Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 113
September 13, 2022
September 13, 2022: Projects on deck!
A little over a year and a half ago, I was asked to put together a pitch for an I.P. I gave it some thought, put together three solid pitches, sent them away…and never heard back. Until six months later when I was asked to put send in some original pitches completely unconnected to the previous batch. Again, I set aside a few days, came up with three pitches, and sent them away. Success! Of sorts. One pitch was developed for a few months and subsequently shelved before discussion moved on to another I.P. A few back and forth emails and then this prod co. went radio silent on me (It’s been about five months and counting). I’m done with them, but that’s not the point of this story. One of the three original pitches on the second round was, I thought, an ideal candidate for a comic book series, so I pitched it to a publisher who liked it, asked me to develop it a little further, and then ultimately passed. It couldn’t have worked out any better. These failed starts have convinced me that this idea is destined to succeed for the simple reason that, when it does get produced, I can go on record and talk about the the places that missed out. Like HBO passing on Mad Men or or FOX passing on the Sopranos. To a much lesser extent of course.
Next to a deadline, revenge is my greatest motivation. And so, fueled by this experience, I started work on the pilot last week. I am now 45 pages in and closing in on the end of the fourth act. I hope to have a solid draft to send to my reps by early next week – one pilot to pick into the maelstrom! I’ve often said that the ones that get green lit are the ones you least expect, and I couldn’t imagine a more improbable candidate than this one. Let’s call it…Project Wolf!
Article 3 of the Student Constitution clearly states that if a teacher is more than 10 minutes late, class is cancelled. Every high school kid knows this.
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 13, 2022
I recall accepting this as fact back in high school, like it was a fact, marked by legal precedent, agreed upon by all parties.
This one’s evergreen…
Painter Berthold Woltze's The Irritating Gentleman, 1874
Private Collection pic.twitter.com/Z16SGpZKus
— History Defined (@historydefined) September 12, 2022
I need one of these…
17th century Emerald cup made of 252 carats of pure emerald with Persian verses inscribed on it. It belonged to Emperor Jehangir of Mughal India. pic.twitter.com/wxn4Z6D5d2
— History Defined (@historydefined) September 11, 2022
Today’s Yes/No…
Grilled Sweet Potato Brûlée Frappuccino? Yes/No
Starbucks New "Baked Sweet Potato Brulee Frappuccino" – Savory and Creamy! Also, the autumnal "Pumpkin Spice Latte" is also available! https://t.co/YBqLWUhCUq via @entabecom
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 13, 2022
Wish we had this in North America!
The post September 13, 2022: Projects on deck! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 12, 2022
Septemer 12, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues with ghosts, zombies, and banana-curry pizza!
The Night House (2020)
A widow begins to uncover her recently deceased husband’s disturbing secrets.
Thoughts: Some pretty good jumps scares spice up this lethargically paced horror film that is, paradoxically both confusing and annoyingly expository. Great performance by Rebecca Hall, but the script is hampered by classic B-horror movie logic.
3/5
One Cut of the Dead (2017)
Things go badly for a hack director and film crew shooting a low budget zombie movie in an abandoned WWII Japanese facility, when they are attacked by real zombies.
Thoughts: 30 minutes in, I was dubious – and then it all comes together in surprisingly clever fashion. I laughed out loud several times. Loads of fun.
5/5
Paranormal Activity (2007)
After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence.
Thoughts: It’s slow off the top and the characters are annoyingly slow to react to the mounting weirdness, but the movie makes the most of its documentary conceit, building suspense towards its eerie conclusion. This one will sit with you long after it’s over.
4/5
Today’s Yes/No…
Banana Curry Pizza? Yes/No
We Tried The Banana Pizza That's Freaking People Out https://t.co/wcUcBxNAlr via @kassy
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 12, 2022
Nah, didn’t think so either.
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September 11, 2022
September 11, 2022: Suji Sunday!
Urban sprawl.
Toronto Film Festival celebrity sighting.
Out and about.
Unimpressed.
Checking on her tomatoes.
Egg face.
How we got there…
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I'm Suji
すじ子
(@newoldpugsuji)
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September 10, 2022
September 10, 2022: Your Handy Guide to Weird Yokai!
After about 100 years, an umbrella may become a Kasa Obake, one of countless Tsukumogami, household objects, imbued with a spirit. More of nuisance than a threat, it hops around the house, tracking mud all over the place, and proves itself especially elusive on rainy days.
The Wa-nyudo is a demonic giant head trapped in the spokes of a flaming wheel that rolls along country roads at night in search of victims. The mere sight of one will damn you to Hell so if you hear one rolling up on you, draw the curtains or run and DON’T LOOK BACK!
You’re walking alone at night when you hear someone call out to you. A faceless man steps out of the shadows and, before you can react, drops his kimono and bends over to reveal the giant eyeball in his butt. If this has ever happened to you, then you have most likely encountered a shirime.
If you enter a third-floor girls’ school bathroom, step up to the third stall, knock three times and ask for “Hanako”, the stall door will open and you’ll be greeted by Hanako-san, the ghost of a young child – who will promptly drag you into the toilet and down to Hell.The post September 10, 2022: Your Handy Guide to Weird Yokai! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 9, 2022
September 9, 2022: The Stargate Update is that there is no update which, indirectly, may be an update.
The guys at The Popcast dropped the following Stargate-related video today.
So I thought I’d address it.
Now I want to preface this blog entry by making it clear that the topic of discussion is Stargate, and Stargate alone. Although the new Lord of Rings series is referenced in the video, I am in no position to comment on it given that I haven’t watched the show.
Also, before we get started, I want to give a shout out to the Popcast channel that does a fantastic job of covering science fiction in general, but also produces Stargate-focused videos that are as entertaining as they are insightful. Give them a follow and subscribe at The Popcast.
Alright. A little background first –
Stargate aired its final television episode in May of 2011 with Stargate: Universe’s “Gauntlet”. At the time of its production, we were operating under the likelihood that we would receive an order for a third and final season – but that ended up going away like the Stargate: Extinction Atlantis movie and that 11th season of SG-1 for Apple before it. The franchise had produced three movies and 17 seasons of television (over 300+ episodes!) over its 14+ year run, making it one of MGM’s most valuable I.P.’s. And, even though the consecutive production run had ended, we all knew it was only a matter of time before Stargate came back, in one form or other. I assumed sooner than later. That was over eleven years ago. So let’s go with later.
One thing that has become very clear in that time is the resilience and enduring spirit of the existing fanbase. Over a decade since its last episode aired, Stargate continues to regularly trend on social media (as most recently as last week, in fact). The fandom is still very much out there, still very much eagerly – somewhat wearily after all this time – awaiting the franchise’s return. I can’t help but point out what a wonderful thing this is – to have an existing worldwide fanbase ready and willing to not only watch your new show, but support it online, ready to make tremendous noise in the lead-up to launch.
But – eleven years. I suppose it’s not that surprising it’s taken this long. And I’m sure the existing fandom had something to do with it given a creative misstep could risk alienating and losing them, turning passionate vocal supporters into equally passionate and vocal detractors. But I’ve always held that problem is easily addressed by offering viewers the best of both worlds – for new fans who know nothing about Stargate, a fresh start series that is simple to jump aboard and watch without being privy to past shows; for the existing fanbase, an in-canon series that offers the prospect of Easter eggs and guest spots from familiar faces. Guys, they’re the same show! And who knows. Maybe there’s even the option of going the new Star Trek route and offering multiple Stargate shows. Something for everyone.
I was heartened, back in 2018, to hear that SG-1. Atlantis and Universe co-creator Brad Wright was in discussions with MGM about a franchise relaunch. I wasn’t privy to the details of the development, but I do know that a deal was finally closed and Brad did write a pilot script. The script was written for a specific potential home, went through a couple of drafts – and then, as so often happens in Hollywood, personnel changed and things went radio silent. Understand that, in this business, radio silence is never a good sign.
Eventually, the MGM sale to Amazon was finalized and Brad’s script, I assumed, made its way there. Months ago. And still, radio silence.
All three shows are now available on Amazon Prime as of September, and that’s a very good sign. An even better sign would be for Amazon to reach out to Brad and either move forward on his pilot or scrap it and ask him to come up with something else. As I mentioned, the pilot I read was written for a specific potential home – but now, Amazon is the NEW potential home. If they’re not feeling the existing script, I’m sure Brad would have no problem hearing them out and going back to the drawing board for a new take. Which is what I hope will happen. Eventually.
Of course, there is the possibility that Amazon decides to go another way. Yes, Brad Wright was instrumental in turning the Stargate into MGM’s most successful television franchise and having him at the helm would ensure a series that would appeal to new viewers while delighting longtime fans. Like I said, the best of both worlds. But executives don’t always proceed along a logical path. All too often, the flashiness of a hot commodity (the YouTuber with 10 million followers! The writer who wrote that blockbuster!) is simply too hard to resist. Other times, it’s a desire to ensure a show’s tone and themes are attuned to the prevailing zeitgeist, thereby crafting a series that merely echoes the ideas of every other show rather than standing apart. It rarely ends well and I’m hoping Hollywood comes to that realization. Again, hopefully sooner than later. In the meantime…
I’m not privy to any of the internal decision-making, but I am disappointed its taken this long for Brad to hear word. Still, it could just be a matter of the studio’s go-slow approach. Maybe logical heads will ultimately prevail. Nothing is for certain. Except for one thing of course. Whatever form the new Stargate show takes, whoever is behind it, fandom will let their voices be heard LOUD and LONG.
The post September 9, 2022: The Stargate Update is that there is no update which, indirectly, may be an update. appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 8, 2022
September 8, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues!
Last Night in Soho (2021)
An aspiring fashion designer is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer. But the glamour is not all it appears to be and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter..
Thoughts: Lurches from teen drama to sci-fi to thriller to horror, plodding through a premise that offers its protagonist surprisingly little agency until it’s far too late. Stylish, but frustratingly repetitive, with an absolutely ridiculous final twist.
3/5
Malignant (2021)
Madison is paralyzed by shocking visions of grisly murders, and her torment worsens as she discovers that these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities.
Thoughts: From the over-blown script to the over-the-top performances to the exaggerated reveals, this one fully embrace its inherent cheesiness, but it does so without a shred of irony, leading one to question whether the filmmakers are truly in on the joke.
2.5/5
The House of the Devil (2009)
In 1983, financially struggling college student Samantha Hughes takes a strange babysitting job that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. She slowly realizes her clients harbor a terrifying secret.
Thoughts: The slow-burn build in suspense is almost unbearable in this delightful 80’s-style retro gem. Writer/Director/Editor Ti West has crafted a confident little chiller befitting its inspirational roots.
4/5
Today’s Yes/No…
Dive Bar-flavored Ice Cream? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/vt6GSqxLyb
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 8, 2022
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September 7, 2022
September 7, 2022: Amazing Covers!
A few that caught my eye this week…
Immortal X-Men #6 – cover art by Mark Brooks
The Walking Dead Deluxe #46 – cover art by Paolo Rivera
Black Adam: The Justice Society Files – Atom Smasher #1 – cover art by Marco Santucci, Travis Mercer
Poison Ivy #4 – cover art by Jenny Frison
007 #2 – cover art by Marc Aspinall
#007 #2 – cover art by Marco Finnegan
Night of the Cadillacs: Origins – cover art by Rob Prior, Scott Hattonx
So, which were YOUR favorites?
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September 6, 2022
September 6, 2022: Your Handy Guide to Weird Yokai!
The Kanbari Nyudo is a hairy, goblin-like creature in priest’s robes that peeks in on people using their toilets on New Year’s Eve. Worse still, if you are unlucky enough to be licked by one, you will be cursed with constipation.
According to legend, however, if you enter the bathroom between 1 and 3 a.m. on New Year’s Eve and chant ““ganbari nyūdō” three times, a human head will appear in the toilet. Tuck it under yourleft sleeve, bring it back to your room, and it will turn into a gold coin.
Tenjo-kudari appear as naked old ladies with unkempt hair and hideously long tongues. They creep out of the crawlspaces of your home at night and hang from the ceiling, waiting to drop on unwary sleepers or anyone foolish enough to get up for a glass of water.
Awakened by a sound in the dead of night? Don’t worry. It’s not a ghost. It’s probably a Tenjo-kudari!
The adorable cucumber-loving Kappa are amphibious creatures, prone to pranking and occasionally dragging their victims to a watery grave. Bow to one and it will politely bow back, emptying the water on top of its bowl-shaped head, thus robbing it of its power.
If your lamp oil has been running inexplicably low of late, it’s possible you’ve been the victim of a Rokurokubi. At night, when this cursed woman sleeps, her neck elongates to incredible lengths, allowing her head to roam far and wide, exploring homes and lapping up lamp oil.
The Gashadokuro is a giant skeleton formed from the ghosts of unburied soldiers and starvation victims. It stalks the forests invisibly at night, biting the heads off its victims so as to enjoy the arterial spray. It may give itself away by the chattering of its massive teeth.
Today’s Yes/No…
Sailor Moon sausage sandwich? Yes/No
Sailor Moon sausage sandwiches appear at Mos Burger in time for Japan’s moon-viewing season https://t.co/0JzBVKqGi3 via @RocketNews24En
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 6, 2022
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September 5, 2022
Top 10 K-pop Songs of August, 2022!
Top 10 Kpop Songs of August, 2022
9. Another Life – #KEY #키
A solid follow-up to a fantastic debut album. #KpopTop10 pic.twitter.com/AsirSUHN6d
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 5, 2022
Top 10 Kpop Songs of August, 2022
7. Beautiful Night – #Gaho #가호
Solid! #KpopTop10 pic.twitter.com/1uGxbwgrlb
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 5, 2022
Top 10 Kpop Songs of August, 2022
5. Talk That Talk – #TWICE #트와이스
There's always something for everyone on a new Twice album. #KpopTop10 pic.twitter.com/YlYDD5WaGO
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 5, 2022
Top 10 Kpop Songs of August, 2022
3. After Like – #IVE #아이브
I think Starship is doing a great job promoting them since their late 2021 debut. #KpopTop10 pic.twitter.com/5C88DC89MB
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 5, 2022
Top 10 Kpop Songs of August, 2022
1. Ring Ma Bell – #Billlie #빌리
Love the lean into rock here. Definitely one of this year's best tracks. My only complaint, a minor one, is their decision to spell their name with three L's. #KpopTop10 pic.twitter.com/oOlidAeQ2A
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 5, 2022
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September 4, 2022
September 4, 2022: Suji Sunday!
Suji having out with her new best friend, Bubbie.
Suji with friend, Michael – who came bearing treats!
The art of the egg flip…
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Relaxed.
Park pics!
Suji’s new bowl compliments of mom’s pottery obsession.
Massage time!
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