Hellbound - Production Updates

[Jamison]

Production Updates for the first sequence of "Hellbound."

[Jamison]

:: INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE ::
with Sam Witwer

With the premiere of "Hellbound" still up in the air, VSGuide got the chance to sit down with series lead, Sam Witwer, to discuss the "ins and outs" of his character, potential spoilers for the upcoming Horror webisode series, and much more!

VSGUIDE: You've been known for your portrayals of many dark characters, from Smallville, and Dexter to, of course, Being Human, where you also have the role of a "creature of the night." Was that the only thing that attracted you to this role, or was there something about your character that spoke to you?

WITWER: I think it was a bit of both. My character [James Bryson] isn't just a vampire, but a man, in a literal sense. Half man. Half vampire. I found that very interesting. Having two, defining characteristics, and being a part of two societies, yet belonging to neither of them. There's something very bold, and real in that, at least to me.

VSGUIDE: The producers have confessed that Hellbound has taken the "Doctor Who" path, in the fact that the show's main focus remains on only two characters throughout the course of the show. Do you think that puts a limit on where the writers can take this story?

WITWER: Absolutely not. Having such a short range of characters means that we have a lot more time to develop and invest in those characters, unlike a show that has to showcase a bigger variety. The show will have quite a few minor characters pulling the storyline along, but its focus James and Alyson seems to strengthen the "companionship versus loneliness" vibe the show brings.

VSGUIDE: Can you tell us anything about your character's past. Has he always been a "good" vampire, or did he had an evil-streak?

WITWER: I can't get into too much detail, but I can say that James spent a lot of his existence trying to be something he wasn't, and his growth from then to now is substantial.

VSGUIDE: What kind of vampire show is this? Is it more of a racy, True Blood thing, or is it a love story in the vein of Twilight, and The Vampire Diaries?

WITWER: I think Hellbound, is like Hellbound. [laughs] The writers have tried their best to stay away from the cliches of modern vampire stories, as well as keeping the classic mythologies and rules intact. But that doesn't mean they're not having fun with the creative process. We're constantly being thrown new ideas, and it really goes to show how much these guys love the vampire lore. It's almost like an obsession, and that's how it should be when helming these sorts of projects. As for the shows tone -- Love story? No. Overly Racy? No. I think it has just the right amount of passion, sex, and violence to be realistic in the genre, without being over the top like some shows can get.

VSGUIDE: Now, what about your relationship with co-star Emily Rose, and her character? How does she come into the picture?

WITWER: The shows starts, and the audience is looking through her eyes. She's new to the world of vampires, and all this crazy, dark stuff, and she provides a pretty solid starting point for where the story can lead. James is quite a mystery to her, and I think that's part of the reason why she sticks with him. She wants to solve the puzzle. She's a nosy cop, it's in her nature [laughs].

VSGUIDE: Final question. When is this thing coming out!?

WITWER: [laughs] I don't have a specific date, but I know the producers want to launch the series this summer or fall. Hopefully, sometime between July and September.

Well, there you have it, folks! Expect more information in regards to the upcoming Supernatural/Horror webisode series soon! Do you have any questions you'd like answered before the series' launch? Sound off below!

[Jack Malone]

Awesome interview! This show sounds phenomenal! I mean... the people behind this show just sound like they're completely awesome, you know? Heh. Heh. Heh... XD

[Jamison]

I know, right? I wish I could meet them! haha We're so full of ourselves.

[Jack Malone]

[Jamison]

EXCLUSIVE: VSGuide's Spoiler-Filled Chat With Cast!

VSGuide caught up with the stellar-cast of VPN webisode series, "Hellbound," to chat about the upcoming sequence of episodes, how their characters work off of one another on the show, as well as spoiler-y goodness in regards to future arcs and sequences!

When asked about his character [Adam], Milo Ventimiglia told us, "Adam is a very old vampire, with a connection to the big bad of the series so far. I cant' tell you much about them, but I can tell you that my character, and Sam's character [James] go way back. They have quite the complicated history, and I think it'll be interesting to see how their past relates to their present, and how it'll impact the other characters."

Arc one of the first sequence will consist of six webisodes, and will tell a very quick, very introductory story. Co-Showrunner, and executive producer, Jack Malone, has said that, "We wanted to set up the first arc by telling one story from two different point of views. We have one side of the story, focusing on our male lead, James, the tormented vampire, while the other focuses on Alyson, a young woman seeking answers in a very mystery and dark world. I think the only way this show, and the story we've developed can work, is if we look at it from different perspectives, and witness how much the story can change and develop from that point on."

When asked to describe "Hellbound" in one word, Emily Rose [Alyson Faye], said "inventive." She went on to say, "...with vampires being portrayed in a dozen of different media outlets, the writers strive to stand out from the pack. They're always coming up with new, interesting ways to turn a piece of cliched culture, and mythology on its head, and that's what I think works about "Hellbound."

"My character is actually new to the vampire world. She's an ex-detective who can't catch a hint, or a break, and that's how she falls in with these guys over here [Points to her co-stars]," Rose replied.

Is there anything the cast can tell us about the world of Hellbound? What kinds of things, besides vampires, go bump in the night? Witwer replied, "I can't tell you many details, but I can say that vampires aren't the only supernatural beings in this world. I won't say how many more, but there is another... or others."

"If there are other creatures populating the Hellbound universe, I bet it will open up a lot of room for future plots. Is there anything you all can tell us about the show beyond the first set of episodes?" Milo replied by stating, "There is actually another character that I'm connected to, and she's pretty high up in the vampire chain. I can't spoil you too much cause I would be shot, but I'll let you know that she has it in for James, and that feud will open up a few more doors for the series."

That's all folks! Hellbound launches it's very first sequence this Fall, on theVPN! Any questions about the universe Hellbound producers have developed? Are you excited to sink your teeth into this new Supernatural/Horror drama!? Sound off below!

[David]

when is this set to air?

[Jamison]

EXCLUSIVE: WEBISODE SERIES PREMIERE DATE!

After months and months of being in limbo, it's finally happened! The supernatural webisode series from Watchtower and Trinity producers, Chris Davis and Jack D. Malone, has gotten a premiere date!! VSGuide caught up with the "Hellbound" production crew tonight, who were more than ecstatic to announce that the show will premiere it's first set of episodes next Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013!

The first sequence, entitled "Edge of Darkness" will focus on James Bryson, a 230 year old immortal hybrid - half vampire, half human - who is in a continuous struggle with his outlook in a world where he has obtained as many allies as he has enemies.

Hunted by the very creatures he is tormented to become, James finds himself escaping the darkness that wishes to drag him to hell, and in desperate need of human connection he stumbles across former police detective, Alyson Faye, whose sharp, witty attitude brings a sense of hope to his dying humanity.

When questioned about the first arc, series co-creator Jack D. Malone said, "Arc one will serve as a set up of the universe and the characters within it. James is the first and only of his kind. That feeling of being completely alone, and then suddenly -- he's not; that's the fuel the drives his journey forward." When asked about the relationship between the three main characters, series co-creator, Chris Davis said, "Both Alyson and Adam, in the first arc, have interactions with James; but neither of them interact with one another. It was interesting to develop the relationships between both sets of characters because they couldn't be more different. James, with Alyson is completely different than James when he's with Adam. We found that very important."

So, are you excited about the long-awaited webisode series premiere? What would you like to see happen in this arc, and beyond?

Don't forget, Hellbound launches its first arc on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013!

[Brady Brown]

omg.

Omg.

O.M.G.

I'm so excited! This is going to be epic. Like, mega epic. I CAN'T CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT FOR THIS GOING-TO-BE-AMAZING SHOW!

[Jamison]

^ HAHAHA! Wow, thanks Brady! So glad you're excited! We hope the series lives up to your expectations! XD

[David]

I'm really excited to learn who the other woman in the banner on the main page is. Can't wait for Hellbound's return

[Jamison]

We caught a little glimpse of her in the arc one finale. Kate Beckinsale will be playing the current vampire 'Queen." I can't wait to establish her character fully when the series comes back.

[David]

Ooh, Vampire Queen. Can't wait to see what you do with her. I picked Kate to play a very important character in the Twelfth Doctor

[Jason T. Davis]

Hey Chris and Jack... do you two have an idea of when Hellbound will return? Missing this show already!

[Jamison]

Nothing is official yet, as production of arc two is underway, but going slowly at the moment. But, I'm hoping to get it out this Summer. Possibly between late June and early August.

[Trish Morgan]

EXCLUSIVE: Hellbound Producers Talk Arc Two!

"Hellbound," the supernatural drama webisode series wrapped up its very first arc in February 2013, however the series still has a total of six more episodes to release before the end of its first sequence. Arc one dealt with 230 year old human/vampire hybrid, James Bryson, and former police detective "Alyson Faye," along with characters like Adam Murdock, James' morally ambiguous 'sire,' and Alyson's former police "Chief Fisher," who desperately wants her behind bars.

Executive producers, Chris Davis and Jack D. Malone were able to confirm a few rumors and give a few new insights into the later half of sequence one, as well hints for sequence two!

When asked how much time will have passed between the end of arc one and the beginning of arc two, Chris Davis said, "Not much time at all. This series will continue to move very quickly, with each passing episode serving as a direct continuation of the previous installment. I think given the format of the show and the actual story we're trying to tell, this is the only way it can work. Not to say that once we move forward, we'll never skip ahead a few days, weeks, or even months, in time."

The end of arc one saw James being held captive by the Order and the newly introduced, "Queen," while Alyson has been captured by the Chicago Police Department. When asked how these characters will get out of this situation and find their way back to one another, executive producer, Jack D. Malone, replied, "The second string of episodes in sequence one will focus on our characters becoming "outlaws." Both James and Alyson are beginning questioned by a higher power who want them put away, and their lives are about to get a whole lot more complicated as a result."

"James spends most of his time, especially in the first half of arc two, with Adam, while Alyson is more off on her own, trying to find her way out of the mess she's gotten into. I think the decision to separate James and Alyson for a heavy chunk of the sequence was made to establish the connection between them, and their need to find their way back to one another; not so much giving their relationship romantic context, but rather setting up a stronger bond and connection we've yet to fully put in motion on the show," executive producer Chris Davis tells us.

When asked about the newest character to join the lineup, the mystery Vampire Queen, portrayed by Kate Beckinsale, Jack Malone replied, "The Queen was a fun character to come up with. We find out a lot about vampire mythology in the world of our show through her character, as well as the motivations of The Order in wanting to capture James."

Malone went on to say, "there's so much history still left to introduce involving James' time with the Order, the woman he is searching for, as well as his connection to Alyson, so we're very much looking forward to wrapping up sequence one and giving you all the answers to some of those questions."

Production is moving forward and producers have expressed their hope for an August - September release date. With six more episodes remaining of sequence one, and already making plans for more sequences, we should be getting more frequent updates on the shows status in the coming weeks.