LEVERAGE: day zero

Greetings from Portland! I'm here for the next few days to work on an episode of Leverage, playing a character who I have a few things in common with, as evidenced by something that happened earlier today during my costume fitting.

The costume designer is an incredibly kind and easy going woman. She was talking with me about who this character is, what he's like, and how those things would influence his decisions when it comes to his clothes. I was glad to have the discussion, because the clothes I wear for a show are very important to
me. I always work hard to find something that is appropriate for
the character, but that I'll also feel comfortable wearing.

She pulled a bunch of different shirts and things off the racks, and said, "So we thought we'd dress you like a nerd." She didn't say it unkindly, it was just matter of fact, the way you'd say, "You know, I think fish would be nice tonight."

I looked at the clothes she had in her hands: straight-legged jeans, slip-on Vans, a short-sleeved shirt with a collar and buttons.

"So, kind of like what I'm already wearing," I said.

We had a good laugh about that, and for the next few minutes I tried on a bunch of different costumes, all of which could have come out of my own wardrobe.

When my fitting was over, I got to visit with John Rogers and Dean Devlin for a little bit. I should probably get their permission before I blog about our conversation, but I think it's okay to say this: I haven't seen Dean since we played hockey together about 17 years ago, and it's pretty awesome to finally be working together on something.

They had to go do producer-y things, so I walked into the stage to meet with the prop department. On my way in, I stopped and introduced myself to Christian Kane (Spencer) and Aldis Hodge (Hardison), who were hanging out just inside the stage door.

Um, I need to just get this out of the way now: Leverage is the first non-animated show I've worked on in years where I'm such a huge fan, I've already watched every episode and know all the characters. It was a challenge, but I did a good job of not losing my shit while I talked with them, just like I did when I met Beth Riesgraf (Parker) right before I went into the wardrobe fitting. We only talked for a few minutes before I had to get out of the stage and do some prop stuff, but I liked them right away. I left the stage feeling pretty confident that I'm going to have a great time while I'm here.

Now I'm going to go learn my lines and prepare for filming tomorrow.

… I'm not going to lie to you, Marge: I love this.

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73 thoughts on “LEVERAGE: day zero”

  2. “Now I’m going to go learn my lines and prepare for filming tomorrow.
    … I’m not going to lie to you, Marge: I love this.”
    You and Leverage will be like chocolate and peanut butter. I’m just sorry that we all have to wait until the season starts to see it.

  3. I don’t watch much TV, & have never seen Leverage. But Wil, I just wanted to say congrats on getting the role, & I’m glad that it’s one that you feel so comfortable with. I look forward to reading about your experience filming the episode! 😀
    -Alicia
    (@AliciaWag)

  8. I’m delighted to have you here in my passing excellent state! Perhaps consider a move 🙂 Weather is great, geeks are fine, and beer is better.

  9. Cool beans! I like when you work on shows I’ve watched or am watching. 🙂 I hope you say something about Gina Bellman because I’ve liked her since Coupling. In fact, my license plate says SOCK GAP (which doesn’t make sense unless you’ve seen Coupling, but anyhoo!).
    Can’t wait to hear more!

  10. Hey Wil!
    First of all, congrats on booking the gig. It sounds great!
    Secondly, up until 2 minutes ago, I had no idea what this show was. Everything I know is in the Wikipedia article:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leverage_(TV_series)
    So…I realize that you’re shooting, starting tomorrow, so you’re therefore by definition infinitely busy and need to concentrate, but maybe if you have a minute in the next few days, you could give us a one-paragraph blurb about why you like the show and what’s cool about it to you?
    Thanks. By the way, for others in the same boat, Wikipedia says that the second season starts on TNT on July 15. So maybe they’ll run a marathon of the first season to catch everybody up, like shows like Buffy did back in the day?
    Break a leg, Wil!
    Craig

  12. Following you on twitter, mention of “Leverage” brought me to read this post.
    I’ll have to second what the original commenter said re: “Hustle.” Smells like leverage, but has a nice across-the-pond after taste. Give it a look-see on your free time.
    Can’t wait for the new season of Leverage, glad you’re gonna be a part of it.
    — Currently taking a break from WSOP Cash Games. Do you have any plans to stop by the Rio this summer? Follow me ( http://twitter.com/OnAFoldDraw ) for tales of my exploits. —
    Keep tweeting, maybe one day I’ll run into you at a poker table.

  13. so I had to register just so i could tell you how freakin awesome it is that you are going to be on Leverage. Everything I type I erase because I sound like a spaz…know that i am a huge fan from back in the day and i think it is spank-tacular that you will be guesting on one of my favorite shows! Have a great time, and, if you get the chance, lick Hutton for me!

  16. Hey Wil,
    Congrats on scoring a gig with the folks at Leverage!
    That is an extremely entertaining show.
    Are they/you on location in Oregon or do they normally shoot there?
    Break a leg!
    Kevin.

  19. Yeah, I’m over here in my corner fangirling, too.
    I’m a huge fan of Christian Kane, and that got me into Leverage. It’s fantastic to see you in guest roles in my favourite shows. CSI, Numb3rs, Criminal Minds and Leverage… next you’ll be on Ghost Whisperer, Eureka, NCIS, or Bones. If only. *G*

  20. I didn’t want to like Leverage when it first came out, but it grew on me and now it’s one of my favorites. I’m glad to hear that you’ll be on the show, Wil, and I hope you enjoy the experience.
    Maybe your next guest spot will be on Burn Notice. 🙂
    Btw, just finished your book Just A Geek. Loved it! Can’t wait to read more from you.

  21. Welcome to Portland! If you get the chance, you should check out the Deschutes Brewery & Pub on NW 11th; and Stumptown Coffee is *the best*.

  22. I’m a new fan of yours and I started reading ‘Just a Geek’ a few weeks ago. I’m @ page 100 or so and things haven’t been going well for you, so it’s so awesome to log onto your site NOW and see a post like this. And you’ll be on a show that I LOVE, so its double the fun for me.
    I will be looking forward to this episode next season (and I’m sure you’ll keep us posted as the air date get closer).

  24. Portland person here: Huge fan. I’d love to buy you a beer somewhere. Make sure you snag a Voodoo Doughnut while in town.

  25. Argh! You’re finally in my town, and it’s not to do a signing or something at Powell’s. Poop! Well, I’ll be watching out for you and J Frakes, and don’t be ascared if you see me trying to snap photos with my iPhone (it has hello kitty bling on it)… Leverage has been shooting around my building downtown for weeks, and I’ve not been paying much attention to it. I’m totally excited now though. Yay!

  27. YES! I have been calling for this pairing since Rogers started talking about this show on his blog before it was filming the pilot. WooHoo! Can’t wait….

  28. Welcome to Portland! I work downtown and have been watching the set to see if I recognize anyone. Maybe I’ll have a Wil sighting. Also, I believe you already know, but Ground Kontrol is the place to get your old-school arcade nerd on. Have fun!

  29. I LOVE Leverage! Some of the best writing on TV these days… not to mention a great ensemble cast. I think it’s in my top 5 favorite shows still currently on air… no, I take that back. Top 3.
    Any possibility that you are going to be a regular?

  30. Ohhhhhh Leverage is so AWESOME!
    Aside from Parker (who is Catwoman all by herself), the team is like Batman was split into four people.

  31. Have a great time in The Best City in the World. As I’ve seen lots of other readers say, PLEASE go drink some of the beer 🙂 I’m in LA County for a trip right now and all they drink is Bud and Coors. Gag me. Have fun!!

  32. Excellent start – Leverage is one of my favorite shows – it’s well written, has a great cast and is fall down funny. And the folks above are right, Hu$tle is great fun. This is one of the few shows where I like *both* the original BBC version *and* the American interpretation – the shows have the same heart while being very different in the particulars.
    I’m really looking forward to seeing you in this series!
    And ya – if I were on the set, I’ve have to spend a lot of energy not going all fan girl on ’em too ;>. What a great cast!

  35. Congratulations on the cool gig Wil. Leverage was a gem I found last season as well, and I can’t wait to see you on it.
    I’ll be passing through Portland next week on my Geocache adventure from Missoula to the Oregon Coast for some R&R, so save some good beer for me, would you please?

  36. Will you be getting back in town for a signing at Powells any time in the near future? This seems to be my year to meet authors.
    If you get a chance, check out Besaw’s for breakfast, and Corbett’s Fish house for lunch or dinner. Both have great food at great prices.

  39. I have to say welcome to Portland as well. We’re all just a big little town here. VooDoo Doughnuts is not to be missed.

  40. Oh my *GOSH*! Knowing you’re going to be on Leverage kind of made my day. I’m super excited for this, and I hope that it continues to meet your expectations as an actor and a fan, as well as mine as a viewer and a fan.

  42. To Craig Steffen,
    Check TNT they might have all or some of season 1
    online or might run them before the start of season 2
    tk

  43. Can’t wait to see you on the show-I love Leverage!
    Give Christian a hard time about scarring up his forehead, ok? The man needs bubblewrapped, swear to god.
    Hope you enjoy your time up there in Portland.

  44. This is several flavors of awesome! Hope you have a grand time with that bunch. 😀
    And I second Kimmie Sue’s suggestion. Christian should be more careful about his pretty face, even if stunts are fun and chicks dig scars. Give him heck and/or a hug from us.

  45. Sounds like you’re about to have fun. 😉 I’ve never seen the show, but I’ve heard about it. Maybe I should look into it.
    OH! And I keep forgetting to leave a comment on here to let you know that there is a rollergirl who plays under the name Breastly Crusher. Her number is NCC-1701-D, and she plays for the Circle City Socialites (out of Indianapolis). Wasn’t sure if you knew about it, but thought you’d find it amusing.

  46. Recently joined the conga line following you on Twitter and was stoked to see you mention Leverage, a show I love on a channel that is bringing some great dramatic programming back to TV.
    Looking forward to seeing your episode. It is always great to see yet another familiar face with that brilliant cast.

  47. This is another of those shows I’ve kept meaning to watch… dangit, why do people have it in for my free time? Curse it not being on Hulu…

  48. ((( Sweet )))
    I love it when you work on shows. It’s like having super double secret access to elite knowledge.
    “yeah, my friend is totally on TV ya know…”
    Good luck and have fun!

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