[02:05] * MGROSS (ChatMod@icsq.xxyk.vmwt.oxpj.this.chat.server) has joined #auditorium [02:05] * MGROSS sets mode: +o MGROSS [02:05] <TremorsCentralDotTk> Hey michael [02:05] <AFMoviez> hey Guys ! [02:05] <Logan55> bout time [02:05] <Snakeoid> HELLO Michael GRoss!!! [02:06] <Sins> hi [02:06] <BrendaLupovich> Hey Michael! [02:06] <chevy4x4LDv10> hi [02:06] <holdemfoldem> cmon burt! [02:06] <ObsessedSurvivalist> michael gross? [02:06] <Draco2134> hello [02:06] <Burt> hey [02:06] <Burtdude> Hey, MIchael Gross [02:06] <Glith> hi [02:06] * ChatMod sets mode: +m [02:06] <ChatMod> Hi everybody, thanks for joining us. I'm Ben Trumble for SCIFI. Tonight we№re pleased to welcome Michael Gross, star and co-producer of new SCIFI series TREMORS. [02:06] <ChatMod> Brief word about the drill. This is a moderated chat -- please send your questions for our guest to ChatMod, as private messages. (To send a private message, either double-click on ChatMod or type "/msg ChatMod" on the command line - only without the quotes.)...Then hit Enter (or Return on a Mac.) [02:07] <ChatMod> Why a series? [02:07] <MGROSS> Hmm... Because after four films, we just finished #4 I haven't gotten my fill of Burt [02:07] <MGROSS> We thought we could do more with situation and character in a series than we could in the films [02:08] <MGROSS> GA [02:08] <TremorsCentralDotTk> to <MGROSS>: Can you give us some info on the tremors 4 film and the possiblity of a second season? [02:08] <MGROSS> The possibility of a second season depends on the viewers and ratings [02:09] <MGROSS> The new film...if I told you too much...I would have to kill you [02:09] <MGROSS> I can tell you it's a prequel set in 1889, in which I play Burt's great grandfather Hyrum [02:10] <MGROSS> That means you'll see horses, and buckboards and 188 technology [02:10] <photoweborama> to <MGROSS>: Mr. Gross: Is it difficult not that filming is done in Mexico. Lots of flying? [02:10] <MGROSS> The studio in Baja is a three hour drive from my house [02:10] <MGROSS> At the most I do a round trip once a week [02:11] <MGROSS> More often I take the train to San Diego and get a ride [02:11] <MGROSS> I can work on the train learning lines [02:11] <MGROSS> The biggest problem is communication [02:11] <MGROSS> The town of Perfection is located in an interior valley, where cell phones don't work [02:11] <MGROSS> The food and the people are great [02:12] <MGROSS> I've only been sick three times [02:12] <MGROSS> I may be growing immune [02:12] <MGROSS> Actually [02:12] <MGROSS> The sickest I ever got there...and I'd heard horror stories... [02:12] <MGROSS> Was actually when I went to San Diego to go out to dinner once night [02:13] <MGROSS> Stay away from American food! [02:13] <Snakeoid> to <MGROSS>: Who was your favourite Actor/Actress in Tremors movies or Series? [02:13] <MGROSS> I have a special feeling for Fred Ward in T1 and T2 [02:13] <MGROSS> Fred is a great actor who gives 110 percent [02:14] <MGROSS> And I'd go anywhere at any time to work with him again [02:14] <MGROSS> But he's just my personal favorite out of many favorites [02:14] <ObsessedSurvivalist> to <MGROSS>: does this new movie set in 1889 does that mean he'll be useing old weapons? [02:14] <MGROSS> Of course [02:15] <MGROSS> The best weapons of the time [02:15] <MGROSS> Part of the fun is seeing them [02:15] <MGROSS> And we use some of the latest technology too [02:15] <MGROSS> Like steam... [02:15] <holdemfoldem> to <MGROSS>: do relate personally to your character? [02:16] <MGROSS> Burt is part me and part invention [02:16] <MGROSS> I'm not as paranoid as Burt [02:16] <MGROSS> But I am possessed with a healthy dose of skepticism of Big Government etc [02:16] <MGROSS> you name it [02:17] <MGROSS> I think Burt sees life as a minefiled where he treads carefully [02:17] <MGROSS> I do make claim to one of the finest earthquake kits in Southern California [02:17] <MGROSS> One thing that I love about Burt is that he has a code of honor all his own [02:18] <MGROSS> Some people have asked me how can I justify all those guns in a world with gun violence [02:18] <MGROSS> The answer is simple -- Burt has never intentionally pointed a gun at another human being [02:19] <iownthisplace> to <MGROSS>: What were your first reactions to the original Tremors script and did it seem weird that they chose you seeing as how you were on Family Ties. [02:19] <MGROSS> My first reaction was, what a lot of fun [02:19] <MGROSS> I'd always loved monster movies [02:19] <MGROSS> But I didn't think I'd be a part of monster movie history [02:19] <MGROSS> Every actor believes every job is his last job [02:20] <MGROSS> So I assumed we'd make a scary, funny movie and that would be the end [02:20] <MGROSS> 13 years later I'm as surprised as anyone [02:20] <ChatMod> to <MGROSS> Did you have to get training with weapons , tracking and wilderness survival to keep in character? [02:20] <MGROSS> I was a good Boy Scout [02:20] <MGROSS> I can find my way around with a compass [02:21] <MGROSS> I've also taken a lot of weapons instruction particularly along the lines of safety and handling [02:21] <MGROSS> The people around me need to be safe [02:21] <MGROSS> I think all the time about accidents and how dangerous weapons can be [02:21] <MGROSS> Like Burt I am very vigilant about the weapons [02:22] <MGROSS> One of the rules on the set is to assume if you set your weapon down or turn your back on it, assume someone has touched it and loaded it [02:22] <MGROSS> whenever I turn my back on something I check it again [02:23] <MGROSS> but that's a good rule anywhere at any time [02:23] <MGROSS> People often ask me if I own guns. I should say I own a Mossberg pump action 12ga shotgun [02:23] <MGROSS> I've belonged to both the NRA and Handgun Control Inc [02:24] <MGROSS> That may make me bipolar [02:24] <MGROSS> As much as i love weapons, I'm a friend of the Brady's and believe in sensable controls [02:25] <holdemfoldem> to <MGROSS>: The worm can only take you so far - are the writers thinking about new story lines? [02:25] <MGROSS> El Blanco remains our favorite monster and will always be a part of the story [02:26] <MGROSS> but as time goes on there will be new lifeforms in Perfection Valley as a result of a gene mixing experiment we will introduce in future episodes [02:26] <MGROSS> Then we can mix DNA of different species [02:26] <MGROSS> I personally think that a monster of the week while interesting, is not interesting enough [02:27] <MGROSS> We need character . Nancy, Tyler, Burt -- why are they here? Why do they stay? [02:27] <TremorsCentralDotTk> to <MGROSS>: Which location was your favorite to film at? [02:27] <MGROSS> I love Mexico and our little town [02:27] <MGROSS> It feels very womb like [02:27] <MGROSS> Very contained [02:28] <MGROSS> And that suits me and Burt just fine [02:28] <MGROSS> It's also easier to work in Perfection since there are fewer airplanes overhead than around LA [02:28] <MGROSS> And we haven't had to stop as often [02:28] <MGROSS> That can be a problem for sound [02:29] <Lisker> to <MGROSS>: What's your favorite role besides Tremors and Family Ties? [02:29] <MGROSS> I know this sounds unfamiliar...but one of my favorites was in a Shakespeare play [02:30] <MGROSS> I played Friar Lawerence in Romeo [02:30] <MGROSS> He introduces the idea of the secret marriage and covers it up [02:30] <MGROSS> He jives Juliet the idea for the sleeping potion [02:30] <MGROSS> He is one of the most irresponsible and godless friars I can imagine [02:31] <MGROSS> Don't just read Shakespeare [02:31] <MGROSS> Read it out loud [02:31] <MGROSS> It's meant to be spoken [02:31] <MGROSS> Taste them in your mouth [02:31] <Scrumpy> to <MGROSS>: How long do you think it will take till the series will be available on European channels? [02:31] <MGROSS> I hope it will air in Europe [02:31] <MGROSS> I have friends across the water who enjoy the videos [02:32] <MGROSS> I think there's a market in Europe and the Far East [02:32] <MGROSS> I hope we fly high and get off the ground here and export [02:32] <BrendaLupovich> to <MGROSS>: Do you know if Fred Ward and/or Kevin Bacon will be guest starring on any upcoming episodes of Tremors? [02:32] <MGROSS> Currently there are no plans, but the door is always open [02:33] <MGROSS> Viewers will be delighted to know that Ron Underwood, the director of T-1 has expressed an interest in directing an episode [02:33] <MGROSS> Ron is still a very good friend and forever will be a member of the Tremors family [02:37] <Jayn> to <MGROSS>: Yea why did Heather leave Burt? [02:33] <MGROSS> People have also asked about Reba [02:34] <MGROSS> There are no plans for that and I honestly think Burt is still heartbroken, though he'd never admit it [02:34] <MGROSS> Reba would hurt him too much [02:34] <ChatMod> Question about creature puppets. [02:35] <MGROSS> Full sized are literally trucked to locations [02:35] <MGROSS> Some of the puppets are on wheels [02:35] <MGROSS> Some can be rolled, some are controlled with cables and pulleys [02:35] <MGROSS> There's a lot of engineering [02:36] <MGROSS> It's not uncommon to have six or seven puppeteers working at the same time [02:36] <Snakeoid> to <MGROSS>: When Tony Genaro was killed by AssBlaster in Tremors 3, there were some rumors that he might come back in a different role. Do you know anything about it? [02:36] <MGROSS> I never heard those rumors [02:36] <MGROSS> tony is gone as far as I know [02:37] <MGROSS> I really enjoyed working with Tony [02:37] <MGROSS> Tremors three was a special treat [02:37] <srynerson> to <MGROSS>: Many people know you as a railfan from your work with Operation Lifesaver. Can we look forward to any "rail content" on the show? [02:38] <MGROSS> Unless we leave Perfection, we lack a railroad.. even a branch line [02:38] <MGROSS> There are no plans currently [02:38] <MGROSS> But I'm alawys looking for an excuse to work in and around trains [02:38] <TremorsCentralDotTk> to <MGROSS>: How many episodes will the first season have? [02:38] <MGROSS> We've made 13 to date [02:39] <MGROSS> We hope SCIFI will order more to be made [02:39] <MGROSS> How many is yet to be determined [02:39] <ChatMod> to <MGROSS> What's your role as a producer for the series? [02:40] <MGROSS> I try to guide the creative and artistic side of the show [02:40] <MGROSS> For the first 13 episodes I was the only original member of the Tremors team always on the set in Mexico [02:40] <MGROSS> Steve, Brett, and Nancy were in California for the most part [02:41] <MGROSS> As was David Israel [02:41] <MGROSS> So i was their eyes and ears in Mexico [02:41] <MGROSS> Which is why cell phones would have helped [02:41] <Lisker> to <MGROSS>: What was it like to play villains? [02:42] <MGROSS> That's a broad question [02:42] <MGROSS> villians are as interesting or uninteresting as what is written on the page [02:42] <MGROSS> Writers often have fun with bad guys [02:42] <MGROSS> And so for some reason they usually have more texture than many heros [02:43] <MGROSS> I think in some ways we are all fascinated with darkness [02:43] <MGROSS> and so acting a villian is a safe way to explore that [02:43] <MGROSS> It's fun to have a life of crime on film instead of in real life [02:44] <ActionBurt> to <MGROSS>: Did you get to suggest any monsters for any episodes? [02:44] <MGROSS> If we are renewed I may try writing severalepisodes with monsters myself [02:45] <chevy4x4LDv10> to <MGROSS>: Is the series gonna come out on dvd and vhs? [02:45] <MGROSS> A chance but I know nothing yet [02:45] <MGROSS> Whatever we have done with Tremors, three sequels and now the series has been driven by demand [02:45] <MGROSS> I owe thanks to the fanbase out there [02:45] <MGROSS> They so enjoy Burt and Tremors [02:46] <MGROSS> Their demand might lead to a dvd [02:46] <ChatMod> to <MGROSS> What's the date for Tremors 4? [02:46] <MGROSS> I've heard November 2003 [02:46] <MGROSS> Ther's talk of DVD and video, or maybe a theatrical release [02:47] <MGROSS> I think the success of the series could determine that [02:47] <BrendaLupovich> to <MGROSS>: Out of all 4 of the Tremor movies, which is your favorite? [02:47] <MGROSS> I'll always love the original [02:48] <MGROSS> But perhaps because we just finished it the new film runs a close second [02:48] <MGROSS> Hyram is very much unlike his great grandson [02:48] <MGROSS> And so for an actor is was a great deal of fun to play somebody so different [02:48] <MGROSS> we had a wonderful cast [02:48] <MGROSS> Talented actors [02:49] <MGROSS> It was a lovely period piece with great sets and wardrobe [02:49] <MGROSS> it looks so beautiful [02:49] <MGROSS> and it has wonderful "heart" [02:49] <MGROSS> The film by the way was not filmed in Mexico [02:50] <Snakeoid> to <MGROSS>: Have you came over (or plan to) any fan boards or web pages? [02:50] <MGROSS> I confess I've never visited the fan sites [02:50] <MGROSS> I've heard stories about them [02:50] <MGROSS> It would be fun to sneak in some time and start posting things [02:50] <Draco2134> to <MGROSS>: Mr.Gross what was your favorite movie to do or did you prefer the series? [02:51] <MGROSS> I think I feel the same joy with tremors that Michael fox felt playing Alex Keaton [02:51] <MGROSS> Burt and his family have such heart and believe in doing teh right thing [02:52] <MGROSS> I could play Burt or his kin for a long time and be satisfied [02:52] <ObsessedSurvivalist> to <MGROSS>: How come shriekers got threw your fence without getting shocked is it because of the lightning or did you just want them to come on your compound so Burt can kill them i think it was the 4th episode? [02:52] <MGROSS> Let me add [02:53] <MGROSS> i've never been to a sci fi convention, but I know how much fun actors have visiting them [02:53] <MGROSS> it would be fun to meet Tremors fans at a convention some time [02:53] <MGROSS> in some ways it would frighten me because you probably know Burt better than I do [02:54] <MGROSS> Burt never wants anything inside the compound [02:54] <MGROSS> As I recall, I don't think the fence was electrified [02:54] <MGROSS> I think there are sensors [02:54] <MGROSS> ifrared, motion etc [02:55] <MGROSS> But except for barbed wire I don't think there's voltage [02:55] <MGROSS> He's guarding against graboids with the wall [02:55] <MGROSS> But he wouldn't want to hurt small mammals using current [02:55] <MGROSS> He just wants to be left alone [02:55] <Lisker> to <MGROSS>: Did you enjoy narrating for audio books? [02:56] <MGROSS> Very much [02:56] <MGROSS> i consider it a great deal of fun [02:56] <MGROSS> it's almost pure acting [02:56] <MGROSS> Just give me the mic and the text [02:56] <MGROSS> it's liberating [02:56] <MGROSS> Like telling stories around a campfire [02:56] <MGROSS> A good tale well told [02:57] <Muzz> to <MGROSS>: In T3, I especially enjoyed when Burt got rescued after being swallowed by the Graboid. Could you tell us a bit on how this was done safely (i.e. since a chainsaw was being used)? Also, how deep was the hole and were you a bit claustrophobic? [02:57] <MGROSS> Yes it was. I think we did about four takes [02:57] <MGROSS> The hole was about [02:57] <MGROSS> three feet deep [02:58] <MGROSS> so I was kneeling down [02:58] <MGROSS> inside the beast [02:58] <MGROSS> and covered with [02:58] <MGROSS> entrails [02:58] <MGROSS> guts and [02:58] <MGROSS> earth [02:58] <MGROSS> It was creepy [02:58] <MGROSS> The chainsaw came nowhere near me [02:58] <MGROSS> I wasn't in the hole when they shot that [02:59] <MGROSS> And teh belly was ripped open by hand [02:59] <MGROSS> I wasn't in danger [02:59] <MGROSS> As I recall it was a cold day on the high desert and we had wind [02:59] <MGROSS> Covered with guts I felt like I was going to freeze [02:59] <MGROSS> A hot shower cured that [03:00] <ChatMod> Our time is about up [03:00] <Snakeoid> to <MGROSS> What generally would you want to say to all your fans from around the world? [03:01] <MGROSS> Let me just say that I really appreciate the fan base for the films, the show, and particularly for Burt [03:01] <MGROSS> you guys are the reason there is a series [03:01] <MGROSS> Help us spread the word [03:01] <MGROSS> We will try to remain true to the spirit of Tremors and charactors we've created [03:02] <MGROSS> We have a chance to grow and expand and explore teh characters [03:02] <MGROSS> we will do the best we can to remain true [03:02] <MGROSS> Thank you one and all [03:03] * MGROSS (ChatMod@icsq.xxyk.vmwt.oxpj.this.chat.server) has left #auditorium
