Greetings from Vancouver, where I sit high above the city, looking out over a balcony, through a sliding glass door that I dare not open, because single digit temperatures in Celsius are just as cold as their Fahrenheit cousins.
If you're joining the broadcast late, I'm here for an episode of Eureka, playing a brilliant-but-sarcastic scientist who is sort of a nemesis to Fargo, and my episode airs July 23rd on the Sci-Fi – *grumble* I mean SyFy – channel.
My day started at areyoufuckingserious in the morning, so I'm more than a little blurry in the brain, but I had some stuff I wanted to share:
The cast and crew of Eureka are, without exception, awesome. Every single person I've interacted with has been incredibly kind and welcoming, and I instantly felt at home on the set. I've only been here two days, but it feels like everyone likes each other, which confirms what I'd heard from people who have worked on the show when I asked about it.
We did a read through of the episode yesterday, but not all of the actors could be there, so a lot of the regulars just filled in for them. I thought I was going to fall out of my chair laughing when Colin Ferguson read one of them – who will remain nameless – in a voice that was disturbingly (or amazingly, depending on your point of view) similar to Mayor McCheese. After fifteen minutes with him, I could see where Carter's wry humor comes from.
Last night, I had dinner with my friend Aaron, who is also an actor and lives here. While we were waiting for our check, he asked me if I was excited to "go be an actor for a week."
"I really am," I said, "but I'm also a little nervous. I've spent so much time being a writer, I'm afraid that I'll get stuck in my head once I'm on the set."
I was talking about this thing that can happen to actors who are over-prepared or inexperienced. To really live in a scene and to really be connected to the other actors, we have to stay in each moment, reacting honestly and simply to what the other actors are doing. I do a ton of character preparation. In addition to knowing what my lines are, I know why I say each one. I know all sorts of stuff about my characters, because the more I know about a character, the wider my range is when I play him. I need to know what I want from each other character, what my purpose is in a scene, and then let all of that stuff fall away into some kind of subconscious background noise while I'm actually performing the scene … or I'm stuck in my head, thinking about things and watching things, instead of living in the scene.
I continued, "so I think I'll probably be a little rusty at first, but I've done this long enough to trust that I'll settle in. Not as quickly as I'd like, but I'll settle in."
"Well, I'm sure you're going to have a great time," he said, in that way one actor tells another to get the frak out of his own way, trust his instincts, and just enjoy the work, without really saying that. It's sort of a pep talk between friends, I guess, and it's one of those things that I just love about being an actor with some good friends.
I got to work with Neil and Erica for 6/8 of a page today, and though it took me longer to find my character and settle in than I wanted, it was, as they say, like riding a bike … and I didn't even fall off and scrape my knees.
Between rehearsal and filming today, I walked around the set a little bit. It's magnificent; I felt a sense of wonder and awe that I haven't felt since the first time I walked through the Enterprise on stage nine in 1987. The little details, like the signs on the walls, fingerprint scanners at the doors and the texture of the fake concrete make it feel like it's an actual building that happens to extend fourteen stories underground. I just love that I get to use my imagination to pretend I'm a person who works in this place.
Vancouver is as beautiful as I remember it, and since I have the next three days off, I plan to put on my tourist hat (which is actually just a PAN Fleece to carry my geek gear) and see as much of it as I can.
If any locals want to mention some must-see places – especially art, non-touristy or geek-related – in the comments, I'd love that.
Wow there sure are a lot of suggestions. Some good, some not so much. If you’re down here in the West End there’s a cool little retro candy shop you might enjoy. Fun-O-Rama on Denman & Nelson. I, personally, have never seen so much Pez in one place.
Also foodwise, I’d recommend the Banana Leaf on Denman St. or Broadway. Malaysian. yum. http://bananaleaf-vancouver.com/
Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, the Afghan Horseman http://www.afghanhorsemen.com/ by the entrance to Granville Island. Or you could just play some poker at the River Rock 🙂
Hi. There’s a message I’d need to get to you, but I’d rather not discuss it here in Comments.
However, I haven’t exactly been able to find a method to get a message to you.
Yes, I can be helpless like that sometimes.
It would still really mean a lot to me if you ever had the time to listen.
Someone has mentioned Queen Elizabeth Park – which is beautiful. If you head there, go the Bloedel Conservatory, it’s at the ‘top’ (ain’t that high). It has bonus geek points as it was the Garden of Heaven in a recent Supernatural episode.
Another excellent garden is Van Dusen (@37th & Oak). You can walk there for hours if you are so inclined.
If head to the Comic Shop @ 4th and Arbutus, be sure to head a bit East on 4th. There’s an omg, Omg, OMG! chocolate place called Chocolate Arts just down from it. http://www.chocolatearts.com/ If Anne likes chocolate you will get some mega bonus awesome hubby points if you bring her back something from there.
Enjoy your stay in Vancouver!
Wil, I just realized that the episode will air just a few days before your big 38th. I have always thought that was cool that my day is the 18th and yours in the 29th both in ’72.
Shawn
Not sure how much longer you’re here in Vancouver, but there’s a glut of good comic shops in town – I’m preferential to The Comic Shop on 4th ave and Arbutus, in Kitsilano.
Also, the Black Frog in Gastown (right by the steam clock) is a great place for a pint – I might be biased, as it’s an Oilers bar, but still a great place.
Wishing you all the luck in the world. Make some great memories out there, Wil! How awesome it must be to be you. You will do great! Stay safe, and have a great weekend. =]
Bit late to the party. I came in to recommend White Dwarf Books. I see the store has also been mentioned by Spaci1701 above, so I’ll just second the suggestion. I used to live a few blocks from this bookstore, and it is amazing. I’ve been to several readings/signings there, but my all-time favourites were William Gibson and Garth Nix. It’s a must-see for any self-respecting geek.
For some of the best Indian food in the city, I would recommend Vij’s (www.vijs.ca), just off South Granville. They have beautiful food, both vegetarian and non (For some reason I have in my mind that you’re vegetarian? Am I making that up?). It can be a bit of a wait, as they don’t take reservations, but they do have a cozy little lounge in the back where they serve tasty beer and free snacks while you wait. It’s totally worth the wait.
I would also say the SeaBus ride over to the North Shore gives a beautiful view of the city and the North Shore mountains. It puts in at Lonsdale Quay, which a few people have suggested. If you’re looking for lovely small gifts that are made locally, there’s a shop on the second level, to the right if your back’s to the water (I think it’s called Charmed). They have beautiful, unique jewellery, tshirts, belts, and card, amongst other things. Last time I was there, they had a whole series of photo albums made out of old LP albums – LPs included. Original Star Wars and Scarface soundtracks being some of the highlights.
I would also suggest catching some hockey. The last game of the Canucks’ regular season is tomorrow (Saturday) against Calgary, here at GM Place. They usually release tickets on game day. But there’s also our WHL team, the Vancouver Giants, who will be playing game 5 of the second round of their playoffs against the Portland Winterhawks tomorrow night. The hockey is really great, and something a little different.
I hope you have a fantastic time here in the city. Sorry it’s not a little warmer! Apparently we used up all our warm weather during the Olympics….
I have to second both the Planetarium and Lynn Canyon. And if you’re up for a hike, I very much recommend Lynn Loop (about 1.5 hours) in the nearby Lynn Headwaters Park.
The Naam has decent vegetarian food, but it’s definitely not service-oriented, depending on your preferences. There’s also the Foundation, which has amazing nachos, but you may or may not like their choice of loud music. It depends, really, on what type of food you’re seeking. 🙂
Oh, and if you’re just up for something quiet, my husband and I usually host a 5 cent/10 cent NLHE cash game on Saturday nights.
It’s too bad you’re not still going to be here on the 24th. We’re playing a heroclix make your own figure game at Imperial Hobbies in Richmond (which if you’re looking for geeky places is a great one) and have lots of NPCS to take over.
I have to agree with one of the previous posters that you MUST go to Japadog outside the Sutton Place Hotel for the sushi+hot dog experience.
You also mentioned sushi in a previous post: Kadoya on Davie and Thurlow has a yummy desert roll called Jumping http://www.flickr.com/photos/vancouvergeek/1175530014/
it’s a deep fried banana wrapped in seaweed and rice with sliced fruit, whipped creme and pop rocks.
I hope you’re enjoying your time in Vancouver. I don’t know if it’s been suggested yet, but you should definitely check out the Vancouver Police Museum (www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca).
It’s in the old morgue for the city of Vancouver, and has got all sorts of interesting seized weapons, crime scene evidence and pathology-related stuff on display. It’s a little-known gem in the city.
I have no recommendations for you, but I will say that I can’t wait to see you on Eureka. It’s an awesome show. 😀
I might be too late, personal reasons had me away from the computer, just on twitter read this morning about this and commented on FB and with a friend
Re: Vancouver. Last year took a trip across Canada and started in Vancouver, stayed 3 days. Beautiful city. But too snob for me to live. I hope you took an hydroplane and went to Victoria island starting with a wine tour and ending at the harbour again. Or the ferry.
Stanley Park offered me great time. If you like Sushi there are great places, Poutine is better in the city I live (Montreal ;)), Capilano Beach is a great walk after you cross with small tree bridges
People like Yaletown, so I guess you will enjoy it? Not my kind of thing, however Earl’s had great mojitos. I took awesome pics of Lion’s Gate Bridge. Horseshoe Bay should be opened I supposed already
OH! Vancouver Public Librari is designed based on the Roman Coliseum, it even won an award! (I had to check my pics to remember) its in Homer st. nice walk around too.
Take a walk in Gastown (dont get scared of the name), it has interesting things to enjoy in your walk and take pics, also a steam clock in one of the corners
And you should really REALLY go to Grouse Mountain, in fact if you like hiking, dare to go hiking, I did ziplining there too
Bad you are not staying longer, you could do what I did after and go by land through the Rocky Mountains and make it to Calgary
Hope you had fun!
Hi Wil,
I hope you’re enjoying Vancouver. You’ve hit the weather right – this time last week, it was pretty awful.
Many have suggested the Vancouver Art Gallery. If you go, don’t miss the permanent collection on the top floor, which includes the work of the Group of Seven, and Emily Carr, one of Canada’s most important artists.
I would also suggest Vij’s, just off south Granville (www.vijs.ca), for some of the most amazing Indian food. The wait can be long, as they don’t take reservations, but it’s totally worth it, and they have a cozy lounge/waiting area in the back where you can get a beer and they’re always passing around yummy crunchy snacks to tide you over.
The SeaBus ride over to Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore is also good. Gives a nice view of both downtown and the North Shore mountains that you may not get otherwise. Food at the Quay is good, and there’s a great shop on the upper level called Charmed that carries locally-made jewellery and gifts. Last time I was there, they had a whole collection of photo albums made from old LP album covers (with the record still in the jacket) – the original Star Wars score and the Scarface soundtrack were two of the standouts.
If you are at all into Japanese, I would also highly recommend Kingyo Izakaya on Denman. Though for some reason I have it in my head that you’re vegetarian (am I making that up?), in which case, I don’t know that there will be a lot on the menu for you.
I hope the weather holds for you and you get a good chance to get out and enjoy our beautiful city! You’re welcome back any time!
You should make a book called, Stand By Me.
Yo, what is up?
Not Monday! Any day but Monday! (Seriously: have you seen my calendar? Yikes.)
Tuesday, on the other hand, would work. Though late in the week would be far better.
Many people have already mentioned Commercial Drive, but I’d like to reinforce that. It’s a great neighbourhood for food and live music.
And the best sushi joint in town (other than Tojo’s, of course) is Sushi Yama on Broadway, just East of Kingsway.
Hope you enjoy your stay in our fair city.
It’s a shame, really, that we have to refer to Mayor McCheese instead of the incomparable Ed Wynn, just to get the point across, doncha know. 😉
Vancouver is some kind of awesome. I live way east in Calgary, but my heart is ensconced in VanCity and I visit as often as possible. But before I point you in that direction I also want you to see http://www.dieselsweeties.com/blog/?p=719 this blog entry wherein you are praised for wearing Diesel Sweeties shirts on BBT. 😀
From a visitor’s perspective, I second the following:
– go up Grouse Mountain – walk if you’re super fit, otherwise take the gondola 😛 it’s worth it in either case.
– wander around Stanley Park, which is gorgeous and flower-covered. You may be accustomed to this in CA, but in Alberta it’s dry prairie land so I relish the chance to immerse myself in color and life.
– go to Victoria for the day, if there’s time. Butchart Gardens, the Legislature grounds, the docks and all the indie fun happening there (buskers, etc.), the bug zoo, the wax museum…
– go to Benkei Noodle House on Granville and have some YUMMY noodles. I had the Western … tom yum I think.
– I haven’t been to the science centre out there but I’ve heard great things, and you can get your nerd on.
– also something I just caught wind of thanks to work: pacificcinematheque.com – seems to have indie/cool films playing.
– Granville Island and Lonsdale Quay are great visits, and I’m a big nerd for the SeaBus (which goes to Lonsdale Quay) so I try to go at least once while I’m there.
– suspension bridge! the scenery is gorgeous. I highly recommend it.
– a great Canadian store if you’re a fan of outdoorsy stuff is MEC, Mountain Eqiupment Co Op. If you like REI in the States you’ll like MEC (or so I hear).
Have a great time and know that I’m jealous 🙁
What TV network is Eureka on?
The network formerly-known as Sci-Fi.
Be looking forward to that! Being only a writer and never an actor, I can’t imagine trying to “get out of my own head.” That’s my main problem in life, actually….I’m always thinking in my head and not out of it. Er. … whatever.
Thanks Wil, I will definitely put a reminder for July 23rd on syfy to watch the show. *Uhh* I did read your blog seriously before typing that question, but by the time I read through the comments, I forgot what you said in the second paragraph. Yes, I have natural red hair, but I am blonde at heart. Thanks again for replying though, I had a really, really rough weekend and the reply made my day.
Hey Mr. Wheaton 🙂 Looks like people have been suggesting touristy things, but here are some major Vancouver must-do’s from a local…
1) Monday night Poetry Slam at Cafe du Soliel on Commercial Dr. A short walk north from the Commercial Drive skytrain station. Show starts around 9, but it sells out early so get there around 7 and enjoy the nachos and amazing! berry sangria
2) Kitty Nights. Sundays at the Biltmore Cabaret. It is one of our best Burlesque nights. Show starts at 9
3) Karaoke at The Legion on Main and 23rd. Its Wed nights and has the most diverse crowd in the whole city. Tons of fun and cheap drinks. 🙂 Generally starts around 8pm
Have fun while you’re here and I’ll see you at PAX… oh, but not this year.. my fiance and I got engaged there last year (you may remember?) and are getting married this year in Sept. but we’ll be there in 2011 for sure.
My day started at areyoufuckingserious in the morning
That’s brilliant. I am so stealing that. With credit to you, of course. 🙂