June 2011 Archives   30 June 2011 Marisa Ramirez's new show, "Against the Wall" premieres July 31 Marisa Ramirez's("Melita" on "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena") new show, "Against the Wall" will premiere on Sunday, July 31, at 10PM on Lifetime. Against the Wall follows the trials and tribulations of “Abby Kowalski” (Carpani), a single Chicago police officer who finally scores her dream job as a detective; but it turns out a nightmare for her close-knit family of cops. As the newest hire in the department’s Internal Affairs division, Abby suddenly finds herself at odds with her fellow officers, including her father and three brothers. She must now figure out how she can pursue her dream of being a detective while keeping her family intact. Williams and Baker star as Abby’s parents “Don” and “Sheila.” Rounding out the cast as her brothers are Brandon Quinn (Entourage) as “Richie,” Steve Byers (Smallville) as “Steve” and James Thomas (Covert Affairs) as “Donnie.” Additionally, Marisa Ramirez (Spartacus: Gods of the Arena) stars as Abby’s partner “Lina Flores,” Daniel Kash (The Dresden Files) is her boss “Lieutenant Papadol,” Andrew Walker (Maybe It’s Me) plays Richie’s partner “Brody,” Mayko Nguyen (Lifetime’s Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy) is Abby’s neighbor “Mackie Phan” and Chris Johnson (The Vampire Diaries) appears as “Danny Mitchell,” a lawyer and old friend of Abby’s. Full press release     30 June 2011 Starz 2010 promo back online   The gorgeous 2010 Starz promo that featured the cast of its various shows, including "Spartacus", is back online now at Tony Molina's site. Click here to view Contributor: Barbara Davies     29 June 2011 Tubey Award nominations for "Spartacus" TelevisionWithoutPity.com is holding its annual Tubey Awards and "Spartacus" has several nominations: Best New Show Best Drama Favorite Actor(John Hannah) Favorite Actress(Lucy Lawless) Click here to to vote     28 June 2011 Marisa Ramirez in "Against the Wall" Promos have started showing on Lifetime for "Against the Wall", Marisa's("Melita" in "Spartacus:Gods of the Arena") new series that is set to start in July. Show synopsis:Loyalty is put to the test when Chicago police detective Abby Kowalski (Rachael Carpani) causes a rift within her close knit, blue collar family of cops when she decides to join the department's Internal Affairs division. Marisa portrays the partner of Abby. No page set up at the Lifetime site yet, but click here for IMDB page.     27 June 2011 Andy Whitfield update Over at Nick Tarabay's official Facebook page, he has posted a new photo of Andy, saying: "To all the fans, I just got great email from Andy( Spartacus ) He's doing great and looking even better ( As you can see ) and before you know it I'm sure you all gonna see him on TV again. That man is a true warrior. everybody repeat after me, SPARTACUS SPARTACUS SPARTACUS..... LOL" Source     27 June 2011 Steven DeKnight interviewed on Saturn Awards Red Carpet MingleMediaTV interviewed Steven and Erin Cummings on Saturn awards red carpet talking about "Spartacus" season 2.           26 June 2011 2012 Spartacus Calendar       Starz is putting out a 2012 Spartacus wall calendar. Source   Thanks to Barbara Davies     25 June 2011 Photo of Steven DeKnight at Saturn Awards         Photo of Steven accepting Lucy's Best Supporting Actress award for her. Source Thanks to Barbara Davies     25 June 2011 Steven DeKnight interviewed at Saturn Awards AssignementX.com caught up with Steven at the Saturn Awards... While at the 37th Annual Saturn Awards Thursday night, ASSIGNMENT X caught up with SPARTACUS creator and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight who filled us in on how filming for SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE is going in this exclusive interview. "We're shooting Episode 5, so we're almost halfway done," he reveals. "Obviously, it has a lot of the same feel, but the stories are much, much bigger. The technical challenges are huge and soul crushing to my producing partner Rob Tapert down there [in New Zealand]." As far as the major story arcs, DeKnight says those will be bigger too. "The arcs are gigantic," he admits. “We're really, really swinging for the fences this season. We're probably chewing off more than we can swallow. That's what we do on SPARTACUS, we always try to do more than is physically possible." With Liam McIntyre now taking over the role that Andy Whitfield defined in BLOOD AND SAND, DeKnight says they didn't approach writing the character differently, but definitely the actor brings his own special gravity to the role. "We approached the character exactly the same – we were writing for Spartacus the way we always write for Spartacus," says DeKnight. "With Liam McIntyre, it's a different interpretation, so obviously it will be slightly different since it's two different actors coming at it from a different angle, but the soul of the character remains the same." DeKnight was also thrilled by the critical and ratings success of the SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA mini-series that aired earlier this year which has solidified the SPARTACUS brand for Starz. "What people forget about prequel, it was such a gamble," admits DeKnight. "Nobody knew if anybody was going to show up and watch it. When it was first announced, the reaction was not positive. People didn't want us to go backwards, but then it ended up getting more viewers than the first season. It worked very, very well. We're very excited to get back to main story." Source     24 June 2011 Lucy wins Saturn Award!!   Lucy won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress in Television for her work in "Spartacus: Blood & Sand". @Valerie_Perez tweeted out a photo of Lucy's award: http://twitpic.com/5fy5lz - Congrats to Lucy Lawless for Best Supporting Actress Saturn Award! Saturn Awards Winners List Thanks to Barbara Davies     24 June 2011 2011 Comic-Con Badge Resales Comic-Con International will be selling returned 4-day badges (without Preview Night) through EPIC online registration. Single-day badges will be available at a later date -- for information on single-day badges, check the Comic-Con website frequently for updates, or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/comic_con for registration announcements. A number of attendees have brought to our attention the fact that many people purchasing 4-day badges are not planning to attend all four days, while many people who want to attend all four days are forced to buy single-day badges at a higher price. In response, Comic-Con will no longer be offering a discount for 4-day badge purchases. Instead, a 4-day badge and four single-day badges will be the same price. We hope that this change will encourage people to purchase only the days they will actually be attending, leaving additional badges for others who want to attend Comic-Con. A 4-day adult badge without Preview Night will be sold at the non-discounted rate of $137 which includes a $6 reprocessing fee. Junior, Senior, and Military 4-day badges without Preview Night will be sold at the non-discounted rate of $68 each. Source     23 June 2011 New Gannicus Artwork by Vadim Lisak Added new artwork by Vadim Lisak of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena's Gannicus     Click here to view the artwork Click here to view Vadim's other Spartacus related art     23 June 2011 the Look of "Spartacus Gods of the Arena" with VFX Art Director CGSociety :: Production Focus 22 June 2011, by Paul Hellard INTRODUCTION Pacific Renaissance Spartacus Ltd and Starz crew had built an impressively successful series of ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’, but wanted to raise the bar of the VFX for the next series. The required VFX were a large component of the look of the show as it was shot entirely on green screen stages in Auckland, New Zealand. The VFX Art Director, Daniel James Cox was essentially the 'glue' between the main departments: Production Designer Iain Aitken (and his talented art team), the two DPs who alternated between each episode, John Cavill and Aaron Morton, the multi-talented Producing Director Rick Jacobson (who directed Ep 2 + 6), and the EP team of Chloe Smith and Rob Tappert. PRE-PRODUCTION “When I came onboard, there were about eight weeks left of pre-production,” explains Daniel Cox. “After extensive meetings with Iain, Rick, the DPs and Rob, it quickly became apparent that during series one, all these departments weren't communicating as efficiently as they could be, and there were a lot of visual problems that resulted from it.” The team put together a selection of images from series one, which included shots they thought worked, and other shots which weren't quite so successful. This was a great starting point. Cox took all this information and put together a VFX Methodology document, then presented back to the Heads of Departments. click here for full article thanks to Barbara Davies     22 June 2011 Press Release - Spartacus: Gods of the Arena On DVD and Blu-Ray 13 September 2011 Here is what Spartacus fans have been waiting for - more Spartacus! Received the latest press release and DVD and Blu-Ray covers for the Spartacus: Gods of the Arena DVD and Blu-Ray releases in September! PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 20, 2011 THIS SEPTEMBER, JOURNEY INTO THE PAST... ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES "SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA" AND "CAMELOT" On Blu-Ray™ and DVD September 13, 2011 BEVERLY HILLS, CA -Anchor Bay Entertainment announced today that it will release two of the Starz Original series, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" and "Camelot - The Complete First Season" on Blu-ray™ and DVD in the U.S. and Canada on September 13, 2011. Each has become a fan favorite with their unique mix of visceral action, thrilling adventure and revealing romance. Both sets will roll out with extensive bonus features yet to be announced. "We're pleased to be bringing both of these series to Blu-ray™ and DVD," said Kevin J. Carney, Executive Director of Marketing for Anchor Bay Entertainment. "Releasing both on the same date will give fans a chance to check each series out, catch up on those they've missed and prepare for future episodes." "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" is the prequel to the widely popular Starz Original series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." Executive produced by Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight, the 6 exhilarating episodes explore the House of Batiatus as it rises -- basking in the glow of its infamous champion Gannicus, whose skill with a sword is matched only by his thirst for wine and women. These are the times a young Batiatus has been waiting for. Poised to overthrow his father and take control, he'll freely betray anyone to ensure his gladiators are in the highest demand. And he'll have his loyal and calculating wife, Lucretia, by his side for every underhanded scheme, drawing on the brazen talents of her seductive friend Gaia when it counts. Together, they will stop at nothing to deceive the masses, seize power and bleed Capua dry. Joining returning stars, John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus, Lucy Lawless ("Xena: Warrior Princess") as Lucretia and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Oenomaus, are talented new cast members Dustin Clare ("Underbelly") as Gannicus, Jaime Murray ("Hu$tle") as Gaia and Marisa Ramirez ("General Hospital") as Melitta. Continue reading Press Release - Spartacus: Gods of the Arena On DVD and Blu-Ray 13 September 2011.     17 June 2011 Spartacus Cast at 2011 Comic-Con on July 22 Starz has confirmed that Spartacus stars Liam McIntyre, Lucy Lawless, Dustin Clare, Katrina Law, Manu Bennett and Steven DeKnight will be at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con. The full press release is below: STARZ TO FEATURE 'TORCHWOOD' AND 'SPARTACUS' AT 2011 COMIC-CON ON FRIDAY, JULY 22ND   Cast of Highly Anticipated Series, 'Torchwood: Miracle Day,' Including Stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Bill Pullman, Mekhi Phifer, Alexa Havins, Lauren Ambrose and Writer Jane Espenson To Appear on Panel at 10am PT/Room 20; Special Advanced Screening of Episode 103 of Series on Thursday, July 21st at 9:30pm PT in Room 6DE Liam McIntyre, Star of 'Spartacus: Vengeance' To Be Introduced to Fans at 5:45pm PT/Room 6BCF Along with Fellow Leads Dustin Clare, Lucy Lawless, Manu Bennett, Katrina Law and EP Steven S. DeKnight For Immediate Release - STARZ will bring the casts of two of its most riveting original series, "Torchwood: Miracle Day" and "Spartacus: Vengeance" to 2011 San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 22nd,  it was announced today.  For "Torchwood: Miracle Day," set to debut on STARZ,  Friday, July 8th at 10pm ET/PT, the panel will feature: Torchwood alum John Barrowman (Capt. Jack Harkness), Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper), and new headliners Bill Pullman (Oswald Danes), Mekhi Phifer (Rex Matheson), Alexa Havins (Ester Drummand), Lauren Ambrose (Jilly Kitzinger) and writer Jane Espenson.  Highlights of the  "Spartacus: Vengeance" panel (slated to premiere on STARZ in 2012) will include fans' first-ever opportunity to meet the new Spartacus, Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), along with stars Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Katrina Law (Mira) and Executive Producer and Head Writer Steven S. DeKnight. Continue reading Spartacus Cast at 2011 Comic-Con on July 22.     15 June 2011 Going on My Winter Wonderland Break... Hey folks, I'm taking a few weeks off and recharging my batteries, try to finish my third novel in the Eva and Zoe series (won't my publisher be happy) and basically just relax on my winter holidays! YEAY! Yes it's my annual "let's-see-how-long-Mary-goes-without-touching-the-sites-and-driving-Lori-and-Mesh-crazy" :) I may be taking a break but AUSXIP will continue to update you all on all things related to our favourite show/s and fave actors. Whilst I'm away getting my batteries recharged, Lori and Mesh will take over the reigns of updating everyone! If you need to contact Lori or Mesh: Lori is on LBoyles859@aol.com and Mesh is on mesh@ausxip.org Battle On! MaryD     15 June 2011 Meet Spartacus Costume Designer Barbara Darragh - Screentalk Video Interview Costume designer Barbara Darragh is the creator of Xena’s iconic outfit, Billy T James’ look as the Tainuia Kid in Came a Hot Friday, and has won awards for her work on the feature films The End of the Golden Weather and River Queen. Darragh’s television credits include Under the Mountain, Greenstone, Hercules and Xena, and, most recently, Spartacus. In this ScreenTalk, Darragh talks about: * Helping create special effects on the classic TV series Under the Mountain * Using an assortment of odds and ends to create Billy T James’ Tainuia Kid costume for Came a Hot Friday * Scouring old photo albums to create a vintage feel for The End of the Golden Weather * How winning an award for the film’s costumes recognised the costume designing craft * Having fun creating costumes for the ‘sandals and swords’ fantasy show Hercules * Never intending to create a lesbian icon when designing the signature costume for Xena * Using an incredible amount of blue dye for the soldiers’ uniforms on River Queen * Managing tension on set over different views on how the film should look * How beauty, pain, dirt and nudity make designing for Spartacus a ‘dream’ Watch Video Clip     15 June 2011 The Wrap Talks to Steven DeKnight About Gods of the Arena - Video The site "The Wrap" has an article and a video interview with Steven about working on Gods of the Arena and how that came about. Spartacus' Creator Talks About Replacing Whitfield, Nudity, the Finite Ways to Kill a Man Read the article here The Video interview is also available: The Wrap Talks to Stephen DeKnight Posted on: 15th June 2011 Interview with Steven Deknight at The Wraps Season Screening of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena. ‘Spartacus’ Creator Talks About Replacing Whitfield, Nudity, the Finite Ways to Kill a Man = Re-creating the Roman Empire for the small screen is no easy feat. Just ask Stephen S. DeKnight, creator and executive producer of Starz’ blood-and-swords historical [...] Watch Video -- Reported by Klippart     14 June 2011 Liam McIntyre Quits Leading Role in Movie Frozen Moments Brave New Hollywood is reporting that Liam has quit the movie Frozen Moments, his first feature role. It seems Liam was offered the role and accepted it before being cast as Spartacus for Spartacus: Vengeance. I'm guessing the gruelling work on Spartacus is responsible for this. Frozen Moments - the plot: Josh Hodder (McIntyre), a successful San Francisco media man seems to live the American dream; a beautiful wife, two children, and the white picket fence, until he wakes up one morning finding himself in a foreign country, and his left leg amputated. With his perfect world turned into a nightmare, Hodder is left uncovering the big mysteries behind this newfound torturous life. Read The Report on Brave New Hollywood -- Reported by Andrea     8 June 2011 Steven DeKnight at Meltdown Comics Nerdist Writers Series In Hollywood 19 June Steven posted the following note on his Facebook page about an upcoming event he will attending: Ever wonder how blue my eyes really are? Here's your chance to be mesmerized in person! I'll be be at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood June 19 for a writers' panel that includes the amazing Tim Minear (Angel; Firefly; Terriers), Harris Wittels (Parks and Recreation), and Megan Ganz (Community). Tickets on sale now!     he Nerdist Writers Series for June Sunday, June 19th, 2011 5pm $15 Spend your Sunday afternoons learning from the best at the Nerdist Writing Series! Join moderator Ben Blacker as he hosts esteemed panelists discussing topics like different types of writing, how they got started, what inspires them, the business side of writing, and more. Panelists will also answer your questions and give some helpful tips and tricks! This series is a must for any hopeful writer in LA, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit 826LA. Ben Blacker (moderator), with his writing and producing partner--named Ben Acker--is the creator of The Thrilling Adventure Hour, a monthly staged production and podcast in the style of old-time radio, starring lots of actors you know from television. Acker and Blacker have developed pilots for Fox late night, Nickelodeon, USA, and Fox primetime. They wrote the feature film Drones, a sci-fi rom-com, available on DVD and Showtime in Sept 2011. They have developed pilots for Fox, Nickelodeon, Spike, and USA (twice). Currently, they write for CW's Supernatural. For more information and pretty pictures, go to ThrillingAdventureHour.com. 6/19 at 5pm Steven S. DeKnight (Buffy; Angel; Spartacus) Tim Minear (Angel; Firefly; Terriers) Harris Wittels (Parks and Recreation) Megan Ganz (Community)   For tickets go here     8 June 2011 Spartacus Action Figures on Ebay–Andy Whitfield I have to say these are spectacular. Andy Whitfield as Spartacus – it's impressive in the detail for both action figures by the same seller / artist. 1/6 Scale Custom Spartacus: Blood and Sand Andy Whitfield Figure V3    See more pics of Spartacus on Ebay 1/6 Scale Custom Spartacus: Blood and Sand Andy Whitfield Figure With Helmet By Hunterpig      See more pics of Spartacus on Ebay     8 June 2011 Prime Time Emmy Award Ballot with Spartacus Stars Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards Ballot is now available and the great thing is that Spartacus stars are on the ballot 1. Lucy Lawless as Lucretia 2. Jaime Murray as Gaia 3. John Hannah as Batiatus 4. Peter Mensah as Oenomaus 5. Manu Bennett as Crixus 6. Nick Tarabay as Ashur 7. Dustin Clare as Gannicus 8. Stephen Lovatt as Tullius Read the full list here     8 June 2011 Gods of the Arena Ratings for New Zealand Here's the ratings for all six episodes of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena from New Zealand. Many thanks to Eddy for the information. Average for  Spartacus: Blood and Sand (Season 1):   48,343 Average for Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (Prequel):  69.423 Up 43%     6 June 2011 Gannicus Action Figure on Ebay For the Sparty fan who wants a Gannicus action figure comes this interesting ebay auction. Not sure who created it (could be the seller) but there's a great deal of work that's gone into this) A Repaint likeness of "Gannicus"  gladiator champion of Capua played by Dustin Clare Repainted using artist quality acrylics and sealers Hair pulled back in the style he wore in the series Costuming using shades of green mesh, cotton and leather Comes with the sword shown along with... signed COA from the Artist (Aragorn head on super hero body) See it on Ebay!     6 June 2011 Gods of the Arena Episode 6 The Bitter End on Aussie TV Update Gods of the Arena comes to a close on Wednesday in Australia on the GO! channel. The time has changed and it's now 10:30 pm instead of 9:30 pm.     Episode 06 The Bitter End Batiatus seeks vengeance for all that has befallen him and retains his gladiators and Solonius in the cause. The opening of the new arena arrives, promising a spectacle of combat and blood. Credits | Official Page | Episode Stills | Episode Promos     5 June 2011 Close Up Dustin Clare Hitman to Arena - Sydney Sunday Telegraph 05 June 2011 The Sydney Sunday Telegraph has an article about Dustin Clare and his role on Spartacus: Gods of the Arena. Close Up Dustin Clare Hitman to Arena Sydney Sunday Telegraph 05 June 2011 For more Spartacus articles go to AUSXIP Spartacus Press     5 June 2011 Dustin Clare Gets Physical - Sunday Herald Sun 05 June 2011 Spartacus star Dustin Clare says the physical demands of his big break almost broke him. Scanned by MaryD Sunday Herald Sun 05 June 2011 For more Spartacus articles go to AUSXIP Spartacus Press     3 June 2011 Spartacus Tweets Roundup For The Week Here are some interesting tweets regarding Spartacus for the week: spartacus_starz Spartacus Congratulations to the WINNER of the MET-Rx Warrior Workout Video Contest. Watch the winning video now: http://on.fb.me/kvVUZe 8 hours ago Favorite Undo Retweet Reply stevendeknight Steven DeKnight January 2012. RT @KristinaLong10 @stevendeknight When does Spartacus sea. 2 start? 3 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply stevendeknight Steven DeKnight Sadly no more visions. RT @moviegoer424 Will @ErinLCummings' Sura offer some spiritual guidance again in S2 of #Spartacus? 3 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply ErinLCummings Erin Cummings @ @stevendeknight Didn't you hear? Sura's getting a spin-off! Sadly, due to budget cuts, the role of Sura will be played by "Purple Binding" 3 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply stevendeknight Steven DeKnight Yeah buddy! RT @DrewZachary A movie about @stevendeknight's tattoos!* youtube.com/watch?v=AzcVSN… (*Or possibly about television showrunners.) 1 Jun Favorite Retweet Reply     3 June 2011 Showrunners Feature Length Documentary Features Steven DeKnight "Showrunners" is a feature length documentary film about the fascinating world of television showrunners - the writers and producers of US television drama and comedy series. Featuring interviews with showrunners, actors, network execs, casting directors and many more. It is an in depth exploration of the making of modern American television. Watch trailer here Showrunners featured: Damon Lindelof - "LOST" David Shore - "HOUSE" Jeff Pinkner & J.H. Wyman - "FRINGE" David Eick - "BATTLESTAR GALACTICA:BLOOD AND CHROME" Ronald D. Moore - "BATTLESTAR GALACTICA" & "CAPRICA" Kurt Sutter - "SONS OF ANARCHY" Robert & Michelle King - "THE GOOD WIFE" Dean Devlin - "LEVERAGE" Steven S. DeKnight - "SPARTACUS:VENGEANCE" Mark Schwahn - "ONE TREE HILL" Janet Tamaro - "RIZZOLI & ISLES" Pam Davis - WRITER - "HOUSE" James Duff - "THE CLOSER" Mike Royce - "MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE" Matthew Carnahan - "HOUSE OF LIES" Russell T. Davies - "TORCHWOOD" Anthony LaPaglia - ACTOR - "WITHOUT A TRACE" Jamie Tarses - "STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP", "MAD LOVE" Michael Wright - SENIOR VP - TNT/TBS Ben Silverman - CREATOR/PRODUCER - "UGLY BETTY", "THE TUDORS" Also here is an article in Variety about the documentary     1 June 2011 Win A Trip To The Spartacus Set in New Zealand - Verizon Customers Only Looks like customers of Verizon can enter a daily Live the Legend sweepstake, the prize: a trip to the Spartacus set in NZ! http://twitter.com/#!/VzEntertain/statuses/75615181564166145 @VzEntertain Verizon Friends #Verizon & #STARZ want to send customers to New Zealand to hang out w. the cast of Spartacus. Enter at #VzPerks: http://j.mp/VzPerks 21 minutes ago You will need a Verizon logon id and pswd to play. -- news contributed by Barbara Davies     Read More Archives