Stargate Atllantis - NEW Behind-the-Scenes Photo from 'The Seed' - July 15 '08

From MGM Stargate's Stargate Atlantis section in the Behind The Scenes gallery:

(Please follow the link for the photo in its original full-size, high-resolution format.)



Paul McGillion as Dr. Carson Beckett

Stargate Atlantis - Slice of SciFi: Paul McGillion Audio Interview

From Slice of SciFi:



Slice of SciFi Interview With Paul McGillion

Posted by Sam on Monday, 7 Jul 2008

Linda Craddock, our Slice of SciFi roving reporter, was able to get a few minutes with the very busy and always fun guy, Paul McGillion and talk with him about his return to “Stargate: Atlantis” as every fan’s favorite character Dr. Carson Beckett once season five premieres this Friday, July 11 on the SCI FI Channel.

Paul was also able to tell us a little (a very, very little) about his role in the upcoming J.J. Abrams Star Trek film due out this coming May 2009.

Sit back and enjoy this exciting conversation with one of our favorite actors, Paul McGillion.

Download Link:

Stargate Atlantis - NEW Paul McGillion Photos

From Joseph Mallozzi's blog update for June 21, 2008:

http://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2008/06/21/june-21-2008-gremlins-curses-psychics-botmc-winners-and-kung-fu-scotsman/

(Please follow the link for the complete blog update. NEW Stargate Atlantis season five production photos of Paul McGillion as Dr. Carson Beckett at the site [in their full-size, high-resolution format]. Woo-hoo!)

June 21, 2008: Gremlins, Curses, Psychics, BOTMC Winners, and Kung Fu Scotsman!

**major general snippage**

Today's pics: Kung Fu Scotsman and such.

Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett)







Paul and Kerry

Stargate Atlantis - MGM Stargate: Close Up: Paul McGillion

From MGM Stargate:

http://stargate.mgm.com/news_detail.php?id=89

Close Up: Paul McGillion

June 17, 2008 (Actors)



Photo courtesy of MGM Stargate -- Dr. Carson Beckett (Paul McGillion) from "The Seed" a Stargate Atlantis fifth season episode, airing Friday July 18 '08 on the SciFi Channel (US).

Carson Beckett’s death in season three caused heartache aplenty for his loyal fans. But no one ever really dies in science fiction - and to prove it, season five promises to be the doctor’s most interesting year yet, says actor Paul McGillion.



Paul McGillion and Nicole De Boer from "Whispers" courtesy of Joseph Mallozzi's blog.

A brief excerpt:

...In his trailer, actor Paul McGillion settles down out of the rain to talk about Beckett’s return in season five. It’s telling that the actor even has a trailer – he’s no passing guest star, but rather an important, permanent part of the show. In fact, McGillion is back for at least five episodes of Stargate Atlantis’ fifth year, happily reprising the much-loved character that met his untimely demise in season three’s ‘Sunday’. Paul McGillion “I’m happy to be back,” he says with a smile, “I never wanted to leave the show in the first place!”

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that this Carson Beckett isn’t quite the same timid doctor we met in season one, and that’s not just because he’s become a little more inured to the terrors of the Pegasus galaxy. No, this Carson Beckett was cloned from the original by one of Atlantis’ arch enemies, Michael, and rediscovered in season four’s ‘The Kindred’. Still, the differences are subtle… so subtle, in fact, that McGillion laughs at the question of whether they are there at all.

“He’s basically exactly the same. I think he’s much more handsome in season five,” the actor jokes with another laugh. “He’s been away from craft service and he’s dropped a few pounds! But no - there was some comment in our first episode back, ‘The Seed’. There’s a little awareness [that he’s a clone] at first, but that’s diminished now. ‘Outsiders’ is my third episode back, and I think it’s almost like, ‘Whatever!’” He laughs again. “You know that it’s Beckett. I don’t have any special super powers or anything. There’s really not too much comment.”

**snippage**

Story by Sharon Gosling



Photo of Paul McGillion from "Whispers" courtesy of Joseph Mallozzi's blog.

Stargate Atlantis - Yahoo TV: Sick of reality TV?

From Yahoo TV:

http://tv.yahoo.com/slideshow/268/photos/1




Sick of reality TV?

With summer TV dominated by reality madness, these scripted shows are a welcome relief.

You like that your favorite TV shows help you escape from reality, not see more of it. You love to drown yourself in drama and comedy, catch up on characters' lives and enter into completely new worlds via your favorite series. You can't wait to watch Nancy Botwin's suburban drug-dealing on "Weeds," Deputy Police Chief Brenda Johnson solve the case on "The Closer," or Don Draper's womanizing on "Mad Men." Click through this slideshow to check out the stand-out scripted series coming your way this summer.

Stargate Atlantis is on the list (at # 24)

The ever-popular SciFi series "Stargate Atlantis" follows a team of intrepid explorers from Atlantis, a city built thousands of years ago by the highly evolved and mysterious Ancients, as they explore the distant Pegasus Galaxy. Season 5 promises another dose of excitement and adventure as a new and powerful race is introduced and new alliances are forged -- all while the team continues to explore the mysteries of the unknown galaxy. The season will also include the series' 100th episode and will mark the return of fan favorite Paul McGillion, who reprises his role as the beloved Dr. Carson Beckett for five episodes. Premieres Friday, 7/11 at 10 PM on SciFi Channel

Stargate Atlantis - Update on Craig McGill's Paul McGillion Interview

Back in February, I posted a link to a Paul McGillion interview, courtesy of Craig McGill:

http://tinyurl.com/4upkxl

Unfortunately, the complete interview was lost when Craig McGill moved to a new website:

http://craig-mcgill.com/

And I'm unable to find Paul's interview at the new website.

So...I'm now posting a recap of the interview, previously provided by Craig McGill himself (at the link that doesn't work now):



Craig McGill said, in March 7th, 2008 at 12:08 pm

Right, here we go. To avoid repetition, I'll try and address repeating questions under topic headings. He answered as best and honestly as he could, some questions slipped through and others I've held as they are part of the main interview.

Anyhoo, thanks everyone for your questions. I hope these help your Paul fix until I can post up the interview:

CONVENTIONS:

No, Paul won't be off to DragonCon this year. He normally does it every second year, but won't be there this year. So far the only convention he is firmed up for is on in Milton Keynes in May.

Paul said the best way to find out where he is going to be is through regular checks on his website.

http://www.paulmcgillion.com/

As for what ones he goes to:

"I've been incredibly lucky with the fans so I try to make sure that I get to see as many as possible to thank them for their support over the years - but sometimes you can't get along because of filming or other work-related matters."

APPEARING IN SEASON 5:

"I'm delighted to be coming back and seeing everyone again - and I don't know what's planned for me past these five episodes, but I would like to think that I'm not getting killed off again. Take from that what you will."

MOVIE CLASSICS:

"Classics are called classics for a reason and shouldn't be touched. Having said that, who wouldn't want to be Steve McQueen in Bullitt? What an incredible film that was - and how cool was he in it?"

TOP MOMENT/MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT:

"The one that alway sticks in my mind was when I was to do a kissing scene with Rodney and there we were before the take and he just grabbed me and planted one on me. Totally took me by surprise and everyone got a big laugh out of it. (laughing) It's quite worrying that I can't shake that memory"

THE IVORY TOWER:

"I live in a really nice flat and he's always called it that. As for children in my future, well let's just wait and see. I'm single just now and have my fun."

ARE THE FANS A BURDEN:

"Totally. They keep sending me underwear and phone numbers."

(sorry folks, he didn't say that. Just wanted to see if I could get anyone to splutter out their coffee)

What Paul did say was:

"I could never see the fans as a burden or a problem. As an actor, you want people to appreciate the work that you do, so how could I ever moan about people getting so engaged in the characters I play - it's a compliment to me and to the people who write/create the characters. Meeting with fans is a joy as well because they show you what they think of the character and their take can sometimes be totally different from yours.

There's also another point of view that shows - from a business perspective - that I have an audience and a fanbase. But no, fans will never be a burden to me. I'm flattered that they take the time and spend the money to enjoy my work."

LEAVING ATLANTIS:

"I was obviously shocked and surprised at it, but I quickly realised that I should be grateful for the time I had instead of being bitter - I made some wonderful friends - both actors and fans.; "I'm not trying to sound too humble or anything, but I did realise that instead of being annoyed, angry or bitter, I should look for the positive. Lots of actors have never even had the chance, so how could I moan after three years?"

STARCROSSED/WRITING/OTHER WORK

"At the moment I'm concentrating on the Atlantis episodes and then it's into Pilot season, so we'll see what comes up. I'm also going to seeing about getting more work in the UK and Europe when I am over in May. I'd love to be in Doctor Who or Torchwood. I don't think they'll have a second Paisley boy in the role as the Doctor though - but I'm available for an audition if they want me. "My rule is if a project interests me then I see what I can to be available for it."

FAMILY:

"My brother just became a doctor not long after I did - on Stargate - and I used to call him and ask him how to pronounce jargon and then when he finished his studies I said `well done, now there's two doctors in the family' and the response was `piss off!'

But yeah, they rip the mickey out of me all the time."

Stargate Atlantis - MGM Stargate: Close Up: Jewel Staite

From MGM Stargate:

http://stargate.mgm.com/news_detail.php?id=82

(Please follow the link for the complete MGM Stargate article.)

Close Up: Jewel Staite



May 27, 2008 (Actors)

This year Jewel Staite will join the regular cast of Stargate Atlantis. So how will Doctor Jennifer Keller deal with life on the front line? The actress took time out from filming season five to tell us.


A brief excerpt:

...the actress reports that she jumped at the chance of signing on for more screen time.

“They called in the fall and told me that we had been picked up for a fifth season,” recalls the actress, “and once contract negotiations began, they asked if I was willing to come on for more time. It’s a great show, a great cast, the hours are great… It’s a very easy set to be on but at the same time, there’s all these extreme situations that we’re playing out every week, so it’s kind of fun. You never really know what your character is going to go through next, so it’s a bit of a challenge as well, which is good. It shoots in my home town and I’ve bonded with everybody – I definitely wasn’t ready to say goodbye, so I was happy to keep exploring the character.”

**snippage**

Staite also hints that the season will hold a few shocks as far as Keller is concerned. “There’s a surprise coming,” she teases. “I think Keller’s definitely going to take the audience by huge surprise! She has some skills that we don’t know about – and that’s all I’ll say about that!”

This year will also see the return of Carson Beckett, whom the Keller character was designed to replace following his untimely demise. Staite couldn’t be happier to welcome both Beckett and his alter-ego, actor Paul McGillion, back to the Stargate Atlantis fold.

**snippage**

Stargate Atlantis - NEW Photos from 'Whispers' May 14 '08

From Joseph Mallozzi's blog update for May 14, 2008:

http://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/may-14-2008-breaking-botmc-news-updates-on-my-impending-nervous-breakdown/

(Please follow the link for the complete blog update, and for the full-sized, high-resolution format of the photos posted here.)

May 14, 2008: Breaking BOTMC news + updates on my impending nervous breakdown!

Some truly awesome news to kick off today's blog entry. Authors Jennifer Pelland and Kage Baker have kindly agreed to come by and field your questions and comments as part of our July Book of the Month Club discussions. Kage will join us the week of June 30th when we'll be discussing In the Garden of Iden, while Jennifer will be
joining us the week of July 14th for our discussion of Unwelcome Bodies. That gives you all plenty of time to track down the books, read them, and come up with some exceptionally brilliant insights to share with the rest of us. So put down the video game console, turn off the t.v. (There's nothing to watch anyway. Atlantis doesn't
premiere for another month.), and get on it. Past participants have won signed scripts, lifetime subscriptions to Apex SF & Horror Digest, and best wishes for an absolutely swimming weekend.

Well, I was back in the editing suite with detective Mike Banas today, looking to complete my producer's cut of Whispers. As I mentioned yesterday, the director's cut was five and a half minutes over, but once the obvious trims were made, it was down to three and a half minutes over. And once the not-so obvious trims were made, it was only one and a half minutes long. At that point, it became a slow-going, incredibly frustrating, agonizingly lengthy process of line-cutting, dialogue shifting, and scene trimming to finally - finally! - get it down to a mere 35 seconds over. And THAT is when things got REALLY tough. Yes, losing that last half minute or so nearly killed me (either my heart would have given out or I suspect Mike would have strangled me with his bare hands), but I did it. The producer's cut is out. And, I'm very happy with the result. It's a nice, tight, creepy little episode with a dozen or so great scares. All it needs is an exceptionally horrorific score - and that's where composer Joel Goldsmith comes in. I have a feeling he's going to have a blast with
this one.

I returned to the production offices late this afternoon - anxious, exhausted, slightly nauseous, and more than a little combative. In other words, I was in a the perfect mood to give a fellow writer notes on his latest script. Today, that writer happened to be Alan McCullough. The script: Outsiders. Alas, I got to do very little
screaming/script-throwing/couch-jumping. Alan wrote a solid first draft of what is going to be a really good episode. Damnit! And I'd made it a point to wear my couch-jumping shoes today too.

Today's photos: Whispers

Mailbag:

**snippage**

Christin writes: "His [Caron Beckett's] turtles are named Michelle and Jeffrey? Seriously? You're pulling my leg (the left one, please, as I'm still having a little trouble with my right knee). I hope there's a good reason for that. "

Answer: Yep.

**snippage**

Michelle writes: "Not to seem pitifully self-absorbed or anything, but is it possible the names of Carson's turtles were inspired by the leaders of a certain save-a-character campaign, SaveCarsonBeckett, led by MICHELLE, and Tara JEFFREY?"

Answer: Hmmm. Isn't that an interesting coincidence? Incidentally, Zelenka has a pet iguana named Kirk.

**snippage**

Linburk writes: "I was wondering, since it will be my first time, when and where you will be having this book discussion with Joe Abercrombie."

Answer: Right here on the blog the week of May 19th.

Paul McGillion




Nicole De Boer



Dr. Carson Becket (Paul McGillion)



Dr. Allison Porter (Nicole De Boer)



Paul and Nicole



Carson and Allison



Carson and Allison

Stargate Atlantis - First Photo of Picardo in Uniform for Season Five

With many thanks to actor David Nykl, who posted two new photos from the set of Stargate Atlantis on his blog, "Letters From Pegasus" (a full-sized, higher-resolutioned photo available at David's blog site):

Actors David Nykl (Dr. Radek Zelenka), Robert Picardo (Richard Woolsey) and Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett)

Stargate Atlantis - SciFi Channel Trailer for "The Kindred, Part 2"

The SciFi Channel has the trailer for "The Kindred, Part 2" available:

http://video.scifi.com/player/?id=222175

(Screenprints for the video)

Paul McGillion as Dr. Carson Beckett...we hope!

Stargate Atlantis - Niagara Falls Review - Preview of Paul McGillion article

From The Niagra Falls Review (Niagra Falls, Ontario, Canada):

http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=911686




Niagara actor strapped in for Stargate, Star Trek

Posted By JOHN LAW

Former Niagara resident Paul McGillion laughs about the first time he told his parents he was going to star in a new TV show called "Stargate Atlantis."

Despite correcting them countless times, they thought he said "Star Trek."

A few years later, he now has both franchises on the resume.

The rugged, Scottish-born actor was being seriously considered for the part of Scotty in the new "Star Trek" film, being directed by "Lost" creator JJ Abrams. The part eventually went to British comic actor Simon Pegg ("Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz"), but Abrams was so impressed with McGillion's audition, he gave him another small role in the $160 million revamp, which hits theatres Christmas Day.

McGillion has been in big productions before - "The X- Files," "Smallville" – but nothing like this.

"It does feel huge," he says from his parents' home in Niagara-on-the-Lake this week, before starting work on Season Five of "Stargate Atlantis."

It's about the only thing McGillion is allowed to say about the secretive production - he had to sign a 10-page confidentiality agreement when he joined the cast.

Full story in Friday's Review

Stargate Atlantis - FedCon USA - Paul McGillion at June Con - Dallas, TX

From FedCon USA:

http://www.fedconusa.com/

Welcome To FedConUSA

Although we have been promoting events in Germany for over 15 years, Dallas, Texas will host our first in the United States. It is our aim to continue delivering and building upon the FedCon experience which has become the gold standard of excellence in Europe.



Best known for his role as the fan favorite Dr. Carson Beckett aboard Stargate: Atlantis, Scottish Canadian actor Paul McGillion will be coming to FedConUSA this summer! Paul has appeared in a number of science fiction shows, including The X-Files, Sliders, Smallville, and Star Trek (2008) - where he will not be playing Scotty. Paul has been working with FedConUSA since it was announced last year at FedCon Germany.

Other guests include:

Jonathan Frakes
Marina Sirtis (SG1's Dr. Markov in "Watergate")
Garrett Wang
Connor Trinneer (SGA's Michael)
John Billingsley (SG1's Dr. Coombs in "The Other Guys")
Anthony Montgomery
Bonita Friedericy
Menina Fortunato
Shane Felux
Jack Marshall
James Cawley


Convention runs June 13-15, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency DFW.

For more information, please follow the link above.

Stargate Atlantis - TV Tonight (Australia): Returning: Stargate Atlantis

From TV Tonight (Australia):

http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2008/02/returning-stargate-atlantis-king-of.html

Ronon Dex (Jason Momoa)



Returning: Stargate Atlantis

Seven is returning cult favourite Stargate Atlantis to screens on Thursday Feb 21 at 11:00pm.

"No Man's Land" from season 3 aired in the US in July 2006.

Lt. Col. John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) and Dr. Carson Beckett (Paul McGillion)



Shep and Ronon



**snippage**

Paul McGillion: Forbidden Planet Blog - (UK) Appearance Jan 30

From the Forbidden Planet blog:

http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/?p=6327

Stargate's Paul McGillion appearing at FPI Manchester

January 28th, 2008



The Manchester Forbidden Planet International (65 Oldham Street) will play host to Paul McGillion - best known to science fiction fans as Doctor Carson Beckett from Stargate Atlantis - who will be appearing in the store on Wednesday 30th of January at 4.30pm, so there's another event for SF fans to stick in their diary. Contact the branch for more details.


Forbidden Planet Manchester
65 Oldham Street
Piccadilly
M1 1JR
Phone: 0161 839 4777