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Post by Ryan Hendrix [VPtoday] on May 23, 2010 20:11:06 GMT -6
Megan Lizford joins us for an exclusive interview to discuss the transformation of her series, "Thoughts Without Thinking" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryan Hendrix: Hi, this is Ryan Hendrix here with VPN showrunner extraordinaire, Megan Lizford! How are you doing Megan? Megan Lizford: Hi, I'm doing great, Thank you. Ryan Hendrix: That's great. Now, the last time we got together, you were expressing your thoughts on your newest series, "Thoughts Without Thinking". I understand a lot has changed since then. You changed and added new characters, plots and so on. So tell us, why the sudden change? Megan Lizford: Umm, Well to be frank, the co-creator Nicole Rodriguez and I had planned the original series and I won't divulge but she bowed out of the series due to real life problems which was respectable for her to do so. I was so in love with the concept of the series at the beginning but I revisited it and there wasn't that initial spark I had with it before hand. So, i decided to revise and reformat it all and I ended up falling in love with it all over. I think of it as Thoughts Without Thinking 2.0 Ryan Hendrix: I'm gonna want to hear about it all, but lets start off with your main characters. How much have they changed? Megan Lizford: They've all changed quite a bit. The original concept was two female writers who were old friends, but now it's three young women, entering their adult life aspiring to live their dreams...Madeline, Cassey and Nicola. Madeline is essentially Megan, Cassey is essentially Nicole and Nicola is a new character that I created but regardless, they've changed vast, from their past to their relationships together. It's really a lot of fun recreating these characters Ryan Hendrix: Digging a little deeper into your characters...what character traits do each of these women have? How do their personalities differ from the originals and how are they similar? Megan Lizford: Madeline is really a lot like Megan. She's quiet, a little shy but very sassy and humorous. She has that thing you cant put your finger on. She's extremely lovable, caring and worryingly clumsy which adds to the comedy that is her character. Cassey is a lot more toned down that the previous main character Nicole but still has a lot of similarities. She's straightforward, determined and defensive but the new traits would be her dark persona of getting the upper hand on her rivals and doing everything it takes to achieve her dream of being a screenwriter. Nicola, who is the new character has a lot of old traits of Megan. She's very insecure, reserved and toned down. She doesn't socialize much and can see a bit crippled by her shyness that it is hard to know her. Their chemistry together is brilliant. Three women contrasting each other... It's like good, evil and nuetral teaming up, in a way. Ryan Hendrix: You obviously got a fantastic set of characters, was casting difficult? Megan Lizford: My goodness, you wouldn't believe it. I already had an image of what the main characters looked like and it's the thrill to find someone that matches your idea that drives you but the casting admittedly was long and tiring but I found the greatest girls. Obviously, Rachel Bilson was an original cast and I wanted her to come back so badly. As you know, she's the only original actress. Jana Kramer was amazing and fit the role perfectly. The character of Nicola Hunt was hard to cast. So many beautiful actresses auditioned and Andrea Bowen was the one who got it. In my opinion, she played Nicola with a realistic approach and I fell in love with it. Ryan Hendrix: You've made a great choice, choosing those three talented and beautiful young women but the thing every main character needs is good support. What can you tell us about the shows supporting characters and their interactions with the main 3 and as well as each other? Megan Lizford: I consider the supporting characters as the main characters and the cast that play them are just the best. We have the Baker brothers who are the heirs to the network fortune. Then there's Caroline Wilson who is the very cut throat and serious producer and head writer acting as boss and mentor to Madeline and Cassey. She's very manipulative and nasty and then there's the higher powers and seniors, Judith Robinson and Arthur. They are gold. Very suave and pleasant characters but they have a very intense side Ryan Hendrix: Amazing set of characters! I personally cannot wait for the show to premiere! It's got the makings of a great success! Now let's hear about how you changed your central plots and subplots. Megan Lizford: Well, the synopsis of the series is about these three young women who are trying to reach their dreams. Madeline and Cassey are climbing the ladder to become screenwriters whilst Nicola is aspiring to be in the world of fashion. Season one is mainly about getting to know them as a character and discovering them as they discover and get to know each other but even though it's about them realizing their dreams, life still goes on and thus beginning the drama and chaos Ryan Hendrix: Drama and chaos, I bet you're gonna have fun bringing that to the show but every good show has a softer side? What can you tell us about the girls' love lives? Megan Lizford: Do not get me started on this! Haha. Their lovelives are quite tragic this season. Without spoiling you, they will each learn a tough lesson with relationships and how you can easily get burned when you put all your eggs in one basket. You'll have the relationship that should have been, the relationship that never was and the relationship that really wasn't a relationship....or was it? Ryan Hendrix: Interesting, and scandalous. All the things you can expect from this VPN drama. The fans of the show are excited about the shows new producer! Many of them are already fans of "Watchdogs" and want to know how Keisha will contribute to the series. Megan Lizford: Keisha is a brilliant writer and plot writer. For the first season, she'll be serving as helping me plot out episodes and that is all she can do due to her commitments on Watchdogs which is amazing I might add. Ryan Hendrix: With her help, I'm sure will see many seasons after the first. Megan Lizford: I hope so. I have yet to approach the Network of me only producing for now, 5 seasons. I don't want something to go stale. If there are more stories to tell and I know it's doing well then it can return for sixth season but I'm not sure I'll return for it. It's all undecided. Ryan Hendrix: Hopefully you'll know more about it after it airs! Megan Lizford: Yeah, here's hoping. Ryan Hendrix: haha. It's been great talking to you today. Best of luck to you and the show. Megan Lizford everybody! *APPLAUSE* Megan Lizford: Thanks for having me Ryan. Ryan Hendrix: This has been a VPN Exclusive Report. I'm Ryan Hendrix. Have a wonderful day.
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Post by Ryan Hendrix [VPtoday] on Feb 20, 2010 19:13:18 GMT -6
VPtoday interviews VPN showrunner, Megan Lizford about her upcoming drama/comedy series, "Thoughts Without Thinking", co-created by herself and Nicole Rodriguez (Fabulous Cordy).
VPtoday: Good afternoon Megan. Thanks for stopping by for this interview! It's so good to have you.
Megan: Thank you for having. It's my first time being here. |
VPtoday: Hopefully this wont be your last. Well to get things started, you drama series, Thoughts Without Thinking, written by yourself along with writer, Nicole Rodriguez, has recently been picked up by the network. What were your thoughts at that moment? And how do you feel about getting into the business of showrunning?
Megan: Oh, it was an amazing feeling. To be accepted by VPN and to know that they believe in me as a writer and showrunner really feels liberating. I was pretty skeptical at first when I got the call and admittedly I was on my couch jumping up and down like a giddy little child, and the fact that I'm starting in the network with an already established writer like Nicole Rodriguez is a real honour. |
VPtoday: I'm sure you'll fit in amongst VPN's writers with no problem. Speaking of the show, could you maybe tell us a bit about it? What's the overall synopsis for the first season the show?
Megan: Okay, well the overall synopsis of Thoughts Without Thinking is basically two best friends who lost contact, only to make contact once more and moving in together. Its basically surrounding the trials and tribulations between the two girls and their relationship with their colleagues and friends.
The first half of the season will be about discovering and getting to know the characters and having them in a stable position. But the two leading actresses are just the best. The characters that form them is really a perfection relationship.
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VPtoday: Sounds like you've got grasp around the series and what you want to do with it. So what has been your favorite episode so far, or what episode can you not wait to write and get on the air?
Megan: Oh, there isn't a lot I can say without spoiling you but I'll tell you since its an episode you just cannot miss.
Episode 6, "The Snakes Have It" This episode basically looks at the relationship of the two executive brothers and goes and discovers their family background and their roots. In this episode Megan becomes very comfortable in her job when a staff writer stabs her in the back. Nicole begins to pursue Paul and its a real struggle. There are lots of tidbits in this episode where you think "Did you seriously just do that?" and its very shocking. You may love it or Love it even more. *laughs* |
VPtoday: *laughs* It definitely sounds like something to look forward to. Now when developing the series, what inspired you to base some of your characters off of writers actually on the network?
Megan: Well, it was rather funny since it came up as a sort of joke but it become a real thing when I approached Nicole to actually do it. It's loosely based off the writers on the network VPN but what I want is to not have it focused on it too much. It will be an amazing series. |
VPtoday: *laughs* I'm pretty confident of that, and so are the fans. So are there any love interests for season one?
Megan: Umm Nicole and Paul will be a big focus on the relationships and Jack will be secretly seeing someone. Although the question is who isn't in a relationship, and that is Megan. Her theme this season will be loneliness. She will be the new girl...She has a big step in being a lot more independent and i promise you that she will be a big shocker by season two. |
VPtoday: You're getting my so excited for this series! So, has there been any discussion of an air date? If not, when would you be most comfortable to put it on the air?
Megan: Well, I was recently told that we have been given a July date which I'm okay with. It means we have to work a little faster but its going to be well.
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VPtoday: Ok, I'm looking forward to the official air date. Finishing up, because I know you're busy. What are you're goals for the show? How do you plan to make this series stand out and stay close to readers hearts?
Megan: My goals for the show is to give the readers what they want and that is a real, gritty and close television drama they can relate to. TWT to me is about two girls trying to make it in life. By surpassing all the distraction and drama and being cool. It would be for those males and females to escape their busy lives and watch someone else's drama rather than themselves. |
Vptoday: That something we all can use every now and then. Well, thanks a lot Megan for taking this interview. It's been a wonderful talking with you!
Megan: It's been a true pleasure. Blessed Be and Don't forget to watch out for the trailers, spoilers and media footage. |
Tune into VPN for more updates on Thoughts Without Thinking and so much more!
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Post by Ryan Hendrix [VPtoday] on Feb 18, 2010 20:08:06 GMT -6
VPtoday has a sit down with Vice executive/Showrunner, Jack Malone! Read below to get the scoop on all of his current projects and more! VPtoday: Hi Jack, thanks for taking the time out to answer some questions! So, I hear that the premiere of your show Watchtower has completed filming? Can you give us any important details regarding that episode and episodes to come?
Jack: Hey, thanks for having me here! Well, I'm really excited for Watchtower finally wrapping up its first episode. Finding the right story, and the right approach to telling it was a real struggle, but I believe te end result proved to be worth it. The premiere itself really jumps straight into the action, with Chloe in Gotham, and her past slowly sneaking its way back into her life. The thing about writing for such a character that doesn't have mythology or comic back story, is that we can really take her anywhere we'd like, and so using her to branch out a whole new line of mythology in the DC Universe seemed fitting for her character. So expect a lot of DC COMICS alumni to show up! Including the infamous Amanda Waller [portrayed by Pam Grier]. And last of all, you'll really get to see Chloe begin to step into her role as a hero, and become more than what we've seen her to be on Smallville." |
VPtoday: Sounds like you've got some pretty cool ideas up your sleeve! How exactly did you come up with the idea to create Watchtower?
Jack: Chris forced me too....Ahh, I'm just joshing! Well, I've always enjoyed the character of Chloe Sullivan and believed there was so much more behind the character that could be explored. I believed her time on Smallville, and development was being wasted by the overuse of Clois, and that she didn't get the sort of exploration I think she deserved. Granted, nine years on a show is a lot of time, but I think that it was really setting her up for a solo story. The spin off opportunity itself was presented to me in the finale of Smallville's eighth season, with Jimmy showing her Watchtower, and since then, I guess I've just been dying to take Chloe into her own world. And again, I think it was Chris' pitch for Trinity that made me realize taking one of these Smallville girls and bringing her into a new world could actually happen, and not crumble to bits. So, in a way, it was a big risk, but having finished the first episode, it was worth it!" |
VPtoday: Well I think I can speak for the fans, including myself, to say that we are so glad you took that risk! Moving from Watchtower, I hear that your drama series, "Story of a Girl", wont be airing on VPN this year, but there's been talk of it possibly returning in some form. Are the rumors true?
Jack: "At the moment I'd say its just rumors at this point. I was, in talks with the network, of bringing it back as a film, but it'd just be adding even more of a workload on. I think, I have enough stories to tell, enough seasons planned, to come back later when school begins to calm, to get it back to what I wanted it to be, but as of now, I'd say don't hold your breathe. The show was really my very first original sort of thing. With my own characters, own setting, just my own show. So sacrificing that was difficult. But it being my own thing, I knew it'd be harder to kick off, so letting it go was the best option with my current educational issues right now. I've never seen writing as a job, but I know it can be hard getting to your season finale, so I thought it best to stop before I began. Hopefully in the near future, Story of a Girl will finds its way back to the VPN." |
VPtoday: Thanks for clearing things up. On to Faith the Vampire Slayer, your very first show on VPN. Taking a look back to when it first aired and where the series is now, what are your thoughts? Are you happy with how the show has played out so far?
Jack: "I am very happy with where it is at this point. I think, like most things, the show has gotten better as it grows up. I think the stories being told this season have been an amazing improvement, creatively, than it was last, and the rest of the season will really begin to show how much the show has changed, as it spirals towards its darker successor season (entering its third)." |
VPtoday: I also hear that Faith will be receiving many new characters in its next season. Could you tell us some of your favorites among the cast to be?
Jack: "Ahh, you've heard! Guess I'm not good with keeping spoiler-y secrets. I think, out of all the characters on their way, my favourite will be Jared [Padalecki]'s character, Jayke, who will be a hybrid being, half demon, half human, who struggles against his fated destiny as one of the worst evil's of the world. He'll be interacting most with Jennifer, and really getting her character into the main spotlight of the season. Jayke plays a very tragic role in the season, and I think its going to be a rather interesting tale to tell as people usually like to say "everyone has a choice" but what Jayke will learn is that he was never given the opportunity to rebel against his destiny, even though he may try, we'll still slowly watch him rise and fall. And I think he'll be a great addition to the season and possibly, overall rest of the show, if things go as planned." |
VPtoday: Definitely sounds like something to look forward to. In regards to your other two Jossverse continuations, starting with Buffy, is there anything new you can tell us about season 8 as a whole?
Jack: "As a whole, I think the overall theme of the season is finding one's identity. Each season of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer phenomenon had a particular theme that ran throughout the whole season, with season six for example, which is the first that popped into mind, it was "life". And in the comics right now, its all about the connections between the characters, their "relationships". Trying to differ from most continuations, I've steered clear of the 'thousands of slayers in the world' story, trying to move onto new stories, and new ideas. I think, and hope, that most people find the season to be one of the bests, as each episode turns the show around on more ways than one. Similar to how Joss handled the second season of Dollhouse, with all the sudden revelations and shockers. So Season Eight of Buffy the Vampire Slayer will be a great, and necessary addition to the overall series that aired on television!" |
VPtoday: I think I'm shivering in excitement already! But what about Angel? If I'm correct, season 6 will be the shows last chapter. What lead you to the decision to make only one additional season?
Jack: "Originally what I wanted to do with Angel was branch out his story into new lengths, and new chapters of the Wolfram and Hart storyline. Keep it running for as long as Buffy, if not longer. But as the season began, I started to realize I had a great story planned that could wrap up his whole story in one go, and instead of drawing it out, and scratching for more stories to tell, I thought I'd just end it. Angel is a very complex character, with a lot of interesting supporting characters to keep it intriguing for as long you'd like. But after coming to the conclusion that this sixth season should have 'the apocalypse' it seemed only necessary to end it with that. That said, I'm very excited to be the one to write my form of his ending, and unfortunately, no return date has been set due to the workload that caused me to drop Story of a Girl. But, when it returns, I promise an epic send off for the character, and the few remaining [laughs] if they haven't all died in the first half yet ..." |
VPtoday: So what's the status on Dollhouse, season 3. Is the project completely dead?
Jack: "Well, I'm not sure. I think Chris and I were just dying to keep it alive, and in all the excitement, put something up there to try and keep it going. As of now, after weeks of contemplating the thought of it, I think its dead in the water, sorry. I think continuing the show could destroy the impact of the last episode aired, and think that Joss had that planned the way he wanted it. Moving on from that just seems like ruining the amazing finale we got. But who knows, maybe Dollhouse could return in one form or another on the VPN." |
VPtoday: Well I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Moving on to another show co-created by you & Chris Davis, X-Men: Legends, can you tell us any spoilers on season one?
Jack: "And have Chris hate me for giving away important spoilers on the epic season we have planned ... alright! Well, we've got a massive story planned between the Professor, whose overall arc plays over in a number of earlier seasons, my personal favourite of that season would have to be Emma Frost -- such a great, three dimensional character who just jumps right off the screen! As for spoilers on the first season, I don't know. I can tell you that everything that happens all adds to a plot going on in the background of pretty much every season planned, and when it finally reveals itself, all hell is gonna break loose, and our team of mutants will probably be forever changed..." |
VPtoday: Being a fan both you & Chris' work, I know you both will do an excellent job with the series. So, finishing up, people have been asking this question. If you could create a show using a genre of your choice that you've never tried before, what genre would it be and why?
Jack: "I think I've always been challenged with doing a sitcom, which I think is one of the hardest forms of writing out there. There's creating conflict, forming demonic beings, thinking of supernatural storylines, but actually trying to be funny for the majority of the script is something rather difficult. So comparing sitcoms to supernatural dramas which are still rather challenging, I'd have to say writing comedy is the hardest thing a writer can face!" |
VPtoday: Alright Jack, it's been such a honor talking to you. Thanks for taking the time out. I wanna wish you success on all your current and future works.
Jack: "Thanks"
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Post by Ryan Hendrix [VPtoday] on Feb 15, 2010 16:46:54 GMT -6
VPtoday's Ryan Hendrix has a sit down with VPN's head executive, Chris Davis, to talk about all things VPN. Stay tuned for more interviews like this one, featuring Jack Malone, Brian Melanson, other VPN showrunners/producers, & VPN cast members! Question: Alright Chris, Many things have happened over the past couple of weeks on the VPN like a show being pulled from the Fall Line up? Can you tell us why?
Chris: Yes. Story of a Girl was removed from the network but its not what you think. The series was one of the top anticipated of the dramas on the network, but unfortunately, production had to be discontinued due to schedule changes and personal issues. Story of a Girl coming back to the network in some form has been discussed and is a possibility. |
Question: At Least it was not for any other reasons and I hope at some point to see it come back in some form. So next question, You have been getting many pitches and many new series for the network, can you tell me all about your favorites?
Chris: 2010 on VPN has been all about originality. Bringing in better, more fresh and original shows. My personal favorites among the many great upcoming series' would have to be, first and foremost, Watchdogs. Being one of the most original shows I've seen hit the network, I personally believe it's gonna be a success once it premieres. It's originality and maturity level make it stand out among the other great dramas on the network and I've got my fingers crossed for a great run for Watchdogs.
Also, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It's been a long road coming. Its sister show, Faith, that's not in its second season has been a hit on VPN and I'm sure Buffy will be equally successful. Being the leader of the Buffyverse shows on the network, it has a lot to bring to the table.
As for our pitches...I've got my eyes on Megan Lizford's "Charmed" continuation, which we are awaiting a pilot episode, and also Brian Melanson's "The Protectors" which is a sci fi with all the potential in the world. Both have a good chance of completing VPN's 2010 lineup.
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Question: Well lets hope that 2010 brings the VPN to a new place its never been before. I cannot wait to see what these series have to bring! Your series Gifted I feel is the most anticipated show, do you have a air date set and whats to come in the future of the Gifted Ones?
Chris:Most anticipated? When did that happen? *Laughs* Uhm..yes actually. You guys are the first ones to hear that Gifted has been set to premiere on Sunday, June 27th! To answer your second question, the Gifted ones will be put to the test this season. I purposely set season one up as a origins season and right from the start all the way to the end, we'll know that the story has just begun and if everything goes as planned, we'll get the real show started for a season 2 and so forth. |
Question: Well! *Laughs* I am looking forward to June now. And I think this series will be just awesome. Another question, Many people have been asking questions about the four dramas and when they could air, can you clear some things up for us?
Chris: Ok. After Story of a Girl was removed from the network, we drew up a new schedule for our dramas. It is as follows: Thursday Nights will air Winchester at 8/7c & The Path Not Taken at 9/8 c. Leaving Thoughts Without Thinking & Watchdogs to air on Saturdays within the same time slot as our Thursday night drama dou. |
Question: So a couple more questions. Watchtower and Trinity are starring two of Clark's leading woman! What do you think about these two sister shows and are they something new to the VPN?
Chris: Both Watchtower & Trinity will bring an new flavor to the VPN. With the concept of, the once sidekick, transformed into a hero. Both shows have a very strong female presence and are absolutely pro female empowerment. Taking notes from one of my favorite writer, Joss Whedon, who created one of the most iconic heroines of our lifetime, I feel that to do the shows justice, we will have to find a place on VPN for both the characters of Lana Lang & Chloe Sullivan to grow into the hero they were meant to be. That being said, I think they will change the network for the better.
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Question: I think having strong woman for the main hero brings the series to a better place. So last question of the day so you can get back to doing your job, Will there be any major changes on the VPN? Like anything Bigger then Big!?
Chris: Yes actually. Me along with the networks executives have been in talks to expand the VPN is a huge way. For example? The idea of VPN comic books & 3D/2D Animated Shows/Movies, produced by the network. This news is not yet officially confirmed and still may not happen. But, the idea has definitely been discussed among executives.
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Closing: Well Chris! I hope to hear more news on that in the future! Thank you for sitting down and chatting. Cannot wait for more news from the other Executives!
Chris: It was my pleasure!
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