In addition to last week’s grainy, shaky-cam coverage of the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 event in San Francisco, I had the opportunity to chat with the stars of the movie in a glorious and more intimate roundtable interview setting.

The first pair of stars to face the gauntlet of questions was Ashley Greene (a.k.a. Alice) and Jackson Rathbone (a.k.a. Jasper):

How do you think your characters have evolved since the very first Twilight?

Jackson: It’s a constant evolution. It’s one of the things that first attracted us to the script. It’s lovely to play a character that moves, learns, and grows. Even though we are playing these immortal characters, it’s really lovely for us to grow and learn. With Jasper, he is kind of freaky at first. He doesn’t really know how to deal with humans around. He is trying to embrace this lifestyle because he loves Alice. He wants to be a part of this family. In New Moon, he screws up and almost kills Bella. In Eclipse, he rises up and tries to fight for the family. In Breaking Dawn Part 1, we see Jasper smile which is awesome — and I take this lady (points to Ashley) on the dance floor.

Ashley: Jasper gets to smile and Alice stops smiling for the first time.

Jackson: It’s a flip!

Jackson, right after this press tour, you’re going on tour with your band 100 Monkeys. Do you think you’ll ever take a break?

Jackson: I don’t really believe in down time — well — let me switch that around. I think all of my time is down time because I love what I do. I’m never bored or complacent. One of my favorite poems is “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Elliot. It’s about a man who wishes to change his life but doesn’t have the will to do it. I have always taken that as a queue to never be complacent.

Ashley, you have two movies coming up: LOL and Butter. Are you excited for your fans to see you in different roles?

Ashley: Yeah — I am. LOL is great because it’s a completely different character than Alice. She’s kind of the bad girl. It’s still a high school film and it’s still relatable — but it’s different. It adjusts to modern day technology and the trials that kids are going through now with this instant ability to put pictures online — and the struggle for adults to relate kids these days. Butter is a comedy and it’s a little dark. It’s about butter carving in Iowa which is a really big thing that I never knew existed. That one is really fun — the cast is incredible.

If you had to go back and redo the entire Twilight franchise, and had to play a different character. Who would you be?

Ashley: I wold be Victoria — cause I really liked her character. I know she’s the villain, but I think there are things about her that you can relate to. Someone took away her life partner and you kind of understand why she wants revenge. Villains are so layered and there’s so much going on and there’s always a reason why they are the way they are.

Jackson: I would be Jacob’s dad because he gets to sit the whole time. There are such long hours on set.

Ashley: You would fall asleep.

Jackson: That would be awesome!

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 opens in theaters Friday.

Oh wait. They already did that.

Greene and Lutz play Alice and Emmett, members of the “vegetarian” Cullen family and siblings to the emo and lovelorned Edward (Pattinson). In all honesty, these two are not on the same tabloid celeb level as Pattinson, Lautner and Kristen Stewart (who plays the angsty heroine Bella) – and perhaps that’s a good thing.

As we sit there and wait, the other three journalists and I share our affection for the film. All three of them are lukewarm and a bit nonchalant towards the franchise. Some of them haven’t even read the books. I am discreet and say, “Yeah, I read the books and keep up with the franchise, but it’s a part of my job. I’m not one of those crazy fans.”

Minutes pass and Greene and Lutz still haven’t made their entrance. We are still discussing the phenomenon and I start divulging all my knowledge about the books and first movie. I even told them my experience with interviewing Robert Pattinson last year when he came to San Francisco and the mayhem happened at Stonestown.

“You are so a fan!” one of the journalists laughed.

She was right. I am a fan. And she outted me.

Just before I could back myself up, the two stars enter the room.

“Is this being filmed?” asked Lutz as he walked in with a jock swagger. He’s is what I expected him to be: a charming frat boy. But with his leather jacket, sweater, and jeans, he had an edge that subtracted the douche factor of a regular frat boy.

After learning that the interview wasn’t being filmed, he said, “Good!” and plopped down in one of the seats and propped his dingy-chic motorcycle boots on the table with a relaxing smile.

Demurely, Greene flashed us a smile. Wearing a Gryphon coat, a vibrant yellow dress and thigh-high Jimmy Choos, she sat right next to me. I mean, how could she not? I am irresistible.

As I look at her, she has an alien-like beauty that is mesmerizing. Her cat-like eyes and her fresh face pull me in. Her face is a magnet for double takes. I want to stare at her for hours.

Even though they don’t grab much screen time in New Moon, the two are integral cogs in the phenomenon. Considering they were a part of the film, it’s obvious that they are 100 percent aware of this. In the first two books, their characters are not in many scenes and Lutz says that they try to adhere to the book. He also points out that their limited screen time is a delightful tease to the third part, Eclipse.

“The scenes are crucial to the story,” says Lutz. “I worked on week in that movie for about a week.”

“The third film you see a lot more of the Cullens,” adds Greene. “My character got a larger role. Alice is the only Cullen other than Edward that really embraces Bella and they end up becoming best friends. In the beginning of (New Moon) you see her throw this huge party for Bella. Alice also takes Bella to Italy where they’re fighting to save her brother’s life. You get to see the relationship develop between her and Bella – and you didn’t see it that much in the first one. The movie is all about romance and why these people are willing to die for each other.”

Romance is certainly evident in the film and, based on the first one, it’s aimed at tweens via overtures of devotion and affection which kind of make me cringe – just like how I know I will cringe when I hear my awkward giggles in the playback of the interview.

I don’t usually like roundtables, but when it’s only four journalists, it’s a more intimate. It’s like we are all having enlightening dinner conversation – but without the food.

As I am scribbling notes, one of the journalists brings up the question about working with multiple directors. For Twilight they worked with Catherine Hardiwicke; New Moon with Chris Weitz and with 2010’s Eclipse, they worked with David Slade.

“Damn, “ I thought. “That’s such a good question. Why didn’t I come up with it?”

“Each director is going to be different,” starts Greene.”The books all have very different tones. I think it’s highly appropriate that we do switch directors. The first one was very much a romance. It was scenic and beautiful. Catherine (Hardiwicke) was really good at capturing that. She’s very high energy and works well in chaos. It was fantastic because we really didn’t know what we were getting into. She was there to guide us when we were freaking out. We were sad to lose her when we moved on to the second film. We moved on to Chris Weitz and he’s so giving, caring and collaborative. He created this safe atmosphere for us. It was really nice that he was on the same page as us. The second one is a warmer film – even in the color scheme. The first one had blue tones and the second one is richer and warmer and he did a good job at capturing that. We just finishing shooting the third one with David Slade. I think he’s highly appropriate as well. He did 30 Days of Night and Hard Candy. They are both dark and edgy films. Eclipse is very much that. I think it’s going to be fantastic. He is technically the most advanced director. He knows that tweaking something can affect the whole scene – he was really nice to work with.”

Greene’s answers are thoughtful and very detailed, which shows her insight into this film. She’s dedicated to the franchise. She knows her stuff. Even so, I think to myself, “Wow. That was a long answer. It’s going to take me a while to transcribe that.” It’s all for the sake of accurate journalism.

As she finishes talking, I see a window for me to throw my hat into the interview: “Why do you think people have an obsession with vampire mythology? It seems that vampires go through this pop culture cycle. We’ve seen it with Interview with a Vampire and even with films before that. How do you think it has parallels to our social climate?”

Without missing a beat, Greene chimes in: “I think this film is highly relatable. There’s a lot of situations that people can relate to. There’s the love story – and everyone could relate to being in love – or being in lust (laughs). It adds that next level of fantasy. Vampires are mysterious, sensual, dangerous and unattainable – and everyone wants what they can’t have.”

“It’s a good escape,” says Lutz as he shifts in his seat. “It deals with so many situations on so many positive notes. It deals with everyday issues on bigger levels.”

I thought my question was good. By adding smart phrases and words like “mythology” and “parallels to our social climate” I felt that I was being a good journalist – perhaps even a pompous one.

The six of us chat some more and then we reach a point where we talk about the obsessed fans. Lutz gave a humble take on the issue.

“I feel like it’s unearned in a way,” says Lutz. “The fans are making are careers. Without them, we wouldn’t be doing this saga. There are so many times when a series of books become a movie and the first one bombs and that’s it.”

“I still think we are all trying to wrap our heads around what’s happening,” adds Greene. “We kept very busy from one film to the next. It’s only those brief moments when you can sit back and take a breath and say ‘Wow! This is crazy!’ We’re just very lucky. I went into this film saying, “Yes! I got a job!” Then it turned into the biggest break of my life.”

Lutz continues, “You’re always hopeful that you get to do them all – especially since we all love our characters. I love Emmett Cullen to death. He’s my favorite character that I’ve ever played. I think we all hope that we can finish this series and do Breaking Dawn – but it’s such a blessing. It’s every actor’s dream to be a part of something like this.”

Someone comes into the conference room and says, “Times up guys.”

All of us get up from the huge conference table. I compliment Miss Greene on her outfit because that’s what I do best and Mr. Lutz makes the effort to go around and shake all of our hands.

We clear the room and I walk outside. I break out my Blackberry and Twitter the following: “OMG. Emmett Cullen just shook my hand.”

That was the day I came out of the Twi-hard closet.

For more of my ‘New Moon’ coverage click here

I think the picture above and the title of the post says it all – and check out the nifty slideshow:

To follow my obsession with New Moon, click here

But I do admit, the inner plastic-faced Joan Rivers in me enjoys it.

Sure, Kellan Lutz knew how to work the crowd, but it was Ashley Greene who had a lockdown on the style. Sorting some dangerously chic Jimmy Choo over-the-knee black boots lined with “don’t fuck-with-me” grommets and an equally intense Gryphon jacket stamped with hardware decolletage.

Look at those Choos

Here’s Greene sportin’ the Gryphon coat:

And here’s the coat in question:

She definitely knows how to work that feminine tough girl look. It’s very good-girl-gone-bad. And I do have to ask this one burning question: Alice in the Twilight movies has short hair and they just wrapped Eclipse. This makes me believe one of two things: 1.) Her hair grows at a freakishly accelerated pace or 2.) She is wearing a weave, wig or some sort of hair piece.

I am going to go with the latter.

Nonetheless, she was absolutely stunning in person. Her beauty made me feel ugly. Like I said before, I just wanted to stare at her face the entire evening.

Creepy, I know.

To follow my obsession with New Moon, click here

Stage 1: Any mention of Twilight in conversation makes their eyes widen and they get giddy. They smile fanatically showing all their teeth – including their molars. There is no squealing yet, but you do feel this dormant, muffled sound about to come out.

I’m surprised these girls from the Twilight premiere didn’t reach Stage 5 after making physical contact with Robert Pattinson

Stage 2: Any sensory representation of the franchise brings out a shriek: a poster, T shirt, soundtrack, movie TV spot, book – any form of media will provoke Twi-hard fans like a dormant volcano. The shrieks come out in short bursts.

Stage 3: The actual physical presence of someone from or having to do with the Twilight franchise causes the eruption of squeals and possibly uncontrollable jumping. The jumping helps them contain the potential of reaching the next stage…

Stage 4: Nine times out of 10, jumping does not contain the squealing – especially if physical contact occurs. This is when it hits the fan. Twi-hards will lose all control of their senses and possible “joyful crying” might ensue. Screaming is off the charts and they become rabid. It is at this stage when one should stay at least 10 feet away from Twi-hards.

Stage 5: Spontaneous combustion. This has not happened yet. And I stress yet.

Also, based on Kellan Lutz’s actions on Monday, certain actions can make you jump from Stage 1 to Stage 4 in one fell swoop. For instance, saying the word “butt” or simply talking about nudity can make you inch closer to Stage 5. For a more in-depth look, watch the video:

To follow my obsession with New Moon, click here

The leather cuffs, novelty tees and Emo charm of the Goth-lite retail chain, Hot Topic made way for the edgy sepia-toned warmth of New Moon stars Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz before the frenzied Q&A in the Stonestown Galleria parking lot on Monday night (yes, I am doing my posts a little out of order).

People lined up like it was a line for an end of the world all-you-can eat New Moon buffet, with Greene and Lutz acting as the appetizer, entree and dessert. Hundreds upon hundreds of fans lined up for the autograph signing as they greeted fans and signed posters of themselves. (more pictures after the jump)

I can’t even imagine the feeling of someone coming up to you with a big ol’ picture of you as a vampire on a T shirt asking you to sign their poster. It’s flattering, but creepy – and it could really mess with your mind. I honestly think that some of these people actually thought that Greene and Lutz were Alice and Emmett Cullen. It’s kind of like Misery but with a tween twist.

In any matter, fans who stood in line definitely reached Stage 4 on the Twilight squealing scale.

Lutz, being the charismatic guy he is, was full of energy and he treated the fans with the utmost respect and graciousness. Greene was just as friendly and was even nice enough to talk to one of the fan’s friends via cell phone because they couldn’t make the event. I, on the other hand, just wanted to stare at her mesmerizing face the entire evening.

The Twi-hards entered the store with a look of fanatical anticipation and left either with starstruck-induced daze on their face or they were screaming and jumping up and down like they needed to pee in their pants.

This one picture of the security guard describes the Hot Topic/New Moon event in a nutshell:

The guard’s body language basically says, “Calm down and please do not rupture a spleen. There’s enough Kellan and Ashley to go around.”

To follow my obsession with New Moon, click here

Kellan certainly likes to play to the crowd. He plays to the crowd a lot. He’s a bit of a ham – but there is certainly nothing wrong with that. I do it all the time. I like to be the center of attention. Kellan and I are like two peas in a pod. In fact, I can definitely pass as a Filipino version of him.

To follow my obsession with New Moon, click here

Tonight, stars of New Moon, Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz were welcomed by throes of “Twi-hard” fans at Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco.

First they stopped by Nordstrom and then they went on to the Goth headquarters of all that is Twilight, Hot Topic and they ended the evening with an outdoor Q&A as fans draped in New Moon paraphernalia reached decibels beyond recognition.

In this first clip (filmed by yours truly), Lutz and Greene answer some very interesting questions about shaving heads at a slumber party, driving Porsches and vampire odors. (Side note: the first question was cut off. A fan asked if they could be any other character in Twilight who would they be?)

Take a look at my oh-so-professional video coverage:

It was definitely a randy (and by randy, I mean horny) crowd; hence the demand of Kellan’s stripping.

Stay tuned for more clips from that magical New Moon evening.

And P.S. – Do you like that orb of light that is constantly in the frame? Well, get used to it. It’s in all the videos.

To follow my obsession with New Moon, click here

Lutz (who portrays the super-strong vampire Emmett) and Greene (who plays the pixie clairvoyant vampire Alice) will be answering all the questions you are dying to get answered.

Be sure to dress warm (the event takes place outdoors) and be prepared for a bunch of Twi-hard fans – which means tons and tons and tons of squealing.

I realize that I am behind on New Moon news, but I just saw another trailer (I don’t know how old it is) and I actually got a little cinematically aroused by it – especially with Dakota Fanning’s line at the end. I don’t know why, but when typical actors who play good girls go the bad girl route, I just get all giddy:

However, I am not enjoying lines like, “a huge hole is being punched through my chest” and I am not looking forward to revisiting Bella’s codependency. Talk about needy.

…but I am enjoying Alice’s (Ashley Greene) evolution of style. I’m diggin’ the scarf she’s wearing while driving that yellow sportscar. I wonder if it’s Hermes.