As I tap away at the keys today I am gently dusting from my neatly quaffed hairdo bits of sticky cloud, as that is quite obviously where my head has been for a good many months. I try and I try and I try to stay focussed but that’s really just not me. However, a lot, and I’ll repeat that if you don’t mind, a lot has happened since we last spoke. You first. No? Alright then, where to begin? I believe we left off as I was preparing to make the worst dressed column at the T.O. film festival. Sadly, it didn’t happen however I did drink a lot at make a fool of myself on a number of occasions so that’s something right? The festival was quite a succces for the launch of “Ill Fated” which has just finished a run in Canadian theatres and is potentially about to debut overseas. Exciting. After Toronto I went to Victoria for a month to work on a “B as B can get” horror flick which was absolutely the most fun I’ve ever has working on a movie. It’s called “Severed” and it’s about a kid (me of course) whose father sends him off into the forest to find out why logging production has stopped. And why had it stopped? Because dummy! All of the loggers had been infected with growth hormones and were eating each other. What the shit else could it be? Anyway that was a horribly fun time and it should be out on a cable channel near you any time now. After I got back from Vic I flew straight to Australia to visit my sweetheart and spent an amazing month surfing and munching on Veggiemite. It so beautiful and I absolutlely did not want to leave but the rain and dreary weather back home were bending there collective index finger in a come hither motion so unfortunately I had to return. However, my sweetheart came back to Van two weeks after I got back back and moved in with me. Sweet Lovin’. Then I flew to L.A and booked the very first pilot that I auditioned for which was a half hour sitcom for the WB called “Nobody’s Watching” (you’ll feel the irony when you find out how the story ends) It was the latest project from Bill Lawrence who created “Scrubs” and “Spin City” and was written by the two head writers on “Scrubs” who also worked on “Family Guy”. How’s that for a big stinky shitbomb of name dropping? Anyway, we did the pilot at Universal Studios and it was fantastic and the show turned out so so well but for some fracked up reason it just didn’t get picked up. However, I did make some really good friends and I got to see Alan Thicke sing the “Growing Pains” theme song so no matter what I’m dying a happy man. Lucy and I spent three months surfing in California during the pilot shoot and then we came back in April so I could begin working on season two of “Battlestar” which has been going just swimmingly. That pretty much brings us up to date. Did Imention that I’ve been growing a beard? No? Well I am. It looks pretty crap. I will also be at the Gatecon conference this week in Vancouver if anyone cares. Lisa I already know you’re comeing so never mind that remark. Thats it for me man. I probably missed out a bunch of crap but you can always contact me through the mediablvd link…. formore crap. Crap.
That’s right sportsfans, the first season of Battlestar is finally winding down and oooooh what a ride it’s been. Oh what a ride. I’ve actually just watched the first three episodes as well as the ninth (I only watched that one because I have a little naughty biz wit D.) and boy oh boy oh boy is it hot. Hot hot hot hot hot. The show’s actually pretty good which is pleasing beacuase there’s nothing quite as dissatisfying as dedicating five months of your precious life to a steaming dung heap. Soon to be unemployed, I’m just gearing up for the T.O. film festival. I have no idea what to expect. In fact my only goal is to get into “People” mag’s worst dressed column. Shouldn’t be tough, I’ve got some pretty ugly shit. On bit of a side note, it’s a little weird writing all this stuff down. I mean, who am I actually talking to? It kinda feels like it’s just me sometimes. And if it’s not then who the hell are you? Oh, hi by the way. You. I know that we really don’t know each other but I really feel like I can talk to you. It’s the strangest feeling. I feel so safe with you. O.k but seriously, enough about me. Tell me a bit about yourself. Oh, the silent type. I see. Be that way you rusty balloon knot. I hope you die. I’m sorry, I get a little worked up sometimes but it really feels like it’s just all me me me. So what, what’s it to you? It’s my website. Get your own. Just kidding. Wait, come back. I still love you. Fine, I hate you. Alright seriously, I’m glad we had this little chat. It really feels like we don’t talk anymore. Anyway, my life is great right now. Things are looking up, always up. Thanks for reading, come again soon.
Just thought I’d check in and keep yall abreast of the going-ons in my life even though I can only think of about three people that actually care. I just got back from a sweet trip to Santa Cruz with my friend Lucy. The surf was pretty flat but we occupied ourselves with other California type activities, a little sun, a little skateboarding a little whatnot. I’m back on the grind now with Battlestar getting ready to shoot the final two episodes of the first season. The show looks great and everyone’s pretty excited to see it have a go. The I’m off to Toronto in a couple of weeks to support “Ill Fated” which is in the film festival. Do some shoulder rubbing, a little hob-knobbing if you will, should be a riot. Other than that, just keepin it real occupies most of my time. And believe me I’m keeping it real. Really real. The realist. To quote Lucy “stay cool fools
Paul Campbell: Hi Ted
Battlestar Galactica 2003: Hi Paul. How are you doing today?
PC: Couldn’t be better. You?
BG2003: Terrific…I really appreciate this opportunity to chat with you about your career and your role in Battlestar Galactica.
PC: My pleasure.
BG2003: So how did you begin your career as an actor?
PC: I was originally a carpenter and decided one day to try making a little extra money doing extra work. I took an acting class and in the first five minutes I knew I wanted to do it for the rest of my life.
BG2003: Is there a contemporary actor or actors you have modeled yourself after?
PC: I think I find myself wanting to be a Johnny Depp or but I’m more of a Tom Hanks. I’ve set my sights pretty low.
BG2003: How do you envision your career over the next twenty years?
PC: I imagine I will work mostly in film but I would love to get back into the theatre where I started. Broadway sounds nice.
BG2003: Would you like to go into writing or producing someday?
PC: Producing is something I haven’t really considered much although I am currently writing a mockumentry that I would like to either produce or have produced sometime in 2004.
BG2003: Can you tell us a little about your mockumentary? It sounds very interesting.
PC: Hmmn… what to give away? Let’s just say it involves two fairly unlikely brothers and the Olsen twins. It’s going to be an absolute riot.
BG2003: Sure sounds like a riot. So how did you come about to audition for Battlestar Galactica?
PC: Interesting story actually. One day my manager called me up and said “Paul, you’ve got an audition tomorrow”. I asked what for and he said “Paul, Battlestar Galactica”. I said “Cool”.
BG2003: Were you a fan of the original Battlestar Galactica series?
PC: I had actually heard very little about it. I did know that the original Cylons looked like Kmart toasters and it had a huge cult following but not much else.
BG2003: Did you take part in the Battlestar Galactica boot camp prior to filming that the producers put together?
PC: No damn it, I wasn’t invited. I wasn’t actually a soldier in the show so I guess I didn’t really need to go but I heard it was a blast.
BG2003: Can you tell us a little about your character Billy Keikeya?
PC: Billy billy billy, let’s see. Billy is an incredibly smart, ambitous young man. His somewhat clumsy first impression is quite misleading in that he is actually quite the force to be reckoned with. Oh yeah, quite the ladies man I might add.
BG2003: Is there one particular lady like Dualla that Billy gets close to?
PC: Billy never kisses and tells.
BG2003: I am sure he doesn’t.
BG2003: What was it like working with Kandyse McClure?
PC: It was great. She is incredibly personable (not to mention gorgeous) and she is very professional. We got along like gangbusters.
BG2003: Another lady you have plenty of screentime with is Mary McDonnell. What was it like to work with Mary?
PC: Probably the best learning experience of my young career to date. Mary is sooooo good at what she does that it’s almost impossible to screw up a scene with her. I tried. Believe me. She is also one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She was a delight. I probably couldn’t say enough good things about her.
BG2003: Can you describe Mary’s character Laura Roslin for the fans?
PC: Laura is basically as close to becoming superwoman as any woman could without wearing her underwear on the outside of her tights. She is strong and passionate. Cool as ice during every crisis, levelheaded and brave. At the same time she manages to hang on to her compassion and caring and in reality she is incredibly vulnerable, she just chooses the right moments to show it.
BG2003: So what was it like work with Edward James Olmos?
PC: Oh Eddy, or Ed as I like to call him. Unfortunately I didn’t get to spend as much time with him as with Mary but I did get a few great opportunities to watch him work. He is a rock. Same thing as Mary, he just knows his craft so well that when he speaks everyone just stops to listen. I’ll tell you a quick story that I find hilarious that I think the fans will like…
We were shooting a scene with Mary and Edward and it was right near the end of a very long day. The scene was from near the end of the script and it is an epic standoff between the two. They are sitting across from each other separated by a desk. Adama wants to stay and fight and Mary is telling him that we need to run and repopulate. On about the fifth take, instead of getting up and walking away as Mary is yelling we need to start making babies he calmly points to the desk and says let’s get started. I may have wet my pants.
BG2003: I hope they captured that on film for the blooper reel.
PC: They did! I saw it at the wrap party.
BG2003: That is truly a hilarious story. It sounds like the cast had a great time during the shoot. What was it like to work with Michael Rymer? I have heard he is quite an actor’s director. Is this true?
PC: Absolutely. There were a couple of times I got stuck, one in particular where I knew what I was doing just wasn’t right. Michael never lost his cool he just came out every take and gave me a new idea. I think we did about eight takes before we had something we liked. He was always very encouraging and knew exactly what he wanted. I never felt rushed or put upon in any way.
BG2003: Did you get a chance to get to know Katee Sackhoff on set? If so, what was she like? Do you think fans will accept her as Starbuck?
PC: Funny you should ask. Actually no, I didn’t really get to know her. I would have liked to though. She has a very strong personality and was always cracking jokes. Good kid. As far as Starbuck… Abso-fucking-lutely!!! I think people will be blown away by her performance. She was a truly great choice for the role.
BG2003: Was there one particular cast member you enjoyed spending more time with?
PC: I really enjoyed my time with Mary, I was always learning something new and she was simply a fascinating person to talk to but I also really enjoyed hanging around James Callis (Gaius Baltar). He would make me laugh until my jaw fell off. He was incredibly silly and it always just put me on the floor. A couple of times during scenes with him I would just burst out laughing. I couldn’t help it
BG2003: James just had a son with his wife Neha in early November. Did you hear from James about that event?
PC: No, I knew that they were expecting but to be honest most of my time during the shoot was spent with Mary so I never really developed friendships with the rest of the cast. I’m pretty shy anyway.
BG2003: Are you coming back to Battlestar Galactica if it goes to series?
PC: Good question. So far there have been no talks of doing the series but we will see if the opportunity arises.
BG2003: If it does go to series, is there a direction you would like the writers to take Billy to?
PC: I’m thinking Vice President of the world. I’d say he’s ready for that.
BG2003: Does Laura have a VP? If not, then I think that would be a good idea.
PC: No, everyone else was killed. I’m already her assistant and confidant so it’s only logical.
BG2003: If Battlestar Galactica becomes a successful science fiction franchise like Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate SG-1, etc., are you afraid of being typed cast in the industry?
PC: Well first of all that is assuming I decide to do the series and yes that is certainly a concern, on the other hand Billy isn’t necessarily the sort of character that falls into that trap. He isn’t a lead and he’s pretty versatile.
BG2003: One of things Ronald D. Moore has said consistently in every interview thus far is Battlestar Galactica is not traditional science fiction. Do you feel the same?
PC: Well if anyone knows traditional science fiction Ron Moore does. But I do agree. Even just watching the trailer you can see that it isn’t you typical campy space flick and it’s relevance to the goings on in today’s turbulent social and political atmosphere really makes it feel much more like a gritty war drama.
BG2003: Has anything surprised you about being an actor? How people treat you, working on a set, the gypsy lifestyle of constantly moving, and doing different things?
PC: This question looks vaguely familiar to one posted on the “ask Paul Campbell “thread on mediablvd.com. Hmnn… The whole industry is shocking in that it is completely its own world so far removed from reality if Columbo and Matlock teamed up they wouldn’t find it. People treat actors like royalty which is a little weird although it’s nice having help getting your pants on but it really just seems surreal.
PC: I actually sat down the other night and spent two hours answering all those questions and when I went to post I erased all my answers so I gave up.
BG2003: I have another one from Lisa …,” Have you noticed any differences between working in Canada on a project and working in the US on one?”
PC: Well no, but that doesn’t mean much because I’ve never actually worked in the US. The casting directors are certainly different.
BG2003: Are you pleased with the production of Battlestar Galactica? How would you compare it to previous projects you worked on?
PC: I am pleased. It had a much bigger budget that most things I had previously worked on and that is reflected in how good it looks. But it actually came out looking much better than I expected
BG2003: I have another one from Lisa, “I’ve heard that much of an actors time on the set, is spent waiting to perform. What kinds of things do you like to do to pass the time? ”
PC: I love to read and write. Coloring books are also good. I listen to a lot of music but mostly I like to stay out on set and check out the action. I’m sorry Ted I actually have to run off to make a dinner engagement. How bout one more question?
BG2003: What’s your message to the fans of Battlestar Galactica?
PC: For the skeptics and the naysayers, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it, and for those like me who can’t wait to see it, I know for a fact that you are all going to be blown away.
BG2003: Thanks for your time Paul and I wish you continued success in your career!
PC: Thank you Ted, it’s been a pleasure
BG2003: The pleasure was all mine.
Source: Galactica2003.net
Paul says:Howdy Ted
Ted says:Hey Paul… how are you this evening?
Paul says:Never better …… you?
Ted says:Terrific… I can’t to see the new Battlestar Galactica series!
Paul says:Me neither !!
Ted says:So are you up in Vancouver right now?
Lisa says:me three
Paul says:You bet - home turf
Ted says:Well… so are you guys doing the episode that Eddie is directing at the moment?
Paul says:Just finished on Wednesday. Best episode so far
Lisa says:that’s what you have been saying about all of them Paul!
Ted says:So what was it like to work with Eddie as director?
Paul says:What can I say, I just keep getting better and better.
Lisa says:you are currently working on episode 10 correct?
Paul says:It was incredible. He’s a machine.
Paul says:Not yet for 10.
Ted says:So what can fans expect from the new series?
Paul says:Severe disappointment … no seriously - I’ve only seen the first episode, but already the show is much darker and edgier than the mini and shooting on digital has given us freedom to be way more creative. You’ll dig!
Ted says:So is it just a rough cut right now of the first episode or is it complete already?
Paul says:Pretty rough, missing some CGI but lookin’ damn fine.
Ted says:So do you think the new series lives up the high standards established by the mini?
Paul says:It far surpasses the standards of the mini. Uuuuhhh Everybody that’s seen the show is blown away. The mini looks like a high school French project in comparison.
Ted says:Really?!? You mention having more creative freedom. Does that mean the cast had a lot of input into the production thus far and the ability adlib scenes?
Paul says:If by cast you mean Mary, Eddie and James, then yes. For the slightly less regular characters (not enough bran) the writing is good enough that there’s no need to ad lib.
Lisa says:does shooting in digital allow you more “takes/choices” to try with out much of an increase in cost (film, developing etc?)
Paul says:Oui, oui. It means that we can keep the cameras rolling between takes, and it’s easier to stay in the moment and keep focussed. We probably get twice as many takes without cost being an issue.
Lisa says:I bet the out take reel will be a hoot
Ted says:Speaking of out takes… are there any that you would like to share with fans?
Paul says:Thinking
Lisa says:what about the one in the hall with Mary that you told me about?
Paul says:They actually printed that, and it will probably make it into episode two.
Lisa says:LOL
Paul says:One good one was when Eddie repeatedly messed up the word “replenishment” inventing such gems as “repalcement” and “replenisization”.
Ted says:LOL!!! Are there any episodes Paul where we get to see more of the Billy/Dualla dynamic?
Paul says:Yes ……… thank God!!
Paul says:Episode 9 we start cooking with gas.
Ted says:oh…
Paul says:You bet Ted.
Paul says:2nd base never seemed so far.
Lisa says:Has Billy’s character developed in a way you expected it too? Have there been surprises?
Paul says:To be honest, I had no expectations for the development of the character.
Ted says:Really?!? Why is that?
Paul says:Ted - I’ve been very very happy with the development of the character. We see some pretty serious Shazza go down with Billy boy over the course of the first season.
Ted says:Really!!! That is outstanding… So I guess we will learn more about what makes Billy tick. How does Billy really feel about Dualla? Do we get to see that romance develop?
Paul says:We definitely learn more about Billy’s clock. The romance with D is a sticky one but I think fans of the sick and twisted will probably walk away satisfied.
Ted says:oh… Is there anyone else vying for Billy’s attention?
Lisa says:is there a paticular story line in the series that you like the best (doesn’t have to be one that Billy is involved with)
Paul says:I dig Baltar’s story. Partially because of the hot tub scenes with No. 6, but also because he’s such a weasilly bastard. He gets himself in and out of the most whack situations.
Ted says:Does Baltar aid the Cylons in any way like he did in the original series?
Paul says:Baltar is to No.6 as Clinton is to Lewinski (and I have the dress to prove it).
Lisa says:LOL
Ted says:LOL
Ted says:So, what was it like to work with Richard Hatch?
Paul says:I really didn’t work with him that much, but he seemed pretty intense - plus, he’s legend.
Ted says:Do you think the episode his character appears in is one of the better ones? What can you tell us about the episode? I heard Adama spends a lot of time discussing terms with Zarek via the phone in the episode and that it is a very dark episode. Comments?
Paul says:A great episode because of me. He was OK ….. naw, he was really good and the episode was about as dark a steer’s tukus on a moonless night. Most of the ep takes place on a prison ship. Most of the gold is actually between Zarek and Lee, but the best is when Cally Mike Tyson’s a prisoner.
Ted says:What about the Cylon Raider seen on the landing bay of the Galactica on the set? How did it get there?
Paul says:Aaawwww Ted … can I call you Ted?
Paul says:Cool. Ted. I can tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.
Ted says:I saw some good shots of it in pictures
Ted says:oh… cool
Paul says:What Cylon Raider?
Paul says:What pictures??
Ted says:A couple of pics from some of the guys on set posing with it as a prop
Ted says:full size prop like the Viper
Ted says:I was curious what it is doing on the Galactica landing bay
Ted says:I cannot post the pics on the Internet though
Ted says:but I figured you could let us know more about the Raider in the landing bay
Paul says:Episode 4. Good, good stuff. You can hardly wait.
Ted says:Oh… I bet
Ted says:Just seeing the Raider in pics was very impressive
Paul says:The Raider? We got one.
Ted says:yes… you haven’t seen it on set?
Paul says:I’m a civilian. I see Colonial 1 - that’s it.
Ted says:When I first saw it, I was told it plays a huge part in an episode
Ted says:Is that episode 4?
Lisa says:Does Billy get to learn how to fly?
Paul says:Ted - Pretty sure.
Ted says:Good… Can’t wait
Paul says:Lisa - Billy was born with wings (Episode 
Lisa says:sigh, I really hope the rumours of NBC airing the season this fall are true.
Ted says:I also heard that Season 2 could start filming as early as January 2005. Any comments?
Paul says:I honestly haven’t heard anything about either rumour. But let’s hope both are true. Gotta run pretty soon …. got a hot date. Any last burning burning questions?
Lisa says:here is one from the messageboard
Lisa says:Paul, can you share any funny moments that you remember from the set?
Ted says:Is there a Vice President for Roslin or is she it for the Civilian Government?
Paul says:Ted - not so far, but maybe episode 11.
Lisa says:There has been a great deal of speculation as to how resupplying the fleet?
Ted says:How does the Galactica and the fleet resupply?
Lisa says:in the original, they stopped at planets along the way.. how is this done in this series?
Paul says:Major issues dealt with in a number of episodes.
Paul says:Pretty much the same in the series.
Ted says:So what message do you have for fans waiting to see the series in January 2005?
Paul says:It’s gonna rock. Go Canucks!!
Ted says:LOL
Lisa says:Thanks for taking the time to do this interview paul
Ted says:Thank you Paul
Ted says:this is most appreciated
Paul says:Thank you both - great questions. Good luck and Godspeed.
Ted says:Good luck Paul and if I get up to Vancouver, I will give you a call
Lisa says:Talk to you later Paul. Have a great night.
Paul says:Good stuff. Take care.