The Televixen

Michelle Forbes at Polaris 23

What better way to follow up last night’s epic reveal on True Blood than some words from Maryann herself? Over this past weekend, Michelle Forbes was part of TCON’s Polaris 23 just outside of Toronto, and she had some interesting little tidbits to share on True Blood and what’s to come during the Fan Q and A Sunday afternoon.

What was your reaction to the description of Maryann’s first appearance in your first True Blood script, i.e. “walking naked in the middle of the road at night – with a pig”?

All you can say is bring it – let’s go. I knew I was going to need to take some vitamins because it was going to be one hell of a ride.

What is the significance of the pig, and have we seen the last of it yet?

I can’t really say anything except that you will find out what happens with that oinker!

Speaking of the pig, as someone who is active with animal rights, have you gotten to know the pig and its handlers?

Yes, in fact there are two pigs, sisters. I’ve gotten to know them, their wranglers and trainers, and they have wonderful lives. Everyone on set gets very excited when the pigs are going to make an appearance. Except one of the pigs didn’t like a crew member, a grip, and actually charged him on set during the dollhouse scene with Chris Bauer (Det. Andy Bellefleur).

How aware are you of True Blood’s soundtrack?

Music plays an enormous role on True Blood. I’ve been a fan of music supervisor Gary Calamar for ages, since his show on KCRW in LA. When we get a script, the music is already laid in, and each episode is named after a song. With every script I get, I download the music and listen to it, use it as a soundtrack for rehearsing and filming, to really ignite the imagination. I find it ends up costing me a lot of money, because I end up discovering other music. Before I know it, I’ve downloaded $250 worth of music, so reading a script can become costly! He searches for local talent and really brings that element to the show. The music adds texture to the storytelling – Calamar is to True Blood like Bear McCreary is to BSG.

Emmy nominations are out later this week – do you think you or True Blood might get a nod this year?

I don’t think I’ll be nominated, but True Blood might get something. It’s good for this genre to break down the door, and really, BSG should have been nominated all along, Mary McDonnell should have armloads of awards for that show. I’m not really a fan of award shows with different shows and performances competing against each other, it’s like comparing apples to oranges, so I won’t be up early to watch the nominations. But I hope the show or Alan Ball is acknowledged.

A final thought … when asked about upcoming episodes of True Blood, and whether Maryann had a hand in the attack on Sookie, she stayed tight-lipped on details, but emphatically shared, “It becomes so insane and outrageous this year it will blow your mind!”

I’ll have some more Polaris 23 coverage tomorrow, including more info on True Blood, and some video clips from the press conference with Michelle Forbes!