October 2010 Archives   31 October 2010 New Lesley-Ann Photos from Spartacus Gods of the Arena Set Here's two more photos of Lesley-Ann which have been posted to the Behind The Scenes on Spartacus gallery. Lesley-Ann is hanging out with the gladiators on Gods of the Arena...not just hanging out but also doing pushups! Click here to view the larger versions of these images and other pics from behind the scenes on Spartacus: Gods of the Arena         30 October 2010 Ausiello's Favourite Moments - Meeting Spartacus Cast Ausiello is leaving EW and he lists his favourite moments. One of his favourites is meeting the Spartacus cast at Comic Con. That went very well for him until John tried to get Ausiello's pants off him. One of the funniest things I've seen at any interview. Love John Hannah. He is just adorable. In addition to John trying to take Ausiello's pants off, there was Lucy giving him his very own Merkin! I'm guessing it's not every day an interviewer gets given their very own merkin...   3. Talking merkins with Lucy Lawless (below).     10. Getting assaulted at Comic-Con by the cast of Spartacus: Blood and Sand (below). Watch the video     29 October 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episode 13 Kill Them All Edited Version The season finale has come and gone and I'll be honest and say "Thank you TV Gods!" - The edited version of one of the most spectacular shows on TV was a huge letdown. Having watched this brilliant show in all it's glory, it was disappointing to see it being cut up like that. There were parts of this show that my young eyes could have done without seeing but I have come to the conclusion that ALL of it was part of a bigger picture and ALL of it was necessary. I was interested in two particular scenes of Kill Them All. I've seen the uncut version and two scenes were pivotal for me. 1. The shield tap and jump. Believe it or not they edited that scene. Not the shield tap and not the jump but Spartacus' sword going to the Roman's head. It actually lost impact on not seeing the poor guy get shishkebabed. Didn't think it would but it did. 2. The scene where Spartacus repeats Batiatus' words back to him: "What would you do to hold your wife again, to feel the warmth of her skin, the taste of her lips. How many men would you kill? A hundred? A thousand? - Spartacus' execution of Batiatus..edited. You don't see Batiatus' throat being cut and even when Batiatus is spun around..they must have forgotten to cgi some blood in because there is hardly any of the red stuff on his neck! Oopsie. In the final frame of Batiatus and Lucretia lying together...there's the shaving cut! As gruesome as this scene is, it's justice and it was edited. Again it loses it's impact more than I thought it would. I lost count on how many edits there were...it wasn't the body count that went up in this episode....the editors were really earning their money. For Aussies hop over to EZYDVD and order the DVD or Blu-Ray - UNCUT. It's worth it. I was so saddened in watching this episode because of Andy. What a wonderful actor and a real find this man has been. Get well soon Andy, we want you back! Read my review of the UNcut version of this spectacular episode     29 October 2010 Gods of the Arena Scheduled For 21 January 2011 Starz has booked "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" for Friday, January 21 at 10:00/9:00c according to the just released news from TheFutoncritic -- Before Spartacus struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed though the gates onto the sand. "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," the highly anticipated prequel to Starz' hit series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus (Dustin Clare) in a more ruthless time before Spartacus' arrival where honor was just finding it's way into the arena. The new series adds to the cast Jaime Murray as Capua's sexy social climber Gaia and Marisa Ramirez as Melitta, a beautiful slave who must face the ultimate decision of the heart. Jeffrey Thomas plays Batiatus's father Titus, the traditional and cautious Lanista, head of the Ludus. They join returning cast members John Hannah (Quintus Batiatus), Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Peter Mensah (Oenomaus, before he becomes Doctore, the gladiator trainer) and Manu Bennett (Crixus). As the prequel begins, Quintus Batiatus is the acting Lanista while his father Titus is on an extended visit to Sicilia. But Batiatus isn't satisfied with just the thought of taking over the Ludus one day; he aspires to political power and prestige in Capua, and perhaps beyond. In the class-conscious world of ancient Rome, the House of Batiatus must first earn the respect of both politicians and socialites before being granted the right for its gladiators to fight in the much-revered championship bouts called the Primus. Batiatus must not only survive the harsh politics of Capua, but also compel his hedonistic fighter, Gannicus, to embrace being a champion gladiator who will bring esteem and respect to the House of Batiatus. "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" is produced by Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight. Season one of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" was the highest rated show for the 18-49 demographic among all cable networks for 12 of the 13 Fridays on which it aired based on coverage rating. More About Spartacus: Gods of the Arena on AUSXIP Spartacus     29 October 2010 Spartacus Casting Applications Ends 31 October 2010 If you would like to audition for the role of Spartacus you have until 31 October 2010 to submit your application. Read below and follow the directions: SPARTACUS CASTING Starz Entertainment is casting for the role of “Spartacus”. Follow the instructions below to submit your audition. Please read all instructions carefully before submitting. SPARTACUS CASTING BREAKDOWN SPARTACUS In his mid to late 30’s, tall and muscular, leader of men, smart, intense, passionate. Having successfully led the revolt against the house of Batiatus, he now turns his vengeance against the Roman soldier who enslaved him.... MUST HAVE AUTHENTIC BRITISH ACCENT. SPARTACUS SERIES MAY CONTAIN SEXUAL SITUATIONS. TALENT MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH BACKSIDE NUDITY. NO FULL FRONTAL. STORY LINE: The second season of the breakout hit “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” continues as Spartacus and his men plot to seek revenge against Rome. AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS Read More     28 October 2010 Gods of the Arena at American Film Market 03-10 November 2010 Gods of the Arena is going to be shown at the American Film Market next week. Barbara sent in the following note about the video and news: The implication from this page is that Starz could be screening excerpts from Gods of the Arena at the American Film Market next week - the trailer for Gota is included in the 'more from this event' items. However, there's no mention of Gota in the schedule on the AFM's own site that I can see. http://worldscreen.com/worldscreenings/event/604 AFM 2010 Nov 3rd, 2010 through Nov 10th, 2010 Over 8,000 industry leaders converge in Santa Monica for eight days of deal-making, screenings, seminars, networking and parties at the American Film Market (AFM). Before Spartacus or Crixus became champions of the House of Batiatus in Capua, the most feared fighter in the gladiator school was Gannicus, the central character in the highly anticipated prequel to Starz’ hit series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.” Batiatus’ relations with his father and his new wife Lucretia also figure prominently.       28 October 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episodes 12 & 13 Ratings for Australia The ratings for Spartacus on Aussie TV are in for Episode 12 (Revelations) and 13 (Kill Them All) have been released. With these two episodes going back to back, the season has come to an end and we wait for the prequel to be shown sometime in 2011. The episodes were seen by 185,000 viewers. 27 October 2010 Episodes 12 and 13 Spartacus: Blood and Sand GO! 185,000 20 October 2010 Episode 11 Spartacus: Blood and Sand GO! 164,000 13 October 2010 Episode 10 Spartacus: Blood and Sand GO! 205,000 06 October 2010 Episode 9 Spartacus: Blood And Sand GO! 205,000 29 September 2010 Episode 8 Spartacus: Blood And Sand GO! 196,000 22 September 2010 Episdoe 7 Spartacus: Blood And Sand GO! 196,000 15 September 2010 Episode 6 Spartacus: Blood And Sand GO! 161,000 08 September 2010 Episode 5 Spartacus: Blood And Sand GO! 197,000 01 September 2010 Episode 4 Spartacus: Blood And Sand GO!: 204,000 25 August Episode 3 Spartacus: Blood And Sand GO! 198,000 18 August Episodes 1 and 2   Spartacus: Blood And Sand GO! 223,000     28 October 2010 Spartacus To Air in Germany 15 December 2010 Spartacus:Blood and Sand Premieres in Germany 15 december - article. Thanks to Adi who sent me the link to the German article plus a translation. Quote: Neue "Spartacus"-Serie wird nur im Pay-TV gezeigt Das aufwändige Historien-Drama "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" kommt noch in diesem Jahr ins deutsche Fernsehen. Die Serie wird allerdings nur im Pay-TV zu sehen sein. RTL Crime zeigt die erste Staffel, die dem US-Kabelsender Starz seine bislang höchsten Einschaltquoten bei einer fiktionalen Produktion beschert hat, ab dem 15. Dezember. Die 13 Episoden werden jeweils mittwochs um 20.15 Uhr ausgestrahlt. In einer Pressemitteilung begründet die RTL-Gruppe ihren Verzicht auf eine Free-TV-Ausstrahlung: "Die zum Teil explizite Mischung aus Gewalt- und Sexszenen, eingebettet in eine Handlung, die eine Adaption der legendären Geschichte von Spartacus darstellt, war in dieser Mischung noch nie im Fernsehen zu sehen und machen 'Spartacus - Blood and Sand' zu einem Format, das bewusst für den Pay-TV-Markt konzipiert ist". Die Serie von Steven S. Knight setzt auf viele Action-Sequenzen und Special Effects. In den Hauptrollen sind Andy Whitfield als Spartacus, Lucy Lawless als Lucretia und John Hannah als Batiatus besetzt. Im Anschluss an die TV-Premiere am 15.12. zeigt RTL Crime die Dokumentation "Auf Leben und Tod - Kampf der Gladiatoren". * Rough translation New Spartacus Series will air only on pay TV The extravagant series Spartacus: Blood and Sand comes this year to German TV. The series will however be broadcast on Pay TV exclusively. Season 1 that brought for Starz the highest viewer's rates it ever got in fiction genre will be broadcast on RTL Crime starting 15 December 2010. The 13 episodes will air Wednesday evenings at 20:15. In its press release the RTL Group gave its reasons for not broadcasting the show on a non pay channel. "The in part explicit mix of violence and sex scenes embedded in a plot that represents an adaptation of the story of the legendary Spartacus is something that has never been seen in television and is a format that was deliberately designed for the pay TV market." The Steven S DeKnight series has a base of multiple action sequences and special effects. Andy Whitfield as Spartacus Lucy Lawless as Lucretia and John Hannah as Batiatus are in the main roles. Premiere day December 15, 2010. RTL Crime will broadcast a documentary called: "On Life and Death-the Fight of the Gladiators". < Here is the link: http://www.wunschliste.de/tvnews/9685     28 October 2010 New Lucretia Artwork by Klippart - It Is A Scandal Is It Not Added a gorgeous new art piece from Klippart based on a quote from Lucretia "It is a scandal is it not" Click here to view You can also view Klippart's Spartacus artwork on her AUSXIP Spartacus Art Gallery     27 October 2010 Lesley-Ann Photo From Spartacus: GotA Set This gorgeous photo of Lesley-Ann landed in my inbox today from Lesley-Ann. She's on the Spartacus set today: "getting ready to go block a scene!" Click on the thumbnail for the larger photo!     27 October 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Finale on TONIGHT On Aussie TV Tonight is the season finale on GO! I posted the news about the back to back episodes on 20 October which will end Season 1 in Australia. Tune in tonight for Revelations and Kill Them All! Spartacus is coming to an end in Australia with the final two episodes being shown back to back next Wednesday night (27 October 2010 at 9:30 pm) on GO! For those of you following the edited series on GO! and if you haven't seen Episode 13 "Kill Them All" may I suggest you buy / rent / borrow the DVD or Blu-Ray and see Kill Them All in all it's glory. You won't see the sheer genius of this episode in an edited format. It's just not possible. Episode 9 suffered greatly from being edited so much (I won't even go into the scene with Ilithyia going mental on Licinia that was heavily edited losing 100% of it's impact). If they edit out the shield tap and jump it would be absolutely unbelievable. That shield tap and jump has to be one of the most beautifully choreographed stunts I've seen on TV. Just brilliant. Let's hope Aussie get to see it. Tune into Revelation and Kill Them All next Wednesday. I'll be reviewing the edited version of Kill Them All.     26 October 2010 Batiatus for Senator Gold Label Merchandise Imagine Batiatus as Senator? Oh dear gods and goddesses...what a blood bath that would be! Starz sent out the following note: Vote early and often. This November, support Batiatus for Senator! http://fb.me/sJJF7XYR Check out all the cool official merchandise.     25 October 2010 Spartacus Comic Strip "Naevia's Wisdom" by Olansamuelle This week's comic strip by Olansamuelle is my favourite couple - Naevia and Crixus! I love this comic strip - this one made me laugh out loud. "Naevia's Wisdom" (although Crixus had a point there" Click here to view You can view Olansamuelle's other comic strip in her AUSXIP Spartacus Gallery     25 October 2010 Gods of the Arena Image Gallery Update Updated the Spartacus: Gods of the Arena image galleries with Gannicus, Lucretia and Batiatus promo images. View Galleries     23 October 2010 Starz's MIPCOM catalogue - Spartacus Images The following pdf showcases all of Starz' shows/movies. Included is Spartacus: B&S and GotA. There is one new image of Gannicus we haven't seen before in the GotA presentation. In the Blood and Sand presentation there is one Lucretia and Batiatus promo image I haven't seen before.             You can download the pdf (26 mb) News submitted by Barbara Davies     22 October 2010 This is Spartacus - Andy Tribute Video This is such a beautiful music video dedicated to Andy Whitfield. Created by Sparta64.     21 October 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episode 11 Ratings in Australia The ratings for Spartacus on Aussie TV are in for Episode 11  "Old Wounds". Old Wounds has not been received well at all. The ratings from Episode 10 to 11 dropped from 205,000 to 164,000! It hasn't been this low since Episode 6 (161,000).  Next week we have back to back episodes 12 and 13. 20 October 2010 Episode 11 Spartacus: Blood and Sand Go! 164,000 13 October 2010 Episode 10 Spartacus: Blood and Sand Go! 205,000 06 October 2010 Episode 9 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 205,000 29 September 2010 Episode 8 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 196,000 22 September 2010 Episdoe 7 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 196,000 15 September 2010 Episode 6 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 161,000 08 September 2010 Episode 5 GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers: 197,000 01 September 2010 Episode 4 GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers: 204,000 25 August Episode 3 Ch: GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers: 198,000 18 August Episodes 1 and 2 Ch: GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers 223,000     20 October 2010 Spartacus Comic Strip by Olansamuelle - The Gods Came To Me Last Night We have a new comic strip for the week by Olansamuelle - focused on the scene between Sura and Spartacus in Episode 1: The Red Serpent - before Spartacus goes to war "The Gods Came To Me Last Night" Click here to view     20 October 2010 New Artist Added to Spartacus Art Gallery + Artwork I'm very pleased to announce the addition of Saul Trabal to the Spartacus artwork gallery. Saul is a well known Xena fan who has now branched out to Spartacus artwork. Saul's art includes: - Andy Whitfield - Peter Mensah - Lucy Lawless Click here to view his Spartacus related artwork Click here to view his Xena / Lucy artwork     20 October 2010 Spartacus Episodes 12 & 13 On Aussie TV 27 Oct 2010 Spartacus is coming to an end in Australia with the final two episodes being shown back to back next Wednesday night (27 October 2010 at 9:30 pm) on GO! For those of you following the edited series on GO! and if you haven't seen Episode 13 "Kill Them All" may I suggest you buy / rent / borrow the DVD or Blu-Ray and see Kill Them All in all it's glory. You won't see the sheer genius of this episode in an edited format. It's just not possible. Episode 9 suffered greatly from being edited so much (I won't even go into the scene with Ilithyia going mental on Licinia that was heavily edited losing 100% of it's impact). If they edit out the shield tap and jump it would be absolutely unbelievable. That shield tap and jump has to be one of the most beautifully choreographed stunts I've seen on TV. Just brilliant. Let's hope Aussie get to see it. Tune into Revelation and Kill Them All next Wednesday. I'll be reviewing the edited version of Kill Them All.     20 October 2010 Spartacus Episode 11 Magazine Scan - TV Week Magazine Australian TV Week Magazine highlights this week's episode on Aussie TV - Old Wounds TV Week 16-22 October 2010 TVHighlights for 21 October 2010 Click on the thumbnail for the larger scan Click here to view episode stills / video / credits     20 October 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episode 11 Tonight On Aussie TV GO! Spartacus Season 1 Episode 11 on Aussie TV GO! tonight. Old Wounds Spartacus struggles with a fellow gladiator's death. The Magistrate is declared missing as Batiatus and Numerius begin the search for him Credits | Official Page | Episode Stills | Episode Promos #1 #2 #3 #4 | Episode Review by MaryD     19 October 2010 New Cast Page - Nick Tarabay - Ashur Added a new cast page to AUSXIP Spartacus for Nick Tarabay who plays Ashur. The page will contain Spartacus and non Spartacus related news and multimedia about Nick. Click here to view Other AUSXIP subsites are: - Lucy Lawless - Rob Tapert - Andy Whitfield - Erin Cummings - Lesley-Ann Brandt - Katrina Law (fan site merged with Official Site) - Peter Mensah - Viva Bianca Coming Soon - Manu Bennett - John Hannah - Craig Parker     17 October 2010 New Artist and Artwork by Romanse I am very pleased to welcome Romanse to the Spartacus Art Gallery: Name of Piece: I Am Spartacus Medium: Carbon pencil   Check out all three pieces in the series     16 October 2010 Lucy Blogs About Younger Lucretia in Gods of the Arena Lucy has posted a new message on her site about working on Gods of the Arena. In part she says: The prequel, Gods of the Arena, is nearly at an end. It has been a rare pleasure to visit our characters as they were before the rot set in. You get to see them when they were full of hope and potential. You get to see the forces which shape their characters and the poor choices which eventually shut down their options in life. Read the full blog post     15 October 2010 Manu Bennett As Sinbad - Photos! American World Pictures (the producers of Manu's movie Sinbad and the Minotaur) have released four images on their facebook page. Manu does look great! Click here to view the images Teaser: A bold re-imagining of the beloved folk hero Sinbad. Synopsis: In this lavish period fantasy, Sinbad the Sailor and his shipmates confront the vicious Minotaur of Greek mythology within a sprawling labyrinth beneath the fabled isle of View Credits for the movie Related News - Manu Bennett To Star as Sinbad in New Movie     15 October 2010 Wentworth Miller Eyeing Spartacus? Yes, No, Maybe? Ausiello has this article that suggests that Wentworth Miller (have no clue who this guy is as I didn't watch Prison Break) has expressed the desire to be Spartacus. Hmmm. A comment or two on this idea: Cute face but too young for Sparty? After I have been advised look at more pics other than the one Ausiello used (see left), I let google be my friend..hmm. Still too young looking and pretty. The role needs a manly man look (and a little prettiness). Andy is roughly the same age as Wentworth but there is a roughness / manly look about Andy which I really like. It's not just looks that will determine the next Sparty...it's also his talent. Since I haven't seen any of Wentworth's work; can't really comment on that particular criteria. I've read he is pretty good. It's going to take one hell of an actor to fill this role. Is it Wentworth? I guess we will find out in the months ahead. I'm quite sure no actor will be good enough for fans but someone has to and they will. The search continues     15 October 2010 Manu Bennett To Star as Sinbad in New Movie Manu is going to be a new movie called Sinbad and the Minotaur. "Sinbad" will first screen at the American Film Market next month and will be shown on Syfy in 2011. Production took place in February and March at locations around Brisbane and the Gold Coast (in Australia) and at producers Limelight International’s 1000sqm studio at Loganholme. Teaser: A bold re-imagining of the beloved folk hero Sinbad. Synopsis: In this lavish period fantasy, Sinbad the Sailor and his shipmates confront the vicious Minotaur of Greek mythology within a sprawling labyrinth beneath the fabled isle of View Credits for the movie     14 October 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episode 10 Ratings on Aussie TV The ratings for Spartacus on Aussie TV are in for Episode 10 "Party Favors". Party Favors ratings have remained the same as Episode 9 despite the Commonwealth Games coverage from India. 13 October 2010 Episode 10 Spartacus: Blood and Sand Go! 205,000 06 October 2010 Episode 9 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 205,000 29 September 2010 Episode 8 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 196,000 22 September 2010 Episdoe 7 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 196,000 15 September 2010 Episode 6 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 161,000 08 September 2010 Episode 5 GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers: 197,000 01 September 2010 Episode 4 GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers: 204,000 25 August Episode 3 Ch: GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers: 198,000 18 August Episodes 1 and 2 Ch: GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers 223,000     13 October 2010 Cream Magazine Interviews Ande Cunningham Gore and Phwoar! Interview with 'Spartacus' actor Ande Cunningham - Cream Magazine 10 July 2010 I have the sudden and peculiar urge to quote Norman Mailer, trendsetter in the genre of new journalism and purveyor of innovative nonfiction - "Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you can gain it by winning small battles with honor". Profound words, yes, and surely we can all assume that Mailer intends this to be understood in a purely metaphysical sense, but today, if you switch on the television and watch 'Spartacus: Blood And Sand', masculinity takes on a brand new meaning. As the TV series title reads, there is blood and lots of it. Invoking the contemporary filmic style of graphic novel special effects, the vehemently popular series filmed in Auckland, New Zealand, offers blood, guts, gore, sex and violence with a relative and historically accurate twist. The cast features familiar faces such as esteemed actor John Hannah and warrior veteran Lucy Lawless as well as faces that you may not be all too familiar with, but soon will. Sydney-based NIDA graduate Ande Cunningham plays Duro, a German gladiator who serves Batiatus (played by Hannah) and who forms a strong alliance with Spartacus. It was a role that Cunningham felt required a bit of convincing to confidently play. Read More News submitted by Barbara Davies     13 October 2010 Official Spartacus Casting Site Now Online If you would like to audition for the role of Spartacus you have until 31 October 2010 to submit your application. Read below and follow the directions: SPARTACUS CASTING Starz Entertainment is casting for the role of “Spartacus”. Follow the instructions below to submit your audition. Please read all instructions carefully before submitting. SPARTACUS CASTING BREAKDOWN SPARTACUS In his mid to late 30’s, tall and muscular, leader of men, smart, intense, passionate. Having successfully led the revolt against the house of Batiatus, he now turns his vengeance against the Roman soldier who enslaved him.... MUST HAVE AUTHENTIC BRITISH ACCENT. SPARTACUS SERIES MAY CONTAIN SEXUAL SITUATIONS. TALENT MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH BACKSIDE NUDITY. NO FULL FRONTAL. STORY LINE: The second season of the breakout hit “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” continues as Spartacus and his men plot to seek revenge against Rome. AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS 1. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. 2. State your name and height. 3. Start with a wide shot so that we can see your entire physique. Move to a close up, and then back away to an above waist shot. We must be able to see your chest. So please audition without a shirt. 4. Submission materials should not: (1) contain nudity or sexually explicit content; or (2) deviate in any way from the audition scene provided. 5. As stated in the breakdown, you must have an authentic British accent. Scene should be performed in that accent. 6. Please submit no more than (2) takes of your audition. 7. EMAIL A LINK TO YOUR AUDITION TO: spartacuscasting@yahoo.com EQUITY ACTORS ONLY - Any Equity actor auditioning for Spartacus, please email your audition link to: spartacuscastingequity@yahoo.com 8. DO NOT submit your audition as an attachment. 9. In your email, please include your full name, address and phone number where you may be contacted. 10. Submissions from applicants that do not comply with requirements contained in this document may be disqualified. 11. After submitting your audition please DO NOT follow up with another email. We will contact you if interested. 12. Applicants may be asked to provide additional information and to complete and sign documents in order to be considered to participate in the series. 13. Applicant acknowledges that Starz Entertainment, LLC is under no obligation to contact you based on our receipt of your information or otherwise. 14.Deadline for submissions is October 31st, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. ET. © 2010 Starz Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved. DOWNLOAD THE SCENE Download the audition scene here. | Official casting site news submitted by Barbara Davies     12 October 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episode 10 Party Favors On Aussie TV GO! Spartacus Season 1 Episode 10 Party Favors on Aussie TV on GO! The episode that gutted every Sparty fan and set in motion the destruction of the House of Batiatus. Lots of people have died on this show; the body count is way way way high but the one gladiator that was universally loved was Varro. This episode (brilliantly written by Brent Fletcher and Miranda Kwok) tears the heart out of the fans and of Spartacus; having lost his wife, loses his best friend in the most shocking way. Absolutely brilliant episode. Read My Review Party Favors The celebration of Numerius' 15th birthday brings about unexpected consequences as he is given liberty to control gladiators as if they were his own Credits | Official Page | Episode Stills | Video Promos: ? #1 #2 #3 |     12 October 2010 Spartacus Trivia with Erin Cummings - Win Some Goodies! Watch the video and answer the questions for a chance to win the Spartacus Season 1 DVD or Blu-Ray! Click on the image to start!     12 October 2010 Spectacular Spartacus Shield Jump Caption Contest One of the fans all time favourite scenes - the Spartacus shield jump and now here's your chance to add a caption to this fantastic visual and win some goodies! ENTER YOUR CAPTION HERE     12 October 2010 2011 Comic Con Memberships On Sale November 2010 As we have seen the last two comic-cons which had Spartacus panels (2009 and 2010) the conventions have been sold out months in advance and there were lots of disappointed fans. Here's some news for those wishing to pay in advance for the 2011 Comic Con and make sure you are there to see the Sparty cast in action. We know that Spartacus Gods of the Arena will air in January and that Spartacus Vengeance (Season 2) will be shown in September (that date may change due to the recasting or it may stay the same). Either way there it's safe to say that Spartacus will have a Comic Con presence. Since we're pretty sure they will, wouldn't it be wise to buy your tickets NOW and make sure you are there? Here is the info from the Comic Con organisers Memberships for Comic-Con 2011 will be available for online sales only at 9AM Pacific Time on Monday, November 1st, 2010. Pricing for Memberships is now available on our registration page. 4-Day Memberships including Preview Night were sold out onsite at our 2010 show. The only 4-Day Memberships available for purchase will NOT include Preview Night. Single Day Memberships will also be available for purchase when we go live. Remember, supplies are limited, and we will not be selling any memberships onsite. Get more information on our site. Read more on Official site     12 October 2010 New Lucy Message on Official Lucy Lawless Site Lucy has posted a new message on her official site about the Feel The Love week, the Starship Spring Clean,working on Spartacus and about Andy's replacement. Click here to read the latest post     11 October 2010 Coming Soon - Spartacus Trading Cards by Rittenhouse Archives Rittenhouse will be producing Spartacus Trading Cards! Harris Toser from card magazine "Non Sport Update" just tweeted the following: HarrisToser Eureka and Spartacus too!! RT @sidekicklab Rittenhouse trading cards just announced they will produce NCIS TV show cards! #NCIS #PNSUSHOW 21 minutes ago via Twitterrific Harris also announced this on the NSU-Forum Just in case anyone missed it on the Ustream broadcast today, Rittenhouse Archives' Steve Charendoff announced 5 new licenses today at the NSU Card Talk member gathering: - NCIS - Caprica - Eureka - Spartacus - Merlin Some of these will come out in their new factory set format and may later come in traditional box/pack format. -- News submitted by Andrea     9 October 2010 EW First Look at Spartacus: Gods of the Arena - Scan EW Magazine 15 October 2010 has a look at Spartacus: Gods of the Arena with a promo pic of Batiatus (John Hannah) and Gannicus (Dustin Clare). Scanned by Roger - click on the thumbnail for the larger scan For more promo images visit the AUSXIP Spartacus: Gods of the Arena promo images     9 October 2010 Spartacus Actor Faces Struggle As Does Series - EW 01 October 2010 EW Magazine has the bad news about Andy's cancer. Scanned by Roger Spartacus actor faces struggle as does series EW Magazine 01 October 2010 Click on the thumbnail for the larger scan     8 October 2010 Spartacus Prequel Still Casting - Apply Now This casting notice for Spartacus: Gods of the Arena had me laughing out loud. It's not the casting but that the casting agents are also looking for bodies for the US Disney Series Power Rangers - it's just the two in the same notice had me laughing...either that or I'm really glad it's Friday and an end to a very long week <g> US TV series, NZ Films and TV Commericals. Listing #: 323208128 Company: KAM Models and Talent Location: Auckland City, Auckland Type: Part time, Contract/T­emp Pay and benefits: $15 hr to $500 per hr Listed: Fri, 08 Oct Your reference #: Actor/mode­l/extras We are currently casting for Spartacus prequel which is filming NOW. We are urgently looking for people for Arena Crowds, Slaves, Guards, Roman Dignitaries... African, European, Latino and Middle Eastern males and females, aged from 18-70 years - character faces, all shapes and sizes are urgently required... We are also looking for background extras for: US Disney Series Power Rangers Go Girls Season 3 The Almighty Johnsons' (Outrageous Fortune) The Missing Beyond the Darklands If you have reliable transport and good availability and would like to work in the TV and Film industry. We would like to hear from you!!!!!! Interested? Please contact us now: kim@kamtalent.com or join online www.kamtalent.com Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit. -- News submitted by Barbara Davies     8 October 2010 Spartacus Characters Dubbed in Spanish Here's an interesting look at the Spartacus Characters dubbed in Spanish. Olansamuelle has uploaded the video for us to enjoy! Just a set of scenes in their original version and the Spanish dub. All clips from episodes 1, 5 and 12. The english version first and then the Spanish     8 October 2010 Official French Spartacus Site Spartacus premiered on French TV October 3, 2010. Here is the link to the series' page: updates, schedule, actors' pages, vids etc images from the series. No naked images. Click here to view News submitted by Adi     7 October 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episode 9 Ratings on Aussie TV The ratings for Spartacus on Aussie TV are in for Episode 9 "Whore". I was a little apprehensive about the ratings for this episode because Sparty was going up against the Commonwealth Games telecast from India. I'm pleasantly surprised to the ratings increase modestly from 196,000 to 205,000. That's a pretty good outcome. 06 October 2010 Episode 9 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 205,000 29 September 2010 Episode 8 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 196,000 22 September 2010 Episdoe 7 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 196,000 15 September 2010 Episode 6 Spartacus: Blood And Sand Go! 161,000 08 September 2010 Episode 5 GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers: 197,000 01 September 2010 Episode 4 GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers: 204,000 25 August Episode 3 Ch: GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers: 198,000 18 August Episodes 1 and 2 Ch: GO! SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Total Viewers 223,000     7 October 2010 New Artwork by Olansamuelle - Lucretia and Ilithyia In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), Cris has created a new artwork with Lucretia and Ilithyia. Very funny (and a good reminder to everyone). click here to view You can view more of Cris' Spartacus comic stip by going to her AUSXIP Spartacus Gallery     7 October 2010 Spartacus: Season 1 Episode 9 Edited Review Spartacus Season 1 Episode 9 Edited Version Review by MaryD Edited or not this episode is just delicious. Absolutely delicious although the editing does let it down; this time it doesn't distract from the message. First major edit was Katrina's debut. We see her very brief; close up shot and then nada. That long extended slaves chat Lucretia and Licinia have as they are walking back from inspecting the mask of Diana; gone. Before I got too annoyed (yet again) at the silly editing; the scene between Ilithia and Lucretia reminded me again why I love this show; those two are just absolutely incredible together. The scene between Batiatus and Lucretia where Lucretia is telling him she will control Ilithyia - I simply adore the bit where Lucretia says "he is always difficult" about Spartacus. That cracks me up. Lucy's delivery is just cute. Sparty / Mira scene where Mira goes to Sparty to refresh his skills; Mira in semi darkness and close up, emphasis on Spartacus rather than Mira MAJOR edit in the Lucretia bath scene; as expected you don't see anything, close ups and rude naughty words replaced. MAJOR MAJOR edit with Lucretia and Crixus doing the naughty...lots of closeups The power play between Lucretia and Ilithyia are just FASCINATING. Those two are just absolutely incredible together (I know I'm preaching to the choir here but watching Lucy and Viva is just magic. Beautiful chemistry between two very gifted actors is a real joy to behold). and here comes TNT Lucretia - ooh I love this scene and Lucy is full flight! Woohoo! LOVE LOVE LOVE this scene. The look on Lucretia's face when Batiatus tells her to give Crixus is just PRICELESS. You do not want to be on the other end of that glare as Ilithyia found out :) LOVE LOVE LOVE this scene. Sparty getting ready for his date with Licinia; all the slaves are wearing clothes and the whole scene of slaves welcoming Sparty...gone. It it's place is a scene with Lucretia and Naevia. I have to say that green dress on Lucretia is gorgeous <g> I have to mention my favourite couple: Crixus & Naevia scene where Naevia reads the riot act to Crixus is just wonderful. Love this scene. Crixus is such a man :) Some editing here. The Sparty prep scene; extreme closeups, naked backs, very closeup shots; beautiful music. The Licinia/Ilithyia/Sparty scene - I have to say this is just so beautifully shot that I'll forgive the editing here for a moment. It's gorgeous and Michael Hurst is my favourite director. The man is a beautiful director not to mention his brilliant acting. Major edit to this scene; no Sparty naked (he's modestly half hidden by a drape...how cute) although they did include the sex scene between Sparty and Ilithyia (a bit difficult to edit that out with the next scene after it) Wow major MAJOR MAJOR edit to the Ilithyia bashing Licinia's brains in. Wow. It loses so much impact. That's it. That's all you see. Wow That seriously takes the impact away. Just wow. No closeups, nothing. The screencapture is what you see after Ilythia goes bonkers and grabs for Licinia. In the end this is not as stong as the original; it loses it's impact; it doesn't dazzle but it doesn't fizz out. No spark but there are moments of greatness. The original scored 9.5/10 This edited version is 8/10 and the strongest edited episode so far in the series.     5 October 2010 Spartacus Season 1 Episode 9 Whore On GO! - Preview + Multimedia The most anticipated episode of Season 1 so far for me on Aussie TV. Whore was such an incredible episode. I'm somewhat dreading and anticipating what the editors are going to do to this standout episode. Whore Batiatus breaks the news that Spartacus is to service the richest woman in Rome and agrees to perform whatever duties necessary. Credits | Official Page | Promo Pics | Katrina Law makes her Spartacus debut, Ilithyia gets a nasty look at Lucretia's power and poor Licinia...well more things gets splattered on that floor than should be splattered <g> I'm going to be guess that this particular scene is going to end up on the editing room floor rather than on our screens. Whore Preview by MaryD Special note to Xena fans: Michael Hurst directed this episode and it is just SPECTACULAR. Wowie. Um. Let's hope I can write something that won't break the spoiler rule. Okay I'll comment on matters already revealed in the logline. Wow. Batatius and Lucretia now run a brothel with a twist! Talk about surprising. I guess having the Champion of Capua and lots of coin isn't enough for them. The women of Rome want more than just to gaze upon the Gladatiors... Crixus and Naevia continue their secret love affair...one of these days they will get caught...it's just a matter of time. I fear for young Naevia when her Domina finds out...its going to be Mount Lucretia that will explode and it won't be pretty especially considering what happened in this episode between the two BFFs...you do NOT want to cross the Domina... Again the interaction between the two BFFs is on show...I never know what to make of Ilithyia - she finds herself in some very deep hot water...and there is a SPECTACULAR Lucretia eruption that is just amazing to watch. Lucy does mad, bad and absolutely twisted so well! Lucy in full flight is a joy to watch, had to rewind it several times to just savour it because it is fantastic. I've been waiting for this volcanic eruption for a while now. The ending once again surprising me! The last few frames of this episode are truly SCARY. I have no words to describe the look on Lucretia's face without giving away a major spoiler. I thought Batiatus was ruthless...his wife certainly matched him here and I thinks surpassed him. Those two are just perfect for each other. Memo to Ilithyia...DO NOT MESS WITH LUCRETIA and for those hoping to see Xena in this show...me thinks Bad Xena showed up and was in full flight. BAD BAD MAD Xena...REALLY bad Xena. So BAD it's absolutely awesome to watch Lucy transform. We also see the introduction of a new character, a new slave - Mira played by Katrina Law. When I initially saw the screener I thought 'wow the actress makes quite an impression. She could have easily been overshadowed by Lucy, Viva and Brooke in this fantastic episode but Katrina held her own in this absolutely fantastic episode. That takes quite a presence to be able to pull that off. Rating: 9/10 (first viewing) 9.5/10 (second viewing - it's just too delicious for words)     5 October 2010 More Spartacus Promo Posters at MIPCOM Looks like Starz has gone all out to promote Spartacus: GotA at MIPCOM Here's some more pics Caption: Like I said... "Spartacus" took over Palais de Festival Click here to view larger image   Looks like wall to wall Sparty. Caption: "Spartacus" everywhere! Click here to view larger image You can see more pics of Spartacus at 2010 MIPCOM + Promo Photos News submittted by Barbara Davies     5 October 2010 Spartacus Role Casting Call CASTING NOTICE: SPARTACUS (SERIES REGULAR ROLE) Posted by Edgemar Center on October 4th, 2010 [ SPARTACUS ] In his mid to late 30s, tall and muscular, leader of men, smart, intense, passionate. Having successfully led the revolt against the house of Batiatus, he now turns his vengeance against the Roman soldier who enslaved him… LEAD. WILL BE SIGNED TO A 3 YEAR OVERALL OPTION. MUST HAVE AUTHENTIC BRITISH ACCENT. SEXUAL SITUATIONS. TALENT MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH BACKSIDE NUDITY. NO FULL FRONTAL. STORY LINE: The second season of the breakout hit “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” continues as Spartacus and his men plot to seek revenge against Rome… To submit directly please visit www.actorsaccess.com Source News submitted by Barbara Davies     5 October 2010 It's Official - Spartacus To Be Recast! The following is from Michael Ausiello about Andy's replacement (no one can replace Andy IMO as Spartacus and the new Sparty is going to have alot to live up to). This is a follow up to what Starz CEO "If a casting change doesn't pan out, Albrecht said Starz would look at using another project from its development pipeline in late 2011") For now Starz is looking for a new Spartacus. This is good news but also bad news because Andy won't be our Spartacus. That this was inevitable doesn’t make it any less sad: Starz has officially started looking for an actor to replace Andy Whitfield on Spartacus. According to the just-released casting notice, producers are searching for a Caucasian male in his mid to late 30s to play the “smart, intense, passionate” title role. Interested parties must have an authentic British accent and be prepared to sign a three-year contract. Whitfield was forced to bow out of the show’s second season after doctors advised him to resume “aggressive treatment” for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Last week, exec producer Steven S. DeKnight told me that the the production would either “close up shop or recast.” It looks like they’re moving forward with the latter. My two cents: No one can replace Andy Whitfield. But the person who probably comes closest is Grant Bowler.         Source     5 October 2010 Spartacus at 2010 MIPCOM + Promo Photo Spartacus is off to the annual MIPCOM. MIPCOM is the world's leading content market for creating, co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing entertainment across all platforms. Starz is out to sell their shows like Spartacus, Camelot etc. This photo was posted on twitter by Todfilm on 4 October 2010. Click here to view larger image This photo was posted on Getty Images with the following caption: People visit the 26th edition Mipcom on the event's opening day, on October 4, 2010 in Cannes, southern France. Thousands of TV content buyers are due to attend this year's international audiovisual entertainment trade show. AFP PHOTO VALERY HACHE (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images) Starz has also sent out the following press release: STARZ INTRODUCES NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE THE MIPCOM EXPERIENCE Microsoft Tag Embedded in MIPCOM Ads and Other Media Deliver An Enhanced Viewing Experience for 'Spartacus' Buyers Cannes, France - October 4, 2010 - With the pace of innovation and the appetite for more options on the rise in the media business, Starz Media, LLC continues to be a technology leader, introducing print media enhanced with Microsoft Tags that give users exclusive access to never-before-seen clips and information relating to the upcoming Starz Originals prequel series, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," Starz Media EVP Worldwide Distribution Gene George announced today. Starz Media will be utilizing the technology throughout MIPCOM. Click here to download press release News submitted by Barbara Davies     3 October 2010 French Lucy Interview - Translated Yesterday I posted a link to a Lucy interview conducted in French by 20Minutes.fr. Lucy was interviewed for this interview during the 50th Monte-Carlo TV Festival which was held on 9-10 June 2010.. Irena has translated the article into English and you can read it below Interview translated by Irena from 20Minutes.fr sourced interview Lucy Lawless, unforgettable heroine of "Xena the Warrior Princess" is taking up mythology again in a new series, "Spartacus Blood and Sand" (With) red hair, flaming clothing, and a red-hot temperament, Lucy Lawless plays Lucretia in "Spartacus Blood and Sand" in an "Orange (network)" movie series starting next Oct. 3rd. With her husband, Batiatius, she owns the gladiator slave who will (at one point) revolt in ancient Rome. Read More (pdf)     2 October 2010 Steven DeKnight - Will Starz Replace Andy or Cancel Spartacus The following posts are from Steven on his official facebook page regarding casting for Season 2 and whether Starz will replace Andy or cancel (a very hard decision either way) Asked: NYPD Blue replaced David Caruso after the first season and stayed around along time. Never thought it would work but it did. It can work for Spartacus as well. Steven S. DeKnight : Slight difference there. Jimmy Smits did not take over the role of John Kelly. He came in as Bobby Simone, a completely different character. But who knows? If we find someone we believe in, we'll give it a try. If not, we had a great season and a prequel. Asked about Who are some good known actors that would play spartacus almost as good as andy? I can see jason statham play spartacus who would u guys see playing spartacus? Steven S. DeKnight I suspect someone I have never seen before. Just like Andy! -- Steven S. DeKnight I can't get into the details, but it boils down to recast or cancel. Will explain further when I am able. It's a very difficult choice, but one that needs to be made. Wednesday at 9:52am · Like     2 October 2010 Official Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Site Now Up The Official Starz Spartacus: GotA site is now up and press page. No promo images have been posted yet but it's there! Click here to view The House of Batiatus has towered above the city of Capua for many years. “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” explores its deadly history before the arrival of Spartacus, and the death he carried with him. It’s a time of transition as Quintus Lentulus Batiatus takes the reins of his father’s stable of gladiators, with ambitions to elevate the house beyond all former glories. With his beautiful, scheming wife Lucretia at his side, he will stop at nothing to see his name forever carved into history. Batiatus stakes his fortunes on the roguish gladiator Gannicus, a man whose skill with a sword is surpassed only by his appetite to live every day as if it were his last. But there are those who would see Batiatus and his champion destroyed. Loyalties are tested, lives shattered, and battles waged in this thrilling prequel to “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.”     2 October 2010 French Lucy Interview 20Minutes.FR 30 September 2010 Lucy was interviewed for this interview during the 50th Monte-Carlo TV Festival which was held on 9-10 June 2010. The interview is in French. If you don't speak French (Like me) you can use Babel Fish to try and interpret the interview (Babel Fish is a hit or miss affair). If you speak French and would like to translate this interview for AUSXIP, please email me 20Minutes.fr - 30 September 2010 “Violence and the sex are accepted much better in a representation of last” INTERVIEW - Lucy Lawless, heroin unforgettable of “Xena the warlike one” joins again with mythology in a new series, “Spartacus blood and sand”… Red hair, clothes burning and temperament heated with sharp, Lucy Lawless interpret Lucrétia in “Spartacus Blood and Sand”, on Orange cinema series, as of next on October 3. With her husband, Batiatus, it has the slave gladiator who will revolt in Rome Antique. 20 minutes met it with the TV-Festival of Monte Carlo. Interview. Read More Original French | Babel Fish English Translation News submitted by Barbara Davies     2 October 2010 Starz CEO Says Spartacus May Go Off Air... Hollywood Reporter - 1 October 2010 Starz CEO: 'Spartacus' may go off air Andy Whitfield's cancer battle has put series in jeopardy NEW YORK -- Starz is still considering "all options" for the future of "Spartacus" and expects to have an update in the coming weeks, Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht said here Friday. With star Andy Whitfield out of commission as he battles cancer, Albrecht told the annual investor day of parent Liberty Media here that "hopefully" a new season of "Spartacus" will come to Starz subscribers next year after a planned prequel to the show. "If not, we'll have something else in the fourth quarter" of 2011, Albrecht said without providing additional details about alternative options. "Spartacus" has been "a great story for Starz," but not the only big play in original programming, Albrecht said, citing such 2011 original programming as "Camelot" and "Torchwood." Asked later by The Hollywood Reporter about the "Spartacus" options, Albrecht said casting folks will look at possible replacements - good actors who are young and look the part - for Whitfield and pointed to Australian actor Dustin Clare, who plays the lead in the prequel, as an example of how talent can come from unexpected places. If a casting change doesn't pan out, Albrecht said Starz would look at using another project from its development pipeline in late 2011. Source     1 October 2010 New Artist Olansamuelle + Spartacus Comic Strip in Art Gallery I received some pretty cool fanart in the form of a Spartacus Comic Strip by Olansamuelle (Cris) and have added them to the Spartacus Art Gallery. I found them quite good! You can find her work in the Spartacus Art Gallery here Fandom: Spartacus: blood and sand Spoilers: Yes. All panels are set after “Kill them all” Credit: LiveJournal users xenokattz (brought back my inspiration to resume doing these thingies) and staringiscaring (shared musings and thoughts about the show are the foundations of the madness). Disclaimer: not mine, none mine. Notes: They can be read/watch in any order; Varro, however, is looking down at what’s going on in the Pits. #1 Title: “The Outskirts of Capua” Rated T for language Characters: Crixus, Spartacus Click here to view larger scan   #2 Title: “The girls in the pits” Rated M for language and raised masculine members on female bodies. Characters: Glaber, the girl from the Pits, Doctore, Naevia (general season version and last scene in Revelations version), Mira, Aurelia, Ashur, Ilithyia, Lucretia and borrowed costumes and lines from XWP. Click here to view larger scan #3 Title: “In the Afterlife” Rated T for language (and raised middle fingers). Characters: Sura, Varro, Barca, Pietros, a flock of doves, Batiatus, Jupiter and his *bleep*, Segovax, the Calavius family (Numerius, Titus and wife) and Solonius. Also, plagiarism from Michelangelo and one “Life of Brian” borrowed line. Click here to view larger scan   #4 Title: “From Limbo” Rated T for language. Characters: Agron, Durro, Licinia and Theokoles (sort of).     View larger scan     1 October 2010 Spartacus Trivia Question #2 - Win Spartacus DVD or BluRay! Test your Spartacus: Blood and Sand knowledge with Erin Cummings' trivia question and qualify to win a Spartacus DVD or Blu-Ray Pack!     1 October 2010 Spartacus DVD and Blu-Ray Region 4 (Australia - New Zealand) UNCUT! Alrighty! Now this is much more like it. Spartacus Blood and Sand DVD and Blu-Ray is coming out for Region 4 (Australia / New Zealand) and the best part of this? It's UNCUT! It will be released 1 December 2010 No more edits! No more ruining a fantastic show with edited scenes or missing entire scenes! This is the uncut version. So if you haven't bought the US version from Amazon, here's your chance to get it. JB Hi-Fi has now got both the DVD & Blu-Ray for pre-ordering Click here to for DVD ($39.98) | Click here for Blu-Ray ($54.98)     Read More Archives