Douglas_QandA2b

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** On *Nikita*, during the fliming of *Obsessed*, I heard that one scene in particular was very intense during filming. It was when Fanning caught Lisa wandering the house, and he proceeded to physically abuse her. On screen, the audience was privy only to the sound of the attack as they viewed Michael and Birkoff's reaction while they listened in via a com link. I was curious about the direction of the scene, how it was decided how much of the attack would be shown, or not shown, and was the attack sequence actually filmed to use the sound/dialog for later as the voice over of the actual viewed scene? I read a quote from T.J. Scott who said that the scene was very realistic and intense and they had to break afterwards to give everyone some time. I know that you have worked quite a bit with T.J., and wondered how he motivated you during this sequence, and how it affected you. ~ Jayne :) ~

I remember I grabbed Yvonne by the wrists and shook her. We may have filmed a fake slap too. There was a bunch of yelling done on the set and we may have recorded some wild sound on the day on the set but not too much. I did not record any of that stuff in looping after the fact. I think it was all taken on the day. I was probably the most relaxed person because I knew I had no real negative emotion towards Yvonne and did not spend much time in that head space before or after the fact of the recording to film, I knew it was pretend. But I guess to other people it looked real. TJ as always was simply very supportive, and being an actor himself, (oh yes...check out My American Cousin...a good film) knew that only a few words were necessary to place the two of us in the moment that the scene begins...usually a few ins and outs and the why(s) and what(s) of the character in that situation and can react in the moment. The scene did not really affect me much because I knew it was a portrayal of behavior rather than real but I have reflected on it since with much thought. It is about violent resolution, power and control, based out of insecurity and fear...like so many problems in this world. But we are figuring it out...aren't we.

** Doug, I've heard you paint, is it true? And, if so, what sort of things do you paint, and in what style? ~ annonamous ~

It is true that I paint. I get inspired every so often to get in front of a canvas and go. I generally go buy paint, the colors that appeal to me and then when the time hits...I just go...I paint until the thing looks right. I don't know what I'd call it. I don't really know ahead of time what will be the outcome. I just go until the thing looks right to me. Sometimes that means starting over...a couple of my paintings have more than one other painting underneath...like layers of discarded creations...but they are still there...just covered up. Like memories perhaps...anyway that's it. They're big, acrylic, and sometimes they are altered or exaggerated images of reality. Nautre-based often.

** Doug, who is your favorite artist and/or painting? ~ Rochelle ~

Well Rochelle, I don't think I have a favorite artist or painting. I have seen so many works that move me by so many artists, both amateur, professional, dead and alive that I guess I am just amazed by the talent and inspiration of the whole creative endeavor and result.

** Hi Doug! Do you ever regret not having completed your PhD?? What inspires you creatively when you are writing a screenplay or producing something? ~ me ~

I think the only time I have really even slightly thought about the PhD thing is when I thought it would be cool to put PhD beside a credit or on a book or a business card. You know the funny ego thing... "Hi, I'm doctor Doug..." It would have been fun to hang out at Berkely for a couple years too I am sure. But no...no regrets...I am learning every day and my teachers are everywhere. What inspires me I would have to say is God...the creative force...which is everything to me...everywhere and everyone. I am surrounded by inspiration both inside and out 24/7. That doesn't mean I am always aware and conscious of it. But when I am keeping myself healthy...stuff just comes to me...like a gift. Then I write it down. When I am not keeping myself healthy, inspiration is not received as well I find.

** Would you describe your physical workout routine, and your diet (if you adhear to anything specific)? You hae bulked down over the last few years and I was curious as to what changes you made and if there was any specific reason you chose to change your appearence. Also, what inspired you to achieve the larger shape to start with? ~ Jayne ~

Man that has a lot of psychological ramifications Jayne...the inspiration part of the question that is...Well to begin, success in sport was a factor to the size thing...power for running, jumping, throwing, hitting...and I think it also had to do with what I felt was an aesthetically pleasing way to look. My taste in that regard is influenced by so many things I suppose but that is what I chose then and choose slightly differently now. It is wonderful that we can alter the way we are. As for my workout routine...I like to do sports like hockey, golf, surfing, rollerblading and I do them fairly rigorously I suppose. I also go to the gym and lift some weights and I run and swim as well sometimes. I eat as much natural food as I can when I am getting in really top shape. Fruits, vegatbles, salads...as raw as possible, organic when available, soy based fake meat products, soy milk, some grains, nuts, free range eggs and at the moment some fish on occasion but not much.

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