Vampire Diaries Fan Event i Sydney
Tack vare en god vän till mig fick jag tag på en sammanfattning av hennes upplevelse av The Hub Producrions Vampire Diaries convention i Sydney och Australien(den är i engelska). Jag kommer att lägga upp fler bilder snart men tills det har ni detta foto från the eveent som bara var så oemotsåndlig att inte dela med mig av. 
When you first tell your friends and family that you’re going to a fan convention, inevitably there is that first few seconds when some of them look at you as though you’ve just recited the TiVo instruction manual in Klingon.
Thankfully, the day I’d told my mum it’s what I was planning to do, she had been through it all once before with me when Hub Productions (I don’t care if it sounds like I’m sucking up – I think you guys are freaking awesome for what you do) brought the first Supernatural convention out to Oz, and was subsequently very excited for me.
I’d just turned 28 the weekend before, so she knew that there are few birthday presents a girl can give herself that are more gorgeous, more lovely and – let’s face it – more self-indulgent than a meet and greet with two hot vampires, a beautiful girl (or her evil doppelganger – it was hard to tell) and a werewolf.
And so it was, after being ushered in out of the FREEEEZING cold at about 9am, we took our seats inside the Auditorium and were warmed up by viewing the first of the fantastic entries into the video competition. The competition, as a lot of you will know, was to create a short vid of the TVD star guest of your choice that if picked, would be played as that guest entered the auditorium & then later be given to them as a gift.
Well, look around TVD tweeps, cause there are some SERIOUSLY talented people in our little family (or maybe not so little these days, considering it’s apparently one of the most pirated shows in television today, lol).
After the morning mayhem that was photos with the guests (which was FANTASTIC – you are SO lucky America, that we Aussies were *made* to give them back, cause lord knows after that session we weren’t WILLING to) we waited on the best parts of the day to start – the Q & A sessions.
First THVD cab off the rank was our beloved resident Werewolf in waiting.
Prior to writing this article, I was trying to think of the best way to describe Michael Trevino, and finally I think I have him figured out. You see, he is the alternative, *happy* ending to the ‘that guy in high school’ story that – let’s face it – we all have. He’s the captain of the football team who’s got more charisma than all the James Bonds put together and a smile you have to measure in watts to fully appreciate it, but – very happily – he’s also a genuinely lovely person too.
He talked about a lot of different things. In regards to the show, he shared his views on what Season 2 will hold for Tyler, and on a potential love interest for the newly wolfed up bad (human) boy of Mystic Falls (I’ll be honest – I almost put my hand up there, and I practically have Team Stefan tattooed on my forehead (there because unfortunately I don’t have the BICEPS to pull it off like SOME people)).
He shared some really great personal stories as well, although I’m a bit worried at how much he was laughing when he talked about accidentally kneeing Zach in that post ‘I kissed your mom and I liked it’ fight scene.
Seriously, Mike.
As if Matt hasn’t had enough emotional traumas this season – you had to go and turn his Chuck Bass into a Tony Soprano as well? Oh, sugar. Lucky for you I have thing for bad boys, even the buwwy, buwwy bad “I’m sorry, I seem to have misplaced my knee in your groin” ones
But in all honesty, anyone who was there – either in Sydney or in Melbourne – will tell you that for whatever money you put on anyone else to be that mystery fourth guest for those couple of lead up months, in the end you were absolutely stoked that it turned out to be him.
Next up was Nina.
Beautiful Nina.
And her beautiful Top Shop heels.
And her beautiful hair.
And her tiny, tiny…tiny-ness.
It’s always a struggle to describe someone famous when you’ve seen them in real life to other people, but here is my take: I think Nina Dobrev is what would happen if you put Tinkerbell, Sandra Bullock and Pocahontas in a blender. She’s little, magic, sassy, warm and other worldly beautiful.
It was very cool indeed to hear how she got into acting, and I for one was impressed that she was so young and yet had such an impressive body of work to her credit. Fans asked her a lot of really good questions, not just about TVD but also about her Degrassi days and things like how she got into acting. When you listen to her speak, you can really understand why they chose her to play Elena Gilbert – she’s got a real grace about her, and you don’t see that as much in actresses her age as you used to I don’t think.
Also, if you’re ever around when she once again displays her ‘secret talent’? Yeah. Have your phone ready – you’re going to want what she does next to be recorded so you can use it as your next ringtone. Trust me.
And then there was Paul.
Lions and tigers and bears OH MY, was he gorgeous.
And I stand by my earlier claim – his voice literally does remind you of butter melting down hot toast. Or banana bread. Or something…either way <insert delicious toasted carbs of choice HERE> and freakin’ slather it with something so delicious it makes your toes curl, and you’ll get what I mean.
More than one little bird has told me that crowds (especially screaming, hysterical ones baying for him to take his clothes off) aren’t exactly his cup of tea. Well can I just say, if that’s the case, you would NEVER have known.
He was the smoothest, coolest guy I think I have ever seen, or met, or hugged, or whose abs I maybe felt up juuuust a little bit, in my entire life. The good thing was though, he remained very genuine and open – I have a lot of time for people like that. He was also very funny, which is quite unfair really because liking him anymore might possibly have caused me to spontaneously combust, and that was a big risk for him to take with my life, you know.
It was strange in one sense hearing him speak about how tedious the audition process had been for him to actually get into The Vampire Diaries. He seems like he would have been a shoe in from the outset. Nina had earlier told a story about how out of all the guys she had screen tested with to play Stefan, Paul was the only one who completely ignored her until they actually stood in front of each other and read for the network execs, and how as such she was more intrigued by him than anyone else. When questioned about it, Paul explained that he wanted the emotion of scene they read – the one where Stefan and Elena first meet in the cemetery – to be organic, and it was there that people first saw the chemistry that would make Paul and Nina the perfect choices for their role. The rest, as they say, is history I guess.
It was later though, when he auctioned the shirt off his back (i.e. one he was given so his own shirt stayed on his own back, thereby negating any hysteria that a half dressed Paul Wesley wandering round would have caused) that was the real highlight.
I’ve never seen a man write I LOVE MY ABS on his own chest before, but in his case he had every right to. I can hereby testify that his abs are so perfect they deserve their own special on the Discovery Channel.
He drew the dorkiest version of his own tattoo on the shoulder – it could have been a rose OR a garden gnome for all we knew, it was hard to tell – and by the time he was done, over $1000 had been earned for charity.
So, once he left, as you can imagine, my senses were a little frayed around the edges.
The object of my affection had just been RIGHT there in front of me. Had HUGGED me. The laws of science said I really should have woken up by now.
Enter, then, The one. The only. Ian Somerhalder.
You want to know what was going through my mind the moment I saw Ian Somerhalder for the first time? Well it went a little something like this.
TeamStefan.
TeamStefan TeamStefanTeamStefanYOUARETEAMSTEFAN!!!
You…are…y-…yo…Oh.
Oh no.
Blue eyes.
Black hair.
More charm than a Cheshire cat.
Yep.
Totally screwed now.
Yep. Totally just cheated on Team Stefan with my eyes.
Right there.
Ohhhhh man.
Seriously. One second in the Ian Somerhalder cooker and I was done like a dinner.
Now if you’ve never met Ian, there’s one thing you should know.
He has that kind of cool about him that if it’s all there was to him, it would be pretty intimidating I think. But it’s not. He’s the kind of guy that I think even if he wasn’t on TV or famous – even if he was just the guy who delivered your mail – you’d want to hang out with him, because he is that rare mix of joyous and sincere, as well very, very funny.
It’s weird, it’s like he sort of…charms the butterflies out of you, then looks at you like you’re the nicest thing that’s happened to him all afternoon, and he’s like that whether you’re at the front of his photo line or at the end. Complete and utter sweetheart.
He spoke at length about the things he loved most about playing Damon (for the record, he hands down freakin’ LOVES being the bad boy), and it was interesting to hear his take on where he thought his character would go next season – whether or not there would be a kind of role reversal between him and Stefan, with him becoming the GOOD –er brother of the two (although even if he does, can you see Damon turning into a smouldering, tortured bunny hugger? Nope, me neither.) He also spoke about a…well, not so fantastic audition that he did for the part of Jason Stackhouse in True Blood, about which he was disappointed to have lucked out on.
But Ian?
If you’re reading this (which if happening may in fact be just incredible enough to trigger the apocalypse, but – bygones), a word to the wise – you are at your absolute, smoking hot, Elvis-is-in-the-building best as an actor when you are playing roles that use your wit and comic timing for all they’re worth.
So, Bon Temps can have Jason Stackhouse.
You were BORN to play Damon Salvatore, and I’m not the only person who’d say no one could pull it off as well as you.
‘Sides. You think Kwanten can wear a fedora? Uhhh, NO.
Again, like Paul however, probably the best part of Ian’s entire session was the shirt auction. I’ve never seen a man trace his own abs on to a t-shirt before, either – seriously: he felt them so he drew them in the right spots, something which quite frankly I would have been *quite* happy to help him with. I’m very good at, ummm…tracing – but it was pretty impressive in the end.
It went for $1500 bucks, and he was so sweet when he came to thank the winning bidder. By the time he left, there was an almost audible and very golden buzz in the room, rounding out what had been a fantastic day for all.
It’s funny.
I try and think back sometimes to when I had only just seen my very first ep of The Vampire Diaries, and I’m wondering if I had any inkling even then that less than a year later I’d be buying tickets to their first Aussie fan convention. It’s amazing to think that a show can come such a long way in popularity in such a short space of time, but I have a feeling that I knew even that first night last September, that if any show was going to do such a thing, this would be the one.
It was an absolutely brilliant day, and I highly recommend that if you ever get the chance to go see them or meet them, DO it. You won’t regret it.
Till next time, boys & girls. May your vampires not be all bite, and your werewolves not be all bark.
"The Vampire Diaries" Melbourne konventet: "We're the luckiest kids in Hollywood"
Nina Dobrev’s panel:
Q: Stefan or Damon?
N: Defan – the other brother.
Q: You were in The American Mall…
N: It was a musical movie, it was really crazy. It was three weeks of singing and dancing. Really fun!
Q: Do you like the flashbacks on The Vampire Diaries?
N: They’re my favourite! It’s a rare opportunity to find a cool character that you love. Somebody dresses me – it’s like Halloween. Lots of fun.
Q: Did you have lots of (dance) training in The American Mall and the Miss Mystic Falls episode in The Vampire Diaries?
N: We had a dance instructor. Paul (Wesley) was terrified at first.
Q: How did you get into acting?
N: I had a dance background. I was a really hyper kid – my parents put me in classes. I love gymnastics and I took courses to be on stage/dance. I got an agent.
Q: Do you work long hours on-set?
N: It’s a weird schedule – TV in general – The Vampire Diaries especially. Lots of nights/days. Sometimes we’ll shoot from 6am to 8pm, sometimes 4pm to 5am. 14-15 hour days.
Q: In The Vampire Diaries books, Elena is blonde and bitchy. Do you prefer book or TV Elena?
N: I was excited to play book Elena. Kev (Williamson) and Julie (Plec) wanted the audience to love Elena and sympathize with her so that’s why they changed her character a bit and made her nicer. Also they wanted Elena and Katherine to be two different characters.
Q: Do you think it’d be a challenge to act out Katherine and Elena scenes when they’re face-to-face?
N: Yes. Not sure when it will happen. It would be cool and challenging.
Q: What was your first impression of The Vampire Diaries and how was your audition?
N: I read the Twilight books and I wasn’t skeptical since they (The Vampire Diaries & Twilight) have a lot of similarities. I met the producers and read the script. I kept fighting for the role.
Q: What’s your favourite episode of The Vampire Diaries?
N: Children of the Damned and Lost Girls. Vicki is in that episode (Lost Girls) and she is my best friend and ex-roommate. Now I live alone.
Q: How was the audition process for The Vampire Diaries and what was the role that you wanted but didn’t get?
N: Audition was gruelling. This was a TV show that everyone was talking about – lots of my friends went for it (the role of Elena). I did it in front of the studio, network, producers, executives. Paul was the only guy not schmoozing with me and offering me coffee. He was in a corner going over his lines. I was there for 12 hours. Paul and me had the best chemistry. Ian and Paul had the best chemistry. I’ve done tonnes of auditions that I haven’t gotten. I almost got the role of the female lead in Percy Jackson – they actually filmed in the same building as we film The Vampire Diaries. It was awkward.
Q: How difficult is it to fit in friends/family – social life?
N: Social life sounds really cool. What is that? (jokes) It’s very hard. The cast are my friends/family. We’re close and we get along.
Q: Do you like Katherine or Elena better?
N: Both. Elena – great many layers, nice girl that looks out for everyone. Has to deal with so many different things. Boyfriend is a vampire. Boyfriend’s brother is a vampire. Friend was killed because she was turning into a vampire. Best friend is a witch. Katherine is crazy and I’m not. I normally don’t play that role.
Q: What do you think when you watch yourself acting?
N: It’s odd. Very cool. I enjoy watching it (The Vampire Diaries) – I get involved in the storyline.
Q: Do you have any tips for future actors/actresses?
N: Practice, train and lots of hard work. Have a thick skin. Be prepared for knockbacks. You have to REALLY want it to be successful.
Q: Do you have any similarities with Elena or Katherine?
N: I’m more like Elena – a regular girl.
Q: Did you do any sightseeing in Australia?
N: I went to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast – spooned a kangaroo, went to the Great Barrier Reef – found Nemo.
Q: What do you do off-set?
N: Sleep. I can sleep anywhere. A chair, the grass…
Q: What do you think of the other actors?
N: They’re cool. They’re some of my best friends. Awesome and smart. Everyone’s so different.
Q: Is it weird to have instant feedback from fans when you use twit-a-long?
N: Yes, it’s weird. It’s interesting to see how involved they are. We don’t film months in advance.
Q: If Elena moved into the Salvatores’, would they have to be invited in by her?
N: No, because she’s not the owner.
Q: How did John inherit Elena’s father’s ring?
N: John could’ve stole the brother’s ring. I have no idea.
Q: What kind of pranks were there on-set?
N: We pull a lot of pranks. I can’t tell you. One of our castmates believe aliens exist – we had somebody call his cell phone and it shows up on his phone as his own number calling himself. We left a creepy message. Guy thought it was real and got freaked out. This prank went on for three weeks. We sent him a rock and told him aliens wanted him to keep that rock with him at all times and he carried the rock around.
Q: Mannerisms for Katherine/Elena?
N: Elena has only lived 17-18 years in a modern city whereas Katherine has been around for ages. More confident.
Q: If you could play any other vampire in The Vampire Diaries, who would you play?
N: Vicki. You got to see how she was turned.
Q: What kind of music are you into?
N: The Fray, Kings Of Leon, Lady Gaga. Glee. I’m a musical fan.
Q: How did you feel whenever your brother (Jeremy) tells you off on The Vampire Diaries?
N: He’s always mean to me. I feel bad for Elena. She’s the underdog. Nobody loves Jeremy except Elena though. Both of his girlfriends were killed.
Q: If you could play any character in any movie, who would it be?
N: Angelina Jolie action movie. Wanted/Salt. Kirsten Dunst in Interview With The Vampire.
Q: What’s your favourite Glee song and why?
N: Don’t Stop Believing. I play it a lot when I’m on the treadmill.
Q: Did Elena choose the right brother?
N: She still hasn’t decided at her age. Why choose when you have two of the hottest brothers after you? She’s all Stefan, all the time though – she loves Stefan. Stefan’s a little stuck up. He’s always looking after her. Both (Stefan and Damon) have different qualities. Stefan will always protect her.
Q: How did you celebrate getting the role of Elena?
N: I went to Miami with the cast – then I needed a vacation after my vacation. I went to Cuba.
Q: What are your nicknames for cast members?
N: Candice – Candy Cola/Candy/Cola, Kayla – KK, Michael – Trevino, Steven – McQueen, Matthew – Davis. We call a lot of them by their last names.
Q: Were you nervous about being hung upside down in a car?
N: I love to do my own stunts. I was trained for stunts from growing up with a brother. He was my personal punching bag. I grew up as a tomboy. Not pretty but fun.
Q: Is it fun going to work?
N: Actually it is. Bittersweet. We have a Wall Of Death in the production office.
Paul Wesley’s panel:
Q: What’s your favourite scene in season 1 of The Vampire Diaries?
P: The moment before Elena and Stefan make love. It’s the first time he vamps out in front of her and his face and eyes change. He’s ashamed and she thinks he’s beautiful – it’s one of the most intimate moments. The love scene is a close second.
Q: How did you start your acting career?
P: I was sentenced by my parents to go to an all boys Christian school. I wanted to play ice hockey and got kicked out. I started acting and developed a love for it. I realised I could make a career out of it. I kind of fell into it. Advice for future actors/actresses – do acting cause you love it.
Q: What character would you play other than Stefan?
P: Caroline.
Q: How did you get the role on The Vampire Diaries?
P: I auditioned for the role of Damon initially. They didn’t think I was right for Stefan. I got three callbacks for Damon. Then I was asked to read for the role of Stefan because they couldn’t find an actor for it. I did seven readings for Stefan. There were ten “Stefan’s” sitting in the hallway. They were told to go home one by one and I stayed ’til the final round.
Q: Did you get any souvenirs from The Vampire Diaries?
P: A lock of Ian’s hair for good luck. I wear The Vampire Diaries underwear. Same pair all the time.
Q: How do you feel about emotional scenes (in The Vampire Diaries)? Especially the torture scene.
P: It takes a lot out of me. It’s the most difficult work I’ve done as an actor. My wrists were bleeding during the torture scene. Director told me to use the pain. I’m proud of it.
Q: Vampires or wolves?
P: Vampires. Vampires are thinkers. Wolves are mainly instinctive and testosterone – very alpha male. Vampires are powerful – it draws me to them.
Q: What was it like working with James Woods in Shark?
P: I really liked him. He gave me his number. He’s cool, instinctive and a fun guy.
Q: What was the most embarrassing thing that happened on-set The Vampire Diaries?
P: The blooper reel. It was made as a joke by one of the editors. I fall a lot, smash into doors, go to kiss Nina and smash her in the face. There was something in my teeth – it was green. I had to do a sexy make out scene.
Q: Nina mentioned in her Q&A a Vampire Diaries cast member believes in aliens. Who is it?
P: I can’t tell you. Ask Ian.
Q: If you could be in any movie, what would it be?
P: My favourite book is Catcher In The Rye – it’d be cool to do that.
Q: What’s your best Aussie accent?
P: (imitates an Australian) How are you going?
Q: If you could guest star on any TV show, what would you guest star on?
P: Six Feet Under. In a past life. I don’t really watch TV anymore.
Q: If you could work with any actor/actress – who would it be and why?
P: Meryl Streep. She’s versatile and incredible. She’d make me look really bad on-screen. Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
Q: What are the similarities between you and Stefan?
P: In high school I felt like I didn’t have many friends – I was maybe a loner myself. Not quite in the cool group. Now I feel really cool. Stefan’s shunned by society – every high schooler feels that way. The character is relatable.
Q: What do you have to do to get into character?
P: Watch Ian. Hours of meditation. God, he’s so hot. I try to absorb the idea of having 160 years of knowledge. Difficult to fathom. I had to try and conceptualise that the most. It’s a very challenging role. No specific routine.
Q: What do you do when you’re not acting?
P: Partying all night long. I have issues with sleep – I don’t sleep very much. I like snowboarding, winter activities, watching a good film. I like playing the guitar – I’m really bad at it. I like to travel. Roadtrip!
Q: Do you do all your own stunts?
P: Not all. Some. Stunt guys do some. I jumped off the roof in the pilot. I had a harness. Couldn’t walk for a couple of days.
Q: What’s your star sign?
P: Leo. I was born July 23.
Q: How has your life changed since The Vampire Diaries?
P: I never used to sit in an auditorium answering questions. It’s changed my life – I feel fulfilled. I’ve been acting for ten years.
Q: What do you like most about Australia?
P: Vegemite. I haven’t seen much of Australia. People have been really friendly, food is good. I want to see more of it.
Q: What was it like working on the set of The O.C.?
P: Great. I made good friends – Ben McKenzie and Adam Brody. I auditioned for the lead of The O.C. It was a great experience. It was a quick role.
Q: Do you prefer Elena or Katherine?
P: I don’t know where it (the show) is going to go. No idea what’s happening in season 2. Katherine is incredibly powerful and manipulative and terrifying.
Q: Do you have a tattoo?
P: Yes. It’s a rose.
Q: What does it represent?
P: I just love roses. I got a tattoo I hated when I was a teenager and I found a Japanese artist to design over it.
Q: You did the mini-series Fallen – will it ever be released in Australia?
P: No idea. I play a half-angel in that. I need to save the world. It just came out on DVD actually.
Q: Is there anyone that has special/hidden talents on-set?
P: I make Ian think he has mind manipulation. No, not really. I have none.
Q: What’s the funniest moment on-set?
P: Nina had to wear a really long corset dress. She fell over. Ian and I just laughed. Afterward I was thinking, “why didn’t I help her?”
Q: When were you the most nervous in life?
P: Right now? I was forced to do a school play – I played Phantom from Phantom of the Opera. I completely forgot my lines. It was in the fifth grade.
Q: If you had a fight with Edward Cullen, who would win?
P: Who’s Edward? Stefan would kick everybody’s ass. I don’t know anything about Edward.
Q: Have you done any other conventions?
P: No, this is my first.
Q: What countries do you like to visit?
P: My parents and grandparents are Polish. Australia. Going home is special, though.
Q: Are the fangs painful to put on?
P: No. I have fangs already in real life. The mold is done by professionals – custom made.
Q: Is it difficult playing bad vs good Stefan?
P: Bad Stefan is emotional. They’re equally challenging. I just spent an entire season of playing a good guy – I want to do something different. Both are equally rewarding.
Ian Somerhalder’s panel:
Q: What are the similarities between Ian and Damon?
I: I’m not a maniacal killer? I only kill people in America. I also do not rob the cradle at that level. I enjoy the hell out of my life like Damon. In season 1 Damon seems like a dick – there’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. We all have a lot of skeletons in our closet – they make us really human. Humour is used as a bandaid for pain – Damon’s a very lonely guy – he just wants his girl and his bro back. He feels pretty stupid.
Q: Do you prefer modeling or acting?
I: Acting. Modeling was fun when I was young. There’s truly no comparison.
Q: Lost vs The Vampire Diaries?
I: Lost – I didn’t know what the hell was going on. Every character lived in the moment. You never knew what was gonna trigger the death. There’s so much source material for The Vampire Diaries. There’s two more books coming out. I share so much information with Julie/Kev.
Q: Are you involved in any charities?
I: I’m spreading myself quite thin actually. I support mainly environmental/animal charities. Giant Ones, Conservation International. Wildlife Federation. Animal Adoption/No Kill charities. [I didn't write this part down because I fail and I was listening ~intensely but he also mentioned how Australia is beautiful and that we should take care of it. And that the Gulf of Mexico is his home - he's from Louisiana and the oil spill really affects him. He tried to make us understand by making us imagine Melbourne was affected by something similar and all sources of our income and our family's income is gone just like that.]
Q: Are you worried about being typecast?
I: No, because we’re the luckiest kids in Hollywood. I’m gonna work damn hard not to be typecast.
Q: What did you want to be when you were younger?
I: Marine Biologist. I grew up near a freshwater bayou.
Q: Are you superstitious?
I: The world is worst off because of superstitions. All have quirky superstitions. We can’t explain everything in the world – it calls for research and understanding. There’s lots of energy in the world.
Q: What’s your favourite Damon scene?
I: Dancing around with half-naked Kayla is never a bad thing. Stefan/Damon – back in the 1800s – flashbacks when Stefan and Damon were friends. Paul and I are like brothers – I want to shoot Paul because I spend so much time with him. Stefan and Damon transitioning to become vampires – they’re emotional and powerful scenes.
Q: How did you enjoy your time in Hollywood?
I: It’s a strange place. A lot of talented, intelligent people that live there. A lot of the greatest filmmakers spend most of their time in L.A. It’s the basis and financing of storytelling. I wish Hollywood would get back to understanding CGI may not be the most entertaining/intriguing – basic storytelling is better. The weather’s really good, though.
Q: What storylines do you want in season 2?
Q: Did you have an idea of what you would look like as a vampire on-screen?
I: They didn’t really show me what vampires would look like. I went to make-up/hair/fangs/eye tests – created cool guys.
Q: Who’s your all-time idol?
I: So many. Actors – Damon should be a cross between Mick Jagger and Carey Grant and look like Marlon Brando. Brando is amazing. They exuded so much pain. They’re always smiling – they sensed that something was going on back there that’s cool.
Q: If you had any role written for you, what would you want to play and what genre of movie?
I: It comes down the filmmaker. Who conceptualises/makes them what they are. My brother’s doing a film with Clint Eastwood.
Q: What book would you recommend us to read?
I: I’m the worst guy to ask. The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman – it’s an enlightening book, you learn to appreciate the people around you. It’s hard to be humans and not judge. Judging doesn’t help anything. Probably why the world is in turmoil. It’s easy to read. The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley is a heavy book.
Q: What was the process of getting the role of Damon?
I: It was HELL to get. I had an initial meeting with producers. Took 7-10 days. I was vested in it. Scared. It was an intense and liberating process. I was in Las Vegas with parents – called my agent and asked for the part – told me it was probably too late but said I had to be in L.A the next day and I had eight pages of sides to read. I was reading the material while driving through the desert at 100mph with my ex. I don’t recommend it.
Q: What have you been doing in Australia?
I: Working. I was up in Port Douglas, scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef. In two days we have to shoot new promotional ad for The Vampire Diaries.
Q: What’s your favourite role you’ve done?
I: Lost. The Rules of Attraction. Watch that if you’re over 16. 18 maybe.
Q: Damon/Stefan – both on human blood. Price is Elena. Who is going to win?
I: I don’t know.
Q: If you were still on Lost, how would you try to get off the island?
I: You wouldn’t know until you were actually in that situation.
Q: Did Young Americans (the Dawson Creek spin-off) help you to get The Vampire Diaries role?
I: Yes. It launched the careers of actors that are doing very well – Kate Bosworth, etc. It got me Life As A House and then Rules of Attraction.
Q: Nina and Paul both mentioned you have an alien-believer in the Vampire Diaries cast. Can you tell us who it is?
I: May or may not play a teacher on The Vampire Diaries. Check his Twitter.
Q: What’s your favourite joke from The Vampire Diaries?
I: Damon trying to convince Stefan he’s good – Stefan starts laughing. Stefan had to go get squirrel blood and Damon offered a soccer mom.
Q: What’s the greatest thing about acting?
I: It’s basically made up of people that didn’t want to grow up. Acting is an unbelievable avenue of exploring. I highly recommend acting classes. They teach people to listen. It’s a cathartic way to hammer down on issues we create in our lives. It’s a cool avenue of exhilaration. It’s a way to get out of your comfort zone.
Q: Was there someone/something that inspired you to take up acting?
I: Watching old movies as a kid. So many reasons. I always knew I wanted to do it. Parents wanted me to explore it. It’s fun to make believe.
Q: What’s the craziest thing a fan has said/done?
I: Asking me to bite them. 13 year-olds look like 25. Parts of the body requested is also interesting. Fans memorising license plates of vehicles and stalking us. It’s all good.
Q: What superpower do you want?
I: Ability to fix the oil leak in Gulf of Mexico or mind compulsion.
Michael Trevino’s panel:
Q: Do you like Melbourne or Sydney better?
M: I need to check out Melbourne more. I was in Sydney for a couple of days.
Q: What’s your favourite mythical creature?
M: Lycans from Underworld are interesting.
Q: Who do you go for in the World Cup?
M: At first I went for Mexico and America. Didn’t turn out well. The Argentina vs Germany match was good. I’m gonna go with Spain.
Q: Are there a lot of script chances in The Vampire Diaries?
M: Lots of revision. We get ideas about the main story. Script’s totally different. Gotta roll with it. Changes from day to day.
Q: What’s your nationality?
M: Mexican. I get “Italian” a lot.
Q: Do you know how Tyler’s character is going to develop?
M: I brought the books and read the first two. Got an idea of the family background. Not much Tyler in season 1. Mainly scenes with Jeremy. It’s a big cast so they need to show a lot of storylines. Can’t wait for season 2!
Q: What has been your favourite scenes to shoot? Season 1 and 2.
M: Season 1 – punching Jeremy in the face and he doesn’t know what’s happening. There’s a close-up of the moon in that shot which is kinda foreshadowing.
Spoilers to follow!
Season 2 – another Lockwood family member will appear – he’s my Uncle.
Q: How did you get into acting?
M: I didn’t take drama classes in high school. So I thought about “What if?” a lot. It was spontaneous – I took theater classes and I got opportunities.
Q: Is there a lot more Tyler in season 2?
M: Yes. Lockwood takeover.
Q: If you could play anyone else in (The Vampire Diaries) the series besides Tyler, who would you play and why?
M: Damon. I went for the role of Damon (was told I wasn’t pretty enough), I went for the role of Stefan (I was not “nice” enough).
Q: How did you get involved in The Vampire Diaries?
M: Vampires are so successful these days. My agent got me the audition.
Q: Do you have any movies coming out soon?
M: The Factory with John Cusack. Filmed a couple of years ago. Shooting’s done. Waiting for distribution and release now.
Q: Who do you get along most with on-set?
M: Everyone. We’re all really close. We shoot in Atlanta – live five minutes away from each other so we’re always at each others’ houses. I have the most scenes with Zach (Roerig) and Steven (McQueen) – we’re the closest.
Q: What would you like your character to do if you could do anything?
M: I’d like to see the lighter side of Tyler. That he’s not always a prick. More of his family and flashbacks of ancestors – maybe they were bullies back then.
Q: What’s your favourite episode of The Vampire Diaries?
M: Founder’s Day – the season finale. We shot on the weekend for that episode. Took 10 days to complete shooting. Since the finale was amazing, I think the first episode of season 2 should be just as good if not better.
Q: Were there any funny/unexpected moments on-set?
M: Fight scene with Zach (in 1×18 – Under Control) – the pavement was slick and my knee came down and hit Zach on the nuts. It was a “cut” right there. I felt really bad.
Q: If you could star in any TV series/movie, what would it be?
M: I want to be a serial killer on Dexter.
Q: If you weren’t acting, what would your job be?
M: A lawyer. I wanted to major in Marine Biology. I wanted to do shows at Seaworld.
Q: There are differences between The Vampire Diaries books and the TV series. Do you like or dislike that?
M: I knew it was different from the beginning. The books were written in ’91. I like TV – it’s edgier, interesting. It also shows respect to the books.
Q: What do you get up to when you’re not filming?
M: You mean besides keeping out of trouble? Hanging out with family/friends. I’m teaching myself photography – taking random pictures of landscapes and people. Not in a stalkery/perverted way…
Q: Have you ever been to Australia before?
M: Never. I’m enjoying myself, though!
Q: I’ve heard you’re a really good dancer…
M: Where does everybody hear that from? I’m not auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance or anything. I like to dance to certain music.
Q: When are you leaving Melbourne?
M: My flight is tomorrow [which is technically today (July 6th) - the cast left already].
Q: What’s your favourite part of being in Australia?
M: Being here (at the convention). Meeting all the fans.
Q: Were you shocked by Vicki’s death?
M: I was very sad. Her acting was amazing. I thought, “who am I gonna do scenes with now?”
Q: What’s the thing about vampires/werewolves that makes them so popular?
M: It’s history repeating itself. Buffy/Angel. This is a new generation. Success of Twilight/True Blood.
Q: Who are you favourite actors/actresses?
M: (Robert) De Niro. Kate Beckinsale. Meryl Streep. I’d like to work with De Niro.
Q: Stefan or Damon?
M: Damon. Tyler comes from the same world – flawed, rules don’t apply to them, can also be sweet… I relate to him more.
Spoilers to follow!
Q: Does Tyler have a new love interest in season 2?
Q: What’s your favourite type of music?
M: Everything. Favourite band is The Doors. I like hip hop – Kid Cudi. I partied a lot when I was younger. I like electro.
Q: What’s your favourite TV series?
M: Dexter. Modern Family. The Office.
Q: Have you ever been starstruck and by who?
M: I bumped into him while I was headed to an audition – he was talking business. It was George Clooney.
Q: Would you mind if Tyler went darkside?
M: No.
Q: Who’s your mentor?
M: My grandfather from my dad’s side. He’s a hard working Mexican.
Q: Have you tasted Vegemite?
M: Yes. It sounded disgusting. A friend of mine is Australian and told me to buy a few jars for her while I was here. I had toast and Vegemite for breakfast the other day. It’s an acquired taste. I also did a Tim Tam Slam.
Q: Have you tried any local beer?
M: Just Pure Blonde.
Q: Have you done anything interesting in Australia?
M: A tour of the Sydney Opera House.
Q: Are you surprised with the popularity of The Vampire Diaries?
M: I always knew it’d be popular. Not THIS big though. The scripts are so good, even I’m a fan!
Q: You were in 90210 – how are the people?
M: I was excited to be on the remake at first. Then the writers/producers got lost. My character didn’t work out. I still keep in touch with the cast, though.
Q: How much can you benchpress?
M: I don’t actually know. I’m having a gym session before the autographs.
Q: What’s your best Aussie accent?
M: (imitates an Australian and does it REALLY well in my opinion) Stranger Danger.
Q: What show did you work on that you enjoyed the most?
M: Cane. It was my first real big gig. I felt like I was getting paid to learn how to act.
Q: What do you dislike/like about Tyler?
M: Dislike – fights all the time, super cocky, womaniser. I want to show the different side of him. Like – not gonna take no for an answer.
Q: What do you think you’ll be doing in 10-20 years?
M: Swimming at Seaworld. (joke) Hopefully in films by then – acting/directing.
Q: Did the flight (to Australia) put you off?
M: I’ll definitely come back next year if the opportunity arises. I can fall asleep anywhere – I’ve never flown on Virgin Blue. It was quite an experience.
Q: Are you on Twitter?
M: Yes (if you aren’t following him already, you can find him here).
Q: Would you guest star on Supernatural?
M: There are a lot of Supernatural fans in Australia. The fanbase is diehard. I need to look into it more. I’m sure there can be a crossover somewhere…
Q: Do you prefer Australian or American football?
M: Do you mean rugby? Rugby is huge in Australia. I would like to know (AFL – Australian Football League) how it works. I’ll Wiki that. I’ve been an NFL fan since birth.
Q: Do you like Dexter because Jimmy (Smits) was on it?
M: Jimmy is very respected in the business. I’ve been watching Dexter since season 1, though. Jimmy is very professional.
Q: What’s it like working with Kevin Williamson?
M: In high school everyone watched Dawson’s Creek. Working with him is great. Kevin is brilliant.
Nina, Ian och Paul från "The Vampire Diaries" Q&A i Melbourne den 4:e Juli 2010
Hub Vampire Diaries Convention 2010
För amerikanerna var gårdagen Independence Dag - för de Australienska fansen av The Vampire Diaries i Melbourne var det en dag då drömmar gick i uppfyllelse.
Twitter har nu flera tusentals twittrar från fans som gick på både Sydney och Melbourne fan eventet för The Vampire Diaries. Det finns många berättelser om hur fans träffade aktörerna, Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, Micheal Trevino och Paul Wesley och de flesta av dem beskriver händelsen med samma ord:
Beautiful. Charming. Lovely. Gracious. Impossibly gorgeous.
Här har ni några foton från evanemanget!
Priser till The Hub Productions Video Contest
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| KRMA’s Rocky Fang T-Shirt* [KRMA Clothing] |
Stateless by Stateless + other goodies Feat. “Bloodstream” [Stateless] |
Chaotic Resolve by Plumb Feat. “Cut” [Plumb] |
Mads Langer by Mads Langer Feat. “Beauty of the Dark” [Copenhagen Records] |
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| To Lose My Life by White Lies Feat. “Death” & “To Lose My Life” [Universal Music Group] |
Love You To Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries by Crissy Calhoun [ECW Press] |
A Visitors Guide to Mystic Falls: Your Favorite Authors on The Vampire Diaries, edited by Red & Vee of Vampire-Diaries.net [Smart Pop Books] |
Absolutes by Barcelona Feat. “Come Back When You Can” [Barcelona] |
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| Love Sucks poster [22" x 34"] |
Vinnarna av The Hub Productions Video Contest
Marlas intro för Nina Dobrev
Jacquis intro för Paul Wesley
Taras intro för Ian Somerhalder
Staceys intro för Michael Trevino
Uppdatering: Ian, Paul, Nina och Michael i Australien
Som jag har rapporterat er läsare tidigare så har The Vampire Diaries ensemblen, Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev och Michael Trevino spenderat dessa sista dagar i Australien. Där har de representerat The Vampire Diaries på The Hub Productions Vampire Diaries Fan Event i Sydney och Melbourne. Jag har försökt att få så mycket info om det hela från Twitter. Och det finns bara så många inlägg och bilder så jag tänkte att det skulle vara bra med en liten uppdatering.
Här är några bilder från när de var i Sydney. Och på tal om dem, så behöver ni gå til deras sida, där de har en röstning för de Topp Tio TV BFF (bestfriends forever), och rösta på Elena/Bonnie eller Bonnie/Caroline.
Här är två foton på Ian och Nina med ett fan, tack Dixie för att du delade med dig av dina foton!
Ian, Paul, Nina och Michael i Australien
Som ni vet så meddelade jag er tidigare att Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev och Michael kommer att vara i Australien. Här har ni de första bilderna och några videos från frågestunden de hade i Australien och ett par andra bilder från . Bilderna och videon är bara amatörfilmade så ni får ursäkta mig om det är dålig kvalité. Jag meddelade också om att det kommer att säljas olika samlarobjekt nu så har signerade Paul och Ian tröjor för $1500 och $1000.
Mer uppdatering kommer snart! Här har ni bilder och videos så länge!
