Anne · Moderator 11:00 AM Hello everyone! welcome to our chat with Esme Bianco! Anne · Moderator 11:00 AM Welcome Esme! Esme Featured Guest 11:00 AM Hello all! Raquel · Moderator 11:00 AM Hello Esme it's pleasure to have you here this evening Esme Featured Guest 11:00 AM thank you kindly :) Anne · Moderator 11:00 AM your fans have a ton of questions for you! the first one comes from Kyuss Kyuss 11:00 AM What first inspired you to start dancing? Alex 11:01 AM Hi Esme! Esme Featured Guest 11:01 AM well I started dance training as a child - I have always been very creative About Yea High 11:01 AM Hola! Esme Featured Guest 11:01 AM hello all! Kyuss 11:01 AM Hi Esme! Kenji 11:01 AM How'd you get into Cabaret? Esme Featured Guest 11:02 AM so dancing was something I grew up with, and it was just natural for me to incorperate it into my professional life Esme Featured Guest 11:02 AM I got into cabaret through modelling - I was working a lot for a club called Torture Garden where lots of the models also produce and perform stage shows Esme Featured Guest 11:03 AM and so I started putting together shows for them. I was also studying a degree in Drama and Theatre Arts at the time which gave me loads of inspiration Lori 11:03 AM If you HAD to choose between acting, singing, dancing, or modeling, which would you choose? Esme Featured Guest 11:03 AM oh that's tough Esme Featured Guest 11:04 AM i think it would have to be acting, because thats been my dream from day one Esme Featured Guest 11:04 AM and you can still perform in front of a live audience as well as on screen - and there is nothing like being in front of a crowd :) Esme Featured Guest 11:05 AM but you'd have a hard time keeping me just to stick to one discipline! Alex 11:05 AM What would be your dream role? Esme Featured Guest 11:05 AM hmm Esme Featured Guest 11:06 AM I always fancied being Elizabeth Bathory! Or Miss Havisham when I get old! About Yea High 11:07 AM That could be an odd transition - on stage, where gratification is immediate - to television or movies where you really don't know what the reaction will be. Is that transition hard? Esme Featured Guest 11:07 AM It's hard for me to come up with a dream role, because I love having to work around a character I never even though of, or imagined being Esme Featured Guest 11:08 AM Yes, it can be hard About Yea High. I think that I've been modelling for lone enough to get used to not seeing the fruits of your labour for some time and not getting that immediate feedback Alex 11:08 AM A serial killer! Esme Featured Guest 11:08 AM but it can be tough working in front of the camera. A good director will ease this transition though Legion 11:08 AM Is there anyone you would really like to work with? Esme Featured Guest 11:09 AM Hahaha @Alex. She was a fascinating woman! Esme Featured Guest 11:09 AM I would absolutely LOVE to work with Tim Burton. Esme Featured Guest 11:09 AM I think he has the most superb artistic vision, and seems to see take things out of my imagination and put them on screen Kyuss 11:10 AM I LOVE Tim Burton movies! Kyuss 11:10 AM You would have been great in the new Alice in Wonderland he just did! Legion 11:10 AM Yeah, he's brilliant, plus working with Burton almost gurantess you get to work with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter, lol Esme Featured Guest 11:10 AM as which character? Esme Featured Guest 11:11 AM haha, well yes, I think most actresses would love to work with Mr Depp! About Yea High 11:11 AM A young version of the Queen! ORFF wit' 'er 'EAD! Esme Featured Guest 11:11 AM I'd also love to work with Jonathan Glazer Esme Featured Guest 11:12 AM haha, I think that's a good choice About Yea High! Esme Featured Guest 11:12 AM Oh sorry, my computer is overexcited! Paul Gude 11:12 AM Man, Jonathan Glazer is awesome.  I loved Karmacoma and Sexy Beast. invertebrae 11:12 AM let me ask an obvious question i'm sure to some, but what's the difference between cabaret and burlesque, both technically and reptutation-wise? Esme Featured Guest 11:12 AM yes, he is so so talented invertebrae 11:13 AM Esme, have you seen Glazer's commercial work? He's done some amazing stuff. Plus Sexy Beast is one of my favorites all-time. Credibility boost for Esme! Esme Featured Guest 11:14 AM well, burlesque is a very old term, which refers to humorous theatrical parody Esme Featured Guest 11:14 AM but it started to incorporate striptease when it was first developing. Which I think would make the distinction from cabaret Anne · Moderator 11:15 AM how would you define cabaret? Esme Featured Guest 11:15 AM but its a very thin line. I feel very strongly that modern burlesque should still involve that comedy and parody element - and often this is forgotten in contemporary performances - everyone thinks it's just about feather fans and pasties! Esme Featured Guest 11:16 AM @invertebrae yes his commercials are breathtaking! Esme Featured Guest 11:17 AM well cabaret traditionally took place in venues where people would sit down and watch at tables, often during dinner invertebrae 11:17 AM (yeah, pasties, that was the word.... hehh). glad you like his commercials (i'm a commercial director). i didn't like his sony commercial with the clowns and paint though, fell flat sadly. have you done commercial work? Esme Featured Guest 11:17 AM and is much more multi-disciplinary - ie singing, dancing, comedy and theatre Esme Featured Guest 11:18 AM yes, I've done quite a few commercials Ran 11:18 AM What attracted you to cabaret performance, what makes it special for you? Paul Gude 11:18 AM I loved the "Rabbit in Your Headlights" video, too. Jacopo Belbo 11:18 AM I have to say that Sexy Beast is one of those under appreciated gems of the "british gritty crime" genre ... along with The Limey ... to add my 2 cents about 2 minutes late Esme Featured Guest 11:19 AM @Paul that video is one of my favourites of all time. But I think Birth is my favourite film :) @ Ran I like the fact that cabaret allows me to use my different skills at the same time Esme Featured Guest 11:19 AM and cabaret is very theatrical (like me) - and can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life Anne · Moderator 11:20 AM Many of your fans are hoping you can answer some "Game of Thrones" questions ... invertebrae 11:20 AM yes, one of the best videos of all-time gude. speaking of best of all time, how was your time on set for game of thrones. did those guys know what they were doing!? Esme Featured Guest 11:20 AM it is more universal than a lot of art forms. It does not possess the sense of snobbery or elitism that is sadly often rampant in the arts Esme Featured Guest 11:21 AM yes - bring on the GOT questions! Esme Featured Guest 11:21 AM My time on set was fantastic, I had such a nice time, and was very sad to leave Paul Gude 11:21 AM What was it like working with Peter Dinklage? Esme Featured Guest 11:21 AM it was excellent Esme Featured Guest 11:22 AM he is such a nice man - very sweet - he really made an effort to look out for me Brude 11:22 AM A question about A Game of Thrones: did you get any indication that you may be showing up in later episodes or seasons should the show be greenlit after the pilot?  There are a number of scenes/locations in the books where it could be appropriate for Ros to show up again. About Yea High 11:22 AM Which was better - Peter Dinklage's English accent or his wig? Esme Featured Guest 11:22 AM and very easy to work with as an actor. He kept me chuckling all day long Esme Featured Guest 11:23 AM in terms of my character coming back I really don't know Esme Featured Guest 11:23 AM I very much hope so, and I hope it's not out of the realms of possibility. But nothing is confirmed. The good news is that Ros isn't killed off in the first episode! Esme Featured Guest 11:24 AM Peter was wearing a wig? Paul Gude 11:24 AM I think you'll get a groundswell of fan support to see Ros again. Ran 11:24 AM For the Game of Thrones production, was your scene filmed at the Paint Hall studio in Belfast? It's a massive space -- what did you think of it and the sets that were built there? Esme Featured Guest 11:24 AM I hope so! We must start a petition! Esme Featured Guest 11:24 AM No, I didn't film at the studio - we filmed on location Paul Gude 11:25 AM Were there any greenscreens on the set where you recorded your scene with Dinklage? Esme Featured Guest 11:26 AM No greenscreens Esme Featured Guest 11:26 AM No greenscreens invertebrae 11:26 AM And more importantly, why were you knee deep in mud on location for an interior brothel scene!? Esme Featured Guest 11:26 AM haha! Esme Featured Guest 11:26 AM Apparently that tweet was the cause of much confusion! About Yea High 11:26 AM I just assumed he was wearing a wig. He was described by onlookers as "scruffy." Jacopo Belbo 11:27 AM @Invertebrae: i was thinking the same thing? how do you shoot an interior brothel scene outside? Jacopo Belbo 11:27 AM Did you get a chance to read the whole pilot script or did you just have sides for your part? Esme Featured Guest 11:27 AM when I arrived on location it was chucking it down with rain - so of course there were puddles - lots of puddles! But that's not to say we were shooting outside :) Esme Featured Guest 11:27 AM No I read the whole script Paul Gude 11:27 AM You have to understand, a lot of us are getting our impressions of your scene off of scripts that are probably very old. Esme Featured Guest 11:28 AM ah ok - so have the scripts been released? Legion 11:28 AM When you were filming were there many dots and things about to signify they intened to use some cgi etc. to alter the scene in post production? Esme Featured Guest 11:29 AM No I didn't see any evidence of pre-CGI in my scene About Yea High 11:29 AM Did they build a brothel?  And did you enjoy the whole script? Ran 11:29 AM A draft of the pilot script was leaked months ago. But nothing official, no. Bibi 11:29 AM Have you read the novel(s) ? Esme Featured Guest 11:29 AM The script was really amazing Esme Featured Guest 11:30 AM they have a very talented team of writers, who are on set the whole time - they're very supportive Esme Featured Guest 11:31 AM No Bibi I haven't yet. I have a copy but it keeps getting swiped every time I want to get started on it! invertebrae 11:31 AM Not too hard to become blonde and scruffy nowadays. Brings up a question/observation: you tend to have a chameleonic look (based on your website images). What was the styling like for Ros, other than very little wardrobe requirements obviously... Esme Featured Guest 11:32 AM Well - I think it's safe to say that Ros probably looks most like the 'au natural' Esmé Jill 11:32 AM How did you get involved with GOT.  What was the audition process like? Esme Featured Guest 11:32 AM if that makes sense.... Esme Featured Guest 11:33 AM I have three auditions, which came through my agent Jack Velvet 11:33 AM how do you find auditions? Esme Featured Guest 11:33 AM they were really nice auditions actually, as far as auditions go! The scene was constantly being rewritten, so each time I auditioned the scene was slightly different invertebrae 11:33 AM (yes, makes sense, no fake lashes, heavy mascara, bright lipstick, etc.) Esme Featured Guest 11:34 AM @invertebrae exactly ;) Esme Featured Guest 11:34 AM auditions vary enormously Paul Gude 11:35 AM You mingled with fans a bit after your shoot.  Any plans to be part of a publicity run if/when the series is picked up.  I know some folks in the states who would *love* to get their photos taken with you. Esme Featured Guest 11:35 AM some can be great fun, some are just totally terrifying, humiliating and best forgotten about! Esme Featured Guest 11:35 AM Yes, I'd love to be involved in publicity if HBO offer me the opportunity About Yea High 11:36 AM Do you find HBO seems to have a greater confidence in the abilities of its casting directors compared to others you've seen? Esme Featured Guest 11:36 AM It would be natural if they choose to focus more on the main characters though... invertebrae 11:36 AM btw, you're going to have to get used to a cult following if the show is picked up, for a pretty simple, short and sweet scene! welcome to the world of game of thrones fans! Paul Gude 11:37 AM Man, I hope folks from HBO end up reading this.  1) Bring Ros back!  2) Bring Esme on tour! Jill 11:37 AM we'll all sign a petition Bibi 11:37 AM Have you met George R. R. Martin when he came to visit the filming locations ? Esme Featured Guest 11:37 AM @About Yea High well it's hard to say - as I am a relatively minor character I just auditioned with the casting directors rather than anyone from HBO - as I know was the case with some actors who were reading for the main parts. But the casting directors have done a GREAT job Esme Featured Guest 11:38 AM You guys are great! I love GOT fans already :) Esme Featured Guest 11:39 AM Yes I met George - he is such a sweetheart. He obviously really loves his fans - he made such a big effort with them in Belfast. Legion 11:39 AM Did you get the feeling that quite a bit of money was being invested in the pilot from your experience and what you may have seen while in Belfast? Esme Featured Guest 11:40 AM It would be tough to say Legion, as I was only there for such a short period. But I definitely think HBO are making sure they get it right invertebrae 11:40 AM (besides Ros being the standout, obviously!) Jacopo Belbo 11:41 AM Interested in your history.  Up to this point what is the "largest" production/project you have been involved with? Legion 11:41 AM HBO hired you, of course they are trying to get it right :) Esme Featured Guest 11:41 AM :) Esme Featured Guest 11:42 AM Well I guess that depends on if you mean large production by money spent/reputation Esme Featured Guest 11:43 AM or what meant the most to me. I guess working with Steven Berkoff (one of my childhood idols) on a film called the 'Big I Am' was one of the biggest moments of my career - but sadly the film is yet to make it to the silverscreen Jacopo Belbo 11:43 AM either.  thus the "..." around largest ... Jill 11:43 AM what kinds of differences are there working on a bigger production like this, than say, commercials or music videos? Esme Featured Guest 11:44 AM Modelling for Agent Provocateur was a highlight for me too, and really kick started my modelling career Paul Gude 11:44 AM I think the ultimate marketing move HBO could make is the creation of a Ros action figure.  They should seriously get on this. Jacopo Belbo 11:44 AM well you have a new rabid, slightly sycophantic fan club now so keep us informed when it does :) Paul Gude 11:45 AM Are Dinklage and Coster-Waldau doing anything interesting in their speech and mannerisms to indicate that they're brothers? Esme Featured Guest 11:45 AM @Jill - the difference is always money. The bigger the production the more luxurious the shoot! Jill 11:45 AM Better food, etc? lol Esme Featured Guest 11:46 AM I have ALWAYS longed to be an action figure! There is a doll called Esmé on the market - its a little like Barbie Jacopo Belbo 11:46 AM and the better the craft services ... hopefully :0 Esme Featured Guest 11:46 AM yes, better food, often more set, extras etc Esme Featured Guest 11:46 AM I would say more time, but music videos for example are ALWAYS a rush! invertebrae 11:47 AM i read somewhere you were at a table read, and that it was the entire script, with most of the actors present. can you detail this at all? who was missing, how were accents, any standouts, etc.? Esme Featured Guest 11:48 AM Drago was missing at that time I don't think casting had been finalised rk 11:48 AM And did you get to meet Sean Bean? Is he really capable of melting your face with his acting as they say he is? Esme Featured Guest 11:48 AM all of the kids stood out - they were amazing Esme Featured Guest 11:50 AM Yes I met Sean - he is a very charismatic man. I wasn't sat that close to him in the read through so he didn't get to melt me! but he is certainly as talented as you'd expect Ran 11:50 AM The new Robbie Williams video was recently released. Great fun with the Alice in Wonderland vibe. How was that shoot? Esme Featured Guest 11:51 AM It was all shot in a studio with some really amazing sets Esme Featured Guest 11:52 AM the bit which I shot was in a studio with a massive checkerboard floor. It was hard to remember where you mark was, and we all ended up a bit dizzy trying to remember! Anne · Moderator 11:52 AM It looks like we only have time for two more questions... Jack Velvet 11:52 AM Agent Provocateur is a great brand. How would you describe yourself as a brand Esme? Esme Featured Guest 11:52 AM That's a great question Jack! I think English rose with attitude Esme Featured Guest 11:53 AM watch out for the thorns ;) Jacopo Belbo 11:53 AM Should we be looking for you in anything else outside of AGoT? About Yea High 11:53 AM We'll try not to anger you. >.> Esme Featured Guest 11:54 AM I'm performing at Erotica, London this month for anyone who is UK based. I appear in 'Dead Man Running' (currently in UK cinemas) doing one of my burlesque shows 11:55 AM There are five minutes remaining in this chat. Legion 11:55 AM Esme can return later in the series with some make up as the Queen of Thorns with that attitude! Esme Featured Guest 11:55 AM I also recently filmed music videos for Depeche Mode, Slayer and Frankie goes to Hollywood (!) which should all be out soon Esme Featured Guest 11:55 AM and with a bit of luck the 'Big I Am' will one day be released! Jacopo Belbo 11:55 AM now there are three bands you NEVER see together in the same sentence ... for good reason usually :) Anne · Moderator 11:56 AM Well thank you so much for your time Esme! Do you have anything else you would like to share with your fans? Esme Featured Guest 11:56 AM hahah yes! Paul Gude 11:56 AM It's so great to have been able to talk with you! Esme Featured Guest 11:56 AM Well, I'd just like to thank you all very much for you support - it really means a lot to me! Esme Featured Guest 11:56 AM I hope you stick with me even if HBO don't! haha Alex Grey 11:57 AM Esme, I think you should return to GOT as a character called Melisandre. Some makeup and hair changes should be enough to make you different from Ros. It's a large role, and I think you'd be perfect. invertebrae 11:57 AM (they will!) Esme Featured Guest 11:57 AM thanks Alex, let's cross our fingers and toes! Anne · Moderator 11:57 AM Thank you so much Esme! We are so excited to see what happens with GOT and with your fabulous career in the future!! About Yea High 11:57 AM I have a feeling your name is going to stick with all of us. Jill 11:57 AM Thank you so much for the chat.  you're on our radar and we look forward to what you do next :) Esme Featured Guest 11:58 AM Thank you all so much for joining me, I hope it's been interesting! Kelsey · Moderator 11:58 AM Thank you Esme! Paul Gude 11:58 AM You've got big things ahead of you, and we'll be following! Esme Featured Guest 11:58 AM :) Alex 11:58 AM Thank you so much for your time! You are great! invertebrae 11:58 AM thanks esmé! Esme Featured Guest 11:58 AM I hope you all enjoy GOT's if it makes it! Which I'm sure it will 11:59 AM There is one minute remaining in this chat. Anne · Moderator 11:59 AM thank you for chatting everyone! rk 11:59 AM Thanks a bunch Esmé Esme Featured Guest 11:59 AM Thank you all xxxx 11:59 AM This chat event has ended.