Post by /\/\att on Oct 1, 2005 22:54:33 GMT -5
Legions Of Gotham presents an exclusive interview with Piera Coppola aka Poison Ivy on the hit Kids WB! animated show, The Batman
LoG is also giving fans the chance to finally see what Piera looks like! click below to check her out.
LoG:Firstly Piera, on behalf of The Batman fans everywhere, congratulations on your role as Ivy, and your new place in the Batman universe!
Piera: Thank you! This is a treat for me too.
------------------------------------------------
LoG:Were you a fan of Batman prior to your role as Poison Ivy? If so, what did you enjoy..the films, cartoons or comics?
Piera: I was and am a fan of Batman's since I was a kid. Isn't everyone? lol. I was introduced to the Batman world back when "Superfriends" was on Saturday morning TV. When I grew older, I graduated to the movies (the earliest ones by Tim Burton were my favorites.)
Eventually, I was turned onto Batman graphic novels by friends who insisted that I "learn about the real Batman". Particularly, I am impressed with stories like "The Dark Knight Returns", "The Killing Joke" and more recently, "Hush".
Then Batman: TAS debuted and successfully introduced the Dark Knight to a whole new audience bringing new life to Batman, in my humble opinion. Every now and then I catch a repeat and am still impressed by its quality.
I finally got to see "Batman Begins" over the summer - good film! I wouldn't say I am an expert on all Batman lore and trivia though, so please, don't quiz me
------------------------------------------------
LoG:lol, fair enough. Who is your favorite bat-villain, other than Ivy?
Piera: I have always felt that the ultimate Batman villain is The Joker, hands down. They are just polar opposites! If you saw "The Laughing Bat" episode, you will see what I mean. I am jealous of any actor who gets to play him!
(While Mark Hamill's version is a classic, I just love Kevin Michael Richardson's interpretation of the new Joker.... hope to work with him one day.)
But my personal favorite is Harley Quinn. I don't know why. Even when she first appeared as just another Joker flunky, I knew there was something special about her. She is crazy, true, but there is something almost lovable about Harley. Harley changed the way I viewed Ivy too: Her "Thelma & Louise" like friendship with Ivy is priceless. Harley managed to bring out the big sister side of Ivy and their "girl power" relationship is something I'd like to see more of in general.I hear that fans are now lobbying to get Harley on "The Batman" - hope that happens as I would love to see Harley & Ivy paired up again - they crack me up.
------------------------------------------------
LoG:How did your being cast for Poison Ivy come about?
Piera: This is probably going to be the most boring answer you will read, but it's true.....
My agent (the lovely and fabulous Kylie MacKenzie) called me and asked if I could come in right away for a special audition. I arrived to find that I'd be reading for Batgirl and for Poison Ivy. I didn't have much time to prepare, but luckily for me, I knew these characters from Batman: TAS.I auditioned for Batgirl first - but I just had a feeling that I would make a far better Ivy, than plucky Barbara. (and besides, Danielle Judovits does an awesome job as Batgirl. My voice is more "Ivy-ish", I think. )Luckily for me, the Batman Team agreed, and I got the word that I had been cast as Ivy.
------------------------------------------------
LoG:Can you tell us how many episodes you've recorded for season three?
Piera: So far, I have recorded 3 episodes of The Batman - and that's all you get out of me, spoiler wise. Except to add that I like how Ivy is progressing from episode to episode. Can't wait to see what will happen to her next.
------------------------------------------------
LoG: Which voice talent was your favorite to work with on the show? Did you get a chance to chat with any of the other cast or crew?
Piera: This is a tough question because I only got to meet the cast who were in my episodes. Do I have to pick a favorite though? Don't make me!
Danielle Judovits is great: the quintessential Batgirl and just a cool gal all around. Rino Romano (Batman), and Alastair Duncan (Alfred) are not just talented, but very funny as well! Both of them can ad lib a twist or joke when you least expect it that will just have you rolling. Not quite what I expected upon meeting "the Batman" for the first time, but I am not complaining at all.They were very welcoming to a guest starring villain like me. (and Rino does look a bit like Bruce Wayne...)
And of course, the crew - ok - this is something I really want people to know: everyone on the crew, from the creative team to the technicians, are true Batman fans. You won't meet a more dedicated group of people. Their creativity and enthusiasm is infectious which just inspires the cast to live up to their vision.
I would work a lot with Duane Capizzi and Ginny McSwain in particular. Most actors love when we are given solid direction but Duane and Ginny kick it up a notch - they give background, describe the momentum and will let me give a few different interpretations of dialogue. We will all work together to find just the right tone for the scene. It is their attention to detail that stands out and frankly, they make my job much easier.
------------------------------------------------
LoG: Legions of Gotham recently announced exclusive news that Mattel will be releasing a Poison Ivy action figure in a 6-pack next summer. What are your thoughts of being put into plastic?
Piera: Oh my... lol. Hmmmmm. How do I respond to that? Of course it is exciting. While it is a secret thrill to be turned into a doll, it feels odd to know you are immortalized in plastic and that kids will be playing with you. I think it's great. Good for Mattel! Let's hope they get her hair right.
------------------------------------------------
**********the following are questions submitted by the fans on our forum:**********
Wayneson:You must realize that Poison Ivy is one of the most-loved characters in the Batman universe; I was wondering if you felt any pressure to meet the expectations (real or imagined) of the Batman faithful in your interpretation of the character...and, if so, what do you imagine the Batman fans want Ivy to sound like?
Piera: Hi Wayneson, I wasn't feeling any pressure - until you just asked me that. Kidding! I can't pretend to imagine what the Batman fans would prefer vocally though I do hope they like what they hear. There are pros and cons in taking on any well known character role and Ivy is no exception.But at the end of the day, the main goal is to do the best job I can, while at the same time doing justice to the core of the character. It also helps that the Batman team know what they are looking for in voice talent and allowed me to experiment in reinventing Ivy. Their confidence inspires my performance. When we all get in the studio and the creative juices start flowing, all thoughts of pressure are forgotten.
------------------------------------------------
Ayenlou:When finding the right personality/character for Ivy were you influenced by any of the previous incarnations of Ivy or did you do any research on the character itself to learn more about the character? What can we expect of this new reincarnation of Ivy?
Piera: That's a good question. It is hard not to be a little influenced by
previous incarnations (especially when you have talent like Diana Pershing and Uma Thurman, respectively.) But then this particular take on Ivy had not been done before. This Pam/Ivy is not the adult femme fatale versions from TV and comics. At 19 years old, she suddenly has these amazing powers... but she is still a kid. This was untouched territory - Ivy still doesn't know about all her powers are yet, and that is exciting to portray for the first time.
What can you expect from this new Ivy? Well, I don't even think Ivy knows the answer to that yet. I will tell you what I like about her though - she is smart, self confident, mischievous, very powerful and passionate
about what she loves. Her inexperience coupled with her idea of what a super villain should be make her funny too. I like the scene when you first see that Pam is talking to Temblor but is interrupted by her
mother. Pam tries to cover with her "henchman" line, and does what she hopes is her best "super villain laugh". A bit of humor is very important, I think.
------------------------------------------------
SRA:How did they record you for the episode - were all the actors in one room or did you do it as a solo?
Piera: Hi SRA, Behind the scenes questions are always fun, as it gives you an idea of the whole creative process.
Honestly, a lot of that will depend on the script itself, on scheduling for the day, etc. Sometimes it was just me alone with the microphone but usually the main
cast record together. For this episode, Danielle Judovits (Batgirl) and I worked together a lot as our characters were best friends. Helps to have that connection in the studio.
Here is some fun behind the scenes trivia:
When we had group recording sessions, Rino Romano (Batman), Alastair Duncan (Alfred), Danielle and I would be cracking jokes, teasing each other and generally just having a great time between takes. We may have been "rowdy" at times... but it's all in good fun.
Mitch Pileggi and I kept bumping into each other and that was a treat for me - he is just so darn nice
but every time I see him, I think "That's Agent Skinner from The X-Files" . I love that he is playing Commissioner Gorden now. Too bad Ivy hates him.... lol
------------------------------------------------
darkblade:hey Piera!! How was it working with Blizzard Entertainment?
Piera:Hi Darkblade. Wow, you must be a WarCraft fan! The folks at Blizzard are a blast. They are really down to earth and committed to making the best games ever. A recording session at Blizzard feels like playtime, as there are toys and games are everywhere! remember when you were
little kids at recess and you'd play games like "superheros", where everyone acts out a part? Working with the Blizzard team is like that - we just have a great time. Besides, I got to play Sylvanus Windrunner, a noble warrior elf who tragically gets turned into a Banshee Queen..... and how many people can say that?
***************************
and, as we close this exclusive interview with Piera, we asked if she had any words for the fans of 'The Batman'
Piera: Yes. Let's start with a simple thank you - because as we all know, it is the fans that keep shows like this on the air. Joining the Batman universe is a bit daunting - but you all have made it easy for me.
Thanks for watching and for your support!
Piera Coppola
Sept 21, 2005
******************
Piera also had these terribly kind words to say about Legions Of Gotham:
[glow=green,2,300][/glow]"How Matt gets his Batman insider scoops is beyond me. I suspect some kind of devious mind control, or maybe he swiped some high tech Batwave spying devices.... whatever the reason, LoG is the first place to visit for Batman news. Fans come here for Batman exclusives; but they stay because LoG has heart. This is *the* place for Batfans young and old. Thanks, Matt!"
Thanks to Piera and Kids WB! for making this interview happen!
LoG is also giving fans the chance to finally see what Piera looks like! click below to check her out.
LoG:Firstly Piera, on behalf of The Batman fans everywhere, congratulations on your role as Ivy, and your new place in the Batman universe!
Piera: Thank you! This is a treat for me too.
------------------------------------------------
LoG:Were you a fan of Batman prior to your role as Poison Ivy? If so, what did you enjoy..the films, cartoons or comics?
Piera: I was and am a fan of Batman's since I was a kid. Isn't everyone? lol. I was introduced to the Batman world back when "Superfriends" was on Saturday morning TV. When I grew older, I graduated to the movies (the earliest ones by Tim Burton were my favorites.)
Eventually, I was turned onto Batman graphic novels by friends who insisted that I "learn about the real Batman". Particularly, I am impressed with stories like "The Dark Knight Returns", "The Killing Joke" and more recently, "Hush".
Then Batman: TAS debuted and successfully introduced the Dark Knight to a whole new audience bringing new life to Batman, in my humble opinion. Every now and then I catch a repeat and am still impressed by its quality.
I finally got to see "Batman Begins" over the summer - good film! I wouldn't say I am an expert on all Batman lore and trivia though, so please, don't quiz me
------------------------------------------------
LoG:lol, fair enough. Who is your favorite bat-villain, other than Ivy?
Piera: I have always felt that the ultimate Batman villain is The Joker, hands down. They are just polar opposites! If you saw "The Laughing Bat" episode, you will see what I mean. I am jealous of any actor who gets to play him!
(While Mark Hamill's version is a classic, I just love Kevin Michael Richardson's interpretation of the new Joker.... hope to work with him one day.)
But my personal favorite is Harley Quinn. I don't know why. Even when she first appeared as just another Joker flunky, I knew there was something special about her. She is crazy, true, but there is something almost lovable about Harley. Harley changed the way I viewed Ivy too: Her "Thelma & Louise" like friendship with Ivy is priceless. Harley managed to bring out the big sister side of Ivy and their "girl power" relationship is something I'd like to see more of in general.I hear that fans are now lobbying to get Harley on "The Batman" - hope that happens as I would love to see Harley & Ivy paired up again - they crack me up.
------------------------------------------------
LoG:How did your being cast for Poison Ivy come about?
Piera: This is probably going to be the most boring answer you will read, but it's true.....
My agent (the lovely and fabulous Kylie MacKenzie) called me and asked if I could come in right away for a special audition. I arrived to find that I'd be reading for Batgirl and for Poison Ivy. I didn't have much time to prepare, but luckily for me, I knew these characters from Batman: TAS.I auditioned for Batgirl first - but I just had a feeling that I would make a far better Ivy, than plucky Barbara. (and besides, Danielle Judovits does an awesome job as Batgirl. My voice is more "Ivy-ish", I think. )Luckily for me, the Batman Team agreed, and I got the word that I had been cast as Ivy.
------------------------------------------------
LoG:Can you tell us how many episodes you've recorded for season three?
Piera: So far, I have recorded 3 episodes of The Batman - and that's all you get out of me, spoiler wise. Except to add that I like how Ivy is progressing from episode to episode. Can't wait to see what will happen to her next.
------------------------------------------------
LoG: Which voice talent was your favorite to work with on the show? Did you get a chance to chat with any of the other cast or crew?
Piera: This is a tough question because I only got to meet the cast who were in my episodes. Do I have to pick a favorite though? Don't make me!
Danielle Judovits is great: the quintessential Batgirl and just a cool gal all around. Rino Romano (Batman), and Alastair Duncan (Alfred) are not just talented, but very funny as well! Both of them can ad lib a twist or joke when you least expect it that will just have you rolling. Not quite what I expected upon meeting "the Batman" for the first time, but I am not complaining at all.They were very welcoming to a guest starring villain like me. (and Rino does look a bit like Bruce Wayne...)
And of course, the crew - ok - this is something I really want people to know: everyone on the crew, from the creative team to the technicians, are true Batman fans. You won't meet a more dedicated group of people. Their creativity and enthusiasm is infectious which just inspires the cast to live up to their vision.
I would work a lot with Duane Capizzi and Ginny McSwain in particular. Most actors love when we are given solid direction but Duane and Ginny kick it up a notch - they give background, describe the momentum and will let me give a few different interpretations of dialogue. We will all work together to find just the right tone for the scene. It is their attention to detail that stands out and frankly, they make my job much easier.
------------------------------------------------
LoG: Legions of Gotham recently announced exclusive news that Mattel will be releasing a Poison Ivy action figure in a 6-pack next summer. What are your thoughts of being put into plastic?
Piera: Oh my... lol. Hmmmmm. How do I respond to that? Of course it is exciting. While it is a secret thrill to be turned into a doll, it feels odd to know you are immortalized in plastic and that kids will be playing with you. I think it's great. Good for Mattel! Let's hope they get her hair right.
------------------------------------------------
**********the following are questions submitted by the fans on our forum:**********
Wayneson:You must realize that Poison Ivy is one of the most-loved characters in the Batman universe; I was wondering if you felt any pressure to meet the expectations (real or imagined) of the Batman faithful in your interpretation of the character...and, if so, what do you imagine the Batman fans want Ivy to sound like?
Piera: Hi Wayneson, I wasn't feeling any pressure - until you just asked me that. Kidding! I can't pretend to imagine what the Batman fans would prefer vocally though I do hope they like what they hear. There are pros and cons in taking on any well known character role and Ivy is no exception.But at the end of the day, the main goal is to do the best job I can, while at the same time doing justice to the core of the character. It also helps that the Batman team know what they are looking for in voice talent and allowed me to experiment in reinventing Ivy. Their confidence inspires my performance. When we all get in the studio and the creative juices start flowing, all thoughts of pressure are forgotten.
------------------------------------------------
Ayenlou:When finding the right personality/character for Ivy were you influenced by any of the previous incarnations of Ivy or did you do any research on the character itself to learn more about the character? What can we expect of this new reincarnation of Ivy?
Piera: That's a good question. It is hard not to be a little influenced by
previous incarnations (especially when you have talent like Diana Pershing and Uma Thurman, respectively.) But then this particular take on Ivy had not been done before. This Pam/Ivy is not the adult femme fatale versions from TV and comics. At 19 years old, she suddenly has these amazing powers... but she is still a kid. This was untouched territory - Ivy still doesn't know about all her powers are yet, and that is exciting to portray for the first time.
What can you expect from this new Ivy? Well, I don't even think Ivy knows the answer to that yet. I will tell you what I like about her though - she is smart, self confident, mischievous, very powerful and passionate
about what she loves. Her inexperience coupled with her idea of what a super villain should be make her funny too. I like the scene when you first see that Pam is talking to Temblor but is interrupted by her
mother. Pam tries to cover with her "henchman" line, and does what she hopes is her best "super villain laugh". A bit of humor is very important, I think.
------------------------------------------------
SRA:How did they record you for the episode - were all the actors in one room or did you do it as a solo?
Piera: Hi SRA, Behind the scenes questions are always fun, as it gives you an idea of the whole creative process.
Honestly, a lot of that will depend on the script itself, on scheduling for the day, etc. Sometimes it was just me alone with the microphone but usually the main
cast record together. For this episode, Danielle Judovits (Batgirl) and I worked together a lot as our characters were best friends. Helps to have that connection in the studio.
Here is some fun behind the scenes trivia:
When we had group recording sessions, Rino Romano (Batman), Alastair Duncan (Alfred), Danielle and I would be cracking jokes, teasing each other and generally just having a great time between takes. We may have been "rowdy" at times... but it's all in good fun.
Mitch Pileggi and I kept bumping into each other and that was a treat for me - he is just so darn nice
but every time I see him, I think "That's Agent Skinner from The X-Files" . I love that he is playing Commissioner Gorden now. Too bad Ivy hates him.... lol
------------------------------------------------
darkblade:hey Piera!! How was it working with Blizzard Entertainment?
Piera:Hi Darkblade. Wow, you must be a WarCraft fan! The folks at Blizzard are a blast. They are really down to earth and committed to making the best games ever. A recording session at Blizzard feels like playtime, as there are toys and games are everywhere! remember when you were
little kids at recess and you'd play games like "superheros", where everyone acts out a part? Working with the Blizzard team is like that - we just have a great time. Besides, I got to play Sylvanus Windrunner, a noble warrior elf who tragically gets turned into a Banshee Queen..... and how many people can say that?
***************************
and, as we close this exclusive interview with Piera, we asked if she had any words for the fans of 'The Batman'
Piera: Yes. Let's start with a simple thank you - because as we all know, it is the fans that keep shows like this on the air. Joining the Batman universe is a bit daunting - but you all have made it easy for me.
Thanks for watching and for your support!
Piera Coppola
Sept 21, 2005
******************
Piera also had these terribly kind words to say about Legions Of Gotham:
[glow=green,2,300][/glow]"How Matt gets his Batman insider scoops is beyond me. I suspect some kind of devious mind control, or maybe he swiped some high tech Batwave spying devices.... whatever the reason, LoG is the first place to visit for Batman news. Fans come here for Batman exclusives; but they stay because LoG has heart. This is *the* place for Batfans young and old. Thanks, Matt!"
Thanks to Piera and Kids WB! for making this interview happen!