Conventions and costumes

Ricochet01: Are you planning to attend any more conventions in the UK soon (it was great seeing you at the Eclipse convention)?

Tony Head: Thank you - it was nice being there. Yes, I'm sure. I think I've got something coming up in June. I'm doing a couple in the States - can't remember where. I have a great time at conventions.

What I enjoy most is the stand-up - the questions and answers. It's fun, and I must admit I most enjoy when I do it with someone else. I did a good one with James once, and also Robin Sachs [Ethan Rayne]. We have a good time with each other. His humour is very dry.

Wicker: Did you ever mind the clothes that you were made to wear as Giles? Would they be your choice?

Tony Head: I had a large say in what I wore. I wasn't really made to wear anything I didn't like. Sometimes the costume designer drifted from my original concept. I only wore one jacket in the first season, and I was at pains to have the same pair of shoes, even though they had a hole in them.

Costume tried to change them, but I said no. Our car park always gets flooded when it rains and I had to jump over the puddles. Then I went into season three after Jenny was killed. I asked how that kind of grief would be manifested, and I was told that you present an image to the world of being capable and in control when inside you're not.

So we changed my glasses from round to slightly squarer, and my suit went to a 30's style - very tailored, high-waisted with a waistcoat. So that look worked.

Then I felt like getting a bit funkier, so I went to wearing jeans most often and suede jackets. What's been fantastic about the job is that all the characters have evolved. I think it's an actor's job to be involved in the costumes.

That's one of the nice things about being a lead in the show - people ask you. I run everything by Joss, at the same time. Sometimes he agrees with me, other times he doesn't.