Exclusive Interview with Julie Plec at NYCC 2022

Exclusive Interview with Julie Plec at NYCC 2022

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Bridgerton and Colorblind Casting
3. Evolution of Vampire Lore
4. Adapting Young Adult Books to Television
5. Choosing Books to Adapt
6. The Challenge of We Were Liars
7. Diving into Family Mysteries
8. The Tension of Mystery in We Were Liars
9. Casting Choices for We Were Liars
10. The Excitement of Elemental Powers in Vampire Academy

Introduction

The Importance of Representation in Television and Literature

Bridgerton and Colorblind Casting

Exploring the Similarities Between Bridgerton and the Decision for Colorblind Casting

Evolution of Vampire Lore

The transformation of Vampires in Pop Culture and the Approach in Legacies

Adapting Young Adult Books to Television

The Process of Bringing Popular Young Adult Books to the Screen

Choosing Books to Adapt

The Criteria for Selecting Books to Adapt and Current Reading Recommendations

The Challenge of We Were Liars

The Intricacies of Adapting We Were Liars for Television

Diving into Family Mysteries

Exploring the Dark Family Mystery and Unreliable Narrators in We Were Liars

The Tension of Mystery in We Were Liars

The Role of Mystery in We Were Liars and Building Tension in the Story

Casting Choices for We Were Liars

Approaching the Casting Process for a New Set of Characters in We Were Liars

The Excitement of Elemental Powers in Vampire Academy

Understanding the Appeal of Elemental Powers and the Fire User

Bridgerton and Colorblind Casting

In recent years, the entertainment industry has seen a shift towards more inclusive casting choices. One such example is the popular Netflix series, Bridgerton. As a viewer, I couldn't help but Notice the similarities between Bridgerton and the decision to opt for colorblind casting in our own Show. The lavish parties, Victorian aesthetic, and even the Royal Court all felt reminiscent of the world depicted in Bridgerton. But was that the only reason for our choice?

When it comes to colorblind casting, our approach was driven by a desire for full inclusivity. We wanted to break free from the limitations of cultural expectations and embrace a diverse range of characters. If we had restricted ourselves to casting solely white actors, it would have been a missed opportunity to Create a cast that represents the richness and diversity of our society. Our goal was to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, could see themselves reflected on screen.

It's important to note that this choice wasn't just about ticking boxes or token representation. Throughout the years, we have learned valuable lessons about the significance of representation in storytelling. Starting from our earlier shows like Vampire Diaries, which had minimal representation, we have evolved to a point where the majority of our leads in Legacies are people of color. This progression felt like the natural next step in our trajectory, a way to have everyone represented authentically and not as mere tokens.

The diversity of the cast in our show Legacies happened organically. We focused on hiring the best actors for each role, Based on their talent and suitability, rather than rigid statistics. Surprisingly, it worked out in our favor, resulting in seven out of ten characters being played by actors of color. This outcome was not something we had planned meticulously; it was a testament to our commitment to inclusion and the talent that emerged during auditions.

However, I must admit that there was one casting choice that deviated from this pattern. Dimitri, a character who does not fit the mold of our colorblind casting, was a deliberate exception. The image of a guy in a long duster coat, with long hair and a thick Russian accent, felt out of sync with the evolving Perception of what is considered attractive or sexy in today's age. We didn't want to perpetuate stereotypes, and Dimitri's character presented an opportunity for us to challenge those existing notions.

In summary, while Bridgerton served as an inspiration for the opulence and aesthetics of our show, our decision for colorblind casting was driven by a desire for inclusivity and a resolve to break away from limiting stereotypes.

Heading 1: The Evolution of Vampire Lore

The world of vampires in popular culture has undergone significant evolution throughout the years. Growing up, vampires were often depicted as seductive and predatory creatures, luring young maidens into their grasp. However, this perception has changed over time, with the emergence of different interpretations in various books, movies, and TV shows.

Heading 2: From Gothic Seduction to Misunderstood Brooding

The image of vampires as brooding and lonely figures has become more prevalent in recent years. This shift can be attributed to the influence of characters like Lestat, the Twilight saga, and the Vampire Diaries. The allure of the traditional vampire, once seen as sensual and predatory, has diminished in the eyes of many. Instead, the portrayal of vampires as misunderstood and troubled beings has taken center stage. This evolution is reflective of societal changes and a shift in what is considered alluring to audiences.

Heading 3: Refreshing the Vampire Trope in Legacies

When it came to developing the vampire lore in our show Legacies, we wanted to break the mold and challenge the traditional tropes associated with vampires. The unique world-building in the books gave us the perfect opportunity to introduce a fresh take on these creatures. One aspect we particularly enjoyed was creating the Strix, strip boys who were purely evil without any sympathetic qualities. This departure from the common "misunderstood" vampire archetype allowed us to explore a different kind of threat in the series.

Heading 4: Embracing the Monsters Within

The ability to create actual monsters within the vampire lore of Legacies was a thrilling prospect. We wanted to emphasize the feral and predatory nature of these creatures, moving away from the Notion of vampires seeking redemption or a misunderstood persona. By stripping away the layers of complexity, we were able to tap into the primal fear associated with vampires, creating a Sense of perpetual danger for our characters.

Heading 5: Adapting Young Adult Books to Television

As a TV Writer, I have had the privilege of adapting several popular young adult books into successful television series. The process of transforming these beloved stories into compelling visual narratives comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.

Heading 6: Beyond Originality: Working with Existing Stories

When it comes to choosing books to adapt, I prefer working with existing stories rather than starting from scratch. There is something incredibly satisfying about being able to Visualize a world and its characters before even putting pen to paper. In the case of shows like Vampire Diaries, it was a matter of taking the existing characters from the book series and bringing them to life on screen. Building upon that foundation allowed us to focus on creating engaging storylines and further developing the characters within the established Universe.

Heading 7: The Ritual of Reading

As a busy TV writer, finding time to Read has become a luxury. However, I make it a point to indulge in the joy of reading at least once a year during a vacation. Whether it's a physical stack of books or a collection on my Kindle, I look forward to immersing myself in different worlds and discovering new stories. While I might not have a current reading recommendation at this moment, I believe that the act of reading is an essential part of being a writer.

Heading 8: The Challenge of We Were Liars

One of the projects I am particularly excited about is the adaptation of E Lockhart's "We Were Liars" for television. This dark family mystery offers a unique set of challenges that present an opportunity to push storytelling boundaries and captivate audiences.

Heading 9: Diving into Dark Family Mysteries

"We Were Liars" delves deep into the realm of dark family mysteries, where unreliable narrators and Hidden secrets abound. The story explores themes of trust, deception, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Adapting this intense and emotionally charged narrative requires a delicate balance of suspense, drama, and intricate character development.

Heading 10: The Tension of Mystery in We Were Liars

At the heart of "We Were Liars" lies a central mystery that keeps readers and viewers on the edge of their seats. Maintaining the tension and intrigue of the story is crucial to its success as a television series. Balancing the suspense with moments of emotional vulnerability and family drama will be key in capturing the essence of the original book while adapting it for the screen.

Heading 11: Casting Choices for We Were Liars

Casting is an integral part of bringing any story to life, and "We Were Liars" presents a fresh set of characters to populate the screen. The young age of the characters allows for the discovery of new talent who can fully embody these complex roles. While specific casting choices are yet to be made, the process of finding the perfect actors to breathe life into the characters will be both exciting and challenging.

Heading 12: The Excitement of Elemental Powers in Vampire Academy

Among the various elements that make Vampire Academy intriguing to adapt is the introduction of elemental powers. As a fire user myself, there is a certain thrill in imagining the dynamics and possibilities of wielding such power. The display of power through fireball throwing or controlling the element adds an extra layer of excitement and visual appeal to the story.