News - May 2000

Angel star David Boreanaz has inked his first feature film deal, signing on to star in the Warner Bros. thriller Valentine. Directed by Jamie Blanks (Urban Legend), the film is based on a 1996 novel by Tom Savage about a college nerd victimized by a nasty practical joked played on him by four women. Ten years later, though charismatic and successful, the ex-nerd seeks revenge on his past tormentors.

The film is being produced by Dylan Sellers from a screenplay by Donna and Wayne Powers, reweritten by Aaron Harberts and Gretchen Berg. Valentine begins shooting in Vancouver in mid-July, with release targeted for Valentine's Day 2001.

Angel is thinking about shaking off his vampire moodiness for a trip to the big screen.

David Boreanaz, who plays stars in "Angel," the hit "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" spin-off, has watched his former co-stars go on to film roles. Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy) starred in "Cruel Intentions". Alyson Hannigan (Willow) got lots of laughs in last summer's "American Pie", while Seth Green (Oz) who has now left the vampire-infested show, appeared in the "Austin Powers" movies.

Now David is considering expanding his acting credits, Empire Online reports.

"Well, it's definitely a window of opportunity to be filled," he said. "Of course, timing has a lot to do with it ... It can be a scheduling nightmare a lot of times, so the roles are there, it's just a matter of when it happens, it happens.

"There are great opportunities that exist while you're shooting to easily say 'Well, I'd love to do this', you'd love to do a film - but you can't, because you're obligated to a show, which is my first obligation, and I love that," he told Empire. "But films definitely will come my way, it's just a matter of waiting in line."

TV Guide Online: Tonight we are chatting with David Boreanaz from the popular WB series Angel. Hi David!

Boreanaz: Hi! Sorry I missed everyone last night. My apologies. But, I'm glad to be here today, and I hope everyone is having a good day so far.

Question: I've noticed that Angel is smiling more frequently in episodes (and what a great smile it is) Are they moving the show and/or the character toward a lighter mood?

Boreanaz: I think from the beginning from the show, my intention was to lighten the character up a bit. I think with the second season, he will be lighter on his face, and not so much of a shallow brooding character. Because he knows the direction he's going after tonight's season finale, it will enable him to be lighter going forward.

Question: Mr. Boreanaz, are they considering bringing back the character of Doyle on Angel?

Boreanaz: As of now, Doyle character is not on hold, but he's gone for now. The producers felt that his character didn't fit the direction that the show was going in. Which was a shame because not only was he a talented actor, but a close friend of mine. But, Glenn is doing considerably well, and there will be other characters who will be taking on a similar role to Doyle's.

Question: Was Angel a character that Joss Whedon had in mind for big things from day one, or was it something that developed over time?

Boreanaz: It developed over time. There were no developments to spin him off into his own show, until the response from all of you. It definitely developed over time.

Question: David, what was your favorite episode of Angel this season? Were there any episodes you had high hopes for, but didn't turn out as well as you expected?

Boreanaz: That's tough. Every episode was really good. The only one I didn't like was episode two. I liked the Spartacus episode. I also liked the one where I got to be human for a day. That was a blast. And the pilot, the one that Joss directed. And the season finale, that was fun as well.

Question: David, How does it feel knowing that you are so popular that your character has been made into a toy action figure?

Boreanaz: I just enjoy the work. That's all. :)

Question: How did you celebrate your birthday?

Boreanaz: I was in NYC with my friends and family. I went out to dinner and to a party in the city that was thrown for me. I had a great time. :)

Question: Hi David, I was wondering what you do when you're on hiatus (other than theatre projects)? :)

Boreanaz: Just sleeping. Possibility of doing some work on another project. Because of scheduling, it's hard to fit things in during hiatus. But, first and foremost... SLEEP! :)

Question: How is Bertha Blue?

Boreanaz: She's good. She's right here. She's running around like crazy... one ear up, one ear down and enjoying the joys of spring.

Question: David, other than Angel, what character would you like to portray someday, and why?

Boreanaz: Anything that is plot motivated motivates the character to great things. I like romantic roles, anything with grace and style. Any actor goes for the physically demanding part, like going from playing someone who's disabled, those are the ones that can give you a great deal to work with. I don't really say that I want to play X, Y, and Z in the future.

Question: David, are you planning to write or direct any episodes next season?

Boreanaz: Probably sometime down the line, I'd like to direct an episode. But, for now, I'm just acting.

Question: Who has been your biggest influence towards your acting career?

Boreanaz: Ooooh, I'd have to say my father. Both of my parents have been very supportive, but my father has really helped me to understand scripts and what they mean. And just my love for live and getting out and meeting people. Getting a grip on the human psyche and understanding where they stand.

Question: When does First Light come out? And what is it about?

Boreanaz: First Light is still in the working, planning stages. I don't see it getting made until next year. It's really dependent on getting the right people involved. The script is done. But, we want to get some response from people out there before making it.

Question: How long does it take to put on the vampire make-up?

Boreanaz: Takes an hour to put it on. It's a small prosthetic piece that goes from the forehead down to the nose. Then the make-up artist mixes it in.

Question: How many of your own stunts do you do?

Boreanaz: I do as much as I possibly can. Producers hate me for that. I feel I have a responsibility to the characters to do as much as I can, and I like the physicality of the roles. But, my stunt double, Mike Messa, does a great job and he takes care of me. I probably do about 50% of them.

Question: Any chance of Faith becoming a regular/recurring character? Also, the flashbacks with you and Darla are great - it really gives us a better sense of what Angel has overcome.

Boreanaz: After the season finale, you really get an idea of where the character is going, hopefully for the next three seasons or so. Faith is a great character, she will be back, but I don't know if it will be as a regular or recurring character. And I like the flashbacks too. And there's going to be a big surprise in tonight's episode.

Question: Is there an address to write to you and receive an autographed picture?

Boreanaz: At celebrityboulevard.com will be how you get to my official website, and it will be launched May 31st.

Question: Where would you like to see the character of Angel go?

Boreanaz: Well, I'm pretty secure with how the writers are approaching this character. And I have no doubts about their take on the character and where he's going. So, I'm pretty secure with how it's going right now.

Question: Congratulations on the success of Angel, I think it's a very deep show and I never miss it. How has the show's success affected your social/private life and has your success changed your perspective on life?

Boreanaz: No, I'm fortunate to have great family and friends who keep me grounded. The success of Angel has been due to you, and your support of it. Your personal life is somewhat invaded, but you have to keep in mind that's part of the business. You just have to remain truthful to yourself. You have to realize that it's a fleeting moment in your career. Things go up, things go down. I'm just glad to be working right now. :)

Question: What would you be doing if your were not acting?

Boreanaz: Maybe be in architecture. I love buildings, and being outside. I like sports, too. Or maybe something with animals.

Question: Any tips for people looking to be actors or actresses?

Boreanaz: Well, first of all, I would suggest highly to do as much theater as you can. That's the best way to find out about yourself, and if this is the right profession for you. And be patient. It doesn't all happen overnight.

Question: What are your beliefs about the "supernatural"?

Boreanaz: Really none whatsoever. I believe in the myths and legends, and keeping them alive. Particularly the legends. I don't take all of that to seriously. I just look at the stories and what they're worth.

TV Guide Online: Thank you David! We had a great time! And please come back and talk with us soon!

Boreanaz: Thanks for tuning in for the chat. I enjoyed speaking with you. Unfortunately, I have to go to another event. But, thanks for coming and for your support of the show. Be sure to tune in for the season for the season finale... it'll be a blast. No pun intended. :) And I'm sure we'll talk again sometime down the line. Keep watching!

With its debut last season as The WB's highest-rated new program, Angel quickly became more than just a spin-off, but a hit series in its own right. Tormented by his dark past and driven towards an uncertain future, Angel (David Boreanaz) continues to seek eternal salvation by fighting evil and saving souls in the shadows of Los Angeles. Though Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and Wesley (Alexis Denisof) are by his side, only Angel can truly understand the malevolent power of the darkness they oppose.

Though ANGEL has had other growing pains as well during the season, Whedon feels that the show is finally finding its voice and the initial thought of having Angel become more involved with the lives of people has not proved creatively satisfying. Instead, exploring the dynamics and interesting history already established with the shows three leads has been more creatively beneficial. This of course includes Angel (David Boreanaz), his girl Friday and channeler to the Powers that Be Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and Doyle replacement Wesley Wyndom-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) who is a rogue demon hunter (and former BUFFY guest star) aiding in Angel's paranormal investigations in Los Angeles.

"The action and horror was taking care of itself and we get bored if we don't do comedy so we have tried to lighten things up too," says Whedon who also says the show hasn't evolved quite enough to do experiments like this season's "Hush" episode of BUFFY where 80 percent of the show was done without words. "There will be no gimmicky episodes – ANGEL isn't at the point where it can enter its baroque period whereas BUFFY is well established and we can experiment with that."

Bringing Denisof on board as Wesley has also brought some fresh blood into the show – and some history at least between Cordelia and Wesley to keep the show lively (they had a fling last season on BUFFY).

"We're finally figuring out his character," he says. "Alexis is so funny and so much fun to write but now we want to find out a little more about what makes him tick so he's simply not an effete British bumbler."

One aspect of ANGEL that he has been enjoying is that the show is far more adult in nature, which provides room for more shocks which BUFFY sometimes shies away from by virtue of its episodic nature.

"BUFFY has a warm center and she has all these friends and it is hard to drum up somebody that would actually die in a situation where you actually care that something might happen to them," says Whedon. "ANGEL has a lot more of that and it's fun putting it together. I've watched some of the sequences I didn't watch being shot and things have actually startled me. With BUFFY, except for "Hush," they're talking most of the time so you don't have the time to be able to stretch moments out as much and make them truly scary."

Defining what a "demon" is on the shows has also been a source of discussion this season since the "demon" aspect of both shows have become more predominant than the "vampiric" element.

"We started on BUFFY with a couple of characters who were more weasely than evil and some demons who had nobility," says Whedon. "Then there are vampires like Spike who you fall in love with even though he's a bad guy. On ANGEL we knew we wanted to broaden that definition. Sometimes we may have gone a little far with that even though it was my idea to have the happy-go-lucky nice demons. Maybe that's a little too easy. We're still feeling our way. Definitely the mission statement is to broaden the definition. Part of the lesson is 'evil' isn't simple and being 'good' isn't simple."

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