Cast and crew from HBO’s smash vamp saga True Blood dished the dirt on Season 1 and 2 last night at the Arclight Cinerama Dome as part of the 2009 Paley Fest! FEARnet was on hand strolling the red carpet (video interviews are on the way) and then we hit up the sold out panel! Check out more True Blood pics and panel after the jump!

What was it about True Blood that drew you in?

Alan Ball - [I] bought the book on impulse, couldn’t put it down. Read thru books “like crack” somewhere around 4th book, thought ‘this really sustains, would make a good show’. Right now I like TV better than movies [allows] you to explore more.

How scary was the audition process?

Alexander Skarsgård (Eric) - [I] went in 2 years ago to read for Bill. Didn’t know much about the books and didn’t get the part. I went to a job in Africa and got a call about “another role” that I might be good for. But I was shooting Generation Kill in Mozambique and it looked like I wouldn’t be able to do it, but the writers’ strike happened… 

Carrie Preston (Arlene) - I was in Towelhead with Aaron Eckhart (written/directed by Alan Ball) and didn’t know what part Alan was thinking of for me when I read the script, especially b/c the character of Arlene is so different from me.

Rutina Wesley (Tara) - I was in NY and Alan [was there] for a casting session. I came out to LA for a second session with 4 other girls. I think that every young black actress that I knew came out for it!

Sam Trammell (Sam) - I did a tape, met Alan, got notes, then tested. It’s a really stressful process. Thought it went ok. Got a call 4 hours later and I was screaming in my car like a girl.

Stephen Moyer (Bill) I auditioned for Sookie (everyone laughs). I was in London, did a pilot and it didn’t work. I wasn’t going to come back to the US [so I] emailed my audition tape. [Then] they flew me out to LA. It was an amazing process. I was not looking to come back to the US. [I] have kids in England, but the right job brought me back. 

Anna Paquin (Sookie) I don’t know if it was so much auditioning as it was stalking, I came in like 5 times. It’s really fun being the only pasty brunette in a room filled with people auditioning for a busty blonde tan person. [This] inspired lots of self esteem. [I am] forever grateful that Alan and HBO could see past the “aesthetic”.  [I was] absolutely 100% looking for a project like this. 

Other than the obvious advantages (lack of censorship) how is working with HBO?

Stephen Moyer - There’s a freedom with HBO that other networks don’t give,   they want you to do it right.  If it takes 20 takes, it takes 20 takes. There’s no pressure, and because there is no pressure, we don’t usually take 20 takes. 

How far along are you in Season 2?

Alan Ball - [I went to] Louisiana 3 times last season. But I haven’t been there this year. [I’m] planning at least 1, possibly 2 trips. Right now we’re shooting episode 7 of 12 and prepping 8. I’m writing episode 11 myself.

Can you talk a bit about the difference between the books and show?

Alan Ball - I’m aware of the huge presence of [the character] Eric in the books and I feel compelled to stay very true to the spirit of the books. Part of the challenge of bringing books to the screen is that the book is in Sookie’s voice and I want to capture everyone else, so Anna is not working 18 hour days all to herself! [And] as a writer, I do take some liberties, you don’t want to be a stenographer and take it word for word. 

How outrageous will Season 2 be?

Carrie Preston - At the table read, Alan said, “your characters are all gonna be doing things that you’re not really gonna believe.”

What does the future hold for True Blood?

Alan Ball - As of now, the show is not slated for anything past Season 2. I believe the show has many, many years [ahead].

Paley Fest ‘09 runs till the end of the month. Lineup and ticket info at PaleyCenter.org