September 2010 Archives   30 September 2010 Kate Lang's Xena Sculptures “Xena, Warrior Princess”, and “Hercules, the Legendary Journeys” Kate joined the original art department crew of “Xena” on 12 June 1995. She quickly moving to the job of sculptor for both “hero”and background, static features, mostly in polystyrene, for the entire 6 series of “Xena” and “Hercules” (subsequent to 12/6/95). Over 6 years of production, she oversaw and personally carved thousands of sculptures to meet outrageously varied briefs. From small (100 mm) to huge(6m +), realistic to whimsical, each unique work was completed with speed and audacity to meet standard deadlines of 3-5 days per item. Companion Pacific Renaissance productions: “Jack of All Trades”, “Cleopatra, 2525”, “Young Hercules (Pilot only)”, and a few spin-off series, were also sculpted. The speed required for each sculpted set feature, often left no time to take photographs. Only a portion of the entire catalogue is shown here, often in states of particial finish, and situated in workshops, un-lit sets, and deep, dark, hidden studios! Credit where due: Thanks to the brilliant production design of Rob Gillies, and the help of Art Directors: Jen Ward, Mark Robins, Mike Becroft, Roger Guise, Phil Ivey, Jill Cormack, Kirsty Griffin. And to many talented assistant sculptors: Rupert Ashton, Rebecca Lloyd, Hannah, Kobi Beck, props-builder,John Tilling, propsmaster, Grant Vesey, and many others. In 2001, all sculpture from the Pacific Renaissance Productions were auctioned, and sold to private buyers. View Gallery News submitted by Barbara Davies     30 September 2010 Xena Movie Poster by GabbyLu in Xenaverse Art Gallery Added new artwork by gabbylu to her art gallery in the AUSXIP Xenaverse Art Gallery   Click here to view larger scan If you would like to submit your artwork to the gallery email for submission guidelines     20 September 2010 Auckland carves out its niche - NZ Herald 20 September 2010 The New Zealand Herald has an interesting article on how Auckland is carving out it's niche as the country's screen capital. Very interesting and of course they use Lucy and Xena. Scans by Jo. NZ Herald 20 September 2010 Auckland carves out its niche as country’s screen capital The Super City will build on the region’s role as the service centre for feature films shot throughout New Zealand, reports Graeme Hunt No corruption of the Hollywood name exists to describe Auckland’s screen production industry — ‘‘Auckwood’’ does not quite have the panache of Bollywood or Wellywood — but Auckland producers are happy to let the region speak for itself. About 70 per cent of the New Zealand screen production industry — anything from television, animation, advertising, feature films and documentaries — is based in Auckland, although crews work at locations throughout the country. There are significant production and post-production facilities in the central city. Henderson and Rodney but, more importantly, most of the business of screen production, especially finance and deal-making, takes place in Auckland. The region has a strong history of producing local dramas, television commercials, post-production and visual effects, as well as international TV and film projects. Feature films shot in Auckland include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, 30 Days of Night, No. 2, Sione’s Wedding, The Bridge to Terabithia, Whale Rider ( indoor scenes), Once Were Warriors and The Piano. The region has also hosted a number of international television series, many of which were filmed and postproduced in Auckland, including Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess, Jack of All Trades, Power Rangers and Spartacus. One-o f f t e l e vi s i o n productions, such as Murder in Greenwich, Riverworld (filmed largely at Wenderholm Regional Park), Maiden Voyage and Lucy:The Lucille Ball Story, also have Auckland credits. Regional development agency AucklandPlus, soon to disappear under the Super City reorganisation, has had the screen production in industry in its sights for some years. It co-ordinated New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s Screen Production Major Regional Initiative established in 2004 to increase the number of projects undertaken by the industry and secure jobs for the specialised teams involved. Continue reading Auckland carves out its niche - NZ Herald 20 September 2010.     20 September 2010 A Day In The Life... You all remember Gabrielle using Xena's chakky to cut up the eel in A Day in the Life? You all remember what Xena said when she discovered her prized round killing thing was being used a makeshift knife? Well this afternoon I was feeding my kitty and some of her food fell onto my fingers. Her food was fish mixed in with some other vile thing. My first reaction was to say out loud "This is going to smell like fish for days!" and then I stopped. Looked down at the cat who was eating and not taking any notice of mama having repeated a Xena line for the first time in 14 years (I usually don't recall Xena dialogue - I can barely recall what I write in my novels so this is not shocking news). I had a good chuckle to myself and then went to wash my hands (which still smell). Such is life :)     18 September 2010 Danielle Win Awards For Best Performance by an Actress in General Television The final chapter in the Qantas Film and Television awards for 2010 was written Saturday night, after the remaining awards were given out at a Gala event tonight at Auckland's Civic Theatre. Best Performance by an Actress in General Television Danielle Cormack, The Cult, Great Southern Television Ltd (TV2) What is The Cult? The following is a review from NZ Herald TV review: The Cult is cult viewing - 25 September 2009 Secret compounds, darkened forests, sinister eyeball surgery - and Danielle Cormack playing one of the creepiest doctors to ever grace a small screen. Welcome to The Cult (Thursday, 8.30pm), TV2's ambitious and hyped new show that debuted with an episode as dense and brooding as anything dreamt up by similar conspiracy theory shows Lost and The X-Files. Dark it was, from the opening shots of gruesome eyeball surgery through to the introduction of sleazy cult leader Edward North (Latham Gaines) - the controlling figure in a fenced compound on New Zealand's East Coast called Two Gardens. Read More     18 September 2010 Lucy To Guest Star on Super City NZ Skit Show You all remember this pic that was recently posted on Lucy's official site of Lucy in her Amazon leathers? Lucy indicated in her latest blog that she was going to be appearing on Madeleine Sami's new show in the outfit made famous in the Xena episode "Dangerous Prey" (if memory serves me correctly, that's the episode Renee O'Connor directed). Lucy borrowed the costume she gave Starship for the Starship Spring Clean to appear as a Xena type character. Judging by the scowl on her face, Xena was very much alive and well. There was speculation that Lucy's guest appearance on Madeleine Sami's new show was called RadiRadiRah on TV3 - this is incorrect. The name of the show is called Super City. A new comedy staring Madeleine Sami and directed by Taika Waititi. They have a facebook page up They write about Lucy's guest appearance: "Super City Thanks Lucy for getting into her old Xena outfit in our final week's shoot!" For the larger pic of Lucy in her Amazon leathers go to the Official Lucy Lawless Fan Club page News submitted by Barbara Davies     17 September 2010 Patrick Fabian (Rafe - Season 3 King Con) Xena Mention Patrick Fabian is best known to Xena fans as the very handsome Rafe from the Season 3 episode "King Con" Season 3 Episode 15 King Con SCRIBES & SCROLLS: Written by Chris Manheim; Edited by Robert Field; Directed by Janet Greek PASSING PARADE: Ted Raimi (Joxer); Patrick Fabian (Rafe); Cameron Rhodes (Eldon); Justin Curry (Leo) and Stig Eldred (Titus). STORY SO FAR: When Joxer is badly beaten up, Xena sets out with two conmen and Gabrielle to scam the man behind it. "Last Exorcism" Star Patrick Fabian Tops His "Xena" Smooch "Last Exorcism" was one of the freak breakout hits of the summer with its $20 million opening weekend, leaving its star and chief demon exerciser, Patrick Fabian, in a whirlwind he has not seen in his lengthy Hollywood career. Yes, even more of a whirlwind than his passionate kiss as a pirate on "Xena: Warrior Princess." Prior to nailing the role of the Rev. Cotton Marcus in "Exorcism," Fabian proudly billed himself a "veteran TV support actor" for 18 years in Hollywood. He's done pretty much everything in terms of appearances. "But I've never been the belle of the ball before," he tells PopcornBiz. "It feels great to be recognized." He's also known for playing the character Taymon in "Star Trek: Voyager." Just one episode. "But I still get mail all the time, people hunt me down and get me to sign stuff from 'Star Trek,' " says Fabian. "The power of that show just amazes me." But perhaps his juiciest gig might have been with "Xena," famously shot in New Zealand. "One of my favorite acting jobs ever," says Fabian. "They fly you first class to the end of the Earth, they let you dress like a pirate, you beat up the bad guys and you kiss Lucy Lawless. Tell me where the flaw is in that?" Yes, he is one of the few that actually got to smooch Xena on the show. Fabian is firmly of the belief that he is one of two characters that got that far. "Xena was stingy with her affection," he says. "To be honest it was just one kiss. But it was a good one." The downside: Xena's possessive fans aren't too happy about it. "I didn't know how proprietorial they were." Fabian recalls he attended a Xena convention where he did his best to win over a table of female fans who were extremely begrudging of the fact that he had smooched their beloved Xena. "After 15 minutes of working on them, one of them finally said, 'You know, we decided you're okay after all,' " says Fabian. "I thought, there's my gold star, I can die happy now." Source News submitted by Barbara Davies     14 September 2010 Official Xena Convention Note for Music Video Artists The following was posted on the Official Xena Convention page for next January's con. Not sure if this was the way it's been or Creation has changed the rules. Note: Due to the high volume of entries for our Music Video Contests, we are forced to limit entries to those people actually attending the specific show they are entering for. You do not have to be present for the actual showing of your video, but you must claim your award on site before the end of the weekend or your award will be forfeited. Go here for ticket and other information     14 September 2010 Starship Spring Clean Auction - Xena FIN Hat Worn by Lucy Lawless Starship Spring Clean Auction update: Lucy has donated the FIN hat and the current bid is $200.00 This authentic Xena hat from the episode A Friend in Need (Finale of Season 6, 2000-2001) will certainly keep you cool this summer! Generously donated by Starship ambassador Lucy Lawless. The piece is a large, conical Asian style cane hat with black veils attached. Your purchase of this item will go directly to the kids at Starship! Click here to bid (for Kiwis) | bid here for everyone else outside NZ Find out more about Lucy's costumes on the Starship Spring Clean Auction     13 September 2010 Xena Episode Stills Season 6 Episode 4 Who's Gurkhan? Season 6 Episode 4 Who's Gurkhan? Episode Stills When Gabrielle learns that her niece has been captured by the vicious raider Gurkhan (Calvin Tuteao), she sets sail for North Africa on a rescue mission with Xena, Eve (Adrienne Wilkinson) and Virgil (William Gregory Lee). VIEW EPISODE STILLS | BEHIND THE SCENES ON WHO'S GURKHAN? My episode montage for Who's Gurkhan Click here to view SCRIBES & SCROLLS: Story by Robert Tapert. Teleplay by R.J. Stewart. Directed by Michael Hurst. Edited by Rob Field. PASSING PARADE: Willa O'Neill (Lila); Adrienne Wilkinson (Eve); William Gregory Lee (Virgil); Calvin Tuteao (Gurkhan); Tandie Wright (Sonata); Gina Varela (Milda); Michelle Langstone (Lana); Jo Lo (Yo). DISCLAIMER: Xena's uncanny ability to recover from devastating wounds was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. STORY SO FAR: Gabrielle goes to North Africa, seeking vengeance on the vicious raider who captured her niece and killed her parents and her sister’s husband years before. Read SLK's Review | DJWP Review     13 September 2010 Goodness Me Lucy Back In Amazon Leathers! Goodness! After all these years you would think it wouldn't matter but there is something about that this particular woman in amazon leathers/feathers that just gives me heart flutters AND that scowl on that face! Lucy as Xena can make me grin like an idiot. This show has got under my skin and will never leave. Not that I want it to leave but you know after 15 years one's interest in something does come to an end but I see the reverse happening. Every time I see something Xena, the interest meter goes back up! Amazing. It looks Lucy will be appearing on Madeleine Sami's new skit show called RadiRadiRah on TV3 according to a link Barbara sent me. Lucy donned the leathers and her world face scowl to appear in a skit! Go read about it on her site - she sent in a new message and photo Anyways...Lucy dons the amazon outfit for a Madeline Sami show and she borrows the outfit she gave to Starship! Goodness (#2) the last time Lucy wore that outfit was when she was 32! She's now 42 and looking better than ever. For those that have forgotten (what? seriously?) what Lucy looked like aged 32 wearing the Amazon leathers...click on the pic to refresh your memory Want to see Lucy wearing the same outfit aged 42? Go here and one more time that wonderful scowl...           (I am having fun writing this post and looking for Xena scowling pics!)     12 September 2010 Melinda Convention Guest at Monster Mania Con September 2010 Melinda is going to be a guest at the Monster Mania Con in Baltimore between 17-19 September.     For more information about tickets and other guests go to the monstermania.net site News submitted by Lori Boyles     11 September 2010 Renee French Convention - Day 1 Full Video Q&A + Report Day 1 French Convention Renee O’Connor Video and Report by Kristina The video was taken during the French Convention (aka The Musical Convention) in Paris, France that Renee attended for 3 days. 27 – 29 August 2010. This is the complete Q&A from Day 1 (27 August 2010) with Renee - Video taken by Kristina. View Video (Length 34 minutes) | View Video of Day 2 - Part 1 and Part 2 Read Kristina's Report + Pics (pdf format and zipped)     11 September 2010 Starship Spring Clean Behind The Scenes Photos Starship has posted behind the scene photos from the Starship Spring Clean video shoot.               Check out more photos on Facebook Find out more about Lucy's Xena costume donations and how you can bid on them (even if you don't live in NZ) News submitted by Barbara Davies     11 September 2010 Xena Costumes on TradeMe - East & Bays Courier 10 September 2010 The following article was in the East and Bays Courier on 10 September 2010 about the Starship Spring Clean Auction and Lucy's donated Xena outfits. The other person in this cut photo is Zoe Bell (see left). Click here to find out more about the Starship Spring Clean Auction East & Bays Courier - 10 September 2010 New Zealand       8 September 2010 Renee at French Convention Full Q&A Video - Day 2 Kristina has come back from the French Convention with special guest Renee and has brought back some goodies. Today we have the full 32 minutes Q&A with Renee on video in two parts conducted on 28 August 2010 View Part A | View Part B     8 September 2010 Psych Interview with Tim Omundson Psych Interview: Tim Omundson By Ryan Ingram Published September 7, 2010 As part of Pop Culture Zoo’s behind-the-scenes visit to the Psych, we roamed the Santa Barbara sets (in Vancouver) and saw an explosive live shoot. But we also got to talk to the Psych cast, and find out what’s in store for Season 5. In honor of Psych’s Summer Finale – airing Wednesday — we’re posting edited transcripts of the interviews. Today we’ve got Lassiter himself, Tim Omundson: Read Interview News submitted by Barbara Davies     6 September 2010 Lucy Lawless Dangerous Prey Costume - Starship Spring Clean Auction Xena kit: worn by Lucy Lawless in Dangerous Prey Current bid: $450.00 **remember if you live outside NZ you can still bid. Click here to find out how - via Starship*** This authentic Xena outfit from the episode Dangerous Prey (Season 6, 2000-2001) will have you playing your very own warrior princess part in the living room. Generously donated by Starship ambassador Lucy Lawless. Get into character with this revealing two piece brown suede and leather two piece featuring bodice, waist wrap, wrist wraps and arm band. Your purchase of this item will go directly to the kids at Starship! Click here to bid (for Kiwis) and bid here for everyone else Find out more about Lucy's costumes on the Starship Spring Clean Auction     5 September 2010 In A Time of Ancient Gods, Warlords and Kings.... In A Time of Ancient Gods, Warlords and Kings.... Written by MaryD In the time of ancient Gods, Warlords and Kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero...and we found her..actually we found two of them! The story goes back to March 1995 and not September 1995. It goes back to a time of gods and kings and to the legendary Hercules. Xena was born on Hercules on 13 March 1995. We all know what happened; we know the history but because I'm writing a 15 year tribute...we go down memory lane. That is the date Lucy Lawless created history by being in the right place, at the right time, all the planets were aligned and the Gods favoured the (dyed) dark haired tall woman slated to become the mighty Warrior Princess. Whether it was fate or just plain blind good luck; Rob Tapert and Co found the perfect Xena. It had to be pure blind luck because they didn't want Lucy. They wanted five other actors but I can't imagine anyone else playing the tall, dark haired warrior. Lucy Lawless was born to play Xena. Continue reading In A Time of Ancient Gods, Warlords and Kings.....     5 September 2010 Renee French Convention Photos by Valerie Valerie sent some great Renee photos from the French Convention that she wanted to share. Please note: I didn't put the copyright across the photos. This was done by Valerie herself Click here to view pics     4 September 2010 Renee Convention Report by Braid-Girl Braid Girl has just sent me her report on the convention. She also recently sent me 123 photos of Renee which you can now view and the photos are just spectacular! They are in three galleries (for each day Renee appeared) Read her report | View Photos The 2010 Paris Convention Event page has been created which has links to Renee photos, video, reports and links.     3 September 2010 Renee French Convention Video - Full Dance Clip These French fans are a fun group aren't they? Heh. Check out the full dance routine that Renee participated in during the 2010 The Musical Convention in Paris, France - it's not something you see at conventions and goes to show you how great this con was! Many thanks to Valerie for the news! The 2010 Paris Convention Event page has been created which has links to Renee photos, video, reports and links.     2 September 2010 Renee Photos from French Convention 27 to 29 August 2010 Braid Girl sent me 123 photos of Renee which you can now view and the photos are just spectacular! They are in three galleries (for each day Renee appeared)   Photos for 27 August 2010 22 Photos       Photos for 28 August 2010 34 Photos         Photos for 29 August 2010 67 Photos     Catch up with all the latest news, photos, video links and reports on the AUSXIP Renee O'Connor French Convention Event Page     Read More Archives