White Collar Set Visit: My Day with the White Collar Characters

USA Network’s slogan, “Characters Welcome” applies to their shows’ characters and to their devoted viewers “because each one of us is a character. Yes, even you. Especially you.” Last Thursday, USA Network welcomed digital media writers to the White Collar set. As a White Collar devotee, from day one, this was an incredible way to gear up for season two.

Here are some fun facts I learned from the White Collar characters:

Tim DeKay (Agent Peter Burke)

-Tim told us that about 80% of a scene is scripted and most improvisation comes towards the end of a scene.

-For Tim, Neal and Peter’s relationship changed from FBI and criminal to a friendship during the episode “Vital Signs.” When Peter stole the surveillance tapes in the clinic, it was simply to protect Neal and no other reason.

-His favorite episode from season 1—“The Portrait.”

-Tim thinks that one of the best parts of White Collar is the banter/bickering between Neal and Peter. (I agree!)

-Tim drinks his coffee black. But says Matt Bomer is a coffee aficionado and orders complicated drinks at Starbucks. When with Matt, Tim just says “I’ll have the same.”

Sharif Atkins (Agent Jones)

-Describes his character as the right hand man to Agent Burke. Also is a team player—happy with Jones’ smaller role.

-Would love to someday do a Broadway show.

-Songwriting is one of his hobbies. Also loves a good dramatic movie.

-Would want to see Jeffrey Wright as a guest star on White Collar, perhaps as Jones’ Uncle.

-Grew up in Chicago. When asked if he preferred Chicago pizza or New York style pizza, he diplomatically answered that he loves Chicago deep-dish pizza but is starting to like New York pizza.

Marsha Thomason (Diana)

-Always been a dream of hers to work in New York.

-Thrilled to have a bigger role in season 2. Says the White Collar set is a wonderful environment, everyone is lovely and it’s always a pleasure to come to work.

-Most fun thing she has done on the show—going undercover and shooting a gun.

-On Matt’s singing—“Matt loves to sing. He will make up songs about the scene. At the end of the day, you go home with these stupid songs in your head.”

-Watches a lot of TV—Some of her must sees…Friday Night Lights, Glee, The Good Wife, True Blood and the original CSI.

-And for those Twilight fans, Marsha is Team Edward.

Hilarie Burton (Sarah Ellis)

-New to season 2, meet Sarah Ellis, who works for an insurance company and recovers stolen goods from white-collar crimes. Has a past with Neal.

-Gained inspiration for her character from Katharine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story.

-Loves her new role on White Collar, this is the most excited she has ever been to go to work.

-Describes Matt Bomer as “one of the seven wonders of the world.”

-Has a “wild crush on the two of those boys.” Couldn’t say enough nice compliments about Tim & Matt.

-Fun for her to be part of this “grownup, sophisticated, clever and very stylized show.”

-Calls the White Collar wardrobe department her “fashion fairy godmothers.”

Matt Bomer (Neal Caffrey)

-For season 2, White Collar has brought on a conman consultant. Matt is now very confident in his pickpocket skills and can pick a lock.

-In regards to his looks, “I’ve never thought of myself as anything special.”

-Matt named Neal’s first anklet “Candy.” He now has a “stealth bomber version of Candy.” So Matt named Neal’s new anklet, “Subi” which is part of the German word for candy. Matt says Subi “is really fancy.”

-Matt doesn’t think White Collar could take place anywhere other than New York. Other shows focus on the gritty and negative aspects of New York, Matt enjoys that White Collar looks up at tops of buildings and blue skies. “It is more optimistic. Sort of like a love letter to the city.”

-To prepare for his role, Matt wanted to understand the mindset of a con artist. He read The Art of Deception and Catch Me If You Can.

It was a terrific day and I felt very welcomed by all the characters on the White Collar set. They are definitely a first rate and classy cast and crew! Much to my disappointment, I should note that Willie Garson (Mozzie) wasn’t available that day. It is worth mentioning that I learned Tim DeKay is a dedicated family man and so down-to-earth. Quite the comedian, Sharif Atkins had all of us in stitches. Marsha Thomason was easy to talk to and explained that she is always working at covering her British accent. Who would have guessed that Hilarie Burton studied psychological forensics at Fordham before starting to work at MTV. Finally, what can I say about Matt Bomer? He is even more gorgeous in person, extremely charming and so dedicated to keeping his character authentic. Don’t get me started on those eyes.

I’m ecstatic about what White Collar has in store for us with season 2. Only one month until the premiere, mark your calendars & don’t miss it—July 13^th at 9pm on USA Network!

For more on White Collar, click here.

Photographs courtesy of USA Network.