Half Life Answers

I am so grateful to you for all of the response to Episode 2. I really enjoyed the work, so it's nice to hear it so appreciated. In the midst of it all, I have recieved hundreds of questions. Here is my attempt to answer. In the future, you might get better and faster answers by posting to the forum Rachel has so graciously created. Also, the web designer is looking at adding a guestbook for you to leave your comments. The e-mails are just becoming overwhelming. So, please help a little girl out. Also, you can look out for some updates and new clips on the Half life section fo the website as Chris continues to perfect the site as a whole. Let's see...

Have I played Half Life yet? No. I've tried. BELIEVE me, I've tried. It is just not my gift. Half Life 2 was just too overwhelming, so I thought I'd give Episode 1 a try. There's less play and a lot more Alyx, so I figured I'd catch some of it. No. Didn't happen. I catch some of the play I see on you tube, but that's about it. I did have the amazing opportunity to see snippets when it was played for me at Valve Headquarters in Seattle. That was truly wonderful. However, I just don't have the gaming skill! How's that for irony?
Is the work time consuming? Not really. Everyone has a very clear idea of what our goals are when we go into the studio. We move quickly and very efficiently. I don't have a lot of time to overthink anything. So, you usually get my first instinct. Though I give many options for them to pick from. A few 4 hr sessions usually get it done.
How was the process of finding this character different? Well, I didn't have to work too hard. The Valve Team had already done most of the work. It was lucky that Alyx fit on me so well. I really just brought instinct to it. I wasn't confined by physicality, so that made it fun. I could be and do anything. I could go anywhere. A creative wonderland!
I hope that's a satisfying start. Again, thank you for being so responsive. It means more than I can say.

Love,

Merle

ATLANTA in Los Angeles

MOST WANTED at La Jolla was truly an amazing experience. Michael Grief was nothing short of amazing to work with again. If you get a chance to see it next time around, run to see it!

Now? Well, I'm still West Coast. Right now I'm in Los Angeles and will be for a few months. The project? ATLANTA! It's a new show at the Geffen Playhouse. We begin performances on November 20th right after I get back from shooting NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH written and directed by the incomparable Rod Lurie.
ATLANTA is based in the south during the Civil War. It uses a lot of great throw backs to Shakespeare's greatest speeches. And introduces the beautiful music of Marcus Hummon (winner of several grammy's and writer for the Dixie Chicks), co-written by Adrian Pasdar (NBC's Heroes). It is co-directed by artistic director Randall Arnie (previously artistic director of Steppenwolf) and Adrian Pasdar. You will fall in love. I already have.
Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024