Showing posts with label Witches of East End. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Witches of East End. Show all posts
Interview: Eric Winter Explores His New Powers
Celebrity Extra: First off, congratulations to you on your second-season renewal. I can’t wait to see what the show has in store for us.
Eric Winter: Thank you! It’s so rare nowadays, it seems, to get a second season, with all of the other great shows that are out there. Everybody was happy to get back to work. We have a great group of cast and crew, so it was nice to get back and see everybody.
CE: How was the return to work after the hiatus? Did you all just pick back up where you left off?
EW: Yeah, we all just got right back on that bike. We all really like each other, and it’s a pretty smooth ride for the most part. Everybody was just happy to see each other, to reconnect, and it was good to dive into some new material.
CE: Along with the new material, you’ve got some new cast members.
EW: There are a couple of cast additions, which are good changes, but for me in particular, there is a massive change in character for Dash. I thought that my brother and I were very underused last year. And this year we are being used in a way that’s going to expand the cast we have and really propel the story. You’re going to get a nice, well-rounded cast and interaction of story lines now. For me personally, it’s a much more exciting role to play than last year. Dash really does a 180.
CE: Another thing I am excited for this second season is 13 episodes, up from 10 from season one.
EW: That was a nice little bonus. A little something to expand on some stories and dive into more stuff, and they give us a little longer to tell it. So that was actually perfect.
CE: Now that you and Killian are aware of your warlock powers, that should be fun for you guys to play — it’s not just the ladies having all the fun.
EW: That’s a huge bonus for us, that we have a lot more to play with and a lot more to explore. That’s been a major positive, as far as I’m concerned, when it comes to playing this character. I also think it added another level to our involvement, because now we are in the know with everything that is going on. Last year, we were definitely way out of the loop with what was taking place. And now we are in on the secret. It adds to the dynamics.
EW: That’s one of the things that will have to play out for the audience to see how that unfolds. But, if it were me, I’d be angry.
CE: Dash is definitely not in control of his powers yet. Will we see him practicing and exploring?
EW: His entire life, Dash didn’t know he had these powers, so now he’s in this new stage of exploration and trying to figure out how to harness the power. How do you control it and how do you access it? It’s much like what Freya went through last year.
CE: Tell me about the addition of Ingrid and Freya’s brother, Frederick Beauchamp (played by Christian Cooke).
EW: He definitely brings a nice, strong, edgy, young energy to the show, which is great, especially for the Beauchamp family. There’s a bit of tension between him and Aunt Wendy, and he’s also trying to form a relationship with his sisters. It definitely adds a nice layer to that family dynamic — having that male energy thrown in there out of nowhere, when they didn’t even know it existed.
CE: This season’s tag line is “Darkness Is Rising.” Talk to me about that. Sounds a lot like Dash to me.
EW: A big part of that darkness is, for sure, Dash, and that rise of power and what he’s ultimately trying to go after. It also encompasses his rivalry with his brother and everything else. There are obviously other issues that are going to be problems for the Beauchamp family that will continue to come out, and that has to do with the darkness as well. That tag line in general speaks to a danger that’s going to be within East End, but also within the Beauchamp family.
CE: Can you give me a little teaser about what viewers can expect this season?
EW: You are going to see a much darker and edgier show than last year. It will have a darker tone to it. Even the risks they take are going to be stronger and bolder, which I think the viewers will like. There’s a lot more conflict and danger than last year. Last year it took awhile for a lot of that stuff to play out. This year you’re going to see it happen much more often.
CE: Everything you said about this season makes me very happy.
EW: I’m glad you like it. It’s a fun show. I really think that the true fans of the show are going to enjoy the second season much more. That’s one thing that I can honestly say. Sometimes first seasons can be so good, but then the quality of the show goes down; they run out of ideas. But I think our story has only gotten better. It will please our current fans, and I think it is strong enough to draw in new fans. I think you will be very pleased. We’re back with guns blazing.
Q and A: Week of December 16
 |
| Heather Graham |
A: The 1987 feature film starring Kristy Swanson, Louise Fletcher and Victoria Tennant certainly was awash in awful-movie goodness. While I don’t think that can be replicated (at least I hope not), Lifetime Television is having a go at the cult favorite, based on the hit book by V.C. Andrews. On Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, we’ll get to see what Heather Graham, Kiernan Shipka and Ellen Burstyn do with this gothic tale. If you’re familiar with the book, I can tell you that the movie is faithful to it; they do indeed “go there.” If you don’t know what “there” is, you’ll have to tune in to find out.
Q: I really enjoyed the most recent “Mission: Impossible” movie, and I loved the addition of Jeremy Renner. Are there more of these movies in the works? — Patrick D. in West Virginia
A: The fifth installment in “Mission: Impossible” franchise will premiere Christmas Day 2015. “Mission: Impossible 5” — which doesn’t yet have a subtitle — will star Tom Cruise, and Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames are rumored to be returning as well. The story line, as well as mention of any villains, has been kept pretty hush-hush so far, but I’ll be sure to share what I find out as the news begins to leak.
Q: Can you tell me anything about Russell Crowe’s upcoming film “Noah”? — Jon W., Redding, Calif.
A: “Noah” — which stars Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins and Logan Lerman — will flood theaters March 28. The story is about the biblical Noah (played by Russell), his family, and their quest to build the Ark to save human- and animal-kind from complete annihilation in the upcoming Great Flood. After watching the online trailers, I can tell you this is one you shouldn’t miss.
Q: My favorite show, “Rizzoli and Isles,” hasn’t been on in ages! Has season four ended already? — Pauline F., via email
A: Don’t worry, “Rizzoli and Isles” didn’t dump you; they were on a break. Your favorite show will return from its hiatus on Feb. 25 at 9/8c with the final four new shows of the season. And premiering right after it at 10/9c is “Perception,” which also returns from break with four new shows to round out its second season. Both shows were renewed for a fifth and third season, respectively, to begin airing summer 2014.
Speaking of hit TNT dramas, I’ve received lots of letters asking about the return of “Dallas,” and I am pleased to report that the sexy soapy drama will return for its third season Monday, Feb. 24 at 9/8c on TNT. This winter is gonna be scorching!
 |
| Mädchen Amick, Rachel Boston, Julia Ormond and Jenna Dewan Tatum of Witches of East End (photo by Joseph Viles) |
A: Lifetime recently announced that “Witches” will return for a second 13-episode season, to air some time in 2014 (an exact date has not been decided yet). The hit drama stars Julia Ormond, Mädchen Amick, Jenna Dewan Tatum and Rachel Boston as a family of witches living in the secluded seaside town of East Haven. The show also stars Eric Winter, Daniel DiTomasso and Virginia Madsen. In the meantime, all of the show's cast is on Twitter, so if you need to get your WitchEE fix, head to twitter.com and search #WitchEE.
Q: Can you tell me why “King and Maxwell” wasn't renewed? My husband and I really liked that show. We like most of the TNT shows; we especially miss Brenda and “The Closer.” — Karen J. in Florida
A: The consensus for reason of the show’s demise is the ever-popular “low ratings.” And while the drama series — which centered on former Secret Service agents who become private detectives, played by Rebecca Romijn and Jon Tenney — didn’t have rock-bottom ratings, the show was enough on the bubble that TNT decided not to renew. On top of low ratings, “King and Maxwell” also lost one-third of its “Major Crimes” lead-in audience, which is usually a nail in the coffin for any struggling freshman series.
Q: We are huge fans of “Person of Interest.” We were not expecting Carter to be killed off! She, Reese and Finch are the program. Without her, it won't be the same. Why was Carter written out? — Laura K., via email
A: Taraji P. Henson, who played Officer Joss Carter for two-and-a-half seasons on the CBS drama, was just as surprised as you were that her character died. However, she knows it was time for her character to go, and it was a great way to surprise and stun the audience. She recently told “Entertainment Weekly”: “You portray a character for so long, you care about her and her life. But art imitates life — it comes to an end unexpectedly. It was bittersweet, because I enjoyed portraying Carter. What a strong, powerful woman on television.”
But don’t get too sad about Carter’s death because you could see her again someday — in a flashback. The show is known for using flashbacks to propel the story lines, and Taraji said she would definitely be up for returning to film flashback scenes.
Q: Can you please tell me if “Bunheads” will return to ABC Family anytime this year? — Frank W., via email
A: ABC Family canceled the ballerina dramedy after only one season, which many critics say was entirely too soon, and that the show was just finding its ground and still had a lot more to give. But fan and critical favor couldn’t save this Amy Sherman Palladino-created show (who’s most famous for “Gilmore Girls”), with “Bunheads” airing its last dance this past February.
 |
| E.G. Daily |
A: I too was excited to see E.G.’s great performances on “The Voice” a few weeks back, as I’m sure a lot of “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Rugrats” and “The Powerpuff Girls” fans were. E.G. was thrilled to get the chance to show off her singing chops, as she told me recently: “It was so much fun. All of these people where wondering who the heck E.G. Daily is. The same woman who does the theme song to ‘Two and a Half Men’? The same woman who was Dottie in ‘Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure’? The same woman who sang on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the ’80s? The same woman who guest-starred on ‘Friends’ as Phoebe’s next songwriting partner? It was like everything came together for me on that show the day I did my blind audition and sang ‘Breathe.’ That was the day for me where, as a 51-year-old woman, everything just popped together. It was magic.”
E.G. is excited for what the future will bring for her reawakened singing career: “I’d like to see myself doing things like singing something at the music awards with Keith Urban because he’s got an edge to him — a little country rock. As far as music, I like adult country. Like Faith Hill, she does adult women music. It’s age appropriate. It’s womanly — that’s the kind of music I’d like to do. My voice has a little bit of an edge to it; it’s a little bit rock. Bonnie Raitt does stuff like that: bluesy and soulful.”
To keep up on E.G.’s career, head over to egdaily.com and check out what she has in the works.
Q: Have they canceled the new “Ironside” with Blair Underwood? I thought it was a fresh and exciting new show. — Beverly T., Richmond, Va.
A: NBC has indeed canceled the “Ironside” remake after four episodes due to low ratings. Beginning Jan. 8, the “Chicago Fire” spinoff, “Chicago P.D.,” will take over the Wednesday 10 p.m. timeslot. Until then, NBC will air “Dateline,” repeats and specials.
Readers: Just a note to let you know the premiere dates of two shows that just happen to be two of my favorite series, both of which air on PBS. The first is “Downton Abbey,” which premieres its fourth series on Jan. 5 at 9 p.m., and concludes its eight-week run on Feb. 23. More great “Downton” news: After a successful series-four run in the U.K. this past fall, the show has been renewed for a fifth series, to premiere in January 2015. And “Masterpiece Mystery” fans rejoice: “Sherlock” returns (along with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman) from its shocking series-two cliffhanger for a third series of three 90-minute episodes beginning Jan. 19 at 10 p.m.
Q and A: Week of Aug. 19
A: You can catch Mary now in the independent film “Escape from Polygamy,” which premieres Saturday, Aug. 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime. Beginning Oct. 3, Mary returns to series television in the new NBC single-camera comedy “Welcome to the Family,” which also stars Mike O’Malley (“Glee”), Ella Rae Peck (“Deception”) and Ricardo Chavira (“Desperate Housewives”). “Family” gets a prime spot, airing after NBC comedy mainstay “Parks and Rec,” hopefully helping to fill the void that “The Office” has left in the network’s Thursday night comedy block.
Q: A while back you mentioned “Witches of East End” was going to be a series on Lifetime, and I wondered if you had any more information on it? I loved the book, so I am curious about the series. — Annette D. in Connecticut
A: Lifetime recently announced a premiere date for its newest drama, which features an all-star cast headlined by Emmy Award-winner Julia Ormond, Madchen Amick, Jenna Dewan Tatum and Rachel Boston as a family of witches living in the secluded seaside town of East Haven. “Witches of East End” will cast its spell beginning Sunday, Oct. 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Also set to star are Eric Winter, Daniel DiTomasso, Jason George and Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Virginia Madsen.
As you mentioned, the series is inspired by Melissa de la Cruz’s best-selling novel “Witches of East End,” and centers on the mysterious Beauchamp family: Joanna (Ormond) and her two grown daughters: Freya (Dewan Tatum) and Ingrid (Boston), both of whom are unaware that they are witches. Freya is recently engaged to the man of her dreams, wealthy playboy Dash Gardiner (Winter), but when she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Dash’s troubled, enigmatic brother, Killian (DiTomasso), bizarre occurrences begin to manifest in her life. Joanna’s long-estranged sister Wendy (Amick) shows up, forcing Joanna to reveal to her daughters they are immortal witches who possess great untapped powers.
Q: I thought Tom Cruise was passing the “Mission: Impossible” mantle to Jeremy Renner. Now I hear Tom will star in the fifth movie. Is that true? — Gerald L., via e-mail
A: Yes and no. Tom will star in “Mission: Impossible 5,” which is scheduled for a 2015 release (most likely summer). Jeremy will be his co-star, but he was never brought on to replace Tom; he was added to the roster to partner with him. And as long as Tom keeps drinking from the Fountain of Youth, I say they should keep him on as long as they can.
Q: Is “Poltergeist” being remade? — Linley J., Harrisburg, Pa.
A: Details are sketchy about the new project, but I can tell you that an updated “Poltergeist” is in production, with Sam Rockwell in talks to co-star with Rosemarie DeWitt, according to “Variety.”
Q and A: Week of March 11
 |
| Eric McCormack |
A: The multifaceted actor can next be seen on the Lifetime Original Movie “Romeo Killer: The Chris Porco Story,” which airs Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. It’s inspired by the true story of a handsome young college student who became the prime suspect in the shocking murder of his father and disfigurement of his mother in a savage ax attack. Eric portrays Detective Joe Sullivan, the lead investigator on the case, who goes on a mission to prove Chris’ guilt.
In “Perception” news, Scott Wolf, of “Party of Five” and “V” fame, has signed on to be a recurring character as an assistant U.S. attorney. He has a hidden agenda that involves his soon-to-be ex-wife, Kate, played by Rachel Leigh Cook. Look for 13 new episodes of “Perception” to begin airing this summer.
Q: I am absolutely gutted by the ending of season three of “Downton Abbey,” and I can’t wait for season four. Can you recommend anything for me in the meantime? — Jen S. in California
A: Well, if you’re looking for another high-quality period piece to take your mind of the heartbreaking fate of Matthew Crawley, then may I recommend another Masterpiece series? “Mr. Selfridge,” which premieres March 31, stars Jeremy Piven as a wheeling, dealing, womanizing American who teaches early-1900s Londoners how to shop. The eight-part series centers on the real-life story of the flamboyant and visionary founder of the London department store Selfridge’s.
Q: What has “Lost” star Josh Holloway been up to? Will he be on another series soon? — Nora S., Savannah, Ga.
A: Josh was cast as the lead in a pilot for CBS called “Intelligence.” The action takes place at U.S. Cyber Command, and focuses on a unit that has been created around one agent (Gabriel Black, played by Josh) with a very special gift: A microchip has been implanted in his brain that allows him to access the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
Josh also co-stars in the dramatic thriller “Paranoia,” which also stars Harrison Ford, Liam Hemsworth and Gary Oldman. It will be released in October. Also, in January 2014, look for Josh in the Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie “Ten,” which also stars Sam Worthington and Joe Manganiello.
Q: My husband and I recently watched a new series called “Do No Harm” on NBC; however, we haven’t been able to find it on the TV schedule. Has it been canceled? — Laura K., via e-mail
A: The medical drama, which premiered Feb. 1, was indeed canceled after two episodes. “Do No Harm” was the lowest-rated, in-season broadcast scripted series debut in modern history. The second episode declined even further, sealing the show’s fate.
 |
| Kevin Sorbo |
A: On March 23 at 8/7c, you can catch Kevin in the Hallmark Movie Channel’s “Shadow on the Mesa,” which also stars Wes Brown (“Deception”), Gail O’Grady (“NYPD Blue”) and Meredith Baxter (“Family Ties”). The movie takes place in the Old West, and Kevin plays rancher Ray Eastman, who is trying to protect his property from a land grab by a corrupt neighbor.
I asked Kevin if he’d like to do another comedy, and he told me: “I would love to. I’ve done a lot of guest spots ‘Dharma and Greg,’ ‘Two and a Half Men,’ ‘Just Shoot Me’ … all those different things. I did have my own sitcom back in 2005. It was a half-hour comedy called ‘Bobby Cannon,’ where I played an end-of-the-year quarterback for the Chicago Bears.
“It tested No. 1 for ABC, but then the then-president of ABC decided not to pick it up. To this day we are shocked. There’s no doubt in my mind we’d be in our eighth season right now. Oh well … welcome to the business of Hollywood.” Read my full interview with this charming and talented man here.
Q: Isn’t it about time for a new “Dancing With the Stars”? — Gina W., Columbus, Ohio
A: It sure is, Gina. And this year has your usual crop of actors, singers and athletes, all of whom are ready to heat up the dance floor beginning Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. EDT with a two-hour premiere. The 16th season of the hit dancing-competition show stars country singer Wynonna Judd, gymnast Aly Raisman, skater Dorothy Hamill, boxer Victor Ortiz, football player Jacoby Jones, reality star Lisa Vanderpump, country singer Kellie Pickler, comedian D.L. Hugley, comedian Andy Dick, soap-opera star Ingo Rademacher and Disney star Zendaya Coleman. **This just in: "Bachelor" star Sean Lowe will also be competing for the coveted disco-ball trophy.**
Q: Has CBS canceled “Vegas”? Visually and stylistically, it’s different from the usual cop programs on TV, and it’s a joy to watch. — Marcia A. in New York
A: While CBS hasn’t canceled the Dennis Quaid/Michael Chiklis drama as of this writing, things aren’t looking good for it. The ratings aren’t as high as CBS expects from its dramas, especially one that’s so expensive to produce, and CBS downgraded its episode order from 22 to 21. “Vegas” returns with new episodes on Tuesday, March 19, after a month-long hiatus.
Q: Did you ever find out if “The Witches of East End” is going to be a regular series on Lifetime? — Callie D., via e-mail
A: Lifetime recently announced that it did indeed pick up “Witches” for a 10-episode run to launch later this year. The drama stars Julia Ormond, Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Rachel Boston. As soon as I get a firm date, I’ll let you know.
Q and A: Week of Dec. 3
 |
| Rachel Boston |
A: Rachel, 30, most recently starred in the Lifetime original movie “Holiday High School Reunion,” which aired in November (check your local listings for possible re-airings). As I type this, Rachel is shooting something else for Lifetime — this time it’s a pilot for a new show, which will air this summer if the network decides to pick it up for a full-season run. It’s called “Witches of East End,” and Rachel told me about the show when I spoke with her recently.
“I am working with such an amazing group of women! Julia Ormond plays my mom and Jenna Dewan-Tatum plays my sister. When we were born, our mom cast a spell so we wouldn’t know we are witches. Through a chain of events, we discover who we are and how we can help protect each other and our town.”
Go here to read my full interview with Rachel.
Q: Is there a new “Wizard of Oz” coming to theaters? I thought I saw a preview for it online — the special effects looked excellent. — Bret A., Pittsburgh
A: On March 8, 2013, “Oz: The Great and Powerful” will be coming to a theater near you. Here’s the official story line: “Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz. At first he thinks he’s hit the jackpot — fame and fortune are his for the taking. That all changes when he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who aren’t convinced he’s the great wizard everyone’s been expecting.”
Q: Do you have any news on “Downton Abbey”? I can’t wait for the new season! — Donna B., Oklahoma City, Okla.
A: While season three has already aired in the U.K., we’ll have to wait until Jan. 6 to see it here in the States. Also, I recently learned that the show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, plans to create a “Downton Abbey” prequel, which will focus on the courtship of Lord Grantham and Cora.
Q: In the 1960s there was a TV show whose characters and story line were similar to the upcoming flick “Django Unchained.” The main character went by the name of Jemal David. What was the show’s name? — Sid D., via e-mail
A: You are thinking of “The Outcasts,” which aired on ABC for one season from 1968-69. “The Outcasts” and “Django Unchained” both were inspired by Sergio Corbucci’s 1966 spaghetti Western, “Django.” “The Outcasts” co-starred Don Murray and Otis Young, and is most notable for being the first television Western with an black co-star, as well as featuring the first biracial Western action team.
Interview: Rachel Boston — Coming into Her Power
Last week, I interviewed Rachel Boston for my other King Features column, Daytime Dial (see interview here). We discussed her trip back to high school — via Lifetime’s original movie “Holiday High School Reunion.” In “Holiday,” Rachel starred with such industry vets as Marilu Henner and Harry Hamlin. But Rachel is no stranger to working with Hollywood heavy-hitters. Right now she is shooting a pilot for Lifetime called “Witches of East End,” with Julia Ormond (“Legends of the Fall,” “Sabrina” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) and Jenna Dewan-Tatum (“Step Up” “American Horror Story” and wife of People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Channing Tatum). When I interviewed Rachel recently, she told me all about her exciting new project, which will hopefully have a long life on Lifetime. Rachel can’t wait for viewers to see her latest project, which is due to premiere next year.
Celebrity Extra: You are working with Lifetime again, shooting a pilot called “Witches of East End.” This intrigues me, as I’ve always been a huge fan of supernatural storytelling. What can you tell me about it?
Rachel Boston: I am working with such an amazing group of women! Julia Ormond plays my mom, and Jenna Dewan-Tatum plays my sister. As the story goes, when we were born, our mom cast a spell so we wouldn’t actually know we are witches, but we can sense that we are different. Through a chain of events, we discover who we are and how we can help protect each other and our town. Maggie Friedman wrote the script and is such an amazing voice for women. It’s also a story about intuition, trust and love, and I pray we get to tell this story for years to come.
CE: Tell me a bit about your character, Ingrid.
RB: I play Ingrid Beauchamp, and I live with my mom and sister in the small town of Fair Haven. Ingrid is a delightful soul but very insecure about certain areas of her life. She works at the library and has been hiding in her books, but she is about to have to step into her power and become the woman she is destined to be.
CE: You’re shooting in Wilmington, N.C. (whose big Hollywood claim to fame is as the location for filming “Dawson’s Creek”), which is gorgeous, especially this time of year. How has the shoot been so far?
RB: I love Wilmington! The people are so kind, and the beaches are gorgeous. We have a wonderful crew.
CE: If the show gets picked up, do you know when it will begin airing?
RB: Summer 2013!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
You might be used to seeing Brooke Burns cast as, in her words, “the apple-pie, blond-haired, blue-eyed, all-American girl.” Her various ro... -
If you don't yet know who Ana de la Reguera is, you soon will. She has starred opposite some of the hottest A-listers in Hollywood, and... -
When I think of Beth Littleford , the first thing that comes to my mind are those hilarious mockumentary-type interviews she did with celebr... -
Courtney Thorne-Smith is no stranger to comedy. While she may have had her big break starring as Allison Parker on nighttime soap “Melrose ... -
After finishing up seven seasons of one of Lifetime Television’s highest rated, most critically acclaimed nighttime dramas, “Army Wives,” Ca... -
Jim Carrey , 48, and Jenny McCarthy , 37, (pictured left, at Jim's Yes Man premiere) have taken to Twitter to announce their breakup. T... -
To most of her fans, Rachel Fine is known as the co-host of the weekly comedy news series “The Bonus Show” for Howard TV on Demand, the cab... -
(ABC/RICHARD FOREMAN) MIRIAM SHOR, MARK DEKLIN Touted as “Dallas” meets “Desperate Housewives” meets awesome, ABC’s newest nighttime drama, ... -
Annie Potts, photo by Bob D'Amico/ABC Unless you've been living under a rock these past few weeks, you know that ABC's new hour-... -
Melora Hardin (photo credit: Kirstin Knufmann) has come a long way from ABC Afterschool Specials and the nighttime dramas Once and Again ...