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vmheadquarters · 5 years

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TALK NERDY WITH US: Exclusive Interview with Veronica Mars’ Jason Dohring and Percy Daggs III at ATX TV Festival

BRYNA KRAMER

JUNE 13, 2019

When the new episodes of Veronica Mars drop on Hulu on July 26th, Marshmallows will see many familiar faces. Jason Dohring will be reprising his role as Logan Echols, the bad boy 09er turned military man and Veronica’s love interest. Percy Daggs III will also be returning as Wallace Fennel, Veronica’s best friend since their Neptune High days.

I got the chance to sit down with Jason and Percy this past weekend at ATX TV Festival. We talked about what their reaction was when they were initially approached about the revival, if they thought Logan and Wallace would be where they are today, what they’re currently nerding out about and so much more! Keep on reading to see what they had to say!

So it’s been five years since the movie came out. What was your initial reaction when Rob [Thomas, creator] approached you guys about doing the revival?

Percy: It was kind of [this] unbelievable amazement, I guess I would say. And then hope, you know hope that it would happen again as far as another series if that was possible. I got the email and I tried to put it in the back of my mind because it was so much time in between the confirmation of it happening or not. I was just like, “Okay, if it does [happen], it does. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. That’s cool that they still have love for us.”

Jason: I mean Rob was always cool to keep us in the loop and sort of tell us what would be coming down. So you know even six months or a year before that, I think it was coming together and it kind of fell apart at one time but I think that there was always a push for it. Rob tells the story of sort of doing the numbers for the Kickstarter on the back of a napkin at a bar and I think that he had a good gauge of what the fan response would be. It was just so unique. I have two identical sets of twins in my family, twin brothers and twin sisters. It’s so weird but also it’s just normal for me, so I see this as such a strange unicorn sort of situation as far as special things that are not even real. So yeah, it’s wonderful. And I really think Rob’s able to keep the quality up and that’s cool. With a renewal, you’re hoping that it creates the same punch and interest for the audience and I think he’s been able to maintain that.

Yeah. You were talking about the fact that it is such a unicorn show and that it is so special. What do you guys think it is about the show that keeps fans coming back and always asking for more?

Jason: I think it’s funny. I think it’s truly funny, the witty banter back and forth and the characters and it’s own world. But I think [it’s also] really real. We were all just coming out of high school and we all lived two miles from each other near the studio; we were just trying to make the best show we could and we were all putting all of our effort in to making it good. I think Rob picked such a great cast; it was just awesome. We were just pushing it. Like when I was the antagonist, I was trying to be, “I’m better at putting you down than you’re putting me down.” I think that between me and Veronica when were not friends, a long time ago…..

Percy: I think it’s relatable too. We took society’s temperature. It was really intelligently written and we talked about classism and things that mattered in the world that back then and now is [still] relevant and cultural.

What does this show mean to you guys personally, because it’s been such a part of your lives for so long now?

Percy: If I never did it again, it would hold a special place. It was my first series regular [job]. The film was the first time the whole family, all 50/60 of us, could show up at a movie theater and see my work. And now as a father and a husband, I get to do it again. So it holds a special place in my heart.

Jason: Yeah, I mean it’s so unique. And I think it meant a lot to so many people. People come up and say, “You know this got me through high school.” And I’m like, “What? For real?” And it’s cool because [Veronica is] an underdog, but not just the underdog who’s beaten down. She’s an underdog that fights for what’s truly right and I think that is something everybody can relate to. Despite all the trouble, she’s still perseveres and that’s awesome. She’s a fighter.

Percy: As an actor, to piggy back off what he said, it’s the most fulfilling thing to have that, to not have somebody say, “Oh that’s a good show. That was entertaining. That was funny.” To say that it meant a lot to them, it’s a personal experience that holds true value.

Was it easy for you guys to step back into these characters because you played them on and off for so many years now? Or was it something that took a little bit to figure out again?

Percy: I don’t know about JD because his character has experienced some positive changes and some different dynamics, but for me, it was easy because I watched and experienced this kid grow up. So once I knew what to expect on the page, it was a piece of cake. And now, he’s even more relatable than he was in high school because of the current state of his life as an adult. So it was easy.

Jason: Yeah. There was a moment when I understood Logan back like 15 years ago when I just got him and he clicked for me. And so just to go back into that, Philip Seymour Hoffman says, “When you take a character, the light behind your eyes changes and you can just click into that guy” and I think you just do that again and then you have to add whatever history came between the end of that show and wherever you are now. So [the] military, all that stuff is added plus more of a calmer relationship perhaps with Veronica than there has been.

And you kind of alluded to it too, Percy, but how has your age and your own experience in real life impacted and informed how you approached these familiar roles?

Percy: Sometimes I feel like Rob catches up with me about how things are going and then tries to write pieces of my life into the script. Cause yeah, being a father and being a husband are the most important things in my life and being able to play that with Wallace now, it’s my comfort zone; it’s what I know. So yeah, it’s a lot more relatable. I had a different high school experience than Wallace. So this experience that Wallace Fennel is having right now, I know it pretty well.

Jason: Well Logan’s getting old, I’m getting old so it really impacts me [laughs]. I have four children in my real life and being in the military, I was sort of imagining that he’s around other people that have families and stuff like that and is kind of maybe wondering, “Is this a step I would want or whatever” and would you not want somebody to grow up with a mother such as Veronica. You know what I mean? That would be so awesome and [with] all her great qualities. So just thinking about it personally and how that might translate.

Is where we find your characters when this revival starts where you guys thought they would be? Or was did you imagine something different and [when you read the script, you were like], “Oh I wasn’t expecting Wallace to be here” or “Oh, I wasn’t expecting Logan to be here”?

Percy: Based on when the story took place in the first three seasons, I think I could have expected Wallace to be that. Him being a teacher at Neptune makes sense because Wallace put education before basketball a lot of times; it was his true passion. So that combined with the fact that Wallace is an optimist with a generous heart who wants to help people, him being a teacher made a lot of sense. It makes me smile to think that one by one Wallace is making a difference in the high school experience at Neptune. And then him being a family man, I mean it just seems like who he was. As Percy, there were times when I was like, “You know I love basketball too. I love education too.” But I wanted to just see him succeed. But to see him succeed in this way felt right.

Jason: Yeah, I’m kind of in the same place I was in the movie. I’m still in the service and I’ve been gone for a while, so it’s cool to come back because you know there’s like a little reunion that happens that is fun to play with Kristen [Bell, who plays Veronica]. I think there are other guys on the show, like Ryan Hansen[‘s character Dick Casablancas] is exactly where you think he would be. Have you seen it?

No, but just the way Rob [Thomas] was describing it on the panel today, The King of Neptune’s Spring Break…

Jason: Oh yeah. I mean it’s perfect. You’re going to see stuff with his character that’s outrageous but yet completely acceptable.

Percy: You know how they write in your yearbook never change?

I feel like it’s gonna be one of those things where instead of writing in your yearbook, “have a great summer,” they would have written [in his], “Have a great spring break forever and ever…”

Percy: [laughs] That’s right.

For you, Jason, Rob wrote these books that kind of take place right after the movie and Logan’s military background is a big part of those books. Have you ever read them or has he informed you of what happened with Logan in those books?

Jason: Yeah. I’m somewhat familiar with that story. I did a lot of research into the military myself as well with helicopter pilots at bases around Los Angeles. For the iZombie role, which I [later] found out was sort of a comedy show, I went to train with a sniper in Virginia for three days. He was one of the founders of Blackwater, which is a private military training company. So I went and did that and we’re shooting flamethrowers. Then I found out it was a comedy and I was like, “Well this is a little overkill.” [laughs]

How would you guys describe this new season in three words?

Jason: Same. You know it’s the same as the old Veronica. Dark and unexpected. The subject content is dark and then there’s some awesome twists. Really, really good.

Percy: Dope, fire, lit. [laughs]

Jason: I was going to say that.

We’re really going with this fire theme, guys. It’s really working.

Percy: [laughs] Three words besides those… I don’t know. I think he nailed it.

So we’re here at ATX Television Festival, celebrating the world of television. What are some of your all time favorite television shows and what are you guys currently watching?

Percy: I say this a lot but it’s just truth and facts. I don’t get a chance to watch a whole lot of TV because I homeschool. If I get a chance, I might watch a game show or two in the morning. Then, from there, if get [to watch] something in the afternoon, I might watch PTI or some sports-related show. Then at night, I’m watching American Ninja Warrior and World of Dance with the family and stuff like that. The shows that I’m interested in I don’t get to binge. I’m probably the worst TV watching actor in the world. Shows in the past… Martin and In Living Color are two of my favorite shows [when I was] coming up. I love comedy shows. I love to laugh.

What about you, Jason?

Jason: In prep for this, Rob said that this show will kind of straddle between the first two seasons of Fargo and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. I watched Fargo and I was like, “Damn, this is dark.” I watched those first two seasons and I thought it was fantastic. Great quality, fantastic story. And I think you’re gonna see a cool story in this [revival], too.

I just now thought of this but have you guys gone back and watch any old Veronica Mars episodes recently?

Percy: I haven’t had a full on binge, but the fans have requested re-watches so I’ve re-watched episodes that they were interested in here and there. Sometimes we catch the movie and my son is like “Daddy” and so we may end up watching the movie. But as far as going through all the episodes, it’s been a little while. I think when we were getting ready to shoot, I did some re-watches, just to get in touch with my character and everyone again.

Jason: Yeah, I did that too. Like for the movie, I think I watched all 60 episodes again just to get an idea.

Last question — our website is called Talk Nerdy With Us because we all have some kind of inner-nerd. So what is something you guys are currently nerding out about?

Jason: Apple trees. I’m a freakin’ gardener man, how nerdy does that get?

Percy: He’s got a green thumb. [To Jason] I need to come up and get bags of good stuff.

Jason: Dude, I’m the nerdiest guy around. Come see it. I’m like all about my soil. I’m like, “Wow, look at this” and I’m showing it to my son. I’m serious, man. It makes a huge difference.

Percy: It makes a huge difference.

Jason: Dude, it’s incredible. You’re going to try some of this, you’ll die. It’s great.

Percy: Well, it tastes different. So I guess I’m nerding out about organic eating. That’s what I’m nerding out about right now.

Jason: Dude, I have five beehives.

Percy: What? I’ve got to bring my son up because he’s super interested in that.

Jason: I have five beehives. I did four bee rescues. I rescued a bee hive from Lea Thompson from Back to the Future.

Percy: Are you serious?

Jason: Yeah, they’re Back to the Future bees. How nerdy does that get?

Percy: I can’t top that.

#talk nerdy with us #veronica mars #veronica mars revival #veronica mars season 4 #jason dohring #percy daggs iii #logan echolls #wallace fennel #interview #hulu #kristen bell #the good place #vm spoilers

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thequlturecritic · 5 years

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QULTURE’S TOP 20 SERIES OF 2018

20. BUSY TONIGHT

You guys! Good energy is, like, totally in right now. And it’s never going away. You may know her from Freaks and Geeks, but I know her from Cougar Town as CC’s fun-loving, super-supportive sidekick. When you watch Busy Phillips on her cheeky, positive-vibes only E! talk show, a sense of “we’re all in this together” and “being kind to one another” is definitely a recipe for demolishing disaster. Remember how major Chelsea’s career became because of what so many probably considered a silly little talk show… well. I’m not a fortune teller or anything, but I could totally see Ms. Phillips taking over the universe. I want to be one of her minions. Cheers to another leading lady of late night!

19. THE VOICE

I’ve always been anti-reality competition shows when it comes to singing, only because I’m a total snob when it comes to what I subject my ears to. My musical tastes are versed and varied, but I still am pretty picky about who I let in to my drums, mostly because I need it to stimulate an eargasm and coincide with my life’s soundtrack. When American Idol launched, I definitely was enamored with Kelly Clarkson’s powerful vocals, but I still kept the close mind that an artist is discovered naturally, not “created” by producers with the backdrop and illusion that AMERICA gets to vote and pick the winner. Ah, who knows, maybe they do… I would just never take the time out to vote. HOWEVER. When I found out Kelly was going to be a judge on The Voice, which is a whole separate animal than Idol, I was shitting my pants with glee, because she really is such a goddamn force of fucking nature. Her spirit is overwhelmingly angelic and I simply love everything about watching her. Last season’s competition was magical, at least for me, perhaps because it was the first time I really got to experience the message and place the show has in the universe. It really is inspiring and lovely to see how much these artists themselves care for the teams they build and the individuals they want to see grow – regardless of whether or not it leads to fame. Alicia Keys and Kelly Clarkson’s dynamic was really something special that inspired me in so many ways.

18. COMEDIANS IN CARS GETTING COFFEE

I love nothing more than a loose format, sans makeup, realistic conversation between famous people. Talk shows rock and all, but there’s something to be said for two people we all know and (often) admire, getting together and doing something that, ya know, regular people do! Like… go out to breakfast. I was never a fan of the Seinfeld sitcom, mostly because when it was popular it was kinda over my head and nothing that interested me. I’d probably be more inclined to watch and enjoy it now because of how much Veep has made me adore Julia-Louis Dreyfus and now much Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix series about him… getting coffee… with comedians… has made me adore his admiration for vintage cars, honesty in humanity and one of the most important things we all seem to forget sometimes – which is to LAUGH! We live in such politically charged times, and while I get how important it is to talk about the very things we were always brainwashed to believe were impolite to talk about, we also need to be able to make jokes and not be so sensitive about everything. Ya heard?

17. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

Oh how I love me some Tyra, but it seems the future is all about Ashley Graham. Yet again – another fucking beautiful superhuman. I am really starting to hate that people even think of someone as “plus size”, but hey, it’s the world we live in. All I see when I look at her is someone with a whole lot of personality, gorgeous features and a personality that you’d be crazy to not gravitate toward. She is living proof that good vibes, energy and kindness (in the fashion industry?! How dare you!) go a long way. Tyra and Co. are doing such a bang-up job sending young women empowering messages about feeling safe in their own skin by infusing all shapes, sizes, colors and archetypes. This cycle was full of hilarious moments and was totally unpredictable. Despite her Trump-loving, Republican ways and complaining about being transformed into a “fire-crotch”, I was rooting for Liberty, Rio and Jeana to compete in the Top 3. That certainly evolved as the season went on, mainly because Jeana’s insecurities were getting the best of her (she had alopecia and they convinced her to be the alien-like, bald beauty – which she looked 10X better as vs. wearing wigs) and Rio had the most off-putting temper tantrum that had me and my bestie Carlee yelling at the the TV, “Who da fuck you think you talkin’ to?!” as if we were speaking for Tyra. Be humble, girls! Beauty ain’t just skin deep. At the end of the day, I loved seeing Kyla take the crown, because her activism, big heart and growth really was something special at the end of the day. Keep up the good work! I want 1000 more cycles.

16. SWEETBITTER

Starz’s adaptation of the best-selling novel by Stephanie Danler is short, but bittersweet. Ella Purnell is a breakout star, headlining the cast of unknowns who are all as equally as fantastic. I think that’s one of my favorite things about it (Caitlin Fitzgerald, in particular, who definitely has that thing) – how naturally gifted the entire cast is. Purnell stars as Tess, an All-American girl from bumfuck who makes her way to New York City to chase the dream, even if she has no idea what it is yet. Any of you who have worked in the service industry as a waiter or waitress will appreciate the authenticity of how intimidating, grueling and chaotic the industry can be… but how much fun it can be once your shift is over.

15. MANIAC

What is Netflix’s limited, vivid, disturbing, funny, emotional rollercoaster about? My brain is exploding from trying to analyze. Typically, in each episode, I get so lost in the perfection that is Emma Stone, I’m completely enthralled by how inspiring it is to watch one of our most exceptional young talents only seem to get better and better. It’s also always a pleasant surprise to see someone like Jonah Hill continue to prove himself as truly versatile. Remember when these two were just getting into stoner cinema and taking over the shelves at Blockbuster, during their Superbad days? Justin Theroux, plus. Sally Field, super-plus. Julia Garner (also of Ozark), a star on the rise! It might make you feel a little crazy while watching, but hey, we all go a little mad sometimes.

14. SHARP OBJECTS

Gillian Flynn’s book to big screen success with Gone Girl made a lot of us anxious to see what would be translated next. Following the trend of mini-series, binge-worthy greatness and big stars coming to the “small” screen, HBO announced Amy Adams would star in Sharp Objects, a dark, sultry murder mystery set in the swampy south that co-stars the amazing Patricia Clarkson – one of my absolute favorite actors. I’ll never forget when I “discovered” her, in Lisa Cholodenko’s High Art, one of my all-time faves. There’s a similar hypnotism with the limited series which also features a deliciously naked Chris Messina, and, of course, the direction of the man I’d say is pretty much cinematic perfection these days – Jean Marc Valee. If you have not yet seen Dallas Buyers Club, and another all-time favorite of mine, Wild, you are missing out. I’m assuming you have watched all of Big Little Lies once or twice, and can’t wait for season two next year. Neither can I. These are the people doing AWESOME awesome things in Hollywood.

13. AMERICAN HORROR STORY: APOCALYPSE

So, I’m always back and forth with AHS. I always love how visually stunning it is, but some seasons either lack substance or are literally just too fucking freaky for me to engage. I can not even set my eyes on Freak Show, thought Cults was too gory and scattered (although fresh off of the Trump presidency was a possible prediction of the future if we don’t all get our shit together) and definitely didn’t even give that Roanoke one a chance. The first two seasons rocked, and Gaga slayed in Hotel, but being that I love witches (Hocus Pocus, Witches of Eastwick) I have to say Coven is my favorite season. I love every Farmiga in life, Precious’ Gaborey Sidibe always makes me laugh and Emma Roberts is a rock star. How gorgeous?! She’s also such a little asshole in the best way. She’s someone I can picture punching me in the face, and I’d invite her to. Apocalypse is the best infusion of boy/girl magic and the ultimate comradery casting wise – as what could make for a perfect finale for the series ties all of Ryan Murphy’s brilliance together. That’s just my opinion – because I think a great series needs to know when to wrap it up, but these days everything is all about milking everything to the last drop, so… idk.

12. THE CONNERS

Roseanne returning was definitely the best of the best in reboot land, until her big mouth got her fired from ABC and launched The Conners, which features the entire cast minus a dead mother. I still respect her as an artist and will always love when TV wasn’t so linked to the Twitterverse, but these days I guess everyone really does have to be super careful about the shit they say – especially when we should know better that racism isn’t cool. It’s such an odd thing, because Roseanne was always so controversial, brave with their material, and was one of the first shows to have an out lesbian comedian/actress and character (the great Sandra Bernhard)… so… idk. That Sarah Gilbert though… she’s somethin’ special.

11. THE GOOD PLACE

Kristen Bell!!!!!!! That’s all. Ok, well, that’s not all… because Ted Danson is equally as amazing. Who wouldn’t love someone married to a dame like Mary Steenburgen?! I’ve been a fan of his since Three Men (and a Little Lady!). The diversity, quick wit, modern spin on the classic sitcom and concept behind this hit NBC series reminds us of why the network is always killing it when it comes to delivering quality, quantity and maintaining its colorful edge. I’m surprised I didn’t get into this show when it premiered, as season 4 approaches and the Globes, and surely the Emmy’s now are getting into recognizing genius when they see it. This show is filled with all the good feels! Maybe Heaven really is a place on Earth.

10. WILL & GRACE

When the reboot of W&G first returned to NBC, I was a bit underwhelmed by some of the writing. It seemed forced and a bit insecure – but it just took a few episodes for them to really get back in the swing of things and season 2 of the return is really on point. Debra Messing is better than ever (congrats on a Globe nomination!), as are Eric, Megan and Sean Hayes – who I’ve always greatly admired because of, what I like to consider his “big break” – the film, Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss. Growing up gay, Will and Grace was a trailblazing, extremely important and relevant show to so many of us because there wasn’t much of that on TV. But I’ll always remember that adorable indie of Sean’s. He should make more movies! I love him in Pieces of April too!

9. I LOVE YOU AMERICA: with SARAH SILVERMAN

Sarah has always been my absolute favorite comedian. Jesus is Magic is probably one of the most brilliant stand-up comedy feature films I’ve ever seen (are there many of those) combining music, comedy, political satire, sexually inappropriate and explicit linguistics… nothing is off limits. From jokes about AIDS, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Holocaust, to her dead grandmother’s rape to pussy jokes about child lesbians she’s related to. On her new Hulu series, Silverman takes a tour of the great country we live in, United States of A, talking to Trump supporters, men and women of all colors, shapes and sizes and makes an honest, unbiased, non-judgmental effort to deliver an intellectual perspective on all things current and heated in the minds of many. I love her condescending approach, ability to keep her cool, remain true to herself and do something important with her career. It’s a humbled and divine dose of reality that I think we all need, as at the end of the day she’s basically trying to unite us and get people to understand that despite our differences, respect and kindness can truly inspire change.

8. POSE

First of all – watch Paris is Burning, if you’ve never seen it.

I remember when I worked for the super cool East-coast indie video chain, TLA Video, it was one of the most popular rentals in our Gay and Lesbian section, as it should be. It’s a classic documentary that captures the heart, sole and strut of African American LGBTQ culture during the AIDS epidemic, when being a queen and going to the balls would begin to define what FIERCE meant for a generation. (Play: Azealia Banks, Fierce). It’s one of RuPaul’s favorite movies and certainly inspiration for Ryan Murphy’s vivid and heartfelt FX series starring Evan Peters, James Van Der Beek, Kate Mara and a wonderful assortment of newcomers including the fetch, fierce, versatile and gorgeous MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson and (MY FAVE) Indya Moore.

7. CAMPING

Ever since 13 Going on 30, I’ve known Jennifer Garner was a unicorn. She has that innate ability to charm, impress and entertain us with charisma and natural comedic talent. When it comes to the American adaptation of the Brit series Camping, developed for HBO (in part with Girls’ master Lena Dunham), the team surely arranged the most perfect blend of talent for both behind and in front of the camera. Garner brings the most complicated and hilarious nuances to her character and proves she is more than capable of leading a most diverse and perfectly perfect blend of talent.

6. OZARK

Janet McTeer!! OMG! This woman is amazing and really the force that makes the sophomore season of the hit Netflix drug smuggling/money laundering/gangsta livin’ series all the more bombastic. Sure, Jason Bateman continues to be awesome in every way, but the women on the latest season (even the creepy old meth lady who wants a baby at 99) really slay and own the show, keeping us on the edges of our seats and beyond impressed with how hard anyone with a vagina is proving that they are taking over the world these days. As if we needed more reasons to be obsessed with Laura Linney – she takes her character to new heights, getting more screen time and really being thrust into a more evolved dynamic – sort of how Robin Wright does on House of Cards. As though the audience was more drawn to the female than the male lead the series was built around. But Janet McTeer?! Holy fuck, Janet McTeer. She’ll make your skin crawl and keep you up at night… binge-watching.

5. THE AFFAIR

Showtime’s scandalous, suspenseful and intricate portrait of love, marriage and infidelity has been one of my must-see series since its debut. The entire cast is pure magic, especially the four leads – Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson. I’m constantly lobbying for Tierney, who continues to blow my mind with everything from those perfect, pouty lips to the way she can make my heart melt with a single tear. Last season, the twists and turns were so unexpected – something so refreshing these days when it comes to storytelling – that none of us could’ve ever seen coming what we now have to go into season five knowing (and grieving with, in my case). This is one of of those shows that stands tall from start to finish, and continues to inspire the way character and perspective is conveyed, as well as how we process it ourselves as an audience. I’ve always been fascinated by the same story being told through different goggles – kind of like in The Rules of Attraction, or Go. I can’t wait to see how this show wraps up, as I am pretty certain we move into the final act, which in itself is always a great quality for a series to know when to wrap it up.

4. HERE & NOW

Alan Ball, oh how I love thee. In the evidence of his brilliance, my affection toward Ball’s beautiful writing and ability to conduct such a beautiful cinematic symphony began with Six Feet Under, as it did most. If ever there were a perfect start to finish series… Rare is the artistic bird who can take such a celebrated drama and weave the social and political issues into a horror series – which is what he did with the addictive True Blood, a show that I would find myself equally hypnotized and aroused by. Ball’s latest gem is yet again a celebration of why we love HBO, his observant mind and heart, and ability to recognize genius when he sees it, in regard to casting. The always wonderful Holly Hunter and Tim Robbins headline a cast of brave, beautiful talents – including the tiny miracle that is the birth-child of Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon, Sosie, who is one of my favorite actors/characters in this captivating new drama that celebrates all the feels of our current reality. It’s a mixed blend of understanding the human condition and how people of all walks relate to one another while truggling with matters of the heart and psychological warfare.

3. RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE

For ten seasons now, Queen of Drag, RuPaul Charles has been taking her dynasty and giving it a royal upgrade every season with eye-popping elements that consistently allow this groundbreaking competition series to be one of queer and pop culture’s most celebrated. From the guest judges (Season X premiered with a Farrah Moan-esque Christina Aguilera dolled up for all the queens to gag over, which they did – myself included) to Michelle Visage’s dazzling eyewear collection to the costumes to the casting and the challenges – which get more and more innovative – Rupaul’s Drag Race has become a small empire that has the promise to spinning into so many different types of series and assure celebrity drag careers are a thing of the future, now more than ever. I loved the queens this season, especially my future husband Kameron Michaels (beautiful inside and out, boy or girl) and the well-deserved winner Aquaria. This was the second season in a row for me (I haven’t seen a lot of the previous seasons) where Ru got it absolutely perfect. I’m also a huge fan of Vice’s The Trixie and Katya Show which you should get into as well!

2. THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL

All of the hype surrounding the Golden Globe & Emmy winning Amazon Prime series starring the incomparable Rachel Brosnahan as Mrs. Maisel, is the type of perfection that isn’t all-talk. Everything you’ve heard about this hilarious gem of a binge-worthy comedy is true: the costumes, the production design, the brilliant performances, directing and top-notch writing is on trend with celebrating everything we love about women in the world right now, and the time capsule reminds us of how far everyone has come marching to the beat of optimism and fighting for equality. I’m so happy the great Alex Borstein has been honored and been receiving praise for her work, and rightfully so, as she steals scenes from the great Maisel herself in the latest season. It’s truly one of the best watches out there, so get into it!

1. SCHITT’S CREEK

What started out as a little Canadian sitcom from a then unknown Pop TV, has since become a pop culture phenomenon and one of the small screen’s most celebrated, quoted and adored comedies out there. In Season four, we continue to follow the Rose’s on their journey of personal growth, going from riches to rags in a small bumfuck town where they clearly stick out like a redneck tooth fairy for plenty of good reasons. We already knew Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy were totes brilliant, but every season I grow more and more enamored with how crazy talented Dan Levy & Annie Murphy are. Their nuances, the way the arcs of their characters have evolved… it’s like their learning from two comic legends and its working for them every step of the way. This is truly already an iconic, feel good show that is spreading such messages of love and beauty throughout society. Loves it!

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biscuitreviews · 6 years

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Biscuit Reviews Assassin’s Creed

I have quite a history with the Assassin’s Creed franchise. I’ve kept up with all of the main line entries and even a couple of the mobile spinoffs. Even though the series has become controversial in some aspects, I find enjoyment in the protagonists, the historical settings, and the whole First Civilization lore. It’s gotten crazier and more outrageous as the years progressed for the series but I think that’s part of charm.

With my wife wanting to see more of the series after playing through Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, I introduced her to some of the previous past entries in the franchise as they’re a lot more polished in the gameplay department. So with that I figured I would go back to the older titles, to see how they have have fared in the passage of time. What better way to view this than playing the original Assassin’s Creed.

I had a lot of fun doing a series overview on Kingdom Hearts, so with ignitied interest of Assassin’s Creed with my homelife I figured I’d go back and do the same for the Assassin’s Creed franchise as well.

I’m going to take it on like I did with Kingdom Hearts, tackle the series in small sprints, rather than all at once.

As for my memories with the original Assassin’s Creed, I remember liking a lot of the ideas of the original. Assassin’s Creed was even the first game I ever wrote a review for and I still have the original copy of that review to this day. Looking back at it now it’s quite a mess and a bit embarrassing but I also gave it a score of an “8 out of 10.” which would translate as a 4 out of 5 in the scale I currently use.

Ok, that’s a fairly high score. Let’s see if I still think that when I revisit the start of the Assassin’s Creed series.

You are Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, an Assassin during the Third Crusades tasked with killing 9 Templars as they are the 9 that know the secret of a powerful artifact that the Assassin’s Order acquired. Although the bulk of the story is experienced during this historical event, you are actually reliving the past. This past is actually part of a simulation in the world of Assassin’s Creed. A man named Desmond is experiencing this past through the Animus, a device that allows the user to witness the lives of their ancestors. Desmond has been captured by a mega corporation known as Abstergo, who is looking for this powerful artifact, known as the Apple of Eden. Abstergo believes that Desmond’s ancestor is the key to finding the Apple of Eden as well as other artifacts left by the First Civilization.

The gameplay for Assassin’s Creed will have Altaïr traveling between three different cities, Damascus, Acre, and Jerusalem to hunt down his targets. Once he reaches this city he will then need to report to the Assassin’s Bureau within that city to get some possible leads on where he can find information on his target. Once acquired, Altair will partake in a series of tasks to learn more about his target. These tasks involve, Eavesdropping, Interrogation, Pickpocketing, and Informant Missions.

You’ll need to complete these tasks to learn more about your target such as their location, recent events they’ve done, assassination opportunities, guard activities, and entry and exit points from the area your target will be in. Although these tasks can feel repetitive, It is awesome that you have to learn about your target and the surrounding area making you feel like an Assassin with a plan. After you commit the Assassination, you then have to escape from the area and return to the Bureau. This was my favorite aspect of original Assassin’s Creed. It’s that rush of having to escape and lose the guards chasing you that can make for some interesting ways to lose them.

Originally the repetition was the only issue that I had with the game so after replaying this game are there any other issues that I might have with game after the series itself has evolved? Yeah, quite a few actually. First, is the way Altaïr moves. He moves incredibly slow and clunky. Even climbing up buildings he’s slow. I understand what Ubisoft was going for at the time, have an Assassin that’s a blade in the crowd to where he is inconspicuous and doesn’t raise suspicion, but when it comes to some of those escape sequences I was talking about earlier, it can be a pain when trying to lose guards on the ground level and trying to get to the rooftops to traverse the city more quickly.

This next issue is rather a personal nitpick of mine, but it’s still something I figured is worth mentioning. There are no subtitles. When I play game I usually like to have subtitles on because there’s a few instances where the VO might say something that I don’t quite catch or pick up. Although there’s no standard or mandate that subtitles need to be present in a game, this was something that was a bit of an issue with me, especially since Assassin's Creed does have fluctuating audio levels. Sometimes you can hear the characters just fine and can understand them no problem, other times, they’re speaking so low and softly that it’s really hard to understand what they’re saying.

Speaking of the audio perspective of this game, Nolan North voices both Desmond and Altaïr in this title and his performance is...not good. He sounds bored when he’s portraying Desmond and when he’s portraying Altaïr, well he sounds like he’s bored but with an edge, he’s edgy bored. Even Kristen Bell who plays Lucy, a woman who tries to help Desmond out, sounds bored with her performance. The only voice actors that sound like they’re giving an effort are Phil Proctor, who voices Warren Vidic, Haaz Sleiman, who voices Malik Al-Sayf, and Peter Renaday, who voices Al-Mualim.

Also the whole, be a blade in crowd aspect, it’s not really present in this one. Sure there are crowds and you’ll have to navigate your way through them sometimes, but you can’t really use the crowd as cover. Instead, it’s more like you’re trying to overcome an obstacle to get to the target. The only time you can hide in the crowd is if you find a group of priests that are praying and that’s it. Even then they’re mostly used to enter places.

Now, I’m not sure if this was a game issue or an Xbox One Backwards Play issue, but I did notice that building walls would occasionally flicker. I don’t remember this ever happening on the Xbox 360 and I wasn’t able to go back to check on this due to the disk tray on my 360 no longer working. I do know that some titles using the Xbox One Backwards Play do have issues so that’s why I’m willing to bet it’s an issue with backwards compatibility rather than the game itself. It’s not game breaking or anything, but can be distracting in some cutscenes.

As for how the game has stood against the test of time, it has not aged very well. The sequels are much faster and various entries made improvements in their own ways which I’ll discuss when I get to those titles. However, if you’re interested in seeing the beginnings of the franchise as well as learn how the science of the Animus works, then it’s definitely worth a visit, just don’t expect much action as this game wasn’t as action focused as any of the sequels. The slowness might be a turnoff for some and that’s understandable, but if you power through it you’ll pick up on some interesting stuff on how this game laid the foundation for the overall lore of the franchise. If you were a fan of the series and haven’t played the original one in awhile I do recommend that you do back to it, you just might be surprised on some of the lore details you pick up on now that the story of Assassin’s Creed has been fleshed out more in the sequels. If you came into the series in one of sequels, my recommendation would be to slowly work back to this title or just simply read up on a plot synopsis online.

Looking back now I don’t quite think it’s that 8 out of 10 my past self gave it in 2007. Honestly, it’s more like a 2 or maybe a 3 out of 5, both scores which I can see.

I can see the 2 because of how rough the gameplay is and how slow and repetitive it is as well as some of the technical issues. However, I can also see a 3 because at it’s time it was a cool unique idea on how to approach the open world genre. Especially with the mark it made on the genre. Some would argue that Assassin’s Creed II left a more lasting impact, and I would agree, but the impact that second game left, would not have been possible, without the first steps of the original title.

As for overall score, I’m going to go for the higher end because I do have a soft spot for this game. I’ll whole heartedly admit that it’s the nostalgia and my fondness for some of the gameplay elements in this game that has me giving it that score. I feel that’s how it is with some of these reviews, especially when critics review a media from their past. There’s going to be that looming essence of nostalgia there and sometimes it can be hard to separate when reviewing these past pieces of media. But, I think if you’re able to admit and see the flaws, it could have you appreciate something from the past more, as well as what has come from those beginnings.

Assassin’s Creed receives a 3 out of 5 (with justification of a 2 out of 5).

#Assassin's Creed #AC #Ubisoft #Altair #xbox #ps #pc #video games #gaming #games #video game review #games review #gaming review #game review #biscuit reviews

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kellysbookblog · 3 years

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The Special Edition of After the Climb, a beautifully written second chance romance with all new material from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley is available now and ZERO PENNIES to read digitally!

My GR Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4085821104?book_show_action=false

My Amazon Review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R366F3GD9N563A?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

NEW, EXTENDED VERSION!

With many new chapters, and introducing a new series character, this re-released Special Edition version of After the Climb is the book you have, but it’s also so much more!

They were the Three Amigos: Duncan Holloway, Imogen Swan and Corey Szabo. Two young boys with difficult lives at home banding together with a cool girl who didn’t mind mucking through the mud on their hikes.

They grew up to be Duncan Holloway, activist, CEO and face of the popular River Rain outdoor stores, Imogen Swan, award-winning actress and America’s sweetheart, and Corey Szabo, ruthless tech billionaire.

Rich and very famous, they would learn the devastating knowledge of how the selfish acts of one would affect all their lives.

And the lives of those they loved.

Start the River Rain series with After the Climb, the story of Duncan and Imogen navigating their way back to each other, decades after a fierce betrayal.

And introduce yourself to their families, who will have their stories told when River Rain continues.

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About Kristen Ashley

Kristen Ashley is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty romance novels including the Rock Chick, Colorado Mountain, Dream Man, Chaos, Unfinished Hero, The ’Burg, Magdalene, Fantasyland, The Three, Ghost and Reincarnation, Moonlight and Motor Oil and Honey series along with several standalone novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold over three million books.

Kristen’s novel, Law Man, won the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Romantic Suspense. Her independently published title Hold On was nominated for RT Book Reviews best Independent Contemporary Romance and her traditionally published title Breathe was nominated for best Contemporary Romance. Kristen’s titles Motorcycle Man, The Will, Ride Steady (which won the Reader’s Choice award from Romance Reviews) and The Hookup all made the final rounds for Goodreads Choice Awards in the Romance category.

Connect with Kristen

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FyJg18

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3hl0A7e

Instagram: https://bit.ly/33o8nfv

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Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3mftcCt

Website: https://www.kristenashley.net

Stay up to date by subscribing to her mailing list:

https://bit.ly/3mjJiLd

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bughead-fic-request · 7 years

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Bughead Author Spotlight: Malmo 722

So I want to do a author spotlight a couple times a week to spread the word on all the authors in this fandom and make everyone feel special. It’s very similar to an one of those ‘Ask Me Anything’ games but this will include people who may not have the followers to ask them things about themselves.

There is no criteria you need to meet to be able to do this, you just need to be a Bughead writer. That’s it. You can have one story or 300. You can volunteer yourself or nominate someone.

@leaalda is making a new aesthetic to go with this because the one above is rough.

All I ask is that you reblog these things (not necessarily mine) and not just authors you’ve heard of. I want to spread the word and include everyone.

Let me know what you like about this and what you hate. I have already started making a list of people who want to do this. I think the easiest way to give people the questions is through email but I know not all people will be comfortable with that. I’m sure we can do it through the messenger on here or if anyone knows a better way to do it, please let me know.

Alright this is mine, below, me interviewing myself.

1. First things first, if someone wanted to read your stories where can they find them.

My tumblr accounts are @malmo722 and @bughead-fic-request. You can find my masterlist here and my AO3 here.

2. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 30 and live in Canada. I’m the author of The Stacks and Leave A Message (which I do plan on finishing). I work in architecture and I hate it, I love dogs but don’t have any and I love to cross stitch.

3. What do you never leave home without?

My phone.

4. Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I can be both but I am an early bird mostly.

5. If you could live in any fictional world which one would you choose and why?

I would live in the Marvel universe. I think it would be cool to be a mutant and try to convince Steve Rogers to sleep with me.

6. Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met.

I’ve had encounters with a lot of famous people but I’ve never actually ‘met’ anyone. I have a picture with Zach Braff, Mark Ruffalo’s autograph, I’ve yelled at Jennifer Connelly trying to get to Joaquin Phoenix and I’ve walked past Robert Sheehan and Bill Skarsgard on the street. I’ve also seen a lot of people at TIFF (Suki Waterhouse, Jason Mamoa, Kristen Stewart, Nicolas Hoult, Chris Evans, Kevin Smith, Ryan Gosling, Dustin Hoffman and Rachel McAdams).

7. What are some of your favorite movies/TV?

I love Friends, 30 Rock, Arrested Development, American Gods, Alias, Breaking Bad, The Office, Brooklyn 99, Parks and Rec, True Blood, Dawson’s Creek and Gilmore Girls. In terms of movies, I love anything David Fincher has ever done, Two Weeks Notice, Never Been Kissed, Hud, American Beauty, Lost In Translation… I was a film student so I like a lot of film.

8. What are some of your favorite bands/musicians?

Rufus Wainwright, Elton John, T. Rex, Hoizer, Kate Bush, James Blake, Scissor Sisters, Hawksley Workman and so many others. I also am a huge song person.

9. Favorite Books?

I love East of Eden by Steinbeck, Sirens of Titan by Vonnegut, Invisible Monsters by Palahniuk and the Beautiful Creatures Series.

10. Favorite Food?

Poutine

11. Biggest pet peeve?

People who chew with their mouths open.

12. What did you want to be when you were little? What do you want to be now?

I wanted to be a chef when I was little and now I want to be happy, I know that’s lame but I’m sad about 97% of the time.

13. What are your biggest fears? Do you have any strange fears?

I am terrified of sharks, fire and religious fundamentalism. My strangest fear is, and I hate talking about it because people think it’s silly so they like to torture me with it, but I’m am terrified of the shark from Finding Nemo. Like panic attack, mental breakdown, paralyzingly afraid of it. Please, please, please don’t scare me with it or I will block you.

14. When you are on your deathbed, what would be the one you’d regret not doing?

I think I’d regret not having more time to myself. I spend so much of my time at a job I hate, going out to please other people when really I just want to buy a small house, have a dog and be in a position that I can have a cup of coffee without having to rush and stress about being somewhere else all the time. If I don’t want to work myself to death.

Okay… lets talk about your writing!

15. Which is your favorite of the fics you've written for the Bughead fandom?

I love them all for different reasons. The Stacks was the first, Werewolves of Riverdale is so different, Leave A Message was a nothing story I wrote cause no one was prompting me in those days and I love the dynamic in Girls on Film.

16. Which was the hardest to write, in terms of plot?

I would say Hot For Teacher. Smut is like comedy and horror, you never know what people are going to like and I was unsure if people would think it was gross.

17. How do you come up with the ideas for you fic(s)? Do you people watch? Listen to music? Get inspired by TV/movies?

Most of them are dreams and lately a lot of them are prompts.

18. Idea that you always wanted to write but could never make work?

I get a lot of prompts for hurt/comfort fics, I’m terrible at them.

19. Least favorite plot point/chapter/moment you’ve written?

I don’t think I hate any of them, you spend so much time with your own ideas you justify them.

20. Favorite plot point/chapter/moment you’ve written?

I would have to say the NIN concert in The Stacks

21. Favorite character to write?

I love villains, so whoever the villain is, that’s my favorite. Archie currently in The Stacks.

22. Favorite line or lines of dialogue that you've written?

In many years, when Jughead Jones drew a line through his and Betty Cooper’s relationship, he would trace the second he fell in love with her to that moment. - The Stacks

23. Best comment/review you’ve ever received?

I’ve had many people tell me The Stacks is better than Riverdale and that was super flattering.

24. How do you handle bad reviews or comments?

I don’t handle them well. They make me question everything I write but I just delete them and move forward. I’m writing something for free, I control my story and I’m not going to let anyone else bring me down.

25. If you could change anything in any of your stories, what would it be?

Writing fics chapter to chapter is hard because if you need to change something you can’t. Stories evolve and it’s really frustrating when you realize you’ve written yourself into a corner. I’ve abandoned many fics for this reason.

26. What is your favorite story you’ve ever written? Any fandom?

I wrote a zombie fic which I think I am going to try to repurpose for the Bughead fandom. That was my favorite story.

27. What are you reading right now? Both fan fiction and general fiction?

I’m reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman and in terms of fan fiction I'm reading What Fools These Mortals Be by @gellbellshead right now. I have a million other stories open right now but I am focusing on one story at a time.

28. Do you have an advice for writers that want to get into this fandom but might be scared?

Just do it and then promote the shit out of yourself. No one will think you are vain, people will be excited you brought a new story to their attention. Get a tumblr and immerse yourself in the fandom. Send people things, comment on posts and get on everyone’s radar. No one should ever feel bad about promoting their stuff, you worked hard on your story and you should be proud of it.

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dirtyhancls · 7 years

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ask meme: do all of the them Ψ(｀▽´)Ψ

What’s the last book you read? What did you think of it?

hmmm I reread like half of Graceling, and it’s as good as ever and I’m still bitter that Kristen Cashore hasn’t written anything since the series. it’s YA but also Monster novel TM and so thought provoking

What’s the worst book you’ve ever read, and why?

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry (tbh i read this in 6th grade and HATED it with a Burning Passion but I also don’t remember like 90% of it. just kno that i hated it)

A book you found overhyped, and why

A Hero At The End of the World. I agree with most of the review about it-- it’s very evident the author comes from a fanfic background bc writing fic is very different from novels and there’s some things that don’t translate (character development? relationship development?) if you read the book with the knowledge that its essentially drarry fanfic it makes sense, as its own novel there’s a lot rushed

Ereaders versus physical books is such a false dichotomy. Instead, tell me what other formats (phone apps, tumblr fiction, twitter haikus) you read in

IBOOKS !!!!!!!! ibooks saved my life bc now i can find most books online and then download them and read them it’s amazing

Which genre(s) don’t you read? Why not?

romance jfc i just dont go there sorry (mostly bc of the covers)

If you read in more than one language, is there a difference between the experience of reading in your native language(s) and reading in other languages?

nope cannot read chinese rip

If you’re not a native English speaker, how much do you read in your native language versus how much you read in English? How do you feel about that? // If you’re a native English speaker, go find a book in your second/third/etc language, or in translation, to add to your to-read list

can i count latin as a third language lmao?? screw it i’m doing it one day i’ll read the entirety of the aenied in latin

The book you read when you’re stuck in bed sick

HMMM my go to book is probably The Amulet of Samarkand? or maybe Six of Crows

Fiction or non-fiction or both? In what ratio? Where do you draw the line between the two?

pretty much 100% fiction but i;m aiming to change that (And the Bnad Played On is next on my list)

The book(s) you bought because the cover was pretty, and whether it was worth it

:/ i dont usually buy books but i guess you can count A Conjuring of Light? Bc the cover was super pretty and my aesthetic, although i would’ve bought it regardless just bc it was the final book in the series

The worst book hangover you’ve ever had

HOO BOY Ptolemy’s Gate or Code Name Verity

Do you have to finish one book before you start the next one, or do you read multiple books at the same time?

finish but mostly bc i read so fast that if i finish a book it’s usually in a day or two

The fictional character you want to believe you resemble and the fictional character you actually resemble

i want to believe i resemble Sirius Black but i probably actually resemble Remus Lupin

The book that, in hindsight, really should have clued you in to the fact that you’re _________ (queer/in love/doomed to be an academic/etc)

Artemis Fowl/The Bartimaeus Trilogy that I’m not as clever as i fancied i was

The book that you reread over and over again and get new things from every time

G O D probably The Bartimaeus Trilogy

The book that you don’t dare reread for fear it won’t be the same any more

Hnnnnnnnnng i’m a huge believer in rereads so but lowkey Percy jackson bc now that i’m older i've realized a lot of its flaws

Preferred bookshelf organisation scheme

by my favorites

Do you theme your monthly/yearly/etc reading (eg Year of Reading Women)?

Nope bc i’m super inconsistent with reading nowadays and i’m super picky about tstarting new books

That book with a twist that felt like a blow to the chest. Tell me about it. (But warn for spoilers if necessary!)

CODE NAME VERITY once we got to Maddie’s POV i sobbed my way through it culminating in me having to put the book down at that one BANG BANG moment bc i couldnt see through my tears and also my heart had died inside my chest, AND THEN ALSO when they read her notes/confession and my mind was blown by how clever everything was.

The coolest bookshop you’ve ever been to

i can’t remember the name I think it’s the one world cafe but it’s a cafe/bookshop/bar and super cool, but also there’s a barnes and noble with a fishtank built in an old powerplant thats hella cool

The book you gave up on, and the reasons why

The Wrath and the Dawn, sorry too boring and generic and also like, annoyingly straight

The book you finished even though you hated it, and the reasons why

Heart of Darkness bc i had to for school

The book you expected to hate, didn’t, and then got angry about not hating

Grapes of Wrath tbh

The book that you got into because of the movie/TV series/etc, and the relative merits of each version

HOWLS MOVING CASTLE

i luv the movie ofc, it’s gorgoeus in all ways and delightful but not gonna lie the story telling is not very good and it sorta makes no sense until u read the book. don’t like the witch of the waste plot and howl becomes much too mysterious wizard for my tastes

SOPHIE AND HOWL ARE THE DELIGHT OF THIS BOOK, their characters are what makes it tbh, Book Howl is the best howl bc he’s ridiculous and hilarious and a coward and i luv it. sophie is less of a mouse (even tho she still thinks she is ahaha) and the part where she’s so pissed off she turns water into weedkiller is my fav. it’s also just a complete subversion fo fantasy which i think miyazaki sorta doesn’t get

The only book care question that actually means anything: do you write in your books? If so, in pen or in pencil?

NOPE I WANT MY BOOKS IN PRISTINE CONDITION

Do you read reviews of books? Before or after you read the books themselves? Why? Why not?

usually only read reviews of 1. books that havent come out yet and 2. books after i’ve read them to see what other people say. also occasionally 3. i read reviews to make fun of them

The book you’re embarrassed to admit you’ve read

tbh tbh tbh captive prince just to see what it was like for myself and god jfc

The one where the fanfic was better than the original (and the relevant AO3 links, pls)

like, any number of klance fic tbh or HP fic but here’s some like, absolute amazing ones

As Red as Hearts and Autumn- Mauraders Era fic that breaks my heart everytime, particularly fond of this Sirius

call me, beep me most people kno this, but a staple of klance and very well done

it’s quite bizarre, and will remain this way- more klance but also this made my heart hurt

we must unite inside her walls or we'll crumble from within more respectful of HP women than JK Rowling ever was or will be, i love this so much

Catfished- never thought this would be a thing but draco is turned into a glass fish and harry realizes things

thread our way through a string of stars tbh one of the best klance fics i’ve ever read and probably ever will read

Your vacation reading habits

agressive rereads

The book you read the blurb of, constructed a version of in your mind, and were promptly disappointed by once you finally got around to actually reading it

A Hero At the End of the World :/

Bonus question: rec me something!

READ CODE NAME VERITY FOR THE LOVE OF UR LIFE

#asks #louisxvi #ask meme

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mickgallavich · 7 years

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Photographer-Josh Dun Imagine-Part 1

Hey so I saw this kind of imagine but I’m taking a different kinda spin on it so, the story I read the girl was a photographer and she got hired for Twenty One Pilots and Josh and her started to fall for each other, now this girl in their story was Norwegian and my girl is also but those are kind of the only things that are similar so if you think I’m coping I’m not I just get a lot of inspiration off of other stories, and this is my first imagine I’m publishing so I hope you like it and yes there will me several parts.

A/N: Here are some things you need to know about my O/C character and my writing style. So the girls name is Eira, it is pronounced, AY-rah and it is Norwegian. She has very blue eyes and long (little past the boob length) straight black hair. Now about my writing I like to go into detail about little things, also I have ADD so I get off topic while writing so just keep that in mind while reading. Now this story is going to reference a lot of Norwegian stuff and since I’m not very familiar with that culture I will try to do as much research as I can but if I get some sort of detail wrong I’m sorry. Okay now onto the story.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You opened the email, making sure you had the right place in the directions app in your phone. You had gotten the first email saying they were interested in your work about a week ago. It was a dream to do more than just weddings, I mean yeah you got good money with the weddings but it was boring doing the same thing almost every day.

Today was the first official day of your new job, being the full time photographer for twenty one pilots! You had been offered the job after their old photographer needed a break from all the touring and stuff, but you gladly took it, because you wanted to see the world, that was the first thing on your bucket list.

You had already signed a contract over email and gotten all the official stuff done. You were nervous to meet Tyler and Josh, you had listened to a couple of twenty one pilots song and had been to a concert, but that was just because your best friend dragged you there. You were nervous of what Tyler and Josh would think of you. You were never,good at first impressions.

You finished up your outfit with some nude ankle high boots with a small heel on it, the boot were paired with a floral skater skirt, a black tank top, and a black leather jacket. You wore minimal eye makeup, just some simple eyeliner and some mascara, and a nice bold red lip that matched some of the flowers on you skirt. You didn’t do much with your hair either, just curled the ends.

You took a final look at yourself in the mirror and decided you looked good enough to finally leave the house.

You grabbed your camera bag and headed to the venue in Columbus. You grew up in Ohio, and you loved it here but the only other place in the world you had been was Norway and you loved it too but you need to venture out into the world.

The drive to the venue wasn’t that bad, no traffic. You had been to a lot of concerts in your 25 years of life so you were able to make your way around all the people that were already lined up. You were instructed to find the boy dressing room so they could meet you before the show. This was the first show of the US/World tour.

The door to the dressing room was almost fully open but you knocked anyway just to be safe.

“Oh you can come on in.” You heard Tyler say for inside the room, the moment he talked the whole thing finally kicked in. You were actually doing this.

You pushed through the door to see Tyler, Jenna, and Josh all sitting on the couch, all of them setting down their phones as you walk through the door.

“Hi, you must be Eria.” Tyler says standing up extending his hand, you shook it along with Jenna and Josh’s as well, you took a seat in a chair across from them.

“Did he say that right because we have had this ongoing battle of seeing how it was pronounced.” Josh said before anyone could say anything.

“It’s actually said like ay-rah but don’t worry everyone thinks it’s said like that.” You say with a smile.

“Ha I told you!” Josh exclaimed to Tyler, you all chuckle.

“So tell us a little about yourself before the show.” Jenna says

“Well what do you want to know?” You ask

“How about to start, where are you from?” Tyler asked, he was probably referring to your accent, your voice was kind of different, it was mostly American but at the same time you could hear the Norwegian accent under the American. (A/N sorry if this doesn’t make sense, what I’m trying to say is that you can hear the Norwegian in her accent)

“I’m actually from here.” You inform them

“Then what about your accent?” Josh asks

“Well my parents were both born in Norway and the whole rest of my family lives in Norway so we always go back there over holidays and stuff, also my parents don’t speak english when we are in the house so up until I was maybe 3 or 4 I didn’t know english.” You explained

“Wow that’s awesome, so you are fluent in Norwegian?” Jenna asked

“Helt” You said in Norwegian, they all looked confused, you let out a slight chuckle

“It means completely.” You explain, they all let out slight ‘oh’s’

“Can you say something else it sound so cool.” Tyler says intrigued with your language

“Sure, what do you want me to say?” You ask, mentally preparing what he’s gonna ask you to say. It takes him a minute but he comes up with something.

“Okay so I’m going to ask you a question and I want you to answer it in Norwegian.” You nod along to his request. “Okay the question is, what is it like to speak two languages?” You think of an answer and reply.

“det er veldig gøy, du kan snakke om ting eller si ordene uten at folk vet hva du sier, du vet med mindre de snakker ditt språk!” You say they all look mesmerised by our voice, is actually quite funny seeing people this intrigued with you words.

“Okay I just said, ‘it's very fun, you can talk about things or say words without people knowing what you are saying, you know unless they speak your language!’”

They all nod “So do you have any siblings?” Josh asked

“Yes, two older brothers, very protective and two younger sisters.”

“Oh nice what are their names? I mean not to be creepy.” Josh asks again.

“No not at all, there’s Daniel he’s 31, Erik who’s 28, me, then Ana who’s 22 and Kristen who is 17.” You inform them all.

“So I really like your name and all but your siblings names seem to be pretty common names and yours is just so unique.” Jenna adds

“Yeah I don’t really know why I got the odd name out.”

“Well I really like it, but anyway, so do you have any other hobbies besides photography?” Josh asks, you blush slightly at his compliment.

“Well I can’t tell you everything about me now or else I’ll being boring the rest of the tour.” You say not giving away any of your many hidden talents.

“Fine.. Well why don’t we show you around and so you can get the feel of the place before the show.” You agree looking at your phone, there was about two hours before the show. You get up and follow the three through the big venue, it was a nice place not to hard to find your way around.

You figured you had some time to kill so you just went on your phone like everyone else did before they were needed.

The rest of the night went very well, you got over 150 pictures. You had no idea how long it would take to go through and edit them all, but you didn’t mind, that was one of your favorite things to do in your pass time.

You got home and by the time you had the energy to get off you phone and go to the bathroom and by this time almost all your lipstick was off, but you still wanted to take the rest off so you wouldn't have to do it in the morning, tomorrow you had to wake up at 4:30 to get out of the house to meet everyone else at the bus.

You walked into your room to see you suitcase in the corner of your room, laughing over how long it took you to pack, you had to pack for about 3 months, no breaks and it was hard, you basically packed your whole wardrobe.

With that you set your head on your pillow and fell into a deep sleep.

--------------------------------------------------

A/N so this is chapter one, I hope you liked it. Sorry I got kind of carried away with google translate, I think I’m going to do that quite a lot in this story so I hope you don’t mind it! The next part should be coming out tomorrow and Saturday so stay tuned and also if you want requests are open so if you want to request something I will try my best to write it!

#tylerjoseph #joshdun #jennajoseph #twentyonepilots #joshdunimagine #twnetyonepilotsimagine #part 1

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CHIPS, directed by Dax Shepard is releasing across cinemas in India on March 24th, 2017.

Dax Shepard (“Hit & Run,” TV’s “Parenthood”) and Michael Peña (“Ant-Man”) star in the action comedy “CHIPS,” directed by Shepard from his own script.

Jon Baker (Shepard) and Frank “Ponch” Poncherello (Peña) have just joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Los Angeles, but for very different reasons. Baker is a beaten-up former pro motorbiker trying to put his life and marriage back together. Poncherello is a cocky undercover Federal agent investigating a multi-million dollar heist that may be an inside job—inside the CHP.

The inexperienced rookie and the hardened pro are teamed together, but clash more than click, so kick-starting a real partnership is easier said than done. But with Baker’s unique bike skills and Ponch’s street savvy it might just work…if they don’t drive each other crazy first.

“CHIPS” also stars Rosa Salazar (“Insurgent”), Adam Brody (“Think Like a Man Too”), Kristen Bell (“Bad Moms”), and Vincent D’Onofrio (“Jurassic World”).

The film was produced by Andrew Panay (“Earth to Echo,” “Wedding Crashers”), who previously produced Shepard’s “Hit & Run,” and Ravi Mehta (“Get Hard”), and is based on the popular television series created by Rick Rosner. Robert J. Dohrmann, Nate Tuck, Rick Rosner, Michael Peña and Dax Shepard served as executive producers.

Collaborating behind the scenes were director of photography Mitchell Amundsen (“Ride Along 2”), production designer Maher Ahmad (“Hangover 3”), editor Dan Lebental (“Ant-Man”), costume designer Diane Crooke (TV’s “Parenthood”) and composer Fil Eisler (“Empire”).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Andrew Panay Production, “CHIPS” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

SEX, DRUGS & HIGHWAY PATROL

What happens when you team up a former X-Games star with a busted-up body and a painkiller habit, and an over-sexed undercover Fed with too much confidence, give them each a badge and a bike and set them loose on the sun-baked highways of Southern California?

CHIP happens.

More to the point, if you’re writer/director Dax Shepard, you deliver a buddy cop comedy loaded with enough action, stunts and hard-R humor to push it to the legal limit.

Shepard also stars as Jon, opposite Michael Peña as his partner, Ponch. “This is about two very different guys with vastly different agendas and skill sets, who have to learn how to ride together, pick up the slack for each other and ultimately trust each other with their lives,” Shepard says. And if that sounds a little high-minded, “It also has nudity—though granted, mostly of me—and epic chases, destruction, and explosions. I don’t think we went more than three days on this movie without blowing something up. The action is real, the jumps are real and the fights are almost real.”

In other words, this ain’t your parents’ “CHIPS.”

Jon Baker is a newly minted officer of the California Highway Patrol, CHP for short. Jon’s a mess. But, fueled by optimism, prescription meds and a single-minded desire to make good and win back his ex-wife, he’s ready to face any challenge or humiliation with everything he’s got. For now, that means playing it by the book, keeping his nose clean and writing lots of tickets. Just one problem: he’s stuck on day one with a take-charge partner who doesn’t give a damn about any of that.

Francis Llewellyn Poncherello, aka Ponch, is actually Miami FBI agent Castillo, a guy with a big success rate and the swagger to match. He also has a pathological weakness for women, especially women in yoga pants, which is a much bigger problem now that has to straddle a bike every day. Perpetually cocked and locked, he’s in L.A. undercover to smoke out a dirty-cop robbery ring inside the CHP.

Of course Jon doesn’t know this up front, including the fact that he was picked as Ponch’s partner only because they figured he was too green to ask questions. Or get in the way.

But when things get real out there, these two newest members of the force have to find a way to get past each other’s bulls**t and get on with it, because they have only each other to rely on.

Producer Andrew Panay, who collaborated with Shepard on the 2012 romantic action comedy “Hit & Run,” signed up for the ride as soon as he read the script. “It’s incredibly funny, and wall-to-wall action,” he says. “The comedy is edgy and the action is a little throwback because it’s not a lot of visual effects. We did most of the stunts in-camera, and Dax does a lot of his own stunts, so it feels authentic.”

“I can think of a lot of movies that are funny but I don’t remember the action, or it was just background,” says Peña. “This is obviously a comedy, but Dax wanted the jokes and the stunts to work together so when we transition into the action sequences there’s validity to it. He really gets the setups and the payoffs and how to break down the characters so people can relate.”

It helped that Shepard was writing about something he loves—motorcycles—and that he knew the players. “I started this project knowing Michael and I were Ponch and Jon, so I could play to our strengths. A lot of times you’re writing in a vacuum because you don’t know the cast, but I could be more specific here. My passion is motorcycles and cars, so I knew we’d be doing a lot of riding, and that gave me the freedom to write scenes where we’re talking trash over a chase. All of that definitely informed the kind of story I was going to tell.”

Shepard was committed to showcase a range of stunts with high-performance machines. “I wanted great motorcycle action from a variety of disciplines, so we have motocross-style stunts, road race stunts, drifting, a lot of different things,” he lays out. “We needed bikes that could jump and corner tight with amazing speed and braking, bikes that could handle stairs. But I couldn’t do those things on stock CHP bikes because the logic wouldn’t hold up. The bad guys could have whatever they wanted, and that was a completely different vibe, but I had to figure out how to get Jon and Ponch onto cool motorcycles to catch up with them. That introduced the premise of Ponch being undercover FBI.”

The writer/director also took a page from his own life by giving Jon the need to figure out what makes people tick. “Jon’s always trying to understand why he does what he does. I’m very much interested in what drives me, or what drives other people, so that became a part of the character,” Shepard explains. That translates into Jon trying to analyze his hug-averse partner, or, say, figure out why Ponch requires so much “alone time” in the bathroom multiple times a day…

A running joke in the film, Jon’s touchy-feely observations contrast with Ponch’s more down-and-dirty commentary, like the way he has to enlighten his out-of-circulation partner on the current sexual scene—namely certain back door maneuvers Jon had no idea had gone mainstream.

Either way, what it boils down to is them being themselves. And being guys. “Ponch and Jon come from opposite directions on so many things,” says producer Ravi Mehta. “Not only tight-lipped versus TMI, but Jon’s a stickler for the rules and Ponch likes to fly by the seat of his pants, so they start out not clicking at all. But once they’re through fighting it, and let their guards down, they actually feed off of how different they are. That’s when it becomes more of a bromance and a true partnership.”

That means owning their screw-ups as much as merging their talents.

Citing the inspiration he drew from the late ‘70s/early ‘80s TV series created by Rick Rosner, who is now one of the film’s executive producers, Shepard says, “To me, the key elements of that show were the setting, the bikes, and the fact that Jon and Ponch were heroes.” And as much as those characters were unique to the show, his Jon and Ponch are different. This is a new incarnation, with its own personality—a big-screen “CHIPS” for a new generation that takes the stunts, action, and comedy further than the small screen would allow.

It wouldn’t be the CHP without Southern California. “The CHP is emblematic of California and we worked incredibly hard to keep this production in Los Angeles,” says Mehta. “We made sure L.A. was featured in the art direction and the action, so audiences will see parts of the downtown area as well as beaches and deserts. There’s even a chase through pine trees in the Angeles National Forest.”

“Growing up in Detroit, where it was overcast a lot and freezing cold, I loved L.A.-based films,” says Shepard. “For me it was a two-hour vacation to sunny SoCal.”

But this take on California living is far from laid-back. “The story is constantly moving,” says Vincent D’Onofrio, who stars as Lieutenant Ray Kurtz, a veteran cop with the power to make a whole lot of trouble for the new recruits. “It wows you with the action and the motorcycle scenes. Then so many of these actors are also great comedians and they’re just killing it.”

The “CHIPS” main starring cast includes Adam Brody as Clay Allen, an FBI agent Castillo shoots “accidentally on purpose” in Miami before taking this West Coast gig as Ponch. His arm in a sling, the still-pissed-off Allen follows Castilo to L.A. as the bureau’s point person on the case. Rosa Salazar also stars as CHP officer Ava Perez, who shares Jon’s love of hot bikes…and possibly other things, if only he’d get with the program.

Not surprisingly, “CHIPS” bears little resemblance to the day-to-day lives of actual CHP officers, some of whom worked with the production to keep everyone safe during their location shoots on active roadways. “The officers on set with us were great sports,” says Shepard. “It goes without saying, we have nothing but respect for the job that law enforcement does every day to keep us safe in the real world. Everything we did was to the extreme and played for entertainment.”

In fact, there was a great deal of cooperation between the CHP and the filmmaking team, from informal pre-production meetings over the content and logistics of the script to a tour of the organization’s Sacramento training facility. “During the shoot, they gave us escorts on scouts, which gave us freeway access that would have otherwise been nearly impossible to secure,” Panay recounts. The filmmakers were even granted access to the CHP headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, which, he adds, “was something we had been hoping for and was the pinnacle of our working relationship.”

But in case there’s any doubt about what audiences are in for, “CHIPS” opens with this friendly disclaimer: This film is not endorsed by the California Highway Patrol. At all.

TO SERVE AND BRO-TECT

The oldest rookie to ever join the force, as his supervisor points out, Jon Baker may not seem like an obvious candidate for the job—that is, until his fellow recruits see him ride. Clearly, “The Baker” is still a force to content with on the road, but, says Shepard, “As an X-Games motocross competitor he had sponsors and fans; he had the money and the glory and the great life. That’s all over now. He’s had about 20 surgeries, broken a lot of bones, and he’s not in the best physical shape. He’s in a transition period.”

Mostly, Jon is still reeling from the breakup of his marriage. Karen, played by Shepard’s real-life wife Kristen Bell, is a trophy from his heyday that he can’t let go. He’s convinced he can get her back once he gets out of his slump, so he continues to live in the tiny guest room behind the luxury home they once shared, and that Karen still occupies, just to remain close. And, in spite of her total lack of interest, Shepard offers, “he continues to attend couples therapy. Alone.”

At the same time, the former star athlete is focusing on a new career path he hopes will make his ex take notice. The only thing he really knows how to do is ride a motorcycle, so he picks a profession for which that advantage might tip the odds in his favor.

But, whatever his motives, Shepard notes, “It turns out that once they decide to give him a badge, he takes this job very seriously.”

Not so with Ponch. In his mind, this ace fed is just passing through. He’s here to wrap up his assignment, hang up his helmet and go home. The truth is, Ponch’s high-profile cases have created some high-profile collateral damage, and sending him to California was good for the bureau in more ways than one. Sure, he’s here to break up this insider ring. But, since he was caught sexting with the wife of a drug kingpin he just busted in Miami, it would also be better for everyone if he was out of town, and out of touch, during the trial.

“Yeah, he’s a little bit of a sex addict,” Peña acknowledges.

“I actually like some of Ponch’s quirks,” the actor continues. “He’s kind of clumsy, for one. He thinks he can do anything, so, even though he can’t really ride a bike that well, he’s always pushing that limit. His ego gets in the way and sometimes he crashes. But beyond that, he’s capable at what he does and he’s really focused on the case, and I like that about him.”

Peña’s portrayal, Mehta feels, “preserves the machismo of the character while bringing a whole level of comedy to it with these very human flaws.”

For Shepard, “I couldn’t see anyone but Michael in this role. He’s a phenomenal actor and effortlessly charismatic, even when he needs to be angry or embarrassed.”

Matched up with Jon, it’s a sure bet he’s gonna be angry and embarrassed a lot.

What Ponch expects in a partner is someone who can follow orders, keep his mouth shut and not draw too much attention. Unfortunately, none of those things describe Jon. On the other hand, Jon’s ideal partner would be a generally more easygoing guy who knows how to take a bunny hill without rolling off his ride, and is open to a little meaningful conversation from time to time.

“So much of the story is about their dynamic,” says Peña. “Ponch is very logical and focused on the present, and Jon is more in tune with his feelings and about fixing his marriage, like he’s always ‘three beers too deep’ with the intimacy.”

To his credit, Ponch comes to grudgingly acknowledge Jon’s instincts as a detective, not to mention his insane skills on two wheels. As they continue to work together, with all the minute-by-minute sacrifices and real heroism that entails, they begin to understand more about each other. “Ponch starts to meet Jon in the middle and maybe even attempt a more emotional point of view, and it’s funny to watch him try out this completely unfamiliar approach,” he adds.

The bottom line is, they have a job to do. Someone in the CHP has been running a series of armored car robberies with black-and-whites and motorcycles, in broad daylight, to the tune of millions of dollars. And that’s not all. There was a suspicious suicide at one of the recent heists, which gives the guys their first promising lead. The questions are: who in the department is involved? Who knows what’s going on and who doesn’t?

Their investigation soon turns toward Ray Kurtz, played by Vincent D’Onofrio. Whether or not he proves to be one of the cops they’re after, no one denies that Kurtz is one scary dude.

As D’Onofrio sees it, “Kurtz has been around a long time and he’s a bit of a hardass, but he’s also a really good cop and I think everyone on his team respects him. He’s in a tough situation and he has to get out of it. Whenever I play characters like this, I don’t play them necessarily as good guys or bad guys but just people. I feel for his situation and the difficult things he has to do, to get what he needs done, and that’s his part of the story.

“He has a problem with Ponch right away, and goes after him,” D’Onofrio goes on to reveal, “but there are also moments of lightness where they’re talking back and forth and it’s just crazy and funny. We did different versions, from super funny to serious, because my character has issues and you don’t know what’s going to work and how far you can go.”

As Jon and Ponch dig deeper into the case and find new ways to run afoul of Kurtz, they also catch the attention of officers Ava Perez and Lindsey Taylor—played by Rosa Salazar and Jessica McNamee. Lindsey calls Ponch for herself, while Ava sets her sights on fellow bike enthusiast Jon. At least that’s what he thinks when she invites him on an off-road excursion.

Extenuating circumstances would never stand between Ponch and a hot date, but with Jon it’s more complicated. At the first hint of Ava’s interest, he launches into full disclosure. Says Salazar, “It’s touching that he wants to repair his marriage and says so. He’s like an open wound, vulnerable, but in a nice way. Ava likes that, and she’s obviously attracted to him but she’s a brass-tacks type of woman, very straightforward and real, and what she actually says is, ‘Get over yourself. I just asked you to go for a ride.’”

“It’s important that Ava have the upper hand on Jon at all times,” Shepard comments. “She’s witty and sarcastic, cool and tough. She loves motorcycles and she loves being a cop. I worked with Rosa on ‘Parenthood’ and she’s wonderful. She brings great ideas to the table.”

On reading the script, Salazar recalls, “It was the funniest thing I’d read in forever but that’s not surprising because Dax is the funniest guy you’ll ever meet.” About the action, she thought, “I’m gonna get so hurt on this movie. I’m going to be jumping over barriers and there’s fire, and fights, and helicopters. But I love action-comedy and Dax assured me it would all be safe and it really was a blast.”

Ponch, meanwhile, heats things up with Lindsey. “I get to kick ass and chase bad guys around,” McNamee says. “The relationship Lindsey strikes up with Ponch is kind of unlikely and unexpected, so it’s cool to play into all of that. Jon and Ponch certainly come in and shake things up. I think for Ava and Lindsey there’s a kind of ‘fresh meat’ instinct to it, but they also find them endearing and charming in their own odd little ways.’”

Throughout all of this, Ponch touches base with his former FBI colleague turned bureau contact Clay Allen. Supposedly calling the shots on the case, Allen mostly ends up eating Ponch’s dust after arriving five minutes late to the party every time. It’s a role based largely on “anger and indignation,” observes Adam Brody. “When Allen and Castillo—now Ponch—were working together in Miami, things went south. Ponch shot a suspect through Allen’s shoulder and he’s still mad about it. He feels that wasn’t necessary.”

Shepard credits Brody’s expressions and keen timing for elevating the role beyond his expectations. “He’s just so funny and so quick—anything you throw at him, he will say it in such a way that immediately makes it twice as entertaining.”

Adds Brody, “At first, it looked like the part was mostly playing straight man for Ponch, but when I arrived on set it was, no, what they want is for Allen to be an idiot. And I really liked that, because I love playing an idiot.”

“Dax’s dialogue is amazing, so we had all these well drawn characters on the page,” says Panay, “but what we looked for in assembling this fantastic cast were actors who could also push the comedy in their own way. Dax likes everyone to open up and swing big.”

Also suiting up for the “CHIPS” cast is Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Ponch’s FBI boss, Peterson, who runs the gamut from disgusted and ticked off to full-on apoplectic. But he still manages to find laughs in anything that puts his least-favorite employee on the hot seat. Jane Kazcmarek is Ponch’s supervisor Captain Lindel, a woman with a shockingly relaxed sense of protocol; Richard T. Jones is officer Parish, the wrong man with whom to pick a fight; David Koechner is Pat, a wrestling trainer who doesn’t appreciate Jon’s unconventional technique; and actor/environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. takes an ironic turn in the unlikeliest role his fans could imagine, for reasons that will be obvious the instant he speeds into frame … in a Ferrari.

Kristen Bell dives into the role of Jon Baker’s carefree ex, Karen, the undeserving object of his self-improvement efforts. Marking her fourth big-screen collaboration with Shepard, Bell says, “Karen needs to be the person audiences don’t want for Jon. They should be shouting, ‘No, don’t do it!’ Karen is vain and all about appearances, and she thinks she’s the ultimate prize. Things started going south in their marriage the day he stopped placing first in his events. That’s the kind of person she is.

“Dax almost didn’t cast me,” Bell contiues. “After he wrote the role, he sat me down and said, ‘I’m not positive you can be as unlikable as I need you to be for this,’ which I took both as a compliment and an insult,” she laughs. “Because I can be very unlikable.”

SETTING EACH OTHER RIGHT

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

To boost the level of action on “CHIPS,” from bridges to bathtubs, Shepard reunited with renowned stunt performer Steve De Castro. De Castro, who first served as stunt coordinator for him on “Hit & Run,” enlisted pros as well as the best stunt riders to execute the trickiest and most spectacular maneuvers. Also on board were special effects coordinator Larz Anderson, production designer Maher Ahmad, and cinematographer Mitchell Amundsen.

“With Mitch, you get kinetic action; the camera is always moving. He’s a cowboy,” says Ravi Mehta, who had worked with Amundsen and knew he would be a good fit. “Selecting key department heads is just like casting, you have to put the right pieces together.”

“He shot a ‘Bourne,’ he shot ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘Transformers,’” Shepard offers in short, “so this is a guy who’s been in that pursuit vehicle and operating a crane for hundreds of hours. I had a very accomplished team all around. We were in very good hands.”

Shepard kept the action as real as possible. “That was our whole approach. The most we did digitally was to swap out a bike, so generally if you see something happening on screen, it happened,” he confirms. “Everything the motorcycles do in this movie was actually done by someone. And as much as I could put myself or Michael into it, I would. For example, we got Michael to do his own burnout in a scene and it got a fantastic reaction from him.”

The film opens with a bank robbery, shootout and pursuit through the crowded streets of Long Beach, which doubled for Ponch’s home town of Miami. In the driver’s seat of the lead car, Ponch makes no distinction between the road and the sidewalk. For audiences, it’s an intro to the ride they are embarking on, and to Ponch a sign of things to come, as this chase is the prelude to a bigger and crazier one set in Los Angeles.

The L.A. sequence begins with Jon and Ponch after a suspect in a residential neighborhood that opens onto city streets, then takes them up and down a parking structure, across the beach and into the L.A. river basin before culminating on Downtown’s 4th Street Bridge. There, all hell breaks loose with cars and motorcycles, a helicopter, a SWAT Humvee, a motorhome in the wrong place at the wrong time and yes, even a bicycle cop.

De Castro outlines one of this scene’s key beats: “We had 100 stunt performers and extras on the beach, with bikes jumping into the sand, going through volleyball nets and heading up a sand dune. As Jon and the bad guy hit the berm, the bad guy is in front and spins a 180 in mid air, then shoots at Jon’s leg. That’s X-Games gold medalist Lance Coury. It’s a 75-foot jump. When you see the bike spin around it’s what they call a turndown, but he’s doing it one-handed, which he’d never done before. Then following him over the gap is Dave Castillo, an AMA pro rider who won the Motocross 500. For them to jump 75 feet and so close to each other, with Lance turning the bike 180 degrees, it’s just incredible.”

Production closed the 4th Street Bridge for the melee and mash-up between the Hummer and the bulky motorhome. “Dax wanted to do it practically so we drove a stock H1 Hummer straight through a stock RV at 45 miles an hour,” De Castro states.

Shepard attests, “It was crazy. I’ve lived in L.A. for 20 years and I’ve driven across that bridge a thousand times, and to have it as a playground for two straight days to demolish motorhomes and crash motorcycles was pretty amazing. There were many times when I thought, ‘I can’t believe we are allowed to do this.’ We owned a whole exit off the 210 Freeway to blow up a propane tank with helicopters circling and a fireball nine stories high. There are actual cops watching you peel out and do donuts and they’re giving you the thumbs up, which is not a side of law enforcement you usually get to see.”

Bike action being a huge component of the story, the filmmakers needed equipment to support it in style. Shepard used a range of brands and models, some stock and some custom, including what he calls “a smattering of Harleys and the big BMW snowmobiles,” like the BMW RT1200 standard police models. For D’Onofrio’s ride, he worked with Harley Davidson to design a custom Electra Glide that, Shepard says, “shoots six foot blue flames out the back and has titanium pegs that shower sparks.”

Primarily the film featured one of the director’s personal favorites: Ducati, and in particular the Ducati Hypermotard, a versatile and durable model which became Jon and Ponch’s updated “hero” bikes. “Every time we’re jumping, sliding, drifting, stoppie’ing or free endo’ing them, they were all stock Ducatis,” he says, in the parlance of the initiated. Even on the beach, the Hypermotards served, with modified knobby tires in front and paddles in back, while retaining their signature look and sound.

De Castro comments, “Michael Peña had just started riding and he did a great job, and Vincent D’Onofrio hadn’t ridden a bike for maybe 20 years but he hopped right back on and we got the shots we needed.” As for Dax, “He would have made an excellent stunt guy. He’s a high-level rider on both street and dirt, so it was a great position for me to be in. I could say, "Hey Dax, I need you to come in faster, I need you to come in hotter. I'm gonna put the camera here and we're gonna counter with you,’ and still we know everyone would be safe and it would look amazing.”

Even so, Shepard admits feeling humbled alongside the pro talent, including his double, Joe Dryden, a pioneer of the street bike freestyle. “Before I started this movie I thought I was really great at riding motorcycles, I would have given myself a 9. And now that I’ve seen some of the best riders in the world I feel a little weak,” he allows.

“There were a couple of times when Dax wanted to do a stunt but De Castro said, ‘No, you’re not doing that,’” adds Peña. “That’s Steve’s job. He makes it fun but safe. But with a film like this, you really get psyched up to be part of the action.”

Stunt riders also took cameras directly into the fray not only with Pursuit vehicles, but with Covert Camera Bikes, electric motorcycles that can reach 100mph with cameras in front and back. Perfect for tight situations and able to dolly as needed, they’re effective for bringing audiences into the moment.

The stunt team worked closely with FX supervisor Anderson and production designer Ahmad, as sets were built and destroyed. As the big chase segued into the confrontation on the bridge, Shepard gives kudos to “our special effects genius Larz for figuring out how to slide this massive 35-foot RV along the asphalt. Larz designed a pneumatic cylinder to lift the back wheels. It slides, then you flip a switch and it comes back up.”

Following the slide, Anderson picks up, “we switched it out for another motorhome that was pre-scored and loaded with a bunch of stuff, held together by nothing, so when it’s hit, it all goes flying. Dax was great to work with. He really knows what he wants and he’s open to other ideas that might embellish that—especially if it involves fire or explosions.” Anderson had plenty of opportunity for that, including the challenge of safely igniting a propane truck alongside a hillside full of brush, for which he made a tank out of foam. Later, as a truck slams into Ponch’s bike and drags it down the road, he created a literal trail of fire.

Anderson’s handiwork also appears in one of the film’s major set pieces, a warehouse compound north of Los Angeles near a popular biking site of canyons and valleys known as The Devil’s Punchbowl. It was the perfect setting for the final showdown involving a variety of vehicles, gunplay and hand-to-hand takedowns, all of which leads to a massive explosion.

The filmmakers found a property of several acres of desert land, housing a private home, barn and outbuildings that would add peripherally to the set. Says production designer Ahmad, “It had everything we needed except the main building, the warehouse, so I found a spot Dax liked and we built the whole thing from scratch. Given that the building was for the big finale and needed to be blown up, set on fire and driven through, it was a virtual certainty we would have to build it. It was about 50 by 100 feet, 25 feet tall, with dozens of windows. We poured a concrete floor. Then we dressed the inside with old cars and junk, and there was enough space outside to build the wall for the bikes to go over.”

“Maher is brilliant,” Shepard proclaims. “I’d show up to sets and they’d be five times better than I even dreamt when I was writing it. If we had a fight scene, I’d ask, ‘What can I break in this room?’ And he’d say, “That’s breakable, that’s breakable, that chair, that desk, that table, that’s fake,’ and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, I can do anything in here.”

But for all the story’s high-octane action, one stunt audiences will not likely forget unfolds on a more intimate scale. After a physically taxing day, Jon wakes up unable to move his wrecked body or reach his meds. He needs a therapeutic soak and calls on a very reluctant Ponch for help getting into the tub.

Ponch trips, catapulting his naked partner in the general vicinity of the bathtub.

“I had to get into pretty good shape for that, so I could do all my nude stuff on week one and then resume eating what I wanted for the rest of the shoot,” says Shepard with typical good humor. “I had a harness and a cable, and I was on a ratchet, so, as soon as he lets go they hit the hammer and I just flew into the wall. It also spun me, so I hit the wall and then went upside down into the tub, bare naked, in front of my crew that just met me two days before.”

“I remember a fair amount of laughter that day,” Peña confirms.

The tub was made of rubber, as was the wall that absorbed Shepard’s impact. “The room had to be high enough for the stunt and FX guys to run a track up along the ceiling,” says Ahmad, who built the bedroom and bathroom comprising the guest house from an existing home’s dining and living rooms, with an eye toward allowing a straight line trajectory from the bed to the tub.

The designer modified numerous other practical locations, including the interior of a suburban home that gets trashed in a fight between Jon and Ponch and an officer who doesn’t appreciate their snooping. But the set he had the most fun creating was the drug den.

“It had to be filthy and disgusting,” he emphasizes. “The direction I got from Dax was that we couldn’t push it too far, and that’s what we did. We laid down pre-grunge-ified linoleum to protect the existing wood floors. Then we painted and did horrible things to the walls and brought awful furniture in, like stained mattresses. The kitchen was all moldy and overgrown with loathsome stuff and rotten food, and we learned a lot about making kitty poop with modeling clay. To accelerate its drying we put it into a microwave oven at the production office and one batch got away from us. It set off the smoke detectors and we had to evacuate the building. But it was the bathroom that just grossed everyone out. It was completely sanitary and smelled fine but it looked awful. I love it when a set elicits such an enthusiastic reaction from the crew.”

When Jon enters the house and is physically overcome by the stench, it’s a fair bet that members of the audience will be right there with him—their hands to their mouths.

Another “CHIPS” location included the Cal Poly Pomona College’s south campus, for scenes set in the Police Academy locker room and gym. The production also shot interiors and the parking lot of the active L.A. Central CHP Center, just south of downtown.

Finally, as a Valentine to locals, the production included a scene of Jon and Ponch at an Original Tommy’s burger stand—a Southern California institution—and not just any Tommy’s, but the one that started it all, at Rampart and Beverly Boulevards.

Overall, Panay says, “Dax went for an authentic L.A. feel. This film was shot entirely on practical, Southern California locations. We did build and augment some sets but we weren’t on soundstages and everything was right here, real and tangible. Our location team found so many great spots to showcase the action and help make L.A. itself an essential part of the story.”

“What I like best about it is the old-school action, which we put together with a lot of love and I think consequently has a really good vibe,” says Shepard, “not to mention great explosions and amazing stunts, and a lot of comedy. I hope every scene is as fun for audiences as it was for us, making it.”

# # #

ABOUT THE CAST

DAX SHEPARD (Jon Baker / Director / Writer / Executive Producer) was born in 1975 in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. With both parents working in the automotive industry, his first love was cars. He graduated in 1993 from Walled Lake High School, and moved to California in 1995. Shepard graduated magna cum laude from UCLA with a degree in Anthropology. While attending UCLA, he trained at The Groundlings Theater for improv and sketch comedy. After eight years of auditioning, Dax booked “Punk’d,” his first paid acting role.

Shepard’s notable film credits include “Without a Paddle,” “Idiocracy,” “Employee of the Month,” “Baby Mama,” “The Freebie,” "The Judge” and "This Is Where I Leave You.” He also portrayed Crosby Braverman for six seasons on the hit NBC series "Parenthood."

Prior to “CHIPS,” Shepard wrote, directed and starred in two features films: “Hit & Run” and “Brother’s Justice.”

MICHAEL PEÑA (Ponch / Executive Producer) has distinguished himself in Hollywood as an actor with a wide range of performances and has worked with an impressive roster of award-winning directors. Peña earned notable recognition for his performance in Paul Haggis’ provocative Oscar-winning film “Crash,” alongside Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon and Terrence Howard. He garnered multiple Best Ensemble nominations for his performance as Daniel the locksmith, winning awards from the Screen Actors Guild and the Broadcast Film Critics Association for the cast’s performance. In 2013, he was seen in the David O. Russell film “American Hustle,” which won a Golden Globe, as well as ensemble awards from the Screen Actors Guild and the Broadcast Film Critics. It was also nominated for a BAFTA Award and an Academy Award. In 2015, he was seen in two films to cross the $500 million mark; the heist film “Ant Man,” starring opposite Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, and “The Martian,” opposite Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain. “The Martian” premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and went on to win a Golden Globe, was named Top Film by the National Board of Review, and was nominated for a 2016 Academy Award.

He was most recently seen in “Collateral Beauty,” starring Will Smith, Edward Norton and Kate Winslet, and “War on Everyone,” opposite Alexander Skarsgård, which premiered at the 2016 Berlin Film Festival.

He can next be seen in “Horse Soldiers,” alongside Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon, and “A Wrinkle in Time,” opposite Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine. In addition, Peña will also lend his voice to the highly anticipated “The LEGO® NINJAGO® Movie,” and “My Little Pony: The Movie.”

In 2014, Peña starred as civil rights leader and labor organizer Cesar Chavez in “Cesar Chavez,” directed by Diego Luna. He was also seen in the drama “Graceland,” and in David Ayer’s “Fury,” with Brad Pitt and Shia LaBouf. In 2012, he was seen in the critically acclaimed “End of Watch,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. For his performance as Officer Zavala, Peña was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and the film was recognized by the National Board of Review as one of the Top 10 Independent Films of the year.

Peña has been seen in a range of films, including the independent “Everything Must Go,” alongside Will Ferrell and Rebecca Hall; “Gangster Squad,” opposite Sean Penn, Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling, and the animated feature “Turbo.” His credits include “The Lucky Ones,” co-starring Rachel McAdams and Tim Robbins; Jody Hill’s comedy “Observe and Report,” with Seth Rogen; Robert Redford’s political drama “Lions for Lambs,” with Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep; and Werner Herzog and David Lynch’s psychological thriller “My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done,” with Michael Shannon, Willem Dafoe and Chloë Sevigny.

Peña’s other noteworthy credits consist of Oliver Stone’s “World Trade Center”; Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby”; Matthew Ryan Hoge’s “The United States of Leland”; Gregor Jordan’s “Buffalo Soldiers”; Antoine Fuqua’s “Shooter”; Brett Ratner’s “Tower Heist”; and Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Babel.”

On television, Peña starred in the HBO film “Walkout,” based on the true story of a young Mexican-American high school teacher who helped stage a massive student walkout in the mid-1960s. Peña received an Imagen Award for Best Actor for his performance. He recently re-teamed with Danny McBride on the second season of HBO's “Eastbound and Down.” He also appeared on the F/X drama “The Shield,” in its fourth season, as one of the central leads opposite Glenn Close and Anthony Anderson. His other television credits include Steven Spielberg’s NBC series “Semper Fi.”

Raised in Chicago, Peña began acting when he beat out hundreds of others in an open call for a role in Peter Bogdanovich’s “To Sir, With Love 2,” starring Sidney Poitier.

ROSA SALAZAR (Ava Perez) was born in Washington, DC, and raised in Greenbelt, Maryland. Salazar’s upcoming film releases include “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” and “Alita: Battle Angel.”

Her past films include “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials,” “The Divergent Series: Insurgent,” “Search Party” and “Night Owls,” amongst others.

ADAM BRODY (Clay Allen) is a dynamic young actor, who has crafted a distinguished career in film and television.

Brody recently starred in Crackle’s original drama series, “StartUp,” alongside Martin Freeman. He also starred alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Harley Quinn Smith in “Yoga Hosers,” directed by Kevin Smith. In addition, Brody wrapped production on the comedy “Big Bear,” opposite Pablo Schreiber, and will soon begin filming the thriller “The Wanting.”

Last year, Brody starred alongside Uzo Aduba and Maggie Grace in “Showing Roots,” a television movie set in 1977 about two women who try to integrate their small town amid rising racial tension. In addition, Brody was seen in “Sleeping with Other People” from producers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, which starred Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis. In 2014, Brody starred in “Growing Up and Other Lies,” directed by Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs. He was also seen in “Life Partners,” starring Leighton Meester and Gillian Jacobs; and “Think Like A Man Too,” alongside Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, Regina Hall and Meagan Good.

His past film credits include “Revenge for Jolly!,” opposite Kristen Wiig, Elijah Wood, Oscar Isaac and Ryan Phillippe; David Talbert’s “Baggage Claim,” starring Paula Patton and Taye Diggs; “Some Girls,” adapted by Neil LaBute from his play of the same name; “Lovelace,” opposite Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard and James Franco; “Welcome to the Jungle,” directed by Rob Meltzer; “Double or Nothing,” a short film penned by Neil LaBute; “Damsels in Distress,” by writer/director Whit Stillman, with Greta Gerwig and Analeigh Tipton; “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”, alongside Steve Carell and Kiera Knightley; “The Oranges,” directed by Julian Farino from Ian Helfer and Jay Reiss’ screenplay also starring Hugh Laurie, Catherine Keener, Alia Shawkat, Leighton Meester, Oliver Platt and Allison Janney; Jon Kasdan’s “In the Land of Women,” opposite Meg Ryan and Kristen Stewart; Wes Craven’s “Scream 4;” Kevin Smith’s “Cop Out;” Galt Niederhoffer’s “The Romantics;” Karyn Kusama’s “Jennifer’s Body,” written by Diablo Cody; Boaz Yakin’s “Death in Love,” with Josh Lucas, Lukas Haas, and Jacqueline Bisset; Gregg Araki’s “Smiley Face,” with Anna Faris; David Wain’s “The Ten;” Jason Reitman’s “Thank You For Smoking;” Gore Verbinski’s smash “The Ring;” and Doug Liman’s blockbuster “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” alongside Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Brody memorably starred as Seth Cohen on the popular television series “The O.C.,” directed in the pilot episode by Doug Liman. He also starred as Billy Jones in Neil LaBute’s romantic comedy series “Billy and Billie,” about two step-siblings trying to deal with their taboo romance. His television work also includes recurring roles on “The League,” “House of Lies,” “Burning Love,” “Once and Again” and “Gilmore Girls”; and standout guest turns on “Judging Amy,” “Family Law,” and “Smallville.”

VINCENT D’ONOFRIO (Ray Kurtz) can currently be seen taking on the complex role of The Wizard in NBC’s “Emerald City,” the reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz.” The 10-episode mini-series was directed by Tarsem Singh, with whom D’Onofrio worked previously on the science fiction noir film “The Cell,” opposite Jennifer Lopez and Vince Vaughn. D’Onofrio also recently wrapped Eli Roth’s “Death Wish,” opposite Bruce Willis.

Last year, D’Onofrio starred in “The Magnificent Seven,” playing one of the seven gun slinging outlaws alongside Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke; as well as “In Dubious Battle,” based on John Steinbeck’s novel, directed by James Franco and featuring Bryan Cranston, Ed Harris and Selena Gomez.

2015 was also a busy year for D’Onofrio with the blockbuster success of “Jurassic World” and his critically acclaimed role of Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin in the Netflix series “Daredevil,” opposite Charlie Cox. He also starred in “Run All Night,” opposite Liam Neeson. In 2014, D’Onofrio starred in “The Judge,” opposite Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall.

D’Onofrio was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Hawaii, Colorado and Florida. He eventually returned to New York to study acting at the American Stanislavsky Theatre with Sharon Chatten of the Actors Studio. While honing his craft, he appeared in several films at New York University and worked as a bouncer at dance clubs in the city.

In 1984, he became a full-fledged member of the American Stanislavsky Theatre, appearing in “The Petrified Forest,” “Of Mice and Men,” “Sexual Perversity in Chicago” and “The Indian Wants the Bronx.” That same year, he made his Broadway debut in “Open Admissions.” He recently starred off-Broadway in Sam Shepard’s “Tooth of Crime (Second Dance).”

D’Onofrio gained attention for his intense and compelling talent on the screen in 1987 with a haunting portrayal of an unstable Vietnam War recruit in Stanley Kubrick’s gritty “Full Metal Jacket.” His other early film appearances include “Mystic Pizza,” and “Adventures in Babysitting.” He also executive produced and portrayed 1960s counterculture icon Abbie Hoffman in the film “Steal This Movie,” opposite Janeane Garofalo.

His other film credits include “The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys,” opposite Jodie Foster; “The Salton Sea,” opposite Val Kilmer; “Imposter,” with Gary Sinise; “Chelsea Walls,” directed by Ethan Hawke; “Happy Accidents,” co-starring Marisa Tomei; Robert Altman’s “The Player”; Joel Schumacher’s “Dying Young”; Tim Burton’s “Ed Wood”; Kathryn Bigelow’s “Strange Days,” opposite Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett; Harold Ramis’ “Stuart Saves His Family”; Barry Sonnenfeld’s “Men In Black,” opposite Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones; “The Thirteenth Floor,” opposite Craig Bierko; “The Whole Wide World,” which he produced and starred in, opposite Renée Zellweger; and Oliver Stone’s “JFK.” More recently, D’Onofrio appeared in “Escape Plan,” featuring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

D’Onofrio starred as Detective Robert Goren in over 100 episodes of the series “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” He received an Emmy Award nomination in 1998 for his riveting guest appearance in the “Homicide: Life on the Street” episode “The Subway.” D’Onofrio directed, produced and starred in the short film “Five Minutes, Mr. Welles,” and recently appeared in the Academy Award-winning short “The New Tenants.”

KRISTEN BELL (Karen) currently stars as Eleanor Shellstrop in the NBC series “The Good Place,” with Ted Danson, which returns for a second season this fall. She was also most recently seen in “Bad Moms,” alongside Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Jada Pinkett Smith, Annie Mumolo and Christina Applegate. She will return for the sequel, “Bad Mom’s Christmas,” to be released this November. She will also appear in “How to Be a Latin Lover,” alongside Rob Lowe and Salma Hayek, set for release on April 28, 2017.

Bell starred as Anna in the blockbuster animated feature “Frozen,” which has grossed more than $1.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest grossing animated film and the 9th highest grossing film of all time. Last year, she starred opposite Melissa McCarthy in Ben Falcone’s comedy “The Boss,” and was seen as Jeannie Van Der Hooven in the Showtime series “House of Lies,” opposite Don Cheadle, which wrapped its fifth and final season. In 2014, she reprised her beloved title role in the film adaptation of “Veronica Mars," which raised $2 million on Kickstarter in less than eleven hours and broke the record at the time for the fastest project to reach $1 million and $2 million. Bell appeared in a guest-starring arc on NBC’s hit series “Parks & Recreation.” She also played the lead role in the independent film “The Lifeguard,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, as well as starring in and co-producing the comedy “Hit & Run,” written and directed by her husband, Dax Shepard.

Her other film credits include: “Movie 43,” “Some Girls,” “Writers,” “Big Miracle,” “You Again,” “Burlesque,” “When in Rome,” “Couples Retreat,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Pulse,” “Serious Moonlight” and David Mamet’s “Spartan.” Bell’s television credits include: “Veronica Mars,” “Unsupervised,” “Deadwood,” “Heroes” and “Party Down.”

Her Broadway credits include “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Crucible,” opposite Liam Neeson and Laura Linney. Her Off-Broadway credits include “Reefer Madness” and “A Little Night Music.”

JESSICA MCNAMEE (Lindsey Taylor) has become one of Hollywood’s most sought after and engaging talents. Since beginning her career in acting, she has fostered an impressive body of work that includes both film and television.

She will next be seen in the film “Battle of The Sexes,” opposite silver screen heavyweights Emma Stone and Steve Carell. The film is slated to open this year.

McNamee recently wrapped production on director Jon Turteltaub’s film “Meg.” She will star opposite Jason Statham in the action packed sci-fi film, which is currently slated for a March 2018 release.

Additionally, McNamee was previously seen as the female lead on USA’s comedy series “Sirens,” starring opposite Michael Mosley and Kevin Bigley. Prior to that, she starred alongside Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum in Michael Sucsy’s “The Vow.” She made her feature film debut in Sean Byrne’s “The Loved Ones,” opposite Xavier Samuel. The film premiered at the 2009 Toronto Film Festival and received the Midnight Madness Cadillac People’s Choice Award. The film also screened as part of the Freak Me Out Pathway at the Sydney Film Festival.

McNamee is best known for her role as Sammy Rafter in the Australian television series “Packed to the Rafters.” In total, the television series has gained 31 Australian award nominations and taken home 13 wins.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

DAX SHEPARD (Writer/Director/Executive Producer) – SEE CAST SECTION

ANDREW PANAY (Producer) – has an entertainment career which has spanned 20 years and his films have earned over $750 million in worldwide box office. He has built a reputation as a premier feature film producer with an incredible talent for creating original ideas as well as cultivating strong talent relationships.

Panay created and produced David Dobkin’s 2005 smash hit “Wedding Crashers,” starring Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Christopher Walken and Bradley Cooper. The film was the highest grossing R‐rated comedy at the time.

In February of 2015, Panay produced “Hot Tub Time Machine 2,” the sequel to the hilarious 2010 hit “Hot Tub Time Machine.” Panay joined director Steve Pink in bringing an all-star cast to the screen, including Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clarke Duke, Adam Scott and Chevy Chase.

While working at Relativity Media, Panay released the successful family adventure film “Earth to Echo,” based on an original story by Panay and Henry Gayden, written by Gayden and directed by Dave Green, involving a group of kids who follow a mysterious map on their phones, only to discover a tiny creature from another world.

Panay began his career as an executive, developing the highly successful teen romantic comedy “She’s All That,” starring Rachel Leigh Cook and Freddie Prinze Jr., and the inspiring drama “Pay It Forward,” starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Panay co-produced the beloved romantic comedy “Serendipity,” starring John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Piven and Bridget Moynahan. Additionally, Panay created and produced the successful teen campus comedy “Van Wilder,” starring Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid.

RAVI MEHTA (Executive Producer) is an Executive Vice President of Physical Production for Warner Bros. Pictures. He was the executive in charge of films such as “American Sniper,” “Live by Night,” “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” and “The Accountant.” He is currently producing “A Star is Born,” starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

He most recently served as a producer on “Unforgettable,” starring Rosario Dawson and Katherine Heigl, opening April 21st, and “Grudge Match,” starring Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone. He also was an executive producer on “Get Hard” and “The Lucky One.” Mehta began his career at Warner Bros. as a production accountant on films such as “Training Day” and “Romeo Must Die.”

ROBERT J. DOHRMANN (Executive Producer) began his career in the ‘90s in live TV, reality TV, commercial and documentary production. He established commercial house Mad Molly Productions in 1996, recognized with Clio and Cine Lion awards and nominations for several public service announcement campaigns.

In the early 2000s, Dohrmann pivoted to feature production, first as a production coordinator and then production supervisor, on such successful projects as “Man On Fire” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” as well as the multiple award winners “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Thank You For Smoking.”

Dohrmann made the jump to line producing in 2007 for the critically acclaimed “Sunshine Cleaning,” and has produced and/or managed features ever since, including creative and popular hit projects “10 Cloverfield Lane,” “Get Hard,” “2 Guns,” “Lovelace,” “The Lucky One” and “Jeff Who Lives At Home.” Bob lives in Los Angeles with his wife Kathleen and their two wonderful children. Dohrmann is a southern California native and UCLA alumnus.

NATE TUCK (Executive Producer) is a producer who has built his career in feature films, branded content, commercials and music videos. His films have been nominated and have won awards, including two nominations at the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards for “The Dynamiter.”

The path to “CHIPS” started over a decade ago while Tuck and his long-time best friend Dax Shepard were shooting short films for the sole purpose of making each other laugh. In 2010, they released their experimental comedy with Tribeca Films, “Brother’s Justice,” which won the Comedy Vanguard Award at the Austin Film Festival.

Based on the film’s success, Tuck and Shepard, with producer Andrew Panay, went on to create and produce the action-romantic-comedy “Hit & Run.” Released in 2012, the film starred Shepard, Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper and Tom Arnold.

Dating back to his first independent film, “Hairshirt,” which sold to Lionsgate in 2001, Tuck has built his reputation in development, writing, production, financing and distribution as the go-to guy to get it done.

RICK ROSNER (Executive Producer) is the creator and executive producer of a wide-range of projects, including “CHiPs,” the television series that inspired the film.

His other credits as a creator, executive producer and producer include the TV series “240-Robert!” and “Lottery!” as well as the game shows “Just Men!” with Betty White; “Caesar’s Challenge”; “Personals”; “Phone Tag!”; and the iconic “Hollywood Squares.” He was also the creator of “The Paul Lynde Show.”

In addition, Rosner served as producer on such talk shows as “Steve Allen,” “Dave Garroway,” “Philbin’s People,” “The Della Reese Show,” and a producer of “The Mike Douglas Show.”

He was the executive producer of the Emmy-nominated “Warner Bros. Movies – a 50 Year Salute” and the executive producer/ writer of the TV movies: “Panic In The Skies!” “Sky Heist!” and the TNT reunion movie, “CHiPS ’99.”

Rosner served as Vice President of Variety Programs at NBC in the mid 70s and in a partnership with DIRECTV, Rosner also invented the CES Award winning portable satellite system SAT-GO!, which made the front page of the New York Times business section in 2007.

Since 1971, Rosner has been a Deputy in the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

MICHAEL PEÑA (Executive Producer) SEE CAST SECTION

MITCHELL AMUNDSEN (Director of Photography) most recently was the cinematographer on “Ride Along 2,” starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. His previous films as cinematographer include “Now You See Me,” “Red Dawn,” and “Premium Rush.”

Amundsen’s early credits include being a production assistant for Michael Apted on “First Born” and technician on Francis Ford Coppola’s “Rumble Fish” and “The Outsiders.” He worked assistant camera on Joel Coen’s “Raising Arizona” and was a focus puller on “the Glass Menagerie,” directed by Paul Newman, and Michael Lehman’s “Heathers” and “Meet the Applegates.”

He then became a camera operator, working on such films as Wolfgang Petersen’s “In the Line of Fire”; John Singleton’s Higher Learning,”; Nick Castle’s “Major Payne” and “Mr. Wrong”; Betty Thomas’ “Private Parts”; Richard Donner’s “Conspiracy Theory”; Ron Howard’s “Edtv”; Barry Sonnenfeld’s “Wild Wild West”; Billy Bob Thornton’s “All the Pretty Horses”; and Michael Bay’s “Armageddon.”

He subsequently rose to second unit director for Bay’s “Pearl Harbor,” “Bad Boys II,” and “The Island”; Gore Verbinski’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”; Frank Marshall’s “Eight Below”; Gary Ross’ “Seabiscuit”; Paul Greengrass’ “The Bourne Supremacy”; J.J. Abrams’ “Mission Impossible III”; and Brad Bird’s “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.”

MAHER AHMAD (Production Designer) was born in northeastern Pennsylvania and while in high school worked on stage crews for the local community theater, designing his first stage setting when he was 16.

He attended Northwestern University where he graduated with honors, and went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts in theater scene and lighting design from the same university. After teaching theater design in college for two years, Ahmad then worked as a professional theater set and lighting designer in the first wave of the what is termed “the Chicago theater renaissance,” designing well over 100 theater projects for Chicago theaters including the St. Nicholas, Organic, Victory Gardens, Goodman and many others. His designs were nominated six times for Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award.

Ahmad credits his early theater design experiences and training as contributing greatly to the craft and skills he possesses now. He was hired one day by happenstance to be the local art director in a film that was shooting in Chicago, and from then on worked exclusively in film. He has over 80 film projects to his credit.

Ahmad moved from Chicago to New York and worked there on many features including “GoodFellas” and “Married to the Mob.” Among his many film credits are the period film “Gangster Squad,” with Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Josh Brolin, and Sean Penn; “The Hangover 3”; “Zombieland”; “The Guardian”; “Miss Congeniality 2”; ”Dodgeball”; “Holes”; “Get Hard” and “US Marshals.”

On occasion, Ahmad lectures about design to film schools, and is a bibliophile with a collection of well over 20,000 books on art, architecture, film, design, technology, and other related subjects.

DAN LEBENTAL (Editor) has edited a wide variety of film and television projects. He has worked with director Jon Favreau as the editor on the hit comedy “Elf,” “Zathura: A Space Adventure,” “Cowboys & Aliens” and the blockbuster hits “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2.”

Lebental edited Peyton Reed’s films “Ant-Man” and “The Break-Up” as well as Albert and Allen Hughes’ “From Hell” and “Dead Presidents.”

His other film editing credits include “Thor: The Dark World,” “Couples Retreat” and the Chicago International Film Festival-nominated documentary “Art of Conflict.”

Lebantal worked with director Peter Berg on the 1998 comedy “Very Bad Things,” and then went on to work with him on the pilot for the 2000 television series, “Wonderland.” Lebental has worked as an editor on the pilots for such television shows as “Dinner for Five,” “In Case of Emergency,” “Revolution” and “About a Boy.”

DIANE CROOKE (Costume Designer) is a costume designer based in Los Angeles with extensive experience designing for film, television, print, and web.

Crooke’s career took off when she got the job as costume supervisor for the first three seasons of the hit NBC series “Friends.” From there, Crooke went on to supervise several projects, including six seasons on NBC’s “Crossing Jordan.” As a designer, Crooke spent five seasons designing NBC’s “Parenthood” before designing “Scream” for MTV.

Recently, Crooke has jumped into the feature world, and her work can also be seen in the upcoming film “All Star Weekend.”

FIL EISLER (Composer) composes music that faithfully embodies both story and character. Known for his signature themes and creative execution, his work can be heard in a diverse range of films, including the 2016 hit comedy “How To Be Single,” starring Dakota Johnson and Rebel Wilson and the upcoming sci-fi/thriller feature “The Titan,” starring Sam Worthington and Taylor Schilling.

In addition, Eisler served as the primary composer for Sundance 2016’s poignant documentary, “Newtown.” He composed the main title theme and acted as music director for the documentary, organizing and leading an all-star line-up of over a dozen Hollywood composers who each donated a piece of music for the film. He was represented at this year’s Sundance Film Festival with Marti Noxon’s “To The Bone,” starring Lily Collins.

Eisler’s scores also continue to enliven the drama in some of TV’s most popular series. Most notably, he composes for Fox’s hit drama series “Empire.” Other shows featuring Eisler’s music include Showtime's Emmy-winning “Shameless,” as well as Lifetime’s critically lauded series “UnREAL.” For four seasons, Eisler served as composer and conductor on the ABC drama “Revenge.”

In 2008, Eisler was among a select group of up-and-coming composers invited to the Sundance Film Composer's Lab, and in the years since, his projects have garnered critical acclaim on the film festival circuit and beyond. As part of his ongoing commitment to independent film, he returned to Sundance in 2011 with the Inupiaq-themed thriller “On the Ice,” scored the Sundance-backed documentary “Whatever It Takes” and Jonathan van Tulleken's BAFTA nominated thriller “Off Season.” Eisler won the Best Film Score Award for his work on Robbie Pickering's “Natural Selection” at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival. The film was the most decorated of the festival, also winning the Grand Jury and Audience Awards. He continued his work with Pickering on the 2015 Sony feature “Freaks of Nature.”

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