Monday, July 14, 2014

Steve Geaghan and the Mystery of the Missing Watcher Stamp

Well, it's here.  The entry I've been telling you Watcherettes....

(Oh that will go over swell with the fans.)

... about, Steve Geaghan had agreed to answer a few questions in regards to the creation of the Watcher concept on HL-TS.  They were sent through my buddy and your official Highlander Locations Expert, Andy Slone.  Thank you Andy and thank you Mr. Geaghan.

Stick around for a brand new feature after the interview!!  BONUS!!  Part one of 'Bad Watcher' written by me.  I hate fan fiction, this is my way of fighting back.  Critics have said...."It's ok."  Yet another critic raved, "I chuckled."
Now, onto my interview with Steve Geaghan!

_____________________

Could you give us your personal particulars, age, location, occupation, level of hatred for Morrissey,….
Born in New Brunswick NJ, BA Tusculum College Greeneville Tn. MA Univ. of BC. Canada, Production Designer.  It's all on my web site: stephen-geaghan-designer.com

How did your involvement in Highlander start? 
I was interviewed by Bill Panzer, Barry Rosen and Gary Goodman and hired from among 4 or 5 others.

Were you aware of the film before your work on Highlander - The Series, your thoughts? Were you a fan?
Yes, I had seen the film and found its subject matter compelling.  When I was hired Bill Panzer gave me one piece of advice before I started to design the main sets and this placed the mood for the entire series,"Remember, you never know what you're going to find behind a door in the world of the Highlander."  

 
What were your duties on the show and what years did you dedicate to the series?
I was the Production Designer.  The Designer is responsible for everything that goes in front of the camera that isn't an actor.  Everything.  I designed the first 4 seasons of Highlander before I went on to Design The Outer Limits for MGM for 6 seasons.

Do you have any Highlander tattoo's? If not, can you wrap your head around the level of, what would YOU call it, for someone to permanently alter their appearance ultimately for the love of a franchise?
No.  I don't have any tattoos.  My gut feeling about franchise freaks… Well I've been to Comicon and seen it all.  Conversely the archetypal backbone of the show Highlander is that good overcomes evil - mostly and Duncan Mcleod must balance his need to survive with his prime directive and his personal philosophy of helping the unfortunate.  A good Judeo/Christian life stance in my opinion. 
 


Are you currently still in the biz? (any interviewer worth his/her salt would have done some research moron.)
Yes.  I am currently preparing to Design season 3 of Defiance for NBC/SyFy.
 
How did the creation of the Watcher concept come about and was there an evolution of sorts in the design of the symbol?
 I designed the watchers tatt under the direction of Bill Panzer who wanted something medieval and primitive, simple, that might suggest a bird or a fleur de lis but not be too on the nose.  I recall I presented him 3 or 4 variations.  He chose the one that became gospel.  It was lopsided and imperfect and that seemed to satisfy him. 


Is it true a rubber stamp was used to apply the Watcher symbol onto the actor's wrist? 
My art director Richard Cook carved the first one in cork after Bill okayed it.  Then the Props master Don Buchannan had several stamps made in rubber.
 
Where is that rubber stamp? 
Long gone.  When the show went down after season 5 all that stuff went into storage and was eventually sold off at auction in Vancouver. That must be around 20 years ago.

What has been your reaction, if any, when you meet a fan who just MUST show you his/her body art? 
Never met one.  But if you are female and have a Highlander tatt where the sun never shines I might be inclined to have a look see.I'm going to suggest that you study and listen to all the interviews on the Highlander DVD's.  There's a lot of information to be gained about how the show was done there.

Well, that's it.  And PLEASE check out Steve's website.  The first pic you see is that beautiful Antique shop interior.  stephen-geaghan-designer.com

_________________________

Bad Watcher


To: Watcher Headquarters, North America
From: Joe Dawson

     It troubles me to have to write to you once again but I truly do not think Josh Lehman is working out. I have attached the following descriptions of transgressions and violations of the Watcher Rules and Regulations and request he be dismissed forthwith.
Signed,
Joe Dawson
---
Attachment 1
In regards to Josh Lehman (nickname 'Keg Killer'); I had some hope that Mr. Lehman would take the responsibility of being a Watcher seriously since graduating the academy 188 out of a class of 188 in 2002. I was in error.
His first report was rife with errors and language inappropriate to this organization, and they have gotten progressively worse.
I submit, Watcher Report Number 49-6843-jl.
I quote,
"Yo Joe! 'Sup? This is some cool sh** man! That dude you got me watching took some other dudes head last night. I don't remember much cuz I was soooo wasted man. I met this girl at the club and we hit it off (if you know what I mean, wink wink). Anyway, this ends my report. Peace out.
Signed,
Keg Killer Lehman

Joe here again;  I believe our experiment of including the Watchers at Career Day at various collages across the country was not in our best interest.


(cont. next time)

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Tom Casey - Kurgan, Ramirez AND Connor



Youse guys ain't gonna believe today's issue of HIGHLANDER - THE INKED.  Three classic tatts featuring Connor, Kurgan AND Ramirez all on one true fans flesh!!!

I think it's safe to say we have a very special special guest lined up for the near future.  Steve Geaghan, Production Designer for Highlander -The Series and current PD for the hit show Defiance is the rumored creator of both the Watcher concept and the design of the 'tattoo'.  Steve has agreed to answer some questions.  
I got like a fan boner here. 
_________________________________________________________________________________

On to the here and now.  Featured in this past December issue of  Rebel Ink, I wanted Tom to introduce himself. the guy's got a story.  So throw on Queen's 'It's A Kind of Magic' for ambiance, grab some popcorn and spend a few minutes in his skin.


Tom Casey, Triple Play!!

     "My name is Tom Casey, 49 years old and divorced for 10 years. I live in Coventry Rhode Island and I work at Precision Harley-Davidson in Pawtucket RI. I remember watching the original Highlander movie in 1986 and was instantly hooked!!

As a young adult at the time, I was drawn in to the symbolism, power and true meaning of good vs evil. Although no one man can live forever, I felt the pain in Conner as he held back his feelings knowing that nothing lasts for eternity.

What a fancy peacock
The symbolism in my world relates to my Dad. His illness took him away from me 3 years a go. The Kurgan is the disease and he, Conner. Always fighting til the end, he never gave up!
My first Highlander Tattoo was Ramirez. He is now my Dad, my guardian. Whenever I am lost or in need of advice, I know he is always there looking out for me.
My second is The Kurgan. It is a constant reminder to never take anything for granted. Life is not easy and it can be taken away from you at any time."
_____

HTI - Who was the tattoo artist you chose?

TC - Sarah Miller is one of the best!!! She placed second on Ink Masters. I became close friends with her a couple years ago.

"I know everything...I see everything..I am everything!!"


HTI - Do you get any feedback from fans?

TC - I get them all the time!! Most people ask why I did that. To me, it's a personal thing. Every morning as I look in the mirror, I see my Dad watching over me!! To me, that is priceless!!

HTI - When and where did you get them?  Did you have to travel far?

TC - Over the last year and a half.  I got them done in New Hampshire, Allentown PA, and Pittsburgh PA.

HTI - I noticed a motor sickle in your Facebook pics.  You like to ride?  How long?

Shhh. Quiet. Just look, don't say anything. Take it in.


TC - Love to ride!!! been riding since 1972. I work for Harley-Davidson and got my first bike from my Dad on my 7th birthday. He taught me how to ride then and I've been riding ever since!!

HTI- What keeps you busy these days?  Got any hobbies?  Do you hate Morrissey as much as I seem to?

TC - I'm a workaholic. Harley's are a passion and I live the dream!!! Morrissey...... not a fan!!!!

HTI - Were you into the television incarnations of Highlander?

TC - No.

And with that answer I jumped on Tom's Harley and stole it.  Thank you Tom not only for the bike but for your participation and sharing your beautiful artwork.  Not that this is a contest but you win so far.

Take a minute and check out Sarah Miller extreme talent at her Facebook page.

AND YOU PEOPLE - Please keep spreading the HIGHLANDER - THE INKED word.  This blogthing ceases to exist when people stop wanting to show their Highlander tat's and tell their singular stories.


BONUS FEATURE!
Yet another installment of BAD WATCHER

(Oh boy.  You very bad writer Rusty.  People too polite to tell you.)

Blow me Koto.  I'm unique.


BAD WATCHER 2


"'Attached is the second report filed by Josh 'Keg Killer' Lehman, further proof he is not Watcher material.
Signed, Joe Dawson

-Attachment 2-

'Hey, Joe dude. I've been thinkin' and I was wondering if instead of the Watcher tat, I could get this killer ink I saw? It's the one Vin Diesel had in XXX (Triple X). I know you've been on my case about getting the Watcher tattoo but I really hate needles man and I thought the xxx would be, you know, more personal and unique.
Oh, btw, I lost the dude you got me watching. I forget his name, I got it written down somewhere, I'll find it.
Anyway, I'm out. I got tickets to Ozzy tonight!!!  GOING OFF THE WALLS ON A CRAZY TRAIN!! Hey Joe, you like Ozzy?

Peace out, Josh'."

--CONT. next time if you are good--



Thursday, July 3, 2014

Sally Nickle and Her Pickle




       "I saw what you wrote on wanting to get a Highlander tattoo."
That's how this blog entry started.  Me chatting with a fellow Highlander buddy.

No tat's today.  This is about one person dealing with her demons.  Fighting the forces of evil with no clear victor in sig...

(No it is not at all.)

Whatever Koto, it got me thinking. And chattin' with a long time HLBB forum friend and female Highlander fan.
  Please keep an eye out for Sally's take on the four pictures I stole from her Facebook to caption AND the less than stellar formatting job I do in this entry.  Back to regular programming with the next entry.
__________


This was taken at my daughter, Lara's,
wedding in 2011.
 That's "Baby" in my lap.
 Lara got her for her first birthday,
and she was in the wedding!
 Sally Nickle - Hey, you could ask me why I'm interested in a watcher tat and whether I'll chicken out or not

Highlander-The Inked - Miss Sally, that is exactly the type of question I would ask someone ruminating the possibility of a tattoo. YOU'RE A MINX!! A mind reader!! An interview foreteller!!

SN - Mind, I've been drinking a lil bit.

HTI - Those are the best answers!  So how you doing?

SN - I'm doing pretty good. How about you?

HTI - I'm ok, got the estate by myself, Koto is off at his Sunday gig at the church, he DJ's. What are you doing?

SN - Just watching an old sci fi on TV

HTI - Oh, ok, when you are free then.  Why Highlander for you?

SN - I've always liked period pieces, and that appealed to me. The hot men in kilts didn't hurt, either.

I also like the writing. The stories are intriguing and include a lot of historical flashbacks

HTI - Do you have a screen capture of Adrian's buttocks on your computer Miss Sally?

SN - Maybe!  He was on my desktop for a long time, but he was wearing a kilt.

HTI - You didn't say romance. You have breastcicles. You guys love romance.

SN - True! There is a lot of romance in HL. I particularly liked Amanda with Duncan.

HTI - Chemistry!  Science ain't figured that one out yet. So what are you thinking about, design wise?

SN - I think I'd like a small Watchers' tattoo on the inside of my left wrist, probably in black.  It will be my first, so I don't really want a big one. Damn, that sounds dirty.

HTI - Are you a dirty girl?

SN - Hubby says I am.  Don't be nervous, dear.  Am I your first girl?  To interview, I mean.

HTI - yes

SN - I will be gentle then.



This is me and my husband when we were first 
engaged in 1978.  I think I was writing something on his knee.  
Probably ruined those jeans.
HTI - It ain't good if someone ain't crying. Momma tolt me that.
Getting H'inked (I just made that up) is a very personal choice. Yin/Yan, pro/con, take us through that metal web of cotton candy you must be going through. So what is holding you back?





SN - I've been thinking about a tat for a long time, but haven't been sure what to get. I'm at that delicate age when everything begins to go south, so I don't want to put anything anywhere that it will start to sag in the near future. I recently decided on putting a favorite quote on my right shoulder blade, and thought I would get the Watchers' tat at the same time.

HTI - You have been very forthcoming and thank you for the image of your future breasts. They snuck in there somehow, you are a wonderful weaver of words.
What is the quote, pray tell?

SN - The quote is: "Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider, is chaos for the fly." Morticia Addams

HTI - That is so good.

HTI - Are you afraid of the pain that is inherent in the tattooing process?



This was  taken at a museum in Pensacola.
I jumped the rails to play with an old loom.  I'm a rebel like that.






Wow, this is an old one.  I was about 12 years old, at my best friend, Vicki's, house.

HTI - Nice!!  Did I ask 'Why Highlander?'

SN - Yeah, in the beginning.

HTI - Oh.  Ok.
---

(sorry about the formatting.  something went weird halfway through.)