moderator says, "Greetings Universal Chatters and welcome to another live moderated chat! Tonight we're privileged to have Shaun Cassidy at the Backlot Café. Shaun Cassidy is the co-creator and executive producer of ROAR, a new action-adventure drama that captures the passion, magic and courage of Europe 400 A.D. ROAR marks the first collaboration between Cassidy and Ron Koslow (Beauty & The Beast), who also serves as co-creator and executive producer of the series. Cassidy's most recent television creation was the critically-acclaimed Universal series American Gothic. The series was Cassidy's first effort in an exclusive deal with Universal Television to create, write and produce series and telefilms. When the series premiered in 1995, the New York Times proclaimed it "the most daring new show of the season. ROAR debuted on the Fox Network last Monday, July 14. Ladies and gentleman...it's chat time!!! Without any further ado, please welcome Mr. Shaun Cassidy!"
shaun_cassidy waves at everyone.
moderator says, "Shaun...is this your first time chatting on the internet???"
shaun_cassidy says, "No. I did quite a bit of it for "American Gothic.""
moderator presents the speaker with question #14 from Calee:
I watched the premier and loved it, but my concern is that some shows give thier all for the first 5 or 6 then start to slack off. Is Roar going to keep getting better??
shaun_cassidy says, "I actually think the first five shows are better than the pilot. They explore the characters more, and they develop themes that will be recurring in the future."
moderator presents the speaker with question #10 from Juliaann:
Do you like working behind the scenes better than in front of the camera?
shaun_cassidy says, "Absolutely. As an actor, my favorite job was in the theater. In television, it's definately writing/producing."
moderator presents the speaker with question #20 from Jinxed1:
How did the idea for Roar come about?
shaun_cassidy says, "Just for the record, I'm typing this, so forgive my time and spelling. Is that speling? Kidding. Roar... IUniversal, where I work... They came to me and asked if I'd be interested in developing a show with great scope... Epic, right? I thought, maybe tap into my Irish heritage, and after I sobered up, I went to work with Ron."
moderator presents the speaker with question #26 from Angelbj:
Will you be planning to write anymore series in the future after Roar? or do you hope that Roar will make it big like say Dallas?
shaun_cassidy says, "I'd prefer if it were as big as Pittsburgh, but Dallas would do."
moderator presents the speaker with question #32 from Lothario:
Which aspect of the industry do you find the most stimulating, acting, producing or writing? And why?
shaun_cassidy says, "Writing, writing, writing, writing, writing..."
moderator presents the speaker with question #58 from jb1997:
What's the best thing about writing for television?
shaun_cassidy says, "Control. You can wake up with an idea... and execute it that day... And see it on television a month later... cool, huh? Not as fast as this, but still..."
moderator presents the speaker with question #33 from Artsyfartsy:
Shaun, what is it like working with Ron Koslow? I have tremendous respect for the quality and depth of his and your work as creator/producers.
shaun_cassidy says, "Ron is a very sensitive guy, who actually believes in the power of romance and the heart. With Ron, you leave your cynicism at the door. And that can be challenging... But our show demands that. And I'm proud that we've taken that approach. It's always easier to be "clever". I'd rather go out on the emotional limb."
moderator presents the speaker with question #21 from Lothario:
I loved the first episode of Roar. Very well done. I also liked American Gothic. Do you think that Fox will give Roar more of a chance to develop an audience?
shaun_cassidy says, "They seem to be very supportive. They have given us an amazing launch in terms of their promotion... And we really appreciate it."
moderator presents the speaker with question #71 from DonnaA:
So, how proud were you to see Lucas Black, whom you basically discovered ( Caleb in AmGothic), do so well in a movie like SLING BLADE?
shaun_cassidy says, "Thrilled. He shot that film right after the AG pilot. He said it was "just this little movie." Who knew???"
moderator presents the speaker with question #77 from DonnaA:
Why film in Australia? Why not in Ireland itself? Any reason besides the weather?
shaun_cassidy says, "Rain, rain, and more rain. It never stopped for a week while we scouted there. But I love the place. It is truly magical."
moderator presents the speaker with question #73 from jb1997:
Why did you kill off Claire in the premiere?
shaun_cassidy says, "Just my old dark streak acting up again, I guess. Actually, the truth is, her memory is the engine that will drive Conor through the series. And she may return. The Celts believed in a place called The Otherworld... Which may be just across the next river. You never know..."
moderator presents the speaker with question #68 from LostinLAS:
I read that you helped to rewrite "EFX" for your brother David...is that so?
shaun_cassidy says, "True. I worked with a friend and wonderful writer named David Chisolm. But I decided to keep my name off it to avoid confusion... He's doing a great job up there. So many sequins, so little time..."
moderator presents the speaker with question #49 from Gail36:
/ask Hi, I really love the show! Is it true that you will have a character with a disability? If so, does that actor really have a disability?
shaun_cassidy laughs hysterically.
shaun_cassidy says, "All actors have disabilities. Trust me, I know."
moderator presents the speaker with question #78 from LeadMe:
Do you have a particular favorite episode?
shaun_cassidy says, "I assume you're talking about "ROAR" So far, though I haven't seen it cut together yet... It would have to be "The Eternal". It will probably be episode seven or eight... Michael Nankin and myself wrote it. So, maybe I'm biased..."
moderator presents the speaker with question #81 from Lothario:
I noticed that the fantasy elements in Roar were MOSTLY in the background. Will those be brought to the foreground as the show gos on? Or do you want to keep it more rooted in reality?
shaun_cassidy says, "Ron and I believe the magic was a part of everything in this period. We want to keep it subjective and subtle. No dragons, no elves... But a lot of weirdness in the psyche... Living, breathing forests, trees, oceans, rivers... The real magic that is all around us... Of course, we also have a four hundred year old man who pierced Christ with a spear, so... We're not all happy, happy, magic, magic..."
moderator presents the speaker with question #85 from Calee:
Will there be other female leads for Connor or is he going to be a loner?
shaun_cassidy says, "He will meet many wonderful woman along the way. And if that's not magical..."
moderator presents the speaker with question #80 from Rosebuck:
Your production values are always so high. Do you have to fight to keep that way?
shaun_cassidy says, "Fight, fight, fight to spend, spend, spend... You just have to make sure you're getting the money on the screen."
moderator presents the speaker with question #96 from SusanneS:
Do you have a favorite character in Roar?
shaun_cassidy says, "In my heart of hearts? Fergus. He reminds me of every member of my father's side of the family. Railroad men. Engineers. Big drinkers, big lovers, sing at the drop of a hat, cry in their beer, lugs."
moderator presents the speaker with question #104 from mwrye:
are you enjoying this show as much as American Gothic?
shaun_cassidy says, "Different experience. On Gothic, I was primarily responsible for scripts. Here, I have to oversee a lot of production and deal with the network, and Austrailia, etc. There is a lot more work, but Ron and Micheal, and our staff are all great, and we tag team, which helps..."
moderator presents the speaker with question #106 from Grinner:
Will the Celts be demonstrating their most famous invention (beer)?
shaun_cassidy says, "Well, you've already seen the results of Fergus' demonstration. And it wasn't pretty... The truth is they drank to get to sleep at night, because they were so afraid that they were going to have their heads cut off. It was not an easy place or time. But I guess the Ale took the curse off."
moderator presents the speaker with question #107 from DonnaA:
How much research into Celtic history and lore did you do before beginning to write?
shaun_cassidy says, "We read everything we could get out hands on... And the best thing was, most of it was mythic, or from Ceaser's point of view... Which meant it was open to interpretation. The Irish have forever been re-inventing their own mythology. It's called blarney, and it's part of their charm. This period, because so little is actually known, allows writers to be creative. The truth is, the Romans never actually invaded the island that would become Ireland. And for that matter, they're not going to invade in our show. But they were a threat, and fear of the unknown, and the fact that a few ships did reach Ireland's shores... was enough to get us going. Besides, Diana and Longinus on their own will be a bigger threat to Conor than any guys in sandals."
moderator presents the speaker with question #101 from Artsyfartsy:
Who are your favorite authors/screenwriters?
shaun_cassidy says, "Screenwriters: The Goldman's, both William and Bo. Authors: Thomas Pynchon, Faulkner, Joyce Carol Oates, Thoreau, and essays of R.W. Emerson."
moderator presents the speaker with question #11 from SusanneS:
What kind of career advice would you give to your children, Caitlin, Jake and Jessica?
shaun_cassidy says, "College first, then do what you LOVE. I'll support them in anything they want to do, as long as they're happy."
moderator presents the speaker with question #7 from SusanneS:
Would you and your wife, Susan, ever do the play "Love Letters" together like Shirley and Marty did?
shaun_cassidy says, "I can't do Marty's voice."
shaun_cassidy laughs hysterically.
moderator presents the speaker with question #23 from Rosebuck:
What would you have liked to have done with American Gothic if it had gone to another season?
shaun_cassidy says, "Killed everyone very slowly."
shaun_cassidy smiles.
moderator presents the speaker with question #110 from Grinner:
Will there be accurate depictions of Druidic rituals?
shaun_cassidy says, "Again, since we don't have any Polaroids... We're pretty much going off folklore and our own imaginations... What little we do know, Druid wise, is nature based and somewhat Merlinesque... Which is pretty cool... We also have a wonderful young actor playing a Dali Lama type druid "The Father"... He shows up in episode three -- "The Chosen", and the ritual that he's involved with is pretty wild."
moderator says, "Please submit your final questions for Shaun...he can only stay for 10 more minutes."
moderator presents the speaker with question #111 from Kryton:
What challenges have you found in the role of Exec-Producer?
shaun_cassidy says, "I think I've covered this, but the biggest challenge is not having enough hours in the day. There is always a fire to put out somewhere, and not enough extinguishers..."
moderator presents the speaker with question #42 from Robot:
Would you be producing any features in the near future?
shaun_cassidy says, "I'd rather write one, but not until "Roar" is safely on it's feet."
moderator presents the speaker with question #126 from Schalk:
Stupid Question , but is American Gothic ever coming back ?
shaun_cassidy says, "You never know. There has been a great deal of interest... Other networks, Movie of the Week ideas, and even possible feature... One of the reasons is because of all the heat on the net, so thanks. We see it, and we appreciate it."
moderator presents the speaker with question #128 from LostinLAS:
What kind of role would it take to bring you back to acting?
shaun_cassidy says, "I don't know. Probably something in the theater. But I couldn't act now if I wanted to. I don't have the time."
moderator presents the speaker with question #131 from Lothario:
The only thing I see left on your resume is directing. Any plans?
shaun_cassidy says, "No plans, no interest... Yet."
moderator presents the speaker with question #13 from SusanneS:
When are you most creative as a writer?
shaun_cassidy says, "First thing in the morning. Really early, before the sun is up. I can just wail sometimes... You get into a groove, and your mind is clear, you're rested... And you can sing."
moderator presents the speaker with question #132 from Sid:
have you ever performed shakespeare and will you combine any kind of theatre into ROAR's story line?
shaun_cassidy says, "ROAR is all theater. It's almost a musical. There is more music in this show then we ever dreamed, and the reason is because so much of it... is visual. Sometimes a look, with the right melody to back it up, can have much more power than the greatest piece of diologue.
moderator presents the speaker with question #134 from Calee:
Do you have plans to visit the ROAR NetForum?
shaun_cassidy says, "Yes. Right after this. Heading there now... One more question??"
moderator presents the speaker with question #83 from Grinner:
Are there any famous guest stars in future episodes?
shaun_cassidy says, "Elvis. He lives."
shaun_cassidy laughs hysterically.
moderator says, "Thanks a lot Shaun....that was great chat!!!"
shaun_cassidy says, "Thanks to everyone who showed up, and most importantly, thanks for watching "Roar." Keep us posted on how you like the future episodes. Talk to you soon... Shaun."
moderator says, "Good luck with ROAR!!!!!"
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