Previously on Criminal Minds

CM_SetReport chat with Co-Executive Producer Sharon Lee Watson and Guest Star Jeff Newburg - 1-19-12

CM_SetReport chat with Co-Executive Producer Sharon Lee Watson and Guest Star Jeff Newburg - 1-19-12

SLW: Welcome everyone!! SO happy to be here, Bring on the questions!

JN: Yo, everybody. Let's rock this.

midwesternmind: The blank board and Reid. An homage to "Searching for Bobby Fisher"?

SLW: Yes! Good catch. Loved that movie!

gchan_s2: Jeff, great acting on last night`s episode! Did you enjoy playing the unsub?

JN: Yes. It was a real pleasure to get stretched; to have the chance to do that much fun, weird stuff.

alex-e: Was there anything in particular that made you decide to use chess as such a major aspect of the episode, Sharon?

SLW: Chess was a good visual way to show the genius of Caleb and Harvey.

JJHotchner:
Hi Jeff! What was it like working with the CM cast and crew?

JN: It was honestly surreally great. The extent to which EVERYBODY is great at their job and a great person was inspiring. This is not hyperbole.

lmrsk: Hi Sharon, loved the episode, I love that Emily is always the one to be there for her team mates, is there a reason as to why she's always trying to help and comfort them when she's the one who needs comfort? Or is it just because is part of her character to be compassionate and empathetic?

SLW: Smart question. Watch next week's 150th episode by Breen Frazier for the answer.

JaniceKatharine: Hey Sharon! Thank for your time! I loved this episode! What do you like/dislike about your job? Hi Jeff, thank for your time as well! Good acting! What did you like/dislike about being Caleb?

SLW: I LOVE my job!! The best things are the people I work with -- the writers, actors, and crew. It feels like a real family. Can't really say I dislike anything.

JN: Going crazy is both fun and not fun. Crying and screaming for 8 hrs straight isn't "fun" per se, but it is rewarding. It's also great to play a guy who's got layers and layers.

swon: Sharon, a wonderful episode!!! I was wondering, was it your idea to have this episode a "reid-centric" episode? Or do all the writers decide at the beginning of the year which episodes will focus which characters and you guys just pick straws for who gets which episode :)

SLW: It was my idea. It seemed that an episode about geniuses had to involve Reid somehow.

LaShawna: How did you get Patricia Cornwell to cameo? Was she always part of the script, or did she come in later?

SLW: We knew Patricia was a fan of the show and we are fans of her so it seemed like a great idea to have her on. She was part of the script from the beginning.

lmrsk:
Hi Jeff! do you know how to play chess or did you have to act that too? ;)
JN: I played pretty often as a kid, and brushed up a little for the part. But I'm no master. We actually had one on set who choreographed the match.

a-dilemma: Sharon, what usually inspires you when you write an episode? Does the story all come to you in an instant or does it build over time?

SLW: Different things inspire me -- books, movies, real-life conversations, etc. The stories usually build over time.

laurenreynoldsisdead: Hey Jeff! What attracted you to the role of Caleb?

JN: Definitely the depth. It's rare to have the chance to play a villain who's a victim who's a genius. It basically lets you use all the tools in your box, which is satisfying. And the writing was rad, S-TRAIN.

SLW: S-Train is now officially my name.

gchan_s2: Can you give us any scoop on the 150th episode that we don`t already know?

SLW: It's a twist on our usual format. Dina Meyer and Jay Karnes are fantastic in it. Oh, and we'll hear what Prentiss and Sergio have been up to.

Alexxx: Hey Jeff (: Have you ever watched the show before you were on it?

JN: Yeah, it's generally a good idea to familiarize yourself with the tone of the shows ahead of time. And personally, I've been a fan of the show's actors and writing since the beginning. So yes: many viewings.

kasparov: Sharon (or S-Train, if you prefer!), what can you tell us about A Thin Line? We've heard it's a Morgan episode; anything else you can tell us about that?

SLW: It's a really good, intense episode. We get to see what Morgan does when he's not on a case.

redmist: Jeff, who would win in a genius matchup - your character or Dr. Spencer Reid?

JN: Ummm, I think the answer to me vs. Reid lies in the cuffs on my wrists at the end, but it certainly was a blast acting with him. I got pumped when I first read the scene.

JJHotchner: Jeff, are you working on any other projects at the moment?

JN: I just directed a music video for John Isaac Watters that'll be up soon, and everyone on earth should check out his music. Also, an original TV show is in development, so fingers crossed on that. And the first episode of a web series I'm doing with my 4 yr old niece should hit this week(ish)

JJHotchner: What's in store for February sweeps? Any hints? Please?

SLW: Dean Cain (Superman!) will be in EP 713 as a troubled gambler. Episode 714, 'Closing Time' by writer extraordinaire Rick Dunkle features a badass JJ.

SLW: Forgot to say actress Kathy Baker guest stars in EP 716, 'A Family Affair.'

FineWine: This is for both of you; Was Caleb in love with Harvey? The "your soul mate is standing right before you" line seemed to us to say that.

JN: That's definitely what I was trying to hit on that line, but I think the more precise term would be "obsessed."

SLW: Yes, but not in the traditional sense. The act of killing the young boy with Harvey was like having sex for Caleb.

The_Duke_of_Santa_Monica: Sharon - I loved, loved, loved this episode! You are for sure my favorite CM writer! Can you give us any hints about future episodes you'll be writing?

SLW: Is this my husband?

SLW: If so, I'll tell you about future episodes when I get home.

kdager: When is a JN Bobblehead going to be sold on Amazon.com?

JN: Let's you and I make it happen. Have a prototype on my desk by 9am.

midwesternmind: Why the Zodiac, S-Train? So many details of the case are so well known. Nightmare to double check, or relief to have research material?

SLW: A nightmare to double check! I probably won't be doing that again...

laurenreynoldsisdead: Jeff, since you said you watched the show before, who is your favorite character?

JN: Probably Dr Reid. I'm a card carrying Gubler fan. But it's a tight race.

kasparov: Has there been any writers' discussions yet about the two-hour finale?

SLW: Yes. People will die...

uhmlyeah: What's it like to work with a 4yr old? Is it awkward to work with a family member

JN: Well, there were multiple family members on that one, a real jamboree. When they're a 40 lb sack of sunshine, it's great. This girl acts me off the screen.

Chemist: I loved the fact that Rossi grabbed Reid’s face and kissed him on the cheeks. Was it something planed or more like something done on the spur of the moment ?

SLW: Completely spur of the moment! Vintage Mantegna right there.

kasparov: So you really won't tell us anything about your next episode? Even the title, so we have a name to throw around as we're eagerly awaiting it?

SLW: You're the first to hear the title. It's... "Heathridge Manor".

Narriel: Hi Sharon! Last night's episode was AMAZING! It's now my new favorite! Do you think there will be more cases like that one, where Reid gets to use his genius abilities to his peak?

SLW: Many thanks. I hope we get to showcase Reid's genius abilities again.

JJHotchner: Will see Henry or Jack again this season? They should go on a playdate ;)

SLW: You'll get to see together before the season is over.

Nearly40OldMan: Which season do you think is the best season for Reid, JJ and Prentiss' hair?

JN: I'll take this one, S-train. Whenever Gubler had that glorious mane of curls, I realize I'm starting to pull a Caleb on Goobs.

kasparov: We know there are Prentiss, Morgan, Hotch, and Garcia episodes upcoming. Will we see any more episodes focused on JJ, Rossi, or Reid in the back half of the season?

SLW: Yes.

a-dilemma: Jeff, was it difficult to play the unsub who is both a genius and a murderer? Did you feel conflicted in the role at all or was it more natural? You did an excellent job portraying it by the way

JN: Thanks for the kind words. Definitely challenging, but in a sense, easier when you get to do the good stuff. More exhausting, but more rewarding.

laurenreynoldsisdead: What was the funniest moment while you were shooting last nights episode?

JN: Well, while everybody was freezing cold while we shot in highland park, Gubler and I forced people to watch this web series he guested on called Clark Kent has a dream. That show is rad.

JN: It's on funny or die and Youtube

SLW: Yes they did make me watch. And it was hilarious.

SLW: Thanks so much for the fantastic questions. Look forward to next time!

JN: Thanks so much for watching and chatting, guys. It was such a pleasure to get to join the CM fam, and great to meet y'all.

Login for chat w/Sharon Lee Watson and Jeff Newburg

Click on the above box labeled "chat now" to join the CM_SetReport Chat Room.

As with previous chats, you must have java (http://java.com/en/) installed and up to date in order to participate. Once the window opens, you will be asked for a login name (your choice) and then a password. Tonight's password is:

redmist

The chat room will open @ 5:30PM Pacific Time.

CM_SetReport chats w/Writer Sharon Lee Watson and Actor Jeff Newburg

Tonight at 6PM PST, we will host a live chat with the writer of last night's episode "True Genius," Sharon Lee Watson and actor Jeff Newburg, who played Caleb Rossmore. We will post a login link for the hour long chat as well as the room password at 5:30PM PST, here at cmsetreport.blogspot.com

Hope to see you there!

CM_SetReport Chat Transcript for Executive Producer Janine Sherman Barrois and Matthew Gray Gubler 12/15/2011

JSB: Hey you guys-- can't wait to see your questions!!

JaniceKatharine: Hello Janine! Thank you for your time. What is your most favorite thing about being a producer- and your least favorite thing?

JSB: I love being able to write such amazing stories and work with such a great group of people. The hours are long

JSB: but we all love it here.

Violinvictory: Who's your favorite character to write for?

JSB: I’m not saying this because they'll kill me, but all of them

JSB: sorry I’m learning the system! and you can't press enter...

wheelsup4demily: Janine, if you could do a muscial episode of Criminal Minds, what songs would you feature & which characters would sing/perform them?

JSB: Reid-- "Baby got Back!!" Hotch - "Wheels up"

JSB: Morgan - "Sexy Back", JJ - "Bulls On Parade", Rossi- "My Way", Garcia-"Sexy and I Know It", Prentiss - "Piano Man"

Paula: Why did you have to kill the little Ryan? He was so cute!

JSB: It was part of the story. The kid also had to go to Fox and star in "Touch."

JJHotchner: Hello Janine! Is there much more than meets the eye with Beth? I find her pigtails suspicious, lol

JSB: She's amazing...you'll see!

wheelsup4demily: Can you give us any teasers about the upcoming 150th episode???

JSB: I already did in one of my last posts. ;-)

HotchXBethXCutenessToInfinity: What prompted the choice to show so much of the unsub rather than more of the team figuring out who he was?

JSB: The story sort of dictated it. Then we got such an amazing guest cast. One of my next ones is going to have no UnSub...

Maggiforth: What was it like working with Charles S Dutton again?

JSB: Literally, the whole cast and crew started to cry when he performed. He was amazing and so gifted. What a joy to have on the show.

SelfFulfillingChicken: What lasting damage can a Lawn Mower cause that isn't visible to the naked eye? It struck me as an interesting way to take someone out of a sport! Why did you decide on that one?

JSB: He was high and fell and ah stuff happened. Don't drink and mow your lawn. That's all I’m saying.

Paula: Janine: how long do you work on set?

JSB: We are on for our entire ep. We shoot 8 days. All over LA and then we are sometimes on the stages. We prep the ep for 7 days!

Jasper: Did any of the writers share Morgan's boxing knowledge ("tomato can"), or did the writers have to research terminology?

JSB: Virgil and Bruce know a lot about boxing. So did my husband!

JSB: Okay all I’m saying is Gubler just came in the room so I think I just got pushed to the SIIIIIIIIDDDDDDEEE!

wheelsup4demily: GUBLER!!!! AHHH!!!

jordan1290: *cues screaming fangirls*

JSB: Wait, he's almost here, he's in the hallway!!

Swon: I noticed that last night there was awesome conversation btwn hotch and rossi...and it was great to see jj teamed up with morgan for a change. Is there a preference for teaming up certain characters for you?

JSB: I think we try to switch it up... it all depends.. Again, Gubler is coming and I’m stalling

JSB: My Episode just went to TV heaven as we wait for Gubler!

gchan_s2: How did you come up with the title, "Bittersweet Science" ?

JSB: The Sweet Science is a boxing term. So I put a twist on it since this ep. was so sad...

Maggiforth: How do you handle writing the most challenging scenes?

JSB: I think we just keep rewriting them until they're good. Again, Gubler is just yapping away outside... he's coming.

MGG: YOYOYOYOYOYOYOYOY. WUZZZZZZZ UPPPPPP?

bookwurm32191: Hi Matthew!!!!!

MGG: Let’s get this party started.

Catia: GUBLERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR........

Cendre: Can you give us a hint about what is in store for Reid during ‘True Genius’, what will he be up against?

MGG: So much greatness it cant be explained in one box. Where to begin. An incredible genius unsub who Reid can relate to. That feeling of growing up as a genius and at a certain point the ramifications of it.

wheelsup4demily: MGG, I absolutely LOVE when you direct CM episodes! Can you let us in on any juicy details on the next one you'll be directing???

MGG: YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Holy smokes, episode 719 is going to be AMAZING. I just had the luxury of hearing the story from Sharon the writer. And words cannot explain how excited we are. I hate giving away any details but……I will say one super revealing word that sums it up. SUPER BODACIOUS. And that a spoiler. Wait 2 words.

jordan1290: How AMAZING was it to work with Patricia Cornwell.

MGG: So wonderful. I love her.

swon: Matthew, how did you get into drawing? Your pieces are always so interesting!

MGG: Thank you so much. Not sure. Is there any way to make this chat live as opposed to written? I don’t know how to express myself with typing. Hold up, Dunkle is figuring out how to video tape this interview so it is more REAL. And no so stale.

Alana: Finally I get to ask you this silly question, Matthew. So, you said you were discovered as a model in the streets of NY. Knowing back then what you know now about how serial killers use that as a trick to lure their victims, how do you think you would’ve reacted?

MGG: The answer to this question is being posted on CM set report twitter.




criminallymindless: Hey, Matthew! Great of you to stop by. I, too, have a silly question. If you were to be any animal in the world, what animal would you be?

MGG: I’m going to answer all these questions via video. Way more real. Currently uploading video.




ChocolateDiving: Were you aware that your character is up in TV dot com's poll for favorite Smarty-Pants?

MGG: I was. Very nice to hear that. But I am very weird about awards. Giving an artist an award is like giving a penguin a swimsuit. My award is the fact that I get to entertain people. So I try not to think about awards even when they are flattering. That’s nice to hear, though. Thanks for telling me.

carol: Can you give us any information about the scene that Reid and Prentiss share in "true genius" that is said to be really good and left everyone in the room in tears?? Pleaseeeee???

MGG: yikes!!!!!! Is that good or bad? I think they are talking about a scene in a café.

carolbarrel: Do you have any other projects going on this year?

MGG: Yes I do. Woohooooo. CHIPMUNKS 3 tomorrow. And another movie I have a tiny part in just got into Sundance. Woohoooo. And I have a few music videos coming out soon that I made with this super talented French singer named Soko. And I am creating a bunch of wearable art.

BrielleJMBaker: OK, enough with the sounds people... There is always ONE who starts it....

MGG: Sorry, that was me. This video posting is going sloooowwwwwwww.

LoMann: How awesome was it working with Wes Anderson?

MGG: Very awesome. Such a pleasure. I’ve been lucky to always work with the most talented and lovely people in the world. He’s great.

ShematthewShipper: MGG, how’s the Gublerland store going?

MGG: Super great. I actually came up with a new way to keep it from always selling out. Because I know that can be annoying. I’m so excited. More to come very soon on that.

CriminalMusings: Do you wear non-matching anything else besides socks? Gloves perhaps (you know when it dips below 50….)?

MGG: Great question. Only socks. But I like that glove idea.

owlinapinkberet: If you could work with any artist who has passed away who would it be? Would you want them to come back to life or work with their ghost?



MGG: if Reid ended up turning into an unsub, what would his MO be??

MGG: Oh good question. His MO would be killing people who try to shake his hand. Reid hates shaking hands.

at705: What goobie would each of the cast members win?

MGG: oooohhhhhhhh. Joe would win best guy ever. Thomas would win face most like Mt. Rushmore. Kirsten would win ears most like Christmas tree. Paget would win cast member most like vampire. AJ would win secretly funniest. And Shemar would win……most likely to find a reason at any point to take his shirt off. I totally crashed Janine’s party. I’m gonna give her the computer back soon.

ChocolateDivine: Gube, if there could be a wishlist for the 200th episode, what would you like to see happen?



sarah1282: What's your favorite part about working on Criminal Minds?

MGG: EVERYTHING. Every moment. Everyone of my best friends that I get to work with. All 256 of them. Gube out!!!!!!! Thanks so much guys. You are the best. Here is Janine!

JSB: Thanks for chatting. Gubler, we love you! So the chat ends and Gubler says, “How’s your episode looking? Has it aired yet?” I said “That’s why we’re here!!” Love you guys!!

CM_SetReport Chat w/Janine Sherman Barrois & Guests

Click on the above box labeled "chat now" to join the CM_SetReport Chat Room.

As with previous chats, you must have java (http://java.com/en/) installed and up to date in order to participate. Once the window opens, you will be asked for a login name (your choice) and then a password. Tonight's password is:

triathlon

The chat room will open @ 5:30PM Pacific Time.

CM_SetReport Chat with Exec. Prod Janine Sherman Barrois and Guests

Hey Folks,

So tonight we will be chatting with Executive Producer and writer of EP710 "The Bittersweet Science," Janine Sherman Barrois.  We will also have some random guests pop in and say hello!   Per usual the chat room will open @ 5:30PM Pacific Time. Look forward to seeing you there!