July 2009 Archives   31 July 2009 CNN Interviews Lucy - Video Now Online CNN has interviewed Lucy about Spartacus. Discuss this interview on AUSXIP Talking Xena Lucy Chat News submitted by BCNgal, Tobias and Barbara Davies     31 July 2009 How TV's New Spartacus Will 'Bend' History The following interview with Rob and Steven was posted on SciFi Wire 31 July 2009 We got a chance to chat with Rob Tapert and Steven DeKnight about their upcoming one-hour drama for Starz, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which stars Andy Whitfield and sci-fi icon Lucy Lawless in a retelling of the sword-and-sandals tale. Tapert (Lawless' husband and producer of Xena: Warrior Princess) and DeKnight (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) explained why they decided to "bend history," as DeKnight put it, for the new show. Read Full Interview     31 July 2009 IESB Interview with Lucy, Rob, Peter, Steven and Sam The action-adventure drama series Spartacus: Blood and Sand is the latest to be added to the Starz line-up of original programming. Premiering on January 22, 2010, the highly anticipated epic story that promises to be brutal, bloody and sexy, is being brought to life by executive producers Steven S. DeKnight, who is also the series' head writer, Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi. Lucy Lawless, best known for her role in Xena: Warrior Princess, portrays Lucretia, who along with her husband, Batiatus (The Mummy's John Hannah), own the Ludus gladiator camp, as well as Spartacus (Australian actor Andy Whitfield). The couple has fallen on hard times financially and has bought Spartacus hoping his fighting prowess will help them regain their status in the brutal world of gladiatorial contests. Spartacus is a soldier in the Roman Auxiliary who has been taken prisoner and, as punishment for defying a Roman Legate, he has been sentenced to die in the gladiator area. But after surviving numerous fights, his sentence is commuted and he has been sold as a slave to be trained as a gladiator. Actors Lucy Lawless and Peter Mensah, who plays Batiatus' most loyal and trusted slave Doctore, joined DeKnight, Tapert and Raimi at the Television Critics Association Press Tour to discuss this entirely new vision of the ancient legend. Read Full Interview     30 July 2009 Reviewing Spartacus at TCA Spartacus Panel The Torch Online - 29 July 2009 In a presentation today at the annual Television Critics Association conference in Pasadena, the producers and stars of the upcoming series Spartacus: Blood and Sand emphasized that it pushes the limits of what's been seen on television, with graphic violence and plenty of sex and nudity, but that it's all in the service of a well-told story involving compelling characters. "Nudity?" said co-star Lucy Lawless after being asked if she gets naked in the the first season. "I'm afraid so. Not entirely, no, and I'm kind of praying that day never comes." Read Full Article     30 July 2009 TCA Spartacus Panel News, Pics and Audio Roundup Lucy, Rob, Sam Raimi, Steven DeKnight and Peter Mensah attended theTelevision Critics Association (TCA) conference in Pasadena on 29 July 2009 to promote Spartacus. HQ Images Medium Resolution Images Links to Other Photo Sites Reuters and World Entertainment News News Reports TV Squad - 30 July 2009 (With Lucy Audio) BBCA and Starz: Lucy Lawless will get naked, and Tennant's last eps - TCA Report  Posted Jul 30th 2009 1:02AM by Joel Keller <snipped> Spartacus: Blood and Sand During the Spartacus panel, Lawless was asked if she's going to be naked during the first season, as the show involves a lot of sex scenes. "I'm afraid so," she said. She plays Lucretia, a "proprietor of a camp for gladiators." She takes up with a gladiator in the hope of having a baby. It's tough for her to do those scenes because, while she tries to keep in fantastic shape, "when you get on set, you get the 'freshman 15'," she told the scrum afterwords. Near the end of the scrum, I asked her if she thought a certain fanboy segment (coughXenacough) will be happy to see her nude. Her response included her experience seeing Caligula when she was a teenager. Say one thing for Lucy; she's not the demure type. Lucy Lawless on being nude (1:58) <snipped audio clip> In the "more than we need to know" department, apparently the show utilizes a prosthetic for when the various gladiators appear nude. Yes, that kind of prosthetic. "We had to create the 'Kirk Douglas', as it's aptly named, so people had a prosthetic they could wear," said EP Rob Tappert. Lawless said they hang it up in the prop truck "next to all the merkins." Must be a fun set. Oh, Sam Raimi is also one of the EPs; he had the concept of the show, and was involved at the start, but the latest Spider-Man film will call him away from the rest of the season. <Snipped>   HitFix Site Press Tour Notes: Joan Rivers trashes Leno, 'Spartacus' redefines Kirk Douglas - Posted on Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 By Daniel Fienberg <snipped> Rob Tapert on an unexpected homage to Stanley Kubrick's "Spartacus" in Starz' "Spartacus: Blood and Sand": "[T]here's a great deal of nudity, both male and female. And some guys are not as well-endowed as other guys, so we had to create the Kirk Douglas, as it was aptly named, so that certain actors would have a prosthetic that they could wear and feel comfortable." (To which series co-star Lucy Lawless added, "That thing gets shared around, though. At the moment it's pinned to the wall next to all the merkins in the makeup truck.")   SPARTACUS to Include Lots of Sex, Violence -- and Human Drama The Torch Online - 29 July 2009 In a presentation today at the annual Television Critics Association conference in Pasadena, the producers and stars of the upcoming series Spartacus: Blood and Sand emphasized that it pushes the limits of what's been seen on television, with graphic violence and plenty of sex and nudity, but that it's all in the service of a well-told story involving compelling characters. "Nudity?" said co-star Lucy Lawless after being asked if she gets naked in the the first season. "I'm afraid so. Not entirely, no, and I'm kind of praying that day never comes." Read Full Article     29 July 2009 New Lucretia Promo Image New Lucy as Lucretia Promo Image from Starz. Click on the image for the full size. For more promo images, head on over to the Images section     29 July 2009 Spartacus Episode Guide For Episodes 1 - 4 NO SPOILERS The following episode titles and synospis is from the Official Starz Press Kit presented at the TCA Tour. Included in the kit is new promo images from the episodes. Those will be posted shortly. The synopsis for each episode will be posted in the Episode Guide Section shortly for those keeping spoiler free. Episode 101: "The Red Serpent" Episode 102: "Sacramentum Gladiatorum" Episode 103: "Legends" Episode 104: "The Pits"     29 July 2009 2009 Comic Con Panel Photos by Janna Janna has sent in some gorgeous photos of Lucy, Rob, Erin, Peter and Steven from the 2009 Comic Con Panel! Click here to view the images     29 July 2009 New Scans - Lucretia Promo & Comic Con Guide Promo The following scan was inserted in selective fan packs at the Spartacus Comic Con panel. Lori's fan pack contained the gorgeous picture. Scanned by Lori. Click here for the high resolution Lucy/Lucretia Autographed Photo Added high resolution scan of the Spartacus promo in the 2009 Comic Con Program Guide. Scanned by Lori. Click here to view     28 July 2009 TCA Press Tour Possible Spartacus PR TCA Press Summer Tour, which swings into action today lists Starz as being part of the lineup for interviews Tentative TCA Lineup (subject to changes)... <snipped> WEDNESDAY, JULY 29: MTV Networks (How'd You Get so Rich?, Glenn Martin DDS, Jeff Dunham Show) History Channel (The People Speak) National Geographic (Expedition Week, Human Family Tree, Rescue Ink Unleashed) ESPN (30 for 30) Starz (Crash, Spartacus: Blood & Sand) <----- BBC America (Being Human, Occupation, Doctor Who, InBetweeners) News submitted by Barbara Davies     28 July 2009 Lucy Interview Captures - Ausiello and Spartacus Trailer Added 33 screencaptures taken from the interview with Michael Ausiello. Screencaptures created by Mesh. Click here to view Added screencaptures from the Behind the Scenes on Spartacus Trailer. Just Lucy at the moment. Click here to view     28 July 2009 Ausiello Lucy Lawless Video Interview Now Online Michael Ausiello's interview with Lucy at Comic Con is now online. Michael claimed it was his best interview and it really is a great interview complete with Lucy's wicked, cheeky sense of humour. Check it out as Lucy describes her first naked scene on Spartacus and her new fancy prop. Lucy at her very best.     26 July 2009 Comic Con Spartacus Panel Video Now Online Added video of the Spartacus Panel at Comic Con which was filmed by Lori. Part 1 and 2 of the Spartacus Panel with Lucy, Rob, Peter Mensah, Stephen DeKnight and Erin Cummins. Can also be viewed on the AUSXIP YouTube Channel PART 1 PART 2       25 July 2009 Spartacus Comic Con News Round Up The reports and articles are coming through...here's a list of articles: Is anyone surprised that Lucy stole the show at Comic Con? San Diego Entertainer Magazine - 24 July 2009 Lucy Lawless steals the show at "Spartacus" panel We just got out of the panel for Starz' upcoming new series, Spartacus. They're making their presence known here this weekend, nabbing the lanyard rights and subsequently turning everyone with passes hanging from their necks into walking advertisements. Every question from the audience was to Lucy Lawless. With all the salivating males around, this is hardly surprising. The trailer was great, but, for most guys there, all they needed to know was that it was basically a show where Lucy gets naked. LA Times Blog - 24 July 2009 Comic-Con: 'Spartacus' death toll 'like nothing you've seen' "This will have a death toll like nothing you've seen on television before," vowed writer-producer Steven DeKnight of "Spartacus," Starz's new sword-and-sandals epic coming in January. The premium channel unveiled the trailer during a Comic-Con panel today, and indeed the series looks gory. And full of naked bodies! Imagine the nudity of HBO's "Rome," the violence of "Gladiator" and the look of "300," and you'll have a good idea of what "Spartacus" is like. It's "big fun back on the small screen," as star Lucy Lawless, the erstwhile Xena, told the crowd. And here's something you don't hear often from producers: The network wanted them to push the envelope even more. "There have been times when Starz has told us, push it a little further. We'll tell you when you cross the line," DeKnight said. For all that, though, he added that the violence is more "operatic" rather than realistic. The nudity, meanwhile, forced Lawless to hit the gym. "I do have to work out," she said. "Being naked on-screen is no fun." Beyond Hollywood - 24 July 2007 Comic-Con '09 Coverage, Featured, Spartacus: Blood and Sand TV Series, TV News, Videos -- By Nix on July 24, 2009 This was one of the panels at Comic-Con that I was most curious about. You've probably heard all the stories, since we've been covering the Starz show from Day 1. It's not supposed to be your father's Spartacus. Bloody violence, sex, nudity -- all that good stuff they couldn't have gotten away with if they were on network TV or syndication. And after having seen an extended trailer from the show at the Spartacus: Blood and Sand panel, I can safely say that Yes, I think they were right to make those promises. This really isn't my father's Spartacus, and oh hell yeah this thing has tons of bloody violence, nudity, and sex. The panel was attended by castmembers Lucy Lawless (she plays Lucretia, the scheming wife (Lawless describes her as Lady MacBeth) of the guy who runs the Gladiator training facility known as the Ludus), Erin Cummings (she plays Sura, Spartacus' wife), Peter Mensah (Doctore, the gladiator's trainer), and executive producers Rob Tapert and Steven S. DeKnight, also the show's writer. Read More Channel Guide Magazine - 25 July 2009 Comic-Con, Day 3: Don't Mess With Spartacus Posted on July 25th, 2009 By Stacey Harrison Today's highlight was a sneak preview of the upcoming Starz gladiator epic, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Or, as you'll see as we get closer to the January premiere date, the TV version of 300. In describing the sex and violence quotient, the moderator said, "It's going to make Rome look like Full House." Included on the panel were Lucy Lawless, who plays Lucretia, wife of the Spartacus' master; Erin Cummings, who plays Sura, Spartacus' long-suffering wife; Peter Mensah -- who was actually in 300, as the Persian messenger who gets kicked down that hole by Leonidas -- plays Doctore, the trainer of the gladiators; producer (and Lawless' hubby) Robert Tapert; and writer and producer Steven DeKnight, who looks more like a UFC promoter than a show runner. Spartacus himself was supposed to show up, but newcomer Andy Whitfield had to beg off due to the production schedule. DeKnight says the story is far different from the one made famous in the 1960 Stanley Kubrick epic that starred Kirk Douglas. There is much more to the historical story of Spartacus than was told there. Yes, Spartacus led a slave revolution that nearly brought the Roman Empire to its knees, but what was his life like before. That is where Blood and Sand spends much of its 13-episode first season, making very good use of the relaxed standards that come with being on a premium network. "Starz told us, push it a little further," DeKnight said. "When you cross the line, we'll tell you." Lawless said she will not get to make use of the fighting skills she learned during all those years on Xena: Warrior Princess. Instead, she spends a lot of time getting physical in a different way with the gladiators in her husband's stable. She is desperate to have a baby, and her husband, Batiatus (John Hannah), is unable to give her one, forcing her to look for help elsewhere. That aside, the couple does have a workable relationship, but their push for power drives them to become the Lady and Lord Macbeth of the piece.  For more news - check out Comic Con Spartacus Panel News & Pics       25 July 2009 Spartacus Panel Photos Now Online Lori has reported in with some FABULOUS pictures from the panel. All of the pics are of Lucy, Rob and Erin. There are more to come. 18 photos have been posted. Click here to view the images     24 July 2009 Lucy Lawless and the Cast of Spartacus Speak The following article was posted on Ugo.com blog and is an interview with the Spartacus cast that attended the Comic Con panel. Hopefully by now you've seen the ridiculously awesome trailer for Starz' new action series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. This afternoon I got to sit down and talk with the infamous Lucy Lawless and some of the cast about the groundbreaking show. Spartacus, produced by Rob Tapert (The Grudge) and Steven DeKnight (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), will focus on the life of the famous gladiator/slave that nearly brought down the Roman Empire. The show will deal with a lot of adult themes, along severe violence, like slavery and sexuality. "It occured to us there was not an adult action series on premium cable," said Tapert. Lawless plays Lucretia, a Roman noblewoman who co-owns the Gladiator school where Spartacus, played by Andy Whitfield, is trained and fights "I play a bad girl, I know you're all shocked by that," said the fantasy-veteran Lawless. Lawless promises that Spartacus will be a very unique experience - "I must say this whole show is really challenging. The acting, the content, it's challeneging for the audience. Every episode you're going to see something that makes you go, 'OH MY GOD, I've never seen that on TV.'" Read More News submitted by Barbara Davies     24 July 2009 Behind The Scenes Production Video and Interviews The official Spartacus site has released a Behind The Scenes productiaon video and interviews with Steven DeKnight (writer and exec producer), Rob Tapert, Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Andy Whitfield (Spartacus), Craig Parker (Glaber) John Hannah (Batiatus), Manu Bennett (Crixus) and Viva Bianca (Ilithya)   It's quite a cool look behind the scenes.         24 July 2009 Official Spartacus Trailer Promo Released Holy Moly this is incredible! Absofrigginlutely incredible. I was excited about the show before I saw visuals and now that I've seen the visuals, WOW. I LOVED the movie 300 and anything that is set in Rome or Greece and this looks to be on par with that and beyond. Lucy looks AMAZING. Andy looks INCREDIBLE! Rob has created another gem! Watch the trailer     24 July 2009 Comic Con Spartacus Panel News & Pics Here they come - Pictures, Video and Reports from the Spartacus Panel! Pictures Lori has reported in with some FABULOUS pictures from the panel. All of the pics are of Lucy, Rob and Erin. There are more to come. 18 photos have been posted. Click here to view the images Lucy visited Ausiello (from TV Guide) and "A Comic-Con veteran just dropped in and gave me the best interview ever " Click here for the larger scan There are two pics of Lucy currently on the web of her out and about at Comic Con and looking absolutely fabulous! Twitter Pic #1  |  Twitter Pic #2 Reports The reports and articles are coming through...here's a list of articles: Is anyone surprised that Lucy stole the show at Comic Con? San Diego Entertainer Magazine - 24 July 2009 Lucy Lawless steals the show at "Spartacus" panel We just got out of the panel for Starz' upcoming new series, Spartacus. They're making their presence known here this weekend, nabbing the lanyard rights and subsequently turning everyone with passes hanging from their necks into walking advertisements. Every question from the audience was to Lucy Lawless. With all the salivating males around, this is hardly surprising. The trailer was great, but, for most guys there, all they needed to know was that it was basically a show where Lucy gets naked. LA Times Blog - 24 July 2009 Comic-Con: 'Spartacus' death toll 'like nothing you've seen' "This will have a death toll like nothing you've seen on television before," vowed writer-producer Steven DeKnight of "Spartacus," Starz's new sword-and-sandals epic coming in January. The premium channel unveiled the trailer during a Comic-Con panel today, and indeed the series looks gory. And full of naked bodies! Imagine the nudity of HBO's "Rome," the violence of "Gladiator" and the look of "300," and you'll have a good idea of what "Spartacus" is like. It's "big fun back on the small screen," as star Lucy Lawless, the erstwhile Xena, told the crowd. And here's something you don't hear often from producers: The network wanted them to push the envelope even more. "There have been times when Starz has told us, push it a little further. We'll tell you when you cross the line," DeKnight said. For all that, though, he added that the violence is more "operatic" rather than realistic. The nudity, meanwhile, forced Lawless to hit the gym. "I do have to work out," she said. "Being naked on-screen is no fun." Beyond Hollywood - 24 July 2007 Comic-Con '09 Coverage, Featured, Spartacus: Blood and Sand TV Series, TV News, Videos -- By Nix on July 24, 2009 This was one of the panels at Comic-Con that I was most curious about. You've probably heard all the stories, since we've been covering the Starz show from Day 1. It's not supposed to be your father's Spartacus. Bloody violence, sex, nudity -- all that good stuff they couldn't have gotten away with if they were on network TV or syndication. And after having seen an extended trailer from the show at the Spartacus: Blood and Sand panel, I can safely say that Yes, I think they were right to make those promises. This really isn't my father's Spartacus, and oh hell yeah this thing has tons of bloody violence, nudity, and sex. The panel was attended by castmembers Lucy Lawless (she plays Lucretia, the scheming wife (Lawless describes her as Lady MacBeth) of the guy who runs the Gladiator training facility known as the Ludus), Erin Cummings (she plays Sura, Spartacus' wife), Peter Mensah (Doctore, the gladiator's trainer), and executive producers Rob Tapert and Steven S. DeKnight, also the show's writer. Read More Channel Guide Magazine - 25 July 2009 Comic-Con, Day 3: Don't Mess With Spartacus Posted on July 25th, 2009 By Stacey Harrison Today's highlight was a sneak preview of the upcoming Starz gladiator epic, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Or, as you'll see as we get closer to the January premiere date, the TV version of 300. In describing the sex and violence quotient, the moderator said, "It's going to make Rome look like Full House." Included on the panel were Lucy Lawless, who plays Lucretia, wife of the Spartacus' master; Erin Cummings, who plays Sura, Spartacus' long-suffering wife; Peter Mensah -- who was actually in 300, as the Persian messenger who gets kicked down that hole by Leonidas -- plays Doctore, the trainer of the gladiators; producer (and Lawless' hubby) Robert Tapert; and writer and producer Steven DeKnight, who looks more like a UFC promoter than a show runner. Spartacus himself was supposed to show up, but newcomer Andy Whitfield had to beg off due to the production schedule. DeKnight says the story is far different from the one made famous in the 1960 Stanley Kubrick epic that starred Kirk Douglas. There is much more to the historical story of Spartacus than was told there. Yes, Spartacus led a slave revolution that nearly brought the Roman Empire to its knees, but what was his life like before. That is where Blood and Sand spends much of its 13-episode first season, making very good use of the relaxed standards that come with being on a premium network. "Starz told us, push it a little further," DeKnight said. "When you cross the line, we'll tell you." Lawless said she will not get to make use of the fighting skills she learned during all those years on Xena: Warrior Princess. Instead, she spends a lot of time getting physical in a different way with the gladiators in her husband's stable. She is desperate to have a baby, and her husband, Batiatus (John Hannah), is unable to give her one, forcing her to look for help elsewhere. That aside, the couple does have a workable relationship, but their push for power drives them to become the Lady and Lord Macbeth of the piece.  For more news - check out Comic Con Spartacus Panel News & Pics   Report from Annie: The footage looks AMAZING!!! Lots of nekkid bodies, male and female, gory fights with a visual style similar to 300. Lucy and Rob's nameplates were reversed-there was a humorous moment when Lucy covertly switched them to their proper place amongst audience giggles. Lucy said she has no fighting but has to work out for the revealing scenes. ;-) When a fan asked Lucy for her nameplate, she heaved a mock annoyed sigh and threw it off the stage to the guy-was hilarious! Photos from Annie and Lori will be added to the the AUSXIP Spartacus Galleries Only a couple of photos from Annie - more will be coming soon From Natali Del Conte's site: "I am a correspondent for The CBS Early Show and WCBS and a host on CNET TV. My daily newscast on CNET TV is called Loaded and I am a co-host of the daily podcast Buzz Out Loud." She tweeted: natalidelconte: "Feel like an entertainment reporter. Interviews with Terri Hatcher, Danny DeVito, Lucy Lawless, and Big Bang Theory cast." Panel photo by http://www.yfrog.com/froggy.php?username=Scorpio_Sky http://img248.yfrog.com/i/5ic.jpg/ TeelaJBrown tweets: Lucy Lawless: "I am not playing a role model" lifeonqueen tweets: Not surprisingly, Lucy Lawless is pratically the only one getting questions. #spartacus TeelaJBrown: blurry lucy lawless (sorry) #sdcc http://sml.vg/rwcZeP kphipps3000: Watching a panel for SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND. Lucy Lawless should have more roles with her natural accent. lifeonqueen: Lucy Lawless gets the biggest laugh when asked about preparations for the role: "No, darling, I've been evil for years." #SPARTACUS #sdcc lifeonqueen: I know lots of people who are going to be trilled that Lucy Lawless has just announced she's going to be naked onscreen in SPARTACUS #sdcc gpcrush: Spartacus looks hot! its Rome, 300 and Gladiator mixed n2 one. Lucy Lawless looks gorgeous & regal. love her! #fb mvrivero: @ewausiellofiles http://twitpic.com/bgzgb - OMG!!! Lucy Lawless is sooooooooooo GORGEOUS!!! what a lucky guy!!! Videos     24 July 2009 New Spartacus Artwork by MaryD The muse has decided to pay me a little visit with the release of the Spartacus promo pics. Must be all the muscled Spartacus pics and the red headed Lucretia or blond haired Lucretia (there is a drinking game somewhere there...every time Lucretia has a change of hair colour, out comes the fizzy drink!) that has enticed my muse back from hibernation. Check out my new artwork Is it January yet?     24 July 2009 Production Blog by Steven S. DeKnight Steven will be starting off a series of production blogs and behind the scenes look at Spartacus Blood and Sand. The following was posted on the Official Spartacus Facebook Page: We're kicking off the production blog with a special post from Executive Producer / Head Writer Steven S. DeKnight. Click here to read     23 July 2009 Spartacus Blood and Sand iPhone Game & Comic News As reported earlier today with the Starz press release about the creators and actors being in San Diego tomorrow for the Spartacus panel at Comic Con, it was also announced that there will be a Spartacus Blood and Sand iPhone game:   Spartacus: Blood and Sand" iPhone Game, Motion Comic Details Starz Digital Media also revealed plans to jointly develop the official "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" mobile game designed for iPhone and iPod touch with Artificial Life, Inc (OTCBulletinBoard: ALIF). The games will utilize the touch screens and motion sensitive features of the popular mobile devices and bring to life the action, violence and sex soon to be seen in the series. Also, in association with Double Barrel Motion Labs, Starz Digital Media will bring to market a four-part "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" motion comic series. These action-packed videos will feature gladiators battling for eternal glory in a gore fest derived from Devil's Due Publishing (DDP)'s official upcoming "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" comic book mini-series, to which DeKnight contributed. "Spartacus: Upon The Sands of Vengeance" is the first in the four-part comic book mini-series. A sneak preview of the "Spartacus: Upon the Sands of Vengeance" motion comic episode will be available after the "Spartacus" Comic-Con panel at www.starz.com/spartacus. Click here to read the full press release       23 July 2009 Chicago Now - Lucy And Andy At Comic Con The following was posted on the Chicago Now site about Lucy and Andy's appearances at Comic Con Lucy Lawless of "Spartacus" will be at Comic-Con on Friday. Starz is doing a big push for its January series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" at Comic-Con. The series stars Lucy Lawless of "Xena" and "Battlestar Galactica" fame and newcomer Andy Whitfield as Spartacus, the soldier who becomes a slave, then a gladiator in Roman times. Everywhere I looked during preview night I saw Spartacus stuff, and before the Friday panel, Starz will be giving away fan packs with tons of goodies inside. They are planning a Spartacus iPhone game, a motion comic and already have created a companion comic book with Chicago publishing company Devil's Due. I stopped by the Devil's Due booth Thursday and talked the company president Josh Blaylock. He showed me the first issue of the Spartacus comic, which is filled with some amazing artwork of some very gruesome gladiator fighting. If the show is that action-packed, it's going to be amazing. I just hope I don't pass out from all the gore. I'll be attending the "Spartacus" panel and press interview time. So if you have any questions for Lucy Lawless or the creators, Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert among them, shoot me a note in the comments section.     23 July 2009 AUSXIP Spartacus Image Galleries Now Online With the flurry of PR for the show in full swing, I've added an images section with the latest PR photos officially released by Starz. AUSXIP has been added as a media outlet for these images. All images are copyrighted to Starz. All these images have inspired my muse to get creative. There is a new banner on the site and I've added a slighter bigger version of this banner to the new Artwork section in the image galleries. I've also added  pics that were sent to me from Annie who is at Comic Con - the magazine PR from the comic con program guide will be replaced with a full size scan once the troops come home. So far the galleries are: Promo Images Battle Scenes Lucretia Spartacus MaryD Artwork Magazine Promos     23 July 2009 Spartacus' Cast and Creators to Conquer San Diego Comic-Con.. Received the following press release from Starz about the cast and creators Comic Con apperances...News Release Issued: July 23, 2009 10:00 AM EDT Spartacus' Cast and Creators to Conquer San Diego Comic-Con on July 24 New Starz Original Action Series 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand,' Coming to Premier Fan Event with Panel Discussion, Ultimate Fan Pack Giveaways, Sneak Peek and More First Look at Upcoming Official "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" iPhone/iPod Touch Game, Motion Comic ' SAN DIEGO, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans will be able to enter the arena of the eagerly anticipated Starz original series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con July 24 from 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM PT (room 6BCF). Starz is bringing some of the leading creative and on-air talent for fans and critics to meet in person to the leading industry fan event. Set to debut exclusively on Starz in January 2010, the violent and epic gladiator tale will have a graphic novel look and style unlike any other series on TV. Join Lucy Lawless ("Xena: Warrior Princess," "Battlestar Galactica"), actor Peter Mensah (300, Avatar), Executive Producers Rob Tapert (Evil Dead 1-2, Drag Me To Hell) and Steven S. DeKnight ("Angel," "Smallville, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), and actress Erin Cummings ("Dollhouse"). They will discuss the fresh narrative approach to the ancient legend and offer exclusive first look footage at the ground-breaking series. Andy Whitfield, who plays the title character, will deliver a video message and Comic-Con greeting from New Zealand. Ultimate "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" Fan Packs to first 2,000 Fans at Comic-Con Panel The first 2,000 fans attending the "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" panel will be treated to complimentary "Ultimate Spartacus: Blood and Sand Fan Packs," which will include: Limited edition copy of "Spartacus: Upon The Sands of Vengeance, " issue #1 in the "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" comic book mini-series with an exclusive Comic-Con cover Autographed 8X10 headshots, featuring 1 of 10 randomly selected autographed photos from a member of the cast of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" trading cards "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" USB flash drive featuring cast/unit photos, graphics, poster art, cast and series biographical background information, and more. "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" poster with mailing tube "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" collectible t-shirt (one of four being created)   "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" iPhone Game, Motion Comic Details Starz Digital Media also revealed plans to jointly develop the official "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" mobile game designed for iPhone and iPod touch with Artificial Life, Inc (OTCBulletinBoard: ALIF). The games will utilize the touch screens and motion sensitive features of the popular mobile devices and bring to life the action, violence and sex soon to be seen in the series. Also, in association with Double Barrel Motion Labs, Starz Digital Media will bring to market a four-part "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" motion comic series. These action-packed videos will feature gladiators battling for eternal glory in a gore fest derived from Devil's Due Publishing (DDP)'s official upcoming "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" comic book mini-series, to which DeKnight contributed. "Spartacus: Upon The Sands of Vengeance" is the first in the four-part comic book mini-series. A sneak preview of the "Spartacus: Upon the Sands of Vengeance" motion comic episode will be available after the "Spartacus" Comic-Con panel at www.starz.com/spartacus. "'Spartacus: Blood and Sand" is the most ambitious project ever undertaken at Starz," said Bill Hamm, executive vice president, originals production and development for Starz Media. "Comic-Con offers a terrific stage to introduce the series to fans and we are delighted to have such a strong lineup for our debut appearance in San Diego." "We look forward to working with a number of key production and distribution partners in bringing 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' to life across multiple platforms and media," said Marc DeBevoise, senior vice president, digital media, business development and strategy for Starz Media and lead executive for Starz Digital Media. "The projects we're developing around this franchise offer a tremendous opportunity for us to reach mobile gamers, comic book fans and online video viewers with incredibly unique and compelling content, all prior to the series' premiere of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" on Starz." On July 24, DeKnight, along with the comic book's editorial consultant R.H. Stavis, will sign limited edition copies of issue No. 1 in the "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" comic mini-series, with an exclusive Comic-Con cover. The autograph session will be from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the DDP booth (#2229). Comic-Con attendees can swipe their electronic credentials at Starz' Anchor Bay/Manga booth (#3345) and "enter for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind shield; an authentic prop from the battlefield of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Read More     23 July 2009 Official Spartacus Twitter Posts... There has been a flurry of activity on the spartacus Twitter account with the panel just days away, the PR machine is gearing up to get everyone excited (and it's working because I'm eagerly looking forward to this series and it's MONTHS away). spartacus_starz: Added a set of Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) and Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) photos to the FB page. http://bit.ly/bELu8 Published: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:42:44 +0000 spartacus_starz: Official "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" website launched. Arena experience, Downloads, Screening Room, more. http://bit.ly/DRMj Published: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:37:15 +0000 spartacus_starz: @Scorpio_Sky The comic looks great! Make sure you get into the panel on Friday 12:45-1:45. You'll get a ton of free stuff. Published: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:45:45 +0000      23 July 2009 Spartacus Premiere Date - 21 January 2010 10 pm The date for the premiere of Spartacus Blood and Sand is scheduled for 21 January 2010 at 10 pm on Starz channel. The countdown has started. Now this is seriously cool news that we will be having Lucy on a weekly show again AND it promises to be wonderful if the show is anything like the PR. If you are in the US and haven't got the Starz channel, you have a few months yet to subscribe (and hopefully the show will be added to Itunes and Hulu and other places).     22 July 2009 Spartacus Promo Trading Cards and More on Official Site The official Spartacus site has been updated with the goodies that will be available to those going to Comic Con. This site is just gorgeous. Love a beautifully designed site. First look at Spartacus, Lucretia and the rest of the characters. Looks absolutely AWESOME! Click here to view all the cards Other Downloads - Wallpapers Download 1280x1024 Download 1024x768 Download 800x600 Other goodies like Widgets     22 July 2009 Spartacus Promo Pic from Comic Con Programe Book Lori and Annie, AUSXIP's reporters at Comic Con has sent in a scan (well an iphone pic for the moment until the full scan can be uploaded) of a promo that appears in the Comic Con program book! Here's the first promo pic of Spartacus with a very familiar catch cry of KILL THEM ALL. Now where have we heard that before? <g> Click on the image for the larger version.     22 July 2009 Official Spartacus Twitter Follow Spartacus Starz The following was posted on the Official Spartacus Twitter account Follow us @spartacus_starz DM us and we'll send you the trailer and add you to receive future Spartacus info and exclusives. #SDCC     22 July 2009 Joseph LoDuca To Score Spartacus Joe LoDuca, very well known to Xena fans for his work on Xena Warrior Princess is now on board in another Rob Tapert project. The blog UpcomingFilmScores reports the following Joseph LoDuca: Spartacus (tv) Joseph LoDuca, who just received an Emmy nomination for his Legend of the Seeker music, continues his long-time working relationship with producers Robert Tapert and Sam Raimi. He is going to score their next television project, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, for Starz Media. Starring Andy Whitfield in the title role and featuring John Hannah and Lucy Lawless, the fantasy action series will debut on the small screen early next year. Joseph LoDuca's history with Raimi/Tapert goes back to the 1980s and the Evil Dead trilogy. His other feature film credits include Brotherhood of the Wolf, Boogeyman and The Messengers. Written by Mikael Carlsson at 1:42 PM News submitted by Barbara Davies     21 July 2009 Spartacus Episode Guide Update The Internet Movie Database Spartacus page has been updated with episode credits for cast, production (writer/director) for the first 10 episodes. Ep: 01 Cast/Director/Writer Credits      Ep: 02 Cast/Director/Writer Credits      Ep: 03 Cast/Director/Writer Credits      Ep: 04 Cast/Director/Writer Credits      Ep: 05 Cast/Director/Writer Credits     Ep: 06 Cast/Director/Writer Credits      Ep: 07 Cast/Director/Writer Credits      Ep: 08 Cast/Director/Writer Credits      Ep: 09 Cast/Director/Writer Credits      Ep: 10 Cast/Director/Writer Credits      20 July 2009 Washington Post Spartacus and Lucy Mention The following is from the Washington Post from the Live Chat last week: ...[W]hat ever became of Lucy "Xena" Lawless, who used to be all over "Entertainment Tonight" and its ilk, and I had not a clue. Have you heard anything? -- from last week's Celebritology Live chat   Lawless may no longer be a go-to gal for the paparazzi in this post-"Xena" age of celebutantes, the 41-year-old actress is still around and working regularly -- turning up in everything from "The L Word" to "Battlestar Galactica." The New Zealand native even made a guest appearance on HBO's Kiwi-centric "Flight of the Conchords."   Most recently, Lawless signed on to co-star in Starz's new live-action fantasy series, "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." Lawless will play a Roman noble who, along with her husband, owns the slave Spartacus -- a former Roman soldier. The show isn't set to launch until January 2010, but Lawless will be at San Diego's Comic-Con later this week to promote the show in a Friday panel.   No comment from 92-year-old Kirk Douglas, who can be credited with ushering the name "Spartacus" into the cultural lexicon.   Source   News submitted by Barbara Davies     18 July 2009 Spartacus Ultimate Fan Pack At Comic Con Details of what people will be getting in their Spartacus Fan Pack has been released by the Monsters and Critics site: Lucy Lawless - Preview the new Starz Channel original series premiering in January 2010 with stars Andy Whitfield, Lucy Lawless ("Xena: Warrior Princess"), Peter Mensah (300, Avatar), producer Rob Tapert and writer Steven S. DeKnight. Be the first to see the official trailer! Trailers for upcoming Anchor Bay Entertainment DVD and Blu-ray releases including Grace, Rob Zombie's The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, Dante's Inferno, the original Children of the Corn Blu-ray, The Shortcut executive produced by Adam Sandler and the Starz Channel original series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" executive produced by Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi and Josh Donen, starring Lucy Lawless, Andy Whitfield and John Hannah. All fans attending will receive a "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" Ultimate Fan Pack with: Flashdrive with photos and video footage; First issue of the "Spartacus: Upon the sands of Vengeance" graphic novel series, with exclusive Comic-Con cover; T-shirt, trading cards and official poster! Read more     15 July 2009 Comic Con Spartacus Panel Cool Gift... According to the Official Spartacus Facebook page, those who will be attending the Spartacus panel will be getting a special gift pack... On the panel: Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah, Andy Whitfield and exe prods Rob Tapert & Steven DeKnight. Panel attendees will receive a special gift pak. Host:Spartacus Time:Friday, 24 July 2009 12:45 Location:Comic-Con Source News submitted by Barbara Davies     15 July 2009 Official Spartacus Blood and Sand Site Now Online The official Starz Spartacus Blood and Sand site is now live. It doesn't have much on it as yet other than brief description of the show and where you can follow news about the show: Twitter |  Facebook | Message Boards     13 July 2009 Spartacus Cast News - Greg Ward As Mercato Scoop NZ online has news about another cast member for Spartacus.  Greg Ward finalist in Waitakere Business Awards 09 Monday, 13 July 2009, 1:39 pm Press Release: Greg Ward Greg rates his versatility as a key factor in the success of the business. In conjunction with his corporate work he is also a voice artist, trainer, presenter and professional actor. Alongside his ongoing MC roles, Greg is currently filming with the American television series 'Spartacus' opposite Scottish actor John Hannah, but will be best known to the NZ public as the Toblerone-purchasing 'Mr. Schofield' in this year's Pacific Blue television advertising campaign. [And according to his agent's page: Greg is playing the part of 'Mercato'. ] News submitted by Barbara Davies     10 July 2009 Lucy Lawless To Host Spartacus Panel at Comic Con The Comic Con schedule has  been released and as noted previously, the Spartacus panel, hosted by Lucy Lawless, is scheduled for 24 July 2009 between 12:45 and 1:45 pm. 12:45-1:45 Spartacus: Blood and Sand-- The world of gladiators comes to life as the Roman Republic's most brutal fighters clash in the ultimate arena. Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess, Battlestar Galactica) introduces star Andy Whitfield, along with actor Peter Mensah (300, Avatar) and executive producers Rob Tapert (Evil Dead 1-2, Drag Me to Hell) and Steven S. DeKnight (Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer). They will discuss the fresh narrative approach to the ancient legend and offer exclusive first look footage, which utilizes virtual environments to give the show a unique graphic novel look and style. Debuting exclusively on Starz in January 2010. Room 6BCF     9 July 2009 First Look at Lucy's Lucretia! Lucy attended the Auckland meeting for the government consultation about emissions targets. Greenpeace wants the NZ Government to set a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The meeting was in Auckland (where Spartacus is filmed) where the public and government officials had a chance to discuss the matter. Lucy was working on the Spartacus set and she had to rush to the meeting still wearing her Lucretia look...this is the first time we have seen it and it looks VERY interesting. Not Lucy's normal dark brown, or blond but an orange / red look. Very interesting. In part Lucy said: I had to rush to the Auckland meeting straight from work on set, wig and all. I was glad to be there. It was fascinating, frustrating and dramatic. I highly recommend it as a night out! Read Lucy's full message on AUSXIP Lucy Lawless     7 July 2009 Lucy Spartacus Interview Snippet The following snippet from Lucy's interview with Josh Wigler was posted by Josh on Twitter [This is from Josh Wigler's bio on Twitter: Bio Freelance writer for Comic Book Resources, MTV's Splash Page and Movies Blog, Wizard Magazine and more.] Lucy Lawless said that "Spartacus" is "absolutely the most interesting project I've ever worked on." High remarks from a BSG veteran! about 6 hours ago from TweetDeck roundhoward Josh Wigler Submitted by Barbara Davies     6 July 2009 Upcoming Lucy Interview About Spartacus The following tweet was posted by Josh Wigler about an upcoming interview with Lucy about her role of Lucretia on the new Starz show Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is due in January 2010. [This is from Josh Wigler's bio on Twitter: Bio Freelance writer for Comic Book Resources, MTV's Splash Page and Movies Blog, Wizard Magazine and more.] Http://twitter.com/roundhoward/statuses/2498746586 Hiya, Twitter. I'm chatting with Lucy Lawless tomorrow about her new show Spartacus. Got any questions you think I should ask? Fire away! about 2 hours ago from TweetDeck roundhoward Josh Wigler News submitted by Barbara Davies For more information about Spartacus Blood and Sand go to AUSXIP Spartacus Blood and Sand News and Multimedia     Read More Archives