http://www.cinemaspy.com/Interviews/Interview-Behind-the-Badge-with-Southlands-Michael-Cudlitz/5024?q=Interviews/Interview-Behind-the-Badge-with-Southlands-Michael-Cudlitz/5024&p=2

If you had to describe John Cooper to someone, or on a profile form, how would you characterize him?

He’s a dick, but you love him [laughs]. John is someone who takes his job very, very seriously. He does not suffer a fool and he doesn’t judge people unless they have put themselves in a position where they’re asking to be judged. And I would say they are hand delivering their stupidity to him. At which point he absolutely refuses not to comment on it.

One of the things that makes this show so enjoyable is the fact that it’s largely unpredictable, which is how life is…

The show, in a lot of ways is not serialized. You can sit down and watch one episode of our show and pretty much know what’s going on with everybody. There are some subtitles that are built up over the course of the show…but you can still watch an episode of the show and get it, and be satisfied by it. What that tends to do is enhance the real life situations and emotional states that we go through. People die. But when people die the entire world doesn’t stop. A guy died today. Well you know what, tomorrow we still have to go out and police the street.
So we don’t necessarily deal with things in a linear fashion that people have become accustomed to on television…and we don’t tie everything up in a neat little bow.

photo : TNT

Make sure to join us every Thursday at 9:00 pm Eastern time for our weekly chat. We never know who will stop by to join us.

Below is a transcript and there are a couple of things you should know.

You will see the name of the person/chatter. The chatter’s name will have a letter in parenthesis after it, indicating that it is a Comment ( C ), Question ( Q ), or just a Post (P) to the chat room. If it’s a comment or question, then Shawn (“shawnyhats”) will have an Answer (A) following.

jbeaton(Q) Where was the scene filmed where the gang member had to dig the hole?

shawnyhats(A) Lancaster — way out in the middle of nowhere –the actor who played the banger was incredible

maryellen(Q) Shawn, is there going to be repercussions for Sammy for what he did to the banger?

shawnyhats(A) there might be more to this story — that’s all I’ll say

Kathryn(Q) What has been your favorite scene to shoot this season?

shawnyhats(A) All the scenes with Nate are memorable. I miss that guy — saw him last night at the wrap party

chunkubun1(Q) It seem like u put alot of urself in this roll, r u this emotional with everyday life?

shawnyhats(A) Sammy Bryant and I are a lot alike — the character is on cruise control right now and the writers have really tapped into something with Sammy. I have played every emotion in season 3. It’s been a great ride

Leesa-B(Q) Hi Shawn, Leesa here. Im just wondering how do u feel now as an actor knowing how much respect u now have from your fans because of your fantastic work. you have grown so much from when we saw u in The Faculty……!

shawnyhats(A) It’s very rewarding! I’ve been working pretty consistently since then and it’s great that southland has such loyal fans — I hope we keep climbing in that regard

RAYP22(Q) Shawn I really feel for your character Sammy going through so much will things get better for him?

shawnyhats(A) Well — it doesn’t seem like it can get any worse!

MrPooch(Q) hi shawn, i have never joined a facebook group for a show before or became such a fan. why do you think southland has such an effect on people?

shawnyhats(A) Because of the truth we bring to it. We take a lot of pride in the show’s authenticity. Not EVERYBODY wants to watch CSI, right? those shows are entertaining but extremely forced

Ryan(Q) in your opinion, do you think sammy made the right choice by letting the banger go?

shawnyhats(A) I do — He’s wants to do the right thing and deep down Sammy is a great cop. Not a murderer. Sammy became a man this season –

lisa0914(Q) Shawn, aside from Nate’s death, what scene this season has been the most emotional for you and which one was the most fun?

shawnyhats(A) Emotional — hospital after Nate’s murder — We shot a scene in ep 10 that is sure to blow everybody’s mind!　

Lvmyjags(Q) Are you really a fast runner?

shawnyhats(A) I believe I’m the fastest in our cast! And if anybody wants to challenge me they know where to find me!

AuntyIwa(Q) What was it like shooting the scene with all those guys surrounding the two of you?

shawnyhats(A) that was a physically difficult scene to do — it was emotional and powerful because I knew that Kevin was leaving. I lost my voice for 4 days right before my wedding

Sometimes(Q) How much character research do you go through for your roles like Sammy in Southland and The Cooler?

shawnyhats(A) Well, there was a magicians element to the cooler which didn’t end up in the film — so I spent a lot of time working on magic for that. Southland is my favorite job creatively — I’ve never been more excited to work and therefore I’m extremely focused　

bengirl25(Q) are you doing any guest starring rolls on shows or doing anymovies while southland is on break?

shawnyhats(A) Last year I did Dexter, CSI Miami (gotta eat) and a movie called street Kings 2 with Ray Liotta — This year I am Hoping to one particular big project that I cant talk about

winchester_2(Q) For last night’s episode, the scene in which you’re standing over the gangmember in the grave, your eyes were FRIGHTENING. How was it like getting into Sammy’s mindset during such a situation as that?

shawnyhats(A) Think of Kevin’s head getting bashed in

austie(Q) Do you have plans for the hiatus? Doing any movies?

shawnyhats(A) Stay tuned

Lvmyjags(Q) How did you get the acting bug?

shawnyhats(A) it was something that I was good at from a young age and I just went with that — plus there were a lot of girls in theatre/chorus

SaraK(Q) When is Tammy having her baby? Are they going to get back together?

shawnyhats(A) Keep watching — and bring a couple million viewers with you why don’t ya

chunkubun1(Q) is it hard 2 comeback down after a very emotional charged shoot? how do u unwind?

shawnyhats(A) Food — used to be booze

bob(P) Everyone, Lee Lofland is a reviewer and webmaster who regularly reviews Southland and how well it sticks to authentic police procedures. He is also with us tonight and will answer any questions you might have along those lines!

trojan(Q) did CTH do a Dewy imitation at the wrap party?

shawnyhats(A) Who’s cth?

Americanuck(Q) Sammy’s life is always a bit up and down but so much has happened to him this season, do you find it affects you personally, emotionally I mean or are you able to disconnect and keep it with the character?

shawnyhats(A) I have my own personal shit that I’m dealing with and it’s on the surface and ready to come out — I use Sammy as a way to get it out

jbeaton(Q) Do people recognize you more on the streets now that you are on this show?

shawnyhats(A) Not sure about more but fans have been very favorable toward the show –

trojan(Q) was the renewal vibe at the wrap party positive?

shawnyhats(A) it’s hard not knowing — but we always try to stay positive. You’d have to with our track record

Lvmyjags(P) Everyone C T Howell is here also.

shawnyhats(P) Tommy! How’s life?

maryellen(Q) Other than SouthLAnd, what has been your most memorable/favorite role?

shawnyhats(A) John Wells directed me in an ep of ER that I’m very proud of. Multiple personalities

austie(Q) Y’all seem like a close-knit cast. Best you’ve ever worked with?

shawnyhats(A) YES

trojan(Q) in your opinion, why did sammy marry tammi? what did he see in her, or need from her?

shawnyhats(A) Because he was probably too young to understand how dysfunctional and destructive the relationship is. We’ve all been there but for some reason Sammy stayed because he thought he could fix it — that’s his way. And it may destroy him — but I hope it makes him stronger

C_Thomas_Howell(Q) That hurt

shawnyhats(A) It’s just Tommy to me

jbeaton(Q) Had you ever worked with any of the other actors before Southland?

shawnyhats(A) Don’t think so

GinaW1127(Q) Have you ever been part of a show/movie that you have been able to intereact with the fans like Southland? Is it overwhelming to interact with so many of us?

shawnyhats(A) No — but it’s only because I believe so strongly in this project.

Kathryn(Q) If you get a season 4 what do you want to see happen to your character?

shawnyhats(A) If we get a season 4 — You will see a side of Sammy you ain’t seen yet both at work and at home –

shawnyhats(P) Sorry I’m so slow

RAY22(Q) Shawn I felt bad for Sammy when Nate’s wife said she was moving do you feel she gave Sammy a sense of stability he longs for.

shawnyhats(A) Me too. I liked that he had someone for a little while and I worry about poor Petey

bob(P) No apologies necessary, Shawn. We are all very grateful that you are taking the time to spend with us here and answer our questions!

dadelma(Q) What do you like to do with your free time; sports, hobbies, etc.?

shawnyhats(A) Golf, Basketball –Writing, reading and being a dad (that takes up most of my time)

Lvmyjags(Q) but you can run fast! LOL

shawnyhats(A) Oh yea — much faster than I type

maryellen(Q) Shawn, are they going to follow Nate’s family, at least a bit in the future? (And what Bob said. THANK YOU for coming here tonight.)

shawnyhats(A) I don’t know. I hope so

ana(Q) Shawn, I hear you’re the best shot in the cast. Did you already know how to shoot before you started prepping for this role?

shawnyhats(A) Only from video games!

Lee_Lofland(P) Okay, Shawn. Now I’m curious. What do you write?

winchester_2(Q) what’s your favorite book? film?

shawnyhats(A) The Stand is a pretty great book and soon to be a movie. Most Stephen King based films are great! Shawshank, Stand By Me, The Shining I have high hopes for the Stand　

nurse2bemomma1(Q) Was Sammy sad to see Nate’s wife and kids move?

shawnyhats(A) Yes

chunkubun1(Q) i have noticed u seem 2 get attached 2 the children that have been on the show. it seems real. is it bcuz ur a dad urself?

shawnyhats(A) Since the pilot and Janilla — troubled kids. That is what drew me to the character and I have made it Sammy’s emotional center.　

adbowell(Q) Shawn…has playing Sammy been “enlighting” at all? i.e. has it affected you, and how you act when off camera?

shawnyhats(A) I think the answer is yes — but I’m not sure if it’s because of the show or just the natural order of things. Ha!

nurse2bemomma1(Q) Was Sammy starting to fall for Nates wife?

shawnyhats(A) I didn’t think so — but I believe he would of done anything to make the pain go away for both of them

winchester_2(Q) what was the best advice you’ve received as an actor?

shawnyhats(A) Well — when we did episode 7 “Cop or Not” and Black Jimmy gets in Sammy’s face — we blocked that scene and I backed away. Chris Chulack told me to stand nose to nose to him no matter what. It was great advice — Sammy grew some balls.

Leesa-B(Q) if you wer not cast as the character Sammy…what other character wud u have liked to be cast as…?

shawnyhats(A) They asked me to pick the character I most related to — And I chose Sammy. At one point there was talk of me reading for Cooper

RAY22(Q) I see your dad posts sometimes on Facebook, what does he think about your character and the show?

shawnyhats(A) we talk about it all the time — He loves it!

 Sometimes(Q) You have so many scenes on the show but really none with Regina, Ben, Michael and the like. is this because Sammy is in the gang unit and not homicide or patrol? Would you like to do more scenes with them?

shawnyhats(A) Yes — because he’s in a dif unit. i hope we’re on the air for 10 more years and we all get to be in scenes together.

coopman(Q) Adding to ad’s question: Do you look at people “like a cop” now? Overly suspicious/aware?

shawnyhats(A) to some degree — I know I look at cops differently. I’m always checking there Sam Brown’s to get ideas

winchester_2(Q) what do you write?

shawnyhats(A) Oh you know — scripts.

Kathryn(Q) I can’t wait to see how much Sammy changes when the baby comes. Is Sammy going to be an overprotective or laid back dad?

shawnyhats(A) He will be a great dad

adbowell(Q) Shawn…did you talk with any cops about the complexity of “having a heart” aspect of the job? I ask this in relation to the children aspect you just mentioned.

shawnyhats(A) Well — Sammy reacts emotionally — It’s not the best way to do police work. The best way is Nate’s way — I always enjoyed their dynamic because the we’re opposites but they didn’t let that get in the way of their friendship

Ryan(Q) Do you think we will ever see Sammy in his dress blues again?

shawnyhats(A) possibly

northgirl231(Q) What are the scripts about?

shawnyhats(A) I like small movies — I have a personal drama that I’ve been working on for a while.　

shawnyhats(P) Leo’s reviews are the Best out there — I read them every week. Make sure we’re doin’ shit right!　

DebG(Q) Love to see what you do with Sammy–his face and body language–when he first holds his new baby!

shawnyhats(A) Ha! My lips are sealed.

BullsBabe7(Q) Which would you prefer – Sammy as a detective or Sammy as a uniform?

shawnyhats(A) I choose whatever makes for good story telling. right now we are in a groove but…

jbeaton(Q) Do you get any ideas on how to be a great writer from the show’s writers because they are awesome. Any possibility you could write an episode someday?

shawnyhats(A) I do — I’m always paying attention to what works and what doesn’t work. That’s for sure.

LeeLofland(P) Shawn. You guys make my job as a writer/reviewer very easy. The show is simply the most authentic cop show, ever.

Leesa-B(Q) who influences u most as an actor….?

shawnyhats(A) Tough question — people. on the street. on tv. I draw from all the whack jobs around

winchester_2(Q) have you finished a script? if so, what’s it about?

shawnyhats(A) I’ll send it to you

shawnyhats(P) 3 more questions. This has been fun!

eyedog(Q) If you could ride with any character in the show (except Nate), who would it be and why?

shawnyhats(A) Ben. Foot race. I’d crush him. Throw in Lydia too — she seems quick.

Leesa-B(Q) if u could chose any role from any movie over the last 50yrs…..what character wud u choose??! and why??!!

shawnyhats(A) That’s easy — Buzz Lightyear. Because my son worships him!

eyedog(Q) who’s the one director you’d most like to work with?

shawnyhats(A) Good ending question — Paul Thomas Anderson Thanks to all SouthLand fans for all of your support — see you on TNT next week!

bob(P) Thank you VERY MUCH Shawn for giving us so much of your time! We really appreciate

I hit the set of ‘Southland’ — a.k.a. a random residential neighborhood in L.A. — to catch up with Cudlitz and McKenzie. They talked about their onscreen partnership, who’s the biggest goofball and the show’s tighter focus on their characters, Regina King’s Det. Lydia Adams, and Shawn Hatosy’s Det. Sammy Bryant. They also dished a little about upcoming storylines, pill addictions, nudity and more.

Read more…

Despite rough start, Southland returns to TNT (DailyHerald / 27 Dec 2010)

The drama “Southland” premieres its third season Tuesday, Jan. 4, on TNT, but in its previous two seasons, it has accumulated only 13 episodes — a normal single short season for many cable shows.

But “Southland” is not your usual cable show. It began life on NBC, producing a pilot and six episodes as a midseason replacement starting in April 2009. It then produced six additional episodes of a 13-episode order for a second season, but NBC canceled the show before any aired. TNT then picked up the show and aired the 13 existing episodes, starting in January 2010.

Read more…

Cops pound pavement in Southland’s third season (Shelley’s Daily Feed / 28 Dec 2010)

“Often, we don’t catch the bad guy if there is a bad guy. And even when we do it’s such a disturbing ride that you’re not exactly sleeping quietly home at the end of the episode. It’s a brutal look at the kind of rough world that the cops encounter. We’re a slice-of-life for what cops go through and I think that will appeal to certain sort of sophisticated viewer who wants something that’s a little more honest in the portrayal of Los Angeles and police officers in general,” said Ben McKenzie, who plays Officer Ben Sherman, during a telephone conference call with media.

Read more…

Two Cents And Five Questions With Regina King (TheTwoCents / 28 Dec 2010)

Can you tell us a little about Lydia’s new partner this seasons and how the dynamics between them are going to work out?
RK: Well, Lydia’s never worked with a woman before. And the character is a woman that’s been on the force longer than Lydia. She’s a bit older than her so there is that dynamic that – it’s not said but the tension is felt where you have one person that is really good at their job and feels like, you know, I’m this good because I’ve reached the level of success that I have because I’ve been this good.

If you haven’t heard of SouthLAnd, or the petition to save it (aptly called “Save SoutLAnd”) then it’s pretty obvious you’re either 1) not a fan; 2) don’t go on a computer; or 3) have been living under a rock for the past few years….After its fanbase petitioned to #SAVESOUTHLAND¹, TNT picked it up for a third season, which will begin on Tuesday, January 4th for 10 episodes.

Read more…

Exclusive Interview with Michael Cudlitz of Southland (Raked Reviews / 29 Dec 2010)

Things will get dark for John. Very dark. He’s not in a good place. It’s not just the back issues, it’s everything that’s going on in his life, and how he’s processing what’s going on. I honestly think that’s the thing of chemistry, when they say you guys have chemistry, because I see it. I enjoy watching the two of us together. .. He’s very present in the scene, as I am, we both are very focused on the work and nurturing that relationship to convey that to the audience. But I think when you really get down to it, we just have chemistry together. So this year, we’re going to be doing a little bit more cross-over stuff. We have a great thing coming up in I think it’s episode 2, where we have every single person on the show is on the set at one time … “Nah, it’s not like that. Just tweet about the show. You’ve got a funny personality and I think you’d have really good tweets, and they want to hear from the actors.” And I resisted for a while and then I finally said, “Alright, I’ll do it.” And I started doing it and the fans just loved it.

Exclusive Interview: SOUTHLAND’s Shawn Hatosy (Deamonstv / 27 Dec 2010)

The one thing that we focus on is that Sammy ends up needing some support and somebody to lean on and he kind of turns to Nate. We explore that bond, their relationship and outside of work and how Nate becomes the support system for Sammy. I really like Kevin Alejandro who plays Nate. He’s just a great actor and I enjoy the dynamic between those two characters.

They’ve really kind of piled a lot on Sammy and he ends up at a very, very low place. It’s pretty cool, man. I think the audience is going to enjoy it.

Read more…

Shawn Hatosy, from one aggressive role to another, teases season three of ‘Southland’ (Examiner.com / 27 Dec 2010)

Are you pretty much used to the heaviness of the scripts by now, or do you find you still get surprised or emotionally affected by some of the cases that turn up each week?

S.H.: No, I am emotionally involved! I definitely in reading some of them am brought to tears. And having said that, as an actor, this season of Southland, you know, I’m being stretched in directions that I’ve not yet been stretched, and it’s insane! I think our writers have done a quality job coming up with stories. The word aggressive keeps coming to mind, but it’s true [this season]!

Read more…

¹ – That’s us/you, folks! Our petition, on this site (via RenewSouthland.com) garnered nearly 5,000 signatures alone and generated countless emails, letters and phone calls to the executives of TNT during a period of 3 weeks last April. After the decision to renew the show was announced, series creator Ann Biderman herself referenced our site/petition in an interview, clearly indicating that our efforts to save the show had been seen – and acknowledged!

All photos credit and Copyright © 2010 TNT, photographers Doug Hyun and/or Greg Williams, used with permission.

After our visit with Ben McKenzie, the PR staff brought Regina back in for a second round of questions with us since we (and she) had some extra time while Ben & Mike shot their scene out in the Gang squad room. At the very last second, they had a technical glitch that delayed shooting, so Mike decided to pop back in and join us, giving us all the rate opportunity to see both him and Regina together for the interview.

At the very end of the video, which gets cut off slightly, you hear one of the PR people say something about wrapping things up. This is so that we media reps can go out and quietly watch from a corner as Mike & Ben shoot an actual scene from episode 3x05 in the Gang squad room. Of course we weren’t going to say No! It was quite interesting to watch, especially as the scene itself was perhaps 15-30 seconds long at most, but the exacting standards of Southland required that EVERYTHING be perfect and took multiple times to shoot it just right - partly due to the fact that a badly behaving door hing kept squeaking and interfering with the audio on the cameras (perfectionists! Gotta love ‘em!). Needless to say, all 4 of us will be sitting there in front of our televisions during the episode saying “We were there!” when it finally airs, a rare treat indeed.

Now with no further ado…. Michael and Regina (mostly Regina!):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn71zPBWNrI

We recently had an opportunity to speak with several members of the cast including Benjamin McKenzie, Michael Cudlitz, Regina King and Shawn Hatosy, on the eve of their first table read for the new season. The cast members discussed the upcoming season, the move to TNT, their characters and how the show has changed since last season. 

TV Guide (Dec 14, 2010)

Read More here – CONTAINS SPOILERS!! – http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mega-Buzz-Bones-1026770.aspx

Chris Chulack interview on Blog Talk Radio (Dec 6, 2010)

The executive producer of SouthLAnd—which found a new home on TNT this year after being canceled by NBC—talks with Tomorrow Will Be Televised host Simon Applebaum about the acclaimed police drama’s 2011 season.

Now you can download this interview for free on iTunes.

He answered the questions from @LvmyJags & @kharleys

then look for 12/6/10.

Thank you for the link, Cathy!!

Regina King and Ben McKenzie talk about the new season. (Screen Junkies 11th, Dec. 2010)

“There’s a scene this year where there’s a guy who’s bleeding, says his girlfriend cut him,” McKenzie said in a conference call with the media. “’Where is she?’ ‘Down the block.’ It’s a blow up doll. The guy is 5150, crazy. He says he got into an argument with his girlfriend about the outfit she was wearing and guys looking at her. Clearly he’s lying, he cut himself. There’s funny stuff like that but also disturbing. It’s a line we walk on the show.”

Adams has been a stellar by-the-books detective so far. The new season will shake her up too. “Lydia specifically [learns] that she may not be the easiest partner to work with, contrary to her belief,” King said. “You kind of see her discovering that through this new partner she’s working with. I think you’re definitely going to see a less perfect side of Lydia but I think what’s interesting about how the writers are playing it is that you see a less perfect side of her as she discovers the less perfect side of herself.”

Read the full article at http://www.screenjunkies.com/tv/tv-news/southland-spoilers-the-case-of-the-blow-up-doll-stabbing/

From Kevin Alejandro Facebook
I haven’t been on stage in Ten years!!! Here we go!! Come check it out if you guys get the chance.

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1587950512724#!/photo.php?fbid=501870408972&set=a.141821678972.138798.663903972

Kevin Alejandro will be appearing at a Fundraiser for the 2011 Season on Sunday December 5th and 12th at the Whitefire Theater in Sherman Oaks.  The fundraiser is called “Christmas Quickies” and is presented by the Moxie Theaterworks
http://www.trueblood-online.com/cast-crew/kevin-alejandro/kevin-alejandro-in-christmas-quickies-at-whitefire-theatre/

The Young Storytellers Foundation invite you to the biggest show 2010, Thr. Dec. 2, 7:30pm in Santa Monica, CA. Honoring Ben McKenzie, Jason Ritter, and Debra Wilson.

http://youngstorytellers.com/?id=143

http://aumag.org/wordpress/?p=467

http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/oct/29/cleveland-event-to-help-wounded-warriors/?newswatch

http://sherrifoxman.typepad.com/daily_party_dish/2010/11/wounded-warriors-project.html

http://www.examiner.com/showbiz-in-national/emily-bergl-talks-desperate-housewives-special-roles-she-s-played-her-passion-for-giving-back

http://blog.thenewstribune.com/arts/2010/10/05/actor-michael-mcgrady-appears-as-painter-at-fred-oldfield-show/#ixzz16R62gmhD

So how is Southland’s season three going to be different from the first two seasons?

It’s going to be a more aggressive show now. I was really excited to read the first three episodes. We’re not afraid to take the show further. At NBC, there was a barrier even though we were on at 10 o’clock. We couldn’t tell all of the stories we wanted to tell. From what I’ve looked at so far, this season is still going to be an action-packed show told from the streets with car chases. But now we’re going to explore Los Angeles and see how dark we can get and how real these new episodes can feel.

Read the full interview here.