Archives for March 2009

Go on then, since you've been very good (and not bitten anyone this week... we hope) you can have a second sneak peek at a clip from tonight's behind-the-scenes documentary, Being Human: Unearthed.Starts 9:15pm on BBC Three, don't miss it! And don't miss the Facebook event page either.

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Ok so the other day I said we were donning our ninja outfits and heading out to track down some Being Human: Unearthed clips for you.Would we let you down?Well, a few cries of "Who wants some of my chair!?" later and the answer is no... we've got the goods.And fortunately we didn't have to stake any of the editors.

Don't forget, Being Human: Unearthedairs at9:15pm on Saturday 28^th March, followed by another chance to see the first three episodes of BH.They've even got a Facebook event page, so get involved!

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Ok, ok, I'm going to ask you the hugest question ever asked in the history of Being Human, but stay with me on this one...

Annie and Mitchell... are they the perfect couple?

Think about it. They're both immortal so neither of them age... they've got a spark, we saw that in the accidental kissing moment... and it's much safer because Mitchell can't bite her and send her crazy like some people... *cough* Lauren *cough*

So, does it ruin everything or does it totally make sense?And what would the implications be? It's so huge... WE JUST DON'T KNOW.

Give us your thoughts and help us see sense...

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The popcorn is overflowing here at the BH Blog as we gear up for Being Human nighton BBC Three!Coming to your screens this Saturday 28^th March, there's the brand new documentary Being Human: Unearthed, an hour-long look behind the scenes of Being Human.Then there's a new chance to see Being Human episodes one, two and three, with episodes four, five and six coming on Saturday 4^th April.

It's an actual feast of BH action.

So, with all this excitement we thought it would be a good chance to say hello to all you newbies out there who are checking out the blog for the first time (where have you been!?) and point you to some of our awesome, spoiler-free vids.

Such as Being Human creator Toby Whithouse giving you a lowdown on the series and discussing the characters... or a peek at the costume and make-up departments... or even Russell Tovey, Aidan Turner and Lenora Crichlow discussing their characters George, Mitchell and Annie.

We also have threeamazingprequels that give you an insight into our trio's lives before episode one even begins.

Once you're fully 'recruited' (you might not know what it means right now but you soon will...), get involved by leaving us some comments and let us know what you think.

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BEING HUMAN FANS.I take my hat off to you, you are an observant bunch.

Many of you spotted the recent press release that announced a Being Human night coming to BBC Three on Saturday 28^th March.Well, I am very pleased to be able to give you a few extra juicy details...

The night kicks off with Being Human: Unearthed, a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the show.It really is your most comprehensive guide to Being Human yet, featuring brand new interviews from the actors behind George, Mitchell, Annie, Herrick, Lauren and Nina.On top of that there's more from writer Toby Whithouse, a whole bunch of the production team and even a member of the BH Blog team.Who'd have thought!?

Oh, and one more bit of goss... the voiceover will be done by none other than Alex Price, the man behind legendary character of Gilbert , so Better dust off your Morrissey records in preparation for his return.

Following Unearthed, there's another chance to see Being Human episodes one, two and three, followed by episodes four, five and six the following Saturday. So bagsy the sofa, put the cat outside and take the phone of the hook... that's some serious viewing time right there and you don't want to miss it.

Right, we're going to don our ninja outfits and attempt to get you some sneaky Being Human: Unearthed preview clips... wish us luck!

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We're starting a new strand here on the blog where every week we'll be throwing out a big question to you guys and we want to hear what you've got to say on the matter.

Now, in series one we had werewolves, vampires and ghosts.But we want to know is...

"If you were writing a character into series two, who and what would they be?"

A leader of the werewolves, perhaps?An exorcist?Maybe even Vlad the Impaler himself?Or perhaps another kind of mythical being?We want all your weird and wonderful suggestions for series two in our comments section below.

After all, anything's possible, right?

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Who would be a scriptwriter, eh?

Countless hours locked away with nothing but a laptop for company... the clickety-click of keys echoing in your ears as you write thousands upon thousands of words... only to delete them and write them again. And again. And probably again after that.Then, after checking your facts and dodging the perils of writers block, you finally submit it to your producer.Who makes you write it again...fifty times.

What kind of a madman would voluntarily choose that existence?Who could possibly endure that kind of torturous profession? Who, I ask you... WHO!?

Step forward Mr Toby Whithouse, the legendary creator of Being Human.Without his sacrifice of man hours and sanity, we wouldn't have the drama we know and love today.But what did that original script look like?Well, thanks to Toby and the BBC Writersroom, you can now click here to download the scriptdirectly to your computer (which is good because I don't have nearly enough stamps to post it).

Downloading the script gives a from-the-horses-mouth insight into what Toby wanted to achieve in each scene, and even shows how the finished product varies from the ideas that were in Toby's head all those many months ago.

And a message to all the other budding writers out there, don't miss the other fantastic tips, advice and information that the Writersroom has to offer. 

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New to BH?Watch out, this post contains spoilers from series one...

If Mitchell can receive a good old-fashioned staking and survive to fight Herrick, then the BH blog certainly isn't going to roll over and die just because series one is over...

That's right, the blog will continue over the next few months and right through into series two.We'll continue to bring you insightful behind-the-scenes videos, keep stirring the discussion pot with ask-the-audience polls and bring you all the latest production news from the set of series two.

So if you're looking for a place to chat all things Being Human, then look no further.We might even steal Toby Whithouse from time to time to let you know how he's getting on with all that writing...

So chill out, unpack your bags and sit back down...The next few months might feel like a long time to wait, but if we stick together I think we might just get through it.We've got loads of ideas for great features, but what would you guys like to see?Or know?Leave your comments below and we'll see what we can do.

And stay tuned for more updates soon!

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New to BH? Watch out, this post contains spoilers from series one...

HERE IT IS!The one you've been waiting for.Our favourite werewolf in hiding has stepped forward in front of the camera - Russell Tovey is answering your questions.

Watch and enjoy, but make sure you keep your eyes fixed upon your screens until the very end, as Russell pays a personal tribute to all the Being Human Fans - That's YOU!

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Owen... Seth... Tully... Lauren... Bernie... so many characters have entered the Being Human world.Some have remained.Some have fallen by the wayside.Some may even return.

Butnone of them will be forgotten.

Now, at the end of series one, we must pause for breath and see how far we've come in our very special look back at the series.

Don't forget, If you want to watch the full episodes again you'd better hurry, as they'll stop being available on iPlayer this Sunday at 8:59pm.But worry not!We've also got one more exclusive video to bring you right here on the blog, because on Monday Russell Tovey will be answering your questions and leaving us with a very special end of series message.

So be strong.Be brave.Yes, this is the end.But don't fear the men with ropes and sticks.

Think of Lauren.A happy end.

Oh my...

See you Monday.

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More hot video diary action today as Russell Tovey gives us his unique take on the Being Human experience.

Who'd have thought the cast would have been so good at magic...!?

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For the last time Colin Teague, the fantastic director of Being Human episodes 5 & 6, talks us through the music that brought the series to an end...

Episode 6 the final showdown.... Once again our composer Richard Wells must be given huge credit for producing a truly mesmeric score.

So to start... Duffy's Mercy- I wanted to use a cafe which gave us a late night sixties milk-bar feel and the Duffy track compliments the visuals of this mood perfectly. Now, I know a couple of you clued up bloggers have pointed out the track is under two years old thus how could it be playing in a sequence set two years previously... well, good point... but, I reckon it was probably a local late night radio station playing on the radio in the cafe who were promoting talent/new bands to watch out for, and as everybody knows, most of the music aired today has been about for at least eighteen months, two years... well, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it. 

The following piece outside in the alleyway is a piece we also reprise later during the goodbye sequence in the house. It's kinda haunting and timeless and was inspired by a track from a cult film... (10 points if anyone can guess the title) it draws us into the characters and there emotions beautifully, then to cut hard into the hospital with the raw 'Where is Home' by Bloc Party, as Mitchell is rushed through the corridors of the hospital into emergency and with it back to present day makes for a strong complimentary opening of visuals, dialogue and score.

The Elvis Costello track 'Baby Plays Around' is all down to our illustrious writer Toby Whithouse. He wrote the death of Josie scene with the track in mind and I had it in my head when we shot the sequence. I'm a big fan of Costello so am very happy with both the music and end result x

Johnny Cash - 'The Man Comes Around' credit is due to our ace Producer Matt Bouch for this track, he came into the edit after having watched a rough cut and suggested we try Johnny Cash over the Herrick / Mitchell sequence just to give it a left field approach and it worked a treat. 

There are obviously loads of score moments i could mention individually but instead I will offer up a sequence of scenes and music, from Mitchell meeting Herrick outside the police station through to him talking to George and Annie back at the house, George visiting the priest, the argument at the house and ending with George visiting Herrick at the funeral parlour with another round of Michael Crawford thrown in for good measure just for Nana... A very understated score but beautifully executed x x x looking forward to series two.... smiles ct

Episode Six

Track & Artist

Mercy - Duffy

Where is Home - Bloc Party

Baby Plays Around - Elvis Costello

The Man Comes Around - Johnny Cash

The HolyCity - Michael Crawford

(Note - The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.)

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When we asked you to provide questions for Being Human star Lenora Crichlow you responded in your droves with all kinds of amazing responses.

Such good responses in fact, that none of us could live with ourselves if we didn't go out and get the answers you deserve... So take it away Lenora!

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Shooting Being Human was a real rollercoaster for the cast, but none more so than for Aidan Turner.Miles from home and with some of the toughest scenes of the series, Aidan often found himself turning to his video diary camera when it all got too much.

But don't worry, it isn't all about the hard times... Russell sings!TWICE!

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After a phenomenal response to our previous post about interviewing the cast, you surpassed all our expectations and provided us with some brilliant questions.So, as promised, here is the first of our new interviews featuring everyone's favourite vampire Aidan Turner.

Be warned - When we caught up with Aidanhe was part-way through shooting a new historical drama, so brace yourself for some serious hair extension / sideburn action.

Stand by for Lenora and Russell's vids coming up later in the week!

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It's the final blog entry from Being Human creator Toby Whithouse, and he's got plenty of juicy info about series two...

So there you have it. Series 1 of Being Human has drawn to a close. This will be the last blog for a while. I'm going to be rather busy... well, writing series 2 (more on that later).

I want to say thank you to all the fans for their feedback and enthusiasm. The response to series 1 has been amazing and I couldn't be happier.

I've really enjoyed reading your comments and answering your questions, and I hope we can do the same next time. It was incredibly gratifying, knowing people paid so much attention to the show, but if you asked a question and I didn't answer, it was probably because I knew an upcoming episode would explain it better than I could.

What's been really gratifying is seeing this blog become almost self sustaining. Someone asks a question, and more often that not someone else will answer it. I wish I could get you guys to write the scripts. I'd make tea and arrange biscuits on a plate.

So, do you want to know something about series 2?

Well, I' not going to tell you too much. Partly because I don't want to ruin it for you, but mainly because we're still storylining so I, er, don't know much.

I know about our new villain though. The mysterious Professor Jaggat. But who was that sinister man interviewing Owen? And what is his connection to our heroes? All will be revealed in time, but I promise you Mitchell, Annie and George will be facing a threat even deadlier than Herrick.

In one episode, Mitchell, George and Annie will be forced apart.

Someone will die.

Someone will kill.

Mwa ha ha ha ha ha haaaaa!

This is probably the closest I'll get to an acceptance speech, so as well as our extraordinary cast and crew, I wanted to say thank you to Matt Bouch, Rob Pursey and Phil Trethowan. Without them, you'd have been looking at a picture of a basket of kittens for the last 6 weeks.

In terms of the finished show, there are too many highlights to mention. But just off the top of my head... The transformation in episode 1. Annie in episode 3, watching Gilbert go through the portal. Mitchell in the kitchen, turning on George and Annie in episode 5, raging about the brutality and stupidity of humanity. George in episode 4, promising he's going to protect Nina. Pretty much every time Jason Watkins opened his mouth. The last scene in episode 5. Oh, and episode 6, one word: Nanna.

But once again, it's the fans that have made this show the success it is. You helped get the show commissioned in the first place, then tuned in every week.

It's your show as much as mine.

Though obviously if it does ever win an award, I get to keep it.

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Turning Russell Tovey into a flesh-eating 7ft werewolf is not an easy task. However, in our last trip onto the Being Human set, we've pulled out all the stops to show you exactly how this incredible scene was made. 

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Ok, it looks like a dream... it sounds like a dream... *pinches arm* no, wait, that ACTUALLY JUST HAPPENED.

But Annie's powers!?The voices in her head!?The George-Mitchell history!?The Herrick-Mitchell duel!?Josie!? The woman who works in the canteen!? The isolation room!?George's plan!? Nina!? Owen!?The stranger at the end!?

THE STRANGER AT THE END...!

So many answers and so many questions.But what did you think of episode six?And what's next for George, Mitchell and Annie?

Oh, and don't miss Toby's blog tomorrow when more will be revealed.

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