Maril Davis of Tall Ships Productions conducted a LONG Q&A today on Twitter. She talked about being a fan herself, In ‘n Out Burgers, favorite moments, horses, and more! The tweets went on for more than an hour and a half, and she apologized for not getting to all of the questions asked, but promised to come back possibly later today or during the week to continue answering (including two from yours truly, who would really like to know….). I’ll keep an eye on her Twitter account, and if new answers are provided, I’ll add them to the bottom of this report and note them in the headline. So check back!
As in the past, author Diana Gabaldon popped in once or twice… her answers are noted here, and as you may realize from her own tweets and Facebook discussions, she loves the hashtags (and uses them well!); and writer Matt Roberts joined us in the end. I’ve included some photos that I have not yet published (and maybe some that I have) – you may or may not have seen them already.
Q Will you be going back and picking up skipped episodes once this block is in the can? Any more directors to announce?
A Well, the director for the next block is Brian Kelly. He did such a great job with 3 and 4 we asked him back!
Diana: Loved Brian! #whenIcouldunderstandhim
A His Glaswegian accent is a wee bit thick.
Q Will Outlander be at Paley Fest 2014 in LA? Just wondering.
A That’s a good question. Not that I know of? Question for Starz.
Q Is shooting on schedule?
A So far!
Q Can you tell us if you are shooting Eps. 9 and 10 right now?
A Yes we are.
Q So you’re not filming in episodic order?
A Currently, no. But we will get back on track!
Q When did you and Ron first start collaborating? What was the project?
A I’ve been working with Ron for 10 plus years now. We’re so old!!! We met on Star Trek. J
Q What was your position on Star Trek? Producing or something else?
A I started as a production assistant, riding my bike all over the Paramount lot. Great first job.
Q Any plans for more fan events?
A Not that I know of, but I hope so. The LA event was great!
Q A favorite scene from the first 4 episodes?
A There’s a scene in the surgery with Jamie and Claire where she’s checking his wound. Love the chemistry between them.
Q Can you tell which episodes will be filmed in block 4? (Director Richard) Clark said you were filming out of order due to locations, etc?
A Not sure I’m allowed to say. But yes, sometimes we do film out of order in order to film all of one location at the same time.
Q Do you know if MOBY is the final book?
A I think (Diana) said there would be at least one more after MOBY?
Diana: I did indeed! There will be a book 9 – and also a prequel about Jamie’s parents.
Q Will we see gathering dancing? Claire & Murtagh singing in taverns?
A Yes.
Q What will be the benchmark for Starz to consider Outlander a success? Viewing figures or critical acclaim?
A That’s a question for Starz!
Q OK, what will it take for YOU to consider it a success?
A Already feel like it’s a success. I’m happy, you guys are excited, and Diana is happy.
Diana: Diana is VERY happy!
Q Everything we hear sounds like things are going great but there must be disappointments. What’s your biggest so far?
A Not sure I’ve had any real disappointments yet.
Q How many read-throughs do actors usually do? One per block? One per episode?
A We film two episodes every block, so we do one read thru (of both scripts) the day before we start filming those eps.
Q Any word on when we’ll get to hear the opening theme?
A LOL – you’ll probably hear it right before the premiere?
Bear McCreary
Q Does Sam do all his stunts or some by stunt double?
A Same DOES tend to do most of his own stunt work, much to my consternation. Want to keep him healthy! J
Q Any chance of seeing more characters in costume, one here and there to peak our interest maybe?
A I’m sure Starz will release more as we get closer.
Q Any new scripts written after the Christmas break? How far are you guys now?
A The writers are busy writing eps. 112-115.
Q Will Helix have a second season? If so, will you be working on two shows at once?
A I HOPE it gets a second season. And yes, I will continue to work on both shows.
Q Know you’ve been filming out of order recently – any particular reason – weather related, technical or choice?
A It’s all about trying to condense locations, actors and also trying to avoid the weather sometimes.
Q Hi there! Have you cast Donas yet? There’s a damsel gonna need saving from witch trial .. up to that part yet?
A Yes, we have cast him, and in fact, I asked Herself to help me pick him when she was here. #squeeeeeeee
Diana: Yeah, so nobody would blame you if he eats Sam… #greathorse #lovelyboy #thehorseImean
A A gal has to think ahead.
Q Outlander will be at Comic Con in San Diego, right?
A Not sure yet. Another Starz question!
Q During a table read, does the cast just read the script or do they act it out? Vocally I mean.
A The actors (vocally) act out their lines. It’s fun and it’s mostly so the writers can hear how their lines are working.
Q Cool. Does someone read the stage direction? If so, who gets to do it? Sounds like fun!!
A That’s usually the Assistant Director.
Q I read on a blog that Starz has already announced a second season. Is that true?
A I WISH!!!!
Q Are you going to take it slow and make 2 seasons about the first book etc.?
A No. The first season is all book one. If we get a second season, I assume it will cover DIA (Dragonfly in Amber).
Q Do you already know what Claire’s wedding ring will look like?
A We’re starting to talk about it #squeeeeeee
Q Did you manage to convince the catering yet that there needs to be more banoffee pie J?
A Hahahaha. No. My power only extends so far. J #sigh
Q How did you get into producing? What drew you to show biz?
A Loved TV as a kid and my dad would take us to the movies. Just knew I wanted to be in the biz.
Q When will filming stop for series one?
A Later this year.
Q Has the Wentworth location been decided yet?
A We’re not that far along yet.
Q I understand that the duties of a producer can vary. What are some of your responsibilities on the Outlander set?
A Varies. Liaison with the studio and network. Work with the writers. Oversee casting/marketing/publicity for the show along with Ron.
Q What scene filmed so far are you most excited about the fans getting to see on screen?
A Probably that first iconic scene where Claire ends to Jamie’s wounds in her room at Castle Leoch.
Q What has been the most difficult part of filming?
A The weather. No contest. We have an AMAZING crew. They work tirelessly and without complaint in some nasty weather.
Q Have you guys filmed the wedding yet? (if you can say…)
A No, we have not.
Q What happens when the shooting schedule derails for some reason? Do you skip, drop, resched, regroup, move on or???
A Yes, constantly. Sometimes it’s like a puzzle. Fitting things in here and there.
Q Who pays for living expenses (rent) for those in the cast who aren’t from Scotland?
A The production.
Q Will you finish shooting season before premiere? Fan event for premier may take place?
A Not sure we’ll be done filming yet.
Q With a huge female fan base, how might Outlander differ from other Starz shows? Anything you are deliberately doing different?
A We’re following the books. No pressure from Starz to do anything different. They’ve been incredibly supportive.
Diana: HUGE relief… and deep gratitude!
Q We have 2 trailers now will they be making any new ones before the show airs?
A I hope so. I love the trailers. I still get goose bumps.
Diana: Ditto!!
Q With filming a good way through Series One do you know yet when you will start scouting/filming the next series?
A LOL – when/if Starz tells us we can!
Q We’ve seen pics of spring arriving in Scotland. Has this brought a new element into filming?
A IS it spring? Haven’t noticed, although I have seen some lovely snowdrops.
Q If you could have a role on the show, which character would you want to play and why?
A Claire of course!! She’s an amazing woman. Married to the King of Men. Amazing healing skills and a wicked sense of humor.
Q Are you looking forward to the shooting of any particular scene?
A Well, the wedding of course!
Q Has Ian been cast yet?
A I was wondering when someone would ask this question. No, he has not been cast yet.
Q Do you have a favorite supporting character from the book? Ned is one of mine.
A Wee Ian is my favorite. If we’re only talking Outlander, then probably Mrs. Fitz or Murtagh.
Q Why does a director only do a few blocks then they move on?
A It takes a lot of time to prep an episode. Would be hard to do more than two in a row.
Q Do cast and crew members bring family along (to Scotland)? Seems a long time to be away from home.
A Sometimes family comes to visit, but not that often.
Q Is there any firming up of an air date? #ThatYouCanShareOfCourse
A I’d ask Starz.
Q Are YOU going to do a cameo?
A Thought about it, but it’s a LOT of work and hard for me to do my job at the same time!
Q Has the opening theme been recorded yet?
A Not yet.
Q Why does Graham not wear a wig?
A Bald is sexy. He looks great. Why mess with his great look?
Graham McTavish (Dougal) and Gary Lewis (Colum)
Q Why put hair on a head that great?
A Amen sister.
Q DIA is written as a story within a story. Will this cause issues when writing season 2?
A Breaking down DIA will be a challenge, but one I think we’re to.
Q Can you describe your regular (if there’s such a thing) day at work? Are you more on set or at the office? Or somewhere else?
A That’s hard. I’ll try to tweet my day this week .Try to spend time on set every day. Pulled back to the office a lot.
Q What do you like best about Scotland?
A The people.
Q Does Ron wear a kilt every day now?
A No, but he does wear it to work sometimes.
Q Do they (director) see each episode they shot all the way through post? Any possibility of female director?
A Yes, they do a director’s cut and then hand it over. Just have to wait and see on female director front.
Q Once handed over, is the director’s cut ever revised/changed? If so, by whom?
A Many people see the cut. Producers, studio and network.
Q What is the best part of your job?
A Talking about Outlander every day is pretty damn cool.
Q I love your squeal! You really are just a fan like us but you happen to have the best job ever!
A I do!
Q Do you find costuming challenges more difficult in Scotland than in US or easier?
A That’s a Terry (Moore, costume director) question! But period shows can sometimes be more difficult.
Q Bear McCreary (composer) is going to be a very busy young man with Black Sails and Outlander! I have total faith in him.
A So do we.
Q Is it hard to act professional and not squeal, jump up and down and basically act nuts like a fan would?
A Hahaha, yes, but I’m pretty professional at work, I think.
Q But sometimes you’re squeeing on the inside, right? Are you still pinching yourself that this is happening?
A Of course!
Q What’s your favorite book from the series?
A I love the original, Outlander, and then after that I think A Breath of Snow and Ashes.
Q Have you ever had a fan base that is this vocal?
A Never.
Q What kind of car is that in the ‘40s scenes?
A I happen to know that it’s a Rover P2.
Q Are you a native Northwesterner and will you be at the retreat in Seattle come June?
A I’m actually a native Angeleno, but I moved to Oregon when I was 10, so I consider myself to be a card carrying Oregonian.
Q How long after the show airs will you find out that it’s been picked up for a second season?
A Not sure when we’ll find out. Maybe if y’all ask Starz nicely, they’ll pick us up pronto!
Q How do you source locations? Do you do it all yourselves or get outside help?
A We have a locations manager.
Q What was the most difficult part to work out within the Outlander project so far?
A The most difficult thing about making this book into a series is deciding what things we can’t include.
Q How long to shoot longest scene so far? Why?
A Hard to answer. Scenes can take up to five or six hours to shoot. Sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the scene.
Q 5 or 6 hours for one scene… and so an entire episode?
A It takes us (on average) 24 (shooting) days to film two episodes.
Q Has Scotland gotten into your heart as with others? Must be so fun to see it as was times of old making Outlander.
A It’s a pretty amazing place.
Q Any news on your end yet of series airing in the UK?
A Not that I know of. That’s something Sony Pictures deals with.
Q Do you learn Gaelic from Adhamh (O’Broin, the on-set Gaelic coach)?
A No. Can’t even begin to make my mouth form some of those words/sounds #hopelessAmerican
Diana and Adhamh O’Broin
Q Which fans are more enthusiastic? Trekkies or Outlanders?
A LOL – both enthusiastic and VERY passionate. I know way more about Outlander though!
Q Outlander has given us instant friendships. Have you experienced the same with everyone you are working with?
A We tend to work really long hours. So, you can’t help but form tight friendships with the people you work with.
Q I have forgotten who two of the writers are. Ron, Matt and Anne, who are the others?
A Toni and Ira, but neither is on Twitter.
Q Can you require all directors to have Twitter accounts?
A No, definitely not. In fact, I think Richard (Clark) was the first one who did.
Q The soundstage looks incredible! Will you leave much there when you finish filming?
A As you know, we never come back to Castle Leoch after Outlander. So, all those sets will have to go eventually. #sad
Q Morning from Oz, Maril – any chance you could come to Australia for visit to promote/holiday/talk to us ANZOFs?
A LOL – not unless someone sends me! I’d love to come there though! Never been.
Q Caitriona and Sam were pointing a lot of fingers in LA. Who in your opinion is the biggest comedian?
A Hard to say. They’re both clowns.
Q Do you ever announce ahead of time where you will be filming? I’ll be in Scotland in May.:)
A No, afraid not.
Q When does the music director (Bear McCreary) get to see the cut?
A He sees it as soon as the network signs off.
Q So he composes the music once he has seen scenes? Not before?
A Yes.
Q Can you send Sam over here?
A LOL – that’s up to Sam.
Q How many horses (besides Donas of course) have you hired?
A Quite a few. Everyone rides a horse.
Q Which American food item do you miss the most?
A I don’t really eat fast food, but I wouldn’t mind an In ‘n Out burger!
Q How are the actors holding up (particularly Sam and Cait)? Filming can be pretty physically challenging.
A They are troopers.
Q Who is cuter, Jasper (in the production office) or Cullean (Ron and Terry Moore’s dog)?
A I love them both. Cute in their own ways. That’s a safe answer, right? 😉
Q Are you really a producer or a politician?
A LOL – Sometimes a producer IS a politician!
Q What is your favorite costume so far?
A Unfortunately, I can’t say, because I’m not sure you’ve seen it yet. But ALL the costumes are amazing.
Q This has got to be the busiest Q&A yet – I can’t keep up with the feed flying by!
A Me neither! So sorry that I seem to be missing so many questions!!!
Q I know you squee a lot like me. When was the first moment you just wanted to really SQUEEEEEEEE it out on set?
A First day/first scene. I’ve been trying to get this series to the screen for a LONG TIME.
Q Will you be filming straight through the rest of the blocks o do you get a spring or summer break?
A NO break.
Q (From Matt Roberts) Banoffee pie or millionaire shortbread?
A Is that a trick question? It’s like being asked if Jasper or Cullean is cuter!
Q Curious… lots of discussion about women and men seeing the book differently. Do you notice this in the writers room?
A YES. Many spirited discussions in the writers room. J
Q Who wins most, women’s perspective or men’s? #expectingPoliticallyCorrectAnswer
A Honestly, the things we argue about aren’t always divided among the male/female line.
Q Do you understand the Gabaldon Theory of Time Travel? If so, can you explain it to the rest of us?
A No. I think Geillis’ time travel is the most confusing/mind bending.
Q Love the pic of Sam in his outfit for the Oath Taking with Diana (if that was Oath Taking).
A Was it the oath taking? Maybe, maybe not. 😉
Diana with Sam Heughan and Diana’s daughter Jenny
Q Who did the music for the trailers?
A That was all Starz.
Q Who will design the opening sequence for the show? Ron?
A We work with a main title company.
Q Do all the actors get along well off screen as well as on?
A Yes. They all get along famously.
Q I just gotta know if Sam is going to do the sword dance!
A Guess you’ll have to wait and see!
Q Will Matt Roberts be writing any more episodes for this season?
A Yes. Whoops! Answered Matt’s question!
