Leverage Season 2 Premiere Party
Jul. 9th, 2009 12:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
switch842The Leverage season 2 premiere is AWESOME!! You all are going to love it. I’m not gonna say anything else about the episode cos I don’t want to spoil anything. But it’s REALLY GOOD. It’s funny, it’s got action, it’s got an awesome con. It’s what the show does best! LOL I will say that there was like an opening title sequence kind of thing. It was more character based than “Featuring Timothy Hutton as Nathan Ford” kind of thing. So I’m not sure if it’s something that just in the season premiere for new people. But it was pretty cool.
The hotel the screening was at is actually brand new. So it was very nice and everything. After checking in everyone got a t-shirt. It’s just a plain white shirt with “Sometimes bad guys make the best good guys” in green on the front. And the Leverage logo small on the back up by the neck. Meh, it’s OK. I’ll take it to Indiana. It’s a good bumming t-shirt. Then they had some trivia questions. I won a Saving Grace t-shirt. Again, nothing special. Good bumming shirt. Oh, the question was “In addition to being an expert thief this team member is also an accomplished gymnast.” Which is, of course, Parker. But I couldn’t help thinking “Parker’s not a gymnast. She’s a ninja!” You rewatch folks will get that. ;-)
Then after the episode we had a Q&A over Skype with John Rogers and Chris Downey – co-creators and executive producers. They are very funny guys. I’ll put this behind a cut cos it’ll get long. There are also some VERY MINOR spoilers for season 2. The only really spoilery thing was in relation to the most recent guest star casting. If you heard about that, then this isn’t spoilery. And if that casting made you nervous at all in any way, read what they had to say and you will be fine with it. Definitely took some concern off my mind about what might be happening. I’ll put a spoiler warning before that question to you can read the rest and glance over that, if you want.
I took notes, but they’re quick things so these are sort of paraphrased.
Q: Any possibility of filming more in Chicago? (the pilot was shot here)
A: They LOVE Chicago (really, they wouldn’t stop gushing about it. Woohoo!). Filming in Portland right now, but it seems they move to a new city every year, so you never know what might happen with season 3. John then told an awesome story about when they were filming the pilot. They had finished up about 1 am and he was like, “I want a steak.” 20 minutes later he had a steak the size of his head and a beer. That’s Chicago for you! :-)
Q: Something about how the stories seem to have a set sort of framework and how do they work scripts around that.
A: Even with that framework (meet victim, set up con, execute con, etc), and the fact that cons have their own framework that have to work with (set-up, hook, etc), they do try to do a different kind of “movie” within that. One week is action, one week is suspense then comedy. Etc…
Q: The show was conceived on John’s garage?
A: Yes! John and Chris were hanging out and were drunk. John’s one piece of advice to young writers – STAY DRUNK! LOL So, they were hanging out and started talking about how they loved all those old school shows like The Rockford Files and wanted to do something like that for today’s audience. And Dean happened to be pitching a similar idea to TNT. So, it was all fate and Leverage was born.
Q: How many episodes are in the can?
A: There are 9 episodes done filming. They’re doing a split season like the other grown up TNT shows. First half is seven episodes, then the summer break and 8 more in the winter.
Q: Writers and films that inspire them to keep it fresh?
A: Rockford Files, The A-Team. John actually used to read a lot of old school crime novels (Dashiell Hammett, etc). So a lot of his influences are from that. There’s lots of influence from the 1930s in the cons themselves (the terminology).
**SPOILER ALERT!!**
Q: Any awesome guest stars or cameos?
A: Mark Sheppard is back! (Yay!!!). We will see Maggie again. Regarding the Jeri Ryan casting – the character she is playing is someone from Sophie’s past and is also a grifter. The main reason she is coming in is because Gina is pregnant! So, they will have to have Sophie out of some episodes later this season or on in a very limited capacity. But, the crew still needs that fifth person and a “Sophie” to make things work. Hence, Jeri. So it is for a limited and very specific reason. She’s not going to be a new permanent cast member or anything like that. :-)
Q: Will we ever know more about Parker’s backstory.
A: No. LOL They do have an idea of what her backstory is. But they and Beth all agree that Parker really is one of those characters where the more enigmatic she is, the better it is. So, no. We will never know. And the fans usually come up with better backstories than the writers ever do, anyway. (This totally killed my question of asking about Eliot’s backstory.)
Q: Will we ever learn about why Eliot has such a disdain of guns?
A: Yes, in the series finale. LOL John and Christian do know what this is, but they don’t want to reveal anything yet. Similar to the Parker backstory thing. However, the first half of the season is quite Eliot-heavy. And Sophie, too. (Eliot/Sophie FTW!!) And then the back half deals a lot with Nate and his issues.
Q: How much of the personal stories of the character have come from the actors?
A: Often times the writers will have one idea for how a character should go, but then the actor comes in and just completely changes that. Example – Eliot. He was supposed to be this very proper British character, very precise, kind of dry. But then Christian came in and he’s more of just a balls-out shit kicker. And he’s also very funny. So they were able to give Eliot a lot more humor than they had planned. The same goes for everyone really. Which is good for Parker because then you can play her against any of the other guys and it all works because all the actors can pull off the comedy you need for that. (I missed something here. I think it had more to do with the character interactions.) And then there was something about how the writers believe Eliot and Alec share and apartment with bunk beds. (OK….)
Q: Any more Kane music?
A: In the series finale! LOL They do enjoy it, but Christian and them don’t want to feel like they’re forcing stuff out there. So, if the opportunity presents itself, then yes.
Q: Anything on the Parker/Hardison relationship?
A: The trick is that Parker is VERY damaged. So anything they do, they have to take it very slow so it doesn’t feel like it’s just being forced on us with no reason. (I like this answer. I like that they’re not just throwing people together for the sake of shipping.)
Q: What completely outrageous twist would you like to see happen on the show?
A: Hardison is revealed to be a robot. LOL In seriousness, there is a five year story arc built into Nate’s character. Where that story ends this season, you will not expect. It will even top the blowing up of the headquarters in season 1.
Q: How do they feel about Twitter/blogging etc?
A: John loves it. He likes that it’s a more direct form of communication with the fans. There’s not just this PR wall that they’re hiding behind. And they do read the blogs and forums. He knows about LiveJournal. *facepalm* He’s also aware of the fanfic and makes sure to keep it all away from Christian.
Q: Anything about the adage “Honor among thieves”?
A: We won’t see any real outright betrayal, but the core will be shaken. The summer finale is going to open up the fictional world that these characters live in a lot more. These people are used to working alone and the fact that they now have this “family” that they like being a part of is very important.
Q: Funniest memory from filming?
A: In the pilot where Parker is hanging upside down from that building? Well, John assumed that they would just be doing that on a green screen. Nope. Dean had actually built a rig on the roof of the building. So they head up there with Beth, who was a little apprehensive about everything. Turns out, she’s fine. Skipping along the ledge of the building. All the big tough producer guys are in the middle of the roof hanging on for dear life and being scared little bunnies.
Then at the end a woman mentioned she was going to be in Portland in September and could she see them filming anywhere? Well, John told her to give her e-mail to the guys that were in charge there and they would let her know! How cool is that? BTW, the wrap filming on September 11. So if you’re interested in heading out there, don’t wait. After John’s response my husband then turned to me and said “Wanna go to Portland this summer?” Um, YES PELASE! So, I think we’re trying to work out a weekend we can go! How awesome would that be?!?!
The hotel the screening was at is actually brand new. So it was very nice and everything. After checking in everyone got a t-shirt. It’s just a plain white shirt with “Sometimes bad guys make the best good guys” in green on the front. And the Leverage logo small on the back up by the neck. Meh, it’s OK. I’ll take it to Indiana. It’s a good bumming t-shirt. Then they had some trivia questions. I won a Saving Grace t-shirt. Again, nothing special. Good bumming shirt. Oh, the question was “In addition to being an expert thief this team member is also an accomplished gymnast.” Which is, of course, Parker. But I couldn’t help thinking “Parker’s not a gymnast. She’s a ninja!” You rewatch folks will get that. ;-)
Then after the episode we had a Q&A over Skype with John Rogers and Chris Downey – co-creators and executive producers. They are very funny guys. I’ll put this behind a cut cos it’ll get long. There are also some VERY MINOR spoilers for season 2. The only really spoilery thing was in relation to the most recent guest star casting. If you heard about that, then this isn’t spoilery. And if that casting made you nervous at all in any way, read what they had to say and you will be fine with it. Definitely took some concern off my mind about what might be happening. I’ll put a spoiler warning before that question to you can read the rest and glance over that, if you want.
I took notes, but they’re quick things so these are sort of paraphrased.
Q: Any possibility of filming more in Chicago? (the pilot was shot here)
A: They LOVE Chicago (really, they wouldn’t stop gushing about it. Woohoo!). Filming in Portland right now, but it seems they move to a new city every year, so you never know what might happen with season 3. John then told an awesome story about when they were filming the pilot. They had finished up about 1 am and he was like, “I want a steak.” 20 minutes later he had a steak the size of his head and a beer. That’s Chicago for you! :-)
Q: Something about how the stories seem to have a set sort of framework and how do they work scripts around that.
A: Even with that framework (meet victim, set up con, execute con, etc), and the fact that cons have their own framework that have to work with (set-up, hook, etc), they do try to do a different kind of “movie” within that. One week is action, one week is suspense then comedy. Etc…
Q: The show was conceived on John’s garage?
A: Yes! John and Chris were hanging out and were drunk. John’s one piece of advice to young writers – STAY DRUNK! LOL So, they were hanging out and started talking about how they loved all those old school shows like The Rockford Files and wanted to do something like that for today’s audience. And Dean happened to be pitching a similar idea to TNT. So, it was all fate and Leverage was born.
Q: How many episodes are in the can?
A: There are 9 episodes done filming. They’re doing a split season like the other grown up TNT shows. First half is seven episodes, then the summer break and 8 more in the winter.
Q: Writers and films that inspire them to keep it fresh?
A: Rockford Files, The A-Team. John actually used to read a lot of old school crime novels (Dashiell Hammett, etc). So a lot of his influences are from that. There’s lots of influence from the 1930s in the cons themselves (the terminology).
**SPOILER ALERT!!**
Q: Any awesome guest stars or cameos?
A: Mark Sheppard is back! (Yay!!!). We will see Maggie again. Regarding the Jeri Ryan casting – the character she is playing is someone from Sophie’s past and is also a grifter. The main reason she is coming in is because Gina is pregnant! So, they will have to have Sophie out of some episodes later this season or on in a very limited capacity. But, the crew still needs that fifth person and a “Sophie” to make things work. Hence, Jeri. So it is for a limited and very specific reason. She’s not going to be a new permanent cast member or anything like that. :-)
Q: Will we ever know more about Parker’s backstory.
A: No. LOL They do have an idea of what her backstory is. But they and Beth all agree that Parker really is one of those characters where the more enigmatic she is, the better it is. So, no. We will never know. And the fans usually come up with better backstories than the writers ever do, anyway. (This totally killed my question of asking about Eliot’s backstory.)
Q: Will we ever learn about why Eliot has such a disdain of guns?
A: Yes, in the series finale. LOL John and Christian do know what this is, but they don’t want to reveal anything yet. Similar to the Parker backstory thing. However, the first half of the season is quite Eliot-heavy. And Sophie, too. (Eliot/Sophie FTW!!) And then the back half deals a lot with Nate and his issues.
Q: How much of the personal stories of the character have come from the actors?
A: Often times the writers will have one idea for how a character should go, but then the actor comes in and just completely changes that. Example – Eliot. He was supposed to be this very proper British character, very precise, kind of dry. But then Christian came in and he’s more of just a balls-out shit kicker. And he’s also very funny. So they were able to give Eliot a lot more humor than they had planned. The same goes for everyone really. Which is good for Parker because then you can play her against any of the other guys and it all works because all the actors can pull off the comedy you need for that. (I missed something here. I think it had more to do with the character interactions.) And then there was something about how the writers believe Eliot and Alec share and apartment with bunk beds. (OK….)
Q: Any more Kane music?
A: In the series finale! LOL They do enjoy it, but Christian and them don’t want to feel like they’re forcing stuff out there. So, if the opportunity presents itself, then yes.
Q: Anything on the Parker/Hardison relationship?
A: The trick is that Parker is VERY damaged. So anything they do, they have to take it very slow so it doesn’t feel like it’s just being forced on us with no reason. (I like this answer. I like that they’re not just throwing people together for the sake of shipping.)
Q: What completely outrageous twist would you like to see happen on the show?
A: Hardison is revealed to be a robot. LOL In seriousness, there is a five year story arc built into Nate’s character. Where that story ends this season, you will not expect. It will even top the blowing up of the headquarters in season 1.
Q: How do they feel about Twitter/blogging etc?
A: John loves it. He likes that it’s a more direct form of communication with the fans. There’s not just this PR wall that they’re hiding behind. And they do read the blogs and forums. He knows about LiveJournal. *facepalm* He’s also aware of the fanfic and makes sure to keep it all away from Christian.
Q: Anything about the adage “Honor among thieves”?
A: We won’t see any real outright betrayal, but the core will be shaken. The summer finale is going to open up the fictional world that these characters live in a lot more. These people are used to working alone and the fact that they now have this “family” that they like being a part of is very important.
Q: Funniest memory from filming?
A: In the pilot where Parker is hanging upside down from that building? Well, John assumed that they would just be doing that on a green screen. Nope. Dean had actually built a rig on the roof of the building. So they head up there with Beth, who was a little apprehensive about everything. Turns out, she’s fine. Skipping along the ledge of the building. All the big tough producer guys are in the middle of the roof hanging on for dear life and being scared little bunnies.
Then at the end a woman mentioned she was going to be in Portland in September and could she see them filming anywhere? Well, John told her to give her e-mail to the guys that were in charge there and they would let her know! How cool is that? BTW, the wrap filming on September 11. So if you’re interested in heading out there, don’t wait. After John’s response my husband then turned to me and said “Wanna go to Portland this summer?” Um, YES PELASE! So, I think we’re trying to work out a weekend we can go! How awesome would that be?!?!
