Behind the Scenes

Continued from previous page...

A popular entry, to Julie's delight, is Darla in Regal costume

The Winner of the Fancy Dress Contest, is Glory's Minion

Evening rolled on and at 8:30pm we let our hair down for some fun at the Fancy Dress Party (US fans read: "Costume Party") It never fails to amaze, the lengths people will go to perfect their outfits. Cat, for instance, came as a fantastic 17th century noblewoman, although she didn't enter herself for the competition to our dismay. While waiting for the guests to arrive we are kept entertained by screenings of the trailers to the forthcoming summer cinema blockbusters Star Wars and Spiderman; plus some mock-up pop videos the convention team have put together.

CoA partiers:(l-r) bookall, nic, Linda, a2b, (seated) Raven, Hobs, Cat

For instance, where else but at a UK convention would you see Spike's life set out to the theme of Right Said Fred's "I'm too Sexy"? Or the Angel intro sequence being re-cut with scenes from the cartoon series Count Duckula featuring a vegetarian, broccoli-eating vampire. Our personal Fancy Dress favourite was Matt's, quite literally, half-Giles, half-Ripper outfit. In the end, first prize, chosen by the VIP guests, went to a minion of Glory's.

Julie Benz is presented with a cake and her card, which she is genuinely moved by. She is pretty close to shedding a few tears as she glances over the enormous card we have all scribbled our best wishes on. We even all get to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Julie who is by this time nearly over-whelmed! The hall is then transformed in the blink of an eye, coloured lights and some funky music in to a heaving, bouncing party as we once more hit the floor and shake our respective 'thangs'. The music selection is aimed to please all, from pop and R'n'B, to alternative rock, nu-metal and downright cheese! The CoA crew once again display the fact that we have no taste in music whatsoever and dance to pretty much everything! Yes, even Tragedy!

SUNDAY ~ Love, Stunts and the Dance of Joy

First up is the group photo shoot. Linda's hair has gone bananas so she gives up all hope of taking a decent photo - "Just as well!" she says, "The results of this jaunt will remain forever sealed in a lead lined box and buried at the end of the garden." Both Swoop and Linda join the queue and sit patiently waiting to be shuffled along until it's their turn.

The CoA Council: Allison, Julie, Kristy, Linda

When Swoop pops in amongst the guests Clare states, "Look at those arms!" Swoop does sport the athletic type bod and she replies to Clare, "It's what 10 years of rugby will do to you." "Good for you." Julie Benz spies Linda again and is beaming like crazy. "Good Morning!" Linda cheerfully greets her, "How are you today?" at which point Julie drops her head down on Linda's shoulder and starts snoring.

Shortly after, Swoop has to get herself back to nearby Heathrow and board her return flight to New York, so we all hug and say our goodbyes, sorry to see one of the team having to leave after such a short stay. One of these days some of us UK CoA-ers will return the favour and invade one of the US cons, but in the meantime, we have to wave cheerio. Now it's back to reality or what passes for it. We thought it would be a great idea to ask our reliable Citizens and Minions who were in attendance over the weekend for their favourite bits of Sunday's guest talks. So here are the most outstanding moments.

Stephanie Romanov and Jeremy Renner

As Stephanie and Jeremy appear on stage for their joint talk, a silence falls as most people are getting pics for their collection. Stephanie says, "Should we do a scene?" Naturally the audience cries for a love scene. Stephanie laughs and Jeremy raises his eyebrows trying to think of how to start but Stephanie gets there first and says, "I love you." To which Jeremy bemusedly replies, "I love you too". Stephanie repeats, "I love you". Jeremy then says, "I love you most!" Stephanie reduces the audience to hysterical laughter with her punch line, "I know!"

During the Opening Ceremonies, Stephanie is honored at her first Con

Stephanie talks about the differences in the relationships formed between Lilah and Gavin as a pose to Lilah and Lindsey. Although she loves working with Daniel Dae Kim, she is aware that he hasn't taken Lindsey's place as her rival in Wolfram and Hart, but is more 'the thorn in her side'. He's an annoyance to her and she tells the audience, "It's like, 'Oh, just go away!'"

Stephanie treats everyone to a tap demonstration as a member of the audience requests it after reading about her training as a dancer. She then offers to demonstrate the tango but for some unfathomable reason nobody is willing to volunteer! She and Jeremy attempt to find a duet to which they both know the words. Despite this it turns into a full on dance routine and ends with Jeremy jumping off stage and racing round the audience, much to everyone's delight. Jeremy tells us that while he has his sidelines in music (which is his way to fulfil himself creatively) and producing, his number one love is acting. He loved the role of 'Penn' and thinks it would be great if they could bring him back in flashbacks, although he wasn't fond of the wig and tells us that the contact lenses play havoc with ones peripheral vision.

Clare Kramer and Elizabeth Anne Allen

Some of the questions just make Clare laugh

Someone asks how they feel their characters fit into the whole metaphor of the Buffyverse, Clare comments that in playing Glory she found it really challenging because, "Glory is so dissatisfied with everything around her - she can't get what she wants and she's never happy with what she's got and she doesn't deal with that very well". Elizabeth comments that Amy goes in with the growing up problems - she's always been the outcast, never feeling like she's popular or pretty or smart enough and all the events of her life have just pushed that feeling further along the line until she's got to where she is now. With the disjointed way in which her character has appeared throughout the seasons it's been a challenge to her to show the progression but she's still really glad she's had this opportunity to return as Amy. Clare reveals one of her most embarrassing moments. She was going out with some friends - they were shooting pool in a bar, and she decided she wanted to sit down. So she pinched a stool from behind a guys back...as he then proceeded to sit down, he didn't look behind him, and landed straight on his ass. Clare, feeling really guilty, asked if he was ok but it didn't go down to well because she couldn't stop laughing!

Julie Benz and J. August Richards

J decides it would be fun to turn the cameras on the audience and snap a few pictures - he then hands it to Julie, and stands with his back to the masses, stretching his arms out and grinning as she takes the photo of him and his adoring public! He then agrees to sing Summer Lovin' (as long as the audience join in). He also sings 'Happy Birthday' to Julie; her birthday is May 1st (the same day as David's son was born). Time now for some audience participation as J. asks what they think the metaphor of the Angel show is? The first answer to be called out is "Redemption"; with one of the more funny ones being, "life sucks!" J agrees that it is about 'Redemption' - that Angel has done lots of bad things and is now trying his best to put them right. Asked if they feel they are likely to be typecast, they both think that would be more likely to happen to David Boreanaz or Sarah Michelle Gellar. Julie praises David and says he has so much talent that it would never happen to him. J agrees and talks about the scene where Angel smothers Wesley, "I really had to hold him back, he was really going for it".

J is asked what would have happened if Gunn had found himself attracted to Darla. He thinks that would be an interesting place to go, the turmoil Gunn would be in if he found himself attracted to a vampire, the very thing he's set himself against, and the idea of becoming what you hate most. Julie jokes that if Darla had seen Gunn first, she'd have been like "Angel who?" As the audience fall about laughing J. states, " That would definitely be an interesting place for Gunn to go if Fred doesn't work out!" He goes on to add that he is sure they will work together in the future; either on the show or elsewhere. After the joking around Gunn mentions that he is horribly aware that all the relationships in the Buffy-verse seem to end badly and he hopes it doesn't happen to Gunn and Fred, especially as he loves playing the new side to Gunn that's been emerging with her.

Although they are both full of praise for David's acting skills, his driving is a different matter! They both laugh about it, "he drives very fast and when we're shifting in the seats as we corner, that's not acting!" J recalls how he was once meant to stand in the passenger seat and do a stunt kick as David was driving - he refused, "too dangerous!" Although when it comes to stunts, J. can be dangerous to be around too. In one episode, he was meant to kick a stunt guy in the stomach, and they did the take something like 16 times. Then the camera did a close up of the stunt guy's face and J. asked if he should kick the stunt guy again for him to react to. The stunt guy said no, and lifted his shirt - there was a perfect boot print on his stomach, so clear you could read Timberland there! J jokes, "well at least I was consistent as to where the kick landed...." Darla's death scene was one of the most dramatic in the current series and Julie tells us it was also filmed in a really rough part of town and how she wished there was smell-o-vision! It smelled so bad that they actually nicknamed it 'Piss Alley' and to make matters worse, one resident got so mad at the noise and the lights he threw a cup of pee down onto the crew! Ewwww! J's girlfriend Tangi Miller joins him on stage to answer questions about her show Felicity and seems overwhelmed by the attention.

Amy Acker

She hasn't been sat for five minutes when J comes on stage and starts snapping photos. Amy is an absolute gem; she really is lovely. She tells the audience how she didn't expect to get the job as Fred, because she is such a quiet person and has previously been cast in quiet, sulky type roles. She is very happy with her character and feels that Fred has now found her place and role within the team; she has a bit of each of the team's skills. People on set have even been commenting that she is becoming more like Fred in real life, she is talking more and blossoming in the same way that Fred has. Amy has some fabulous behind the scenes stories to share: The Andy Story! During the filming of her first few episodes, she and Andy were in full Pylea costume - him with the make up and suit, her in her potato sack! He took her hand and took her away from set, telling her they were going to a party on the Paramount lot, despite her worries that they were required on set--but before she could protest they were in the middle of a bunch of incredulous looking execs who had no idea who they were! But Andy had already sat himself down with a glass of wine to chat to someone! And then, in the distance, appeared someone driving at breakneck speed (well about as fast as you can get in a golf buggy) to find them. Amy tugged at Andy who promptly chucked his wine glass in a bush and tried to look innocent as they were ushered back to the set where they were needed! Amy got off Scot-free but Andy didn't.

Amy couldn't have been more at ease

"Numfar, Do The Dance Of Joy!" - Amy recalls, she'd just gone back to her trailer and was sorting out some stuff for the next scene she was in when a guy dressed as a Pylean came through the door - outfit, green makeup, the works. She didn't know who on earth he was, and being new she said, 'Oh, I'm sorry, am I in your trailer? I'm sorry!" To which the guy looked at her rather strangely and said, 'Amy'. 'Oh wow!' She said, 'How do you know my name?' Of course the reason he knew her name was because he had hired her! It was none other than Numfar himself, Mr. Joss Whedon! He hadn't told anyone he was going to do his little star turn and no one recognised him in the makeup. She then performs the 'Dance of Joy', which thoroughly delights the audience! The above however, was not her most embarrassing moment, she laughs as she recalls her scene with David in Pylea and the horse. She had only just met him and it's David, 'who everyone has a crush on', and he was about to sweep her away fairy-tale style. As she got on the horse he decided to gallop off and, as hard as she tried to hold on and he tried to keep her on, she fell off and took him down with her and landed smack bang on top of him! She suspected she had a mild concussion but she insisted she was fine and filmed everything anyway. What a trooper! (You know this David Boreanaz bloke sounds downright dangerous!)

In the late afternoon, we join a queue to get the autographs from the guests we didn't see on the Saturday, these being Stephanie, Clare and Jeremy. Next up is thetrue face behind Lilah Morgan. Stephanie Romanov is wonderful in person, warm, cheerful and hilariously funny. We have been given instructions from The Boss (Swoop) to pass on a print out of the coverage CityofAngel ran on her recent wedding. Stephanie, who upon seeing what it is, is overwhelmed at this gesture, she seems really touched. Stephanie is even more delighted because she has forgotten to take a picture of her husband with her for the trip to London - and this is something she tells us she always remembers - so is all the more thrilled that the CoA article came complete with a picture of them both on their wedding day. Jeremy is next and what a nice chap he is. For someone who only appeared in the show once, he is taking all this adoration in his stride and seems to be enjoying himself immensely. Also, with his boyish good looks and charming nature, he has all the girl's hearts in a twitter! (Ours included!) Last up is Clare who is chatting and laughing with everyone in her usual relaxed manner, while busy signing away. She tells us she has paced herself better this con, rather than partying herself ragged on the Friday night like she did back in November!

In the Dealer's Room, Angel could be found wall-to-wall

Prior to all this queuing we got talking to Ana and Linda on the photo stall who seem to be at every convention, no matter what the weather or who the guests are. Ana and Linda are fab! Unsung heroes working all day every day at these cons and never seeing a single talk or event, they either do it because they love it or they are totally barking loony. Either way, they kept us entertained with tales of other guests from past events (most notably Star Trek and Stargate), showing no end of gracious hospitality by sharing Clare Kramer's Jaffa Cakes with us too! Ha! Apparently US folks have no experience of the godlike chocolate-covered, orange jelly filled, squashy cookie treats we gorge ourselves over here at any and every opportunity. Just as we have finished wiping the choccie from our guilty faces than who walks over? Clare! She's all smiles and doesn't see us hide the remains of our sneaky feast. She's smiling as always and stops for a natter (chat). It's funny, but it's only when you're close up that you realise just how petite some of these actresses are; Clare is a tiny waif of a thing, though gorgeous-looking with a huge friendly smile that makes up for any lack of stature. She tells us her arm is aching from all the signing.

At 8pm, the Closing Ceremony takes place in the main hall, so we all squish ourselves into every space available to listen to each guest in turn telling us that they have genuinely had a blast. Julie and Stephanie are close to tears. Julie makes the remark that its really pretty funny that the two most evil characters on the show are bawling. J resplendent in a huge floppy Union Jack hat is also close to tears! Amy is still beaming an enormous grin and cannot thank us enough for making her weekend so wonderful. Jeremy is likewise spirited in delivering his thanks, as are Clare and Elizabeth. The applause from both sides -- guests and attendees alike -- lasts for a very long time! The end of the convention weekend has come far too quickly, so once again we sadly have to say goodbye to all seven of the wonderful guests who have travelled over all this way from the USA to spend another fun-packed weekend with us. As usual Starfury have done the amazing job of pulling fantastic guests out of a very diverse hat.

To view a gallery of photos from the event, Click Here!

Witten by UK CoA Writers, Linda Clinker and Julie Reynolds

CityofAngel.com would like to extend a Huge Thank You to all the VIP guests, Sean Harry, Sarah Thompson, all the convention staff, the stewards and last but not least, all the convention attendees themselves for making these weekends such a blast!

Much Thanks to Darryl Curtis and Anne McBride of Titan Magazine.

Cheers to Mark Wyman of VisiMag.com and Paul Condon of the BBC

Thanks to David Camster for all his assistance and attention.

Special Thanks to Hollie Edmonds, Nicola Slater and Allison Brown for their personal contributions.

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