May 24, 1999
 
 

ABCHost: Welcome to the Billy Zane chat!

Thank you for joining us!ABC hopes you enjoyed Part I of "Cleopatra."

Don't forget to tune in tonight for Part II, at 9pm ET/8pm CT.

In the meantime, while Billy is getting online to be with us let's chat a bit about the making of "Cleopatra" It was filmed in Morocco, and it cost over $2.5 million dollars.The set, when completed in Morocco, was 1/4 mile in length.It took one ton of copper to make 1,500 pieces of  jewelry that are all shown in the movie. In addition, there were two thousand costumes, with a total amount of silk that extended, if unrolled, two miles! The movie included one thousand extras, and 600 horses, making this one of the biggest ABC productions.The first installment, broadcast May 23, began with the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, desperately trying to hold on to her
throne.She wants to keep her country independent from Roman rule.While fighting the Romans, her 12-yr-old brother, King Ptolemy and her sister Arsinoe, are trying to overthrow Cleopatra. Cleopatra decides to seek out the most powerful man in the world, Julius Caesar, to help her hold her throne.Cleopatra succeeds in seducing him to win back her throne.Their passion turns into a great love affair that produces a son.When Caesar refuses to divorce his wife and marry Cleopatra, she is shattered.Soon after, Caesar is assassinated by the Roman Senate, and Cleopatra finds herself alone again, in Rome. In the second installment tonight Cleopatra isn't alone for long.  She seeks solace with Caesar's loyal general, played by Billy Zane. Marc Antony hunts for Casesar's killers: but tragedy strikes, and Cleopatra must decide between life and death.
 

ABCHost: ....and here he is!

BillyZane: Thanks, everyone....sorry to keep you waiting!

guest-Jacqueline says: What movie of yours has been the most fun to work on?
BillyZane: I would have to say "The Phantom," because it was a childhood dream to play that character.

barkindog says: What was it like working on location in Morocco?
BillyZane: It was exquisite. Remarkable, mystical, magical, highly recommend it. Beautiful place, dangerous roads.

guest-sara says: Did you really learn to sword fight?
BillyZane: Yes. My first training was for "The Phantom." from John Anderson , who taught Errol FlynnThen we learned for this picture Roman style, which is more like boxing almost.

xiannie says: What was it like working with Leonore? And did you know of her before hand?
BillyZane: I didn't know her prior to meeting her, but after that point, certainly, all was cleared.It was magical; a relationship builds on trust, and love blossoms. But I also have so much respect for her as an actress, also,

barndoor says: How do you feel about being compared to Richard Burton, who played Marc Antony in the film version of Cleopatra?
BillyZane: LOL Why not?You look to the past to see what to avoid, but he was fabulous in the role.A source of inspiration. He was one of our greatest actors.

guest-fan96738 says: So what's up with the rumor that you are in line to be the next James Bond?
BillyZane: Not enough! Keep it going! Spread it! LOL I would LOVE to do 007! I have been in training for that since I was 9!

guest-frogspinner says: What was it like wearing those costumes?
BillyZane: For me, very comfortable! I highly recommend a tunic! Lots of ventilation in the nether regions!

guest-amidalapadme says: At what age did you know you wanted to be an actor?
BillyZane: I grew up in a theatrical family, and I wanted actually to be a filmmaker. Everyone else was an actor. It seemed a logical way to learn about film.  It was in my DNA.

guest-Sundance says: Billy, how close does the character you play (Marc Antony) resemble you in real life?
BillyZane: Fairly similarly, as I tried to put as much of myself into the role, as I usually do with all my roles. Spiritual immersion, as it were.

guest-Sundance says: How does this epic movie compare with Titanic?
BillyZane: In size, scope, and diverse international cast, - hmmmmm sand versus water?

guest-Barbie says: Do you plan on acting for your enitire career, or do you want to ventuure into other aspects of your chosen field?
BillyZane: I would love to continue to expand and explore other fields, much as a  Renaissance Man.Acting is always an option.But I would like to get more active in production someday.

guest-Jakes_Girl says: Hello Billy, Tanya from St. Louis Missouri. I have seen just about all your movies.Great in all.Whats been yoru favorite role???
BillyZane: I have helped create an online network, the Good News network . at www.gnnow.com It is under construction right now, but please sign on; we're collecting addresses.We will have streaming audio and many other features.Positive news of all types will be there...and good weather!

guest-zang says: what has been the most challenging character you have had to be?
BillyZane: Psychologically, Huey Warrener of "Dead Calm."Physically....it would be "The Phantom."And if a combination, it would Marc Antony, running close second in both categories.

guest-Nefette says: Who was your main influence when you decided to begin your acting career?
BillyZane: Gene Kelly. Cary Grant. Sean Connery. My dad. A combination of all the above. Clark Gable, too.

guest-Stephanie says: Billy, I love watching you play the bad guy in movies, you're so good at it, do you actually prefer playing the bad guy in movies?
BillyZane: Thank you, Stephanie!I must say, the bad guy may not get the girl, but he gets all the laughs.That's worth something. It is fun to play the heavy. The challenge lies in not necessarily making them sympathetic, but their cause understandable and relative.to them.

guest-monique says: How long have you been acting?
BillyZane: I moved to Hollywood when I was 18.I did my first play when I was 7, though. It was a thriller, "Silent Night, Deadly Night" or something like that -- I forget the actual title (sounds good, though) - it was a holiday mystery.

guest-Rae says: Your voice is very distinct and soothing, have you ever been approached to do a animated movie?
BillyZane: Yes, I have. In "Pocohontas II" I play her new boyfriend. I sing a duet with her in the closing credits.I enjoyed singing. I would personally love to do more music.

guest-Jeannie says: What are some things that you like to do in your spare time?
BillyZane: Pick up garbage! LOL Taking nature walks, and cleaning up some while I do it; also, riding my bicycle (where I am not allowed and getting away with it).

guest-Rosy says: HEY BILLY!!!!!! What is it that you look for in scripts to inspire you to play roles in movies like Titanic and Cleopatra?
BillyZane: Hey Rosy!!!!!!Pathos, conflict, interesting psychology.

guest-cookie says: Are there any "veteran" actors or actresses that you would really like to work with?
BillyZane: Hume Cronyn, Donald O'Connor (a musical maybe?), Cyd Charisse.  I would like to work with Steve Martin.

guest-Jacqueline says: What is your favorite movie and why?
BillyZane: That's a tough one...hmmmmmmmmm  It's like picking a favorite child.....How about this...my most current favorite movie is the film with Walter Huston called "Dodsworth", based on a book by Sinclair Lewis, directed by William Wyler. I just saw it on DVD; I highly recommend it.A very modern portrayal of age, frivolity and forgiveness.And Walter Huston is cool

guest-EmeraldLily71461 says: Billy, what's the funniest thing that has happened on a movie set?
BillyZane: I think my pants falling down. - No, I just had my fly open, and my long shirttail was sticking out. And I felt a draft!

guest-zaneygirl says: On a recent interview you said that you went sight seeing, what was your favorite site or place that you visited?
BillyZane: In Morocco, I spent the night in the Sahara, we trekked out with a guide, and spent a night in a Bedouin tent. I brought a DAT recorder, and recorded the silence for about 30 minutes. It was pretty terrific; I highly recommend it.

guest-billyzfan says: What is your most memorable fan encounter?
BillyZane: It was a few Zane-iacs in Toronto at a film festival Devotion and interest that was devoid of fanaticism. Genuine love instead. It was easily reciprocated

BillyZane: My questions back to you: How can I improve my job for you? What is it you would like to see, like to experience, like to feel?

guest-AmethystGem says: Did you do your own stunts in 'Cleopatra'? Also, what's the most dangerous stunt you did, Billy?
BillyZane: Yes, I did. The most dangerous was probably hanging off a bridge in "The Phantom"and scrambling for higher ground in "Titanic."

guest-DeLiAsGrL says: Can you give me any hints on what will happen in part 2 tonight?
BillyZane: A lot of love, a lot of blood, a lot of tears, a lot of light.

BillyZane: I'd like to thank you all! You were so patient to wait for me.
Beyond a sound bite, tag line, catch phrase, I believe, as I hope you do, that love can endure.
I look forward to your involvement on the Good News Network. (www.gnnnow.com)
Peace!