Jorge & Beth's New ALCATRAZ Podcast

LOST fans are likely familiar with Jorge Garcia's previous podcast (Geronimo Jack's Beard) with his girlfriend, author Beth Shady. And now they have created a brand new ALCATRAZ podcast called Diego's Soul Patch. Follow the blog and subscribe to the podcast to enjoy their banter and occasional episode analysis!

Their first full-length podcast will be available (on iTunes) on January 17 - the day after the season premiere of ALCATRAZ. 

New ALCATRAZ Promo w/Cast Interviews

 

January 16th, my friends. Get ready for a brand new dark, exciting and mysterious adventure.

Official ALCATRAZ Art & Cast Photos

Official ALCATRAZ art work was just unveiled by EW, and I find it to be quite appropriate for the overall feel of the series. 

In addition, @chevronone posted new ALCATRAZ cast photos. 

Follow me on Twitter (@InsideAlcatraz) for more frequent updates!

ALCATRAZ Premiere Date Revealed

FOX officially announced today that ALCATRAZ will debut on Monday, January 16 with a 2-hour premiere. The series will then air one-hour episodes on Mondays at 8pm.

I recently met the writing staff and show runners in LA, and believe me when I say that you are going to love what they have planned for ALCATRAZ. They are an extremely enthusiastic and very creative group of people, and I look forward to over-analyzing their every word starting next month!

Are you ready? Excited? Let me know in the comments below.

-Jo

Alcatraz Panel at Comic-Con: Video, Photos & More

[photo courtesy of Ian Knight]

Greetings, patient friends. Apologies for the delay. It is a very long story, but I was unable to attend the ALCATRAZ panel or be in the ALCATRAZ press room due to conflicting press obligations. Thankfully, a few fantastic friends came through with video and photos. And, although we might have to wait a few months, I can promise an interview of two here on the site before the show airs in January! 

I did, however, have the opportunity to speak with the showrunner and cast of ALCATRAZ at an industry party the night before the panel. It is always a pleasure catching up with Jorge and Liz Sarnoff, both whom I had interviewed previously in Hawaii for LOST. And I was introduced to Parminder Nagra and Jason Harner Butler, who are very sweet.  Jason was in the pilot episode of FRINGE, and is still very friendly with the cast (Jasika Nicole, John Noble and Anna Torv were at this party as well). 


PHOTOS
Click here to view some very hi-res photos of the panel from Ian (@Zort70), who flew in with his lovely wife from the UK to attend SDCC. 


PANEL VIDEO
A very special shout-out to @stardotgeek for volunteering to tape the panel for me when I discovered that I was unable to attend - this is her footage:

MAGNETS
If you would like a custom Inside Alcatraz magnet, simply email me your shipping address (jo at jopinionated dot com). And yes, I will send them internationally. And no, there is no cost!

ADDITIONAL ALCATRAZ SDCC VIDEOS
For other videos from SDCC, including interviews with the cast and Sarnoff/Bender, make sure to "like" the official ALCATRAZ Facebook page and follow @AlcatrazonFOX via Twitter as well. 


REVIEWS/RESPONSE FROM SDCC
The responses to the screenings of the ALCATRAZ pilot at SDCC ranged from very high praise to cautious optimism. Because this site is strictly spoiler-free, and almost all published reviews contain far too much information about the first episode, I have chosen not to link to them here. However, a simple Google search will lead you in the right direction if you are so inclined.


As expected, many were quick to compare ALCATRAZ to LOST (and Hurley to Doc Soto, etc.), but they are two very different shows, aside from a few obvious J.J. Abrams touches. ALCATRAZ deserves your time and patience to establish its distinctive identity and develop into its own unique series, and I strongly believe that it will.

ALCATRAZ at SDCC 2011: Complete Schedule

In addition to the pilot screening and official panel, there are other opportunities for fans to potentially meet some of the cast and crew of ALCATRAZ this week at San Diego Comic-Con. 


The photo above is of a limited edition SDCC 2011 hotel room key that WB has distributed to many of the participating local hotels hosting attendees. In addition to ALCATRAZ, other WB-produced shows are represented on these keys. If you do not receive one at your hotel, perhaps you should barter or bribe fellow nerds in line!


WEDNESDAY, JULY 20


Special Sneak Peek Pilot Screening: ALCATRAZ
6pm
Ballroom 20


THURSDAY, JULY 21


Friends of the Nerdolution (discussion at Zach Levi's Nerd HQ w/ALCATRAZ star Jorge Garcia and more)
1pm
Jolt'N Joe's
Tickets: sold out


TV Guide Magazine: Fan Favorites panel (featuring Jorge Garcia and more)
4:15pm-5:15pm
Ballroom 20


SATURDAY, JULY 23


Ticket distribution for ALCATRAZ autograph session; you line up to receive a bracelet and may win a spot via the WB lottery system for the autograph session later that afternoon (2:30pm, WB booth #4545)
12pm
Sails Pavilion #9 


ALCATRAZ Pilot Screening and Q&A
5:15pm-6pm
Ballroom 20


Executive producer/writer Elizabeth Sarnoff and director Jack Bender, along with actors Jorge Garcia, Sarah Jones, Parminder Nagra and Jason Butler Harner will be appearing.
--


I will be at SDCC representing TVOvermind once again, and will have the opportunity to speak with the cast and creative team from ALCATRAZ. Look for a full report after the Con, as well as quick updates and photos via Twitter this week, @InsideAlcatraz and @jopinionated.

In addition, I will have a small number of these brand new Inside Alcatraz magnets to hand out - so please find me if you'd like one. I know many LOST fans who will be in line for the ALCATRAZ panel, so ask around or send me a tweet and I will try to find you!


In case you're interested, here is a link to my list of LOST alum at SDCC this year, and well as a Lost-themed guide to SDCC. 

ALCATRAZ at San Diego Comic Con 2011: Updated Panel & Screening Details!

[Jorge Garcia at a SDCC 2009 press table after the LOST panel]

Warner Brothers Television Group released details today about the shows that they will be bringing to Comic-Con this year, and we now have confirmation about both an ALCATRAZ panel and screening!


UPDATE: Executive producer/writer Elizabeth Sarnoff and director Jack Bender, along with actors Jorge Garcia, Sarah Jones, Parminder Nagra and Jason Butler Harner will be appearing on the official ALCATRAZ panel, which will take place on Saturday, July 23 at 5pm in Ballroom 20. 


* They will be screening the pilot episode of ALCATRAZ twice; first on Wednesday, July 20 in Ballroom 20 between 6pm-9pm (along with other pilots, including Michael Emerson's new series, Person of Interest), and also at the official panel on Saturday!


If you are attending SDCC, I strongly recommend getting in line at least 2-3 hours early for the Saturday panel. Given that the FRINGE panel is immediately before the ALCATRAZ panel, I have a feeling that you might need to line up even earlier to get a seat for both. 


I will be there representing TVOvermind once again, and look forward to bringing you reports from the press room and behind the scenes. Of course you can also follow all of my Comic-Con adventures via Twitter, @InsideAlcatraz and @jopinionated!


Will you be there as well? Let me know!

ALCATRAZ on Twitter

For those who have inquired, the following cast and creative from ALCATRAZ have official Twitter accounts.

• Jorge Garcia (is not on Twitter; his girlfriend, author Bethany Shady, is - and frequently tweets about him and the show): @BethanyShady

• Cole Herbert (writer): @ColeHerbert

• Leigh Dana Jackson (writer): @LDJackson

• Steven Lilien (writer/producer): @StevenLilien

• Parminder Nagra: @parmindernagra

• Sam Neill: @TwoPaddocks

• Bryan Wynbrandt (writer/producer): @BryanWynbrandt

The official FOX Twitter account for the show is: @alcatrazonfox.

As others involved with the series join Twitter, I will keep you posted!

1st Official ALCATRAZ Footage & Series Debut News!

(photo courtesy of FOX)

This trailer was just officially released by FOX, who also announced that ALCATRAZ will debut mid-season (likely be January 2012). 

You can now "like" Alcatraz on Facebook and follow @AlcatrazOnFOX on Twitter. 


Based on this initial footage, what do you think? The look and feel certainly match up to my expectations, and I am VERY excited to see more. 


If I had to guess, they will screen either the entire pilot or at least 15 minutes of it at San Diego Comic-Con in July. I will be at the panel and in the press room, so stay tuned for reports from behind the scenes!

ALCATRAZ is officially a GO!

According to Cynthia Littleton on Variety.com, "Fox is starting to spread the good news to producers, with sources saying the net has given series orders to drama Warner Bros. TV drama "Alcatraz," from J.J. Abrams and "Lost" scribe Elizabeth Sarnoff."


Congratulations to the entire cast, crew and creative team!


As more news about the show and schedule emerges during the Upfronts next week and beyond, I will be sure to update you here. 

Filming ALCATRAZ on Alcatraz: Spoiler-Free Photos

Approaching Alcatraz via ferry

A while back I promised to post a few photos and report about my day on the rock, as I was able to spend an afternoon on Alcatraz as they were filming scenes for the pilot of Alcatraz on their last day here in San Francisco. 


Per my personal site policy, nothing I post here is ever going to contain any spoilers, so feel free to read on and peruse without ruining your future viewing experience. 

The lighthouse 

Outside view of the prison

The series will be filming in Vancouver, a city which has stood for San Francisco in other films and shows. I look forward to the details of both the exteriors and the costumes that the talented folks behind the scenes create, especially those which will be featured in scenes on the simulated Alcatraz. 

Shipping label on crate

I did come upon this crate of prison doors, which were shipped down from Vancouver. If I had to venture a guess, they had already filmed scenes using these doors and wanted to ensure consistency. 

Prop doors

When you go on the real Alcatraz tour, you get a glimpse of the clothing and items that prisoners were given. 

Prison shoes and peacoats (it is quite chilly out on the rock)

Prison amenities

And judging by this gaggle of (acting) prison guards heading toward their filming location, the Alcatraz team has gone to great lengths to recreate the look and feel of the era. 

Prison guards heading to film

Prison guards awaiting their scene

Prison guards touring actual cells

Cell 108 (a LOST #, naturally)

Alcatraz itself is as creepy as you've often heard described; freezing cold winds provide the soundtrack, and the empty cells speak volumes about their former occupants. All of these elements are sure to play a role in Alcatraz.

A creepy handprint above a doorframe in the prison admin building; people repeatedly reached up touched it, likely out of superstition...a detail I hope we see on the show

Night shots being set up on and around the water

Out of respect for the cast and crew of Alcatraz, I am not sharing any photos which reveal names of characters, places or objects. After the pilot has aired, I will post for all to enjoy. 


I will tease one little item: someone or something in the pilot will be a familiar name to fans of previous J.J. Abrams' films and shows...

I have a few items from the trip to Alcatraz, which I'd love to give out in return for a simple RT! Even though Alcatraz will probably not debut until Fall 2011, I would like to start spreading the word about the existence of this site. If you simply RT this on Twitter, you will be entered to win an Alcatraz magnet or set of playing cards. Don't worry, as time goes on, the giveaways get better. The Twitter feed for this site is: @InsideAlcatraz. Thank you in advance for your interest!

On Location: Visiting Alcatraz

I had the opportunity to visit Alcatraz today, and it was fantastic. The cast and crew were filming the pilot, and this was their last day on location. It is now officially a wrap! [Don't forget to bookmark and follow Jorge Garcia's blog to see what he has to say about the experience and show.] 


Right now I am sorting through and preparing the best photos to share with you, which I will post tomorrow along with a spoiler-free report from behind the scenes. Here are a few teasers to placate you in the meantime. 

Stay tuned for more filming details, as well as a chance to win a few small items from Alcatraz! I really do appreciate your early interest, and also your assistance spreading the word about this new site and Twitter. 

The Cast of Characters: An ALCATRAZ Update

This is cast of Alcatraz thus far (at least in the pilot episode, which is currently filming)...and what little we know about the characters. 

1. Santiago Cabrera: Jimmy, police officer and Rebecca's fiance
2. Samuel Patrick Chu: teenager
3. Jonny Coyne: Edwin James, warden of Alcatraz
4. Robert Forster: Ray Archer, retired detective and owner of a bar frequented by cops (lead)
5. Jorge Garcia: Diego Soto, the Alcatraz "expert" (lead)
6. Jason Butler Harner: E.B. Tiller, associate warden of Alcatraz
7. Sarah Jones [pictured above in her last series, Lone Star]: Rebecca Madsen, police officer (lead)
8. Robert Lawrenson: Barclay Flinn
9. Parminder Nagra: Lucy, lab technician who works with Emerson Hauser (lead)
10. Sam Neill: Emerson Hauser, head of an undisclosed government agency (lead)
11. Jeffrey Pierce: Jack Sylvane
12. Chad Rook: Luke
13. Ian Tracy: Frank

As more cast and character details emerge, I will make sure to add them to the site...but only if they do not reveal any information that may be interpreted as spoilers.

Going Inside

Everyone refers to Alcatraz as a new J.J. Abrams series. Yes, it is being produced by Bad Robot. But make no mistake - this is an Elizabeth Sarnoff show.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for her work as a writer/executive producer on two of my favorite shows of all time, Deadwood and Lost. My expectations are certainly high for Alcatraz; thus, a new site dedicated to it.


Filming for the pilot of Alcatraz is now underway in Vancouver. So far, the cast includes Jorge Garcia (Lost), Sam Neill (The Tudors), Parminder Nagra (ER), Robert Forster (Heroes), Sarah Jones (Sons of Anarchy), Jason Butler Harner (Changeling) and Jeffrey Pierce (The Nine). 


For a quick look at what we know about Alcatraz so far, I recommend this io9 article. 

[image courtesy of io9]

My intent with this site is to keep you up to date with the latest news about Alcatraz and to provide episode analysis once the series debuts. In addition, I will be pursuing interviews with the creative team and cast when those opportunities become available. 


Are you ready to take a look inside with me?