melrose on April 10th, 2011 according to his website. Kristin herself also put out the word on Twitter:
“My husband, #AbrivanStraten, is playing at The Foundry on Melrose on Sunday, 4/10/2011”
Fans of the South African band, the Lemmings may recognize Abri as their front man. But he is also a solo artist in his own right, having released his album Sunlight and Shadows last year.
Kristin will be at the Foundry that night as well supporting her husband. So if you are interested in going out for dinner and great music on Sunday, April 10th from 8:30-11:30pm head over to the Foundry .More information about the restaurant can be found here. The details of the gig are listed below:
Abri van Straten
Sunday, April 10th, 2011
8:30PM-11:30PM
The Foundry on Melrose
7465 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
If you have not yet heard the music of Abri van Straten but are interested in attending the event, his CDs are available from Kristin and Abri via Amazon.com. Kristin will also include a personalized autographed photo of herself as Pam. For more information and to buy the CDs please click here.
Abri’s music can also found on iTunes.
To learn more about Kristin Bauer visit her website, like her on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.
If you’re planning to attend Abri’s gig, please let us know in the comments below!
Sources: AbrivanStraten.com– “Playing in Los Angeles on April 10th”
Twitter– @BauervanStraten
(Image Credit: Women’s Radio.com)
On Saturday, we posted the first of two clips from True Blood’s fourth season that was released by HBO. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it here. But if you have and you can’t wait to see more, then here’s your chance Truebies! The following clip was shown at PaleyFest 2011 and depicts Pam (Kristin Bauer Van Straten), Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll), and Hoyt (Jim Parrack) facing protesters outside of Fangtasia from the Light of Day Institute and one of them says some not so nice things about Jessica.
Watch it here:
So how do you think the new season is shaping up? Tell us in the comment section below!
Video Source: YouTube -TrueBloodSource
Video Credit: HBO Inc, Dreadcentral.com
The magical night has come and gone Truebies and I’m excited, happy and exhausted. While you will have to wait just a little longer for my recap of events, I do have a nice piece of news from Paley to share with you.
I know many of you weren’t able to make it to Paley so I am thrilled to announce that Gallery Nineteen Eight Eight will be selling the PaleyFest True Blood poster beginning tomorrow, Monday March 7 here. This was confirmed to Isis and me by a rep from Gallery Nineteen Eight Eight at Paley when I bought my own True Blood poster after the show. The price was $35 at the show but that may change online.
So there you have it! You’ll now be able to have a little piece of Paley too just like Isis and me! Stick with TBN in the next day or two and look for our coverage of PaleyFest’s True Blood Panel!
Also thank you to all of you who sent in comments to the site wishing Isis and me well for Paley. It meant so much to both of us and I look forward to writing up my experience…as soon as the stars in my eyes clear up that is.
Image Credit: Gallery Nineteen Eight Eight
A couple of weeks ago, I reported the list of cast and creative team members who will be at PaleyFest 2011. It is quite a big group, comprised of almost everyone that was a regular at the end of season three. So we should be expecting more True Blood season 4 tidbits to come out of the event!
But some of you may be wondering how exactly you’ll get to hear about all of the things that will go down at the True Blood panel this year. I was wondering the same thing myself when I heard True Blood was going to be there. It just so happens that I am just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Los Angeles. So I decided to go!
That’s right; yours truly will be attending PaleyFest 2011! And I’m fortunate to have fellow writer Isis Nocturne right alongside me! We’re attending as fans but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expect some detailed fan reports next week!
Until then, feast your eyes on the poster Gallery One Nine Eight Eight made for True Blood. The poster, which is featured below looks pretty interesting don’t you think Truebies? I certainly think so.
Are you excited for Paley yet? Tell me in the comments section below!
(Image Sources: Gallery One Nine Eight Eight, Shanea O’Connor)
This just in from the Bookies on Facebook! Additional casting calls have been put out for the fifth episode of the season, “I Hate You, I Love You.” We reported last month on the cast of characters that will be featured in the episode and are thrilled to add two more.
The first call is for a woman named Maria and it reads as follows:
[MARIA] 20s, Hispanic, Maria is married to an older man, and is seen at work in her home, performing the usual domestic chores — and some unusual ones…no lines. TWO EPISODES
Who do you think she might be?
The second call is a little more vague but just as interesting:
[VAMPIRE SHERIFF] Legal 18 to play 14-16. Male or Female. A vampire sheriff…CO-STAR/POSSIBLE RECURRING.
It sounds like another Godric-like character may be coming to town?
Also out now are some clarifications for the roles we reported on for Episode 5.
[VAMPIRE SHERIFF] 30s, male, a vampire sheriff…CO-STAR/POSSIBLE RECURRING. PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ETHNICITIES
[YOUNG JESUS] ACTOR TO MATCH ATTACHED PICTURE. 9 years old, male, seen in flashback to 1985, living in the Chihuahuan desert with his mother and his terrifying shaman grandfather…NO LINES BUT REAL ACTING AND EMOTION IS REQUIRED
There is also a casting call out for females that may appear in either episode 5 or episode 6 entitled, “I Wish I Was the Moon.” The call is as follows:
[CHANTING MEDIEVAL WOMEN] Medieval Spanish women of all ages are chanting in Latin/Spanish…2 lines, 1 scene
So what do you think Truebies? Tell us in the comment section below!
Source: The Bookies on Facebook– “Casting Call for 4.5 I Hate You, I Love You”
Mondays are spoiler days on the internet and this freshly published set does not disappoint! Every week, I make a point of asking Kristin from E! if she has any True Blood tidbits to share and this week I was fortunate to have my request answered with one of three pieces of scoop concerning the show. Kristin’s crew was fortunate to have a few moments with Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte), Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton), and Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica Hamby) at the All Together Now signing this past Saturday.
By far the most interesting revelation to come out of these conversations was a revelation given by Sam Trammell about what his character will be up to this season. We already know from previous spoilers released that Sam will find his own little community of shifters but that’s not all he finds according to Trammell:
“Sam’s [also] got a new love interest that’s going to happen this year for him. I don’t have really good luck with the ladies, they usually die—so hopefully she’ll survive.”
A new love interest huh? Well it’ll be interesting to see if this mystery woman is new to Sam or to the show as well.
Speaking of new things, Tara will be a new person according to her portrayer Rutina Wesley. As fans may recall she left town at the end of last season and apparently only Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) knows where she went. Of the change in her character, Rutina says:
“It’s a new Tara, and I think the fans are going to like it. She’s not duct-taped, she’s not tied up, she’s got this personal strength and I think it’s really awesome to see her. Sookie (Anna Paquin) and I will have some stuff this season—she’s my best friend, so we’re always going to have little moments. And we’re going to get back to how I felt about Sam Merlotte”
I for one cannot wait to see how Sam and Tara’s relationship plays out now that he’s revealed he’s a shapeshifter!
Jessica’s journey over the past three seasons has been anything but easy. However, at the end of last year it would seem that she finally found a little bit of happiness with Hoyt Fortenberry (Jim Parrack). But the show being what it is, that probably won’t last for long. Deborah still has some positive things to look forward to with regards to her character’s growth. Especially in her relationship with Bill (Stephen Moyer):
“I think we’re definitely also in a healing stage where he’s finally accepting that he has a progeny, that he has a daughter vampire, and he needs to give me tools to actually survive. So he’s definitely more cooperative and participatory in my growing up.”
Aww! Just hearing that makes me smile! Not to mention, it gives fans of the Southern gentleman vampire hope that Bill has not become as dark as he may seem.
That’s all the True Blood scoop I have for now Truebies! But you can rest easy now knowing that we here at TBN will bring you the latest True Blood news as it is released. Fans interested in reading the chat in its entirety can click the source link below.
What did you think of these spoilers? Did anything shock you? Did anything intrigue you? Tell me in the comments below!
Source: E! Online– “Who’s Getting a New Love Interest on True Blood?”
(Photo Credit: HBO, Inc/LocateTV.com)