June 2012 Archives   28 June 2012 Liam on TV Guide Fan Favourites Panel at Comic Con 14 July Liam will have one more panel at this year's Comic Con. It's the TV Guide Fan Favourites and it will be on 14 July between 1-2 pm. This is in addition to the Spartacus Panel which is on 13 July     28 June 2012 Andy Whitfield's Last Battle TV Guide July 2012 The US TV Guide has an article on the Be Here Now documentary. In related news, the kickstarter fundraising efforts have been successful and the filmmakers have raised over the required $200,000.       Click on the thumbnail for the larger scan     23 June 2012 Draw Them All Andy Whitfield Special Art Be Here Now by Olansamuelle It is without question, Andy's fans joined his wife, his children, family and friends in mourning for the loss of a man taken too soon by cancer. Be Here Now documents the year in the life of Andy Whitfield and is a tribute to the man. Below is Olansamuelle's beautiful artwork - simple but powerful.   Click here to view     23 June 2012 Whitfield Fans Help Fund Documentary EW Magazine 29 June 2012 EW has an article on the Be Here Now fundraising efforts and why this documentary was created. Many thanks to JulieH for the scan Click on the thumbnail for the larger scan     23 June 2012 Andy Whitfield Tribute by his Fellow CastMembers - The Haka The following video is guaranteed to make you cry. I started to watch and I couldn't stop the tears. Rest in peace Andy. The cast and crew did this Haka for their friend and fellow "Spartacus" family member Andy, after filming the prequel "Gods of the Arena" to help give him strength and express their support and love, on his journey. In fact, Andy gave them his thoughts and love and strength which they carry with them now on their own journeys through their lives. Help finish the documentary here: http://kck.st/LBgeJ6 -- and our campaign to edit it and share this link with others -- so that we may fulfill Andy's wishes to help and inspire others through his story.       19 June 2012 New Andy Artwork "Chanpion of Capua" by David David sent in a gorgeous new sketch card of Andy Andy Whitfield as Spartacus sketch card 2.5*3.5 inch to help promote "Be Here Now" campaign Farewell Solonius battle watercolor blended in marker/multiliner/opaque white You can see more of David's work here www.daviddeb.deviantart.com       16 June 2012 For Sale: Lucretia's (Lucy Lawless) Green Gown from Spartacus Blood and Sand For Sale: Lucretia's (Lucy Lawless) Green Gown $3939.00 USD CLICK HERE TO BUY Lucretia's (Lucy Lawless) Green Gown worn in the 2010 Spartacus TV series; Blood and Sand. The scheming wife of Batiatus (John Hannah) wears this in the ninth episode “Whore” in which she plots to bring Licinia and Spartacus 'together', instead switching the legendary Gladiator with Crixus (Manu Bennett). The lavish emerald floor length green dress is made from a light synthetic satin-like material with a boned corset waist, padded cups and fastened at the back with hooks and eyes and poppers. The straps are created from a matching green gauze that are bunch at the rear to make a floating drape and supported in reality by clear straps hidden behind peach netting. Running the length of the front of the dress is a purple and gold sash, which is flanked by a flowing wrought metal belt that wraps around the front of the waist and secured with a long green lace. The extravagant dress shows signs of wear with some black marks on the skirt from use on set. This piece was made bespoke for the tall actress and has no sizes marked, and is accompanied by a COA from the Studio. For more about Lucy's role as Lucretia on Spartacus visit the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Spartacus subsite or the AUSXIP Spartacus News and Multimedia Site     15 June 2012 Spartacus War of the Damned Cast At 2012 Comic Con Spartacus Panel It's that time of year again when the annual geekfest happens in San Diego, the 2012 San Diego Comic Con. Some of the Spartacus cast will be there and the panel is scheduled for Friday, 13 July. The following is from The Hollywood Reporter Spartacus (Starz): Stars Liam McIntyre and Manu Bennett will join showrunner Steven S. DeKnight for its final trip to Comic-Con heading into its last season. Room 6BCF, 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m. I'm guessing there will be more actors added to this panel the closer we get to it.     13 June 2012 On Set with Lucy Lawless Spartacus Gods of the Arena DVD Extra This video was originally included in the Spartacus Gods of the Arena DVD extras. It's following Lucy around the set of GotA for a day from her makeup to interacting with her fellow castmates. Very funny. For more about Lucy's role as Lucretia on Spartacus visit the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Spartacus subsite or the AUSXIP Spartacus News and Multimedia Site     9 June 2012 Andy Whitfield Documentary Be Here Now Documents His Final Days 08 June 2012 Deadline.com has an exclusive article on a documentary about Andy Whitfield and funding for the doco: Documentary About Andy Whitfield?s Final Days Reaches Out To Fans For Funding Deadline.com 8 June 2012 When Spartacus star Andy Whitfield was battling cancer in the last months of his life, he had a camera crew with him every step of the way. The result is Be Here Now, a feature-length documentary project about the late actor, which is launching a campaign to raise money for its completion. Read More on Deadline.com   FROM THE KICKSTARTER SITE: “Be Here Now” is an inspiring feature documentary and love story, about the overnight sensation, actor and international sex symbol Andy Whitfield, who put the same determination and dedication that he brought to his lead role in the hit television show, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” into fighting life threatening cancer. This is Andy's story, but it also about having the courage to make your dreams come true, tackling your fears and living in the present, despite the potential outcome. This film is for anyone who has ever faced a challenge in their lives. Andy Whitfield, in the prime of his life, had just realized his dream of becoming an international star, when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Before now, he and his eloquent and charismatic wife, Vashti, had combined their will power to make every success in their lives happen, including Andy’s transformation from an engineer into an actor and sex symbol. Overwhelmed when they heard that the best medical treatment the world had to offer would only give him a 25% chance for survival, they set their sites on beating cancer by making a promise in matching “Be Here Now” tattoos, to take Andy’s healing into their own hands and live life in the present, not in the shadows, every step of the way. Not knowing what would happen, Andy invited a camera to follow him throughout his journey as he explores both medical and alternative healing option in Australia, New Zealand and India. This unprecedented access and his openness and honesty gives the audience an intimate look into his personal life, that is rarely shared, especially by a celebrity. It was Andy’s hope that by opening his story up to a documentary, he might help or inspire others facing similar challenges, while pushing to accelerate the pace of cancer research around the world. What he did not anticipate was that the story would also capture his, and his family’s, determination, love, infectious humor and self-affirming attitudes. And, as everyone goes through their own transformations over the course of the film, “Be Here Now” transcends the subject of cancer and becomes a universal life-lesson about living fearlessly, going for your dreams, embracing each moment and living in the present – despite the potential outcome. HOW YOU CAN HELP You may now get involved in the making of this inspiring documentary. Led by the Academy Award® Nominated and multiple award winning filmmaker, Lilibet Foster, a camera followed Andy and his family’s unfolding story, for over a year. Andy also filmed personal diaries and took photographs throughout his journey. Together with the support of Sam Maydew, producer, Andy’s manager and principal of talent management and production company, The Collective, who brought everyone together, we have been able to get the documentary to this point. We now need your help to finish it. The money we raise on Kickstarter will fund the additional filming and editing needed to finish the film. For your contributions, you will not only be rewarded with amazing, limited edition and collector's item gifts, but you will be helping to make Andy’s wish come true – to help or inspire others – because we plan to distribute the completed film as widely as possible internationally. Andy gave selflessly by letting a camera follow his personal journey, so let's give back by helping fulfill the legacy the wanted to leave behind. WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON’T REACH OUR GOAL Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. The way it works is that we have to meet our funding goal before the campaign expires – or we don’t get anything. We can only finish this documentary with your help. You are as much a part of its creation as we are. The more people who participate, the more ability we will have to get Andy’s story out to as many people as possible. So, help by donating and spreading the word to others. Share this link,“Like” us on Facebook, Twitter it, email this Kickstarter link to your friends, family, supporters, co-workers, fellow fans and anyone else. Feel free to email Lilibet to ask us questions, get more information, and become involved in the making of Be Here Now on our beherenowfilm.com website: lilibet@beherenowfilm.com Read More     8 June 2012 Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Spartacus Comic Strip Season 2 Episode 10 Wrath of the Gods Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Spartacus Comic Strip - here is the last episode of Season 2: Wrath of the Gods. Dwindling supplies bring the rebellion to its knees; Spartacus tries restore hope. View Comic Strips     See more of Olansamuelle's Draw Them All Comic Strip here     7 June 2012 Spartacus Sets Its Ending TV Guide 11-17 June 2012 TV Guide covers the sad end of Spartacus. It's in the June 11-17 issue of TV Guide in the US. For more Spartacus articles, visit the AUSXIP Spartacus Press page     7 June 2012 Spartacus Summer Replay Every Friday Night Back To Back Starting 8 June 2012 Starz has announce that the entire Spartacus series: Blood and Sand, Gods of the Arena and Vengeance will be replayed in chronological order starting on 8 June 2012. For more Spartacus articles, visit the AUSXIP Spartacus Press page     7 June 2012 Andy Whitfield Portrait by Jon Harrison This is such a beautiful piece of artwork of Andy. It was done by Jon Harrison. Thank you Jon for contributing it! Click on the smaller image for the full size version   Here is a video of Jon creating the artwork.     7 June 2012 Lucy Tweets About Liam McIntyre and the End of Spartacus With the news that Spartacus Season 3 (now titled The War of the Damned) will be it's last season, Lucy has tweeted about Liam and the contribution he made to making Spartacus a great show plus meeting Kirk Douglas (click here to see those fantastic photos). @Liam_J_McIntyre Liam, you're a champion and you worked like a fiend to make that the hardest possible decision for STARZ. Respect. — Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) June 5, 2012 and Could this be sweeter? Liam and Kirk Douglas. One of life's delights! hollywoodtoday.net/2012/06/05/50-… — Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) June 6, 2012     6 June 2012 Spartacus War of the Damned Epic Poster Check out the War of the Damned poster just released     6 June 2012 End of Spartacus TV Series Leaves A Gap for Kiwi actors NZ Herald 6 June 2012 The NZ Herald  - 6 June 2012 End of Spartacus TV series leaves a gap for Kiwi actors The end of the New Zealand-filmed TV show Spartacus is being called a ‘‘major blow’’ to Kiwi actors, but industry insiders are hopeful similar projects will soon replace it. Creator and executive producer Steven DeKnight told the Hollywood Reporter the hit swords-and-sandals epic would end on a high note after three full series and a prequel season. ‘‘That was part of the decision to wrap up the show — the idea of ending it when you’re on top and the audience still wants more instead of dragging it out.’’ New Zealand actors who starred in the high-rating show include Lucy Lawless, Anna Hutchison from Go Girls and Craig Parker from Shortland Street and The Lord of the Rings. Anna Majavu of New Zealand Actors Equity said the series had brought numerous benefits. ‘‘Screen acting work on major series is the only form of stable income for professional actors and the end of Spartacus will be a major blow to New Zealand’s professional actors who have been cast in increasing numbers in core-cast roles.’’ New Zealand film crews, extras, stunt people and equipment hire companies would also be affected. Ms Majavu said appearing i n Spartacus, which airs in 150 countries in more than 15 languages, was a great opportunity for Kiwi actors. ‘‘It can catapult them into a big acting career overseas.’’ New Zealand actor Gareth Williams, who plays the villainous Vettius, said the opportunity to work on a large-scale production such as Spartacus was a ‘‘helpful stepping stone’’. ‘‘It does create opportunities because you can say that you’ve been in an American TV series.’’ Agent Graham Dunster, who represents Lucy Lawless and other actors in the show, said the producers had been very happy with the results they got in New Zealand and he was confident other projects would be brought here soon. Filming for the final series of Spartacus will finish at the end of the year. For more about Lucy's role as Lucretia on Spartacus visit the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Spartacus subsite or the AUSXIP Spartacus News and Multimedia Site     5 June 2012 Press Release: Spartacus Vengeance on DVD and Blu-Ray + Bonus Features Great news Spartacus fans, the DVD and Blu-Ray of Spartacus Vengeance is due for release on 11 September. The following press release, images and video landed in my inbox today from Anchor Bay Entertainment. ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS YOU THE NEXT CHAPTER “SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD SEPTEMBER 11th   Three-Disc Set Contains All 10 Episodes And Bonus Features! BONUS FEATURES | DVD INFORMATION | BLU-RAY INFORMATION | WATCH TRAILER Beverly Hills, CA – It’s back, and bigger than ever, when Anchor Bay Entertainment releases the acclaimed Starz Original series “SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE - THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” on a muscular three-disc Blu-ray™ and DVD set September 11th. SRP is $59.99 for the Blu-ray™ and $49.98 for the DVD. Pre-book is August 15Th. From executive producers Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight are all 10 memorable episodes, plus herculean amount of bonus features including ‘Making of’ featurette, behind-the-scenes, on-set footage with Liam McIntyre, bloopers and more! Plus Blu-ray™ contains audio commentaries and 9 extended episodes! When it premiered January 27th on Starz, “SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE - THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” delivered the highly anticipated continuation of the epic series giving audiences even more spectacle, sex, swords and scandal! Liam McIntyre (Radev) takes on the role of Spartacus, with Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) reprising her role as Lucretia. Peter Mensah (300) returns as Oenomaus, Manu Bennett (The Marine) as Crixus, Dustin Clare (“Underbelly”) as Gannicus and Craig Parker (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers) as the cruel Gaius Claudius Glaber.   “SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE - THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” begins on the heels of the violent escape from the House of Batiatus that concluded “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” the gladiator rebellion continues and begins to strike fear into the heart of the Roman Republic. Gaius Claudius Glaber and his Roman troops are sent to Capua to crush the growing band of freed slaves that Spartacus leads before it can inflict further damage. Spartacus is presented the choice of satisfying his personal need for vengeance against the man who condemned his wife to slavery and eventual death or making the larger sacrifices necessary to keep his budding army from breaking apart. Containing all of the blood-soaked action, exotic sexuality, and villainy and heroism that has come to distinguish the series, the tale of Spartacus resumes in larger-than-life fashion. Bonus Features: Starz Studios: Spartacus: Vengeance The Making of Spartacus: Vengeance Behind the Camera: Directing the Rebellion On Set with Liam McIntyre The Legend of Spartacus Famous Last Words Bloopers BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE – 9 Extended Episodes and Audio Commentaries! “SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE - THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” on Blu-ray™ and DVD - a beautifully packaged set that’s sure to have fans saying, “Vengeance is mine!” SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE – THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON Blu-ray™ Street Date: September 11, 2012 Pre-book: August 15, 2012 Cat. #: BD25243 UPC: 0 1313 25243-9 9 Run Time: Approx. 440 Minutes Rating: Not Rated SRP: $59.99 Format: Widescreen Presentation 1.78:1 Audio: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Spanish Mono Subtitles: English and Spanish   SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE – THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON DVD Street Date: September 11, 2012 Pre-book: August 15, 2012 Cat. #: ST24904 UPC: 0 1313 24904-9 6 Run Time: Approx. 440 Minutes Rating: Not Rated SRP: $49.98 Format: Widescreen Presentation 1.78:1 Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Mono Subtitles: English and Spanish       Oops sorry you can see this? You need flash     5 June 2012 Starz Press Release: Starz Announces The Final Season of Spartacus THE SAGA CONCLUDES - STARZ ANNOUNCES THE FINAL SEASON OF “SPARTACUS” SEASON THREE TITLE UNVEILED “SPARTACUS: WAR OF THE DAMNED” THE EPIC 10-EPISODE SEASON TO PREMIERE JANUARY 2013 Beverly Hills, Calif. – June 4, 2012 – STARZ announced today the upcoming season of the international hit series “Spartacus” will be the conclusion of the saga. With a visual style completely unique to television, the franchise has amassed both critical and popular acclaim to become the most successful on the network and one of the highest rated programs in all of cable television. More than six million weekly viewers watched last season, “Spartacus: Vengeance,” which has amassed more than 2.5 million Facebook fans. Globally, the series airs in 150 countries in more than 15 languages. “The fans have been tremendously supportive of our show,” says creator and executive producer, Steven S. DeKnight. “We did not come to this decision lightly. It was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for my partners and I. Yet, in the end, the story was best served by rolling all of the remaining action and drama of Spartacus' journey into one stunningly epic season that will be extremely satisfying for everyone who's been along for the ride." "Steven DeKnight, Rob Tapert, Josh Donen and Sam Raimi have made one of the most groundbreaking shows we have ever seen," says Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. "’Spartacus’ is a landmark series for the network which has enthralled millions of viewers and fans around the world. We are in agreement with our partners in the decision to conclude the story after ‘War of the Damned,’ as we believe it is the best way to maintain the integrity of the series and secure its legacy. While everyone may know the fate of Spartacus, we believe this will be a spectacular season that will startle, amaze and honor the legions of fans.” “Spartacus: War of the Damned,” currently in production in New Zealand, takes place following the defeat of Roman commander Gaius Claudius Glaber. Spartacus and his men have amassed major victories against the Romans after the Battle of Vesuvius. These victories have not only forged the legend of Spartacus, but have greatly increased the ranks of the rebellion slaves to more than 30,000. Rome is indeed beginning to tremble at the threat Spartacus now represents. The Emmy® nominated series, already known for its groundbreaking production and visual style, has set the bar even higher to bring the story to its epic conclusion. This year, new sets will include the construction of a full city, a Roman Villa, and the scene of the epic battle along the Appian Way. Airing in 150 countries, the series is considered an unqualified smash around the world, including Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and more. The enormous international success has led to global licensing for a variety of rights, including: authentic prop replicas, publishing, soundtracks, motion comic books, trading cards, and a few more major deals soon to be announced. In the US and abroad, the DVDs continue to be one of the most popular titles sold at all major retailers, appearing in the Top 10 of all TV titles sold. The “Spartacus” franchise began its run Friday, January 22, 2010 with “Blood and Sand.” It was followed a year later with the prequel, “Gods of the Arena” (January 21, 2011). “Vengeance” hit the air on January 27, 2012 and “War of the Damned” is scheduled to air January 2013. “Spartacus: War of the Damned” sees the return on Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Dan Feuerriegel (Agron), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Naevia) and Ellen Hollman (Saxa). This year, Todd Lasance joins the cast as Gaius Julius Caesar, along with Simon Merrells, who will be playing Marcus Crassus and Anna Hutchison as Laeta.     3 June 2012 Unedited Spartacus on Aussie TV - A Mini Review Spartacus on Australian TV is an exercise in frustration; frustration because we get the edited version and the edited version is a poor imitation of the unedited version. It loses it's oomph. This is rather strange considering Aussie TV is not known for it's prudish behaviour. In any event, the show is shown on the GO! channel and it's edited. The edited version is rather sedate with no sex, no violence and no blood (or very minimal). The scenes are shot differently, the swear words are innocuous - you can actually show this version to your local girl scout gathering..okay maybe not the girl scouts but you get the idea . Foxtel is now showing Season 1 on their Showcase channel and I tuned in to see if they were showing the edited or unedited version. It was Episode 8 and poor Segovax and all those naughty words proved that it was indeed the unedited version <g> You have to feel for Segovax who really got the raw end of the deal from his Domina Ilithyia. He must have not got the memo that dealing with Ilithyia was dangerous for your health. If you want to tune in and catch the unedited version you need Foxtel and you need Showcase. OR you can go to Sanity and buy the unedited DVD or Blu-Ray. I have to say it was so good seeing Andy back on the box. I've missed him. Rest in peace, Andy. That's it for the mini report.     2 June 2012 Pictures of Liam and Kirk Douglas in Los Angeles 31 May 2012 These are some incredible photos of two men, different generations, who played the same role. Of all the images below the one that stands out for me is the one of Liam offering the sword. That is just pure gold.   More photos on Spartacus Facebook Page     2 June 2012 Liam Meets Kirk Douglas In Los Angeles Spartacus: Vengeance” star Liam McIntyre, and creator/producer Steven DeKnight, hit the red carpet on Thursday evening in Los Angeles, as they joined Starz to help celebrate the legendary 1960 “Spartacus” star Kirk Douglas and the Thracian legend. Liam said he was grateful to Kirk for the iconic character the 95-year-old created on screen, one made even more epic by McCarthy-era blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (who first wrote the project under a pen name). “The idea of what Spartacus is, was created… it’s a few lines in some old, old texts from Greeks and Romans, and hundreds of years later… [Kirk] made that character and… the values he held, and him with his people just created that legend,” Liam said. Liam poured through Kirk’s new book, “I Am Spartacus! Making a Film, Breaking the Blacklist,” and the Australian actor said at the Starz event that learning about the boundaries Kirk had to climb over to make the project, made an impact. “I’ve been lucky enough to read the book — which is incredible — and the idea of… what was going on at that time and how oppressive and horrible it was, and how not unlike some of the oppression — in a different way — that Spartacus himself would have gone through? It’s incredible to really change the world in some way and I don’t think he intended to, based on what I read. It’s like, he didn’t even mean to, at the start. It’s just part of his genius, I guess. He just made it happen.” Speaking to Access Hollywood at the event, Kirk said making the movie and going against the Hollywood, McCarthy-era blacklist was something he was scared to do – especially as he was a father, with four children to feed. “There was much fear,” Kirk told Access. “People said I was crazy, I would never work again, but I was young enough [to ignore them]. If I were much older, I might not have done it, but I [was] young enough to take a chance.” Kirk was one of Hollywood’s hottest hunks when he made “Spartacus,” and when asked about his incredible physique in the film, he quipped to Access, “What’s [the] matter with this? “I’m only 95,” he added. While actors these days tend to eat plenty of protein, combined with intense gym and cardio sessions to get ripped for television and film, Kirk said his “Spartacus” physique was the result of sporting activity. “I used to be a wrestler in college,” he told Access. “As a matter of fact, I was undefeated. So watch out!” Source     Read More Archives