411MANIA INTERVIEWS: CHARISMA CARPENTER
by Al Norton

411's Al Norton sits down for an exclusive chat with Buffy & Angel star Charisma Carpenter about The Expendables and her new Syfy movie House of Bones.

Charisma Carpenter will always be associated with Cordelia Chase, the role she played on both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, but in the six years since then she has done noteworthy work on shows like Veronica Mars, Charmed, CSI, Big Shots, Greek, and Legend of the Seeker. She stars in tonight's Syfy original movie House of Bones and has a role in the upcoming all-star cast action film The Expendables.

Al Norton: I want to start by telling you that in the years I've been doing interviews the biggest response I've gotten from male friends and co-workers was when I dropped your name this morning.
Charisma Carpenter: Really? Still? After all these years? That makes my day.

Al Norton: What was it about House of Bones that appealed to you?
Charisma Carpenter: I liked the idea of doing the first original movie since the network became Syfy. I like the genre but this one was more straightforward and gory. I liked it.

Al Norton: While the made-for-the-network movies are always entertaining, some are a bit, or a lot, more cheesy than others. How do you make sure the projects you choose is going to be on the right side of that line?
Charisma Carpenter: To be honest with you I have no control in how it ends up. There are so many components that go in to making a movie that as an actress the only thing I have control over is me and how I perform. The sad part about this film is that it was the fastest thing I've ever done in my life. It was like doing an episode of Angel; it was that short. It had special effects, gags, elaborate make up…it was just a big enchilada and sometimes there just isn't enough time. The producers are looking at their watch, they're losing money, things are taking too long.

You just have to give the best that you've got in the moment you have to give it and after that you're done. I try to put myself in good hands, that's really the only control I have. If I like someone's work, if I love the network like I do Syfy, you've just got to put your trust in hope for the best.

I don't think House of Bones is really my movie. I think the standout of the movie is Corin Nemec; he got all the best lines (laughing).

Al Norton: Is part of the fun of doing a movie with a lot of special effects that you have to watch it when it's on to see how it all turned out?
Charisma Carpenter: That's probably the biggest nightmare (laughing). It's hard because you are putting your trust in people you don't know that well. When you are working with Joss Whedon, with people who have done this time and time again, it's much easier. The only element I knew on this project were the people at Syfy and so I really took a leap of faith. The waiting to see how it turns out is never the fun part. I will watch it Saturday at 9 pm with the rest of the audience.

Al Norton: Do you watch Ghost Hunters or any other of the ghost shows that are all over cable these days?
Charisma Carpenter: I have seen some of those. I have to admit, I get sucked in really quickly.

Al Norton: This question is right out of Cheesy Interviewing 101 but I have to ask…
Charisma Carpenter: …Do I believe in paranormal?

Al Norton: That was perfect.
Charisma Carpenter: Yes, I do believe the paranormal exists. Do I think there could be a house made out of bones that eats people? No (laughing). I do believe that it's possible that there are spirits that are not rested, energy that can be trapped somewhere that can be harmful.

Al Norton: How has being a Mom changed the way in which you choose your roles?
Charisma Carpenter: That's a good question. Usually location is a big deal. I try to stay close to home as much as possible but now that he's in school it's a little bit easier. I haven't ever been asked to do something that would make me uncomfortable, nothing that has made me go, "oh, what is my kid going to think when he gets older?"

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