Article by Suzanne Philips

Video copyright Marvel Pictures Photo copyright Suzanne Philips

Benedict Cumberbatch. Photo copyright Suzanne Philips

Benedict Cumberbatch is currently portraying “Hamlet” in London’s West End but that didn’t stop the star from causing a commotion at the D23 Expo in Anaheim this past weekend.

The actor will be portraying Doctor Strange in the new Marvel film set to start filming this November.  The film, which is set for a 2016 release, has Cumberbatch portraying Steven Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands in a terrible accident but gets a new lease on life when a brilliant sorcerer (played by Tilda Swinton) takes him under her wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.

“Doctor Strange” kicked off the Marvel panel with a bang with a funny video message from Cumberbatch who gave a “live long and prosper” Vulcan salute and joked “oh no, wrong film”.  The actor went on to promise that the upcoming film will have “girls, cars, explosions, astral projections into multiple universes….the usual fare”.

You can see the entire video message here courtesy Flicks and the City:

https://youtu.be/-7lC3pFZGYo

While filming has not yet begun, some of the concept art was shown for the film and it looks like it will be another epic Marvel production.

Article by Suzanne Philips

Photos copyright Annika Ahmed

Rupert Graves. DI Lestrade of “Sherlock” at Nerd HQ Panel 2015. Photo Copyright Annika Ahmed

“Sherlock” is always a highly anticipated show at San Diego Comic Con, and 2015 proved no exception.  Even though stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman who play Sherlock Holmes and John Watson respectively were unable to attend this year due to filming commitments, the show’s producers Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue and star Rupert Graves (who plays DI Lestrade) were on hand for a panel at the official event and a panel at Zachary Levi’s popular Nerd HQ.

The panel was part of a series of panels that Nerd HQ puts on every year called “Conversations For A Cause” which brings stars of popular shows and films in front of an intimate audience for a Q &A session – the proceeds of which are donated to Operation Smile, which helps provide surgeries for children suffering from Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate.

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This year’s panel started with a screening of the trailer for the upcoming “Sherlock” Victorian Christmas Special which first debuted at the Comic Con panel the day prior.

Then the questions started to fly.  “Sherlock” fans are constantly complaining about the long wait between seasons and the fact that there are only 3 episodes in a season.  Even Producer Steven Moffat acknowledges that the wait is terribly taxing.  When Co-Producer and wife Sue Vertue joked that the reason they take so long to come out is that they are “waiting on scripts”, Moffat joked “When you are not looking darling, I make “Doctor Who”. In truth, Moffat’s work on “Doctor Who” is only part of the reason for the long wait between seasons.  Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are in such high demand that it takes time to coordinate both of their schedules.

Steven Moffat at Nerd HQ Panel 2015. Photo copyright Annika Ahmed

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Star Rupert Graves was asked if he were more like Sherlock or Watson.  “Not Sherlock, I’m not even smart enough to be Watson.  I’m just Lestrade”, which elicited laughter from the audience.  Graves also joked that Mycroft (played by Mark Gatiss) would be Lestrade’s ideal date and hinted that  in the coming season we will be seeing a change in the two characters relationship.

Rupert Graves and Sue Vertue at Nerd HQ Panel 2015. Photo copyright Annika Ahmed

There is a much rumored “Sherlock/Doctor Who” crossover that may or may not be in the works.  Stay tuned for more details on that!

The “Sherlock” special is set to come out on television and in select theatres later this year.

CFM News Disney Store To Debut All New Product Collections At D23 Expo

The full Nerd HQ Sherlock panel can be seen here:

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation Delivers The Action

Article and photos by Suzanne Philips

Steven Moffat at 2015 San Diego Comic Con. Photo copyright Suzanne Philips

Steven Moffat – you love him….you hate him….you hate to love him.  The genius behind the reboot of the “Doctor Who” franchise and the smash success “Sherlock” inspires strong feelings in fans.  Moffat is also one of the busiest people in television, juggling two very successful shows that he produces, writing episodes and making appearances and talking to the press at events like the 2015 San Diego Comic Con.

Photo copyright Suzanne Philips

Not only did he have two official Comic Con panels – for “Doctor Who” and “Sherlock”, there was also a “Sherlock” panel at Zachary Levi’s popular Nerd HQ which he attended with wife Sue Vertue and “Sherlock” Star Rupert Graves, and he still found time to attend the annual SherlockeDCC fan party with his wife and son at the San Diego Central Library.

Moffat was a special surprise guest at the party, which is an annual event held for fans put on by the Baker Street Babes, an all-female fan group (www.bakerstreetbabes.com).  Party-goers were delighted to see Moffat and wife Sue Vertue (also a producer on “Sherlock”) and son Louis come by to spend some time with them at the sold-out event.

Louis and Steven Moffat and 2015 San Diego Comic Con. Photo copyright Suzanne Philips

Louis was in the “Sherlock” episode “His Last Vow” playing the young Sherlock Holmes.  Fans wanted to know what it was like being the young Sherlock and Louis said that he still had to audition for the role, even though his parents produce the show.  He said that he really enjoyed working with his parents and it was a lot of fun shooting the episode.

Photo copyright Suzanne Philips

One fan asked Moffat if he had to kill off either Sherlock or Watson, who would he rather kill?  Moffat said that he thought it would be more interesting to see how Sherlock would react to the death of one of his friends.  “Watson without Sherlock, we have already seen that…how that would be.  Seeing how Sherlock reacted when Mrs. Hudson was threatened…..it would be interesting to see how Sherlock would deal with any of his people being hurt or killed.”

The question was posed that if “Sherlock” were ever to run out of original Arthur Conan Doyle stories, would they consider using any of the modern authors who have written stories about Sherlock Holmes as the basis for their storylines.  Moffat laughed “At this stage, given that there is so much original, and we make the show like the glacier that advances across Europe, we’re not in any real danger of running out. There are 60 original Arthur Conan Doyle stories….we have made 10. I think Arthur Conan Doyle could catch up with us and he’s dead.”

Sue Vertue. Photo copyright Suzanne Philips

Moffat quipped to wife Sue Vertue when she commented on how slowly “Sherlock” is produced, “I do have another project I work on” referring to his other job as Showrunner and Producer on “Doctor Who.”

Obviously both Moffat and Vertue realize how important the fan base is to “Sherlock” and they clearly love the show and the fans to take time out of an extremely long day to spend with their fans.

For info on next year’s SherlockeDCC party, visit www.bakerstreetbabes.com.

The new monsters catch some rays… What do you think they will be called? #DoctorWho #BTS #behindthescenes #monsters

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Doctor Who Season 9

New monsters are coming to Doctor Who Season 9. BBC released a brand new yet unnamed monster/creature/life form/robot.

The Doctor Who Instagram account has been teasing Whovians with glimpses of what seems to be a new monster. This photo shows multiple versions of the same monsters. While it is being introduced as a new monster  many Whovians think it is a monster wearing studded armor.  Some of us are thinking Daleks, Cybermen or a Sontaran like Straxx.

They remind me of the bickering robots in Doctor Who Season 7 “Dinosaurs on A Spaceship”

The caption on the above Doctor Who Instagram photo invites Whovians to chime in, “The new monsters catch some rays,” said the Instagram caption. “What do you think will be called?”

You can add your ideas on the official Doctor Who Instagram account.

Amazon Instant Video

December 4, 2014 – Pinewood Studios, England

Article by Suzanne Philips

All Photos Copyright Sony Pictures

The Cast of the New Bond film “Spectre”

James Bond Producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today released the title of the 24th James Bond adventure, SPECTRE. The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his fourth film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007. SPECTRE begins principal photography on Monday, December 8, and is set for global release on November 6, 2015.  The Cast and Producers gathered today at Pinewood Studios in London to announce the film and show off the new Aston Martin DB10

Daniel Craig and Director Sam Mendes

Along with Daniel Craig, Mendes presented the returning cast, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Rory Kinnear as well as introducing Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci and “Sherlock” star Andrew Scott. Mendes also revealed Bond’s sleek new Aston Martin, the DB10, created exclusively for SPECTRE.

Aston Martin DB10

Andrew Scott

A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

The 007 production will be based at Pinewood Studios, and on location in London, Mexico City, Rome and Tangier and Erfoud, in Morocco. Bond will return to the snow once again, this time in Sölden, along with other Austrian locations, Obertilliach, and Lake Altaussee.

Daniel Craig and Ralph Fiennes

Commenting on the announcement, Wilson and Broccoli said, “We’re excited to announce Daniel’s fourth installment in the series and thrilled that Sam has taken on the challenge of following on the success of SkyFallwith SPECTRE.”.

Written by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, Director of Photography is Hoyte van Hoytema and Editor is Lee Smith. Production Designer, Dennis Gassner returns along with Costume Designer, Jany Temime and Composer, Thomas Newman. Action Specialist, Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director. Stunt Coordinator is Gary Powell, SFX Supervisor is Chris Corbould, and Visual Effects Supervisor is Steve Begg.

Promotional partners returning to the Bond franchise include Aston Martin, Bollinger, Heineken, Jaguar Land Rover, Omega, Sony Electronics, and Sony Mobile.

The film is currently set for release in October, 2015

Benedict Cumberbatch. Copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch was definitely the person everyone wanted to see at the 2014 Comic Con in San Diego last week.  Fans and celebrities alike were clamoring to meet the star and take a photo.

Copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

Cumberbatch has been riding a tidal wave of fame the past few years with projects such as “Sherlock”, “Star Trek: Into Darkness” and “The Hobbit” and his appearance – his first at Comic Con – was certainly causing a stir.

Copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM.

The star was in San Diego to talk about his upcoming releases “Penguins of Madagascar” and “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”.

Copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

Copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

Benedict Cumberbatch photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

Comic Con 2014 started off with a lot of star power on Thursday with a panel for the highly-anticipated animated film “Penguins of Madagascar”.  Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and John Malkovich were on-hand to answer questions from fans about their characters and the differences between acting on-screen versus doing a voice-over.

Copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

When asked how different it was recording in a voice studio from being on a film set, Cumberbatch said that the radio work and audiobook recordings that he has done in the past helped to prepare him for the role in “Penguins”.  Both Cumberbatch and Malkovich said that the biggest difference between a film set and a voice over shoot is that often times they don’t get to meet or be in the same room with the other actors until they are doing press for the film, and you don’t build the same type of camaraderie that you do on a film set.

Fans were also curious to know who Benedict Cumberbatch and John Malkovich would like to play from the comic book world.

John Malkovich photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

Article and Photos by Annika Ahmed

CFM Contributor Annika Ahmed shares her experiences as one of “The Cumber Collective”

Fariha, Benedict and Annika. Photo Copyright Annika Ahmed

The Cumbercollective Comes to the TCAs

From January 9, 2014 through January 23, 2014, the Television Critics Associations held their Winter Press Tour at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, CA. This press event spans two weeks and is held twice yearly, allowing television networks to showcase their current and upcoming projects, bringing forth their biggest stars to help promote them.

Surprisingly enough, the first day of PBS’ press offerings, held on January 20^th, brought forth nearly every journalist in town for the TCA’s Winter Press tour. Unsurprisingly, however, is the reason behind why this happened: the presence of rising star Benedict Cumberbatch on the “Sherlock” panel later that afternoon. Along with the show’s star, the panel also featured show co-creator Steven Moffatt, producer Sue Vertue, and new cast member, Amanda Abbington, playing the role of “Mary Morstan.”

Benedict Cumberbatch. Photo copyright Annika Ahmed.

Of course, eager journalists were not the only ones excited about the day’s panel. News of Cumberbatch’s appearance spread like wildfire through social media, ensuring that a group of about 20-30 fans were camped outside the hotel for most of the day, some showing up as early as 6 AM for the chance to catch a glimpse of the actor.

For the Cumbercollective, previously known as the Cumberbitches, this was par for the course, many of them having attempted to meet the actor many times before, with varying degrees of success. And as with any event like this, the probability of actually meeting anyone was slim to none; busy schedules, travel plans, and publicists usually putting the kibosh on any fan/actor interaction. However, word from the “Sherlock” panel filtered outside through Twitter, where Benedict Cumberbatch was quoted as saying he would be signing autographs for the fans outside as soon as his obligations were done.

CFM’s Tafriha Ahmed with Benedict Cumberbatch. Photo copyright Annika Ahmed

By the time 4:30 PM rolled around, many of the fans outside had been waiting for over ten hours, but when Benedict Cumberbatch came around and signed autographs and took pictures with everyone there, the waiting, all would say, was worth it.

copyright Annika Ahmed

Giving weight to the adage, good things definitely come to those who wait.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman star in Sherlock.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sherlock stars reveal gay club scene was cut from “The Sign of Three”

The Independent UK is reporting that  a gay club scene involving the pair was cut from the last series.

“Doing the drunk stuff was lovely but I regret there was one bit of that drunk stuff that was missing,”   Martin Freeman  who plays Watson teased. “There was the gay club scene. Why didn’t that get in? We got mullered in a gay club and all these topless guys were going by.”

Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Sherlock , joined in: “I had no idea why we were there and what it was and why they didn’t have their clothes on and then it dawned on me.”

The scene was cut from the pub crawl. Moffat said the scene drug on and on.

Cumberbatch said, “Errrr, errrr, errr….I can do that for two years,”

“I can’t wait for four or five years until we make the next episode,” added Moffat.

That’s just wrong!

Complete Article

Martin Freeman as Dr John Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes in “The Power of Three”.

Sherlock might not return to the BBC until 2016

“If people have to wait two years, they’ll have to wait two years,” the detective drama’s co-creator and producer told gaming website IGN.

When asked about Sherlock ‘s future, Moffat insisted he had “no idea”. “We’ll do what we can, but with no sacrifice in quality – that’s the thing,” he said. “It’s not the kind of show that turns up all the time, it’s just not. But the good news is, that probably means it will turn up sporadically for a very, very long while.”

Lead actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are in high demand following Sherlock‘s success, meaning shooting for new episodes will depend on their work schedules.

Moffat is a busy man too. He has just started with new Time Lord Peter Capaldi on the next series of sci-fi drama Doctor Who .

Complete article.

Benedict Cumberbatch photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

BAFTA LA hosted its annual Awards Season Tea Party at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday, January 11th.  The event is a yearly favorite among celebrities looking to take a breather from all of the chaos surrounding all of the awards ceremonies.

Michael Fassbender photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

This year celebs such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchette, Tom Hanks, Martin Scorsese and more mingled and sampled 6 different kinds of tea and sandwiches, scones and cakes prepared by Four Seasons Chef Ashley James.

Niecy Nash photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

Steven Weber photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

The Party, sponsored by Jaguar, Mulberry and the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, also helped to raise awareness about Bafta’s Community Outreach and Philanthropic Programs.

Benedict Cumberbatch photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

Mark Feuerstein of “Royal Pains” photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

For more information on Bafta LA, visit www.bafta.org/losangeles.

Michael Fassbender photo copyright Suzanne Philips/CFM

Mark Gatiss. Photo copyright Tafriha Ahmed

Sacha Dhawan (Last Tango In Halifax, Being Human; The History Boys), John Castle (I, Claudius), Louise Jameson (Doctor Who, Doc Martin) and Una Stubbs (Sherlock, Til Death Do Us Part) will star in The Tractate Middoth, a brand new drama for BBC Two this Christmas.

The first official day of Comic Con usually starts the insanity-filled 5 day experience,  and 2013 is no exception.  The buzzword on everyone’s lips today was – Sherlock.

The BBC America booth on the exhibit floor, which carries merchandise for “Sherlock” as well as a huge display for “Dr. Who” and items for their new show “Orphan Black”, saw lines of 300 people snaking around the hall who were all waiting to buy merchandise.

Fans camped out overnight to gain entrance to Ballroom 20 for the 2:15pm Sherlock panel which featured Creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss and Executive Producer Sue Vertue.  Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were unavailable to be at the con, but sent along a hilarious videotaped message, which can be found on the Entertainment Weekly website.

Season 3 of Sherlock will see three great new episodes which involve Sherlock’s re-entry into the lives of friends who believed him to be dead as well as the wedding of Dr. Watson, among other revelations.

The first episode of the season will be called “The Empty Hearse” and is loosely based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s story “The Empty House”. The return of Sherlock and the impact that this has on John Watson will be the focal point of the story.  In the original Conan Doyle stories, Watson forgives Sherlock and they move on quite quickly.  This is not the case in “Sherlock” Season 3. The creators wanted to show how Sherlock’s faked suicide affected his friends and extended family. In the first episode of the new season, the reunion of John and Sherlock goes “On and on” says Mofatt. “It was amazing to watch when we were filming it”.

Mark Gatiss, who also plays Sherlock’s older brother Mycroft Homes in the show, says that ” Mycroft will turn up in season 3 quite a lot.  I can’t say what or how without giving a lot away.” But fans of the character will not be disappointed.

Both Moffatt and Gatiss are huge fans of the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  When asked what he would say if he had the opportunity to speak to Conan Doyle today, Gatiss says “We owe everything to Conan Doyle.  He is possibly the best writer of short stories ever so I would simply say, Thank You.”

All three panelists expressed great love and admiration for the shows stars.  They also revealed that many people would be surprised on first meeting the pair if they thought that they would be like their on-screen characters.  “Benedict is actually the goofy one and Martin is the sardonic one, which is almost opposite of their characters”, stated Mark Gatiss. “Benny is very puppy-ish and bumbling and Martin is very earthy.” Even though both men have become huge film stars since they stated filming the first series, they are both well-loved by cast and crew.  “We have the two biggest British film stars at the current time in our show” says Moffatt.

Executive producer Sue Vertue confirmed that there will be a Series 4, they just have to work out the details of when they will go into production.  Steven Moffatt said that the “tradition in television is to make a lot of episodes over a short amount of time which eventually makes everyone burn out.  We want to make a lot of episodes over a long period of time so that no one gets sick of it. The characters will get older and the audience will be getting older with them as well.”

The panel received a standing ovation and a great reception from the huge number of fans in attendance.  Sherlock, Series 3 will start airing in early 2014 on BBC and PBS.

Benedict Cumberbatch Copyright Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures International

Copyright Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures International

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch arrived at Narita International Airport today and was greeted by throngs of Japanese Fans.  Cumberbatch is in town for tomorrow’s “Star Trek:Into Darkness” Promotional Event.

Photo copyright Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures International

Tons of fans waited for hours at the airport for the star to arrive.  Cumberbatch is already a huge star in the country, due to his work in the popular BBC show “Sherlock”.

Photo Copyright Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures International

The film, which opens in Japan August 23rd, has already grossed over $444 Million Dollars Worldwide.

Photo Copyright Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures International

Nerd HQ announces another line-up of great panels for a great cause at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con.

• Nerd HQ announces the partial line-up of the panel series, “Conversations for a Cause,”  the very popular philanthropic series of un-moderated panels taking place at Nerd HQ 2013 in San Diego July 18-21 in a new location, Petco Park (100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101) Gaslamp Gate.
• This year’s panels include: “Cast from ‘300: Rise of an Empire,’” “Dr. Who,”“Haven,”“I, Frankenstein,” “Orphan Black,” “PBS Masterpiece: Sherlock,” “Psych,” “Stoopid Buddy with Seth Green,” “The Maze Runner,” “Thrilling Adventure Hour” and individual panels with Jared Padalecki, Joe Manganiello, Joss Whedon,       Nathan Fillion and Nerd HQ Founder Zachary Levi, among others to be announced in the coming days.
• Tickets will be $22 each and will go on sale Thursday, July 11 at 12 p.m. PDT at http://is.gd/cOZPPM.
• Proceeds will benefit Operation Smile, mobilizing a world of generous hearts to heal children’s smiles and transform lives across the globe.

• For more information, schedule updates and ticket information please visit www.thenerdmachine.com.

ABOUT THE NERD MACHINE – The Nerd Machine is a multimedia company dedicated in bringing its global clientele the best of apparel, accessories, software, hardware, music, and both long and short form video content. We not only put a premium on customer satisfaction and input but also collaboration, as we believe that some of the very best ideas may come out of the very community we serve. Our goal is to nurture an environment where community interaction thrives, creating the best and most forward thinking products available on the market. And, philosophically speaking, spearheading a “mission of redefinition” that changes the global perception of what a nerd is, and thereby allow everyone to celebrate the nerd in themselves. The question is: What are you nerdy about?

VIVA LA NERDOLUTION