Zachary Quinto's Biceps Blog Update: A New Look Unveiled!

Happy Sunday!

Welcome to the splashing, New Look of the Appreciating Zachary Quinto's Biceps Blog !

I have been searching for someone who had the passion to help design a new ZQBiceps blog header banner for me for some time. A couple of weeks ago, I was so stoked to have found someone who was willing to do one!

You may know him as Davian Aw, who have been posting quite regularly on ZQC recently.

Not only does Davian and I share the same fandom, we also originate from the same country! Pretty rare in the Zachary Quinto fandom world as statistics may tell you. Call it Quintoistic kismet. ;)

I love doing special ZQ Fan Focus from time to time. I covered Q&A's with one of Sylar's Army's (SArmy) founders Meaghan McBee, and another SArmy moderator, Natalie Wells, who also happens to be a very talented photographer. If you want to read about these fans, head to the bottom of this blog page for the links.

To make the launch of the blog's new look more personal, I've asked Davian to give us a little background of his work and feelings about the Zachary Quinto fandom.

Hollyshorts 2012 Get the PERIODS: Q&A with Victor Quinaz and Anna Martemucci

Re:Creation of the Apple Crunch in Paradise

If you haven't heard it by now, this year's 8th Annual Hollyshorts Film Festival will be blooming with the world premiere of PERIODS.

The film festival held at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre from 9 to 16 August will see a flush of indie short films called PERIODS which are created by Victor Quinaz, Anna Martemucci and produced by Before The Door Pictures.

The quirky and often-tripped-out comedy series will open for Hollyshorts with the premiere of a new PERIODS piece starring Penn Badgley. Even “White Collar”'s Mozzie, Willie Garson has got his PERIODS too. He made a royally sweet appearance in a recent release called “FOPS”. Check it out below:

No topic is taboo with the PERIODS team as they make irreverent prods on a gamut of subjects from pilgrims, USA's founding fathers and one onery Santa, to witches, Vikings, exorcism and a re-take on the creation story.

Which brought me to wonder --- what kind of fun, warped minds are behind the making of PERIODS? Well, here are New York-based duo Victor Quinaz and Anna Martemucci to tell us more about their impudent brainchild.

"Dog Eat Dog": Sian Heder About Directing Zach's Biceps and Furry Paws

It is always fulfilling to watch an indie film come to fruition.

After several months in the making, the short film by Sian Heder and Before the Door, “Dog Eat Dog” finally premiered on June 22 and 23 at the recent Los Angeles Film Festival (LAFF).

The project was generously funded by Zachary Quinto fans through Kickstarter last year.

Lindsay was one of the three fan producers of the film, and got to spend a day on location with Zach and director Sian Heder last December.

Therefore, she felt that she *had* to attend LAFF to catch the “Dog Eat Dog” premiere and see how the little film about pet adoption looked like on screen.

Before the movie was screened, however, she managed to catch hold of Sian and her lovely feminine biceps for a few questions:

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

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:

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

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!

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

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:

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

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.

What's All The Foz About? - Part 2

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".

What's All The Foz About? - Part 1

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:

Hardly Marginal At All

What are the chances that a new production company's first movie would be greenlighted, go into production soon after with an impressive cast, and then get invited to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival??

This was exactly what happened with Before The Door Picture's movie, "Margin Call", directed by JC Chandor.

The movie - a thriller - covers the 24-hour period during a financial crisis in Wall Street, and stars Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker and Penn Badgley. Of course, our very own bb Zachary Quinto, will also be flexing his biceps in a business suit in this movie. (I know I know, we *all* want to be the pen in the above pic. sigh.)

More ... From A Props Master

This is the continuing interview segment with James Clark (@JamesProps) - the On-Set Props Master for "Heroes" and recently, "The Event".

In Part 1 of the interview, we gained some insights into James' passionately detailed and hard work dealing with on-set props on various shows.

In this second part, James shares with us more about his work experiences with actors and gets a little personal with us.

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

7. Who was the most fun cast member to work with? (from @dref22)

I have different favorite actors for different reasons. Some because they are “easy”. Milo is very particular but totally self-sufficient. He will reset himself for a whole scene depending on what it is - always being aware of his continuity and doing his actions.

Get, SET, Go!

James, Wendi Lynn on "Heroes" set

Take a mental step back from the visuals when you are watching a TV or movie on screen and you'll realize that there are many moveable items that are handled or worn by the actors.

In a fantasy, scifi or super-heroes type TV series like "Lost" or "Heroes", where there are multiple storylines and sets, there is an insane number of props that are required for each scene.

Some of these props become instantly recognizable by fans, like the Dharma Initiative canned food ("Lost"), Harry Potter's magic wand, the Book of Shadows ("Charmed") and Buffy's vampire stakes.

All these props need to be planned for, organized, transported and logged by an important person on set - the Props Master. That key personnel in "Heroes" is James Clark - best known as @JamesProps on Twitter.

Wendi Lynn Shares Some More

Some of you are eagerly waiting for more of the interview with key makeup artist and one of our favourite personalities on Twitter - Wendi Lynn or @wendilynnmakeup.

Before I continue, I must confess that there is something I strongly admire about Wendi. As sweet and sunny as she is, Wendi is also a firm encourager of women being more confident with themselves.

A Clear and Lucid Birthday Shoutout!

Here's another October baby!

"True Blood" actor and "Lucid" creator's Michael McMillian's birthday is on October 21st!

Since Michael is a self-professed geek (and which geek does not like Star Wars?!?!), I have decided that the Sith Lord himself should also offer him a breathy greeting. Even if it's just a geeky clipart. hehe

Dear Michael - here's wishing you much success and a uber-fun time with friends and family!

More Charming-Devilish.... Inside

First panel from "Devil Inside"

To continue my "doubly-devilish" SDCC story ... While @RealFastTlkr and I were chatting with "Heroes" actor Todd Stashwick about "Devil Inside", I noticed out of the corner of my eye, that comic artist Dennis Calero was busy scribbling on a small piece of paper torn from his sketch pad.

One of my roomies had earlier showed me a "Devil Inside" postcard she got from visiting their booth. Apparently, their booth was pretty popular that week and they ran out of postcards! So here Dennis was, offering me a few scribbles of his artistic talent by doing an impromptu sketch of Jack Springheel aka the Devil - whose resemblance is based on Todd. I can attest that artistic biceps are also very captivating.

It was a very cool piece of drawing and when he was done, he passed it to Todd for him to sign. Todd and I then had a mini discussion about why they had chosen the subject of the Devil and Evil and Todd answered that one of the reasons was: "Evil is Sexy". Dennis then declared that he was "evil" and hence, "sexy". He proudly claimed that five women had told him that.

I teased him if it was mentioned by five women today? Or was only five women for the entire past week? He acted hurt and said "C'mon..! Of course it's just today!" I laughed.

Comedy and Comic Lettering

.. and you must be wondering...

What the Frak do the two things have to do with each other?

Answer: Shawn DePasquale

For those who have read "Lucid", the debut release from a Archaia /Before The Door collaboration project will notice that the comic lettering was done by the talented Shawn DePasquale. Who is also a writer. And a funny-man. And who had a very XXX-tra interesting job driving sexy people around ;)

Shawn was recently at the Golden Apples Comic store for an autograph session with the writer/ creator of "Lucid" Michael McMillian. They also did a really *beep* =censored= *beep* podcast together on Bagged and Boarded.

Confession: I am a nosy person and I love to find out what makes people tick. So by embracing and accepting my true nature, I just *had* to ask Shawn for an email interview.

So herrrreeee's what Shawn had to say!

-----------

Focus: Nothing More

The talented Natalie Wells

I am excited to introduce to you someone from the British Isles who is not only stunningly beautiful, but who also chooses to flex her artistic biceps to photograph hauntingly unique images. I find that some of her particularly interesting photos are hard to forget.

I consider myself fortunate to connect with 29-year-old Natalie Wells on Twitter many months ago. Natalie is also a moderator of the Sylar's Army forum and it so happened that we (not too) strangely bonded over a very bloody incident involving her pet greyhound!

Despite my rather deceptively "sunny" demeanor, I possess a dark gothic heart. And we found ourselves indulging in those macabre topics which we were not afraid to discuss about!

For a day job, Natalie is the manager of Ticket Alternative UK - a company that supply tickets and wristbands for events. She confesses that in her free time, she puts her Advanced Art and Design certification to good use as a professional photographer. Oh, and not forgetting, her other side job as super-villain. *g*

Natalie admits that "Heroes" is her favourite TV show.  "I don’t really watch much TV I’m afraid, my love for Heroes took everyone by surprise!", she says. Her favourite musical acts include an eclectic mix of The Prodigy, Reso, Fever Ray, Bjork, Joe Hisashi, Rob Zombie, Bat For Lashes, Camille Sant Saens, The Upbeats, Kate Bush... to name just a few!

Other than photography, Natalie enjoys Japanese culture, swimming and shopping. She stresses that "Shopping is a hobby when you do it properly!"

With a new fresh look and drive on re-launching her photographic work via a website, I've decided to grill Natalie with the "tough" questions ;)

Lucid with Michael McMillian - Final Part 3

Michael McMillian (pic by Mabes)

"Lucid" was released on 9 September and boy were there lots of buzz and good reviews! There were reports that the graphic novel was near to selling out in some comic book stores. What a great debut for the first Archaia-Before The Door collaboration!

As Zachary Quinto tweeted just now - "Lucid" is the new Black ;)

If you have missed some of reviews or articles, here are the links again:

- Newsrama

- Player Affinity

- Multiversity

There's even a video of "Lucid"'s creator/ writer and True Blood actor, Michael McMillian and our fave bb, Zachary Quinto talking abit about the comic on MTV Splashpage.

Lucid with Michael McMillian - Part 2

Interviewing Michael (pic by @Mabetini)

People, people.... The first issue of "Lucid" will be out in stores this week on 9 September!!

Writer/ creator of "Lucid", I had the chance to interview Michael McMillian at Comic Con about the first issue. Part 1 of the interview was featured in a blog post here.

Michael continues to reveal some magickal things about first book and gives us a few tidbits of what is to come next!

SPOILER ALERT WARNING!!!

Lucid with Michael McMillian - Part 1

Following the development of the graphic novel "Lucid" has been an interesting journey for most of us.

From the announcement about the comic project by Archaia and Before the Door, to their first joint panel at last year's Comic Con with writer Michael McMillian, followed by various press releases since then. And finally, culminating with "Lucid" making its freshborn-baby appearance at this year's San Diego Comic Con.

Visiting Archaia's booth on Preview Night at Comic Con was one of the first things I had planned to do. And when we arrived at the booth, @eserei27 and I grabbed copies of the comic for ourselves.

(Spoiler alert!! Don't say I didn't warn ya!)