IRC LOG
Anne Marie Loder and Tom Melissis

Were you a Due South fan before being asked to play the character of Stella Kowalski - if not, what made you take the role?

Anne Marie: Absolutely! I had auditioned for the show twice before in the previous two years and was soooo disappointed each time I didn't get the role! I'm a slow typist - bear with me! I'll tell you about my audition for Stella though... I got there late! driving in rush hour traffic, didn't have a minute to catch my breath, went in and did the scene from "Seeing is Believing." The casting director said, "Okay, let's try it again but this character is much less frenetic than that! So I took one deep breath, said to myself this is your shot - Calm down! and it went great!

[mleonard] Where did you grow up, go to school?

Anne Marie: I grew up in St. John's, Newfoundland and did a Business Degree there with a major in Marketing; then I went to Ryerson Theatre School for Acting.

[Frannie] What is Callum Keith Rennie like in real life? Anything like his character? :)

Anne Marie: He is not at all in some ways but quite like him in others...Callum is much gentler, quieter than Ray. Cal's a GREAT kisser...the sexiest actor I've ever worked with!

Lillian: Well, I'm sure that the CKREB is very happy to hear that!

[AnnieK] What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you on the set of Due South?

Anne Marie: Just before Christmas we were shooting a scene for a new episode that will air next year and I had to start by walking into a room in the station with Beau, Cal and Paul. The three of them were cracking some joke that was doubling us all over and I had to start the scene and it was almost impossible to keep a straight face! They joke around all the time yet the shooting runs smooth as silk!

[Qanik] I see your degree is in commerce? How and why did you get into acting?

Anne Marie: I always wanted to act ever since the first movie I ever saw - it was a drama starring Jodie Foster as a young girl with cancer - I was amazed at how much I could "feel" just sitting in this theatre and I wanted to be up there making other people feel. By the way, Tom is going to be here any minute - I'll let you know when he arrives.

[Frannie] What do you like to do in your spare time?

Anne Marie: I got into acting by answering an ad in a local paper back home for an amateur play - I got a tiny part - two lines and then started taking classes with local teachers until I discovered there was such a thing as theatre school. ... What spare time?

[Anna] Question: The references in Due South - Did it amuse you to play a character named after one of Tennessee Williams'?

Anne Marie: Seriously, I e-mail some friends back home, I do a lot of voice-over work for TV and radio and just meet with friends for coffee. Pretty boring, really, but I love my life! ... Yes! I saw the play several years ago back home and it stuck in my mind...I have never told anyone this but I would love to do that play with Callum!

[Newbie, aka Elyse] Excluding Due South, what performance are you most proud of?

Anne Marie: That's tough, because my best work has been on Due South...although I just played a detective - police profiler tracking a serial killer - out west with Michael Ironside before Christmas - I'm hoping that that performance will be one I'm proud of.

[Qanik] Anne Marie: Would you like to keep your career excusively in Canada, or will you be heading due south like so many other Canadian actors?

Netsplit occurs but nothing is lost.

Anne Marie: Guess who's here? [Tom] But he's going to have some pizza before he jumps in...

Is that with pineapple?

[Qanik] Would you like to keep your career exclusively in Canada, or will you be heading Due South like so many other Canadian actors?

Anne Marie: In Canada for now, but I'd never say never...I've been to LA and it's a pretty lonely place! ... No pineapple on the pizza!

[MicheleK] Other than Due South (which I'm *sure* you watch to keep the ratings high), are there any other TV shows, American or Canadian, that you watch on a regular basis?

Anne Marie: Tom's ready for some questions but I'll type for him... Yes, I just started watching Ally McBeal and I'm going to watch Cold Squad because a friend of mine is on it.

[Newbie] To what extent do you have input for your character, as to development, or even wardrobe?

Anne Marie: Not much but when I have my wardrobe fittings (like today - and David Marciano was walking through the halls!) if I really don't want to wear something I'll make it pretty clear!

[Qanik] Tom: Your character, Dewey, is interested in getting into stand-up comedy. Whose idea was that originally? the writers or yours?

Home Office: AnneMarie - you didn't see Leslie Nielsen in the halls too?

Anne Marie: Tom says (tee hee!) it came from the writers but they knew he was a pretty funny guy on set... Didn't see Leslie...

Home Office: he was the guy wearing the red jacket... :-)

Anne Marie: I know what he [Leslie Nielsen] looks like!

[_Sher] Tom or Anne Marie: One of the complaints made by fans of the show is that supporting cast members do not play as much an important role as the 1st or 2nd seasons. Any chance this will change in the future?

Anne Marie: Francesca gets to do alot more as well as Thatcher...but I don't really know how to compare to the previous seasons...

[MicheleK] Tom, there's a few of us who think your character has a limited number and color of shirts. Is this done on purpose? (from the fan with the Due South fingernails)

Anne Marie: Tom says thanks for the letter, sorry he hasn't responded yet... as for the shirts, How many different ways can you dress a square?

[Newbie] Tom, excluding Due South, what's been your favorite role to date, and where did you learn Macedonian??

Anne Marie: Glenn says hi to Aunty Moe and Cheryl. Tom is Macedonian and learned the language from his parents...

[Qanik ] Tom: the girl with the dog from FODS Day says "hi" and I couldn't come cause I'm too busy riding horses. :)

[mleonard] Anne Marie: Is Ramona quiet or outgoing in person?

Anne Marie: Tom just did an independent short film which he enjoyed and played a frustrated, psychotic actor.

[clark] Do you think your character will ever want kids?

Anne Marie: Ramona is a good friend and is a little like Frannie...very outgoing and forthright! ... For Tom or Anne Marie? [last question]

That was for Stella... But Dewey can answer too...

Anne Marie: I would like to see Ray and Stella get back together...

[Diefman] Anne-Marie: it is believed that CKR will only be around for the first season. Do you think that Stella will still be a part of the show if/when CKR departs?

Anne Marie: I have noooo idea!!

[Jenn] Tom - did you feel any pressure when you joined Due South in the Dewey character, since you were in effect, replacing a void left by the character Louis Gardino?

Tom: Yes

[Diefman] Tom: how do you like working with Tony?

Anne Marie: He says he was confused...because he was uncertain if they wanted him to pick up where Louis left off or start from scratch. He likes working with Tony alot - he's been very supportive and is fun to hang out with.

[mleonard] Tom: where did you grow up, go to school?

Tom: Toronto's east end... Ryerson and U of T. 1

[DSFan] Tom and Anne Marie...what are your favorite foods? :)

Anne Marie: Anne Marie: Pizza, green olives!!, Pad Thai, Chinese Chicken stir frys. Tom: spicy foods, gourmet pizza, and fish Pad Thai! Tom is making fun of me!

[SusanB] How many episodes are left to film? Please don't tell us you're filming the *series* finale.

Anne Marie: We are filming the finale but we are filming out of sequence so there are still four more regular episodes to shoot after this.

[CsnJesse] Tom: Do either of you have any funny anecdotes from filming Due South that you wouldn't mind sharing with us?? Also, have you played any practical jokes on set or had any played on you? ... The second question applies to you as well Anne Marie.

Home Office: As AnneMarie said we are mid way through filming the finale. While it is intended as a Series finale, because we have no commitment beyond these 26 there is always the possibility for another season should it arise. No one will be dead at the end of this episode, other than those already dead, and maybe a few bad guys. I would caution though that the likelihood of more episodes is very slim.

Anne Marie: One of the episodes was directed by the guy who directed Wayne's World Part 2 and Paul and Callum showed up on set dressed as Wayne and Garth!

[Anna] Anne Marie & Tom: would you come as far as Australia if asked?

Anne Marie: Who's paying?

Lillian: I assume Anna, since she asked... the joys of a moderated channel where she can't say no :) Actually, she just said that they would pay...

[RubrDucky] Tom - Did you ever live in the US and would you consider it?

Anne Marie: We're there!!

[Newbie] That Wayne & Garth stuff isn't going to be ON screen, is it?

[kuukriver] How did Callum dress up as BOTH Wayne and Garth?

Anne Marie: No Tom's never lived in the U.S but would consider it. ... No Wayne and Garth was a joke just on set. Paul was Wayne and Cal was Garth.

[Diefman] Scott: is there a possibility in one of the remaining eps that Louis' ghost appears to visit Huey (and maybe Dewey)?

Home Office: Diefman, that's not in any of the scripts.

[Jenn] Will there ever be a special Due South Bloopers?

And was anybody rolling any tape while the Wayne and Garth thing was going on?

Home Office: I don't think so. I suppose one or two bloopers may someday end up on a Dick Clark special, but beyond that, much of the blooper stuff is not appropriate for public viewing.

Anne Marie: No rolling of tape. I would love to see a bloopers tape also!

Lillian: Tom and Anne Marie. I would be neglecting my committee duties if I didn't ask you if you would attend this year's convention, Scott too...

Anne Marie: There is usually a bloopers tape though for the cast and crew to see at the "wrap" party. ... Is it in Toronto?

Lillian: Yes, August 6-9, at the Radisson on Bloor and Yonge...

Home Office: AnneMarie - But we don't normally show bloopers at Due South parties. Not that I have been too. The post department has never had a chance to put them together in time for the parties in the past. Maybe we will get lucky this year.

Lillian: We'll spring for dinner again ... nudge, nudge...

Anne Marie: If we're available, sure we'll go...I think it's right around my birthday (Anne Marie) .

Tom(?): We had a great time last year!

If we had a birthday party for you, would you come?

Lillian: TYK... We promise we won't make Tom sing "Ride Forever"... too loudly.

[Qanik] Anne Marie: Are you a good dancer? Or did you need special training for the scenes with Callum? ;-)

Anne Marie: Yes!!

[lmier] Anne Marie We'll provide the Birthday Cake & Traditional Inuit celebration at the convention!

Anne Marie: We did take dance lessons together...it was fun!

[Diefman] Anne-Marie: when is your birthday? And when is Tom's?

Home Office: Not bobbing for trout???

StellKari: I think we could get in trouble with the ASPCA for that.

Anne Marie: Scott, behave or Glenn will remove your OP! He told me to tell you that.. My birthday is Aug. 3rd and Tom's is Aug. 13th..both Leos! But we're not telling you our ages!

[mleonard] Anne Marie & Tom: Do either of you know Callum's birthdate?

Home Office: I'm being nice.

Anne Marie: I'm pretty sure it's Sept. 14th...not absolutely positive though.

[clark] Anne Marie - Are you single? And if you are, what's a guy got to do to get a date? :-)

Anne Marie: Yes, I'm single but I don't know how to tactfully answer the last part of your question...

[Newbie] Tom & Anne Marie. What's the most difficult part of acting for a living?

Anne Marie: Thank you though...I'm flattered... Where is Clark [he asked the dating question] I don't see him in the room... The uncertainty ... when you're not working steadily!

Same question for Tom...

Anne Marie: Here's a plug for Tom...he just did a Movie of the Week with Grant Show (Jake from Melrose Place) called Ice2 on ABC scheduled to air in May. By the way, my movie out west was called Black Light.3

[Isa] I'd like to know how Anne-Marie got into computers.

Anne Marie: The other painful part of acting for me is coming really close to a part that you really want to do and not getting it...especially for a reason that you have no control over.

Home Office: Any news on projects you have done Anne Marie? When can we see you on the silver screen?

[DSFan] To Anne Marie: Could you get Callum to come here sometime with you? :)

Anne Marie: An independent I did in May called Reluctant Angel will go to obscure independent theatres within the next few months. I think Black Light is for cable and then will go to video - probably not until May or June. I just got another job which I'll shoot next week - a kid's show called Eerie, Indiana.

[lmier] Tom & Anne Marie: How many people recognize you from Due South when you go out?

Anne Marie: We can stick around a little longer if you want - Glenn is kindly taping Twitch City for us.

Lillian: Thank you! That would be great.

Anne Marie: Do you want to keep going?

[SusanB] Could you expand on the Eerie, Indiana" job? The series I'm familiar with stopped filming years ago.

Netsplit occurs, but no questions are lost.

StellKari: Are Anne Marie and Tom still there?

Anne Marie: We're here!

OK, this was asked before but it got lost. To Anne Marie: Do you think you could get Callum to come with you to chat next time? :)

Anne Marie: He's very shy - best to ask Scott to arrange it!

Home Office: I hope to have Paul and Callum on before the end of the season, but no guarantees.

[MicheleK] Anne Marie: You seemed to have a different hairstyle at Friends of Due South Day than Stella has had for the episodes aired. Do they change your hairstyle for the show?

Anne Marie: I've been growing it out all year and since the episodes are shot out of sequence the length may vary, it's shoulder length right now.

[Anna] Anne Marie or Tom: if Callum is shy, what does he do to relax (if that's OK to tell us) from the publicity he's getting?

Anne Marie: They just work with what I show up with - they haven't asked me to cut it or anything else specific. ... I really don't know what Callum does in his down-time - probably sleeps!

Home Office: And if we told you what we do know we'd have to kill you :-)

Could you expand on the Eerie Indiana 4 job? The series I'm familiar with stopped filming years ago.

Anne Marie: I don't know much about it - I think it just moved here from the States and it will air in Canada on YTV .

Anne Marie & Tom: How many people recognize you from Due South when you go out?

Home Office: The series, which I think is only working titled "Eerie Indiana" is based on the original series, and shooting with a different cast I believe in Toronto.

Anne Marie: Funnily enough neither one of us has ever been approached by someone recognizing us from the show. As much as we try to be!

[SusanB] Any chance Anne Marie and Tom could entice Callum to RCW 1998? (Seeing as how we've been so friendly tonight <grin>) Tom knows how friendly we are... he saw us at dinner!

Anne Marie: The one trainer at my gym who did my fitness assessment (and knew that I would be on the show) stopped me and said "You are nothing like Stella!"

Home Office: Thank goodness Tom left before the singing <vbg>

StellKari: He was there for "Ride Forever."

Anne Marie: You guys will have to try to do the enticing...

Lillian: If I recall correctly, Tom had his napkin over his head during "Ride Forever."

Home Office: I was referring to the singing later in the evening... you know with Joe T.

[Newbie] Tom: How's the quitting smoking going?5

Tom: Thanks for asking - I haven't had a cigarette for over a year.

[Jenn] Anne Marie & Tom - is it easy or difficult to work under Paul producing?

Anne Marie: Absolutely awesome... it is soooo much fun...he's easy-going and decisions are made right there on the spot as opposed to having to call the office.

[Newbie] for Tom and Anne Marie. Do either of you do your own stunts (if there are any)? And what about the other cast members?

Anne Marie: In "Strange Bedfellows" I had a stunt double get knocked to the ground for me but on the boat Callum did come over and gently! throw me onto the floor.

Tom: In "Strange Bedfellows" the stunt where Callum throws him onto the hood of the car that was Tom. In an upcoming episode Paul Gross actually hangs from the outside of the 30th floor of a building downtown.

Home Office: attached by a very strong cable I might add.

Lillian: And they let him do that?

Anne Marie: Of course! with a cable!

[_Polly] How do you guys manage to get through such grueling work hours?

Anne Marie: Alot of coffee, and lots of jokes, and a little napping in our dressing rooms.

[Jenn] Anne Marie & Tom: Other than your own, which is your favourite Due South character and why?

Anne Marie: Tom says Welsh and Turnbull...Anne Marie says also Turnbull but definitely Stanley Raymond Kowalski - but I'm biased.

Home Office: And in the "Who cares Department" My favourite is (present company excluded) Frannie.

Do you ever do anything with the other cast members in your brief time off?

Anne Marie: We've gone out for a few dinners as a group; also Ramona is a friend of mine so we hang out, go to movies, etc.

Lillian: One final question folks

[SusanB] Tom, any encouraging words? I just quit smoking 2 weeks ago. What do you suggest to help?

Tom: Every time you get a craving, think about the crap you're inhaling.

Lillian: Jenn speaks for us all when she says [Jenn] Please tell them we love them and thank them kindly for gracing us with their presence this evening and that they are welcome to return anytime! Folks, this will be put on a web page, in [ended here]

StellKari: Anna and Nike want to tell you "efharisto polli"

StellKari: I want to say, tell Paul and Callum what a great time you had here, encourage them to do it too!

Anne Marie: Thank you all for coming...Is that Greek?

StellKari: Yes it is!

StellKari: Nike is in OZ, but he's Greek.

Anne Marie: Anyone in New Zealand?

Anne Marie: My parents are there right now for the winter..

Home Office: See you later Anne Marie and Tom - later this week I would imagine.

Anne Marie: We'll be in to work tomorrow!

Home Office: What, Florida not good enough for them.

Lillian: It's summer there, isn't it?

Home Office: I really should read my call sheets.

Anne Marie: Bye everyone and thanks again for coming!

StellKari: Bye Anne Marie, Tom!

Lillian: Okay, the log ends here.... 'kay Kari?

Anne Marie: See you in August, hopefully!

THE END