Web chat on http://chat.yahoo.com, July 16, 1998.
Transcript (provided by Miriam Rocke): TVGOer: Welcome Anthony. Glad you could join us. TVG_STAR: "Hi. It's good to be back." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #13 from guest_1fb938747: What is it like to work with Sarah Michelle Gellar?? TVG_STAR says, "LOL! Interesting. As I've said before, we both have a great deal of mutual respect and I look forward to the scenes we have together. They are always very sensitive scenes and I like her work very much. Thankfully, she also likes mine!" TVG_STAR says, "When we first started the series, there was a rule about how near we could come to each other, because there could implication of any sexual thang between the Watcher and the Slayer because I'm almost old enough to be her father. I'm old enough to be a..." TVG_STAR says, "But now, all that's fine. But at the beginning it was like -- no, no you can't come any closer!" TVGOer presents the speaker with question #16 from IloveHD: What's the weirdest thing that's ever happened on the show? TVG_STAR says, "I don't know, we started smudging in the library because for some reason, the library, we always do all the library stuff in one go. And for some reason we tend to get bogged down in the library. It's a difficult set to shoot in. By the end of the day ..." TVG_STAR says, "Anyway, by the end of last season, we were trying to lift the atmosphere in the library. You basically burn sage. It's an ancient native American ritual that clears away bad feeling and bad spirits." TVG_STAR says, "I guess that's the weirdest thing, me and Allison walking around burning sage!" TVGOer presents the speaker with question #8 from Blubar: Where did you find the "Giles-mobile"? What make and model is it? TVG_STAR says, "I don't know. THe first one I had died. So they got another one. Cause the first one was a station wagon. Now it's an ordinary Ford model." TVG_STAR says, "It also died at one point. The pneumatic system went. There's one scene in Phases when I was driving up the front, and basically nearly plowed into Carisma and Allison because the brakes went." TVG_STAR says, "So what you don't see is about four of the transport guys pushing it from behind! And I know they don't have another one, but I don't know where they got it. Don't ask me!" TVGOer presents the speaker with question #37 from CrazyLiLPartyGirl1: Who are you closest to on the Buffy set? TVG_STAR says, "Umm, I guess Nicky who plays Xander." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #32 from Rabid_Guy: Is horror your favorite genre? TVG_STAR says, "No, I guess sci fi is probably my favorite, because it gives vent to the imagination. I think that's why sci fi in its various guises is so successful. And Buffy also leans on science fiction." TVG_STAR says, "I've always been attracted to stuff out of the ordinary. As far as watching horror goes, I'm terrible, I hide my eyes! I've watched What You Did Last Summer, that wasn't too bad. Scream I had a bit of difficulty with at times. TVG_STAR says, "When I was a kid I used to hide behind the sofa." [All together now. "Awwww...."] TVGOer presents the speaker with question #152 from Littleearl: Do you act as the father figure on set as you do on the show for your younger cast members? TVG_STAR says, "Again I would say, a benevolent uncle, not a father. Because I'm not as conservative as the character I play. But I have a stillness about me, I've been in the game longer than most of them. I wouldn't say I advise, I would just say, I'm just there! Th..." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #20 from SerenaR2: Can you tell us anything about the upcoming season? TVG_STAR says, "No, I don't know very much." TVG_STAR says, "I saw Joss and he gave me some ideas. I took him to see Rocky Horror in London. The live show is very special. But we talked about it afterwards, and he gave me a few pointers, but I've only seen the first script and I don't know where we're going." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #53 from Xander__D: will there be any new cast members this season TVG_STAR says, "I think there will, sure. But I don'tknow who they are. I don't know. Seth is now one of the regulars. But in terms of the bad guys, I don't know, or if indeed there is one or more or thousands!" TVG_STAR says, "The first episode deals with homelessness, and I believe the premiere might tie in with some homeless shelters. I heard that, which is an interesting concept." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #26 from Rabid_Guy: Are the rumors of a Buffy movie true? TVG_STAR says, "Joss has talked about it. It's certainly something that he'd like to do, the problem being when one can shoot it, and because events happen sequentially in the series, -- With the x Files, you're looking in hindsight. We're in the middle of telling a ..." TVG_STAR says, "I don't know. The problem they would look at in terms of a film, where do you dip in in terms of the story. Where in the relationship between Buffy and Angel do you... You know people die a lot on our show! Where do our characters develop?" TVGOer presents the speaker with question #74 from Librarylady_25: You and Sarah, your significant other, have been together for more years than many married couples these days. What is your secret? TVG_STAR says, "Soul mates." TVG_STAR says, "We've been around before in another life and have come around again." [Again, all together now: Awww."] TVGOer presents the speaker with question #92 from Rabid_Guy: Did you get a lifetime supply of coffee for those commercials? TVG_STAR says, "No, Here I got a few baskets, but that's it, not a lifetime supply." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #136 from BTVS_Forever: I heard that there was a soundtrack for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Do you know if this is true. If it is true do you know when??? TVG_STAR says, "Well, very good question! Indeed if there isn't there certainly should be. I have heard myself that there was going to be. Why it isn't on the shelves I don't know." TVG_STAR says, "I did hear that there is definitely interest, because the music on the show is great. It should be out. I don't know when it's going to be. Maybe they are timing it for the new season." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #102 from Kazza_5108: Is D'ark Victory still being made into an animated picture, and will you be singing the male lead? Also, do you think they'll ever have you sing on Buffy? TVG_STAR says, "Hee, hee. It's D'ark Secrets. Yes it is. We've got serious interest from one of the studios and we are putting a package together at the moment. I don't know about singing the lead." TVG_STAR says, "It might be that I sit back and produce and allow someone else to do it. Because I don't look at it as a chance for me to get up and say, look I can sing, too. Of course, I'll sing on it but I don't have to sing lead to make myself feel good." TVG_STAR says, "I have already sung on the show. I wanted to say goodbye to Jenny who was my girlfriend on the show who died horriblly. And I suggested that I could sing a little lament. And Chris Beck said yeah. So when I was standing by her gravesite I was humming ..." [...except she's not dead... < g >] TVGOer presents the speaker with question #124 from Beckydory: You once said you sometimes take your characters home with you, Is Giles fun to live with? Was Oliver? TVG_STAR says, "Luckily, or not luckily, my family lives in England while I shoot the show, they're here now for a month, but they don't have to really hang around Giles too much." TVG_STAR says, "Giles is a very sensitive, a bit conservative and pompous, but he's alright. He's a nice guy." TVG_STAR says, "I did a Peter Shaffer play when I played the shining virgin, Absalom. He was hard to live with. But when I did Frankenfurter, we always had a good time when I got back after the show." [Frankenfurter! He's a hot dog! < g >] TVG_STAR says, "Read into that what you will!" TVGOer presents the speaker with question #181 from Atomicbombpinoy: Are you going to make any feature films or stick with television? TVG_STAR says, "I'm open to all.. Of course, I'm going to make feature films. Television at the moment, it's nice to be doing stuff. When the right thing pokes its head up I'll do it." TVG_STAR says, "Availability is always difficult because when you're doing a show like Buffy you're on the set constantly. It's hard to get the time off Buffy." TVG_STAR says, "And when we hit hiatus I go home, because I haven't seen my family for a long time. But this coming year we'll see. I'm a great believer in trusting to fate." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #119 from Atomicbombpinoy: what's the difference between acting in America and acting in England? TVG_STAR says, "LOL! You get paid more in America! I don't know. But I must say that since...I mean I go to class here and I've learned a considerable amount about filmcraft. And when I watch English TV now, I'm aware" TVG_STAR says, "that there's a subtlety here, that sometimes I think the English miss. Not always. There are different styles and I'm attracted to the American style. It doesn't work in anything. I think both sides can learn from each other. But I definitely think t..." TVG_STAR says, "My favorite actors, for instance, have always been the most subtle. In England Anthony Hopkins, Alec Guiness. Those are my heroes. Here I think they are brilliant on ER. Wonderfully subtle stuff." TVG_STAR says, "In intense situations." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #359 from Bentleywg: What's the difference for you between stage and film/tv work? Which do you prefer? TVG_STAR says, "I've often been asked this. Each one has its bonuses. Stage you get to play with it night after night. It's never set so you can screw with it until you're done. It's always interesting doing a long run because you have to pace yourself." TVG_STAR says, "People ask how can you do it for a year. But its fascinating how the part changes over time. Sometimes you have to be rapped over the knuckles by the directors because you are making changes that don't have to be made." TVG_STAR says, "But at the same time, doing film and TV you have the opportunity to do more with less. One is able to communicate with pure thought. You can just think something and the camera will see it. Which is gloriously subtle." TVG_STAR says, "TV you get to run the gamut of emotions, it's a huge challenge to see what you can do in eight days. Film you have the luxury to do a scene in three days. You can break things down to moment by moment." TVG_STAR says, "Being an actor is the best job in the world cause you get paid to do what you love doing. As long as it's a challenge, and my god it still is. Seriously fun." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #461 from Duane_Moody: My wife thinks it's great to see a cool portrayal of a librarian on TV. What's the funniest thing that's happened off-camera (recently or not)? TVG_STAR says, "I guess his wife's a librarian! The best thing for me was, it didn't show up in the gag reel, which we have every year. The best gag for me was in one episode, I can't remember which one, Nicky had to call home to say to his mother that basically he..." TVG_STAR says, "And he did the take about eight, ten times for various reasons. And each time he had something different to say to his mother. And each time it was really funny, really good. I can't repeat any of it." TVG_STAR says, "Basically we have a good time. There have been some great moments. A lot of things are on the gag reel, there is quite a bit of swearing on it. largely from me, so I don't know if people will ever get to see it. And thank you for thinking he's cool!" TVGOer presents the speaker with question #207 from Tazdevil80: What was the worst episode? TVG_STAR says, "Oh, I can't say that!" TVGOer presents the speaker with question #202 from Sassy_316: Where you surprised by the shows success? TVG_STAR says, "No. I knew it was good when I read the first script and I knew just from where Joss was coming from that it would be a good thing. He always said it wouldn't be an overnight success but that people would grab on to it. And they have." TVG_STAR says, "I'm always pleased when good stuff becomes successful, because it's nice to do witty stuff, good writing. But I always expected it. I would have been saddened if the public hadn't taken to it." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #292 from Kjmt: Will you direct an episode of Buffy, and what would you bring to the story? TVG_STAR says, "We have talked about it. And indeed I'm attracted to the idea. What would I bring to the story? Hmmm. Don't know! My own peculiar brand of humor and pathos! I don't know, to be honest. I guess everybody's take is different, and mine would be diffe..." TVG_STAR says, "The only thing is is that the directors work under extreme pressure because the turnaround is eight days and the shows are very big. Sometimes they're filmic. And there is a lot to be said in that amount of time, in an hour's show. And most directors h..." TVG_STAR says, "So that's one thing that makes me nervous about it. But all things can be overcome." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #433 from Selyf66: Have you ever worked with your brother Murray? Would you like to? TVG_STAR says, "I used to do a lot of vocals with him I used to sing on his albums. And in terms of acting together, yeah, it would be interesting. We never have. I took over for him in a show called Chess." TVG_STAR says, "And we have very different styles, different approaches. But we've sung together on many occasions." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #233 from Spunk_1992: Anthony, are you ticklish, and if so where? TVG_STAR says, "Fab! Yeah, I'm ticklish. I guess ribs and feet. Both my girlfriend and my youngest daughter like to be tickled. My youngest daughter is always her foot to be tickled - by anybody! - but I don't seek it out personally. And I haven't given it an enormou..." TVGOer presents the speaker with question #384 from Bentleywg: Any news about the musical you're writing? TVG_STAR says, "That's what occupying most of time other than Buffy at the moment. I mean I have a couple of screen plays I'm looking at at the moment. I'm looking for a writer here to work with. I have a series I've pitched in England at the moment." TVG_STAR says, "Principally we have interest from a major studio here, and it's looking very good. We are talking about possible people to play in it. It's looking extremely promising at the moment is all I can say." TVG_STAR says, "The difficulty has been that while I've been away from the States, the producer here, even though we live in the computer age, communication has been difficult." TVG_STAR says, "But now that I'm back here we're back up to speed." TVGOer says, "That's all the time we have for this chat. Thanks for joining us tonight, Anthony. Goodluck with your musical, and of course with the next season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer." TVG_STAR says, "I still haven't said thank you to my fan club for my birthday presents. Thank you! And I'll be talking to them soon. And in the meantime, keep watching!!!" TVGOer says, "And thanks for all the great questions that were submitted. We wish we could have gotten to more of them."
Sources
Page created August 1998; last updated January 1999. Original material © Betsy Vera (bentley@umich.edu). This website is for information and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to infringe on copyrights held by others.
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