Friday 30 July 2010

More Comic-Con videos

More interviews from Comic-Con showed up online in the last couple of days, from MediaBlvd, Buzzfocus and MyTakeOnTV. Most of them are embedded below. The Buzzfocus folks also have freshly uploaded videos with Sasha Roiz, Alessandra Torresani and James Marsters on their site that haven't been posted on YouTube, so you need to follow the links to see them.


Ron Moore:





David Eick:


David Eick "Caprica" CC2010 (HD)

MediaBlvd Magazine | MySpace Video



Alessandra Torresani:


Alessandra Torresani "Caprica" CC2010 (HD)

MediaBlvd Magazine | MySpace Video





Sasha Roiz:




James Marsters:



James Marsters “Caprica” CC2010 (HD)

MediaBlvd Magazine | MySpace Video


Wednesday 28 July 2010

More Comic-Con interviews: Ron Moore, Alessandra Torresani, Sasha Roiz, James Marsters

MovieWeb posted several new video interviews from Comic-Con yesterday. Before I embed them, just a quick note to say that The Sci Fi Guys will upload an interview with Ron Moore on www.dtrn.co.uk later today.



Also, TheCommentary.ca has an interview with John Pyper-Ferguson that's pretty recent. Not really related to Caprica, but fun to listen to anyway.



The Comic-Con clips:

Ron Moore:



Alessandra Torresani:



Sasha Roiz:



James Marsters:

Monday 26 July 2010

Caprica season 1.5 trailer is live

The trailer probably won't be available on Syfy's site for another few days, but you can watch it on Zune.net. Just hit "preview." You don't need to register, but if the video doesn't play, try opening the page in Internet Explorer.

[Edit: The trailer is now on YouTube.]

Saturday 24 July 2010

Caprica panel at Comic Con - the full video

You can see the video of the panel at TheFemmeBot.com.

Here is part one (there are five clips in total):

More video interviews from Comic Con: Ron Moore, David Eick, Alessandra Torresani, Sasha Roiz, James Marsters

Okay, no panel video or extended season 1.5 trailer yet (The Sci-Fi Block has a brief description), but a few more interviews showed up on YouTube since yesterday. Check them out below.

Ron Moore:




David Eick:






Alessandra Torresani:






Sasha Roiz:




James Marsters:



Caprica at Comic Con - panel reports & interview with Alessandra Torresani

Caprica had a panel at Comic Con earlier today and, even though there aren't any videos online yet, a bunch of people tweeted updates throughout the hour (you can go through my Twitter feed to see what was said & some pics people took). At the panel were Ron Moore, David Eick, Alessandra Torresani, Sasha Roiz, Magda Apanowicz and James Marsters.

Key points (from Twitter):

  • Is #Caprica coming back? "I firmly believe" Caprica will get a second season, Ron Moore says. Says second half of S1 (Jan) "hits its stride" - Mo Ryan
  • They're in the last stretch of wokring out the show's return for a seond season with SyFy. Budgets and schedules depending. - TV Guide Magazine
  • RDM says what BSG & Caprica have in common: They're both about the question, "What is it to be human?" Caprica is the start of that conversation - Mo Ryan
  • Caprica's endgame? "We have to get into a 2nd season and see what the natural place to end the story is." - TV Guide Magazine
  • Magda goes through a huge "evolution" in part 2 of the season, and even more in the yet-to-be-approved season 2. - TV Guide Magazine
  • Alessandra Torresani says that by the end of S. 1, the girls kick ass, as you won't expect what happens. - HitFixDaniel
  • Leather and Stilletto Heels for Zoe Graystone... not to mention "less clothes" in the character. - Wormhole Riders
  • Question: Will we see more of Genevieve Buechner (Tamara Adama)??? YES - Wormhole Riders
  • Marsters role: was directed to be a loving, Methodist Priest on Caprica - WhedonAge

In related news, Marsters also said he would appear in the 200th episode of Smallville, and Bear McCreary made a surprise appearance at the panel for The Walking Dead, AMC's new show which he will be scoring.

Here is a quick report from TV Overmind:

James Marsters, Sasha Roiz, Alessandra Torresani, David Eick, and Ronald D. Moore came onto the stage. After a trailer for the show, James Marsters was asked what it is like to be playing a religious terrorist. He said that Barnabas can be considered Timothy McVeigh or Osama bin Laden, take your pick, but what they all have in common is that they all think they know what God wants, which can lead to trouble for those around them. Roiz explains that his character has been trying to find his position within the family, and what his purpose is. Torresani has the pleasure of playing a multitude of characters (although they are Zoey Greystone). Further, she says that she uses Twitter a lot because she wants to make sure the fans are as much a part of the show as possible. Ron Moore spoke about Caprica is like Dallas in that it is a great family drama. - More at TV Overmind

A very extensive report from Livejournal:
  • RDM compares BSG to Caprica in terms of 9/11. BSG was like 9/11 where everyone in the WTC survived and everyone else died. Caprica is more like what's going on in the WTC before 9/11, not knowing what's to come. Caprica is also us today, and they're captuing on familiar touchstones (business, ethics, immigration, etc).
  • What surprised them most about their character from when they were first hired. James was surprised at how much love's involved with his character. Sasha was surprised to find out that Sam was gay (though it makes things more interesting, since it's not an issue in this world). Alessandra was surprised by how many Zoe's there would be, and that there would be scenes where could act only with her eyes because she's standing there as the cylon and her parents are talking about here. She also get to be more kickass in the new episodes. Magda's character was still very undeveloped at the beginning, and she sees that Lacy is still being molded as a character.
  • What's the endgame for Caprica? RDM says that with BSG they knew the endgame, that they would get to Earth one way or another. With Caprica there are a half-dozen points between Caprica and BSG where they could end it. They're looking for a natural way to find that place, but they have no sense yet of the endgame.
  • They were asked about personal experiences that informed their character. Sasha and his family immigrated to Canada from Russia when he was a child, so the immigrant/minority experience has shaped Sam. James' father is a methodist minister, so that informs Barnabas without the blowing up people part.
  • Will we see more younger BSG characters like Cottle. RDM and David joked about a smoking, 8-year-old Cottle, but said they have no plans at this time to introduce more BSG characters. It would be too gimmicky, and David says it would need to be unexpected. (This came up in the Thursday BSG/Caprica panel, which led to some good jokes about little Tom Zarek trying to overthrow his kindergarden class and looking like a tiny prisoner holding the bars of his crib).
  • Someone asked how they balance the deep philosophical questions with the lighter stuff. Someone on the panel said "what lighter stuff?" (followed by a joke that they must be looking for the Warehouse 13 panel). David said it's often just finding small absurdist moments, citing an upcoming scene where... - Hit this link for the spoiler and full report


One from Airlock Alpha:

Moore said that he likes casting women in non-traditional military roles, and in every series, found that placing strong females in any capacity led to other new and interesting female characterizations as well as deep thoughts and discourse about society itself.

That, of course, was an obvious comparison to Moore's reimagined "Battlestar Galactica," which "Caprica" was spun off from. However, Moore maintains that "Caprica" could be better compared to complex family dramas like "Dallas" rather than the former Syfy signature show. At the same time, "Battlestar Galactica" was more of a speculative post-9/11 world where everyone inside the World Trade Center towers survived and everyone else died, whereas "Caprica" is the world inside those towers leading up to a known endgame. That tension of knowing, Moore said, underlies all that they do in "Caprica."

Apanowicz said that when she first read about her character Lacy, she was very undefined. However, as the episodes progressed, the actress really embraced Lacy because she realized how much of her character was defined simply from her lack of definition, waiting for growth and formation -- which she finds in the upcoming episodes.

"Not to give anything away," Eick joked, "but Lacy starts calling herself Larry in the second half of the season." - More at Airlock Alpha

Edit: AirlockAlpha also has a video interview with James Marsters here.


And another one from DaemonsTV, with a bunch of pics from the panel:

Here are some of the highlights from the Caprica panel, as well as some photos:

- James Marsters plays a religious terrorist in the middle of a violent revolution. He chose to base his character on Timothy McVeigh.

- In the second half of the first season, there are a lot of new Zoes that we will meet.

- Second half of the first season will air on January 2011, but David Eick is confident that Caprica will come back for season 2 as well. - DaemonsTV

And one from yesterday's panel with Michael Taylor, Kevin Grazier, Bear McCreary and Aaron Douglas, from Comic Book Resources:

Addressing the previous half-season of “Caprica,” Taylor said, “The first half of the season, we did a lot to set the scenes for what’s to come, the development of artificial intelligence, a 16-year-old girl as a robot, the creation of virtual reality… How are we going to make our way through this technological future?”

Although the second half of the season won’t debut until January, Taylor said, “I think it will be worth waiting for. The second half of the season we’re going to see a lot more action… it opens with a bang … a big explosion, literally.

Graizer added, “I am not on ‘Caprica,’ but … I spoke with Jane [Espenson, co-executive producer], and worked on some of the layout for the 12 colonies. It’s in a multiple-star system, kind of alluded to in ‘The Plan.’ Jane used that to lay out the 12 colonies, and she did a masterful job.”

Finally, Los Angeles Times uploaded a short interview with Alessandra Torresani, who also shared some teasers for season 1.5.

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Caprica season 1.5 won't air until January 2011

This just in:

Syfy has announced the highly-anticipated return of critically-acclaimed series Caprica. The second half of season one premieres in January 2011 (date TBA), and kicks off with a thrilling pace as the citizens of Caprica deal with the chaotic aftermath of the mid-season finale’s harrowing events.

In season 1.5, the once idyllic world of Caprica – as well as life across the colonies – falls prey to an explosive chain reaction of consequences set off by the characters’ many questionable actions in the season’s first half. Tensions rise, power shifts and the line between reality and the virtual world becomes increasingly blurred as everyone struggles to learn – and conquer – the stakes in this volatile setting. As the season races towards its stunning conclusion, events of each episode lay the framework for the inevitable (and brutal) clash between the newly-created Cylon race and their human creators.

An all-new trailer for season 1.5 will premiere at Caprica’s Comic-Con panel on July 23, and before landing on Syfy.com, it will be available exclusively on Microsoft’s Zune Marketplace on Xbox LIVE and Windows PCs through the Zune PC software available for free at www.zune.net. (July 26).

Caprica stars Eric Stoltz (Daniel Graystone), Paula Malcomson (Amanda Graystone), Esai Morales (Joseph Adama), Polly Walker (Sister Clarice Willow), Alessandra Torresani (Zoe Graystone), Magda Apanowicz (Lacy) and Sasha Roiz (Sam Adama).

Caprica is a prequel to the award-winning series Battlestar Galactica. The series is from Universal Cable Productions, and is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick. Jonas Pate serves as co-executive producer and director.

Thursday 15 July 2010

The New York Times interviews real world proto-Cylon

NY Times reporter Amy Harmon recently published her interview with Bina48, a robot created to simulate the appearance and personality of a real person. She is no Zoe (yet), but she's an interesting frakking attempt. You can read the article at NYTimes.com.

And speaking of digital resurrection, here is another link to check out: Apocalyptic AI: Visions of Heaven in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality

The interview:



Via: Singularity Hub

Caprica travels to Asia - AXN Beyond buys TV rights across the continent

Some great news for the show:

15 July 2010, Singapore, Hong Kong – AXN BEYOND, the destination channel for ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ entertainment, has acquired the basic television rights across Asia to the drama series Caprica from NBC Universal International Television Distribution, it was announced today. Under the terms of the agreement, Caprica will make its exclusive premiere on AXN BEYOND across Asia in the second half of 2010. Additionally, AXN has licensed the basic television rights in Korea for Caprica, which will make its exclusive premiere in Korea on AXN in the second half of 2010, as well.

Caprica represents the latest programming addition to AXN BEYOND’s unique blend of the best drama series, movies and entertainment series across genres including fantasy, horror, suspense, paranormal, supernatural, and science fiction.

As the long-awaited prequel to cult favourite science fiction drama series Battlestar Galactica, Caprica is the critically acclaimed new drama series that traces the dramatic events leading to humans’ creation of ‘Cylons’, robotic artificial intelligence which will go on to destroy the human civilization in retaliation for its enslavement. Set 58 years before the events of Battlestar Galactica, Caprica comes complete with corporate, political, familial and personal intrigue, political backbiting, and family conflict as the first-of-its-kind science fiction-based family saga. The 20-episode series stars Eric Stoltz (Chicago Hope) and Esai Morales (Jericho).

"As the first ever family saga set against a science fiction backdrop, Caprica distinguishes itself as a truly ‘out of the ordinary’ show and joins worldwide hits such as Supernatural and Lost, to be a perfect fit for AXN BEYOND. Not just for Battlestar Galactica fans, Caprica will be a special treat for AXN BEYOND viewers who have been growing in numbers across Asia,” said Ricky Ow, Senior Vice President & General Manager, SPE Networks - Asia.

Wholly-owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and operated by SPE Networks – Asia, AXN BEYOND is currently available on 13 pay-TV platforms in 11 markets across Asia. -- Press release

Friday 9 July 2010

Caprica at Comic Con - updated schedule (Thursday & Friday)

It looks like there will be two Caprica panels at Comic Con this year and Ron Moore & David Eick will definitely be there.

Thursday, July 22 (announced yesterday)

12:00-1:00 Caprica, Battlestar, and Beyond — Hosted by actor/author Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Capt. Apollo, So Say We All), this panel features composer Bear McCreary (Battlestar, Eureka, Caprica), producer/writer Michael Taylor (Battlestar, Caprica, Star Trek), science consultant Kevin Grazier (Battlestar, Eureka), and special guests. Richard and the panelists will provide reviews, discussion, and Q&A of Caprica, Battlestar Galactica, and the upcoming BSG movie, including trailers. Room 6A

Jane Espenson and Bob Harris will also attend (see tweet). 

Friday, July 23 (announced today)

11:30-12:30 Caprica— Syfy presents an exclusive glimpse into the future of humanity. Featuring Alessandra Torresani (Zoe Graystone), Sasha Roiz (Sam Adama), Ronald D. Moore (co-creator/executive producer), and David Eick (executive producer) and moderated by Geoff Boucher of the Los Angeles Times. Ballroom 20

Thursday 8 July 2010

News roundup: Caprica at Comic Con, UK season 1.0 DVD, Emmy nominations, interviews

Sorry for the lack of updates in recent weeks. I was away on vacation and my Internet access was more sporadic than I had thought it would be. Won't happen again (not until August anyway).

Updates in random order:

  • Last word on season 1.5 comes from Jane Espenson, who says it will start airing in October
  • Alessandra Torresani tweeted earlier today that they won't know if the show will get a season two until August and that this is the time to let Syfy know that you want the show back - you can do this on Twitter, Facebook, or by emailing Syfy at feedback@syfy.com
  • While there's still no news on the season 1.0 DVD for region 1, the first half of the season will be released in the UK on October 11. No DVD details yet, but it will be a four disc set
  • Caprica will have a panel at the San Diego Comic Con on Thursday, July 22. Announcement:
12:00-1:00 Caprica, Battlestar, and Beyond — Hosted by actor/author Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Capt. Apollo, So Say We All), this panel features composer Bear McCreary (Battlestar, Eureka, Caprica), producer/writer Michael Taylor (Battlestar, Caprica, Star Trek), science consultant Kevin Grazier (Battlestar, Eureka), and special guests. Richard and the panelists will provide reviews, discussion, and Q&A of Caprica, Battlestar Galactica, and the upcoming BSG movie, including trailers. Room 6A

Jane Espenson, Alessandra Torresani and Sasha Roiz have confirmed on Twitter they'll be attending and Bob Harris, who wrote the pocket guide mentioned below, will also be there for the signing.

NBC Universal Product Debuts from Caprica
NBC Universal will debut "Beyond Caprica - A Visitor's Pocket Guide to the Twelve Colonies" ($10) and an all-new Caprica T-shirt ($20), available for purchase at Entertainment Earth's booth. Here's your chance to own a piece of the hit Syfy channel drama set in the Battlestar Galactica universe. - Entertainment Earth

  • The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has announced the list of Emmy nominees for 2010 and Caprica scored a nod for best VFX. Big congratulations to Gary Hutzel and his team! (They previously won a couple of Emmys for their work on Battlestar.)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series
Caprica • There Is Another Sky • Syfy • Universal Cable Productions
Gary Hutzel, VFX Supervisor
Michael Gibson, VFX Producer
Doug Drexler, CGI Supervisor
Jesse Toves, CGI Artist
Kyle Toucher, CGI Artist
Pierre Drolet, CGI Modeler
Heather McAuliff, VFX Compositor
Derek Leadbetter, VFX Compositor
Dave Morton, CGI Artist

In related news, Bear McCreary finally got his first Emmy nomination for Human Target, in the Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music category. Congrats to him as well!

Here are some recent interviews you might wanna check out:


Finally, if you're in the Vancouver area, you can see this for the rest of us: Brian Markinson and John Pyper-Ferguson are doing a production of Glengarry Glen Ross at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage from July 22 to August 22. For details, click here. You can also catch John Pyper-Ferguson on Rookie Blue next week (Thursday, July 15, 9pm, ABC).

Will keep tweeting about cast appearances as they come.