True Blood Episode 1 "Strange Love" Available As Free Rental DVD
August/30/08 00:02 Filed in: Promotion
Blockbuster is offering a free DVD rental on True Blood episode 1, “Strange Love”. If you just can’t wait until September 7th, head out to your local Blockbuster location and grab a copy. Then leave your review of the pilot in our forum.
Ghastly Reviews: True Blood Episode 1 - Fangoria
August/29/08 23:56 Filed in: Off-Site
Allan Dart of Fangoria reviews “Strange Love”, episode 1 of True Blood:
“Book-to-screen adaptations have never been easy, and it has been said that it’s actually easier to translate a mediocre book to a good movie or TV show than it is to turn a great novel into an equally great film. JAWS is a good example of the former—and the strange thing is that Ball, who wrote and directed the pilot, “Strange Love,” and scripted the second episode, “The First Taste” (helmed by Scott Winant) is much more faithful to the source material (TRUE BLOOD’s first season supposedly only covers DEAD UNTIL DARK’s events) than Spielberg was with JAWS. And yet TRUE BLOOD works where DEAD UNTIL DARK didn’t, and I believe there’s one major reason for that. Ball doesn’t let Sookie narrate the series, and by cutting that out, he removes the novel’s greatest weakness.”
Full Article:
http://www.fangoria.com/ghastly_review.php?id=7183
“Book-to-screen adaptations have never been easy, and it has been said that it’s actually easier to translate a mediocre book to a good movie or TV show than it is to turn a great novel into an equally great film. JAWS is a good example of the former—and the strange thing is that Ball, who wrote and directed the pilot, “Strange Love,” and scripted the second episode, “The First Taste” (helmed by Scott Winant) is much more faithful to the source material (TRUE BLOOD’s first season supposedly only covers DEAD UNTIL DARK’s events) than Spielberg was with JAWS. And yet TRUE BLOOD works where DEAD UNTIL DARK didn’t, and I believe there’s one major reason for that. Ball doesn’t let Sookie narrate the series, and by cutting that out, he removes the novel’s greatest weakness.”
Full Article:
http://www.fangoria.com/ghastly_review.php?id=7183
10 Reasons True Blood Won't Suck - Sci Fi Wire
August/29/08 23:50 Filed in: Off-Site
Mike Szymanski of Sci Fi Wire has posted a fun list of 10 reasons why True Blood won’t suck:
“1. Oscar clout. Creator Ball has a golden statuette for writing American Beauty, not to mention intimate familiarity with the dead from his previous award-winning HBO undertaking, the brilliant Six Feet Under. Paquin, similarly, has her own Academy Award (won at age 11 for her role in 1993's The Piano) and brings the same snarky attitude she developed for X-Men's Rogue. This time, however, she's tanned, blond--and does have more fun.
2. Keeping it dark. Ball admitted that he's never read an Anne Rice book, but he isn't messing with vampire mythology to the point that his vampires will break some of the standard rules. There's no wandering out in daylight, and a lot of the show takes place at night. When asked about CBS' failed vampire show Moonlight, Ball said, "I think it's pretty lame when you let your vampire go out in the day just because you don't want to shoot at night. I personally have never seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel. I'm not really a big vampire fan. This was really my first." He does redeem himself by saying that Kathryn Bigelow's 1987 film Near Dark is one of the best vampire films ever made.
3. Missing mythology. Ball dispenses with some vampire mythology--crucifixes kill, mirrors don't reflect--by arguing that vampires themselves have generated them to fit in better among humans. Vampires created some of the more common myths, the argument goes, to prove that they're not walking dead. That's not to say Ball avoids mythology altogether: He invents some of his own, like the fact that vampire blood can heal humans or that they can be disabled with silver. Just don't tell anyone. “
For the complete list, read the Full Article:
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?id=59050
“1. Oscar clout. Creator Ball has a golden statuette for writing American Beauty, not to mention intimate familiarity with the dead from his previous award-winning HBO undertaking, the brilliant Six Feet Under. Paquin, similarly, has her own Academy Award (won at age 11 for her role in 1993's The Piano) and brings the same snarky attitude she developed for X-Men's Rogue. This time, however, she's tanned, blond--and does have more fun.
2. Keeping it dark. Ball admitted that he's never read an Anne Rice book, but he isn't messing with vampire mythology to the point that his vampires will break some of the standard rules. There's no wandering out in daylight, and a lot of the show takes place at night. When asked about CBS' failed vampire show Moonlight, Ball said, "I think it's pretty lame when you let your vampire go out in the day just because you don't want to shoot at night. I personally have never seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel. I'm not really a big vampire fan. This was really my first." He does redeem himself by saying that Kathryn Bigelow's 1987 film Near Dark is one of the best vampire films ever made.
3. Missing mythology. Ball dispenses with some vampire mythology--crucifixes kill, mirrors don't reflect--by arguing that vampires themselves have generated them to fit in better among humans. Vampires created some of the more common myths, the argument goes, to prove that they're not walking dead. That's not to say Ball avoids mythology altogether: He invents some of his own, like the fact that vampire blood can heal humans or that they can be disabled with silver. Just don't tell anyone. “
For the complete list, read the Full Article:
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?id=59050
True Blood's Carrie Preston To Appear On Radio Happy Hour
August/29/08 23:44 Filed in: Cast & Crew
Carrie Preston (Arlene Fowler in True Blood) will be making an appearance on Dr. Blogstein's Radio Happy Hour at BlogTalkRadio. The appearance will be on Tuesday September 2nd, 2008 at 9:00PM ET.
You can listen here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DrBlogstein
If you’d like to call in during the show, dial (646) 652-4804.
You can listen here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DrBlogstein
If you’d like to call in during the show, dial (646) 652-4804.
Carrie Preston Discusses Her True Blood Role & More - StarPulse
August/29/08 23:37 Filed in: Off-Site
Carrie Preston, who plays Arlene Fowler in the HBO series True Blood, was recently interviewed by Sheila Fraklin of StarPulse.com about her role in this series and other projects:
Carrie says “My character on the show couldn't be more different than me. I don't even look like myself. They have me in this redheaded wig. It's unusual to have the ability to transform because in the books they are very specific about what the characters look like. Because I worked with Alan before, he said he would give me a wig to look like her. So many would never do that, but he took a chance to make the actor into the character instead of the other way around. I will be very curious to see how that plays out. People on the set don't know who I am before I get into hair and makeup.”
Full Article:
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/08/21/carrie_preston_discusses_her_true_blood_
Carrie says “My character on the show couldn't be more different than me. I don't even look like myself. They have me in this redheaded wig. It's unusual to have the ability to transform because in the books they are very specific about what the characters look like. Because I worked with Alan before, he said he would give me a wig to look like her. So many would never do that, but he took a chance to make the actor into the character instead of the other way around. I will be very curious to see how that plays out. People on the set don't know who I am before I get into hair and makeup.”
Full Article:
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/08/21/carrie_preston_discusses_her_true_blood_
True Blood's Anna Paquin Takes On The Vampires - WWDLifestyle
August/29/08 23:31 Filed in: Off-Site
Vanessa Lawrence of WWDLifestyle has posted a short interview with True Blood’s Anna Paquin:
“WWD: What attracted you to this part in the first place?
Anna Paquin: Well, this whole world is so kind of exciting and unusual as far as the supernatural elements but also has so much in it that’s really emotionally poignant and the characters are so strong and so well drawn out. My character is so tough but she’s sweet and she’s innocent, but she’s kind of worldly. There’s just so much to it that it does not get boring.
WWD: Vampire sex certainly doesn’t get boring. In fact, the show gets quite graphic.
A.P.: You know, there’s some pretty full-on stuff of that variety. And on the whole I think vampire fascination is so intertwined with the whole idea of dangerous sexuality and that sort of scary edge to it.”
Full Article:
http://www.wwd.com/lifestyle-news/eye/paquin-takes-on-the-vampires-1717893
“WWD: What attracted you to this part in the first place?
Anna Paquin: Well, this whole world is so kind of exciting and unusual as far as the supernatural elements but also has so much in it that’s really emotionally poignant and the characters are so strong and so well drawn out. My character is so tough but she’s sweet and she’s innocent, but she’s kind of worldly. There’s just so much to it that it does not get boring.
WWD: Vampire sex certainly doesn’t get boring. In fact, the show gets quite graphic.
A.P.: You know, there’s some pretty full-on stuff of that variety. And on the whole I think vampire fascination is so intertwined with the whole idea of dangerous sexuality and that sort of scary edge to it.”
Full Article:
http://www.wwd.com/lifestyle-news/eye/paquin-takes-on-the-vampires-1717893
True Blood Episode 1 On Free Bonus DVD At Best Buy
August/24/08 22:33 Filed in: Merchandise
It appears that Best Buy is giving away the pilot episode of True Blood as part of a special offer beginning this week.
According to their website “Now, when you grab an HBO title, you can get a free DVD with the first episode of the stunning new vampire series, True Blood.”
Thanks to forum member Tanya C. (“tmc&rdquo
, who also stated that her local Best Buy location would not have the discs in until Tuesday August 26th, 2008.
According to their website “Now, when you grab an HBO title, you can get a free DVD with the first episode of the stunning new vampire series, True Blood.”
Thanks to forum member Tanya C. (“tmc&rdquo
, who also stated that her local Best Buy location would not have the discs in until Tuesday August 26th, 2008.Watch "True Blood: Alan Ball POV" Behind The Scenes Video Online
August/23/08 17:30 Filed in: Promotion
The HBP special “True Blood: Alan Ball POV” that originally aired on August 7th, 2008 has now been made available online. Alan Ball talks about his new HBO drama series True Blood and reflects on his career in this interview.
True Blood: Invitation To The Set Video Posted By HBO
August/23/08 17:21 Filed in: Promotion
HBO has posted a 2 minute behind the scenes look at the set of True Blood with interview snippets featuring the cast and crew.
HBO "True Blood: They Live Among Us" Sweepstakes
August/23/08 17:12 Filed in: Promotion
Beginning August 25th, 2008 HBO will be running the "True Blood: They Live Among Us" $10,000 sweepstakes. There will, also, be prizes awarded daily. Keep checking the site http://livingvampires.com/ for updated details.
...and don’t forget we’re running a give-away in our forum, as well!
...and don’t forget we’re running a give-away in our forum, as well!
Another HBO True Blood Trailer, 2:50 Min Extended Version
August/19/08 21:31 Filed in: Promotion
The True Blood trailers just keep getting longer and longer! Pretty soon we won’t even need to see the episodes. This one features some additional screen time for Fangtasia and future episodes beyond the pilot.
Tru Blood Give-Away Winner Announced! More To Come!
August/19/08 00:26 Filed in: Forum
In case you haven’t followed the link on the front page, I’ve been running a Tru Blood Give-Away since July 13th.
Our first winner has been chosen: Congratulations to Tanya C. of Manhattan! Forum members will recognize her by the username ‘tmc’.
However, the give-away is not over! If you’re a member of the True-Blood.tv Forums, you could be the lucky recipient of an
OFFICIAL Tru Blood Sample Kit
I will choose the next lucky vampire or fang banger soon!
More info is available in the forum.
Good luck!
Our first winner has been chosen: Congratulations to Tanya C. of Manhattan! Forum members will recognize her by the username ‘tmc’.
However, the give-away is not over! If you’re a member of the True-Blood.tv Forums, you could be the lucky recipient of an
OFFICIAL Tru Blood Sample Kit
I will choose the next lucky vampire or fang banger soon!
More info is available in the forum.
Good luck!
HBO Now Airing New 2:30 Min. Extended True Blood Trailer
August/15/08 15:53 Filed in: Promotion
As of August 14th, 2008 HBO has made yet another extended trailer for True Blood available. This one is the longest yet and has a running time of around 2 and a half minutes. Like previous trailers, this one features scenes from multiple episodes and includes glimpes of Sookie, Bill, Eric, Fangtasia and numerous other vampires and fang-bangers.
True Blood Cast Biographies & Crew Information Updated
August/14/08 23:30 Filed in: Cast & Crew
The True Blood “Cast & Crew” section has been updated with new photos and in depth biographies for Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley, Sam Trammell and Nelsan Ellis. Other cast and crew data has been ammended, as well.
Additionally, a new page has been added, titled “About True Blood”, that provides a general overview of the TV Series.
Additionally, a new page has been added, titled “About True Blood”, that provides a general overview of the TV Series.
New True Blood Promotional Photos Added, Including Eric!
August/14/08 22:25 Filed in: Photos
Courtesy of the kind folks at HBO, several new promotional photos of the regular True Blood cast have been added to the site. These include what I believe to be the first official picture of Alexander Skarsgard portraying Eric Nothman, co-owner of the vampire bar Fangtasia.
Photos have been added to the updated Cast & Crew section of the site along with larger versions in the Season 1 Photo Gallery.
Photos have been added to the updated Cast & Crew section of the site along with larger versions in the Season 1 Photo Gallery.
Watch "In Focus: Shedding Light On Vampires In America" Online
August/14/08 19:15 Filed in: Promotion
Courtesy of dailymotion.com, The special “In Focus: Shedding Light On Vampires In America" that previously aired on HBO is now available for viewing online. Billed as a “Primetime Network Exclusive” and presenting itself as an investigative news show, this is production covers “The Great Revelation” of vampires coming out of the coffin across the world and - in particular - Bon Temps, LA. There is no new footage but if you missed it during it’s original broadcast, or just wish to see it again, here you go:
Official Descriptions For True Blood Episodes One Through Four
August/13/08 22:26 Filed in: Episodes
I’ve just received the official HBO descriptions and airdates for the first four episodes of True Blood. You can view that information in our Episode Guide.
Extensive Video Footage Of True Blood Comic-Con Panel Online
August/13/08 14:25 Filed in: Promotion
Extensive footage of the HBO True Blood Panel at San Diego Comic-Con has been posted online in 8 parts. These were recorded by an audience member and seem to be mosty of the view screen. You can view them below:
(Source: Gonturan74 )
(Source: Gonturan74 )
Pro/Anti "Vampire Rights Amendment" Posters Added To Gallery
August/11/08 17:52 Filed in: Photos
Posters from the American Vampire League and the Fellowship Of The Sun have been posted in major cities for several weeks now. I’ve managed to get my hands on digital versions of the posters themselves and they are now available in the “Vampire Rights Amendment” Gallery. More photos from the street will be posted shortly, so keep checking back!
Meanwhile, the first lucky recipient in our Tru Blood Give-Away will be announced later this week. Have you entered yet?
Meanwhile, the first lucky recipient in our Tru Blood Give-Away will be announced later this week. Have you entered yet?
Anna Paquin Talks About New HBO Series True Blood - Starpulse
August/11/08 17:17 Filed in: Off-Site
True Blood’s Anna Paquin discusses the series, her character Sookie Stackhouse, and more in a brief interview segment posted at Starpulse.com:
“Q: How did you get involved with 'True Blood?' Had you been considering getting into television?
Anna Paquin: I had been thinking that it would be really awesome to be a part of one of those really good HBO shows, and then this showed up. I thought, “There's no way in hell I'm gonna get this, but I'll give it my best.” There's nothing more exciting as an actor than getting to do something that you're not entirely sure that anyone would let you do, and getting to take a big jump in a completely different direction. The brightness of my character's personality is so refreshing; it doesn't mean she doesn't deal with heavy issues, or doesn't have hardship. It just means that she's not dealing with it by introverting and becoming this dark, tortured person, which I've done a lot of.”
Full Article:
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/08/11/anna_paquin_talks_about_new_hbo_series_t
“Q: How did you get involved with 'True Blood?' Had you been considering getting into television?
Anna Paquin: I had been thinking that it would be really awesome to be a part of one of those really good HBO shows, and then this showed up. I thought, “There's no way in hell I'm gonna get this, but I'll give it my best.” There's nothing more exciting as an actor than getting to do something that you're not entirely sure that anyone would let you do, and getting to take a big jump in a completely different direction. The brightness of my character's personality is so refreshing; it doesn't mean she doesn't deal with heavy issues, or doesn't have hardship. It just means that she's not dealing with it by introverting and becoming this dark, tortured person, which I've done a lot of.”
Full Article:
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/08/11/anna_paquin_talks_about_new_hbo_series_t
Fangtasia Vampire Bar To Host "The Black Masquerade" Ball
August/08/08 02:58 Filed in: Photos
Fangtasia, the infamous vampire bar in Shreveport, Louisiana will be hosting a party August 9th, 2008 - “The Black Masquerade” ball. A flyer for the event is now in our Photo Gallery. It will be “A night of music, drinking, and making new acquaintences”. Please be aware there is NO biting on the premises. Our friend Andrew over at Bloodcopy.com even received a phone call from Eric Northman, the bar’s proprietor, alerting him to the event.
True Blood is "Simply Fantastic" Says Geoff Boucher - LA Times
August/06/08 19:34 Filed in: Off-Site
Geoff Boucher of that Los Angeles Times has seen the first too episodes of True Blood and thinks the series is “simple fantistic”:
“This show, like every great HBO series, tracks a complicated tribe beset by the world around it, be it a Jersey mafia family, Utah polygamists, a quartet of single women in Manhattan or Depression-era carnies in a Dust Bowl war of good vs. evil.
This time the tribe members are vampires and the people who love them, all living in the not-too-distant future. Instead of villagers with torches, this time around the hordes at the castle gate are from Jerry Springer's America where groupies (“fangbangers&rdquo covet vampires for their sexual prowess and cruel-eyed poachers try to catch them, drain their blood and sell it as the ultimate vitality drink.
Vampires have a fascinating jumble of roles here: They are pariahs, junkies and predators, but mostly they seem like disaffected rock stars, tired of the hunger they see in the eyes of “fans” and their own joyless need to feed their own appetites. What’s that line by U2? “You’re a vampire or a victim, it depends on who’s around…”
Full Article:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2008/08/true-blood-is-h.html
“This show, like every great HBO series, tracks a complicated tribe beset by the world around it, be it a Jersey mafia family, Utah polygamists, a quartet of single women in Manhattan or Depression-era carnies in a Dust Bowl war of good vs. evil.
This time the tribe members are vampires and the people who love them, all living in the not-too-distant future. Instead of villagers with torches, this time around the hordes at the castle gate are from Jerry Springer's America where groupies (“fangbangers&rdquo
covet vampires for their sexual prowess and cruel-eyed poachers try to catch them, drain their blood and sell it as the ultimate vitality drink.Vampires have a fascinating jumble of roles here: They are pariahs, junkies and predators, but mostly they seem like disaffected rock stars, tired of the hunger they see in the eyes of “fans” and their own joyless need to feed their own appetites. What’s that line by U2? “You’re a vampire or a victim, it depends on who’s around…”
Full Article:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2008/08/true-blood-is-h.html
True Blood To Be Broadcast In Canada Beginning In September
August/06/08 19:22 Filed in: Broadcast
Canada’s “The Movie Network” has obtained first run rights to HBO’s True Blood TV Show and will begin airing the series beginning September 7th, the same night it premieres in the US. Check your local listings!
More Info:
http://tv.astral.com/highlights/tmn/hbo.html
More Info:
http://tv.astral.com/highlights/tmn/hbo.html
HBO Broadcasts A Second, Extended Trailer For True Blood
August/05/08 23:41 Filed in: Promotion
Around August 4th, 2008 HBO begun broadcasting a second, extended trailer for True Blood. Clocking in at a minute and a half, this trailer features scenes from multiple episodes and includes glimpes of Eric, Fangtasia and numerous other vampires and fang-bangers.
Thanks to forum member “definelike” for the heads up.
Thanks to forum member “definelike” for the heads up.
Campfire Sinks Its Creative Teeth Into True Blood - Creativity
August/05/08 23:32 Filed in: Off-Site
Jeff Beer of Creativity-online.com has posted an article covering the impressive, and continually expanding, True Blood promotional efforts created by the advertising company Campfire.
“Zach Enterlin, HBO's vice president of advertising and promotion says when Ball issued the marketing challenge to immerse viewers into the world of True Blood before the first episode even aired, Campfire immediately came to mind. "I'd read a lot about some of the campaigns they had done over the past few years, most notably with Audi," he says. "When True Blood came about we thought it would be a great opportunity to flesh out this world further and deliver a really immersive experience. And I think that's Campfire's strong suit, the notion of storytelling through promotional content."
...
What makes the campaign behind True Blood intriguing is how it overlaps and embeds itself within the mythology of the show itself. To set the stage for the show's hemoglobin-heavy adventures in northern Louisiana, Campfire had to create a complex back story that would reveal how vampires have revealed their presence to the rest of the world, due in large part to the existence of a synthetic blood product manufactured by a mysterious Japanese company.”
Full Article:
http://creativity-online.com/?action=news:article&newsId=130134§ionName=behind_the_work
“Zach Enterlin, HBO's vice president of advertising and promotion says when Ball issued the marketing challenge to immerse viewers into the world of True Blood before the first episode even aired, Campfire immediately came to mind. "I'd read a lot about some of the campaigns they had done over the past few years, most notably with Audi," he says. "When True Blood came about we thought it would be a great opportunity to flesh out this world further and deliver a really immersive experience. And I think that's Campfire's strong suit, the notion of storytelling through promotional content."
...
What makes the campaign behind True Blood intriguing is how it overlaps and embeds itself within the mythology of the show itself. To set the stage for the show's hemoglobin-heavy adventures in northern Louisiana, Campfire had to create a complex back story that would reveal how vampires have revealed their presence to the rest of the world, due in large part to the existence of a synthetic blood product manufactured by a mysterious Japanese company.”
Full Article:
http://creativity-online.com/?action=news:article&newsId=130134§ionName=behind_the_work
True Blood Photo Gallery Updated (Vampire Rights Posters & More)
August/04/08 19:55 Filed in: Photos
Thanks to forum member Tanya (of TMC’s Design Haus), we have a botload of new photos in Marketing section of the True Blood Photo Gallery. First up are a bunch of new pictures in the Vampire Rights Amendment Gallery. These are of the latest American Vampire League Posters that now feature graffiti meant to demonize the good will of the AVL. Also, included are pictures of posters for the infamous bloodcopy.com website, asking “Where were you in vampires came out?”...
Additionally, Tanya, caught some snaps of the official True Blood promo poster as displayed in her city. Those can be found in the True Blood Marketing Gallery.
Have you seen photos or advertisements in your city? Please let me know!
Additionally, Tanya, caught some snaps of the official True Blood promo poster as displayed in her city. Those can be found in the True Blood Marketing Gallery.
Have you seen photos or advertisements in your city? Please let me know!
Yet More Video Footage From The True Blood Comic-Con Panel
August/04/08 02:24 Filed in: Promotion
Yet another snippet of video footage from the HBO Tru Blood Comic-Con Panel has surfaced. This time from Daemons.tv, it features Q&A with Alan Ball, Anna Paquin, CHarlaine Harris and Stephen Moyer.
Thanks to forum member LadyAyla for the heads up.
Thanks to forum member LadyAyla for the heads up.
After All The Funerals, Auteur Digs Up The Undead - NY Times
August/02/08 23:52 Filed in: Off-Site
Joe Rhodes, of the New York Times, was recently involved in an interview with Alan Ball and has posted an article exploring what “True Blood” is really about”
“The advertising, she said, serves to familiarize viewers with the new show’s premise ahead of time. “True Blood,” like the books, is heavy on sex, violence and supernatural beings, all the bright-red forbidden-love metaphors that served Bram Stoker and Anne Rice so well. And the garishness of it all — the fangs penetrating flesh, the surprisingly graphic sex scenes, the sometimes-gory bloodletting — will surely cause a stir among some critics.
Which Mr. Ball doesn’t mind.
“We did a focus group,” he said, during a recent interview on the Hollywood soundstage where the show’s interior scenes are filmed (location shooting also takes place in Shreveport, La.), “and it was great because the women loved the romance and the relationships, and the men loved the sex and violence. And I thought, well, that’s kind of a cliché, but I’m glad. There’s something in there for everybody.”
But as much as he wants viewers to enjoy the visceral thrill of the show, it’s also clear that Mr. Ball sees “True Blood” as a way to engage larger cultural issues, the notion of how we respond to the presence and aspirations of those whose very existence is regarded by many as a threat.
“I love the fact that these creatures are struggling for assimilation. I can relate to that in certain ways,” said Mr. Ball, who is gay and grew up in Marietta, Ga. His work, including “Six Feet Under” and the screenplay for “American Beauty,” has often dealt with the notion that people are not always what they seem. He said he was intrigued by Ms. Harris’s premise that the humans in “True Blood” are at times more threatening than the vampires.”
Full Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/arts/television/03rhod.html?ex=1375329600&en=da2c241609cdd174&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
“The advertising, she said, serves to familiarize viewers with the new show’s premise ahead of time. “True Blood,” like the books, is heavy on sex, violence and supernatural beings, all the bright-red forbidden-love metaphors that served Bram Stoker and Anne Rice so well. And the garishness of it all — the fangs penetrating flesh, the surprisingly graphic sex scenes, the sometimes-gory bloodletting — will surely cause a stir among some critics.
Which Mr. Ball doesn’t mind.
“We did a focus group,” he said, during a recent interview on the Hollywood soundstage where the show’s interior scenes are filmed (location shooting also takes place in Shreveport, La.), “and it was great because the women loved the romance and the relationships, and the men loved the sex and violence. And I thought, well, that’s kind of a cliché, but I’m glad. There’s something in there for everybody.”
But as much as he wants viewers to enjoy the visceral thrill of the show, it’s also clear that Mr. Ball sees “True Blood” as a way to engage larger cultural issues, the notion of how we respond to the presence and aspirations of those whose very existence is regarded by many as a threat.
“I love the fact that these creatures are struggling for assimilation. I can relate to that in certain ways,” said Mr. Ball, who is gay and grew up in Marietta, Ga. His work, including “Six Feet Under” and the screenplay for “American Beauty,” has often dealt with the notion that people are not always what they seem. He said he was intrigued by Ms. Harris’s premise that the humans in “True Blood” are at times more threatening than the vampires.”
Full Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/arts/television/03rhod.html?ex=1375329600&en=da2c241609cdd174&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Reminder: The True-Blood.tv "Tru Blood" Beverage Give-Away
August/02/08 18:49 Filed in: Forum
In case you haven’t followed the link on the front page, I’ve been running a Tru Blood Give-Away since July 13th.
If you’re a member of the True-Blood.tv Forums, you could be the lucky recipient of an
OFFICIAL Tru Blood Sample Kit
I have obtained a few samples to give away and will choose the first lucky vampire or fang banger the week of August 10th. The final sample will be given away on Sunday September 14th, 2008 during our True Blood Episode 2 LiveChat!
More info is available in the forum.
Good luck!
If you’re a member of the True-Blood.tv Forums, you could be the lucky recipient of an
OFFICIAL Tru Blood Sample Kit
I have obtained a few samples to give away and will choose the first lucky vampire or fang banger the week of August 10th. The final sample will be given away on Sunday September 14th, 2008 during our True Blood Episode 2 LiveChat!
More info is available in the forum.
Good luck!
Our Vampire Neighbors Come Out Of The Coffin - MTV.com
August/02/08 18:42 Filed in: Off-Site
Kurt Loder, at MTV, saw an American Vampire League post and got roped into the True Blood universe. He seems to have a mostly positive optionion of the project:
“Anna Paquin, gone blonde for the occasion, plays Sookie Stackhouse as a live wire whose love life is short-circuited by her mind-reading abilities, over which she has little control. But she finds peace and unexpected heat with a much older man named Bill Compton, who’s actually been dead since the Civil War. Bill, played by Stephen Moyer (“Quills&rdquo, has an insinuating, sleepy-eyed charm that makes him the most sultry vampire in the annals of the undead.”
Full Article:
http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/08/01/true-blood-our-vampire-neighbors-come-out-of-the-coffin-and-into-your-house-by-kurt-loder/
“Anna Paquin, gone blonde for the occasion, plays Sookie Stackhouse as a live wire whose love life is short-circuited by her mind-reading abilities, over which she has little control. But she finds peace and unexpected heat with a much older man named Bill Compton, who’s actually been dead since the Civil War. Bill, played by Stephen Moyer (“Quills&rdquo
, has an insinuating, sleepy-eyed charm that makes him the most sultry vampire in the annals of the undead.”Full Article:
http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/08/01/true-blood-our-vampire-neighbors-come-out-of-the-coffin-and-into-your-house-by-kurt-loder/
True Blood's Vampires Not A Metaphor For Gays? - AfterElton.com
August/02/08 18:25 Filed in: Off-Site
Editor Michael Jensen looks are how vampires are portrayed in True Blood’s storylines and advertising in the August 1st edition of AferElton.com’s “Best. Gay. Week. Ever”:
“Included on the site (bloodcopy.com) are various clips of people protesting vampires rights (see picture at the very top), enraged citizens demanding vampires not be allowed to teach children, and folks expressing fear of vampires "recruiting" others into their lifestyle. Also found on the site are links to the AmericanVampireLeague, a vampire organization running ads supporting equality for all citizens that could've been whipped up by the Human Rights Campaign.
None of this is a problem, mind you. I'm just saying if True Blood isn't, in large part, a metaphor for being gay then I'm actually a straight guy totally into Pam Anderson.”
Full Article:
http://www.afterelton.com/bgwe/08-01-08
“Included on the site (bloodcopy.com) are various clips of people protesting vampires rights (see picture at the very top), enraged citizens demanding vampires not be allowed to teach children, and folks expressing fear of vampires "recruiting" others into their lifestyle. Also found on the site are links to the AmericanVampireLeague, a vampire organization running ads supporting equality for all citizens that could've been whipped up by the Human Rights Campaign.
None of this is a problem, mind you. I'm just saying if True Blood isn't, in large part, a metaphor for being gay then I'm actually a straight guy totally into Pam Anderson.”
Full Article:
http://www.afterelton.com/bgwe/08-01-08
True Blood Photo Gallery Updated (Season 1 & TCA Summer 2008)
August/01/08 19:19 Filed in: Photos
Additional season 1 promotional photos of Sookie Stackhouse and vampire Bill Compton have been added to the True Blood Photo Gallery. Also, another photo of Stephen Moyer has been added to the HBO TCA Summer 2008 photo album under Appearances.
