Peter's Live Interview on Ninemsn
ninemsn presents a transcript of a live interview with actor Peter Phelps
Host Brian_9msn says: Welcome to our live chat event with Peter Phelps, star of the hit TV series Stingers, brought to you by ninemsn. Peter, how much research as a detective did you have to do for the character you play in Stingers and what did it involve?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Hello everyone, I'm here.
Host Brian_9msn says: Hello Peter and welcome to ninemsn.
Host Peter_Phelps says: It didn't involve as much as I would research as a police officer, because undercover work requires you to be totally anonymous as a recognisable actor. You can't do what those guys do, so we worked very closely in pre-production with an ex-undercover officer who brought the show to Channel Nine. He was our wealth of knowledge and continues to be our creative consultant.
debbie_-_mary says: Peter, I really enjoy watching the show; do you enjoy it?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Very much; it's a great challenge to pump out the stories once a week. It's almost like doing a feature film once a week, with the amount of work involved. It's a great challenge for an actor.
Klocky says: Peter, have you seen the "only" Stingers website on the Net?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I've heard about it on the Net. It's unauthorised, but still quite funny. We are getting our own.
jymakki says: Peter, out of all the parts you have played, which one would have to be your favourite and most challenging?
Host Peter_Phelps says: This one is most challenging for being able to get up every day and do it for an undetermined amount of time. But there's been some great Australian stories I've been involved in, such as Blue Murder, The Light Horseman, and a couple of New Zealand films and a few others that you'll learn about on the Stingers website.
^The Collector^ says: Mum and I have just been watching the episode aired tonight, and mum asks if you have taken the advice of your character's boss and had a haircut?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Didn't you see the trailers for next week? It shows me with a bit of a short haircut! But next week I do take my boss' advice.
SoulEnlightment says: Peter, was it hard doing all those love scenes?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Did it look hard?
Inky_9msn says: Peter, how did you get into acting?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Inky, the non-traditional route, by starting in soaps and using that as a film acting tool and listening to the people doing it for a long time. I pretty much used that as my acting school.
Treevzy says: Peter, you were in Point Break right? Is Keanu Reeves really as dopey as he seems?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Ha ha ha ha. Well, yes, I was hired as surfing consultant in the final passages of the film; the part I was involved in was the third ending they were shooting, as the others weren't used, and the actor who had two lines as an Australian surfer, really couldn't get the accent, so the director said "Peter, would you play these last two lines?" And, knowing that they had a rain machine set up and they could use scarves to show it wasn't me, I thought it would help. But everyone I know said, "Hey that was great in Point Break". Keanu seems a lovely guy; didn't spend much time with him, more time with Patrick Swayze. And everyone I worked with at the time was very nice. By the way, it was not Bells Beach!
Host Brian_9msn says: Peter, tell us about the book that you're writing at the moment.
Host Peter_Phelps says: The book is in a similar vein to the first book. It's more or less an everyman's view of the stuff we do every day on film and TV, along with anecdotal stories: it goes through the day-to-day process of making a TV series and a film.
Stinger_Pete says: Hey Peter, I'm a huge fan of Stingers. I loved the Rossi story, it was fantastic. You are a gem of an Aussie actor. Tell me how you compare working on Stingers to working on Baywatch.
Host Peter_Phelps says: Thank you for the compliments! No comparison really. I don't get sweaty or sandy, I work with far better actors, I am loving telling Australian stories every week, done with great Australian talent and I'll keep the beach to private use and not professional.
BOUGE says: Peter, Stingers was good tonight! Did you know the rest of the cast before Stingers?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I knew only Anita Hegh through friends who went to NIDA when she went. The other actors we met when we started. I think from the first rehearsal we had, and the workshops after that, we clicked in a way I've not seen before. When you know you've got a couple of years together working closely, it just makes the ride you have got, which is a big rollercoaster, all that worthwhile. And we're still talking to each other after 10 months.
says: Hey Peter, what drama school did you go to?
Host Peter_Phelps says: The one on the street. Mostly learnt acting by doing it.
Host Brian_9msn says: Pete, are you working on any movies at the moment, and if yes, what?
Host Peter_Phelps says: No time to do any other job if I did an hour of writing in, which is my other sideline, I write for magazines and my own film and TV projects. That's about all I've got time for, but I'm open for offers when people don't watch Stingers.
Bugsy says: I'm studying at the Australian Film and Television Academy (run by John Orcsik and Paula Duncan) and they tell me I shouldn't be going out looking for work yet, but I want to get some experience. What do you say?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I say grab as many opportunities in learning as you can and use your instincts to decide what you can and what seems natural. Whenever you do a piece from a piece of paper, if it doesn't feel right, and the people don't feel right, then you should think about another place to go.
leabea8 says: Peter, what do you like best about Stingers?
Host Peter_Phelps says: At the moment I'm liking many things. I'm liking positive feedback from people I would normally not hear from. The fact that I can change each week, a subtle change of character but still keep the essential policeman of Church, who to me is a bit of a maverick and is not conventional as an actor. It's always a challenge. I love the fact that the audience are onside when it comes to being ahead of a story, along with the regular characters and solving a story or a criminal situation at the end of each show.
Evo says: Pete, I noticed you guys drank Tooheys beer in Stingers. Have you got a deal with them to promote their products, because I'm having a few Melbournes at the minute. What's your favourite beer?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I've noticed a lot of our labels on our beers and I'd be surprised if the Tooheys label has slipped through, because we usually have a generic brand on the beer, which is something that our wonderful art department makes up, and my favourite beer is the one that is usually cold surrounded by friends.
Sweet_4_Pete says: Was Fire a career highlight or lowlight?
Host Peter_Phelps says: It was a midlight!
sh3 says: I'm a huge fan of the show and filmmaking, and was curious as to how much time is spent making the show from beginning to end?
Host Peter_Phelps says: We had three weeks of workshop getting to know the show, characters, the life of undercover cops, and it takes us six days to shoot each episode. We're just completing our 29th episode. What you saw on air tonight was episode 24, and for the end of this season we're shooting to episode 44, which work wise, takes us up to the end of October.
AJ says: How many weeks in advance is it filmed?
Host Peter_Phelps says: What you see tonight was six weeks ago.
BUZZ says: Peter, did Marike write tonight's episode?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Everett dRoche wrote tonight's.
jimbob says: Do you really enjoy sailing as much as the show portrays?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Hey jimbob, I do, but you'll notice many scenes cut short. The skipper of the boat and owner was directly below me in case I got into trouble. I sailed as a kid, but if I am going to disappear with a woman as I did in the show, I'm going to need more lessons.
Ben says: Have you been in any other movies/shows?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Yeah. I've done 15 feature films, about 35 TV shows, 17 plays and worked pretty consistently since leaving high school in '78.
Fee says: Hi Peter, I loved your first book. When's the next one coming out? Will it be fiction? You should write more!
Host Peter_Phelps says: Thank you. It's being written as we speak. It'll be out when I get more days off Stingers. It's embellished non-fiction.
Tig says: Peter, how long are you planning on doing Stingers?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I have no deadlines for my run on Stingers. I am really enjoying it, and I can finally, in my late thirties, think about buying a property in Australia. I'm finding it a joy to go to work with the people I work with. I don't see any reason to leave.
^wat says: Peter, what sort of hours do you do working on Stingers?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Well, this morning I started at 6am, I'll be online for as long as you want me and I start work at 6.30 tomorrow morning, and that's usually a 14-hour day.
Novastorm says: How do the public react when they see you on the streets?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Mostly positively. They're effusive and positive so far. The people on the street and close family and friends are my greatest critics. I'm always polite to people who comment and not polite if they're not.
Clarkey says: What footy team do you go for Pete?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Okay…umm... I'm from Sydney, my rugby league team is Manly. That's like saying you go for Collingwood in Melbourne. I played a lot of junior rugby for Manly and am partial for Sydney in the AFL. Please don't hate me.
Wizza says: Peter, congrats on a great show, is the rumour true you're leaving, or are you going to keep us guessing?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I'm not leaving. Stop guessing.
Fee says: Peter, I'm not sure if you got this question, so. Are you writing a new book? And is it a fiction work? Your first book was a brilliant read. First book I ever read in one sitting!
Host Peter_Phelps says: That's great. Yes I am writing a book, non-fiction. Which means I am taking real-life situations, telling a lot of anecdotes on making TV shows, and creating a very accessible scenario that will hopefully make you sit for another reading, thank you.
DIGGER says: Will Stingers ever get to be televised in the US?
Host Peter_Phelps says: It is so difficult for an Australian network series to be broadcast in America, because of the amazingly huge amount of shows produced for America. The reason being, the bulk of the American market is based in the mid-west and huge rural areas, and our stories based on our culture don't translate.
Goofy says: Do you have any influence in the stories that are written for the show?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Yes I do, but it's mostly from our creative consultant, his own stories. I'm currently writing an episode myself, but mostly we have individual inputs regarding our character.
Kelt says: Where's the series heading in the future, can you give us any tips?
Host Peter_Phelps says: We're getting more involved with the interpersonal relationships within the undercover unit. We are accepting a lot of feedback from the public with market research and the buzz on the street, and accordingly we're following a line of what has succeeded so far and what we think will make the show kick in for a long haul.
Dean says: Peter, which overseas country do you prefer as a holiday destination, or where do you want to go?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I travel a lot. I'd like to try a lot of areas that have come out of adversity, like many emerging African nations, Turkey, Morocco, the coast of Spain, places like that, that I haven't explored before.
nat says: If you hadn't become an actor, what do you think you would have done?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Something either with children or sport. I was a swimming coach right through school and I did a year of primary school teacher's college.
Kelt says: What sort of music are you into Peter?
Host Peter_Phelps says: It's very eclectic. Everything from the latest Regurgitator to Brahms' symphonies, and all in between.
Kazza says: I think you would be a great drinking partner. You seem a fairly laid-back kind of guy with a great view of life if not a little warped. What other adventures would you like to have if you had the time?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Depending on the mood. Try to dispel the myth that I'm warped.
ClaytonM says: Any particular reasons why the producers/directors have chosen the Carlton/Parkville area for many location scenes?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Probably because the people that find the locations close to where they live.
SIMON says: Do you ever get bored of doing the same thing?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I never do the same thing.
macca says: Do they shoot on 16mm, and how many are in the crew on average?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Super 16 and every day averages 80 people on set.
fomoca says: Peter, how do you compare Stingers to Water Rats?
Host Peter_Phelps says: They have a harbour, they have more money, and we're unashamedly Melbourne and we have more of an inner city edge.
Host Brian_9msn says: I am your biggest fan and I was wondering are you and Mac gonna get back together in Stingers and is there any way of me getting a signed picture of you?
Host Peter_Phelps says: You know as much as I do on that one! Absolutely, you can get a picture, just call Channel Nine, Richmond, Vic.
Kazza says: Peter, do you think by winning the film award for GP hindered your ability to get roles for a while? Do those kind of accolades mean much to you or do you act for the love not money?
Host Peter_Phelps says: How many questions am I answering here? First one, I don't think it hindered. I know what you're saying: in this country especially, there are so many actors that win accolades and find it difficult to get the work. To me it was a reverse. I came from spending four years in Hollywood, and the first week back I was so hungry to prove to myself and others that I can actually kick arse. That was the end result and it changed people's perceptions on what I could actually do. It broke a mould for me.
Bundy_Bear says: Do you get nervous before a shoot?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Not so much as I used to and if I do, for a big scene coming up, I just get by myself or the other actors and work through what we have to do for the moments we have to show on screen and use the nervous energy to get through it, because ultimately, you think of the people watching it: they don't want to see someone who's nervous, they want someone to show them a moment.
Ally says: Do you ever want to venture into directing?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I already have, but don't run out to the cinema now. I went to film school for a year in '96, in New York, directed three short films and one semi-feature. I have more work coming up in that regard.
topgun says: Peter, what preparation did you do to play the character that you do on Stingers?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I worked closely with our creative consultant who was an undercover cop for over 20 years, listened to a lot of people who had been in jail. I was presented with some really good writing that happens on the show ,and that helps, because they do a lot of major research themselves.
Ishka says: How fine is the line between acting and normality in your life?
Host Peter_Phelps says: The acting to me is normality, the hype that goes with promoting something is not normality, so to separate that and to display oddest emotions on screen or stage is the essence of what we do.
far_west says: Do you do all your own stunts in Stingers?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Up to a point. I do all the fight scenes and car stunts but we're not allowed to from an insurance point of view or personal point of view. They believe it's not a good idea to take a job from a professional stunt man who are trained to dive from buildings and are paid to be there to help us look better.
THE_MALT says: Pete, what is your favourite comp game?
Host Peter_Phelps says: I don't play any, give me a recommendation.
macca says: Ever had someone have a go at you for being a cop, or someone else from one of your other roles?
Host Peter_Phelps says: Yes. Usually handled very diplomatically, and fortunately, they have a mate around who can explain to them that we are actually acting.
Kazza says: Do you get to adlib much with filming Stingers, or do you have to stick to the script?
Host Peter_Phelps says: We have to stick to a very strict structure, but because we've hired very good and well-trained actors we've been given a lot of leeway. We're able to contribute a lot to our character's dialogue.
Host Brian_9msn says: Please join us in thanking Peter Phelps for taking the time tonight to call in and chat with us. It has certainly been a very informative and entertaining chat.
Host Peter_Phelps says: Thank you very much.
Host Brian_9msn says: Thank you Peter for taking the time and effort out of your busy schedule to spend with us and we give you a big hooray.
Host Peter_Phelps says: Keep watching! Thanks for everyone who logged on. Sorry for those whose questions didn't get answered, but stay tuned for the true Stingers authorised website!