Behind the Scenes

Continued from previous page...

ALL ACCESS TO THE WHITE ROOM

Once again Robert Hall and his team at Almost Human did an outstanding job of providing some of the most visually enthralling guests of the night as the multi-dimensional guide, Skip, and the Blubber Demon (who unfortunately got the wrong end of Angelus' pen in the Season 4 episode, "Salvage") tried to fit in as best they could and succeeded rather well at it. Rob took time to reflect on Season 5 as he said, "There was a sort of no-holds barred approach to last season in terms of make up and special effects. This year has been a concentrated effort to tone it down. If we have a big stunt heavy episode, we try not to have so many monsters just because the cast is so large and for budgetary reasons. So, we are not making as much stuff, but what we have had to make sporadically has been equally as challenging. We really liked what we did this season with Camden Toy as The Prince of Lies. Camden is awesome!"

Rob explained that when he took over the show in Season 3, within just three episodes, they had to create Skip. "Joss came on set and saw him and was freaked out and offered us Buffy. Skip epitomized everything different about what Almost Human is about." The poor waif-like Slave boy owned by Archduke Sebassis, in Season 5's episode "Life of The Party", also managed to slip his master's leash, and by courtesy of the incredible expertise of Angel's make-up supervisor Dayne Johnson, finally managed to enjoy a party of his own. It was nice to be in the company of many of the 'behind the scenes' crew as well as those whose faces we see on our TV screens. The very amenable production assistant, Joe Pew let fans in on the secrets of set design and the man behind the weekly score, Robert Kral shared how he manages to compose the atmospheric music that haunts each episode. "I don't like to be to ahead. I like to watch the show, feel the stories, the plots and the twists, then write the music," he explains. "One of my favorites was the "Darla" episode with a lot of flashbacks, where at the end she wants Angel to turn her back. She's wrestling with her soul and how she can't stand the beating of her heart and how Angel tells her it's a gift. I only had 4 days to write for it, but the pieces are some of my favorites."

(l-r) Rob Kral, Nancy Holder and her brother Sam Devol, Sarah Thompson, Andy Hallett on stage and Ron Glass

Rob thought this season has been fantastic and stronger than the last. "The writing is good. I really like the stories opening up to new characters. It's been great. Having the Wolfram & Hart facilities, I didn't know how that was going to work but it has energized the show. I don't know what's coming up but episode 16 the last scene is really great. Steve DeKnight, [who wrote] beautiful dialogue, Joss had a lot of the ideas for the last scene so that episode is wonderful and after that I don't know what's coming." Once more, the men and women who have the vision and the pen-power to create Angel and its world were heavily accounted for at the Revue. Looking as stunning as ever in a strapless gown and self-described 'ass-shawl', former staff writer Mere Smith spoke of her favorite moments from Season 5. ""Smile Time" was fantastic and the Mexican Wrestling episode were amazing, which is to me what Angel is about. [It's] that startling blend of traditional Noir and the unexpected pop culture and "Numero Cinco" did that. I loved the pitch of it before I even saw it! As for the 100th Episode, I really liked the end. I loved the end! I thought it was completely deserved and if they had done anything else I would have felt cheated. One of the things I loved about the universe Joss created was that things are not without consequence, that people die and he has always made it a point that there are real casualties of this world and I think [Charisma Carpenter] did a great job." Mere continued her praise, "I've really liked the direction this season, putting Angel and everyone in Wolfram & Hart was a great shift in paradigm. I think it was the only way to change from Season 4, and it's was good to shift it outside the box."

The episode, "The Cautionary Tale of Numero Cinco" definitely made the top of Jeffery Bell's list too. "The day I shot the wrestling was one of the great days of my life," he says with a pride that he so clearly feels right across Season 5. "What I loved as much as last season was a satisfying emotional arc. What I have loved is the diversity of this season. We have some horror episodes, comedy, romantic comedy, a period action piece, and drama. It's always been different and I love that. The first couple of years we tried to be a detective agency and make stories about other people and now we are trying to do more stand alones about our people and it's been much more satisfying because of that. I really love stand-alones." Bell added, "You know what people really loved? The Wesley episode, where he killed his father. People like Dark Wesley! But all the characters have changed. Angel is Angel - brooding with conviction and if you look at Wes, Fred, Gunn, Lorne and Spike there are a lot of changes in each of them"

Inevitably, one of the topics for discussion that seemed to hang in the air was the sad news that The WB had cancelled Angel and that Season 5 would be its last season. Although the season finale has yet to be filmed, Jeff did offered, "We are now at a place of, 'Why are we here at Wolfram & Hart? What are we going to do about it?' You know, I don't think people will be disappointed with the finale. We will answer a lot of questions. There is some romance and we are working real hard. I think our finale is the equivalent of the Buffyverse, it's about Angel and his people." Continuing on that same course of discussion, new Angel writer, Drew Goddard added, "I have to say when we got the news that we were cancelled nothing depressed me more." Drew, who had amusingly been mistaken by some for Andy Hallett earlier in the evening continued, "We are having more fun than I've ever had on a TV show. Season 5 has been, from a writer's point of view, the most fun a boy can have. And it's all because of David Fury [points at Fury] - getting to work with him and his talent and his giant brain. I think we are all sad to be cut off in mid stride because we've been having fun and hopefully the fans have too because it's a special moment. We're all sad to have it end but you know we are going to try and go out strongly and make you all proud."

(l-r) The demon Bohg’ Dar, Dr. Jonathan Gording at work, Sebassis’ Slave boy with Dayne Johnson, Robert Hall and Skip quenching a hellish thirst

Those attending the Wolfram & Hart Review demonstrated the tireless campaigns that are being waged by fans across the world to try and save Angel. This has certainly not gone unnoticed by the people closest to the series itself and Drew couldn't help but beam with pride as he spoke of Angel fans, "We have the best fans in the world and we said it from day one. I will put our fans against any fans of other shows any day and they will take them down and destroy them and they will make them their servants and put little collars upon them and make them run around and call them master because our fans are the best fans in the world! Everyday are aware of how lucky we are to have such amazing fans. I remember Doug Petrie said at the last posting board party, 'There are people that get it and people who don't.' I don't know what 'it' is, but there's people who get it and people who don't and our fans get it!" Sharing his highlights of the season, Drew offers, "I did a lot of work on "Damage." I loved working with Steve. I loved James Marsters and Tom Lenk [Andrew] in that performance. I love the two of them together. I love everything Ben Edlund has done. I think Ben is brilliant and he has moments that blow me away. I loved "Destiny." I loved the Angel & Spike fight. I think that turned out pretty great. It's just been a fun year and there are so many moments that I love but we got a couple more. I think the best is still to come we got some good episodes coming for you guys and hopefully you guys will like it."

"One of the things I loved about the universe Joss created was that things are not without consequence, that people die and that there are real casualties of this world."
~ Mere Smith

David Fury, Steve DeKnight and making a welcome return for the night from his latest venture, Wonderfalls, Tim Minear also circulated through the crowd discussing episodes and taking in the atmosphere of this inaugural Angel PBP. Fury was happy to enlighten fans on his role of Gregor Frampkim from the episode "Smile Time". "It was great and Ben Edlund is a genius," he offered. "Frampkin was the guy under the towel and that was the first shot of the day and the scene with Frampkin and Lorne and Gunn was the last shot of the day. The only downside to me doing it was that I had to be there very early in the morning then I had 8 hours to kill before my next scene and by that time, production was running behind an hour and a half. So they raced through my scene, so I didn't get a chance to have as much time as I hoped I would. I was ready to play and they were done! But I've been very blessed to work with people who put me in their episodes." Tim was happily pimping his new series, Wonderfalls. "We are launching our show soon," he said, "and I'm running it so I just don't have time [to direct an Angel]. Everybody wants me to and I want to, but the timing just wasn't right. We have 13 episodes of Wonderfalls and we premiere on March 12th. It's the night we like to promote our 13 episode DVD sets," Tim laughed. "It's different and I think people will find it emotionally satisfying."

Unfortunately as wonderful as the guest list was, there were some people who were unable to make the event for a variety of reasons. Alexis Denisof (Wesley) was taking a sabbatical in London watching his lovely bride Alyson Hannigan (Willow) treading the boards in her performance of When Harry Met Sally and he took Joss Whedon with him. Both Stephanie Romanov (Lilah) and Amy Acker had been unable to attend due to illness although Stephanie did call on the morning of the Revue to wish the organizers and fans the best of luck, which only proves what an incredible lady she is. Christian Kane (Lindsay) had flown out to Japan to make a film and J. August Richards (Gunn) had actually flown down to Florida to celebrate his father's birthday. Andy Hallett, who was accompanied by his partner in crime, Mark Lutz (The Groosalugg) managed to sneak in just before the event finished.

MONEY, MONEY EVERYWHERE

As enjoyable as the whole weekend was, the raffle held on Friday night and the auction held on Saturday were just two key reminders of why the Wolfram & Hart Review was being held in the first place. The whole objective was to raise money for Joss' nominated charity the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center and as the evening's festivities drew to a close, there was still one major thing that still needed to be done. It can certainly be disclosed now that the numbers are in, but while Event organizer Allyson Beatrice (along with Maya Stosskopf) addressed the fans for the Check Presentation she thought she was wowing Ron Glass and the members of the evening's charity from the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center. Allyson coyly announced to the quiet crowd that their goal for the evening was to raise $10,000 for the worthy charity, but that goal was not reached, Instead, fans raised $15,0000 - but by the end of the weekend there was actually $18,000 raised! "Between the auction and donations from fans, cast, and crew, we actually raised a little over $18,000 for the Wooten Center," Allyson said. "We low-balled it on the check in case we did bad math, but we're so proud!" Representing and accepting the check fro the Wooten Center were Director is Linda Broadus Miles, and the founder Faye Rumph who were more then excited by all the efforts for the Angel fans.

David Fury was the first to the mic to convey his thanks for the evening as well as Angel's long run and its devoted fans. "We want to express the gratitude and love we feel for all of you guys," he began, "I must say that in my seven years working in Joss's universe I've never worked with a greater staff of writers which is really to dis everybody at Buffy." All joking aside, he continued, "This has been the most fun I've ever had and I also wanted to say that there's some people who don't always get the credit that they deserve. Joss, while he still oversees everything, and we try to write towards the kind of things he wants and create these things, somebody has to actually work the long hours, produce the show, edit the shows. These are the things that Joss did on Buffy, but the people who did it on Angel were the late, great David Greenwalt. He's not actually dead," he adds and jokes about Tim Minear, "Wonderfalls coming March 12th - we're all moving over there! And for the last year and a half or so it's been Jeffery Bell and we couldn't have done it without him. And now Steve DeKnight would like to say something." Steve approached the front of the stage and asked, "Could I get a lower mic?" and Fury responded, "Take the Danny Strong mic," and the crowd exploded with laughter and humorous boo's. But Steve wanted to offer his sincerity, "You know the past 2 years on Angel has been one of the most fantastic experiences of my life basically because of these people standing right behind me. The best cast, the best crew, the best David Fury of any show on television. And the best fans ever. Without these guys you would have gotten a half a season of Angel and that would have been before Jeff Bell and Steve DeKnight came on the show."

(l-r) Allyson Beatrice & Maya Stosskopf, the entire cast & crew with Faye Rumph & Linda Miles, Tim Minear and Jonathan Woodward

Before the writers were allowed to take over the stage, Ron Glass came forth to do the night's honor by presenting the check to the Wooten Center. "First of all, let me just say we are beyond ecstatically happy tonight given that," he stated, "as Allyson said, you set out to give us $10,000 and you've given us $15,000. The exec director of the Wooten Center is the person who keeps it going and does everything that needs to be done and she is with us tonight, Linda Miles. It would be remiss of me not to inform you that there was a woman whose son was killed in a drive-by shooting and the way she decided to deal with her grief was to try to save other children, and I would like to introduce her to you, it happens to be that you've just given her a fabulous birthday present, Faye Rumph." And the fans promptly joined in to sing Happy Birthday. "Thank you very, very much! And the fans, Tim, you're the best, and Joss where ever you are, you're phenomenal, thank you!" Getting the last word in for the evening was Jeff Bell, who wanted to let fans know that, "Joss is in England but he wanted me to express to you his love and appreciation for everything you've done for the show. We made it to 100 episodes and a lot of you did an ad, we love and appreciate it. Thank you for everything. All 573 fans are in the room, so we want to thank you very much."

Although he arrived fashionably late, Andy still planned to make the most of his short time with the fans by instigating one of his infamous karaoke sessions. He showed his gratitude to the Angel fan's dedication by doing what he does best - sing! Taking to the stage he opened with a Lorne classic, Lady Marmalade before launching into a couple of gospel songs finally finishing with Superstition pulling a few people on stage with him to act as Lornettes! As he finished his final number, that was the cue to all that the event was all but over. "I think one of the best and most appropriate moments was when Andy took the stage," said Bobbi Cardoniga "It just wouldn't have been an Angel Party without his wonderful voice singing out! Andy rocks the stage!" As friends and fans retired you could feel the excitement hang over those lingering through the lobby, not willing to let go of their first Angel party. But the night was young and there was still pie to be eaten at Mel's Diner!

Written by the CoA Writing Staff

The entire weekend's events were preceded by many months of planning with the combined efforts of many, many people. Once again, we ask that you indulge us this moment so that we may attempt to thank them all within this allotted space remaining. (In no particular order)

CoA would like to thank the entire Cast and Crew of Angel and Buffy who attended, contributed, and offered their thoughts and appreciation. And to the ever remarkable Mr. Joss Whedon.

Heartfelt recognition go out to Linda Broadus Miles and Faye Rumph. For more information about the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center, visit their Official Website at: WootenCenter.org

Special thanks to those who personally assisted, contributing their time and/or products, Andy Modlin (Inkworks Cards), Alex Jurkat (Eden Studios), Sideshow Toys, Fox Music, LiveJournal.com, PopGurls.com, FanGeek.com, the Firefly Fan Group, Darling Violetta, Tracy Bellomo, Stephanie Lossi, Matt Parney and Mark Boretz who also couldn't do enough to make the night special. Angel Dolly Grip Victor Macias and Jen Boyett.

A very Gracious thank you to the creators of all the demons: Angel's Dayne Johnson, Dalia Dokter, Patricia Gundlach and the help of Lynne Thurmond. Major Props to Ryan Alvarez! Robert Hall and his entire crew of artists from Almost Human: Chris Burdett, Jason Collins, Darnell Shephard, Elvis Jones, Carrie Sebree and Scott Breeden for their time, talent and donation of materials. Dr. Jonathan Gording, all his staff and his tech Sava Markovic.

Our final appreciation goes to EMA Hollywood for allowing CoA this opportunity: Allyson Beatrice and Maya Stosskopf and their entire staff of assistants; and especially all the "Lawyers" from the CoA Staff: Virginia Obeius, Lilian Holden, Jeff Ritchie, Rachel Barrera, Tara DiLullo, Sue Grimshaw, Nicola Jones, and Kristy Bratton who were amazing all weekend!

If you have any comments for CityofAngel.com regarding this 'Behind the Scenes' feature, we would love to hear from you. Just email us at: comments@CityofAngel.com