Mr. Will loves Netflix.  And Netflix loves us all back! In celebration of their brand-new Original Series HEMLOCK GROVE, we’re giving away a fablous Prize Pack, which includes:

A Netflix T-Shirt
The Novel HEMLOCK GROVE by Brian McGreevy
Roku Streaming Player
A six-month Subscription to Netflix Canada
A cozy Netflix Blanket to hide from those scary scenes in HEMLOCK GROVE!

To enter to win, simply comment on this Post over at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook naming three Stars from the Cast HEMLOCK GROVE whom Mr. Will interviewed eariler this week (clues here!). Your deadline is Friday, April 26, 2013. Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook with your Friends or Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/netflixhemlockgrove @MRWILLW wants me to #win a Netflix #HemlockGrove Prize Pack including a free Subscription & Roku Player! #contest

Good luck. Readers in Canada only, please.

In the meantime, do yourself a favour and creep yourself out with this Live-Motion HEMLOCK GROVE Poster:

Netflix releases all 13 episodes of HEMLOCK GROVE on Friday, April 19, 2013.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

A few things you need to know about brand new Netflix Original Series Hemlock Grove: 1) It’s perhaps more a 13-hour Movie than it is say, a Mini-Series  2) It’s neither exclusively a Horror about Werewolves nor Vampires  3) It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Upon hearing news of Eli Roth being attached to the Toronto-based Production last Summer, I rummaged the Internet for details and learned vaguely about the Novel which it is based on. After Binge-Watching (a mini-Binge if you will) Hemlock Grove‘s first three episodes this past weekend, I learned that it actually is nothing like what I was expecting. Its tone is unique in that yes, obviously it is a Horror due to its graphic, gory nature, but it actually reads more like a Drama which focuses on the odd, intense relationships between the Residents of Hemlock Grove, changed forever after a brutal killing of a Girl is discovered. At the center of it all are two young Men from opposite sides of the tracks, privileged Heir Roman Godfrey  and Werewolf/Gypsy Peter Rumancek, brought together to solve the mystery behind the Murder.

The Team and Cast behind Hemlock Grove reunited this week in the City where it all began,  Production having taken place here between last June and December. I had the opportunity of sitting down with its Writers Brian McGreevy (Author of Novel) & Lee Shipman, Director/Producer Deran Sarafian & Mark Verheiden and of course, its Stars: Kandyse McClure, Joel de la Fuente, Aaron Douglas, Lili Taylor, Freya Tingley, Landon Liboiron, Bill Skarsgard, Penelope Mitchell, Dougray Scott and Famke Janssen.

With a vast amount of Mythology behind the Series, one might wonder just how much research went into preparing for these roles. Kandyse McClure who stars as Dr. Clementine Chasseur, an Animal Expert who is called upon to assist in solving the Murder(s), admits “It took three hours for Brian to get-out all his ideas about Chasseur‘s world.  There was a lot of random, odd research, but not about Werewolves or Vampires.”.  Aaron Douglas, who worked with McClure previously on Battlestar Galactica in Vancouver says, “It’s more for me about the dramatic Human Interaction, how people are to each other and here they do some horribly awful things to one another.”.  He stars as the pensive Sherriff Tom Sworn, teaming together with Dr. Chasseur.  

Joel de la Fuente stars as the feared Dr. Johann Pryce, who might hold the key to the answer haunting everyone in Hemlock Grove stating “We actually were given scripts as we went”, hinting at the perpetual element of surprise as none too much was given away by Series Writers at any point.  Even to this day, de la Fuente reveals that he is the only member of the Cast to have seen the Series’ final episode and that only happened out of necessity, completing some ADR (Dubbing) work recently.

With Internet-based Television being such a new thing with few Benchmarks established, I had asked Writers Brian McGreevy & Lee Shipman what they would consider a success for Hemlock Grove. McGreevy already is happy with the recognition this 13-hour Movie/Series has received telling me “I was invited to speak at Howl Con, so as far as I’m concerned it’s already a success! I think when you’re doing something creative, the only Benchmark is whether the Show resonates with your Audience”.  He adds, ” How Netflix plans to quantify that, that’s a mystery to us.”.

With such a unique Story Line,  curiosity lingers about McGreevy‘s creative inspirations.  He says, “I grew-up in an economically-depressed community, but a very Liberal household.  The Town of Hemlock Grove is a re-fractured version of what I grew-up with.”. In fact while filming in Hamilton, Ontario, he could not help but feel an odd sense of familiarity with its Geography – as if he knew his way around. “I took Monsters, Werewolves and Dracula and put them in High School as if to resolve feelings about my own adolescence.”.

Lili Taylor  certifiably is a Cinematic Veteran (who could forget her in Mystic Pizza?) and Executive Producer Roth has not been shy about his admiration of her Work. On getting involved with the Project she recalls, “I was really interested in what Netflix was doing. It reminded me of the ’70s and Robert Evans (Chinatown, The Godfather) – the freedom Writers and Directors were having.”. “This almost felt like an Independent Film… like Mom and Dad weren’t around, but in a positive way –  not in a way we get messed-up. Netflix got out of our way and let us do our thing and that was liberating.”.  Taylor plays the Lynda, the Mother of Landon Liboiron‘s Peter, a deeply loving and maternal Woman living the Gypsy lifestyle with her Son.

Degrassi Fans fondly will recall Liboiron, but may be in for a surprise as he takes his share of risks in Hemlock Grove.  His Defining Moment, which will have Horror and Sci-Fi Fans alike in awe comes late in Episode Two, where we see his mesmerizing Transformation as a Werewolf.  He reveals, “They tried to make it as organic as possible. I don’t think the CGI was used as a crutch. They actually used raw pig flesh, skin and prosthetics. They completed it over series of months, doing inserts as they needed. They definitely took their time with it.”.

Much of the Series centers on  Peter‘s unlikely Alliance with wealthy Roman and in making that fraternal bond believable he says, “We rehearsed a bunch of times, got it down and just started talking about love, relationships and some really personal shit. There was no barrier. Creatively, we saw eye to eye and I think it showed in the Screen Test. Bill is an incredible Co-Star.”.

Bill Skarsgård is a Descendant in a Line of Swedish Acting Royalty which boasts Father Stellan and Brother Alexander and he gets a proper North American introduction in Hemlock Grove. And a daring one I might add.  He does admit having filmed scenes with Nudity prior and actually filmed his first Sex Scene at the age of 16.  I questioned why it is his Roman is so drawn to Liboiron‘s Character Peter, seemingly being such polar opposites. “It’s kind of an unspoken connection and understanding. It’s almost like falling in love with someone, but it’s Supernatural, which is funny but I can relate to that.”, he tells me.

Porcelain-skinned Australian Actress Freya Tingley plays young Novelist Christina Wendall, and like Roman is drawn to Peter.  “She’s intrigued by him. He has something in himself that she aspires to have in herself also.  He’s this free Character who’s comfortable with who he is”, she believes. We learned also that in mastering her perfect American accent, she would speak  it non-stop and apparently even dreamed in it according to others.

One interesting dynamic about the Series is the element of underlying Sexual Ambiguity.  At times the Characters are involved so intensely with their Family members that there might even be a feeling of incestuousness. A bookish (she majored in Literature) and well-spoken Penelope Mitchell, who like Tingley is an Australian Export to Los Angeles, plays the role of Letha, Roman‘s Cousin. She becomes an Obsession of sorts to him. On their relationship, she sums it up, “It’s one of those relationships that you don’t want to discuss too much  because it kills the magic.  There’s so much ambiguity and tension about a Teenager. Those boundaries are so blurred here and that’s what makes this Show so fascinating.”.

Bringing much Star Power to Hemlock Grove are major Stars Famke Janssen (for once and for all, it’s pronounced “Fem-ka Yen-sen“) and Dougray Scott (pronounced “Doo-gray“) who play Sister and Brother-in-Law Olivia and Norman Godfrey, whom for several years have engaged in a passionate Affair.  The devastatingly-commanding Janssen jokes, they are the “Sexual Anchors” of the Story.  I ask her whether or not she feels her manipulative Olivia is in fact a Monster. She replies,  “Who isn’t a Monster, really?  I mean well, other than Mother Theresa.”.  She adds, “Norman at first glance would seem like a good Person, but is a conflicted Person who does things that are seen as bad also, which is interesting to me when I look back at others I’ve become Friends with over time. Some people you judge at first glance and can be spot-on, but sometimes you can be totally wrong. Most of the time you have to give people a chance.”.

I asked Scott also what he feels would be deemed a success for the Series and he says,  “That is a great question. What do you regard as being a ‘Success’ because they don’t have the history of Networks?  We are very unique if you think about it.  I mean you have House of Cards which is based on a British TV Series, so you’re gonna get some people who watch that Series and also  Arrested Development, picked-up from another Network. This is the first truly original Series Netflix has done in this Format. The first ever in the World!”.

One of the Series’ six Directors Deran Sarafian consistently is credited by the Cast as having been their “Rock” throughout the entire duration of Production and he talks to the challenge of making an Internet-based Television Series. “You can set things up and not pay them off for a while. It’s not like Network Television where you have a Killer and have to explain who he is at the end of the episode”, he reveals. “If you’re Binge-Watching, you would remember that happened just four hours ago. We didn’t have to play to those expectations in making the Show, to simplify it so that you could remember what the hell is going on.”.

It was learned that Sarafian prior had worked closely with acclaimed Filmmaker Roman Polanski and still calls him on occasion for advice.  To bond with his Cast, he would throw parties at his Home, playing  Films of Polanski‘s such as Rosemary’s Baby.  He recalls one unforgettable piece of advice Polanski gave him as Director,  “If you’re gonna do something scary, make sure you can laugh at it. That was his thing and maybe the best advice I’ve ever gotten.”.

Listen to excerpts from my Chat below (contains Explicit Language):

Netflix releases all 13 episodes of ground-breaking Series Hemlock Grove Friday, April 19, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Kicking-off the launch of upcoming Netflix Original Series Hemlock Grove, the Ensemble Cast came out to where it all began today here in Toronto to brace us for the 13-episode release of the Series. Having filmed in the City last Summer, wrapping shortly before Christmas, the Series from Executive Producer Eli Roth, sees the release of its entirety this Friday via Netflix.  Be ready to binge!

I had the pleasure of chatting with the Team and Principal Actors  behind the Series at length including Bill Skarsgård, Landon Liboiron, Freya Tingley, Penelope Mitchell, Lili Taylor, Dougray Scott and Famke Janssen.  The Interview will be posted later this week, but below is a Teaser – so incredibly honoured to get to interview such amazing talent!  Stay tuned.

See our Snap below:

The Hemlock Grove Team will be here tomorrow in the City also, walking the Red Carpet for the Series Premiere tomorrow night.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

In advance of the long-awaited release of Arrested Development Season Four, these new Character Posters have just been released by Netflix.  Check ’em out.  Can you guess who’s who?

Netflix releases the complete fourth season of Arrested Development on Sunday, May, 26, 2013.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

Arrested Development Fans, the time has come!  Netflix has announced earlier today that the full 15-episode fourth Season of the formerly-FOX Series, which has been on almost a seven-year hiatus, finally has a release date!  The full season will be available for download only to Netflix Customers on Sunday, May 26, 2013!

In the meantime, the first three seasons of the Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning Series are currently available on Netflix Canada.  Let the binge begin!

(Photo credit: FOX)

The stunning Kate Mara finds herself back in Toronto once again, this time to promote House of Cards.  Those of you who have been following know v. well how much I adore the Netflix Original Series which premiered back in February and we were among the first to preview the Series here in Canada!

Mara has gained familiarity in acclaimed releases like 127 Hours, Brokeback Mountain and American Horror Story, but many are calling her role as ambitious Journalist Zoe Barnes in House of Cards her true Breakout Role – and rightfully so.  She is fantastic opposite Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, a commanding presence who is ruthless in her drive to be on top.  Success didn’t come overnight  for the older Sister of equally brilliant Rooney Mara – she’s been working hard for quite some time, first gig was a role on Law & Order back in 1997.

The Actress has a busy day ahead of her and earlier today appeared on CTV‘s Canada AM (watch here) and Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), where Paparazzi finally were able to capture some real  Star Power in the City after what has been an extended drought. Mara caps-off her day with a taping over at CBC‘s George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight.

“I’m so glad you love the Show!”, she tells me this morning as she signs a House of Cards Gatefold Spread I lifted from my Copy of Vanity Fair.  “We haven’t begun filming yet, but will start in about one week”.   Mara rushed into the front seat of her Navigator, her hair in a low-fuss Ponytail, waist-length jacket, pants and pumps – gray and blue just like the hues of the David Fincher-produced and directed Series.

Of course, that Autograph mentioned would be for my lovely Readers and Mara was game to sign it for you.  To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook before April 15, 2013.  Share the Photo with your Friends on Facebook and double those chances. All are welcome to enter!

Here’s a Snap I got with Mara who I ran into by chance shopping on Bloor Street during TIFF back in 2011:

The entire first Season of House of Cards is now available on Netflix Canada.  Eagerly awaiting Season Two!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Some new Artwork and a Trailer has surfaced for Toronto-filmed Netflix Original Series, Hemlock Grove and it just looks all sorts of twisted! Following the success of popular Horror Series American Horror Story, Director/Producer Eli Roth brings the screams to your Living Room through your streaming device with the Series, which is comprised of 13 episodes.  If House of Cards is any indication of the caliber of Programming we can expect from Netflix, expect this to be superb.

Hemlock Grove centers around a young Girl who is found killed near the Godfrey Steel Mill.  Two Prime Suspects, the poor Peter Rumancek (Landon Liboiron) and the wealthy Roman (Bill Skarsgård, yes Brother of Alexander and Son of Stellan) decide to take matters into their own hands and find the Killer themselves.  Famke Janssen, Dougray Scott, Penelope Mitchell and Lili Taylor also star.

Watch the Trailer below:

Check-out this brand new Poster for the Series:

In anticipation of this eagerly-awaited new Netflix original Series, Mr. Will Wong wants to equip two lucky Readers with free six-month Memberships to Netflix Canada!  Readers also will win a free Netflix Canada Tote Bag and T-Shirt. Yes!

To enter to win, Readers must reside in Canada and also click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Tell me also the name of the brand new Series which you can stream a full season of, on via Netflix Canada on February 1, 2013.  Your deadline is January 29, 2013.  Good luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The face of Television is changing and also how we consume it.  As a Kid I remember my Mom driving us to the few Chinese Shopping Malls that existed in Scarborough and she`d rent the latest TV Series from Hong Kong by-the-block.  Basically, with the exception of stopping to eat Dinner in the Kitchen, we`d spend weekends zipping through the VHS Tapes in a mad rush to get them back to the Rental Shop by Monday to avoid late fees. Trust me, we were a Family of six on a budget. Every dollar counted. What Netflix has done here not only is assume the role of Rental Shop, but they`ve also replaced by Mom`s Chrysler Plymouth by bringing the Series right into our homes and at once play the role of  the Television Network on which the Series aired.

I was one of the few lucky members of the Media who got invited to a Private Screening in the basement of a posh Hotel in Toronto, wooed with Cocktails, Appetizers and Candy in hopes possibly of helping create a bit of buzz for Netflix`s latest original Series, House of Cards.  The fact of the matter though is that the Series not only is groundbreaking from a business model standpoint, but legitimately it is Awards-worthy good.  It has been confirmed that the Series would be eligible to compete for an EMMY, but the Golden Globes still are a bit of a gray area.  Will the Hollywood Foreign Press Association incorporate Internet-based Television into their voting criteria? We`ll soon see.  Regardless, House of Cards is a Game Changer and times are a changing indeed.

Oscar-winning  Kevin Spacey teams once again with Visionary Director David Fincher after some outstanding results with 2011`s The Social Network. The former serves as both Actor and Executive Producer, while the latter of course helms this Adaptation of the British Series of the same name. Spacey is deliciously bad as Congressman Frank Underwood, with an insatiable desire to take-down the President after he is passed for the position of Secretary of State.  One by one, this House of Cards crumbles as he beguiles  his way up, revealing his inner most secret thoughts and desires in a Shakespearean-like (often funny) Soliloquies.  Equally ferocious is the chilly Robin Wright as Frank`s Wife Claire –  meticulous and manipulative.   Kate Mara (Sister of Rooney) is a true revelation after showing flashes of promise in American Horror Story, playing a young Reporter for a top Washington Newspaper who aggressively pushes  her way to Frank, gaining unparalleled access to information which of course drives her more tenured Colleagues crazy.  Theatre Star Corey Stoll also is unconventionally hot as a corrupt Congressman on the edge of downfall with several of his  shocking vices.

Netflix Canada releases the complete first Season of House of Cards on Friday, February 1, 2013.  Yes, the entire Season in one shot.

Click here for more details and to watch the Trailer.

Enter to win a free six-month Membership to Netflix Canada right here!

(Photo credit: Netflix)

What better way to enjoy the Holidays than bundled-up on your couch, catching-up on some Shows and Movies you’ve been meaning to get around to forever? Netflix Canada and Mr. Will Wong want to give one lucky Canadian Reader a free six-month Subscription to Netflix, the leading online subscription service streaming unlimited TV and Movies over the Internet.

Don’t have an XBox 360, Wii or PS3? Don’t you worry! Netflix Canada generously will be providing you with an Apple TV to keep for free! There’s something for everyone – big and small – on Netflix Canada.

Catch-up on Shows and Movies like Breaking Bad, Dexter, This Means War, The Walking Dead, We Bought a Zoo, Sherlock and some of your favourite UFC Matches this Holiday Season!

To enter to win a free six-month subscription to Netflix Canada, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook before Friday, December 14, 2012.

A Tweet with the following Hashtag will double your chances:

tinyurl.com/cohwh4j  @mrwillw & @netflix_ca are giving Readers a chance to win a 6-month subscription to Netflix Canada. Apple TV included!

Good luck!

For more information about Netflix Canada, click here.

(Photo credit: Netflix)