JJ Talks Shop With IF Magazine

In the recent issue of IF Magazine, JJ Abrams briefly talks about the various projects he has worked on in this last few years. A few snippets below, with the full article here.

In the story of Fringe, it is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another," he says. "If you look at this show as a series of standalone episodes, it works in that regard too. This show feels like it’s a tentpole episode in terms of the mythology, but it really does continue the story that from the beginning of the season we were going to tell. The first season was the set up, [the character's] roles, their job and getting a sense of the rhythm of the show, but this is a massive turning point in the long-term arc of the series."

The secret is to keep people around who you trust?
ABRAMS: Yeah, to keep honest people around who are talented and worthy and who will tell you the truth, when you have an idea. The scariest idea is people who are really talented who surround themselves with these sicko-fans, who keep telling them how good they are and say “yes” to everything. I’m always grateful for people who are able to encourage me and inspire me to do better and vice versa. Alex and Bob are incredible collaborators and we have an easy way of working hard together.

When did you realize that you were good at writing?
ABRAMS: I’ll call you when that happens [laughs]. Writing is hard, as you know. It’s more the satisfaction that you get after struggling so long with a story or a character. Directing is what I love to do and writing always feels like the necessary step to get the chance to say “Action”.

Fringe Season 2 Spoilers

The second season of Fringe is prepping and a few spoilers have leaked. UGO TV blog has summarized most that have come out in the last month or so.

- Second season debuts Thursday, September 17th with Bones as the lead-in.
- Kirk Acevedo (Charlie Francis) was fired from the show, possibly to be replaced by "Catherine"
- Catherine's character is "mid to late twenties, FBI agent who is "attractive, brash, outspoken, quick-witted and capable. Catherine has a strong personal center that comes from a deep core belief in the wonders of the universe."
- Leonard Nimoy will be back for at least two additional episodes as William Bell.
- JJ Abrams describes second season arc as "building to a very specific type of confrontation...a really interesting shift in the fundamental paradigm at the beginning of next season in a very cool way."

So sadly nothing earth shattering as JJ Abrams continues his rather remarkable secrecy streak going when it comes to his various projects.

Abrams Solos for MTV Awards Skit

The 2009 MTV Movie Awards were held yesterday and as part of that Andy Samberg created a new musical short called "Explosions" that makes fun of all the moments in movies as characters walk away from explosions without looking at them. As part of the skit, JJ Abrams solos on keyboard in a rather odd outfit.