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THE PEGGSTER.NET CHRISTMAS 2006 Q&A!!!
Happy Holidays one and all. It doesn't seem like a year since I was holed up in the Isle of Man with a handlebar moustache, doing the same thing as I'm about to do now. But, as global warming grabs the headlines, the less obvious problem of the gradual acceleration of time seems to progress unnoticed by the popular press and before we know it, it will be yesterday's news and not in a good way...so there's no point pontificating about it, so I'll stop. Now.
Here's the answers.
From Slick:
- Do you have any desire to do some directing? I know you did a bang-up job directing Jeremy Thompson in Shaun, did that spark any interest (assuming there wasn't any before)?
Hello Slick,
Yeah, I would like to direct something. I've been asked to direct a few music promos and that feels like a good place to start, so who know's? Edgar's a hell of a benchmark though.
- How did Edgar get the nickname Eball anyway? And do you have any nicknames?
Nick just called Edgar Eball one day and it stuck. Nick does that. We both do. We rarely call each other by our actual names. Today we are Cochese and Yuke.
*gets on knees to assume begging stance* Also, would you PLEASE grab Nick and Edgar and make an appearance at the super cool FX Show (www.fxshow.com) in Orlando in January? Pretty, pretty please with Jaffa Cakes on top? I'm sick of the LA and New York people getting all of you guys!
Our US press schedule for Hot Fuzz will be pretty extensive, bigger than Shaun of the Dead and it will bring us many, many places. We will no doubt hit Florida at some point. I had an amzing 21 hours in Miami last time.
Thanks for all the joy you've brought me Simon!
Cheers love.x
From Kurtis:
- I’m a big fan of your work as a comedian, actor, and writer. I was wondering what was the best part of making the new film Hot Fuzz?
Ah K-Man, too many to mention. It was the best fun ever. From filming the action sequences, to acting alongside brilliant actors, to getting into tip-top shape. It was all good brother.
From Trucast:
- First off, being a Geordie boy through and through, I just need to ask... Why the hell do you hardly EVER visit Newcastle?!
TC, I used to get up to Newcastle a lot when I was a stand up. Me and Nick drove up there one night in the snow to do a gig for 12 people. I have fond memories of being up there in December '94, walking around town listening to the Piano soundtrack on my walkman.
- Also, hypothetically say that I have the most amazing script that would completely revolutionise the sitcom scene and would be remembered forever as one of the best comedies in the world. What do I do with it? And if the sitcom got picked up, do you think it would be vital to eventually move down to London?
The best thing to do with a script is to send it out to the relevant production companies. Or get a scene of it up on YouTube. If it's as good as you say, it should start a rumble. As a writer, you don't have to move to London. You may have to visit occasionally though.
- Finally, you can't blame me for trying but... can I have tickets for the Hot Fuzz premier?
I'm afraid I cannot offer you tickets to the Hot Fuzz premiere because a) it would set a dangerous precedent and b) I'm not allowed. Merry Jesusmas.
From Jessica:
Hi Jess,
- Any chance of you showing up again on Doctor Who? And if so, who or what would you like to be if given a choice?
I'm very happy with my Who appearance I had a great time and remain highly honored. I do however, think it's best if the Editor remains under a festering pile of Jagrafess meat on Satellite 5. Let a bad guy go down first time for once.
- What did you think of the new Bond?
At the time of writing, I haven't actually seen it yet. I've only just finished filming, so I have some catching up to do. Can't wait to see it. Daniel Craig looks great as Bond.
- Jack Bauer or Chuck Norris?
Norris every time. Never has so little charisma been so devastating in the face of international, genetically engineered, robot, terrorism.x
From Kate W.:
- do you have a single defining career moment that made you who you are today?
Not really. There have been many highlights and I think every step defines who you are. I suppose, if anything set me on the course I'm on now, then it would be a party at 142 Cricklewood Lane, London, NW2 in July 1994, when I walked onto a balcony and was introduced to a drunk young man, with thick black glasses, called Nicholas.
- do you ever lurk the dank and murky pages of MySpace?
No. Although I did go on there once because I was told someone was impersonating me.
Ta.x
From Genevieve:
- G'day Simon. (I apologise for the cliched Aussie greeting!) Will you be coming to Australia to promote Hot Fuzz; & if so, can I please get a ticket to the Aussie premiere?! (As a fellow geek, I'd love to meet you, Edgar & Nick!)
Yes, I would imagine we are coming to Oz. We did last time. Me and Eball stayed at the W Hotel in Woolamaloo and a great time. I don't know if there will be a premiere as such but there will be preview screenings that we will most likely be at. So keep your peepers peeled.x
From Beverley:
- You know about my disabilities and your work's impact on my life, I wondered how the knowledge that you can lift people's lives through your work affects you?
Bev! I thought you only used your wheelchair to jump the queue at signings! ;-)
It is, of course, an enormous compliment that our stuff has a positive effect on people. It is in my opinion, the ultimate accolade.
- We know that you love Zombie films and Action films because you have chosen to use them as inspiration for your writing, I just wondered if there was a genre of film you hate so much it would never inspire your writing?
Not really. I don't love everything but I don't think I hate anything. What is anathema to me is poor quality. I don't ever want to generate anything which is universally regarded as such.
Keep strong Bev.x
From Scott:
- Could we have a script, book or comic of what series three of Spaced would be like? - or perhaps a talkie radio show like you and Jess did with Doctor Who? I really feel for all the characters and would love to know how it is suppose to all work out. Love, and own, all your work. Keep it up!
Scotty, I would love to complete Spaced in some way or form. A comic book would seem the easiest way to do it. It would only mean writing time as opposed to writing, gathering, rehearsing, shooting time, which is slightly longer than the former. The characters definitely had an arc that was never fully completed. If we get round to doing the book of scripts, you can read the lost episode in which Mike gets struck by lightening and loses his moustache, thereby losing his powers.
Glad you like the stuff.
From Raych:
- Would you ever consider doing a television show again?
Absolutely but I'm very happy doing films at the moment. It feels comfortable and fun, which is nice for a job.
- I am fascinated by tattoos! What ink do you have and what do they mean to you?
I have four tattoos. A symbol on each shoulder, stars on my arm, and Max from Maurice Syndack's Where The Wild Things Are on my left shoulder blade. What they mean to me? They're mine. :-)
- What is your favorite convention memory?
Comic Con 2004, when we first met Ken Foree and Greg Nicotero. We we so starstruck. It was hilarious.
I told Carrie Fisher I used to kiss her picture before I went to sleep. She asked me if I felt better for telling her and I said, much.x
From Robb:
- What's your favorite part about working with Nick and Edgar?
The main part. I get to work with my best friends. Simple and classic.
From Caz:
- Many thanks for giving up your time to answer our questions Simon. It is so good of you. I would like to ask you, if somebody were to invest a huge amount of money into one of your films which would allow you to film anywhere in the world, what location would you love to film in and why there?
It's hard to say really because location is never really the first consideration. Despite joking about it on rainy days, I would never write a film based solely on it giving me an opportunity to work in a specific place. It certainly wasn't a factor when I wrote my new movie Dr. Fucks-a-Lot Goes To The Bahamas.
From Nicole:
- You're getting ready to portray a real person (Toby Young) next year, which is a first for you. (Frighteningly accurate Barry Gibb falsetto in that Big Train sketch notwithstanding.) Is that any more/less daunting for you, and how are you preparing?
Nicole, I'm kind of playing a version of Toby in HTLF. The character is called Sydney Young and is only loosely based on the man himself. I don't have to do an impersonation. So I'm approaching it like any character I play; with an open mind.
- Someone's taken Danny Butterman hostage and Nick Angel has to save him - but he gets to bring backup! Who does he bring? - Harry Callahan, Frank Bullitt, Martin Riggs, "Tequila" Yuen, or John McClane? No, you can’t have two, so choose wisely.
My first instinct would be to take John McClane for the shits and giggles but I'm sure I'd wise up and take Harry C. The man's a machine!
- The Pegg Says: Best Film of 2006? (So far, anyway. I know, I haven't time to see everything yet either...)
I've been so busy this year I've hardly seen anything. Little Miss Sunshine was definitely a highlight.
Many thanks for indulging the gang once more - You spoil us rotten, chief. ;)
Aw shucks.x
From Daiz:
- Do you have sugar in your tea? One or two?
In Shaun of the Dead when I say 'I haven't had sugar in my tea since 1982', that's absolutely true. My friend Mark gave up during the Falklands conflict and I copied him. I don't think it was to help the war effort.
- Did you have time this year to watch any pedigree comedy on BBC2 such as Lead Balloon or That Mitchell and Webb Look?
I haven't really watched a huge amount of TV comedy this year. I did catch a couple of M & Ws and found them very funny.
- Are you related to my college principal Steve Pegg?
I am not related to Steve Pegg. Not as far as I know. Either that or he is my least favourite uncle.x
From Llama:
- Yule tidings, Mr. Pegg! If 'Mulan' is Eddie Murphy's third best film, what were the first two?
Beverley Hills Cop and 48 Hours. Come on Llamsy, that's Murphy 101.
- Could you tell me a fact about Edgar that I wouldn't already know? Oh, go on.
He has a surprisingly muscular chest.
From Lucy (Llama’s friend):
- If you could be any character from a film/book/comic etc who would you be and why?
I could never play Batman because I'm just not built like the Bat but I've always loved him and it would be fun to step into his boots. I don't think anyone's ever quite got him right. No disrespect to any of the actors who have portrayed him because most have done good jobs in what they chose to bring to the role but there is something very special about Bruce Wayne and I find that intriguing.
- And what are you hoping Father Christmas will be bringing you this year?
Peace, love, happiness for everyone. The usual.x
From Johanna:
- What do you know about Finland?
More than you know Johanna. Nick and I have a thing about Finland. We went to Helsinki on a writing trip once. I say writing. We actually just drank copious amounts of Lapin Coulter and took funny pictures of each other (two of which I will include with this email). Nick's also been to the north of Finland with 'Danger'. We had planned to return this year to start work on our new project but we couldn't find the time. We'll be back though.
- If you had to save one item from a burning house, what would it be?
My bear.
- If you had to pick one song to describe your life, what would it be?
Strarlfur by Sigur Ros because I don't know what it means.x
From Thomas:
- Have you or Nick graced the omnipresence that is the Xbox 360 yet? I'm sure its marketing rush has at least graced your eyes.
Oh yes Thomas. We both have them although I haven't fully exploited mine yet. What I've seen looks simply stunning. Can't wait to really get my teeth into it.
- Second, have you seen anything regarding Dead Rising? It's quite possibly [the] title you've been dreaming of.
Yes it's fantastic. I'll always be slightly peeved that a proper Shaun of the Dead game never emerged. This is the closest thing to it. Brilliant fun.
- True or False: Peter Molyneux has a little cameo in Hot Fuzz?
False. Cheers Thomo.
From Lucy (Not Llama’s friend, the other one!):
- Shaun of the Dead is on my All-time Favourite Films list; you and Edgar have not only made the zombie genre cool again but you've also helped me conquer my hurdle of gore-fests. Talking of films, you’re a big Simpsons fan - are you excited for the movie coming out next July?
Very excited indeed. I have just worked with Hank Azaria and he told me a little about it. Working with Hank was great because he wasn't shy about doing his Simpsons voices. Even to the point of having a Professor Frink attack just before the cameras rolled, so I'd still be giggling when action was called.
Wishing you and Maureen a very happy Christmas and an especially prosperous new year!
Thank you. You too.x
From Scott Q.:
- As your career has evolved from stand up to sketch comedy to television and film, how has your writing changed? With each progressive step and new challenges, do you find greater strengths or weakness that you previously had not thought of?
It's definitely a learning process. You are constantly learning both creatively and practically. Experience is highly valuable to a writer, so hopefully the more I have the better I will become. The important thing is that at any given point in time, I assume I know everything, so I'm always humbled and surprised when I learn something new. Which I won't, because I know everything.
From Kristi:
- You've had a chance to work with people like Christopher Eccleston, Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames, Edward Woodward, Jim Broadbent, and Thandie Newton in recent projects. Do you still get a bit starstruck, or are you jaded and unfazed by such encounters now?
It's always nice to work with new people and I always get a little nervous on first meeting, particularly, as is often the case, if I am a fan. I sincerely hope that continues to be the case
- Since Dylan Moran is part of the "Run, Fat Boy, Run" cast, has there been a Flicking Fight rematch? 'Cause you were totally robbed the last time...
Me and Dylan have a great fight in Run, Fat Boy, Run. I really enjoy working with Dylan. He's a charming bastard.
- There's a rumor that you'd like to work with Will Arnett, and frankly we would love to make that happen. So give us a brief premise and I'll start in on the script straight away. Giving you all the best lines, of course. Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us. You're too good to us.
I would love to work with Will. Let's just say a collaboration is a definite possibility.
Thanks Kristi and thanks so much for my iGeek compilation. Merry Christmas.x
From Lisa:
- How are you handling your increasing celebrity, especially as Shaun is a cult favorite with an increasing fan base?
It's okay. I find that side of things a little stressful. Most of it is great and the people that come up to say hello are always lovely but there is an element of it which is daunting. It unnerves me to see things written about me in the paper about being seen out shopping or something. It's getting harder to go out and have a normal evening now, particularly outside London, where people don't expect to see you. But as I said, people are generally very personable and it's a small price to pay for having a job that I love.
- Also are you coming to Australia anytime soon for a promo? Would love to see you at a signing.
I would imagine we'll be coming to Australia at some point. I love it there. It changed my life in 1996 and for that I will always be grateful.
I am eagerly awaiting Big Nothing, Hot Fuzz and Run Fat Boy Run. P.S. My daughter bought me a Shaun doll from the Comic convention, BRILLIANT.
Be careful with it, It has voodoo properties.x
From Craig:
- Well Simon, I'm terrible at coming up with questions. Then I remembered Bev asked you to ask us fans a question last year, so I’m borrowing her idea, with credit. ;) Ask us anything!
What are you all doing to reduce your carbon footprint?
Congrats also on the string of projects you've been getting lately anyway. Here's hoping for more to come!
Thanks Craig. Gawd bless ya.
From Renaldo:
- What are your top 3 old-school electro tracks besides Man Parrish "Hip Hop, Be Bop (Don't Stop)”?
1. Rock It - Herbie Hancock
2. Planet Rock - Afrika Bambata and the Soulsonic Force
3. Let the Music Play - Shannan
BREAK!
From Brian:
- Ever since I signed that online petition for you to appear on The Simpsons, I have always wondered if you have been contacted to appear on The Simpsons? I guess my question is have you talked to anyone about that?
Hello Brian. I know Matt G's a fan of Shaun of the Dead and I've met various actors and writers from the show. If they come up with something and feel I would be right for it, I'd do it in a heartbeat but until then, I'll just have to wait and carry on enjoying the show as a fan.
From Rory:
- The Spaced and Shaun of the Dead soundtracks were fan-dabbi- dozie, so what can we expect from the Hot Fuzz soundtrack?
The Hot Fuzz soundtrack is going to be awesome! David Arnold, who is an amazing composer, fresh from Casion Royale is doing the score and as for other music, expect Brit Rock. both classic and contemporary and also a very special something from The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.
- Who would win in a fight between Nicholas Angel and Jason Statham?
Statham is a cruncher but Angel is a machine. I think it would be a hell of a match but ultimately Nicholas would take Jason down. The fact that they are fighting in the first place would mean Statham had turned bad and the good guys always win in the end.
- And what's your all-time favourite moment in the Resident Evil games?
Those games are full of fantastic moments. I love the bit in IV when you first encounter El Giganti. When he bursts through that gate. Man, I nearly did a wee.
Oh, and please get a Hot Fuzz release in Japan soon - I live in Somerset and go to university in London, but I'm studying in Kyoto for a year and I really want to see gunfights around Wells on a big screen! With Japanese subtitles! Keep the quality coming! And bring the noise!
That's what I'm talking about.
From Rachel:
Firstly, thanks for doing this once again, Simon - you're a star. :)
No Rachel, it is you who is the star.
- OK, geeky ex-film student question here. When Shaun kills Pete the blood splatters as if onto the camera lens - was that in the script or something that happened in the edit?
Hmm nice Q. I think that was something that came up in the edit when we started working with Double Negative who do our digital effects. It raises interesting questions because it contradicts the notion of the filmic fourth wall. On one hand the spectator is encouraged to believe they are viewing reality through a mythical portal which does not exist in the narrative world of the text. Yet the fact that the narrative world can physically interact with the portal (in this instance, cover it with blood) suggests otherwise. The technique tricks the spectator by employing documentary realism and applying it to a non documentary format. It's smoke and mirrors basically. I love it. Double Negative have surpassed themselves with Hot Fuzz by the way. Their work is subtle and brilliantly realised.
- We have a pop culture confessional thread on the forum, are there are pop culture sins you'd like to confess? Is there something that's critically acclaimed that you dislike or some utter crap that you adore?
I think Tom Cruise should have won an Oscar for Jerry Maguire. I love that movie.
- What's your favourite Christmas song/carol?
Traditional - Once In Royal David City. Contemporoary - I Believe In Father Christmas by Greg Lake.x
From Barbara:
- What do you usually do for New Year's Eve?
I always go away. It's nice to experience New Years in other countries, so we always fly off somewhere.
- What is your worst memory of a New Year's Eve and why?? (Do you remember it at all?)
New Year 2001. I had a really bad sore throat and just stayed in and watched TV. It was well depressing.x
From Elly:
- What would your reaction be if someone used the title 'Hot Fuzz' for an adult film?
I'd have to watch it first, to make sure it was worthy. ;)x
From Chris:
- Now that youve become a very recognised and growing hollywood actor, are you wanting to concentrate on acting solely, or do you intended to write anything this upcomming year to star in at a later date?
Yes absolutely. Acting is only part of my job. I consider myself very lucky that I can generate my own work. I'm about to start writing something with Nick, which we will hopefully shoot next year. Me and Edgar are beginning to think about our third collaboration together. I have done quite a bit of acting recently but the fact is I really needed to. I went staright form extensive press for Shaun into writing Fuzz. I got very inactive, which is why I look like a potato in Big Nothing (not as bad as some have said btw), so I really felt like doing a bit of acting. Five films later, I'm ready to hit the keyboard again.
Also, thank you for being so nice when I met you at the SOTD graphic novel signing. Merry Christmas!
That's quite alright. Merry Christmas to you too!
From Kimberly:
- What kind of music are you into now versus when you were younger?
I was more tribal when I was younger Kimbo. When I was Goth it wasn't enough to love The Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhaus etc, you had to hate everything else too. Nowadays, musicality is the only criteria. I still dislike manufactured music though.
- What musical instruments can you play, and how well do you play them?
I play the drums. There's a bit in Spaced when Tim tells Daisy he got a miniature drum kit for his fifth birthday. I got mine for Christmas 1975.x
From Hazel:
- I'm currently enjoying 'Spaced' all over again on DVD - what happened to the Chocolate Beanie? Are you stashing items away to fund your retirement on the proceeds from memorabilia auctions?
It's funny you should say that. I've recently moved house and was unpacking some stuff just the other day and found the Chocolate Beanie. I found a bunch of stuff actually. My attic has become a memorabilia treasure trove. Tim's conceptual designs for the Bear comic that he shows Daisy in Episode 1:1 are up there. The Marilyn Munroe junkie t-shirt from 1:5, The tederloin t-shirt from 2:3, the Mooks t-shirt from 2:7. Also the RPG weapons from 1:7. Shaun's bloody shirt is hanging up in the corner and in an airtight box on the left is Jessica Stevenson.x
- What was the last film that you watched entirely for pleasure (without thinking 'mmm, that's an interesting camera angle')?
I watched I Robot last night on Sky and thoroughly enjoyed it. Will Smith is a very charismatic actor. For all his success, I believe he is still underrated.
- Does the knowledge that you have of film making enhance or spoil that viewing magic?
When I took my first film lecture, my tutor told the class that after that day, we would never be able to watch a film in the same way again and in a way he was right. I don't mind though. I enjoy watching things from multiple angles.
- Finally, where would you spend your ideal Christmas?
With my family.x
From Kinga:
- Is there any way you could include the blogs you guys did for Hot Fuzz on the DVD section of the movie when it comes out in the future? It would make a great addition to the Behind the Scenes/ Special Features section of the DVD.
Kinga, we're way ahead of you. All the blogs will be present and correct. Maybe even the odd lost blog too. Dan did one all in french that was considered too Avant Guarde by Universal. It featured discordant trumpet music.x
From Dr. Logan:
- What's your favorite hair color on yourself?
Tim Bisley blonde.
- What's your favorite American television show?
Arrested Development. Sublime.
- Favorite novel?
A Christmas Carol (unabridged)
Thanks Doc.
From Athena:
Okay, so I stole these questions from James Lipton. He won't mind though, we're good buddies. :)
1. What is your favorite word?
That's a toss up between Pernicious, Cathedral and Mellifluous
2. What is your least favorite word?
Nice.
3. What turns you on?
Imagination.
4. What turns you off?
Ignorance.
5. What is your favorite curse word?
'Fuck' in all it's forms. Adjective, Verb, Noun, Pro Noun, Adverb etc
6. What sound or noise do you love?
Laughter
7. What sound or noise do you hate?
Whispering
8. What profession would you like to attempt?
Special make-up FX
9. What profession would you NOT like to attempt?
Anything that requires administration.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Told you so.
Thanks for everything Simon! Your work has had a big impact on me. You Rock!
Thank you Athena.x
And thank you to all of you who sent questions and visit Harmony's amazing site. Thank you for all your continuing love and support. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a fuzzy New Year. 2007 is the year Shaun gets a big bad baby brother. Hold on to your hats. The little hand says it's time to rock and roll.xxxxxxxxx