OUAF Interview A Fan: Charm Attack with Anthony Covino

How did you first hear about Once?

First thank you so much for allowing me the chance to share some of my experiences that have come about from being involved with "Once Upon a Time" as a viewer and a hardcore fan. I first heard about "Once Upon a Time" from Josh Dallas. Since I had been following him on Twitter for a long time, he started to talk about a new TV program that he recently began filming. Then he started to explain how the series got a pickup from ABC and the next thing he knew, he was heading to Comic Con to promote the show! Buzz just built from there and the show was off and running in a big way. 

Share your first impressions of the show?

I was eager to see exactly which path the show would take. Sometimes the breakdowns of a Pilot episode could be misleading or change once a show gets into its regular rythym. I was immediately intrigued about the fact that our favorite fairy tale characters had backstories and lives that we didn't know about as children. It just seemed like a real "Why has no one thought of this before?" moment. That being said, I was also floored with the cast that was assembled to bring such stories together. I had been a huge fan of Ginnifer Goodwin from her work on "Big Love" and many film roles. Her acting opposite Josh instantly had a spark that couldn't be denied. Of course, we now know that a spark like that translated into something much more than just a performance on a TV show.

Tell us more about your involvement in the #CharmAttack group and the development of the wristbands?

As the series gained more fans and more publicity, I felt it was important to have Josh Dallas/Charming fans unite in a way to support him and, more than that, to show our support. It's awfully hard financially and physically to make this happen in a uniformed way, so I came up with #CharmAttack wristbands. Perhaps in different colors. We ultimately did red, blue, dark blue, purple and brown wristbands. I considered selling the bands at one point, but that would almost be like running a business for me. I simply didn't have the time and means to accomplish such an undertaking. So, I gave them away in various contests with the help of some loyal Dallas followers. They ranged from trivia, art projects, and writing contests. In addition, we went on to give away autographed photos of Josh, stickers of Josh and Ginnifer, magnets, and now, keychains. As time went on I felt I was in a good position to do good for whatever charity Josh fully endorses. I reached out to Josh and he explained that he is involved in raising money for his High School Theater Department. He put me in touch with the charity department of New Albany High School in Indiana and did a sticker giveaway which were given out to all who donated to the foundation. All donations were made in Josh's name and we were able to raise $500 for the department. Josh was blown away by the response and we will be doing it again this year as well. Josh will be providing some great prizes for those who contribute and all will receive brand new stickers of Josh and Ginnifer.

What was it like to meet Josh Dallas and Ginny Goodwin?

In a word: Wonderful! I couldn't say how nice and amazing they both were! I met Josh 3 times in New York City and I met Ginnifer 3 times as well. Both are so down to Earth and humbled by the work I did to promote the show and their performances. At one point, I wondered why the show wasn't getting more covers in print magazines. I actually chat with Jess Cagle (managing editor of "Entertainment Weekly") and started a campaign to get "Once Upon a Time" on the cover. This came to fruition in the form of the October 26, 2012 issue of the magazine with Josh and Ginnifer on the cover. She thanked me over and over when I met her for doing that. I always felt they deserved to be on the cover and just pushed Jess in the direction of getting it done.

How had OUAT inspired you personally?

We all deal with stuff in our personal lives revolving around family, jobs, friends, health issues, and more. Escaping into the world of "Once Upon a Time" is like literally escaping this world and living in a fairy tale for an hour a week. We love visiting with these characters and places. It makes us hope that there is magic in this world. I think magic in our real world manifests itself in different ways. It may be hard to see, but there is magic. Sometimes things happen that could be miracles or works of a higher being. That could be seen by some as magical happenings. Whatever caused it, it just feels good to see good happen. As Henry said, "Good will always win."

Have you made new friends through the fandom?

An insane amount! I would be remiss if I didn't mention some who have helped me on this journey. Most I met via Twitter which has spilled over into Facebook, which has spilled over into real-life. (As if Twitter or Facebook is an imaginary, Fairy-tale world.) I have great support from Shannon (@SurgTechShay), Katrina (@katmtan) and Jackie (@JaclynRogers) with all the various contests and giveaways. We sort of dub ourselves #TeamJD, since Josh told me he actually loves that. Plus I had help from Michele (@misheld0n) on various giveaway graphics and trending graphics. We successfully had worldwide trends for numerous "OUAT" related topics, including #CongratsJoshandGinny when they got engaged. Knowing that they saw our hard work just felt great! I also have many friends within the Jennifer Morrison community and Evil Regals as well. Sometimes fan communities can get vocal about what they adore so much. I try to stay open minded to who their favorites are. As long as it allows support in a positive way I am all for it. It's when the negativity comes into play that is crossing the line. All I will say is "keep it positive." To cast, crew, writers and producers on Twitter, be supportive and keep it positive. There's no need for negativity in a show we all love so much.

Favorite episode?

I loved the episode "The Land Without Magic." It was the first season finale and the way it completed a major arc yet re-started a new one was creative and ingenuous. I loved so many Charming-centric episodes but I love the whole idea behind the season 1 finale. That final shot of the clock ticking to 8:15 again was just perfect. Re-setting the clock and starting on a new adventure.

Hopes for the next part of Season 3/Season 4:

I would love to see what happens next with our favorite characters. The fate of so many are left up in the air. It's going to be exciting to see what happens next. Plus, "The Wizard of Oz" is my favorite movie of all time, so I am dying to see what wicked will look like in the land of "Once Upon a Time." I want Prince Charming to go one on one with the Wicked Witch! That would be epic!

Who do you think will die? 

I can tell you who I hope doesn't die. I don't want Charming, Snow, Emma, Regina, Hook, Neal, or Henry to die. I keep thinking it can't be any of them. if it was, it would be a game changing event. I can't fathom how the writers are going to write any main character off the show. It's scary!

Sum up the OUAT Fandom in three words?

Simply the Best!