Zachary Quinto's Biceps

Singapore Press Loves "Margin Call"

2012-01-29T01:00:00.005+08:00

Boy was I glad when indie financial thriller "Margin Call" made its way to Singapore on the last week of December 2011.

It was screening only at the Cathay Cineplexes and Shaw Theatres rather than at the splashier blockbuster-loving GV cinemas. But it did have a good number of show times and the movie is in fact, still currently screening at Cathay's Cineleisure Orchard.

I guess there are only a few hardcore Zachary Quinto fans around on this island. It seems that no one had put the local press stuff out on the internet yet.

So I flexed my own pair of petite biceps to get hold of these, and thought it would be great to share them with you:

8Days - movie review (4 ****)

The Straits Times - movie review (4 ****)

The Straits Times - article on J.C. Chandor

The Straits Times - article on Jeremy Irons

Note: 8Days is our main English weekly entertainment magazine, while The Straits Times is *the* major English local news daily.

As you can see from the scans, the high-profile reviewers and press here loved "Margin Call", and had very nice things to say about the story and the stellar acting by the talented cast members. I noticed the praises heaped on acting stalwarts Jeremy Irons and Kevin Spacey. No surprises there! I did find their performances especially captivating.

I would also like to give a shout out to my pal and fellow movie-lover Stefan who owns the wonderful "A Nutshell Review" movie blog. Stefan wrote an in-depth personal review on "Margin Call" that's worth reading. Click here for his movie review!

Intrepid reporter and movie critic, Genevieve Loh of TODAY, also gave her chipper and honest review of "Margin Call" on Channel NewsAsia. Check out the video clip below!

And don't forget to take note of the pic above that is headlining this blog article. It is the Singapore poster for "Margin Call", with ratings from the various local press.

Sure makes me tingle to know that our local press has such good taste! :D

An Oscar Nomination For "Margin Call"!

2012-01-25T00:44:00.004+08:00

The nominations list for the 2012 Oscars have just been announced and...

W00t W00t!

Everyone... flail your biceps round the house...

'Coz "Margin Call" has received a nomination for Writing (Original Screenplay)! The movie's director J.C. Chandor, is also the screenwriter for the indie movie produced by Before The Door.

Check out the rest of the Oscar nomination list on ABC News.

This is such super-exciting news!

It is just the 2nd day of The Year of the Dragon and the mythical creature has already brought in good tidings!

Heartiest congratulations to Zachary Quinto and the fabulous Before The Door, J.C. Chandor and the team of actors, producers, crew members for "Margin Call". And it's marvellous that JC and BTD team receive an Oscar nomination for their first movie!

Will "Margin Call" actually walk away with an Oscar this year?

Together with the mass of ZQ fans, I certainly hope so!

"Dog Eat Dog" - A Producer's Report From The Set!

2012-01-24T01:26:00.007+08:00

Late in the year of 2011, a little movie about dog adoption called “Dog Eat Dog” was made and directed by Zachary Quinto's good friend, Sian Heder together with the Before The Door team.

The production costs were funded by backers via the Kickstarter website and the top three people who contributed to the production costs will be credited as Producers for the movie. As a special perk, they were also allowed to be on set (in LA) for a day during the filming of “Dog Eat Dog

My Twitter friend Lindsay was one of the Producers, and it was no surprise that she had a wonderful day on set with Zach, Sian, the production team and a few furry-footed creatures.

Here's Lindsay's take on that day on the “Dog Eat Dog” set:

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Recently I got to hang out for a day with Zachary Quinto. For real. How on earth did I do that?

Zach and director/ writer Sian Heder collaborated on a short film, “Dog Eat Dog”, which was based on Zach’s first attempt to adopt a dog. The film was made with the intention to benefit animal shelters.

Zach & Sian invited fans to participate as financial backers. One level of backing offered a visit on location during the shoot as an “executive producer” – and I leapt at that! Expensive? Yes. But the chance of a lifetime.

Zachary is shaping up as one of the best actors of his generation. His rendition of Spock grabbed me, but what got me to look at the actor behind the role was seeing how exquisitely Zach embodied such very different characters like Spock, Sylar and Sasan. A talented actor indeed, and an admirable man in person too! The chance to see him at work in a film in LA was not to be missed. Besides, he is very easy to look at!

A casting hopeful

Watching a movie being shot is fascinating in itself. It is very different from watching a stage play or watching a finished movie. Scenes are shot based on the location, not the storyline. After all day on one location, I still don’t know what the whole “Dog Eat Dog>” will look like.

One scene is shot repeatedly and from several different camera angles. Zach says the same lines with the same motions over and over again, exactly the same, “selling” the same emotional impact with each take. Wow! That takes skill, discipline and focus.

Being on location for “Dog Eat Dog” let me see Zachary at work, and also meet some of his circle of friends and colleagues. Zach attracts fascinating and talented people who are noteworthy in themselves. Sian Heder was his classmate at Carnegie Mellon and had produced the award-winning film, “Mother”. Sian's husband David Newsom, an actor and noted photographer, was also on set taking behind-the-scenes photos, and both of them are great friends of Zach’s.

Sean Akers, Before the Door’s webmaster and producer, was our delightful host for the day. Sean greeted us in the morning – a 6:30am call! – and stayed with us until 9pm that night when shooting stopped for the day. He made sure we could see what was happening without being in the way. Neal Dodson, one of the BTD partners, came by and answered my questions about the status of several projects.

I got the impression that I was being given a rare glimpse into Zach’s own world, much more than if I were watching “Star Trek” or “Heroes” being shot. Plus the story is based on Zach himself. So I was seeing Zach playing Zach. This is probably as close to seeing “the real Zachary Quinto” as I will ever get.

On location, Zach's beauty is more natural than in his glamour shots, more a matter of presence and oh-yes-those-eyebrows. But aside from his attractiveness, the real Zach is still an enigma to me. Each time I have seen Zach in person I realize that he is not the Zach I have imagined nor any of the roles he portrays so well. He is simply Zachary Quinto – and I don’t know who that is.

On set: Lindsay, Zach, Sara and Acadia

One disappointment for me was that I got tongue-tied when I was on set that day. I had no problem passing along messages from others, but I wanted to talk with Zach about many things – his acting, his tweets, psychology. Yet all of these fled my brain. This still puzzles me. As those in NYC for “Angels in America” can attest, I have never been reticent around Zach before. But this time I didn’t even tell him how much I admired his acting and admire him as a human being.

It wasn’t that I didn’t have an opportunity. Zach did hang out and chat with us. He mentioned a psychological study, in which researchers showed shots of a person with a neutral expression interspersed with shots of intensely dramatic scenes. The viewers didn’t see the person’s expression as neutral. Instead they saw the face as showing reactions to the preceding dramatic scene. In fact, there was no connection at all. An interesting study, especially for a movie actor who may shoot a scene in one context only to have it edited into another. Zach commented that being neutral was half the work of an actor. I personally think this topic would be fascinating to explore.

From his anecdote, I can see that Zachary Quinto is clearly a guy who studies his craft and isn't just relying on his good looks alone. Or his biceps. ;)

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Thanks to Lindsay for sharing about her day on set!

For those who had been keeping tabs on the production of “Dog Eat Dog” on Twitter, you might remember that there was a cute white female furry cast member on set that day.

Apparently, it was love at first bark .. er I mean, sniff... for both Zach and puppy "Rizzo". And almost immediately, Zach tweeted to see if anyone in LA wanted to adopt her.

A couple of weeks later, "Rizzo" - now renamed as "little sister" by Zach - was still staying at Zach's place.

I am not sure what is "little sister"'s fate at this moment, but I hope she finds a warm and fabulous home. Whether it is a long-term arrangement with Zach (Noah would then have a sister!) or with another loving adoptive owner.

In other news, “Dog Eat Dog” is currently at post-production stage and I believe it's going to be a very enjoyable and funny little film. CONFESSION: I also have uber low resistance to cute furry dogs.

Sean Akers has mentioned that there would be special production pics available for the movie's backers. So, let's patiently wait and see if that comes to pass real soon!!

A SArmy's Fan Review - "Margin Call" Arrives in the UK!

2012-01-16T00:42:00.000+08:00

After making its rounds in parts of Europe, Canada, the USA, Hong Kong and yes! even Singapore, "Margin Call" finally premiered in the UK last week.

The indie film about Wall Street's money-mongerers which has been making respectable critics and reviewers take notice, opened with a red-carpet event at the Vue Theatre, Leicester Square, London on 9th January 2012.

Lead actors Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons and Paul Bettany (looking rather hipsterish in blue-tinted geeky glasses and scarf) were present to grace the gala event.

Two of our SArmy members, Kirsty (from ZacharyQuinto UK) and Natalie, were lucky enough to attend the movie's premiere. And here is Natalie's review of the low-budget but beautifully-made movie.

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Margin Call – It’s Time To Pay Attention

(by Natalie Wells)

Natalie and Kirsty at the premiere!

On Monday 9th of January, my dear friend Kirsty and I had the good fortune of attending the UK premiere of "Margin Call".

Having closely followed the progress of this film since Before The Door’s initial announcement, we were quite simply desperate to see the finished article and couldn’t wait the extra 4 days for its general release. Big thanks to Alex Rowley of Stealth ("Margin Call"’s UK distributor) for helping us out there!

Although there can be no doubt that this film is phenomenal; the world’s press are falling over themselves to praise it, I had some small personal (by personal, I mean personal to me) concerns. Given the subject matter of "Margin Call", I was a little scared the plot would lose me within the first 10 minutes, leaving me to only appreciate the fine acting and Zachary Quinto’s face.

Here it is; I suck at maths. I have a high IQ and pride myself on my creative abilities but I also have Dyscalculia and subsequently have the mathematical ability of an 8 year old. I know I’m not alone in my fear of numbers. I want to reach out to those of you who also suck at math or who are perhaps a little embarrassed about the fact that you don’t really understand what is going on with the World’s economy right now.

"Margin Call" is NOT scary. Like a sympathetic, understanding teacher, this film will take you by the hand and show you exactly why those people outside Wall Street are so pissed off but it will also remind you that we are all human; just trying to get through life and make the decisions that we feel are right.

The numbers that are thrown around are more comical than confusing. It is the sheer gargantuan size of these figures, plus the fact that the higher up the banking chain of command one is, these numbers became lesser understood or appreciated. When amounts of money that unimaginably huge are being gambled with like marbles, all you can do is laugh. Suddenly it all becomes very clear to the layman.

Jeremy Irons as head honcho banker, John Tuld

"Margin Call" is marketing itself as a thriller and that is exactly what it is. We all know how this story ends; we are all living through it now. It takes a very smart, well put together film that can take a real and recent subject matter and still manage to keep the audience on the edges of their seats. This is a one-off glimpse into a world that most of us never get to see; a world in which people earning $2,500,000 a year can barely keep themselves out of debt.

It might seem difficult to have sympathy for such people and yet, through a fantastic script and first class acting from all involved, you will. Perhaps it is just my tendency to lean towards power and evil, but by the end I even felt a certain amount of sympathy and respect towards Jeremy Irons’ character, such is the calibre of talent involved with this movie.

None of these characters are one-dimensional. It would have been so easy to do that; to give the public a group of horrific bankers to blame everything on, but that wouldn’t have achieved a thing. If you want to feel angry at one-dimensional representations, go and read the Daily Mail.

Instead we have been given the opportunity to see these people as they really are; scared, tormented, wracked with guilt, desperate to do the right thing but willing to do whatever they can to save their own skin. In short, we see they are human, like us.

"Margin Call" is a low budget short story, as such there are few locations and the cast is small. I doubt this film would have worked as well if this were not the case. The audience is pulled into a very claustrophobic world of halogen lights and air conditioning at 3am. You’re sitting there with the cast in the boardroom, feeling like you need to come up with some brilliant plan to Save The Economy, Save The World! Of course, you can’t and you are left frustrated as you watch incredibly powerful people make incredibly bad decisions. If this were real life though, would you be so different if it meant saving your job?

I would also like to add, from a technical point of view, that this is a beautifully shot film. Vivid, crisp and cool colours, lots of shallow depth of field and some stunning close-ups and cityscapes; I found it is aesthetically pleasing on many levels. It is worth remembering that this is director J.C. Chandor’s movie debut, the mind boggles at what he could be creating in a few years time.

At the Q&A Session

At its UK premiere, "Margin Call" was very well received and the end was met with a fantastic round of applause. I’m not au fait with the world of soaps and reality TV, but the usual dregs that seem to show up at premieres were refreshingly absent. The entire event was considerably more low-key and classy than the usual Leicester Square fare.

The audience seemed to mostly comprise of movie and banking industry types and the occasional blagger (yep, blagger not blogger), such as myself and Kirsty. For this reason I think the reaction to "Margin Call" was possibly a lot more telling and genuine. After the film finished we were treated to a Q&A session with Jeremy Irons and Paul Bettany, it was wonderful to hear just how much the actors all believed in the project and wanted to be involved.

The film has so much passion and I think this is one of the reasons why. The actors truly cared about the story they were telling and the people they were playing, above all else, they wanted to show both sides of this story fairly. Caring this much clearly makes a huge difference to a movie.

I will freely admit that if it wasn’t for the fact that Zachary Quinto and the Before The Door guys were involved, "Margin Call" would have been passed me by completely and that would have been a tragic shame. I feel this film manages to answer so many questions that ‘Question Time’ or ‘Newsnight’ couldn’t. Best of all it is done with skill, style, humour, passion, sensitivity and eye candy.

You need to see "Margin Call" and you need to tell your friends; this could be one of the most important movies you ever see.

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Calling UK folks who watched "Margin Call"... I'm curious to know what you thought of the movie!

Feel free to post your comments below!

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Check out the "Margin Call" official website.

Also, follow "Margin Call" on Facebook and Twitter!

Fans Look Back To Their Favourite 2011 Quinto Moments

2012-01-02T01:57:00.002+08:00

It's the start of the New Year!

And with all the fireworks and celebrations, I am eager to see what else Zachary Quinto and Before The Door will have in store for us in 2012.

At the top of my personal list is Sian Heder's short film "Dog Eat Dog"! I can't wait to receive my DVD of the little movie, which I'm sure will be entertaining and funny at the same time!

Just before 2011 wrapped up, I asked ZQ fans to send me messages about their fave Quinto moments. I had intended to post them before the New Year arrived, but a host of evil digitalized nano-elves decided to chew up and crash my internet connection. So while I was surviving by the skin of my fingers, on my telco's 3G to stay connected, I was unable to write online and post blogs last week.

Hence, pardon ... for having a rather late, and a little retrospective post. But I can assure you, it's an enjoyable peek back at some wonderful Zachary Quinto fan memories!

Here are what some folks reminisced about their 2011 ZQ Fan Moments:

Lindsay: Everyone here should know my best Quinto moment: being at the "Dog Eat Dog" shoot. And I'm sorry, @syzzlyn, I know you said I should squeeze his biceps for you, but I just couldn't. I did kinda poke him in the ribs to get him to smile for a photo. Does that count?

Ambra: Getting to see ZQ in "Angels in America". Not only an amazing performance but a few nice bare biceps scenes!

Sara (@eserei27): One of my favorite ZQ moments in 2011 was getting to meet Zach with the diva behind ZQ Biceps blog right next to me. Loved being able to explain to Zach that his. I biceps inspire us all!

Also enjoyed "Angels in America", where the biceps where on full display, including his tattoo :)

Lastly, my very favorite ZQ moment was being on set for "Dog Eat Dog", seeing those biceps picking up that new puppy he's been toting around :)

HardlyanAngel - My #1 ZQ moment was when @eserei27 got to spend the day w/him on set & came home 2 tell me about it:)

(@syzzlyn's note - Best vicarious ZQ memory ever :p )

@wikkibird - Seeing him, all of him (grins), on stage in in "Angels in America" in NYC with fellow ZQ fans and having the best epiphany of my life.

@schnippie - Seeing "Angels in America" (especially the -stage fight with Bill Heck - my favorite Woah-moment), and that he took his time with us (ZQC group) after the play

No surprises about "Angels in America" (the off-Broadway production in which Zach was part of the cast and was involved in a nude scene) being an indelible memory point for many fans who were able to watch the award-winning play.

As for my own fave personal ZQ moment? It was my second time meeting him person at St Mark's comic store at NY. Let's just say -- not many things feel as loving and warm as being the subject of a good Zach semi-serious snark, complete with a male sigh and a series of resplendent exclamation marks. (Check out the full story on this blog post.)

I was blissfully floating on a pink estrogen cloud for a few days.

And as we get ready for another year of Quinto fabulous-ness, let's celebrate by taking another look at a New Year short video that I love.

Here's "Bordeaux". Enjoy!

2011: My List of Top 5 Quinto-fied Moments

2012-01-01T03:18:00.019+08:00

2011 has been a year of many outstanding Quinto events!

Zachary Quinto kept himself suitably busy throughout the year, working his biceps in various mediums on stage, in TV and films, on the social networks as well as behind the scenes.

It has indeed been a stellar year for Zach and the Before The Door team as they embarked on some wonderful things that elevated their profiles in so many different ways.

Here is My Top 5 List of Quinto-fied Moments in 2011:

#1 - Sundance and "Margin Call"

In January, together with writer-director J.C. Chandor, Zach and the Before the Team took their first full-length movie "Margin Call" to the Sundance Film Festival. The crew of cast members like Oscar-winners Jeremy Irons, Kevin Spacey and A-listers Paul Bettany, Stanley Tucci and Demi Moore came along for the official worldwide premiere at the Eccles Theatre.

At this important indie film fest held at Salt Lake City, they managed to sell the intelligent (although a little harder-to-love) financial apocalyptic movie "Margin Call" to distributors, Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate. In fact, "Margin Call" was one of the first few films to be sold early during the Sundance - a deal that was highly indicative of more good things to come!

When the movie was released in the States, it was also distributed online - a decision called "day and date video on demand" release. I thought this was a superb and brave strategic move that proved to be viable, and it certainly made the movie more available to viewers who are in tune to the current digital age. And I also thought it did well to fight some effects of piracy in the States with the speedier, digital distribution - where one need not leave the comfort of one's home to catch an indie movie playing maybe a couple of cities away!

After its commercial release in the States, "Margin Call" began to garner lots of positive reviews from critics and smarter audiences, who appreciated the more realistic story-telling to the Wall Street events which mirrored the last few hours before the downfall of investment bank, Lehman Brothers. And there were even murmurings of Oscar nominations.

What a buzz for a first BTD-produced feature film! Even as a fan, I feel proud of what they were able to achieve with an indie film based on a topic that is usually difficult to grasp by layman audiences.

I have to admit - I have not watched "Margin Call" yet. It has finally screened at theatres in Singapore this week, and I have booked tickets to watch it on the big screen (YAYYY!) next Tuesday!

#2 - "Mr Murder Is Dead" and Nerd HQ

I will always be panda-face-sad that I was unable to go to SDCC in 2011. Sadly, sometimes practical life and issues do take precedence on things nerdy. :(

At SDCC 2011, a graphic novel called "Mr Murder Is Dead" (written by Victor Quinaz and illustrated by Brent Schoonover) made its Mr-Spooky debut. It was a long time coming.

Ever since the collaboration between Before The Door and indie publisher Archaia was announced, fans have been eagerly waiting to purchase a copy of the pulp-noir fashioned graphic novel. And we were certainly not disappointed with the final product - which had a compelling "story-within-a-story" and was absolutely beautiful to look at.

SDCC 2011 was also the year when off-site events took root via Zachary Levi's setup, The Nerd Machine. Zac and his team has decided to gather fans and run various paid events (all proceeds go to charity Operation Smile) like gaming competitions, parties, panels and signings at "The Nerd HQ", which was located at the Gaslamp District.

One of the panels had the BTD team, Victor Quinaz, Brent Schoonover, Michael McMillian and Archaia's Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy spend some fun time talking geek to ardent fans and supporters. And it was also a good time to see Zach looking totally adorkable in a pair of suspenders!

#3 - Zach's Coming Out In New York Magazine

Quietly, in his own time and in his own style, Zachary Quinto talked about his sexual orientation during his interview with New York magazine. The article was printed in the issue dated October 24, 2011.

To many of his intuitive fans, this was no surprise. His critically acclaimed and realistic take on the role of Louis Ironson in the Tony Kushner play "Angels in America" was one major hint by itself. And Zach was no stranger to playing gay roles in the past.

In the New York magazine article, Zach said, "... as a gay man, it made me feel like there's still so much work to be done, and there's still so many things that need to be looked at and addressed."

Coincidentally, I caught wind of this soon-to-be-published article the same week I was in New York for NYCC and had planned to meet Zach in person at a signing held at the Village. Our little group who were at NYCC applauded his coming out in the classy low-key manner that is just "So Zach", and promptly sent him our support on Twitter.

Soon after, Zach posted a message on his own blog stated that the suicide of gay teen Jamey Rodemeyer, who was cruelly bullied in school, motivated his decision to go public about his sexual orientation.

I know that Zach's coming out as a talented and well-known actor, will have positive, far-reaching effects for people out there struggling in their own individual search for acceptance and their sexual identity.

Kudos to Zach for that.

#4 - Chad Warwick, A Rubber Suit and "American Horror Story"

It has been awhile since we could catch Zach in a TV series ever since NBC's "Heroes" was cancelled. So when we heard that he has nabbed a guest starring role as Chad Warwick - the "better" half of a gay couple - in FX's psycho-sexual spooky new series "American Horror Story", we all almost wanted a haunted mansion of our own.

'Coz I'm sure that if a tall, slim, latex-suit-covered dude slinking around an old mansion was actually Zach Quinto in BDSM disguise, we wouldn't find it creepy, right? RIGHT?

For most of its first season, "American Horror Story" was a gory, shock-and-thrill ride which was over the top but yet, gratuitously fun to watch. As we have come to expect, Zach was charismatic as Chad, using his pliable voice to good effect - ranging from dripping sarcasm to a mix of sad and self-conscious loneliness of one who is unloved.

There was one bad thing about Zach's appearance in "American Horror Story" though. Watching Chad on screen just makes us miss seeing Zach as a regular in a TV series even more!

#5 - Fans Go Woof For "Dog Eat Dog"

In November 2011,one of Zach's film-maker friends Sian Heder, decided to use Kickstarter to make a short film entitled "Dog Eat Dog".

The short film is loosely based on the anecdotes that emerged from Zach's attempt to adopt a dog from a local pound many years ago.

Zach's fans + supporters were invited to take part in funding the film's production costs as 'backers' for the project. And there were several levels of backers with monikers like 'Mates' and 'Besties'. Each level carried different funding opportunities and goodies - like film credits, signed DVDs and scripts, and even a personalized recorded message.

The top level of backers were offered the title as Producers and there were three precious spots - two of which were taken by my Twitter buddies - @eserei27 and @lindsaysfnm! Both of them spent a memorable day on set in LA with Zach, Sian Heder and the crew ... and a few pairs of cute furry pawed feet!

(And if you are wondering -- yes! there will be a Producer's set report coming up real soon! Keep an eye on this blog!)

Originally, the Kickstarter project aimed for a goal of USD 7,500 but with more than 300 over backers, the financial support quickly arrived to a total of over USD 30,000!

The power of Quinto-dom. 'Nuff said!

Meanwhile, I have asked some ZQ fans to let me know what their best Zach moments were in 2011.

Look out for what some of them said in the next blog post!!

And to my bicepstuous inspiration Zachary Quinto, Before the Door team, SArmy, ZQC, all my readers and friends (er... frenemies included):

Have A Fantastic New Year!!
And I hope that 2012 will be all that you wish for!

Kickstarting "Dog Eat Dog" - Go Woof And Donate!

2011-11-09T14:09:00.001+08:00

Ugh. This is a potent mix.

Zachary Quinto + Dogs.

How can we resist?

A Kickstarter project for a short film entitled "Dog Eat Dog" was launched some hours back by LA-based director Sian Heder, in collaboration with good friend Zachary Quinto.

The short movie is a comedy about the heart-warming tale of pet (well, mostly dog) adoption. As you may already know, Zach met and saved furry-face Noah from a pound. So the short film will be based on his story .. or Sian's... or Noah's... Or all of the above.

Hmm.... I'm confused. Anyway...

The Kickstarter project will help fund the movie as well as put a sizeable donation to benefit the Humane Society in support of dog adoption.

I love dogs. (And Zach) And I do think this is a reasonable good cause, so I put in a small amount to show my support. I'm all Mate-y as of now.

Of course, there were two fans I know who went with a whole lot of giving and aimed for the top tier. But then, we think that they are crazy ;)

Er.. I mean generously crazy.

Oh. Did I still get that wrong? Crazily generous? Bahahaha. You know what I mean.

Truth is, we all blame Zachary Quinto (and his inspiring biceps) for this craziness. Yes, and Noah too. (I think Sian Header is pretty, so I shan't blame her. Not for the moment anyway.)

If you still have a beating heart, love dogs and/or at least an ounce of fandom-y craziness, click on to this "Dog Eat Dog" Kickstarter page to show some love!!! They have exceeded the primary USD 7,500 goal, and the short film should have enough funds to start filming in first week of December.

As of now, there are about 131 backers with funds nearly reaching USD 17,000 and with 29 days more to go! The funding and donations will definitely be going through the woof.

Sian and Zach have already emailed warm thanks to those who helped fund the project and so...

... here's to more crew members being fed, and more dogs getting adopted into very loving homes!

eBay Charity Auction - That ZQ Eye-Candy In August Magazine

2011-11-06T21:45:00.001+08:00

So here it is. Finally.

After months of anticipation, and teasers from the interwebs, showing those gorgeous fashion photoshoot pages of Zachary Quinto, I have in my pervy hands a couple of copies of the Malaysia 3rd Anniversary issue of August Magazine. And it's up for grabs from an eBay charity auction!

The auction will have 50% of the proceeds go to the American Red Cross. It ends in 7 days from now.

Click here to BID.

If you are wondering why the shipping cost is so high, please do read the auction notes. The magazine is indeed gorgeous to look and to hold, but it's big and thick (about 3/4") and hence, will be safer having it shipped in a secure box. Unless, of course, you want the magazine to arrived badly crumpled or torn. Or even worse, not arrive at all.

After this auction ends, another copy will be put up on a similar-styled eBay auction.

There is an interesting peek behind the scenes of the photoshoot with Chiun-Kai Shih, at the August Malaysia Magazine's FB page here.

And that's not all! For the geek or movie fans out there, the magazine also has a special article/ photoshoot spread of yummy Stan Sebastian! He's the one who played loyal Bucky, best friend of Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America in the Marvel superhero movie.

Feel free to spread the word about the auction. After all, it helps to partially benefit a well-known charity organization.

A Special and Mr Spooky Halloween Greeting!

2011-10-29T11:31:00.000+08:00

Just in good time to bring out the noirish heebie-jeebies, the disgustingly talented and good-looking creative team behind the graphic novel, "Mr Murder Is Dead" (an Archaia/ Before the Door publication) has something twistedly-spooky for the fans and readers!

Writer Victor Quinaz and illustrator Brent Schoonover have cooked up this special Mr Spook comic strip for the Halloween season.

Feel free to download it, print it, share it ... with lots and lots of candy.

(Just make sure they are indeed candy though.)

Happy BOOs to everyone!

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Check out the Official Mr Murder Is Dead website!

And follow Mr Spook on his own Facebook page!

"Margin Call" - Review by a ZQC Member

2011-10-28T22:30:00.003+08:00

As "Margin Call" gathers momentum, there has been some talk about Oscar nominations.

I haven't watched the movie yet, but from the rave reviews I've read from some heavy press and top critics, I hope it does head toward that direction.

For those in LA and NY, there are some events coming up with the director and producers of the movie this Saturday!

On 29 October, in LA, our favourite bb Zachary Quinto (hopefully wearing a beanie??) and Before The Door partner and one of the movie's producer Neal Dodson, will appear for a special post-show Q&A at the 7 pm screening at the Century City AMC. Do hurry and buy your tickets now before they sell out!

Over at the East Coast, in NY, writer/ director of "Margin Call" J.C. Chandor will be stopping by the Angelika for a Q&A after the 5 pm show.

If anyone is attending these events, drop me a note! I'm sure many other fans would like to hear how these sessions went!

And to add on to @HardlyanAngel's thoughts of the movie, here's another "Margin Call" review from a ZQC member, @Sunfell!

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It's one thing to hear about a movie a bit before it's released, and perhaps decide to go and see it, but it's quite another to follow a movie from its "Black List" listing to its opening day. Even before I hit the 'on demand' button, I had a lot invested in it. My sincere hope was that it wasn't going to be a damp squib.

I should not have worried.

"Margin Call" drew me in from the opening scenes, with its spare music and parade of HR people ready to go on a sack-attack. The first to fall is Eric Dale (Stanley Tucci), who gets totally cut off, but manages to give his underling Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) a thumb drive with some unfinished work on it. And it kept me riveted through its ascent - through Peter's eyes, through the ziggurat of power - as his discovery of what is on the thumb-drive snowballs into the disaster we are all familiar with. And make no mistake: this is a disaster movie. A horror movie, even.

The look on Sullivan's face, when he realizes that the formula they've counted on to keep the music playing is fatally flawed, is a telling one. As the story progresses, we see the various characters (all realistically played by an all-star cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Simon Baker) reveal something of their inner selves, from Baker's shark to Spacey's broken heart. Penn Bagley plays Quinto's colleague and adds some moments of both humor and heartbreak to the story.

The language is raw and at times ugly and incomprehensible. I even heard some actual mathematical terms used like "tranching". And it is realistic. Almost documentarian at times, but happily without the shaky-cam that seems to be the norm in many such movies. I appreciated its silky visual clarity.

Also missing are the usual Hollywood tropes - no fights, car chases, unnecessary sex scenes or contrived plot twists. There are no heroes nor villains. They're all painfully aware of what is going on, but too tangled to escape. And there was an office-bound claustrophobia that reminded me a bit of "Das Boot" but which fits this story. When we do escape the office tower, it's to collect Dale, whose absence was more of a presence.

What I really appreciated was that the makers of this movie assumed that I was smart enough to judge things for myself. That is all too rare today, and I sincerely hope that Before The Door and Zach will come up with other stories of similar depth. They've already impressed me with their graphic novel offerings

This first film knocks it out of the park.

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If you have already watched "Margin Call", do post your thoughts and comments here.

Or share them on the Zachary Quinto's Biceps FB page!

Let's keep the discussion going!

"Margin Call" - A SArmy Fan's Review

2011-10-25T17:06:00.001+08:00

For an indie film, "Margin Call", the Before The Door-produced and J.C. Chandor-directed Wall Street thriller with an impressive ensemble cast, has been getting a lot of attention since it opened at theatres on just 56 screens in some key USA cities this week!

The movie was also available On Demand, thereby, increasing its reach to even more interested viewers across the country.

Several publications and websites have given the movie a big thumbs-up, with as many movie-goers and fans acknowledging that it is a rather involving and relevant film of the times.

My favourite movie ratings website, Rotten Tomatoes, has awarded it a commendable 87% rating.

The obvious buzz has made me impatient to watch the movie here. Besides the collection of acting talent and nommy biceps to ogle at, the movie's subject matter is also of interest to me. You see, I'm a number-cruncher myself.

I've checked the movie release date here in Singapore and it seems that it may be premiering in local theatres on 29 December. Arrgh. I can't wait!

SArmy member and pop-culture fan @HardlyanAngel watched "Margin Call" at the Vintage Los Feliz Theater in Los Angeles, and here is her review of the movie:

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First of all, going into the movie I wasn't expecting much except to be entertained. But I ended up leaving the theater awed by the ensemble talent and storyline.

Straight from the beginning, the story captures you and holds your attention to the end. The plot isn't too far off the mark in real life and I could invision something like this happening (and I'm sure it has). I wasn't sure what to expect as the plot thickened and as each scene unfolded, I was curious as to what more was to come.

This is the type of movie where there is no real happy ending and no real winners.

The film was nitty, gritty, and to the point and made you feel for the characters affected by the whole situation. The dialogue is something straight from Wall Street that even I had a hard time following... a rocket scientist I am not. But even with that, the actors portrayed their roles well enough for me to understand the turmoil that was unfolding.

What can I say about the actors themselves? I absolutely adore Jeremy Irons. This man is so full of talent and plays a ruthless CEO to the hilt and as much as you'd like to hate him, you got to love the guy for trying to save his own behind.

Kevin Spacey is riveting as Sam who, when it comes down to it all, has a heart but understands he's got to do what needs to be done for the bigger picture. Then there is Zachary Quinto - it is great to see him again on the big screen. His portrayal of Peter Sullivan just sucks you into the turmoil that is taking place.

Paul Bettany, Demi Moore, Simon Baker (who I'm familiar with from the TV show, "The Mentalist") and Penn Badgeley were also superb. I only wished that Stanley Tucci had more screentime but with what he had, it was a real treat.

Overall, the film was well done for a production company just starting out. The screenplay was articulate and interesting. The cast was phenomenal and impressive.

The moral of the story that I got out of the movie was to save yourself and pretty much screw the lil guy on the totem pole. As Jeremy Iron's character stated "There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat."

Truer words were ever spoken.

If you're looking for an interesting movie with heavy hitter actors, then go see "Margin Call". You won't be disappointed.

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Here's another peek at the "Margin Call" trailer again:

Check out the "Margin Call" official website.
To view all the feature articles on the movie, head to this page for the links!

You should also follow "Margin Call" on Facebook and Twitter!

At St Mark's Signing - Slayed By Zachary Quinto and His Biceps

2011-10-21T02:51:00.001+08:00

Lovely surprises are very nice.

They are even nicer when they relate to Zachary Quinto.

Before heading to New York for NYCC, I dropped by Lala Land to spend some time with good friend Chelle. On the 1st morning I was there, we caught whiff of news that Zach seemed to be heading out of town, his lean biceps armed with a travel bag.

Little did I know that bb was heading to where I was also heading to! Kismet!

For on the next day, I saw a tweet from writer/ director Victor Quinaz announcing that there will be an off-NYCC signing for the graphic novel "Mr Murder Is Dead" at St Mark's comic shop on Saturday 15th October (8-10pm), together with artist Brent Schoonover and ..... get this - Zachary Quinto!

My heart skipped a beat. Well, many beats actually.

After a quick check on my carefully planned convention schedule, it seemed like we had to make a mad dash for the signing if we went for Marvel Studios' "The Avengers" panel that same evening. In the end, we decided that Zach was priority after all. And also, "The Avengers" panel would be crazy-popular, and one would have to be in line super early in the day in order to get into the 3,000-seat IGN theatre. I had other cool convention things that I wanted to do and was not keen to be waiting in line for a day.

More astutely, we knew we would have a way better chance and lots more fun meeting Zach and those biceps. Real Up Close and Personal.

So after our round of convention wanderings, our colourful quartet of ZQ pervers - @eserei27, @icalynn, @darkelegance and moi - left our hotel for St Mark's at 6pm. A friend told me that the store, which was located at the East Village, was a very small one. And we wanted to make sure we got there in time in case the line for the signing was long.

As it was peak hour then, we had to walk down to the next avenue in our attempts to hail a yellow cab. Quite a few ignored us and we were cab-less for a good 15 minutes! You should have seen @eserei27 wildly throw and wave her arms high up in the air in semi-frustration by the roadside. We laughed so hard at that ridiculous sight and maybe that was a magical move, coz we managed to get a cab a minute or two later.

Our cabbie driver, knowing that we came from the comic convention, kept throwing us superheroes/comics-related jeopardy like questions during our ride. We asked if we could get a discount if we got the answers right. He didn't give us an answer :p

When we arrived at St Mark's, there was no line at all. Probably because this was a smallish village shop away from the central area. We made a cursory browse through the shelves and @darkelegance commented that it was the type of "indie" shop that Zach would go to if he so ever desired to shop for comics. How true!

Since we still have an hour to kill before the event, we decided to grab a bite and ended up at a Vietnamese diner down the street, which was inventively called Baoguette Cafe.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you were wondering what the heck a Baoguette is....

This is a Grilled Chicken Baoguette

At about 7.30pm, we ambled back to St. Mark's and a small line had already formed inside the store. We had to place our bags with one of the staff members so I quickly grabbed my camera and snuggled it inside my coat. I think there was about 30 people in the shop at that time.

Promptly at around 8 pm, we saw a rather tired-looking Brent Schoonover arrive and soon after, Victor Quinaz. And about 10 minutes later, tall lean Zach strolled in with his cute brown beanie, geeky glasses and a blue sweater. We had surmised earlier on he has been easing into his fall clothes mode and we were so hoping for a beanie-sighting! Success!

Officially, pics were not allowed but before I was requested to not take them, I managed to snap a couple of the trio from afar.

@eserei27 was the first from our group to go through the signing. Zach was very laid back that night and of course, remembered @eserei27 well. @darkelegance simply told Zach that she just wanted to say hi.... And Zach responded to her with a loud and very bright "HIIIiiiiiiiii!" Hahaha.

When it was my turn, I stuck out my hand to Zach, introduced myself, and told him I came from Singapore. "That is a long way to come to New York," Zach remarked. I mentioned that I had met him once before at a Trek con in Las Vegas and as he signed the comic, Zach went, "Yeah... I haven't done that in awhile."

It was then that sweet Victor mentioned to Zach that I was the one who had presented both him and Brent with the Singapore robot keychains, and that I was also the one who was writing the 'biceps blog'.

I nodded and told Zach, "Yes, I am the one who owns the Zachary Quinto's Biceps blog."

"Really? You're the one who does the blog?" Zach repeated. "Now, tell me...what is it about my biceps that made you want to start the blog?" He looked adorably perplexed as he lightly flexed his sweater-wrapped arms. (Can I say *Swoon*?)

I grinned, looked at him and dramatically motioned my hands towards them, "oh C'mon. Zach. How can you not know? Just look at them!"

@eserei27 gamely added, "Zach... coz they are sooo inspiring!" And I totally agreed with her.

A highly amused Zach replied, "Well, I hope my biceps will continue to inspire your blog."

I assured him they most definitely will, thanked him and headed outside the store. We didn't leave St Mark's yet though, because we spotted Archaia's handsome duo - their Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy and PR & Marketing Manager Mel Caylo, who had just arrived to check out how the event is doing. We stayed to chat with both of them as they tried to lure more interested passers-by into the store.

By then, the signing line was clearing out real quickly. Since there was hardly anyone left in the line, @eserei27 thought it would be a good chance to take a pic with Zach. As for me, I thought it was a good chance to evilly sneak in my copy of "Mr Murder Is Dead" for Zach to sign.

We went back into the store and @eserei27 sweetly asked Zach if she could take a photo with him. Zach put on a fan-weary look and told @eserei27, "We are not supposed to take pics. If I were to take a pic with you, I'd have to take a pic with everyone else." He paused a beat for effect. I think I saw @eserei27 hold her breath for a few seconds too long.

"But since there isn't anyone here right now.... OK, you can take a picture."

Haha. Oh, Zach!

I then took the opportunity to request Zach to sign my "Mr Murder Is Dead" book, and also to personalize it. "Okayyyyy, Tina! You girls........," Zach sighed with mock exasperation. He sighed even louder when I boldly requested for him to personalize the Star Trek comic for me too. "Alright already... Here you go.. TINA," he said, as he dramatically put an exclamation mark right after my name on the comic. "You all are just sooooo ..... why do you girls always asking me to do these things...... "

I pretended to look coy and said, "Because we love you."

"I love you too." Zach said simply. And of course, that melted @eserei27 and my hearts to a combined squishy mess right there and then. If I could have gone *thud*, I probably wouldn't have wanted to leave the floor.

I asked Zach if I could take a pic with him and he was OK with it. So I waved my iPhone in @eserei27's face who was still stunned by her current Zach experience. It took Zach's clear voice to snap her out of her reverie. "Sara!!!! Take her picture already! She took yours, so it's only fair that you take hers!"

Zach grinned impishly and thanked us for coming. In turn, we also thanked him for being so awesome with us, and I was about to turn around and take leave when he smiled and looked directly at me with those signature light brown eyes, saying with a hint of genuine concern, "Stay safe, OK?"

I told him I will. And that wrapped up yet another fun, classy Zach meet and greet experience!

So, I did not manage to get the ZQ Flexed Biceps pics I truly wanted. But no matter.

There shalt be other future opportunities.

The happy vivacious quartet outside St Mark's, post VQ-BS-ZQ meet:

And my wonderfully autographed copy of "Mr Murder Is Dead":

NYCC 2011 - Those Killer Biceps of Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover

2011-10-20T02:30:00.001+08:00

Last weekend's New York Comic Con (NYCC) 2011 was a busy, messy, totally memorable adventure for me.

It was my first time visiting the crowded sprawl of New York City, as well as experiencing NYCC itself.

More importantly, it was also the first time I was flexing my journalistic arms with an official press pass at one of the bigger comic conventions in the USA.

I did not, however, require any form of press access to meet two sets of killer biceps owned by the artistic duo of the detective noir graphic novel, "Mr Murder Is Dead". They were none other than the co-creators of the graphic novel, Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover - who were both comfortably stationed at Archaia's booth for an autograph session on Friday afternoon.

Brent, the artist for the graphic novel, was all big, huggable and cheery. He was armed with a smile who could warm any stone-cold killer's heart. And as for Victor.... Oh My.

Victor was so much more intensely handsome and taller than I expected. When I came up to the booth to introduce myself, he recognized me and instantly got up to give me a warm gigantic hug with those nice biceps of his.

Must people who work with/ for Archaia all be sooooo good-looking? It is a conspiracy, I tell you!

I told Brent and Victor that I *finally, finally* got my pervy hands on a copy of "Mr Murder Is Dead" the day before. With a smile, Victor proceeded to start signing it with a lovely personalized message. Then, Brent took over with a quick Mr Spook sketch and he even doodled for me a biceps pic. Haha!

It was just too bad there wasn't a long line at their signing booth. On the flip side, it gave me a few good minutes of chat time with both of them, while a constant stream of convention attendees walked by us.

While Brent was chatting with another fan, Victor and I talked about his upcoming feature film, which he cannot really talk much about... yet. What Victor can reveal though was that the film is like a mockumentary and test audiences have indicated that they found it funny and liked it a lot. Which made my nosy genes twitch with even more curiosity as to what this movie is alllllllll about.

I'm still twitching, by the way... So I will probably pose Victor a few questions on this next week, and let us see if he has the time to give us more evil teasers.

As for Brent, I managed to grab some separate individual Q&A time with him last Sunday morning at his own booth. So do stay tuned for another Brent interview article on this blog!

We then chatted about how a bunch of us was going to skip the Avengers panel, just to make sure we could be at the St Mark's comic store signing on the next day. Our fave bb Zachary Quinto, was also scheduled to appear at the signing, and we all wanted to say hello to the man.

While Zach's name was bandied around, Victor affirmed that comic conventions aren't really Zach's "thing". I believe most of us are already well familiar with this fact and is also aware that Zach's "thing" would be Broadway and the theatre.

Oh... and if my currently jet-lagged brain cells recall correctly, I think I also had a mini discussion about Wolverine with Victor at one point. Victor stated that he isn't a fan of Hugh Jackman's version of Wolvie because he had always thought his own naturally hirsute dad was better suited for the role. Hehehe.

I would have loved to yak with the two nice men longer, but my small stomach had begun to growl protestingly. I hadn't eaten since munching on a breakfast muffin and was in dire need of some blood sugar and caffeine. Stat.

But before I took leave of Brent and Victor, there was something very critical that we had to do.

It was The Group Killer Biceps pic.

And we looked *really* good in it. Really.

Here's Da Murderous Proof :D

I briefly swung by Archaia's booth the next day to say hello to them again. I had forgotten to hand them the Singapore robot souvenir keychains I got for them. Immediately, Victor used the one that I gave him for his keys... the sweet man.

It is too bad I could not quite get Zach to offer his luscious biceps for a pic when we met him. But do check out what he had to say about them when we were at St Mark's on Saturday night!

The deets on the latest Zach biceps incident will be in the next blog post... Coming up real soon!

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"Mr Murder Is Dead" is a book collaboratively published by Before The Door and indie publishing company, Archaia.

Learn more about the graphic novel at the Official Mr Murder Is Dead website!

And follow Mr Spook on his own Facebook page!

SDCC 2011 Interview: A Killer Year for Brea - Part 2

2011-09-09T23:30:00.003+08:00

Brea as "Cassie Hack"

In this second part of the SDCC 2011 interview with the adorable Brea Grant with input from her brother Zane, we get to find out more about the various projects she has been busy with and what will be in store for Brea fans out there!

I for one, know that many hardcore "Dexter" fans are curious about Brea's involvement in this highly acclaimed TV series on Showtime.

My Twitter friend, Erik aka @ebrown2112 continues with the revealing Q&A:

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Brea Grant has been one busy lady. In addition to writing comics, she did a guest spot on "CSI:Miami" and a cameo in Felicia Day's web series "The Guild". She starred in the SyFy original movie "Ice Road Terror", and her indy flick "Homecoming" has been winning awards on the festival circuit. But the best is yet to come for the sprightly former speedster.

I spoke with the ever-wonderful Brea about what's she's been up to and what she's doing next.

Erik: You're the voice of Cassie Hack. You must be thrilled about that.

Brea: Yeah, it's very exciting! I'm going to be the voice of Cassie Hack for the new Hack/Slash animated movie. We're doing both animated and green-screen motion capture.

Erik: Live action?

Brea: Not live action, more like Waking Life.

Erik: Rotoscoping.

Brea: Rotoscoping, thank you.

Erik: You'll be shooting a movie that you wrote?

Brea: In the fall, hopefully. The indie movie world is a crazy one, but we should be shooting in the fall in Texas. It's called "Best Friends Forever", it's an apocalyptic road trip movie. I co-wrote it with my friend Vera Miao, and we're the leads in it. It's exciting.

Erik: You're also in "Baytown Disco".

Brea: Yes, I shot that a couple months ago. It is a Southern Quentin Tarantino-style action movie. I play part of a prostitute assassin gang, along with Serinda Swan, Zoe Bell, and Agnes Bruckner. We basically go in and kick ass. And then we get our asses kicked.

Erik: And you'll be on "Dexter", that's the big one.

Brea: Yes, I'm a lab intern working with Masuka.

Erik: Masuka's not exactly the most tactful person. He tends to make inappropriate remarks.

Brea: That's true.

Erik: How does your character deal with it?

Brea: I think she deals with it very well, and I think people will be very surprised by how she deals with it. You know, Zane helped me with the audition.

Zane: I did.

Brea: We were in East Texas, and I had to put the audition on video because I couldn't go back to L.A. Zane read across from me while my mom held the iPhone and recorded me. I sent it and I booked it from that.

Erik: That's great.

Brea: And he's a great reader.

Zane: If anyone's looking for a good reader, I'm available. My rates are good.

Erik: Would you want to play a serial killer yourself?

Brea: Yeah, definitely! I think that would be really fun. I always like playing roles that are sort of weird and out-of-the-box.

Zane: That goes back to the violence thing.

Brea: Yes, that goes back to the violence thing. I love violence.

See if you can catch glimpses of Brea in this "Dexter" Season 6 trailer here!

Erik: What would your dream role be?

Brea: Well, I'm getting to play Cassie Hack; that's pretty fantastic. I actually have a list of dream roles at home. I've gotten to check a few off, which has been really cool. I would love to have my own sci-fi action franchise.

Zane: Like "Tremors".

Brea: Sure, like "Tremors"! Or not.

Zane: Or not at all like "Tremors".

Erik: Is there anything else you'd like to say to everyone?

Brea: Buy the fourth issue of “Suicide Girls”.

Zane: Check out detectivewarlock.com.

Brea: And I'm at breagrant.com and @breagrant on Twitter.

Zane: I'm @zanegrant on Twitter and zanegrant.org online.

Erik: Excellent. Thanks, guys!

Brea: Thank you!

Zane: Thanks, man!

Once again, thanks to Brea, Zane, and Jonathan for a fun interview and their exceeding generosity.

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If you have missed Part 1 of the Brea, Zane, and Jonathan interview from SDCC 2011, click here!

Curious about the indie movie, "Homecoming". Check it the official website right here.

And for Pam's review of the "Homecoming" movie, read the blog article here.

SDCC 2011 Interview: Brea and Zane Get Suicidal - Part 1

2011-09-05T23:17:00.002+08:00

It is really nice to have friends with a range of tastes and interests when it comes to their choice of pop-culture indulgences or celebrity faves. Especially when one cannot be at two places at the same time!

At NYCC 2010, I managed to get Erik (@ebrown2112) to help me secure some precious time with the brother and sister comics creating team of Brea Grant and Zane Grant. For "Heroes" fans, you should remember Brea as the cute little speedster Daphne.

The duo has been consistently busy with their creative chops since then and Erik and I worked to get an update interview with Brea and Zane at SDCC this year.

Here's Part 1 of the interview. Over to Erik!

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An oppressive cult has achieved global domination, and a band of sexy rebels must fight the power by any means necessary in Suicide Girls, a sci-fi comic based on the popular pin-up site. Super-cool siblings Brea Grant and Zane Grant spun this tale of tyranny, brainwashing, and ass-kicking in a dystopian (and clothing-optional) future. I had the immense pleasure of speaking with Brea and Zane at the IDW booth on the last day of San Diego Comic-Con 2011.

Erik: You were approached to do Suicide Girls?

Brea: Yeah, Chris (Ryall) asked if we were interested and I wrote up a pitch. Steve Niles and Missy Suicide already had some good ideas, so we combined our ideas and ended up with an insane science-fiction comic.

Zane: A sci-fi nudie comic like nobody else is doing. That's the nicest way to put it.

Erik: The comic contains themes such as religious domination of the government and suppression of sexuality.

Brea: Yeah, the idea was the Suicide Girls represent freedom of sexuality, being open about women's bodies. I wanted the bad guys to be more of a mega-corporation, because Suicide Girls is a very independent site; basically, “big porno versus small porno” is what Zane and I kept talking about. But Missy also wanted to include a religious element, because religion has often suppressed sexuality throughout history.

Erik: And the people in charge of this organization, Way of Life, they're the biggest freaks.

Brea: Right. And the idea is that it's not so much mainstream religion today. It's obviously a dystopian future, and they're a cult that has taken over the entire world.

Zane: A lot of it's about visual culture too. There's a whole thing about learning memory through visualization, and they're reprogramming these people's minds so they'll assimilate in this way. And through this visualization the people confuse real-life experiences with things that were forced into their brains. There's a lot of things about ocular centric culture, calling into question experience versus spectator viewing.

Erik: Like “The Parallax View?”

Zane: It's more like “The Manchurian Candidate” meets “Total Recall.” That's what we tried to play with. But for the most part, there's a lot of boobs and decapitations and stuff.

Brea and Zane at SDCC 2011 (Pic by Erik)

Erik: Whose idea was all the boobs and decapitation?

Brea: The decapitation is more our idea, and I think it's the only comic where you will get a note saying “you need to have more boobs.” The notes from our editor and Missy said “don't be shy about the nudity.” Issue Four has more nudity than any comic I could possibly imagine.

Zane: It gets really wild. They're having meetings topless, there's full-frontal fights against robots...

Brea: It gets insane.

Zane: It's sick, it's really sick. I think if you give the Grants a choice between sex and violence, we'll always gonna choose violence.

Brea: It's true. We are brother-sister.

Zane: Not because we're supportive of violence and against nudity, but just because it's the first thing that comes to mind when we see people. That's how you resolve conflicts.

Brea: Yes. [laughs]

Zane: Some people look at the cosplayers here at Comic-Con for sexual reasons. We look at them to see if we could win in a fight.

Erik: Who are your biggest storytelling influences, horror or otherwise?

Zane: That's a tough call. I like Clive Barker and Joe R. Lansdale.

Brea: As far as fiction, I like William Gibson, Neil Gaiman, a lot of sci-fi. And you know Zane and I are horror movie nerds. We love horror movies and we love sci-fi. It depends on the day. One day I'll watch a movie like “Never Let Me Go” and be super-inspired to write something like that. It's weird how whatever you're watching at the moment starts to inspire what you're doing.

Zane: We like dystopian futures and speculative fiction, and we're doing some urban fantasy stuff now. We have a wide range.

Erik: You have some future projects, like “Dead City Kids.”

Zane: Yeah, we're working on “Dead City Kids” with Gavin Smith. We're still pitching that. We have some nice pages so hopefully that will get picked up.

Brea: And we have a project with EricJ called “Let's Play God.” We're hoping that coming to Comic-Con will mean we're going to do another comic.

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Artist Jonathan Spies joined Zane and me to discuss their new web comic, “Detective Warlock, Warlock Detective”.

Erik: Let's talk about your new venture.

Zane: Jonathan and I are working on a web comic called “Detective Warlock, Warlock Detective,” about a small-town occult investigator. It's a horror comedy. It's supposed to be funny, he's fighting teen wolves, graveyard hags in skating rinks. In the second issue we have a spoof about “Medieval Times,” the family recreational place. It's haunted and it gets sort of Monty Python-esque.

Jonathan: Zane and I live like six blocks from each other, so he calls me, “Hey, I got this great idea, we're gonna decapitate this person.” I guess we don't have any decapitation. We have a sword that goes through somebody's face, but the head remains.

Erik: That's a little kinder.

Zane: It's really over-the-top. Gory, but a little slap-sticky. It's like Columbo, Marx Brothers, Monty Python. The humor's pretty all over the place, but it's pretty fun.

Erik: That's right up my alley actually. So my question is: he is a Warlock, and his name is Warlock. Coincidence?

Jonathan: I always took it as open to interpretation. His name is Warlock, so if he was a doctor he would be Dr. Warlock regardless of whether he treats warlocks, he'd still be Dr. Warlock. If he was a Ph.D candidate, he would also be Dr. Warlock. But he happens to be a detective named Warlock, and he's also a warlock detective.

Zane: He's also an occult investigator, so the title works many ways. One discussion we were having recently was: Doctor Doom is the ruler of Latveria; why do they still call him “Doctor Doom?” Wouldn't the title “Emperor” supersede the title “Doctor?”

Erik: Emperor Doctor Doom.

Jonathan: Emperor Doom, Ph.D., etc.

Zane: I'd love to write “A Day in the Life of a Latverian Citizen.”

Erik: Is there anything else you'd like to say about Detective Warlock?

Jonathan: Detective Warlock comes out every Wednesday with new scenes at detectivewarlock.com, staying on schedule with brilliance and fun. We're really happy about it.

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Come back again to this blog for Part 2 of the interview where we will find out more on what Brea Grant has been up to!

Brea has an official website where you can keep up-to-date with her current and future projects. You can also follow her on Twitter.

Zane has a Twitter account as well, and his own official website.

Jonathan Spies is @Det_Warlock on Twitter and you can click here for his sketch blog.

And don't forget to check out the “Detective Warlock, Warlock Detective” website!

Review of "Mr Murder Is Dead" - A Beautiful Homage to the Classical Comics

2011-09-02T10:14:00.006+08:00

"Mr Murder Is Dead", the retro-noir fashioned detective graphic novel, has been receiving rave reviews since its launch at this year's SDCC.

And I just had to get one of our very own SArmy moderator and member, Claudia to give a review of the book written and drawn in a style that is not so common these days.

Here's Claudia's review:

"Mr Murder Is Dead", by Archaia Entertainment and Before the Door Pictures, is a graphic novel that should not be missed. As the first comic written and created by Victor Quinaz, "Mr Murder Is Dead" follows Detective Gould Kane, a.k.a. The Spook, in his retirement after the death of his arch nemesis, Mr. Murder. The story flashes back and forth between present day action and the events of the past in the 1930s and 1950s during The Spook’s heyday.

With these flashes, the art style changes to that of the comic strips of the specific time periods. Brent Schoonover, Stacie Ponder, and Mark Englert really bring this point home and the book is absolutely beautiful because of that. Brent Schoonover’s hard work at capturing the styles of the eras is evident through each period; the 30s has that slightly unfinished and experimental look, the 50s is strong and classic, and the contemporary period is bold. With each period, the visual emotions of the characters become more defined which makes each step towards the contemporary style more complete.

Also, the coloring by Mark Englert really solidifies each specific style used by Schoonover. The 30s and 50s pages are colored in a way that resembles the paper stocks of the day and the ageing that would take place over all this time. I can practically feel the rough texture of the paper in my mind. Then the actual coloring of the panels has that classic bleed over past the borders of the characters, backgrounds, and the panels themselves that always comes to my mind first when I think of older comics.

Finally, the contemporary period’s coloring is sharp and well-defined. It is also worth to mention the work of letterer, Deron Bennett, who changed his style, as well, for each period.

The story itself holds many surprises, so I’m going to hold off on saying anything specific about the plot because I do not want to give anything away. I will say; however, that I often had to turn back a few pages once something was revealed. I would look at the small clues again that I glossed over through my initial reading and that made the experience all the more fun and engaging. The ending was a bit of a surprise at first, but upon more readings, it was evident that this was the direction that the book was going in.

Overall, the book is simply beautiful – the story is so completely engaging and the art is very dynamic and a real honor to the classic comics of the Golden Age. If you like Noir, this book is a must-have for your collection. It echoes Dick Tracy, Batman, and even another book by Archaia, "Tumor".

I loved the book and I definitely recommend it highly – I give it a 9/10.

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Thank you, Claudia (@Selestina118) for the review!

Before "Mr Murder Is Dead" and preview pages were teased on the internet, I had already aimed to get myself an issue because the era and subject matter on investigations and murder have always been one of my pet reading subjects. But I did not want to have the graphic novel merely shipped to me because I have already planned to be at NYCC this October.

It is my intention to get and feel the book firsthand at Archaia's booth and most of all, to hopefully meet Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover (and their creative biceps) in person.

I have now read so many wonderfully positive reviews of "Mr Murder Is Dead" since its official launch that it's making me even more impatient for my NYC trip!

And to add to my growing excitement, here's a very colourful and appropriately suspenseful animated trailer by @keithahurley for the book! Check it out!

If you have already read "Mr Murder Is Dead" and loved it -- help spread the word and get your friends to pick up the book. Also, feel free to add to the buzz by posting your thoughts and comments below!

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Get to know the creators of "Mr Murder Is Dead" here:
- Interview with creator/ writer/ film-maker, Victor Quinaz!
- Interview with artist, Brent Schoonover!

And more about the graphic novel can be found at the Official Mr Murder Is Dead website!

Zachary Quinto Gets Horror-ifying

2011-08-28T00:19:00.002+08:00

Ted Levine

Let me just get one thing straight: I really do not like horror movies in general. I also find chick flicks very annoying.

And Zachary Quinto is being evil (in my tiny digital world at least) with his choice of movie work lately.

Firstly, he goes looking so handsome in that romantic comedy phase (anyone remember "What's Your Number"? "Girl Walks Into A Bar"?) and now, he's going in the opposite direction with the horror stuff.

Only a Zachary Quinto biceps-flexed related effort in either of these genres will ever make me willingly plonk my butt down in front of a screen for 90 minutes or more. But from what I read in press releases, their next project seem to be more than just a horror film.

Earlier this year, Before The Door (the production team consisting of Zach and his friends - Neal Dodson, Corey Moosa and Sean Akers) kicked off their indie debut with a smart, fast-paced financial thriller "Margin Call" at this year's Sundance Festival. They are now following up with a horror movie called "The Banshee Chapter" which is said to be a mix of fact and fiction about a female journalist going in search for her missing friend who has been experimenting with mind-altering drugs. And I keenly suspect that's probably where the "banshee" factor comes in.

Before The Door will be working with Sunchaser Entertainment, German producer Christian Arnold-Beutel, and first time film director Blair Erickson. Blair Erickson, who is a transmedia director and the creative director of Omnicom's high-tech interactive agency "Millions of Us", is also "The Banshee Chapter"'s scriptwriter and the story was drawn from "real life documents and actual test subject testimony".

What made the project interesting was the casting announcement made a few days ago. Ted Levine, very well-remembered for his creepy role as serial killer "it puts the lotion on it's skin" Buffalo Bill from "Silence Of The Lambs", has joined as a cast member of the movie. You might also remember Ted as a regular in the TV series "Monk" as Captain Leland Stottlemeyer and the warden in the movie "Shutter Island". In "The Banshee Chapter", he will be playing the rogue counter-culture novelist with a love for substance abuse and firearms.

Katia Winter will be acting as the female journalist. And just kinda fresh from HBO series "True Blood" and his creative works in graphic novels "Lucid" and the "True Blood: Tainted Love" spinoff is Michael McMillian, who will be starring as the "lost friend".

If you really want to stalk the production crew, the movie started filming in New Mexico this month.

The much cooler news, in my opinion, is the latest scoop that Zachary Quinto has signed up for a storyline arc in FX's "American Horror Story".

Weirdly enough, "American Horror Story" is created and written by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the men who brought you "Nip|Tuck" and "Glee". After watching some of the very interesting sneak peeks of "American Horror Story", I am still trying to get over the thought of how warped they might have been when they were working on "Glee".

I mean, happy-smiley musical stories simply do not come accompanied by a promo poster with a prominently full-latexed body. RIGHT?

According to PR releases, "American Horror Story" is about The Harmons - a psychiatrist Ben Harmon (Dylan McDermott - "The Practice"), his wife Vivien Harmon (Connie Britton of "Friday Night Lights") and troubled teenage daughter Violet (Taissa Farmiga) who moved to Los Angeles to escape their past - which included a miscarriage and an affair. They decided to buy and move into a 1920's home that was the bloody scene of the previous owners' murder-suicide. Lovely decision-making there, people.

Returning to the TV screen as a regular is Jessica Lange ("Tootsie", "Blue Sky") who will be playing Constance, the Harmon's neighbor. And Constance has a daughter with Down Syndrome (Jamie Brewer), who could awkwardly predict people's deaths.

There is one other character who seems to be a "is she, is she not"?? The Harmons hire a housekeeper (the house seems to be a huge dungeon of a mansion with lots of dirt to sweep) and she appears as an old woman (Frances Conroy from "Six Feet Under") to Vivien and a young sexy garter-stockinged thing (Alexandra Breckenridge of "Dirt") to Ben.

Based on indications from the pre-show marketing and test previews, the series is highly supernatural and disorientingly psycho-sexual. YES! These elements will totally tickle my twisted mind and after watching the "American Horror Story" viral videos put up by FX, I think I could love this new TV series.

*Especially* so if Zach and his scary biceps are in it.

Zach is will be acting the role of "Chad, the gay former owner of the house who becomes friends with Vivien", and he won't make his appearance till the series' two-part Halloween episode scheduled to air October 26th and 30th.

Get started with the "American Horror Story" creepiness with the promo videos by FX. Here's one of my favourites, and with one of my favourite songs in it too!

There are more of them at YouTube. Click here!

FX has planned for a "American Horror Story" premiere on October 5th.

Now, I can't wait!

Victor Quinaz - The Mastermind for "Mr Murder Is Dead"

2011-08-17T00:59:00.003+08:00

A long-time friend of the Before The Door team, film-maker/ screenwriter Victor Quinaz was hauled into the world of graphic novels with a murderous story which has been brewing in his mind for some time.

The result?

A pulp-noir styled detective graphic novel entitled "Mr Murder Is Dead", published by Archaia. The book was launched at this year's SDCC and preliminary reviews so far have been very positive!

It seems that "Mr Murder Is Dead" is being released officially this Wednesday on August 17th. I am not sure if you can even get hold of a copy online now as the graphic novel is sold out on TFAW!

Zachary Quinto fans would already be familiar with Victor's comedy web series called "PERIODS.". If you go 'huh'?? and haven't seen any of "PERIODS." -- where have you been all this while???

Understandably, Victor is a busy man. And I was pleasantly and squeefully surprised that he found the time to reply my questions for this interview:

1. Tell us how you got to be involved with this Archaia/ Before The Door graphic novel, "Mr Murder Is Dead".

Victor: I've been buds with the Before The Door gang for sometime now. Corey and Neal came to me with this idea of turning a script I had developed for TV into a graphic novel.

At the time, I hated the script, the setting, the concept, but liked the mystery in it and the characters. Corey was the one that cracked the nut. He suggested the story be a riff on Pulp Strips of the Golden Age. After that it was all balloons and birthday cake, a real celebration getting to the final product.

2. Do you consider yourself a huge comic book/ graphic novel fan? And do you have a favourite comic writer or creator?

Victor: Like a lot of guys my age, I was into comics until girls actually started hanging out with me. Now I don't see them as mutually exclusive. The comic stores I go to are like singles' bars for hipster geeks.

As far as comics and creators I love, I think I wear my influences on my sleeve. Bob Kane and Chester Gould were guys I was aware of really young. Now it's all Alan Moore and Ed Brubaker. You really see with them this brilliant synthesis of pop into something literary and heavy. I also dug the GI JOE: COBRA run featuring Chuckles. That was pretty bad ass.

3. What inspired the retro look of "Mr Murder Is Dead"? Did you do a lot of research to achieve the noir/ pulp fiction feel of the graphic novel?

Victor: For the flashbacks, both on the art and writing side of things, Brent and I read a ton of old strips. It really became our job to fold the mystery and darkness underneath these colorful panels and pages. Of course being longtime fans of these old characters and strips made it more of a joy than anything that resembled work.

4. Is the main character, Gould Kane, a representation of someone you know in real life?

Victor: If I knew any version of Gould Kane in real life, I'd get my ass kicked. Or more likely he wouldn't give two-shits about about me. He's pulp and applesauce all the way.

5. Did he do any research into how people feel in retirement, their mental state etc? (from @doubleshiny)

Victor: I have four dead grandparents and watched three of them die, research was... unnecessary.

6. Do you plan to keep the style and storytelling strictly vintage, or slip in some 21st Century elements? (from @Sunfell)

Victor:Interesting. But do you mean with future projects or on this book? I tried to avoid cellphones, the modern story-fix-it-all.

There is definitely a bromance goin' on

7. How did you end up working with Brent Schoonover as the artist for "Mr Murder Is Dead"? Is this the first time you have worked with a comic artist, and how has the experience been like?

Victor: Brent is the brother with blond hair I never had. We went through quite a few illustrators before we met with Brent's work (it was Paul, our editor, that approached him). Once I saw some sketches it was Brent by a mile. The guy is a super talent. He completes me. And yeah it was my first time, Brent was gentle.

8. What are the main challenges you face when creating a comic book like "Mr Murder Is Dead" – compared to directing a “PERIODS.” film short? (from @lindsaysfnm)

Victor: They're very similar, in fact, as both tread heavily on collaboration. I think the challenges are staying true to your original thesis while having the freedom to explore and discard. Never be precious but also know what's worth fighting for (usually if you're fighting for something, you're already dead in the water).

9. Is it true that there will be a movie version of "Mr Murder Is Dead"? Will this be based on the novel or an offshoot story from it? (from @lindsaysfnm)

Victor: You know what's funny is that a lot of people these days make these books to develop right into a movie. And "Murder" was no different at first, but somewhere down the line we had to give up on a movie version and just make a killer book. Now that the book is done and done for book sake, the possibilities of a movie become really fun.

As to confirm there's a movie version on the way... well, I have no idea. We want to do one. We have a different take on the story than the book. But movies are a whole different kind of monster. Ask me in a year.

10. So how was SDCC 2011 for you this year? Did you do anything differently?

Victor:Yes, we wisely learned from past mistakes and spent the majority of the time when we weren't working the Con at the hotel pool. Not to mention meeting Brent and his wife, Nicole, after a year of working with him was the cherry on top of my nerd sundae.

11. Did you geek out over anyone you met at SDCC? What was the experience like?

Victor: The Tardis. I freaked out when I saw the Tardis. Otherwise SDCC is an orgy of nonsense, adolescent hope, corporate eye rape, the smell of corn chips and sex, but also killer fan costumes. But, yeah, the Tardis.

12. So between you and Brent and the folks at Archaia, who flexes his biceps in the best way possible?

Victor: I think ZQ probably has the best biceps. He was designed in a lab for the ladies' pleasure. Also Neal used to be ripped to the tits. Corey, not so much.

13. How much do you like geek girls?

Victor: Love 'em. You can talk to them. They smell great. And often times they'll loan you money.

14. Please share with us your upcoming projects.

Victor: Oh, man, aside from a crapper economy, piss poor politics, and death in general; the future looks pretty bright. Phil, Anna, the entire PERIODS. gang, and myself are finishing up our first feature that will premiere next year (can't say too much more on that, other than it's hilarious and way different than anything we've ever done. Think "Spinal Tap" meets "When Harry Met Sally"!)

We also have two PERIODS. shorts planned for the rest of the year, one a tie-in with "Mr Murder Is Dead". I have a script with Before The Door and Killer Films (the reason I moved to NYC) that will be announced shortly. And maybe I'll actually get around to finally dropping the two episodes of STUNTED we shot.

PERIODS., STUNTED, "Mr Murder Is Dead" and more!

There seems to be a number of a few creatively visual things that this mastermind may slay us with.

Whatever it is, don't Spook The Spook. You might need him.

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To view some of Victor's other videos, click his Vimeo channel here!

Also, to see what happened at the Archaia/ BTD panel at Nerd HQ during SDCC 2011, here are the videos - Thanks to TheBibliotheca!

And to get to know more about Brent Schoonover, the artist for "Mr Murder Is Dead", read an interview with him here!

As for "Mr Murder Is Dead", fans can try to order a copy online through these websites (if they have not sold out already!):

- TFAW

- Amazon

- Book Depository

And more about the graphic novel can be found at the Official Mr Murder Is Dead website!

Brent Schoonover - The Artistic Hitman For "Mr Murder Is Dead"

2011-08-03T23:19:00.000+08:00

A couple of years back, Before The Door and Archaia officially announced their collaboration to publish two graphic novels.

One was "Lucid" (by Michael McMillian) and the other, which took some time to complete, was called "Mr Murder Is Dead".

"Mr Murder Is Dead", created and written by Before The Door's long-time friend Victor Quinaz, is a detective story within a story, styled in the pulp noir style reminiscent of Dick Tracy.

The specific style and period setting required an artist who could visually bring that era to life. And Minnesota-based illustrator/ comic artist Brent Schoonover was called to task.

Brent has also created comics of his own. The "Horrorwood" mini-series was published by Ape Entertainment, and "Astronaut Dad Volume 1" by Silent Devil.

Archaia-published "Mr Murder Is Dead" was specially launched during this year's SDCC, with a special panel held offsite at the Nerd HQ. The panel was presented by Before The Door and Archaia together with guests Michael McMillian, Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover.

The finished product is a beautiful, unique package in a horizontal format, sized 9" high by 11" wide in size.

Since I couldn't be at SDCC this year to perv those BTD/ Archaia biceps nor meet Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover in person, I had little choice but to traverse the digital way in order to get an interview with Brent.

Here is how Brent slayed readers with his unique artwork in "Mr Murder Is Dead" (amongst other things):

1. How did you get to work with Before the Door/ Archaia / Victor Quinaz for "Mr Murder Is Dead"?

Brent: I had worked with our editor Paul Morrissey on a previous project and he was at the first C2E2 con in Chicago. I had a sketchbook with me that had some Dick Tracy drawings in it and the drawings were the fit they were looking for on Mr. Murder. After getting home, I did some sketches for them and they asked me to come on board.

2. "Mr Murder Is Dead" has a retro-noir feel to it. Were you already familiar with this art style. Or did you have to do some research?

Brent: I was familiar with the style as I am heavily influenced by old comic strip art and mostly older comic creators. But I still had to do my research to make sure we could pull this off convincingly. The goal was to really make the reader wonder if these really were old-time comic strips.

3. What has been the most difficult aspect in working on "Mr Murder Is Dead"?

Brent: Well it really hasn't been anything artistically that was too demanding. The flashback sequences were a challenge I guess, in that we really wanted to to be spot on even if they were only 5 pages per era. The biggest thing was adjusting my work load as I became a first-time father right as the book started. So my schedule was very inconsistent on a daily basis.

4. Were there any key changes in terms of the look/feel and characters' features of "Mr Murder Is Dead" compared to the initial concept?

Brent: We did several different looks for Gould Kane and also Mr. Murder. I'd say Murder was the biggest departure from what we started out with. Basically I wanted him to look like Boris Karloff in his younger days. Very sunken and skeletal features and then the older Karloff looked very regal with this nice mustache. That's how I saw him at first. Then we moved to this very James Cagney real wildfire personality. Neither of those made it to the final design. We just really liked this third incarnation I designed with the loose wild hair.

5. So who's idea was it regarding the Zachary Quinto comic panels?

Brent: Before the Door contacted me. We know we were going to have this great panel happening at San Diego Comic Comic Con that Zach would be involved in. So they wanted to do something special for the fans who paid to come see him and the rest us talk. I picked the spots in the book I thought were best to drop him in and then they went ahead and added some dialogue. I thought it turned out great. He had no clue we did it. When we got back to the green room he complimented me on the detail of his chest hair, which he then showed me in person. He was right. I nailed it.

6. After being an artist for this long, how else do you think you could improve further or reach to another level in terms of your art?

Brent: Just keep drawing everyday. I'll be better next year than I am this year. Not sure how but it'll really just come from repetition.

7. What did you think of this year's SDCC? Did you do anything differently?

Brent: I hadn't been there in six years. It couldn't have been more of a different experience for me. I stayed at a hostel the last time. This time we stayed at a great hotel. Archaia and Before the Door were just fantastic to myself and my wife all week and it couldn't have been a better experience.

8. Did you geek out over anyone at this year's SDCC? What was the experience like?

Brent: Yeah I did a good amount of geeking out. I got to meet Jerry Robinson, the creator of The Joker. That meant a lot cause I feel like we take guys of his generation for granted that they will always be around. Which isn't true. So it was an honor to go over and meet him and thank him for all he's done. There were a lot of celebs we saw as well. Ken Marino from "Party Down" and "Wet Hot American Summer" bought Mr. Murder from us. That was cool. Zac Levi was amazingly nice to me and my wife. As was Scott Porter, whom I met years ago yet somehow remembered me.

9. So between you and Victor and the folks at Archaia, who flexes his biceps in the best way possible?

Brent: Good question. While I haven't done a recent muscle inspection I'm sure Zach has the nicest biceps. I mean he's Spock. He's got the Vulcan nerve pinch. That takes incredible forearm strength. So I'm sure the biceps aren't in bad shape either.

10. How much do you like geek girls?

Brent: Without geek girls there would be no geek boys. No, it's great. This industry and fan base has been overpopulated with boys for a long time. I'm all for anyone who wants in as long as their hearts are in the right place. I think we've some fakers try and get in to and make something new for themselves but I also think real fans can see through that.

11. Please do share with us about your upcoming projects.

Brent: Well, I am a little in between projects. I have a small comic project coming up with writer Phil Hester called "Mythic", which centers on a group of characters that are basically The Ghostbusters for magic.

I also did a book a few years ago called "Astronaut Dad", which was about the space race of the 1960's. The first volume came out and we have been trying to get the second volume out after our publisher closed shop. I think we should finally have it available as a collected edition by years end.

So there's that and also myself and Victor are for sure going to be working together again. He's great, and I loved working with him.

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Thanks so much to Brent Schoonover for taking the time with this interview! You can check out more of his artwork at his very interesting website!

And.... *drum roll*.... My time off for a trip to New York for NYCC has been verbally approved and guess what??! I have a press pass!! WHEEEEE!!

Needless to say, at NYCC this October, I intend to stalk the Archaia booth to grab hold of a copy of "Mr Murder Is Dead" firsthand for myself and see if I can find Brent at the Artists' Alley just to say hi!

"Mr Murder Is Dead"is officially released on 13 September 2011. International fans can pre-order a copy of "Mr Murder Is Dead"online through these websites:

- TFAW

- Amazon

- Book Depository

And if you still want more about the graphic novel, head to the Official Mr Murder Is Dead website!

A Fan's Zachary Quinto Experience at Nerd HQ

2011-07-28T22:07:00.001+08:00

It never fails to make me feel delighted whenever I hear of a fellow ZQ fan who had a wonderful experience meeting Mr Sexy Biceps himself.

As any hardcore Zachary Quinto fan would know, his production team Before The Door Archaia took over Nerd HQ last Saturday for a panel about graphic novels "Lucid" and "Mr Murder Is Dead". (Still don't know what Nerd HQ is? Check out this blog post!)

The panel was streamed live from Nerd HQ which allowed many other fans who were unable to be at San Diego to partake in the ZQ/ BTD/ Archaia goodness. Comic creators Michael McMillian, Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover were also present to talk about their graphic novels.

Cassandra was right there at Nerd HQ and she happily shares her story and pictures with us!

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I must admit, I am a giant chicken when it comes to meeting celebrities, especially ones that I love.

So when my friend told me that she bought me tickets to not only see Zachary Quinto at the "Lucid" panel (via a very lively and generous Zachary Levi and his Nerd HQ), I almost wanted to decline because of the wave of nervousness that hit me right in my gut.

I have been a Zachary Quinto fan officially since "Star Trek" 09. I loved "Heroes" and the character of Sylar, but the first time I actually realized how amazing ZQ was, was during my first time watching ST09. Ever since then, I've shown my support for him in all of his creative feats.

While I did not get a chance to read "Lucid" or "Mr. Murder Is Dead" (my life is currently a swift tide of work, school and relocation), the panel was very energetic and informative.

The guys have a very close camaraderie that was truly pleasant to watch. They even shared a few added comic panels that featured Zach in nothing but a towel in a sauna (mimicking his role as Sassan in "So noTORIous"), and asking an elderly man (who in response gives him the finger) how to to DVR "Chuck".

All in all, Zach was very pleasant. Not as visibly as hyper as his friends, but he was still very involved in answering questions for the fans.

Meeting him was so amazing - it was something I never deemed would happen as the man is virtually travelling all over the world most of the time.

He was very welcoming, made eye contact (which melted my heart) and has excellent penmanship. He was chatty with every fan that stopped before him, and showed warm appreciation when I thanked him for being the amazing human that he is.

Overall, it was a meeting that I won't ever forget, and I hope that every ZQ fan gets a chance to interact with him in one way or another.

Enjoy the photos!

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Thanks to Cassandra for her fan report and pics.

"Mr Murder Is Dead" (in hardcover) was launched at San Diego Comic Con last week.

Those who don't really have good comic stores locally, you can pre-order it online from tfaw.com or Amazon.com!

Remember This Day - "Margin Call" Official Trailer Is Out!

2011-07-27T14:27:00.002+08:00

It's a financial crisis!

SELL! SEEELLLLL!!!!

Finally, after many months of waiting impatiently for an official trailer, the one for "Margin Call" was released yesterday on Yahoo! Movies.

"Margin Call", written and directed by J.C Chandor, chronicles the start of a financial crisis happening right in the heart of a Wall Street investment firm.

Unprimeval abnormalies show up. Things get ugly. Facts get covered up. Blame gets wonderfully distributed all around.

With the horror of an impending financial apocalypse, the movie shows how the different characters in the firm react and make their decisions within a frame of 24 hours. A really apt movie for this difficult economic times.

Even if you have financiojargonobia, take a look at the trailer:

The trailer showed a thrilling sense of urgency and I still can't get over all the awesome looking suited-up biceps in the footage.

Kevin Spacey - a screengrabber as always. And the usually smiley-charming Simon Baker being ominously sleazy in a baddie role.

And most of all, big boss of the investment company John Tuld (played by Jeremy Irons) arrogantly snarling, "There are three ways to make a living in this business. Be first, be smarter... or cheat." Man, those few evil seconds were hot.

There is also sufficiently enough Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) moments in the trailer to tease the ZQ-fandom for a little while longer. I totally appreciated the close-up shots. Have to say, those eyebrows are still very lickable. It's certainly a nice visual change to see Zach acting in a non-scifi-related role.

Set for a Fall 2011 release date in the USA, "Margin Call" definitely seems like a really smart movie. The production values and set kinda reminds me of "24" - a series I loved. And oh, Zach is also crunching tech-jumbo in the movie. Kinda like his role in "24"??!

I do wonder if "Margin Call" might be a little "too smart" for some lay people, who merely want to be "entertained" when they go to the cinema. But I'm SOLD! (Has there ever been any doubt?)

Unfortunately, I do not know if "Margin Call" will be screened in Singapore as I have not seen any release dates mentioned on the local websites. Stranger things have happened regarding local releases, especially for indie movies, so I really can't say if I'll be lucky enough to watch this on the big screen.

But I'm still hoping!

"Remember This Day", folks.

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Keep an eye out for "Margin Call"'s new website. It is undergoing some revamp right now.

If not, follow "Margin Call" on Facebook and Twitter!

Suspended Geek-gasm - Zachary Quinto at NerdHQ

2011-07-23T13:40:00.003+08:00

Blame it on the fact that the earth is round and I am 15 hours ahead of San Diego. And that I have to log in "normal working hours" the entire week.

I also have to admit that I do not possess any time-freezing or time-travel powers. (Sorry to disappoint some of you.)

I just simply couldn't stay up for the live webcast of the Archaia - "Lucid"/ "Mr Murder Is Dead" panel held at the NerdHQ. I do consider an attempt to re-generate my brain cells a very important process. Plus, I am getting old.

So, I do not have the details of what have been said or actually transpired at the panel. I will leave that job to my Twitter buddy @eserei27, and she will send me her report of the panel when she is able to.

If anyone else wants to send me a quick fan report with pics and/ or vids, do feel free to email me!

What I have though, are some wonderful pics of our bb Zachary Quinto looking so handsome in geeky glasses and suspenders!! And that I knew of many fans who finally had the chance to meet him in person as Zach was doing signings of both comics after the panel.

That is not to say that the rest of the men up on stage at the panel weren't handsome (or geeky) too. ;) The Before The Door guys - Corey Moosa and Neal Dodson - were there. So was Michael McMillian, Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover. And... Archaia's Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy was moderating the panel. It was a panel-ful of nommy biceps! Which makes me suspect that there is something in the water in California.....

I did hear of Brent Schoonover (the artist for "Mr Murder Is Dead") giving Zach a surprise with a comic panel that he had drawn.

I mean, LOOK AT THOSE CHEST HAIR! O_O
Apparently, Zach wasn't expecting that at all!

And... have you all heard of Sylars' Army (SArmy), a fan group officially sanctioned by Zach himself?? One of the moderators, gentle charity-championer Mabes, met him again for the umpteenth time. And he graciously signed three items for charity. Do look out for Mabes' tweets at @Mabetini or check out the SArmy website for the charity auction when they are ready to be launched!

While I wait with bated breath for more details (or can watch a video of the panel if someone can upload that), I am definitely taking in the excitement vicariously through the SDCC tweets and tumblr posts I have been receiving.

Pic by Mel Caylo

It is always fun to see other ZQ fans savouring the moment when they finally get to meet the man himself.

Zach does that to you.

(His biceps, especially, does doubly that for me ;) )

Zachary Quinto Goes NERD in SDCC

2011-07-13T23:17:00.000+08:00

For the last few years, faithful "Heroes" and Zachary Quinto fans would wait in line many hours ahead to get into his panels at SDCC.

This year, Zach will be at SDCC again together with Corey Moosa and Neal Dodson, his cohorts from Before The Door, and publishing partner, Archaia. But this time, the gang will be doing something different!!

You see, Zach is friends with Zac. As in Zachary Levi. As in the lead actor from "Chuck". As in Zac, the huge self-professed geek who started The Nerd Machine.

To give others who do not have SDCC tickets a chance to join in all the geekery, The Nerd Machine has joined hands with BreakMedia (a leading digital publisher) to host a NerdHQ offsite at the Gaslamp District! The festivities will be held at Jolt’N Joe’s.

Zac is also partnering with with gaming companies, Xbox 360 and Gunnar Optiks! Nerd HQ will be a gathering place for people who love gaming, cosplaying, and basically partying away nerd-style! There will be popular celebrities visiting the HQ and they may hang out playing Kinect for Xbox 360 games, like Dance Central 2 and Gunstringer. The best thing is that admission to NerdHQ is FREE.

And, that's not just it. A few panels will be featured as part of the NerdHQ celebrations during SDCC. These panels are ticketed events called "Conversations for a Cause".

Ticket will be going for at least USD 20 each, and all proceeds will channel to the Operation Smile charity. The charity aims to help children born with cleft palates.

One of the "Conversations for a Cause" panels will be hosted by Zachary Quinto (as part of the Before The Door team) and Archaia Publishing. Comic creators for "Lucid" and "Mr Murder Is Dead" - Victor Quinaz, Brent Schoonover and Michael McMillian - will be joining in the panel as well to discuss about their graphic novels. And not forgetting, that Archaia editor-in-chief, the handsome Stephen Christy, will be moderating the panel too! Now, that's an entire panel of very delicious biceps!

Other panels consist of fan favourites like the Firefly cast, Scott Bakula and Zachary Levi!

Nerd Machine opened the online ticketing portal for "Conversations for a Cause" yesterday morning USA time, and the server crashed almost immediately with all the eager fans trying to get hold of their tickets! The tickets are probably all sold out by now. But if you still want to check out the schedule, click right here.

I hope those who wanted to see Zach (or the other fantastic guests) managed to get their tickets!

Promise to send me news and pics? :)

Jack Coleman Rocks Out In Hallmark TV Movie

2011-06-26T13:14:00.000+08:00

As much as this blog is specially dedicated to Zachary Quinto's lovely biceps, it also aims to provide interesting news and information relating to Zach's working partners, fellow actors and crew members in his various dealings.

Especially when it comes to “Heroes” - the NBC-cancelled TV series that many fans still miss.

One of Zach's more popular co-stars in “Heroes” is Jack Coleman. Usually striding around on screen in a suit, Jack played Noah Bennett (better known as HRG), the loving papa of ClaireBear. Morally ambivalent HRG spent four seasons alternatively hunting down or protecting those with abilities.

Recently, Jack Coleman starred in the Hallmark show “Rock The House” and I asked long-time JC fan @dref22 to give us her mini review!

Here goes!

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After guest-starring in “The Mentalist”, “House” and “The Office” (he was a recurring character in "The Office" and I’m hoping to see him in the next season too), Jack Coleman graced our screens recently with a Hallmark Channel original movie, “Rock The House”.

Though the film was meant to air a year ago, Hallmark Channel decided to move the premiere date to this year’s Father's Day weekend, finally giving Coleman fans its long-awaited 'rocking' debut.

The story goes like this - Jack Coleman's character, Max Peterson, is a highly stressed attorney who has not been able to spend time with his daughter Karen, played by Cassie Thomson. This, unfortunately, costs him his marriage and his relationship with Karen. Eventually Max goes to a class reunion and meets up with his old buddies who were in a band with him back in the day. When Max rediscovers his love for playing in a band, he also discovers that he and Karen have a similar talent and passion for music, which ends up bringing them much closer together.

The movie is unsurprisingly predictable, as most family flicks are, but certainly cute and entertaining for the most part. The cast is decently good, though most importantly to a music-driven plot, the songs are all original, catchy, and fun.

Through “Rock The House”, fans of Jack Coleman may discover another hidden talent of his - singing. According to a source from the set, the plan was to use Jack's actual singing in the movie and thankfully, his natural voice was kept in post-production.

As Jack himself said in interviews about “Rock The House”, he is truly singing and playing the guitar in this film. But, his musical talents shouldn’t come as a surprise as he has appeared in regional theaters across the country, playing Danny Zuko in "Grease".

Apart from Jack's artistic talents and the good chemistry of the cast - especially the angst between Max and Karen which made me think about HRG and Claire the whole time - Jack’s irresistible charm and undeniable hotness make this film all the more enjoyable.

I personally think these reasons are more than enough to make me watch him in anything (“Time Under Fire”, I’m looking at you), but it makes me happier when these are decent movies and shows, like “Rock The House”.

If you’re able to catch this cute film, I highly recommend you to watch it, even if only to see the amusing scenes of Jack “rocking" with his band, singing, and playing the guitar. Fun times are guaranteed.

PS - Here's a cool interview of Jack, in which he talks about his recent guest roles, his time on “Heroes”, and “Rock The House”. Click to the article here! (Source: AssignmentX)

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Thanks to @dref22 for the write-up! :D

(Be careful of following her on Twitter. She Will Nom You!)

What's All The Foz About? - Part 2

2011-06-23T00:02:00.002+08:00

Now that you are more familiar with @TheMightyFoz, you can appreciate that he's one of the rare few who was with "Heroes" from the beginning right to the very end.

After spending 5 years in a special workplace like this, memories become all the more precious. Foz has begun writing a "Heroes" retrospective in his own Tumblr where he shares some colourful stories and details of his foray in the Hollywood entertainment business. Go check it out!

Post-"Heroes", Foz has been pretty busy in many aspects and he has also found a new gig at Stargate Studios. Stargate Studios is a high-tech company offering visual effects and production services for TV and film business. Their VFX work can be seen in shows like "Heroes", "Ugly Betty", "CSI NY", "Eli Stone" and "The Walking Dead".

Watch this very magically awesome showreel and see if you actually noticed of the virtual effects involved in some very familiar scenes!

Find out what Foz has to say about his new job and that mysterious movie called "Pizza Man" panel which was supposed to happen at SDCC last year.

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Q8: Is sci-fi a genre that you have always enjoyed, or is it just where your career path has taken you?

Foz: I get that question a lot. Yes, I am a huge nerd and have always loved sci-fi, but it has been amazing to me that I have done so much of it. I feel truly blessed. I was terrified that after I did "Mercy Reef" (Aquaman pilot) and "Smallville", I was going to end up on like "Dawson's Creek" or something else awful, but "Heroes" came along, then "Green Lantern", then "Pizza Man", then Stan Lee stuff, and now Stargate.

But I do have a couple other things up my sleeve that will become more clear in the next couple of years that will require no powers, walking corpses, monsters, or magic at all. I know... weird right? But true!

Q9: How did you get the Stargate Studios gig?

Foz: I know these guys for years while working at "Heroes". We had worked together endlessly. After "Heroes" ended, we all wanted to work together again. I am very happy to be involved with them. The vision and plans that Stargate have are unbelievable... and earlier this year, the time was just right and boom! here I am!

Q10: How did your previous experience prepare you for your new role in Stargate Studios, and with your experience what do you hope to bring to the table?

Foz: I think being on different sides of the camera allowed me to bring a unique perspective to the table. Working with Stargate on the VFX side of "Heroes" allowed me to see things from a Producer's position, and it really shaped a better understanding for all aspects at every project I was involved in afterwards.

The reason I was hired at Stargate was to help bring it to the next level on the original content side of things. Lots of great ideas and things are in the works that will make for some more great Stargate ONLY produced projects for TV and Film soon. Stay tuned!

Q11: Do you prefer TV or film work?

Foz: Pros and cons... the money is more enjoyable in film thats for sure. I also like that once the project is over, it's over and you move on. But with TV, you have a chance to develop stories and characters and watch them grow and expand, plus I like the family atmosphere on a TV show much more.

Q12. Curious people want to know - why was the "Pizza Man" panel cancelled at last year's SDCC, and what is the status of the "Pizza Man" movie?

Foz: The "Pizza Man" panel was cancelled because at the time we had two perspective buyers for the film. One asked us to not go to comic con, and the other told us that if we went to SDCC, it would raise the movie's value to where they would not be interested any longer.

I wish we hadn't canceled. As you can remember we had a great host - Jack Coleman, and some great surprises, including an appearance from Stan Lee, Milo Ventimiglia, Ali Larter, and Zach Quinto. But I was out voted on the decision.

Some good came out of it. The film was sold, and now a major movie studio owns it (can't say who) and it will be released at some point, although it is out of my hands now. Plus, I also got to actually go on the Comic Con floor!! For 7 years running, I was at Comic Con but had to work there. Last year, I was able to enjoy Comic Con as an attendee.

Q13. Are there any special goals you aim to achieve in the near future?

Foz: This sounds clichéd, but I want to direct. I will be directing a short web-series entitled "Angelenos" in the next couple of months. It is written by a good friend and another "Heroes" alumni, Jon Harmon.

This is one of the projects I mentioned which does not involve anything super-powered. I also have a great script that I wrote that just might be seen somewhere soon (wink) that I will also direct. What my ultimate goal would be just to make (more) cool stuff. Direct, write, and create - and be lucky enough to keep making a living at it.

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And if you have missed Part 1 of @TheMightyFoz interview. Click here!

Do check out Foz's Tumblr and follow him on Twitter!

Photo Credits: Foz McDermott

So Milan! MWAH

2011-06-22T02:46:00.000+08:00

Seems like our favourite bb Zachary Quinto *air-kiss MWAH * has progressed up the high-fashion profile ladder.

Zach was in Milan just yesterday attending Versace Men´s Collection 2012 fashion show.

There was in fact a live feed of the red carpet on Versace's FB page which I'd missed. But no matter, the pics that followed were just too ridiculously GQMF. I had difficulty sleeping afterwards. Simply because I felt ravenously hungry.

I mean, just look at the pic above! Handsome men in suits - Chace Crawford, Darren Criss, Ryan Kwanten and Zach - *TOGETHER*!

*NOM*

The four guys were later seen sitting at the front row of the fashion show with NBA stars Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony.

Some hours later, Zachary was apparently in Berlin, Germany. Perhaps he's doing another (romantic) summer jaunt around Europe?

I still think it's bloody time he visits Asia (other than Japan) though!!

What's All The Foz About? - Part 1

2011-06-17T15:47:00.004+08:00

Foz and some "Heroes" folks!

You might know him as @theMightyFoz on Twitter. But do you know what makes @theMightyFoz, Foz?

During the days of "Heroes", Foz McDermott was one of the crew members. He was an assistant to the producers, was coordinating producer and was also producer for the "Heroes Unmasked" shorts. In addition, Foz produced the webisodes for "Slow Burn" which was released online during the series' final season.

Foz reveals that he is "a huge Kevin smith, Marty Scorsese, and lunchmeat enthusiast". And he is constantly harassed by his fat orange Tabby called Iggy. Apparently, his other two cats cross eyed Minka and "class-A, bitch" Roxie treat him a little better.

So what has Foz been up to ever since "Heroes" was cancelled last year?

Well, for one thing, he still has his beard (which actually disappeared for a brief scary moment). ;) But I managed to get some updates from the man.

Here's Part 1 of the interview:

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Q1: For those who are not yet familiar with you, let us know how you got into showbiz/ production work.

Foz: I will be doing a "Heroes" retrospective within the next few days, so more light will be on the "Heroes" beginnings, but as for me getting into the business out here in LA, I was a reporter and an analyst for the NFL after years of radio/TV broadcasting in various cities like Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York, Boston, etc.

While in Boston, my contract ran out, so I decided it was time to go for broke and try my hand at serialized television and film, I took a job out here in LA with FOXSports as a reporter/analyst, which I then breached my contract within 2 weeks. After I quit FOXSports, I took a (very poorly paying) job as an assistant writer at "Smallville", which is a story in itself.

Q2. What other work were you involved in before "Heroes" and were any of these memorable (good or bad way.. any anecdotes to share)?

Foz: "Heroes" was my 2nd official Television show, after my stint with “Smallville”. Before that, I was in the broadcast Radio/Television business. I started in radio when I was 16, interning, learning, and overcoming my crippling stage fright.

I also worked as a writer/Talent developer for the WWF, where there are plenty of stories and anecdotes to share. Unfortunately, none of which might be appropriate for this blog.

Being in broadcasting was interesting to say the least. I got to travel and meet many characters including some of idols/ heroes like Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi.

One of my most memorable encounters was a chance to interview my football God and hero, Reggie White. I saw that he was at an event in Carolina when I was there covering a Panthers game. Reggie was no longer playing at the time any more. But I made up some reason why I had to interview him because I wanted to meet him. The guy was simply awesome. That was December 20th 2004. Reggie died on the 26th, the day after my birthday.

Q3: Where did you get your nickname "Foz" from?

Foz: When I was a younger lad, my head was shaved or cut low because I had a thick mess of hair. When it grew, it took on an awfully fuzzy look. Someone in my life said that I looked like a "Fuzzy bear... a little Fuzzy bear, ... ha! a Fozzie Bear." That was when the nickname began. Now, I can’t even remember being called anything but Foz.

(@syzzlyn: You guys do know Foz's actual name is Stephen right? :) )

Q4: When did you acquire the love for comics?

Foz: I started collecting comics when I was 8 years old. I was at summer camp at the local YMCA when we took a "field trip" to a local comic shop. I picked up some random books with a cool looking character on the front, which ended up being Wolverine. That started my love affair with the X-Men.

I read EVERYTHING about, from, and involving the X-Men. This was way before there were any cartoons, movies, etc... I read other stuff, but my heart is with the X-Men.

I am currently very selective in what I collect.

(@syzzlyn: Foz sure has quite a collection on X-men comics. Go tweet him to find out which ones he has!)

Q5: What was the most challenging part in writing the "Heroes" graphic novels?

Foz: I loved writing the "Heroes" graphic novels. The hardest parts about writing them were twofold: One - trying to get the continuity correct with the actual show. We were writing the graphic novels sometimes 2 months in advance, and we had to keep in mind what was going to happen say 4-6 episodes ahead of ourselves, and then when things were changed for on-air, that could either change what you written / drawn already or completely destroy, or make whole ideas/characters completely non-existent.

Two - the show was so big, and we all had other jobs in its production. The comics were supposed to be an added "fun" thing, but everyone working there took their job and the show seriously, so it became a real undertaking. It was still fun even after having to deal with agents, studio/network issues, 16 hour shooting days, insomnia, meetings, script revisions, and a host of a million other issues that would pop up hour to hour.

Pic taken by Milo of a very tired Foz!

Q6: What were the most difficult parts of working on the Heroes set?

Foz: The most difficult was the sheer man hours we spent on the job.

When "Heroes" got so popular, a lot of the time we would be shooting two or 3 episodes at a time so my days were at minimum 15 hours, sometimes 17-18 hours. Needless to say, it was exhausting. Some of the seasons were long as well, most shows would do 19-22 episodes a season, we did 22-25. The length of time it took to shoot season 3 for example was 13 months. Because the seasons were long the hiatus break was always shortened, so recharging the batteries was a challenge.

I had some of the best times of my life on that show, but I wanted to give an example of how hard we all worked and how proud we all were to be there to work for Tim Kring.

Q7: And the best parts of working on "Heroes"?

Foz: The best part for me was the people. The crew was my family for almost 5 years. I learned a lot. My time on "Heroes" lead to some great things for me, but what I cherish the most are the relationships I made there.

I got one of my best friends Jim Martin a gig there and look what he accomplished, it makes me so proud that I had a hand in that. I made great friends like David H. Lawrence XVII who makes me spell out that whole name every time I mention him. Erin Fitzgerald – I shared a smelly office with her for most of my time there and she is now one of my closest friends and one hell of a chick. I got to work again with one of my nerd idols Jeph Loeb, and one of my very favorite Television writers of all time in Bryan Fuller.

I become very close with my cast whom I still talk to a lot and meet whenever possible. There are people I talk to almost every day like Harrison Wilcox and people that I communicate via text sporadically - like the lovely and talented Brea Grant - whom when we talk, it feels like we were back on set or dashing off for astro burger.

The relationships I built on that show, will be with me until I am no longer and the lessons I learned will shape the rest of my life.

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Foz has a Tumblr that he posts quite regularly in. You can also follow him on Twitter!

Do return to this blog again for part 2 of the interview with Foz, where we learn some things about stargates and pizzas.

Photo Credits: First pic from Foz. Second pic of Foz by Milo Ventimiglia. (Source: Foz's Twitpic)

Sylar's Painting Is In Ohio!

2011-06-14T23:42:00.002+08:00

Remember those "Heroes" auctions which were up on eBay??

Well, my Twitter friend @eserei27 is a die-hard "Heroes" fan and was a fervent bidder for the Sylar painting. Yep, the one of Kirby Plaza that our favourite dark villain drew at Isaac's apartment.

Here's a short blurb from the happy fan who now has that awesome "Heroes" prop in her living room!

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I like "Heroes".I know, it’s something you never would have guessed from talking to me, but it’s true. And my favorite character? Another shocker: Sylar, portrayed by one Mr. Zachary Quinto.

So when I discovered that props from the "Heroes" set were being auctioned off, I did what any diligent "Heroes" fan would have done, and eagerly browsed the collection. That’s when I stumbled across THE PAINTING.

It’s the one from the episode “How To Stop An Exploding Man,” when Sylar paints the forthcoming battle at Kirby Plaza between himself and Peter. After wiping the drool from my mouth, I quickly placed a bid.

In the weeks between placing my maximum bid and the fall of the auction hammer, my determination wavered. Should I really be spending so much on a painting, even if it was such an iconic painting from the show I love above all others? When my mind wandered in this direction, I would click on the link for the auction again and gaze upon the painting (which I had already started to refer to as “my painting” in my head) and my fervor would be renewed.

So at the auctions end, it was with no small amount of fangirl glee that I discovered that I had been fortunate enough to win the auction! The painting made it to me about two weeks later, and is now hanging in my fireplace room.

I now have a piece of "Heroes" history, and I couldn’t be happier.

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FYI peeps - the auction ended at USD 1,175 after 23 bids.

Seems like I now have to go to Ohio one day, just to ogle at this painting and molest parts of it -- you know, the small segments where Quinto's fingers might have, probably would have, dabbed some paint on.

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Thanks to @eserei27 for her blurb. The pic belongs to her.

Zachary Quinto At The 2011 Theatre World Awards

2011-06-08T23:39:00.003+08:00

For several months between mid-2010 till early 2011, Zachary Quinto had been busy working his naked biceps (and other body parts) at the off-Broadway Signature Theatre in New York for the award-winning Tony Krushner play, "Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes".

Zachary played the role of Louis Ironson with much acclaim from the theatre critics. So it's no surprise, that Zachary is on the list of winners for the 67th Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performances during the 2010-2011 theatrical season. Other winners include Ellen Barkin, Jim Parsons and John Larroquette.

The award ceremony was just held on Tuesday, 7 June at the August Wilson Theatre in New York.

Zach was dressed in a classic black suit and tie that night, and yet still manages to look so nom-mingly dapper. If the suit was a little more retro, he would have looked like he just walked out of the set of "Mad Men".

Just two weeks ago on 23 March in NYC, Zach also attended the 56th annual Drama Desk awards held at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Other bbs, like Daniel Radcliffe and Zach's friend (companion?) Jonathan Groff also suited up for the event.

Zach was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play for his role as Louis in Off Broadway production of "Angels In America". However, he did not pick up the award which went instead, to Brian Bedford for his role in "The Importance of Being Earnest".

It is really too bad about that, but Zach's outfit night during the Drama Desk awards was so "typically Zach". He was dressed in a wheat-coloured suit with a shirt that's a beautiful shade of purple, matched with a shiny green tie. Oh and that awesome hair poof porn.

I am certain he shimmered beautifully amongst the sea of conservative black suits.

Want to see his cream-coloured biceps in motion? Check this out!

Zach and the Before The Door team had just wrapped up a film project with the funny folks from PERIODS. And before that's even done with, there will be some secret information concerning a new digital project which will be revealed this coming Thursday.

Together with BTD partner Neal Dodson, Zach will be be appearing on a live webcast at Digitas' The New Front website to announce this innovative digital idea on 9 June. Check out the schedule here and do log on to watch if you can!

After all, the more Zach biceps on screen, the better. Right?

SArmy Meets Zachary Quinto at "Lucid" Book-signing!

2011-05-25T14:02:00.001+08:00

As promised, here's a fan report from Sylar's Army (SArmy) moderator, @Selestina118 about her short meet and greet with Zachary Quinto!

After many attempts to meet our SArmy leader, @Selestina118 (with a friend) finally met Zach at the "Lucid" HC Book-signing at Midtown Comics, NYC on May 18th.

We were all so happy that she managed to have her special moment with him.

Here's her story!!!

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On May 18th, my friend and I arrived in NYC around 12:30 pm. Since the signing was not supposed to happen until 6 pm, we spent the day roaming about NYC until there was a downpour.

After a quick taxi ride, we arrived at Midtown Comics Downtown and as soon as we entered the comic shop, right at the front desk, was a stack of copies of "Lucid" HC and flyers for the signing that night.

My friend and I proceeded to take our time looking around the shop because we had about three and a half hours left to go until the event. As we were browsing the shop, we happened upon another awesome fan who said that he had been in the shop since 12:30 pm!

My friend and I proceeded to buy our copies of "Lucid" and as we received our tickets, we were informed that there was a 90 person cap on the signing. Shortly after, everyone in the shop was informed that typically the singings were held with the line forming outside and then coming into the shop, but for this we were to line up inside due to the heavy rain. We were directed to the cases by the windows facing the street below and so we waited.

The crowd held steady at about 20 people until the very last hour or so, with some people bringing along their Heroes and Star Trek DVDs and posters for Zachary to sign with their copies of "Lucid". About an hour before the signing, Archaia’s Editor-In-Chief, Stephen Christy arrived and scouted out the shop to make sure everything was ready.

As the time grew closer, more and more people were arriving, and the rain began to ease off. The staff of the shop directed most of the people back downstairs and outside to wait for their turn in the signing.

At about 5:30 pm, Zachary arrived on the street below, fedora in hand, accompanied by fellow BtDers Corey Moosa and Sean Akers, and also Stephen Christy. There was a flurry of excitement in the shop as everyone realized that they were there and tried to get a better look out of the windows.

Zachary, Corey, Sean, and Stephen then entered the shop and were quickly ushered to Midtown Comic’s back room for the half-hour wait. Everyone was informed in this time that no photos were going to be allowed and we were told jokingly that we should burn the memory of the day into our brains if we wanted a keepsake.

Finally, the time was upon us. Zachary took his seat behind the small table and Corey took a seat next to him. Sean stood off to the side and Stephen moved about the comic shop taking pictures here and there.

There were only a few other fans ahead of my friend and I, and when I got my chance to meet Zachary, it was an experience unlike any other for me (as I’m sure others fans who have met him can attest to).

Zachary was so kind in warm in those few minutes and chatted briefly with me, Corey, and Sean. During the chat he recalled the Tweets sent to him from Mabes and others about me attending the signing.

As my friend was having his book signed, I talked briefly with Sean. It was great to finally meet him and Zachary after all this time of just being on the internet.

So our experience was over, but there were many fans still in-line all around the comic shop. I have to say that the effects (the excitement and happiness) because of and from the experience still haven’t worn off a week later. It is something that I know I will never forget. =)

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Thanks to @Selestina118 for the lovely report and the pics!

Note: Pic posted of Zachary signing is from Archaia

Zachary Quinto Goes Lucid And Blue

2011-05-20T01:03:00.005+08:00

Before The Door's first graphic novel "Lucid" - a collaboration with indie publishing company Archaia - was popular enough to warrant its first Vol. 1 collector's edition hardcover version.

Written by "True Blood" actor Michael McMillian, drawn by Polish-based artist Anna Wieszczyk and skilfully lettered by Shawn DePasquale, "Lucid" the graphic novel introduced us to rakish Matthew Dee, a powerful mage-spy working for the government and trying to take down a conspiracy fueled by shady dark forces.

The hardcover version, set for release on May 25th, also features a special forward by Alan Ball ("True Blood", "Six Feet Under"). It also has a sigil guide that includes their names and meanings!

To celebrate the event, two release parties/ book signings were held on the same day (18th May) on both East and West Coast of the USA!

Our handsome bb, Zachary Quinto happens to be in NYC this time of year and made an appearance for the book signing at Midtown Comics Downtown. Many hours before his autograph session at 6pm, there was already a long line forming. This later snaked around the alley near the shop!

SArmy moderator @Selestina118 attended the autograph session with a friend, and she will be sending us her story of the ZQ book signing soon.

Zach, ever the effortlessly-fashionable, arrived at Midtown Comics appropriately dressed in blue to match the cover of the "Lucid" collectors' edition! He also adorned his special brand of hair porn, not unlike the sexy-rumpled look Matthew Dee sports while throwing those potent sigils. Very nommy indeed.

I heard that no pics were allowed during Zach's appearance. So, it is a good thing Archaia/ BTD took some pics of Zach at the event for us to enjoy.

During the book signing, Zach and his hard-working biceps were accompanied by long-time friend and business partner, Corey Moosa, and Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy. Both also very nommy in their own right. ;)

For those who were unable to attend the signing, autographed copies of the "Lucid" hardcover are available at Midtown Comics' online store. Click here!

Meanwhile, in LA, on the other side of the continent, Michael McMillian and Shawn DePasquale met fans at comic store Golden Apple during their own book signing session. To the delight of fans, "True Blood" actors Deborah Ann Woll and Anna Camp also showed up at the event to give their warm support to their co-star!

A Twitter pal @theReal_Rebel attended the LA signing and very thoughtfully got me an autographed copy of the "Lucid" hardcover. SO MWAH!

I'm hoping to get some blurbs/ pics about the LA signing from her soon.

Which gives you another reason to return to one of my blogs for more "Lucid"-related fan stories! ;)

PS: Oh. And to those who love ZQ *and* "The Vampire Diaries", take a bite of this delicious pic!!

A French Fan's Meeting With Zachary Quinto

2011-05-17T23:03:00.002+08:00

It is always a joy hearing or reading stories about fans from various countries who get to meet the gracious Zachary Quinto.

Whatever one thinks of Zach and his sometimes curt behaviour towards some press folks, he has, in most cases, been very patient with his fans.

In the 2009 Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas which I attended, Zach had one of the longest lines for his autograph-session and he took his time - whether that be a few seconds or half a minute or more - for each fan. He chatted with them and acknowledged each fan's thank you with the same. Count me impressed that day. For I have met many celebs, and I wasn't expecting too much from one as galactically popular as he.

He had also exceeded this time allocated for the very short autograph (paid!) session, but he made sure that he signed for as many fans as he could - to the chagrin of the organizers that Sunday afternoon.

So, I am absolutely pleased to publish this fan story from Isabelle, who flew all the way across the Atlantic from France to watch Zachary Quinto in Signature Theatre's "Angels In America" in NYC earlier this year.

------------------------

I met Zachary Quinto in New York City on 18 and 19 January 2011. It was a magical and great moment!

I went alone to visit NYC and I bought my tickets for "Angels In America" in France. It was very difficult to find those tickets but I know of a very good travel agency!

I sent a message to Zach on Facebook, and asked if he will be on stage for my ticket dates, and he answered me "YES". I was really happy that he answered and I sent him a package by post (a bottle of champagne) for Christmas, addressed to the Signature Theatre's box office.

When I finally arrived in NYC to see "Angels In America", I was seated near the stage at row C. And when Zach was on stage for the play, he was right in front of me. And not merely behind the tv screen! Amazing!

"Angels In America" is very different than "Heroes" of course. The play is about a delicate subject and "Angels In America" shows that it is very difficult to live with these issues in real life, and you must respect people and their choices.

At the end of the first part of "Angels In America", I waited at the entrance with the hope of meeting Zach, when suddenly he appeared from backstage and I said "Excuse me"?

I asked him, "Can I have a picture with you and an autograph?" He said, "Yes", and he also signed my "Angels In America" programme. I asked him if he had received my package. He told me that he did not and I was surprised that it hadn't arrived.

So, the next morning, I went to the Signature Theatre's box office to ask if they had received a package from France. And indeed, there was. My package was under a chair at the entrance, it was there since 22nd of December. I decided to hand the package to Zach myself.

That evening, I went to watch the second part of "Angels In America". At the end of the play, I waited at the entrance of the theatre again, and I yet again, I said him "Excuse me."

He greeted, "Hello, your name is Isabelle, isn't it?" Wow. He remembered my name. I felt very intimidated but proceeded to tell him, "I have a present for you." And I explained him that the package had arrived and had been waiting at the box office, but it wasn't handed to him.

This is not the first time that I've meet actors or singers. But I've always felt a little wary, because when you see actors and singers, you have your own preconceived ideas about their personalities and sometimes you feel disappointed when you meet them in real life!

With Zachary Quinto, who I think is a great actor, it was an honour and a delight meeting him. He is nice, cool, respectful and very, very handsome in real life.

I wish him a lot of success and a lot of happiness...and I hope to meet him a second time...!

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Credit: All pics belong to Isabelle Migout

Text edited by syzzlyn

Thanks Isabelle for the story and pics. Glad you met the wonderful man himself! :)

Fairy Tales and Romantic Comedies

2011-05-14T20:28:00.001+08:00

... Two things that have been associated with Zachary Quinto recently.

Actually there's another -- unkempt beards. But I think I want to forget about that. :|

Personally, I am not totally adverse to beards. Some beards can look quite sexy, but the fashion in which Zach was spotting when some paps pics were taken, weren't exactly the kind that would throw me in a heated frenzy.

Although... on second thought, it kinda made me think of this:

*drool*

As you can imagine, above image is probably what Zach did before he turned up to support photographer buddy, Tyler Shields who had hosted an exhibition called "Life Is Not A Fairytale". Held in an LA warehouse, Tyler showcased his various photographs - many of which were of celebrities - either wet, bloody, in stockings, with a gun/knife/weapon of choice, or simply skimpily dressed.

Tyler's celeb photo subjects, including Lindsay Lohan (who recently posed as a vampire in one of Tyler's photoshoots), Brittany Snow, Jenna Ushkowitz, visited the exhibition as well. Apparently, stormtroopers were also in attendance. I wondered if Mickey Mouse turned up too?

Sans messy beard, Zachary looked neatly handsome with his biceps in a grey suit at Tyler's exhibition. Even though I'm not a big fan of Tyler's style, I do like the photos he takes of Zach. Maybe having such an athletic and photogenic subject helps ;)

Then, another repetitive theme with Zach lately is the romantic comedy. If you haven't caught the trailer for "What's Your Number", an annoying chick flick starring Anna Faris, CLICK HERE!

Other than scruffy bedhead Zach nomming heartily on breakfast, and a hunky Chris Evans, I think I would have most probably given this an eye-rolling groan and a pass.

And when you thought you might have had enough of rom-coms, Zach and his production company Before The Door just announced that they will be going ahead with their second yet untitled feature film - also a rom-com! The twist is that this film is written by the kooky PERIODS gang - Victor Quinaz, Anna Martemucci and Philip Quinaz. VQ will also be directing the movie.

All that we know about the movie is that it will be financed by commercial and trailer company, Anonymous Content. And that it will feature an ensemble of actors and will be filmed in a found footage style that will mash-up scripted and improv comedy.

Now, I have to say this sounds a helluva lot more interesting than "What's Your Number".

I just hope that it doesn't get too "out there" till I don't quite appreciate what the heck is going on. Which happens sometimes when I watch those PERIODS shorts. However, the team still does come up with a few improv belly-tickling gems from time to time, so... this new movie might just turn out to be totally hilarious!

Archaia Teases About "Mr Murder Is Dead"

2011-04-24T23:42:00.002+08:00

Sneak peaks get me all tingly.

And I tingled when some visual teasers were tweeted by Archaia's robust PR and Marketing Manager, Mel Caylo, earlier this week.

These teasers relate to the comic project called "Mr Murder Is Dead", which is jointly produced by Before The Door Productions and Archaia Comics.

Ever since the graphic novel was formally announced in 2009, fans have been waiting patiently for the graphic novel to be released. This will finally happen this year, with the book's launch supposedly taking place at SDCC 2011.

I can't wait for my SDCC-going friends to help me nab an autographed copy!!

So who is this Mr Murder, and why is he dead?

Created by Victor Quinaz (writer and a long-time friend of BTD trio Zachary Quinto, Neal Dodson and Corey Moosa), the graphic novel is about Gould Kane - a tired, retired cop who becomes a #1 suspect when his nemesis Mr Murder ends up deader than a doornail, and found himself with little choice but to get his investigative chops back on.

Set in the 1950's, "Mr Murder Is Dead" is said to have a pulp-'noir' feel to it. Kinda like Dick Tracy.

It also seems that there is a story within a story, for Gould Kane's flashbacks will be seen in a separate visual arc on a comic strip format featuring a character called "Spooky" Cadet Kane.

Oh, yes.. I forgot about the visual sneak peak. Here it is:

These aren't the final art but the definitive retro pulp-ish art by Brent Schoonover and the spot-on colour palette by Mark Englert are already a feast for my eyeballs!

Mel also tweeted that "Mr Murder Is Dead" is going to be a horizontal book of 9" high by 11" wide in size. I believe it is also in hardcover format. Knowing Archaia's love for beautiful presentation, I could just imagine how marvellous the entire packaging would be.

I feel all tingly *again* just thinking about it.

Dear Archaia/ BTD, could you tease us some more, please?

Any Heroes Fan Feeling Rich and Loaded?

2011-04-22T19:32:00.000+08:00

If any "Heroes" fan feel that they have a sudden need to unload some cash, here's a place where you can spend it!

Oh, hold on. Wait..

First of all, feel free to consider sending me a LARGE donation for the blogs I maintain and write, or as monetary support for the rest of my bohemian life. ;) Then, head on to the Julien Auctions website for a few lots of very nice, collector-worthy "Heroes" set pieces, costumes and props.

For those who are unaware, Julien's Auctions is a reliable premiere auction house, specializing in entertainment auctions. They even deal in high-end celebrity estate.

The one item I know most Zachary Quinto fans are salivating for is the painting that Sylar drew when he was trying to prophesy about the showdown at Kirby Plaza. The auction site hints that perhaps ZQ's lean fingers could have had a hand in putting some of the paint on that canvas.

Click here for that Sylar canvas auction!

I noticed lots of other cool "Heroes" stuff being auctioned off. There's the katana sword belonging to Takezo Kensei (played by David Anders), the Sullivan Brothers carnival sign, the Haitian's silver briefcase, and the Heroes Gabriel Gray map. There's also that unforgettable painted floor mural by Isaac Mendez (played by Santiago Cabrera) that's up for grabs.

How is anyone going to display this floor mural? Do they hack up their own floor and install it in? That would be an A1 super-serious "Heroes" fan indeed!

In one lot of Sylar props, those geeky Michael Kors glasses of future Gabriel are also in it. Whoa.

My friend @eserei27 is bent on losing her pinkies and a thumb for the Sylar stuff. I am certain she wants to obtain Zach's DNA for insidiously questionable intentions. I encouraged her to go for it. She needn't have to worry about the thumb. I am sure one of her doctor friends will be able to replace her lost thumb by implanting a big toe from her foot. :p

I would also like to warn the person who finally wins the auction for the Heroes Noah Bennett props.

Please secure your Noah items safely from dangerously persistent fans, like @dref22. If you ever notice a person from the land of Turkey lurking around your house, you know what to do!!!!

Soooooooo..... is anybody I know going to be bidding for any of these items?? I, of poor financial blood, am definitely not bidding for any.

But if you've won an auction for any of these "Heroes" props or costumes, write me or tweet me at @syzzlyn! I'd like to know what you won and what the auction experience was like!

Quinto Feet, Unfettered

2011-04-10T03:10:00.001+08:00

Having Zachary Quinto back in LA made a lot of his fans very happy. For one thing, we get to see more pics of him.

Just this week, Zach caused quite a stir on the internet because he was caught scurrying to his car (a new Lexus!) in bare feet.

And that's how the world was re-introduced to the Quintoes - those cute adorable metatarsals that are found on the lanky lower limbs of our bb Zach. (More pics at Zach-Quinto.net!)

Being an islander myself, I have very little problems with visuals of feet. Some people seem to disassociate with feet as if they should not exist, or they mention distastefully that "feet are icky". Personally, I think that's odd. If one is to love and appreciate your own body, then you should accept and appreciate ALL parts of it.

So... Love the biceps, love the Quintoes, I say!

It is also a very South-East Asian thing to go barefoot every possible moment where we don't have to wear shoes as a social norm - like when going to work. Better still if we can work at a place where shoes are optional. And then, the other remaining time, you'll probably see us strolling around in tees, shorts and flip-flops.

Many Europeans might not quite understand that unfashionable concept very well. I would like to invite them to my very hot and humid island. They'll soon realize - fast enough - why having your feet the least shodden is the coolest way to go.

When one is up in space, however, that's another matter. Rumours have it that "Star Trek 2" will start filming this summer, and the release date is set to be quite firm in June 2012.

Zach and the ST cast/ crew are going to be real busy working in the studios then.

While wearing shoes, of course.

Syfy and Taylor Shields??

2011-03-26T11:02:00.001+08:00

Odd combi for sure.

I wouldn't have put much interest in this except that our bb, Zachary Quinto is involved in this mash-up somehow.

Coz really.... what has TS gotta do with a supposedly scifi channel? Oh wait, I'm sorry. It could be his love for taking pics and vids of that drug-addled suicidal stormtrooper.

And as much as I don't have great artistic regard for the camera-wielding person in question ( - after all, I'm only a plebeian -), I do admit he does take nice pics of his friend, Zachary Quinto.

But then again, spotting a bad ZQ pic is like a sighting a unicorn! For as long as I have been following his career, I've only seen a handful of bad ones. And yes, I'm also referring to the recent ones from Berlin where I wanted to mortally hurt a particular makeup artist with an eyebrown pencil.

So back to the topic at hand.... what *is* this Syfy-TS-ZQ thing?

Cable channel Syfy (which no longer Sci nor Fi very much ever since the rather lame name change) announced their 2011 season and has decided to jump into "reality". Zach is set to produce a documentary series on his friend, LA-based photographer Taylor Shields. The 10-episode unscripted show is entitled ... *drum roll*... "Taylor Shields".

The show will be co-produced by Relativity Real and the lovely people at Before The Door Pictures.

Not particular excited about this. Reality TV is mostly not my kinda thing. And I've watched only a few in my lifetime.

Coincidentally, about the same time Syfy announced their schedule, previously photographed but un-posted ZQ pics turned up on TS' website. If you haven't had enough of wet baptized Syler, then, the one of ZQ and his biceps in water would quench your thirst for quite awhile.

Which is a blessing really.

Coz as you can already tell.. I'm not much of a TS fan ;)

eBay Auction for Japan

2011-03-20T23:23:00.002+08:00

Just a quick one for today!

I want to highlight a 7-day eBay auction for a small set of "Heroes" clippings that I have.

100% of the proceeds will go to GlobalGiving for the Japan earthquake/ tsunami relief.

If this set doesn't auction off after 7 days, I will re-list it.

Click here for the eBay auction!

Would appreciate if you guys could help get the word out for me :)

Recently, I have been busy with some work projects and my job hunt (which is awfully unsuccessful, at best). Sigh.

When I've managed to free up some more time, I'll blog more new posts!I especially need to grab some time to watch "Girl Walks Into A Bar"!

Quinto Walks Into A Bar....

2011-02-18T15:51:00.010+08:00

... as part of a multi-story comedy film that's specially made for internet distribution.

The film is called "Girl Walks Into A Bar", and will most probably be shown on Hulu and YouTube. The web-only movie premieres on March 11th, 2011.

The trailer has just been released, and it's filled with popular actors like Alexis Bledel, Josh Hartnett, Danny Devito, Carla Gugino, Rosario Dawson, Robert Forster, and of course, Mr Lovely Biceps himself, Zachary Quinto!

Directed and written by Sebastián Gutiérrez (who actually wrote "Elektra Luxx", "Gothika" and "Snakes On A Plane"?!!?), the anthology unfolds with the stories of some strangers at 10 different bars during one evening, their fates ultimately inter-linked with each other in some way or other.

This style of story-telling seems to be popular in recent times. Well-known examples were the feel-good movie "Love Actually", the emotionally complex "Babel" and time-travelling TV shows like "Lost".

So, it would be interesting to see how "Girl Walks Into A Bar" would pan out, since it is plugged as the first major movie production that is being purely distributed via the web.

The trailer does show a very fun promise with a hint of intrigue, with Zach looking charmingly 'lost' and in his trademark geeky glasses, due to some unfortunate dealings with a mobster. And it was nice to see the pretty Alexis Bledel back on screen since I have mostly enjoyed her performance in "Gilmore Girls".

The best eye-popping scene has just gotta be the nekkid ping-pong. Hahaha. Although I'm slightly disappointed I wasn't invited to be an extra in that scene. *g*

Lookie here for nekkid people:

To keep yourself updated with the movie, go Like the "Girl Walk Into A Bar" Facebook page too!

Production values wise, the film looks hip and quite quite sexy, so I bet many of you can't wait to watch it! Especially since it's only a mouse click or finger tap-swipe away!

"Margin Call" At Berlin Film Festival

2011-02-14T01:50:00.001+08:00

After an exciting official premiere at the Sundance Festival, Before The Door's first film, "Margin Call" made its way to Germany for the 61st Berlin Film Festival this week!

The movie celebrated its international premiere at the festival, and is one of the 16 movies competing for the "Golden Bear Award" for best picture.

Zachary Quinto, joined co-stars Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Paul Bettany and first-time director, J.C. Chandor at the film festival. Together with him were also fellow BTD-ers, Neal Dodson and Corey Moosa.

At the red carpet though, Zachary's uneven make-up showed up in a rather unflattering manner in some press photos. I think the make-up artist should be given the boot. Preferably using a boot with a spiked heel. I mean, because when it comes to touching-up Zach, I would be very very conscientious, ya know?

I think he still looked swoonsome though - when the camera lights were at a good angle. His hair had grown out and he looked all lean and fit, dressed up in a simple dark suit and a maroon-ish tie.

In fact, the "Margin Call" men made an especially handsome-looking group at the photo call. Even when Jeremy Irons showed up in his arty, slightly more casual style.

The German and other European press have been fairly positive with the reviews of "Margin Call". There were a couple of mixed reviews and in those, their reservations about the movie weren't anything new.

Their concerns were already something that I had personally thought would be an issue. The subject matter about a financial meltdown itself. The layman movie-goer tends to shy away from movies that hinge too much on pure numbers, or something heavily statistical or financial.

The Guardian (UK) raised an astute observation on this question in their article here.

It's one reason you don't see a movie about hot, intelligent accountants, do you?

See... many of you probably don't even believe hot, intelligent accountants actually exist!!

Here are two of the "Margin Call" reviews that were published from the showing at the Berlin Film Festival:

- The Guardian
- GMX Net (in German), Click here for English translation by ZQC Steffi

There are more in German and some others in Norwegian and Italian but unless someone is able to translate them, I will not be putting up the links. Feel free to email me translations though!

In the midst of all movie reviews, I especially found this article from the Hollywood Reporter most insightful about the grilling the cast and production folks got from European press at the festival. (Click here for article.)

I like how the group can remain charming and tactful in the midst of such bashing. Very classy, indeed!

A ton of photos from Berlin have also surfaced. And together with my friend @eserei27, we noticed that those ZQ biceps look really nice together with the very lean Paul Bettany biceps. They do seem to have a buzzy-energy between them and it's showing up in the casual shots on the red carpet.

Oh, and Neal Dodson shot a beautiful 360 Panorama of the theatre at the festival. Click here to check it out!

It's definitely great to see "Margin Call" getting the limelight from both sides of the Atlantic with the Sundance Festival and Berlin Film Festival.

Let's see if there will be some more positive press when it ever gets released in the Asian continent!

ZQC Meetup at NYC and with Zachary Quinto!

2011-02-12T01:20:00.003+08:00

Zach and some ZQC-ers!

On 8th January 2011, a few of the ZQC-ers (Zachary Quinto Community members) met up in NYC to watch the "Angels in America" play at the Signature Theatre.

And they were lucky enough to get real close to the genuine Zachary Quinto biceps. ;)

Here's the report by Lindsay, one the fortunate ZQC-ers that weekend!!

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I hoped the rumor that Zachary Quinto might do “Angels in America” was false.

I lost many friends to AIDS in the 80’s. Watching the DVD of Angels took months and many tears. But if Zach Quinto was acting in Angels, it was an event of a lifetime that couldn’t be missed. Others at ZQC wanted to go too. They promised to scrape me off the Signature Theatre floor if need be.

We plotted and planned via Doodle, Facebook Events and Twitter. The first run sold out – was extended. Schnippie in Germany got tickets for January 8. She offered me one. SteffiGoosie also in Germany got a room at the Travel Inn near the Signature Theater and offered me space. Brit Shleezy promised I wouldn’t get left in the dust by fast walkers, this she gleefully rubbed in as being her “service to the elderly”. Hrumph. :-) New York, Zach and Angels, here I come!

You get to know folks online, right? So why not fly to New York and share a hotel room for four nights with folks you haven’t met in person, right? Yikes!! But this group is the ZQC – the community on Zachary Quinto’s website. Initially a lust fest around “he’s so hot” picspams, the community has matured into a supportive group in which members share their joys and sorrows. Zach is always the focus, but his example of kindness, graciousness and gratitude – and that of his web cat-herder Sean Akers – has set a similar tone for the community. With that background I was willing to risk sharing a room with people I knew only at a distance.

As I landed at LaGuardia on January 6. ZQCer Wikkibird from Colorado, messaged warm welcomes from the hotel. She had already connected with others there –Ambra from Virginia, an ONTD member; Schnippie from Germany; my roommates Shleezy from England, with SteffieGoosie and Cherry from Germany.

They met me in the lobby – hugs all around! Except Shleezy, who was in bed recovering from her travels. Off the rest of us went to a diner around the corner, past the Signature Theatre where "Angels in America" was playing.

Strolling back to the hotel after dinner, we noticed that people were coming out of the theater. Aha! Might we be blessed with a Zach sighting? Sure enough, one of the last to come out was Zach. You can’t miss him. Those eyebrows stand out a mile away. How tall and lean and boyish he is!

I ran up and introduced myself. I had sent a message via Neal that about a dozen ZQCers would be coming, some all the way from Germany and England. Yes, he’d gotten Neal’s message. He loped down the steps, extending his hand. “Hi, I’m Zach!” “Yes, we know,” Schnippie laughed. He chatted a while, asking if we’d see both parts Saturday and said he’d see us afterwards. What a very nice man!! We parted ways, our group giggling with excitement. For the next two hours everyone was tweeting and emailing about the experience. I returned to my room to torture Shleezy with what she had missed. *grin*

The next day was Friday. We played tourist, all in a group. SteffiGoosie and Cherry had navigated the train and subway from the airport and “groked” its mysteries better than any of us States-side folks. A late breakfast, then the tree at the Rockefeller Center, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Grand Central Station and the Natural History Museum. Whew!!

Then Saturday!!! We had tickets for both Part 1 and Part 2 of “Angels in America”. At the theater we met other ZQCers – kannbrown, sexyRN, I’mHavingAZachAttack, theentwife, Yvonne – am I missing others? What fun! Again hugs all around.

The play has been reviewed elsewhere, so I won’t go through it here. But I’ve got to rave a bit. It is an awesome play- awesomely written, awesomely acted, awesomely staged. All the actors were superb – imagine what fun Zach had exploring the play with such fellow pros!

Biceps? I have to admit that I got so involved with the play that only a small part of me noticed biceps – only because I knew I’d have to report here. Yep, we got to see Zach’s biceps, complete with tattoo. In bed. Yum. We also got to see…ahem…other parts of Zach and ..ahem..all of Christian (“Pryor Walter”). The much anticipated “other parts of Zach” were part of a heart wrenching scene that had me in tears.

All those …viewings… were upstaged by the exquisite view of the whole shebang of Bill Heck (“Joe Pitt”). I’ll always be a true blue Zach fan, but I must admit that Bill Heck has a very pretty body! All of it. *blush*

After Part 2 that evening, Zach came out and mixed with us and the others waiting for him. There were so many of us - Zach admitted his energy was flagging - that I suggested a group photo – heck! a chance to snuggle up to him!! He confirmed that he’d be in Sundance both days other ZQCers had tickets and said he was sorry to disappoint them but promoting Before The Door’s film “Margin Call” was important. To our delight he later tweeted a special thanks to us for being there.

We loved Angels so much that we came back the next day to see part 2 again – turns out last minute seats are possible! We missed Zach after – he dashed out – so we headed back to the hotel. But here he was, heading down the street towards us. I stopped him, asking if he’d write a brief note to the ones who were coming to AiA when he was at Sundance. He liked that idea and took the time to write each a long note while he chatted with us.

He’d gotten the PumpkinGeek carve ZQC had sent him but didn’t realize it was from us. He’d gotten Ambra’s beautifully embroidered card, but didn’t realize it went with the pumpkin. He took a special photo with SteffiGoosie and Cherry. What a lovely, gracious man!

Poor guy must have been starving, yet he was so nice and considerate! We were all proud to be part of his community.

Now our excitement is over and it’s hard coming back to normal life and jobs. We do keep memories of Zachary up close and personal.

We’ve got new friends spread far and wide. We exchanged little souvenirs of our home towns. So as I unpack, I run across a rubber duck, a bag of peanuts and coffee, a lanyard, personalized postcards, a pin, a calendar, an angel and others – each reminding me of someone who shared with me an unforgettable experience. Looking at those has helped keep the experience alive.

Shleezy said it best: “NY was amazing and I'd go back. Seeing Zach acting live - brilliant. But I don't think it would have been anywhere near as good without the people I met.”

I suspect this won’t be our only meetup – hmmm, Star Trek 2012 Premiere anyone??

-----------------

Credits:

Thanks to Lindsay Robinson for the pics and report

and Laura Stephens, Kerry Bryan for pics too!

"Margin Call" Premiere and After

2011-02-04T12:38:00.002+08:00

After the press screening at this year's Sundance Festival, "Margin Call" had its official worldwide premiere at the Eccles Theatre on 25 January.

From the photo Executive Producer Cassian Elwes excitedly tweeted, the theatre looked totally filled! (Click here for pic.) This was probably due to the hype that had been surrounding the movie during the festival. Apparently, no one left the theatre when the cast and director, J.C. Chandor, appeared on stage for Q and A's. That's an indication of mega interest in this movie!

In media profile photos of the "Margin Call" premiere, bb Zachary Quinto was expectedly rockin' it in his trademark mis-matched yet somehow coordinated checked-shirt-and-striped-tie combi. Judging from the way he smiled in the photos, I think Zach hasn't looked this openly happy in quite a long time.

I don't blame him. It's definitely a proud moment for him and Before The Door. Besides, it's really nice to see the genuine sparkle in his eyes again!! So much extra zing to his already handsome good looks!

The boyz and other cast members later partied down at the Bing Bar for their After Party.

Some more articles have emerged after the premiere, here are a few interesting reads:

- Hollywood Reporter
- End of Show (written by the double-spunky @doubleshiny! way to go, woman!)
- EW.com
- JoBlo.com

Plus an informative video interview with beanie Zach and J.C. by Anna Thompson for Thompson on Hollywood!

There's also this adorable photoshoot for EW! Lookie here!! Too adorable!

For more visual eye-candy, here's Zach at the Bing Bar (Courtesy of Bing.com)

After Sundance, Zachary returned to NYC to finish his run for "Angels in America" at the Signature Theatre. Adam Driver now takes over the role of Louis Ironson for the next five weeks till March 27th. (Source: Artsbeat Blog)

The rumour is that "Star Trek XII" (yet untitled) may start filming soon, so perhaps Zach will be heading back to LA and be reunited with furry pal, Noah? Not sure when that will be, but I'm sure we won't be able to escape the Trek-related news when that is announced!

Happy Bunny Chinese New Year greetings - Gong Xi Fa Cai! And LLAP!
(I think, these two kinda go well together ;) )

Margin Call -- SOLD!!!

2011-01-24T22:51:00.001+08:00

This epic news is definitely worth a blog post by itself.

During last weekend, there were the initial rumours posted on various film-related websites about "Margin Call" 's sale of its USA distribution rights to Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate. Meanwhile, interested fans patiently waited for more news.

A few hours later, confirmation from Executive Producer Cassian Elwes arrived via Twitter.

Cassian tweeted: "The margin call distribution deal closed at 2 15am. And I couldn't sleep for a while afterwards. Just so excited for jc neal kevin rob mike."

The supportive Zachary Quinto/ Before The Door network broke out in jubilant cheers.

This made "Margin Call" the second film to be sold during the Sundance Festival. The first being "Like Crazy", which incidentally stars "Star Trek (2009)" alumni Anton Yelchin.

The "Margin Call" sale heralds many good things for those involved with the project. With the sale of the movie to these distributors, this ensures that a wider audience could be reached within the USA. And with that, the positive hype will naturally flow around the globe.

Here are some website links that might interest you regarding the distribution deal:

- Deadline
- Los Angeles Times
- Indiewire

The last link has rather interesting background information on how the deal might have gone down.

For those who are curious, Myriad Pictures already has the distribution deal for "Margin Call" internationally.

Being the pro that he is, Zach was performing his 150th show for the play "Angels in America" in NYC when the deal was sealed. He hopped on a plane to Utah soon after, to justifiably celebrate with his close friends and partners.

As a fan, I can't help but feel proud of the boyz even if I have nothing to do with the movie directly. This was mainly because the Before The Door team has so kindly kept us fans in the loop about the indie movie's progress - from the announcement that the movie was going ahead, to its actual on-set filming, and then to its premiere at the Sundance.

Seeing the news that the movie was sold in a lucrative deal to Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate was the icing on the cake.

It has been said that "Margin Call" may be targetting for a USA release around 3rd quarter of 2011, with an aim to gear up for the Oscars.

Again - This is just such SUPER NEWS.
And I'm still feeling very happy and bouncy about it :D

Zach, BTD - you guys totally deserve this!

Zachary Quinto's Biceps

Singapore Press Loves "Margin Call"

An Oscar Nomination For "Margin Call"!

"Dog Eat Dog" - A Producer's Report From The Set!

A SArmy's Fan Review - "Margin Call" Arrives in the UK!

Fans Look Back To Their Favourite 2011 Quinto Moments

2011: My List of Top 5 Quinto-fied Moments

Kickstarting "Dog Eat Dog" - Go Woof And Donate!

eBay Charity Auction - That ZQ Eye-Candy In August Magazine

A Special and Mr Spooky Halloween Greeting!

"Margin Call" - Review by a ZQC Member

"Margin Call" - A SArmy Fan's Review

At St Mark's Signing - Slayed By Zachary Quinto and His Biceps

NYCC 2011 - Those Killer Biceps of Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover

SDCC 2011 Interview: A Killer Year for Brea - Part 2

SDCC 2011 Interview: Brea and Zane Get Suicidal - Part 1

Review of "Mr Murder Is Dead" - A Beautiful Homage to the Classical Comics

Zachary Quinto Gets Horror-ifying

Victor Quinaz - The Mastermind for "Mr Murder Is Dead"

Brent Schoonover - The Artistic Hitman For "Mr Murder Is Dead"

A Fan's Zachary Quinto Experience at Nerd HQ

Remember This Day - "Margin Call" Official Trailer Is Out!

Suspended Geek-gasm - Zachary Quinto at NerdHQ

Zachary Quinto Goes NERD in SDCC

Jack Coleman Rocks Out In Hallmark TV Movie

What's All The Foz About? - Part 2

So Milan! *MWAH*

What's All The Foz About? - Part 1

Sylar's Painting Is In Ohio!

Zachary Quinto At The 2011 Theatre World Awards

SArmy Meets Zachary Quinto at "Lucid" Book-signing!

Zachary Quinto Goes Lucid And Blue

A French Fan's Meeting With Zachary Quinto

Fairy Tales and Romantic Comedies

Archaia Teases About "Mr Murder Is Dead"

Any Heroes Fan Feeling Rich and Loaded?

Quinto Feet, Unfettered

Syfy and Taylor Shields??

eBay Auction for Japan

Quinto Walks Into A Bar....

"Margin Call" At Berlin Film Festival

ZQC Meetup at NYC and with Zachary Quinto!

"Margin Call" Premiere and After

Margin Call -- SOLD!!!

So Milan! MWAH