Gossip Girl – Season 3 Cast Photo

CW – Promo Banners for Smallville, Gossip Girl, OTH

Gossip Girl – Season 3 Poster

Source: CW

Gossip Girl – Season 3 – New Cast Photo

Source: Fractured Simplicity

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.01 – Promotional Photos

Source: CW

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.01 – Reversals of Fortune – Synopsis

“Reversals of Fortune” (TV-14, DL) (HDTV)

GOSSIP GIRL RETURNS! — As the summer is drawing to a close, Blair (Leighton Meester) and Chuck (Ed Westwick) are madly in love and adjusting to their new “in a relationship” status, breaking all traditional rules of dating as would be expected. Serena (Blake Lively) returns from her European adventure with many secrets to hide and a complicated relationship with Carter Baizen (guest star Sebastian Stan). Nate (Chace Crawford) returns from his travels with a mysterious brunette, Bree Buckley (guest star JoAnna Garcia) in tow. Rufus (Matthew Settle), Dan (Penn Badgley) and Jenny (Taylor Momsen) spent the summer in the Hamptons, adjusting to the van der Woodsen’s glamorous lifestyle surprisingly faster than any of them expected. Jessica Szohr also stars. J. Miller Tobin directed the episode written by Joshua Safran (#301).

Source: CW

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.01 – Promotional Photos HQ

Source: CW

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.02 – The Freshman – Promotional Photos

Source: GossipGirlFan

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.02 – The Freshman – Synopsis

GOSSIP GIRL” — (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)

“The Freshman” (CONTENT RATING TBD) (HDTV)

IS NYU READY FOR BLAIR WALDORF? / MICHELLE TRACHTENBERG RETURNS AS GEORGINA — Blair (Leighton Meester), who is determined to maintain her Queen status in college, embarks on her first day at NYU, along with Dan (Penn Badgley) and Vanessa (Jessica Szohr). Unfortunately, Georgina (guest star Michelle Trachtenberg) turns up as Blair’s roommate in the dorms, determined to make Blair a social outcast. As Serena (Blake Lively) prepares to depart for Brown, she and Chuck (Ed Westwick) have a major falling out, so she recruits Chuck’s enemy, Carter (guest star Sebastian Stan), to help her get even. Nate (Chace Crawford) and Bree (guest star JoAnna Garcia) decide to explore their relationship further, knowing full well it could cause tension between their families who are political rivals. Taylor Momsen and Matthew Settle also star. Norman Buckley directed the episode written by Amanda Lasher (#302).

Source: CW

Gossip Girl – First 3 Episode Spoilers

These come from someone who 2 weeks ago claimed to have seen the 1st 3 Episodes. We did not post them until we could confirm the details. With the release today of the new Promotional Photos, we now feel that they probably did see the episodes.

Here is what they are saying.

Chuck decides he is going to open a speakeasy in the 1st few episodes and gets mad at Serena who *beep* it up for him during a meeting by saying something stupid. So, he tries to make up for it by trying to impress the man he is trying to make the deal with by obtaining this painting. It turns out to be the same painting that Blair needs to get into some snobby society (that turns out to be fake- Georgina sets her up). So they big against one another, Serena ends up getting it at the last second-and gives it to Blair. Blair in the end gives it to Chuck and tells him she believes in him. Chuck in turn tells the guy he was trying to make a deal with to go screw himself that he is going to buy the whole damned hotel. And then the episode (3) ends with him and Blair skipping off with a bottle of champagne to enjoy the Penthouse Suite of his new hotel. Lots of good stuff with them the first 3 episodes.Carter grown on me at e.3.There is a steamy scene i could remember with chuck and blair.

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.03 – The Lost Boy – Promotional Photos

Source: youknowyouloveme

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.04 – Limitation of Life – Promotional Photos

Source: youknowyouloveme

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.04 – Dan de Fleurette – Promotional Photo

Source: E!Online

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.05 – Rufus getting married – Promotional Photos

Source: youknowyouloveme

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.06 – Enough About Eve – Promotional Photos

Source: youknowyouloveme

Exclusive – Gossip Girl – Episode 3.07 – How to Succeed in Bassness” – Casting Call

[MEAN GIRL] Legal 16-18, open ethnicity. The power-hunger, super-smart, back-stabbing ringleader of the new Mean Girl trio at Constance. Possible recurring.

[PATRICK] Early – mid 20s, male. Movie Star good looks, he’s the ex-boyfriend of Olivia Burke (Hilary Duff) and her co-star in the “Vampire Knight” movies. Two episode arc.

[FRANK BENNETT] Early-mid 30s, open ethnicity. A bureaucrat from the Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Issues the liquor license for a new night club. Two scenes, four lines.

[KID #1] 8-11, open ethnicity, male. Trick-or-Treater on the Upper East Side dressed as Batman. One scene, two lines.

[KID #2] 8-11, open ethnicity, male. Trick-or-Treater on the Upper East Side dressed as Robin. One scene, two lines.

[KID #3] 8-11, open ethnicity, female. Trick-or-Treater on the Upper East Side dressed as Lady Gaga. One scene, two lines.

[HEALTH INSPECTOR] Mid 30s, male or female, open ethnicity. Issues health permit for a new night club. One scene, one line.

[POLICE OFFICER] Mid 20s – early 30s, male, open ethnicity. Leads a raid on a new night club. Two scenes, three lines.

[PAPARAZZI] Mid 20s – early 30s, male, open ethnicity. Amongst the crowd of photographers at the opening of a new club sptv050769. One scene, one line.

Source: SpoilerTV

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.07 – Dialog and filming Snippets

Here is a little more from the set via some extras working on the set

Hilary and Dan:

Angle on Dan & Olivia. Olivia is happy to see him.

OLIVIA:I’m so glad you came. (She kisses him)
DAN:See? That felt real to me.

*at one point Penn Badgley character grabs Hillary Duffs character to talk to her at the party cuz hes mad about something
*It’s been a very long day/night on Gossip Girl. We are filming a red carpet scene.
*Ed had on a each/pink blazer vest. His suit was the most daper lol

Update 1
*Tonight we filmed the continuation of the 1920s themed Halloween party scene, but we shot exteriors. Red carpet w/Blake,Penn,and Mean Girls
*Dan takes her hand and pulls he rinto a booth-then pulls the curtains closed around them. KC turns to Serena pissed.

Update 2
Practicing getting arrested on set.
Apparently police come over and arrest us at the party.

Update 3
*They all look across the bar as Dan arrives,in musician costume heading right for Olivia. KC-What the hell is he doing here?
*Dan gets there later. He goes to see Olivia, not Serena
*nO kc ISNT cHUCK. kc IS ANOTHER CHARACTER. IM NOT ON SET TOMORROW

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.07 – Dialog Snippet

The following dialog comes from Episode 3.07 of Gossip Girl and is from a contact on the set. We hope to bring you more.

Blair:I know you don’t want to see me
Chuck:Then what exactly are you doing here?I have more important things to deal with than surprises

Also we have these little snippets

*Dan is not invited to the party but Hillary invites him
*He goes to see Olivia and comes up to her, they kiss. He says Dan gets mad at Olivia at a Halloween party and maybe comes to this one to make up.

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.08 – The Granfather: Part II” – Updated Casting Call

We’ve just received an updated casting call for Episode 3.08 which now carries the title “The Granfather: Part II””.

Director: Mark Piznarski
Producer: Amy Kaufman
Shoot Dates: 11th September through to 22nd September

Please note: As a courtesy, please do not reproduce this post to newsgroups, forums or other online places. Summary and Link backs only please.

[BRANDEIS] Early 20s, brunette, female. A beautiful young woman who Blair befriends based on her stunningly and effortlessly chic look. Guest Star.

[CAROLINE LOWE] Early-mid 30s, female. Open ethnicity. An attractive CBS news producer looking for a scoop sptv050769. One scene, four lines.

[CAMPAIGN STRATEGIST] Early-mid 30s, male or female. Open ethnicity. Works on the Trip van der Bilt campaign. One scene, two lines.

[DROWNING MAN] Late 20s-early 30s, male. Open ethnicity. Falls into the Hudson River, then recounts the story to a news reporter. Two scenes, one lines.

[OLDER MAN] Early-mid 40s, male. Open ethnicity. Calls for help after seeing a man fall into the Hudson River. One scene, one line.

[NEWSCASTER] Mid 20s-mid 30s, female. Open ethnicity. Three scenes, three lines.

[STUDENT] 18-20, male. Open ethnicity. Cracks a joke at Dan in the NYU dorm halls. One scene, one line.

Source: SpoilerTV

Gossip Girl – Episode 3.08 – Casting Call

[WHITNEY] Early 20s, brunette, female. A beautiful young woman who Blair befriends based on her stunningly haute couture style. Guest Star.

[CAROLINE LOWE] Early-mid 30s, female. Open ethnicity. An attractive CBS news producer looking for a scoop. One scene, four lines.

[CAMPAIGN STRATEGIST] Early-mid 30s, male or female. Open ethnicity. Works on the Trip van der Bilt campaign. One scene, one line.

[DROWNING MAN] Late 20s-early 30s, male. Open ethnicity. Falls into the Hudson River, then recounts the story to a news reporter. Two scenes, one line.

[BYSTANDER] 30s, male or female. Opens ethnicity. Calls for help after seeing a man fall into the Hudson River. One scene, one line.

[NEWSCASTER] Mid 20s-mid 30s, female. Open ethnicity. One scene, one line.

[STUDENT] 18-20 sptv050769, male. Open ethnicity. Cracks a joke at Dan in the NYU dorm halls. One scene, one line.

Source: SpoilerTV

Gossip Girl – Extra Casting

This is for filming on the 14th September.

Background / Male or Female / All Ethnicities / 18 – 28 /
YOUNG HALLOWEEN REVELERS WITH COSTUME. (EITHER ZOMBIE, BLACK CAT, DEVIL, ANGEL, OR CLOWN).

Source: SpoilerTV

Gossip Girl – Extra’s Casting for Halloween Flapper Gangster Party

Background / Male or Female / All Ethnicities / 18 – 30 /
HOT MODEL TYPES AGE RANGES 18-28 FOR HALLOWEEN FLAPPER GANGSTER PARTY. **MUST BE AVAIL 9/1, 9/2, AND 9/3.** FEMALE CANDIDATES SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE short sparkley dresses, hankercheif hems, drop waists, frindge,metallics, black, deep colors, lots of jewelry (pearls, rhinestone), any feathered or jeweled headbands or headpieces, gloves, heel options. THEY SHOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO FIT SIZES 0-4. MALE CANDIDATES SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE double breasted suits in darker colors, pin stripe suits, fedoras or bowler hats (no black ones unless they have a colored band) art deco patterned ties, fat ties, dress shoes, vests, pleated pants…

Source: SpoilerTV

Gossip Girl – Extra’s Casting

Background / Male / All Ethnicities / 20 – 50 /
POLICE OFFICERS W/ UNIFORMS. REAL EXPERIENCE A PLUS, PLEASE INDICATE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN PROVIDE UNIFORM. **MUST BE AVAIL 9/1, 9/2, AND 9/3** MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATES. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED ON GOSSIP GIRL WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON.
SAG TO PORTRAY CITY OFFICIALS/HEALTH INSPECTORS AGE RANGE 30′S TO 40′S AVAIL 9/1 GOSSIP GIRL 9/1/2009 Television

Background / Male or Female / All Ethnicities / 35 – 49 /
CITY OFFICIALS/HEALTH INSPECTORS AGE RANGE 30′S TO 40′S AVAIL 9/1. MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATES. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED ON GOSSIP GIRL WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON.
SAG TO PORTRAY YOUNG HOT MODEL CELEBRITY TYPES AGE RANGE 20S AVAIL 9/1, 9/2, AND 9/3 FOR POSSIBLE MATCH SHOTS GOSSIP GIRL

Background / Male or Female / All Ethnicities / 18 – 30 /
YOUNG HOT CELEBRITY TYPES. MALE CANDIDATES SHOULD BE 5′10 OR TALLER WITH ATHLETIC PHYSIQUE. FEMALE CANDIDATES SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIT DRESS SIZES 0-4. **AVAIL 9/1, 9/2, AND 9/3** MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATES. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED ON GG WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON.

Source: SpoilerTV

Gossip Girls – Extra Details

SAG TO PORTRAY POLICE OFFICERS W/UNIFORMS AVAIL 9/1, 9/2, AND 9/3 GOSSIP GIRL 9/1/2009 Television /0 SAG 8/29/2009
Background / Male / All Ethnicities / 20 – 50 /
POLICE OFFICERS W/ UNIFORMS. REAL EXPERIENCE A PLUS, PLEASE INDICATE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN PROVIDE UNIFORM. **MUST BE AVAIL 9/1, 9/2, AND 9/3** MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATES. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED ON GOSSIP GIRL WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON.

SAG TO PORTRAY CITY OFFICIALS/HEALTH INSPECTORS AGE RANGE 30′S TO 40′S AVAIL 9/1 GOSSIP GIRL 9/1/2009 Television $108/8 + $10 WD/0 SAG 8/29/2009
Background / Male or Female / All Ethnicities / 35 – 49 /
CITY OFFICIALS/HEALTH INSPECTORS AGE RANGE 30′S TO 40′S AVAIL 9/1. MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATES. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED ON GOSSIP GIRL WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON.

SAG TO PORTRAY YOUNG HOT MODEL CELEBRITY TYPES AGE RANGE 20S AVAIL 9/1, 9/2, AND 9/3 FOR POSSIBLE MATCH SHOTS GOSSIP GIRL 9/1/2009 Television $108/8 + $10 WD/0 SAG 8/29/2009
Background / Male or Female / All Ethnicities / 18 – 30 /
YOUNG HOT CELEBRITY TYPES. MALE CANDIDATES SHOULD BE 5′10 OR TALLER WITH ATHLETIC PHYSIQUE. FEMALE CANDIDATES SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIT DRESS SIZES 0-4. **AVAIL 9/1, 9/2, AND 9/3** MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATES. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED ON GG WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON.

Source: SpoilerTV

Gossip Girl – Extra’s Casting

Background / Male or Female / All Ethnicities / 18 – 30 /
NYU STUDENTS AGE RANGE 18-30 MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATES. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON. NO CALLS PLEASE ONLY SUBMIT IF YOU MATCH THE DESCRIPTION.

Background / Female / All Ethnicities / 18 – 32 /
MUST BE PAID UP SAG. MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH SAG @ CW RATE. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED GOSSIP GIRL IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS. MUST BE ABLE TO PORTRAY MODEL TYPE SIZE 0-4 AND 5′7 OR TALLER. SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR POSSIBLE FEATURED WORK WEDS. AUGUST 26TH.

Background / Male / All Ethnicities / 20 – 35 /
HOT MODEL TYPE GAY BAR PATRONS, BOTH GAY AND STRAIGHT, AVAIL 8/26. MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATES. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED ON GOSSIP GIRL WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON.

Background / Female / All Ethnicities / 20 – 35 /
HIGH FASHION WOMAN WITH TRENDY ACCESSORY DOG. MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATES. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED ON GOSISP GIRL WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON. NO CALLS. PLEASE ONLY SUBMIT IF YOU MATCH THE DESCRIPTION.

Background / Male / Caucasian / 22 – 35 /
CAUCASIAN MALE POKER DEALER, MUST HAVE REAL EXPERIENCE, AVAIL 8/28. MUST BE PAID UP SAG AND COMFORTABLE WITH SAG AT CW RATE. MUST NOT HAVE WORKED ON GOSSIP GIRL WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS OR BEEN FEATURED THIS SEASON. NO CALLS, PLEASE ONLY SUBMIT IF YOU MATCH THE DESCRIPTION.

Source: SpoilerTV

The show is currently shooting a scene which has Chuck Bass kiss another man. The person he kisses is Neal Bledsoe, who’s guest-starring in episode 6 as Josh Ellis, NYU’s head of freshman affairs. Since Josh is tasked with selecting an incoming student for the honor of delivering the freshman speech, he’s a person of interest to Blair. In fact, she’s so determined to snag the slot that she goes so far as to pimp out her boyfriend out to the gay guy in charge. (Michael Ausiello)

Olivia’s (Hilary Duff) new guy is actually an old flame. Olivia first appears in episode four on Gossip Girl this season, and shortly thereafter we meet her ex-boyfriend, who’s interested in getting back in her life. (Watch With Kristin)

With Chuck kissing a guy: The kiss itself isn’t the issue. It’s the general lack of trust between them [Chuck and Blair] that causes problems. And the tension grows the following week when another breakdown in trust occurs — this time involving the bar Chuck opens in his new hotel. (Michael Ausiello)

Olivia (Hillary Duff) has a new man in her life. His name is Patrick and they’re co-stars in the Twilight Vampire Knight movie franchise. Casting is under way for the two-episode role. (Michael Ausiello)

Gossip Girl – Latest from Ausiello – Chuck is gay?

Spotted: Chuck Bass sucking face with a dude!

It’s true! Multiple Gossip Girl insiders confirm to me exclusively that the CW phenom is currently shooting an episode for its upcoming third season in which Ed Westwick’s legendary lothario kisses another man.

So who’s the lucky guy? And what are the circumstances surrounding the same-sex smooch? Keep reading for all the spoilery details…

First things first: Sorry to disappoint, but no, it’s not Chace Crawford. Westwick’s “romantic” interest is up-and-comer Neal Bledsoe (CSI: NY, Guiding Light), who’s guest-starring in episode 6 as Josh Ellis, NYU’s head of freshman affairs. Since Josh is tasked with selecting an incoming student for the honor of delivering the freshman speech, he’s, shall we say, a person of interest to Blair. In fact, she’s so determined to snag the slot that she goes so far as to pimp out her boyfriend out to the gay guy in charge.

The catch? All you need to know is there is one. Oh, and wait until you hear what Chuck says to Blair following the lip-lock. (Must. Resist. Temptation. To. Spoil.)

It was only a matter of time before GG played the maybe-gay card with Chuck, who swung both ways in Cecily von Ziegesar’s Gossip Girl books.

What do you think? Surprised? Titillated? Horrified? Choose your adjectives below!

Source: EW

Gossip Girl – Neal Bledsoe Interview

In a matter of minutes last week, Neal Bledsoe went from being a mostly unknown actor to the guy who made out with Ed Westwick on Gossip Girl. The headline-making kiss doesn’t air until Oct. 19, but Bledsoe — who plays a gay NYU alumni whom Blair pimps boyfriend Chuck out to — happily offered us a sneak preview of the can’t-miss episode (and broke some big career news in the process).

How has your life changed in the past week?
NEAL BLEDSOE: My mom is certainly a thousand times more proud of me. And it was my first experience with the paparazzi knowing my name, which was strange. I thought maybe Neil Diamond or Neil Sedaka was standing behind me.

Tell me about your character.
BLEDSOE: Initially I was supposed to play the dean of the freshman class. But then they hired a 28-year-old actor so that seemed like a little bit of a stretch. Now I play a lawyer who is a very well connected alumni at the university who has a hand in deciding who is going to give the famous freshman speech.

An honor you agree to extend to Blair in exchange for the kiss. Is it as simple as you just wanting to say you made out with the legendary Chuck Bass?
BLEDSOE: I will tell you this: I have a very unexpected and darker motivation about it.

Was shooting the kiss awkward?
BLEDSOE: No. We were both professionals about it. [It helped] that we got to know each other a little bit beforehand. And we certainly rehearsed it.

Rehearsed it? How many takes did you do?
BLEDSOE: [Laughs] More than a few.

How would you characterize the kiss? Steamy? A little peck?
BLEDSOE: I would characterize it as a nice kiss.

Complete this sentence: Ed Westwick kisses just like…
BLEDSOE: [Laughs] …he kisses just like Chuck Bass.

What did your girlfriend think?
BLEDSOE: She was happy I wasn’t kissing any of the girls on the show. She might’ve had some Blake Lively envy.

At what point in the process did you find out about the kiss?
BLEDSOE: There was an asterisk on the character breakdown that said, ‘Actor must kiss Ed Westwick in the episode.’

Your first reaction?
BLEDSOE: Things like that shouldn’t matter. Unfortunately for some actors things like that do matter and they’ll turn down projects because of it. I thought it was a really fun episode. I had an awesome time doing it. And I think it would’ve been a shame if I was not open-minded enough to do the episode simply because I had to kiss another man.

Might your character return at some point?
BLEDSOE: I have no idea. That’s up to the writers.

Where do you go from here?
BLEDSOE: I don’t think I’d be breaking my confidentially agreement by saying this: I’m going to be in the Sex and the City sequel.

Who are you playing?
BLEDSOE: Um… It’s a character in the Sex and the City sequel.

Source: EW

Gossip Girl – Josh Safran dishes on Season 3

Gossip Girl begins its third season Monday September 14, and the pre-premiere chatter is louder than ever. So to quiet everyone down (or possibly amp them up further), I’m presenting a three-part interview with Josh Safran, writer and co-executive producer of Gossip Girl. There was much to discuss.

There is the kiss that launched a thousand spoiler alerts. (For those of you just returning from space, journalists and bloggers ran with a leaked storyline where Blair furthers a hairbrained agenda by fooling Chuck into kissing a man.) There is the heightened sensitivity that Safran, the show’s only gay writer, feels towards covering gay themes. There is the story behind Gossip Girl’s more outrageous stories. And the most scandalous of all: there are schemes to foil the leakers. Or at least to try. And so, without further delay, I bring you Josh Safran, part one.

Adrienne Gruben: The kiss leak is born from this new age of spoilers, a relatively new phenomenon that’s been building, but gained more traction this year. NPR even did a story on them. Some people say they create great intrigue and some say they dampen a story’s impact. What is your take?

Josh Safran: First of all, I was surprised [by the leak]. We never intended it to get out there, and we didn’t want it to, either. I understand why they exist and some people like them and some people don’t, and if you don’t like them, don’t look, but what I don’t like is how it feels more and more like everything is being spoiled. Like there isn’t somebody going, “You know what? I have two pieces of information. Why don’t I use one and not the other?” Although not everything gets out, of course, it’s sometimes hard to write stuff when you feel like “can we do this, or will it get out?” It’s just troubles us. I wish that people gave a little more care to what they put out there.

AG: As you know, but some of the readers might not, Gossip Girl was developed by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage based upon the books by Cecily Von Ziegesar. In the books, Chuck was bisexual. Personalities Examiner Jorge Carreon wanted to know why, in adapting Chuck’s character for the show, he was not also written as bisexual.

JS: Chuck is not bisexual in the first book. The pilot mirrors the first book, and Josh and Stephanie drew from there for each character. We’ve deviated from the books for the show quite a bit, but it’s important to state that there was never a “we don’t want to make Chuck bisexual” conversation. The book was used merely as the launching point for the character of Chuck, for each character. Once the show was up and running, the writers’ room mindset, per Josh and Stephanie, was to “let the books be the books and let’s use them where we can, but let’s also make the series the series.” Also, you have to remember that when we started, the entire series of books is a year of their high school life– their Senior year. Josh and Stephanie made them Juniors for the first season, so we couldn’t even delve into the college stuff yet. And now, we are so far away from the books in a lot of ways, especially after Season 1.

AG: Were you planning to use the kiss as part of the promo marketing before the episode?

JS: All I can say is that the moment that people are talking about was created organically for the story. And there was honestly never any thought that it would be anything other than enjoyable for the audience as they watched. We just thought, “This will be a great episode,” and I think the audience will see when they view the show that [that moment is] not a stunt. I’m proud of how we’ve woven gay characters into the tapestry of the show. I feel like, as the only gay writer on the show from the beginning and as someone who feels a huge responsibility towards the creation of fully realized gay characters in television, I am supremely proud of what Gossip Girl has done with its gay characters.

AG: Like Eric?

JS: Yes, if you look at Eric, in my mind, he is in one of the only, if not the only, secure relationship on the show. He is also one of the youngest out gay males on network television. And starting with Georgina’s outing of Eric, we’ve done, in my opinion, really strong stuff surrounding the reality of being a gay teenager, that how for some people in your world it’s not a big deal, but for other people, they might try to use it against you, hurt you for it. It’s never black and white, and it’s never easy.

AG: On the reality of being a gay teenager, Eric attempted suicide in the first episode. Teenagers attempt suicide more than any other demographic, but then to add the difficulty of being a gay, closeted teenager into the mix, and in a rigid society no less…

JS: After the pilot, where Eric had attempted suicide, Josh and Stephanie gathered all the writers and we met with people from a suicide prevention organization in Washington. They had seen the episode and they wanted to talk to us about the responsible ways to further that story and I was very grateful for that. We all were. We talked about how one of the top reasons for young, male suicide attempts in America is over struggles with homosexuality, and from that moment on it became clear that that was Eric’s story, and Stephanie and Josh were quick to embrace it. For me that ties back to what it’s like to be a gay, closeted teenager who is having issues and doesn’t feel comfortable with coming out. I was hoping that in showing Eric’s story, the way we have from the beginning, we would be saying to someone in a similar situation, “Your life doesn’t have to be so scary, you are not alone.” Eric was outed, but he ultimately found power in that and he eventually was accepted by everyone. He accepted himself. I feel like we still approach any subject matter from the Gay and Lesbian viewpoint with the same kind of responsibility.

AG: Wow. After hearing all that, I feel bad bringing this up, but I’ve read some criticisms of Eric’s story lines online, that you don’t use him enough.

JS: I’ve read the internet talk, some amongst the gay community that we don’t tell enough stories with Eric, I feel it’s important to add that we don’t drive stories through Eric because he is not a regular. That goes for anyone who is not a regular, but I think that actually works because it allows Eric to have a healthy relationship with Jonathan. If we had to showcase him more, that wouldn’t be the case. This is Gossip Girl. I mean, look at the regulars’ relationships – up and down each week! He has a great relationship.

AG: So with all of that back-story on the show’s intentions for gay themes, and your feelings of personal responsibility, let’s get back to the kiss, which it turns out, did not come from a place of gay for the sake of shock value, or gay for the sake of a shocking promo.

JS: Look, of course once in a while we’re like, “Wow, wouldn’t it be explosive if “X” happened?” but that’s usually more like, “Wouldn’t it be explosive if Serena was on the end of a Ponzi scheme?”. We don’t think about the smaller moments. We don’t think about what they’re going to promo. It does not come through our heads because from a logistical point of view, when we’re breaking a story, it’s so far away to its airdate. This kiss happens in episode 6, and episode 1 hasn’t even aired yet, and won’t for weeks! We’d so like to bury things so that people are actually surprised when they watch the episode, but lately with all the spoiler sites that isn’t possible. Our intention for this was that people’s jaws would drop while actually watching the episode because they wouldn’t know we were going there. And the thing is, it’s a great episode filled with so many juicy things. It’s not like we were sitting their pitching promos like “You’ll never believe what Chuck’s about to do!”, and again, when you see the episode, you will see it’s not that kind of moment. It’s truly a tiny character beat in a much larger story. I’d be the first person to say, there’s no way we can do that if it’s going to make people think it’s a stunt. And it’s not even me. The writers are incredible, really sensitive and cool, I’m so proud to work with them, and not one person in that room is driven by stunts or the idea of sweeps. Everything is always character first, be it “I killed someone” or Blair and Nate getting back together [in Season 2]. People have said that we write stunt plot lines for sweeps. I’m not even sure the CW competes in sweeps. Stephanie always says, “On Gossip Girl, every episode is a sweeps episode.” And it is.

AG: They’re never going to totally go away, but is there a way on your end to circumvent, or at least outsmart, people trying to get information?

JS: Well, now we sometimes use fake sides, just in case, because I know of cases on other shows where scripts, or sides, ended up in the recycling, they ended up there totally innocently, and inadvertently got into the hands of someone who realized it was a find. So now we’re just going to have to be creative. When Chuck kissed Blair in the finale last year, we were determined to throw people off. We had a crowd of a couple hundred people, and dozens of paparazzi, and we decided to have Nate also do the same scene — kiss Blair outside of The Plaza — to throw people off. Chace and Leighton were such good sports, Chace came in early, and we had Leighton and Ed do their take, with the hundreds of people watching, and then Chace came out, and he did the same take and everyone was like, “Whoa!”. You heard this loud collective gasp, and it was this great moment because the crowd knew they were being played, they just didn’t know which way. I had my camera and took pictures of the crowd. It was really fun to do, and even though when the pictures of both kisses hit the press, a lot of people figured “it’s got to be Chuck and Blair,” because people kind of knew, it was still a way to subvert the spoilers, and have fun.

AG: Since we talked about how you hate it when things are leaked, anything you can leak yourself before someone finds it in a trash, or taped to a streetlamp?

JS: Well, there’s something we’re putting together right now, an event we’re really excited about. It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a while now — a musical. But a musical in only the way Gossip Girl could do it. Sometimes we have an idea like this, but then something else comes up and we put it on the back burner. Hopefully this time it’ll happen.

AG: Ok, this is a bad musical pun, but I will be singing your praises for compromising your beliefs a little and leaking this.

JS: It was either tell you, or find someone digging it out of my recycling tomorrow.

Next time, Josh tells more about what to expect this season, how Gossip Girl is like Law and Order, and reveals some secrets from the writer’s room including the very mysterious “time of death” chart on the wall.
Source: Examiner

Gossip Girl – Back-To-School Woes and Whoas for the Gossip Cast

Just when you thought Gossip Girl couldn’t get anymore glamorous, the third season is set to return with a bang. “We have our big Polo match in the first episode, we go to Sotheby’s for an auction in the third episode and in the fourth episode, we have a big movie premiere at Ziegfeld [Theater],” says the show’s executive producer Stephanie Savage.

And amidst all this glitz and glam, Gossip’s graduates are getting ready to go back-to-school and things are never too easy, are they? Spoiler alerts to come …

For Blair Waldorf, college might just be down the street from her posh Upper East Side pad, but it might as be well be across the country. “Blair is the fish out of water,” says Savage of Leighton Meester’s character. “Now that she is going to school downtown, Vanessa and Dan are really among their people. So it’s bizarre-o world for her.”

However, Blair won’t be totally alone downtown. As promised, Georgina Sparks (Michelle Trachtenberg) will return as her new college roommate. “She is not going to be in our first episode, but she will be in the second episode when our kid’s start college,” says Savage. And Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) will be a staple by Blair’s side throughout the season. While Chuck won’t be clocking in any school time, Savage tells PEOPLE, “This year, [Chuck] is really going to be focused on getting out from underneath his father’s shadow and starting his own entrepreneurial direction.”

Adding to Blair’s “shadows” downtown is off-again BFF Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), who will also be stirring up trouble south of Central Park. As well as locking lips with Carter Baizen (Sebastian Stan) in the first episode, Serena’ll be hooking up with designers Tory Burch and Georgina Chapman of Marchesa. Savage tells us the fashion cameos have to do with Serena’s “decision [in terms of college] and what happens to her in the first couple of episodes.”

But, a reconciliation with Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley) won’t be in her future [DASH] at least not this year — Dan is busy romancing Hilary Duff’s character Olivia Burke in the Village.

Then there’s Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen), learning the ropes of Queen Bee. “We really do see Jenny struggling with what she is going to do with this power that has been given to her,” says Savage. “She is back at Constance and now she is a junior — the same age as our other girls when the show started — so we have lots of story areas for Jenny that are opening up.” And one in particular that will make a comeback: Jenny’s fashion career! “As we get more into the season, that is going to be a bigger and bigger story,” says Savage. – Andrea DeSimone

Source: PEOPLE.com

Gossip Girl – Season 3 Spoilers

CHUCK & BLAIR: IT’S ON!
“Chuck (Ed Westwick) and Blair (Leighton Meester) are definitely going to be a couple and stay a couple this season,” Gossip Girl executive producer Stephanie Savage tells PEOPLE. But don’t expect it to be all chocolates and roses: “Chuck and Blair in a relationship is going to be something very unique and something we haven’t seen before. They have definitely found ways to not be boring.” Now thatsounds interesting.

SERENA & CARTER! OMG!
In last season’s finale, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) unexpectedly took off with Carter Baizen (Sebastian Stan). So, are they now a couple? Not quite. “Something definitely happens with Carter over the summer and you will see Serena and Carter deal with the fallout over that in our first couple of episodes,” says Savage.

NATE’S NEW GIRL
The drama between Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) and his powerful grandfather is sure to continue. When Nate finds a new ladylove in Bree Buckley (Joanna Garcia), a Texas girl whose Republican family counts the Vanderbilts as their political rivals, it’s game on. “It’s a bit of a Romeo and Juliet romance,” says Savage.

DAN’S A-LIST FLING
So, how does a kid from Brooklyn score the superstar new girl? “[Olivia Burke] (played by Hilary Duff) is a child actress who craves a normal college-girl existence and happens upon Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley), a Brooklyn hipster and cultural snob who doesn’t know who she is,” says Savage. But don’t count on Serena being jealous. “Dan and Serena are a lot more like siblings than former flames. It is much less romantic than it has ever been.”

FAMILY REUNION?
“The Rufus-Lily-Lovechild story will definitely come [full circle] in the first part of the season,” says Savage, who won’t divulge any more details – though we suspect a reunion is in sight. And something tells us that Vanessa Abrams (Jessica Szohr) might help it happen. “Vanessa has someone new in her life, who may or may not be related to Dan Humphrey,” hints Savage. Any guesses?

Source: PEOPLE.com

Gossip Girl – Crossover with The Beautiful Life?

Mike and Karey spilled that they’re already thinking of a way to get the casts of Gossip Girl and The Beautiful Life to join forces in a mega-New York crossover.

While nothing is set in stone for the crossover right now, Mike teased a possible storyline that he’ll be pitching to Gossip’s executive producer Stephanie Savage: “My idea—since these things happen—there are blackouts. The idea is that we have two shows that exist in the same city, and if our cast is on the subway, and their cast is on the subway, and then the subway shuts down. We don’t even have to necessarily cross them; we can simply tell two stories with them in the background and maybe have one or two characters cross through.” Karey also told us she wouldn’t mind Chuck Bass stealing some of the models, natch. Source : Watch with Kristin