Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 183

October 8, 2020: Choose my next binge!

About to finish up season 2 of The Boys and looking for my next binge.

Choose from one of the following:

Kingdom (Korean)

Lovecraft Country

Raised By Wolves

Succession

Swamp Thing

The Outsider

Upload

Rewatch The Sopranos

And what are you all watching?

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October 7, 2020: From the SGU vault! More amazing people with whom I have worked!

Strategy meeting tonight.  Then switching over to horror development.  And, finally, ending the night with some scifi research.  I never thought I’d say this, but I think I’m close to having too much on my plate…

Today, from the Stargate Vault…

More amazing people with whom I have worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Dean Marshall played the role of the skeptical Sgt. Bates on #StargateAtlantis. An accomplished actor, his most recent credits include #TheMagicians and #The100. pic.twitter.com/e25IwPt7xi

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 28, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Shannon Gurney was our Visual Effects Coordinator over all three installments of the #Stargate franchise. A hard worker and a lovely person. pic.twitter.com/8sUMxAtV1S

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 29, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
George Horie was our production manager on #StargateAtlantis, #StargateUniverse and both #SG1 movies, #StargateArkOfTruth and #StargateContinuum, graduating to Line Producer for the final season of #SGU. A very nice guy. pic.twitter.com/4COwNUS1wG

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 30, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Forest Sala was a hair stylist on #StargateUniverse before moving on to the role of department head for shows like #Travelers, #Motive, and #ProjectBlueBook. pic.twitter.com/usLt8AlXv2

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) October 1, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Craig David Wallace directed one of my favorite episodes of #DarkMatter, "Isn't That A Paradox". He is also the co-creator of Todd and the Book of Pure Evil. pic.twitter.com/yBhpIsOILP

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) October 2, 2020

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October 6, 2020: Interviews! Dark Matter! Stargate! And amazing people with whom I have worked!

In case you missed it, here’s the full video of yesterday’s Dark Matter Episode 1 discussion with the gang at Orville Nation…

I’ll be back next Monday to discuss Episode 2.  Want to join us?

And, this weekend, I’ll be joining David Read Dial the Gate series…

Join us LIVE on DialtheGate this coming weekend and have your questions ready for Christopher Judge, Joseph Mallozzi, Joe Flanigan and the team behind the upcoming Stargate SG-1 Roleplaying Game!https://t.co/KXXaPy0vghhttps://t.co/yrYL02vkTt pic.twitter.com/hKW4J6tSa4

— Dial the Gate (@dial_the_gate) October 4, 2020

Circle the date, Stargate fans!

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman played the part of Pvt. Darren Becker on #StargateUniverse. And he has proven incredibly busy since, appearing in #UnREAL, #AmericanHorrorStory, and as the voice of Black Panther in the Iron Man animated series. pic.twitter.com/dSoNrVh0jr

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 23, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Rebecca DiPasquale was our executive at Canada's Space Channel (now @CTVSciFI) on #Stargate and #DarkMatter. A rare genre-savvy exec and savvy producer. pic.twitter.com/Yyz2zJYlOt

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 24, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Steve Wilsher was an additional stunt coordinator and stunt performer on #DarkMatter, as well as a stunt rigger on both #DarkMatter and #UtopiaFalls. Definitely a guy you want on your team! pic.twitter.com/OKhRLkHleL

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 25, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Cliff Simon (@cliffmsimon) was the infamous system lord Ba'al on #StargateSG1, flashing style, menace, and a streak of dark humor in the role, quickly becoming one of my favorite go'auld – and certainly one of the most fun to write for. pic.twitter.com/GGefFaA3n1

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 26, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Jan Newman was the key make-up artist on #StargateSG1, over all ten seasons and both movies – #StargateTheArkOfTruth and #StargateContinuum. Immensely talented and delightful. pic.twitter.com/vkTSNUQHNs

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 27, 2020

 

 

The post October 6, 2020: Interviews! Dark Matter! Stargate! And amazing people with whom I have worked! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

October 5, 2020: Our Dark Matter rewatch begins! Zoom chat winners and our next Crime Club film announced!

A reminder to watch (or rewatch) Dark Matter Episode 1 and then join us later today for a post-episode discussion…

DON'T FORGET to WATCH (or REWATCH) Episode 1 of Season 1…PRIOR to our stream at 5:30EDT

October 4, 2020: Suji Sunday!

Halloween-ready!

The look she gives you when she thinks she’s being left out.

Flashback to her street tough look.

Enjoying her spa day…

Displaying her Japan team colors before the big match!

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10 Most Underrated Stargate Episodes

So I came across this article the other day…

10 Most Underrated Stargate Episodes

It’s a lot of fun, but I do question some of the episodes included in this list, not because I don’t believe they’re deserving, but due to the fact I don’t consider them underrated.  Maybe by critics or the greater audience at large, but that would apply to the entirety of the franchise’s 300+ episode run.  There are a few notable exceptions, but I would argue that episodes like Crystal Skull, Time, and Vegas tend to place high on most fandom lists.

So, if I was asked to come up with what I deemed the 10 most underrated episodes of the franchise’s run, I’d have to go with – in order of airing….

#10. Learning Curve (Stargate: SG-1, Season 3)

My first exposure to Stargate was an episode called Emancipation.  It was so bad that it almost ensured I would never watch another episode of the show.  Until, that is, our agent got us a shot to pitch.  I was even reluctant to try – until I read the scripts the production had forwarded us.  They were all terrific and I remember really being impressed with this one in particular.

#9. Upgrades (Stargate: SG-1, Season 4)

I’m a sucker for the funny episodes.  Super powers are just the cherry on top.  But the small moments stand out for me in this episode, like the steakhouse scene.  It’s nice to see the gang enjoying a night out.

#8. 2010 (Stargate: SG-1, Season 4)

Next to the funny episodes, there’s nothing I love more than a good AU story and this is a great one, exploring what might have ben.  The climax that sees our beloved SG-1 fall in a last-ditch attempt to right the timeline gets me every time.

#7. Revisions (Stargate: SG-1, season 7)

I’m casting humility aside to include one of mine in the mix, this pure sci-fi story reminiscent of the science fiction stories I used to love as a kid.  A stand-alone episode involving a strange alien civilization, a perplexing mysterious, and cool technology – with a melancholy conclusion.

#6. Collateral Damage (Stargate: SG-1, Season 9)

Even though I shared the writing credit, this one was all my former writing partner – another terrific standalone story involving a strange alien civilization, a perplexing mystery, and cool technology.

#5. Poisoning the Well (Stargate: Atlantis, Season 1)

One of my favorite episodes from Atlantis’s inaugural season was this moving episode, my favorite Carson Beckett story.

#4. Harmony (Stargate: Atlantis, Season 4)

I had a lot of fun breaking this story in the room with writer Martin Gero, and his script is executed to perfection, thanks in no small part to our terrific pint-sized guest star, Jodelle Ferland, in the titular role.  Loved the twist at episode’s end that sees McKay and Sheppard’s roles reversed – a rare occurrence.

#3. Remnants (Stargate: Atlantis, Season 5)

Okay, sorry.  I’m going to have to offer up one more of mine.  Three seemingly disparate stories that dovetail nicely in the episode’s conclusion, capped off with a nice little Zelenka twist.

#2. The Greater Good (Stargate: Universe, Season 2)

Carl Binder excels at quiet, character-focused stories and this is a great one, pitting Young again Rush on an abandoned alien vessel.  Secrets are revealed – and they don’t go over well.

#1. Stargate: Universe (Season 2, Malice)

As far as SGU episodes go, this one is pretty epic, a space-western showdown on a desertic alien world.

And you?  What are your favorite underrated Stargate episodes?

DARK MATTER MONDAYS begins this Monday October 5th on Orville Nation

October 2, 2020: The Crime Club reconvenes to discuss Uncut Gems!

Given the mixed reviews this movie received, I went in with low expectations.  I wasn’t expected to enjoy it as much as I ultimately  did.  Yes, it’s a cacophonous frenzy from start to finish but as someone who was once immersed in the world of sports betting, I could empathize with our protagonist even though I didn’t much like him.  The exhilarating highs and crushing lows.  The lies and deceptions, perilous wagers and outrageous justifications.  It was all spot on.  Disquietingly so.

Adam Sandler delivers a career performance as Howie Ratner, a degenerate gambler in deep (to a relative no less!) who struggles through his addiction in a bid to right all the wrongs in his life by hitting big, indifferent to the people he hurts and the relationships he destroys along the way.  As great as Sandler was in the role, unlike most reviewers I never mustered much sympathy for Howie, even after all was said and done.  Instead, my allegiances lay with his victims – his ex-wife, his girlfriend, and the people he owed money.  Every one of them was more likable than Howie and yet, despite that, I found the movie very compelling.

There was an intimacy to the film, in part the shooting style, in part the decision to use a number of non-actors in roles, that grounded its gritty, adrenaline-fueled world, really setting it apart from its more polished Hollywood counterparts.

If there was one element I didn’t love, it was the music.  While admittedly a perfect acoustic reflection of the movie’s tonal chaos, I found it annoying and distracting.  I think a little could have gone a few long way here.

So, what did you all think?

Well, not the greatest day in terms of progress.  Just got word that one of my favorite projects – that comic book adaptation – won’t be moving forward.  Kind of heartbroken as it was a lot of fun and very different from most of the superhero-themed shows out there.  On the bright side, it will allow me to refocus on the other five projects in play.

A reminder to circle Monday, October 5th on your calendars!  I’ll be joining Orville Nation‘s video live-stream post-episode discussion of Dark Matter Episode 1.  Rewatch and join us.  And tell your friends!  Introduce someone new to our most under-appreciated sci-fi series.

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October 1, 2020: Let’s chat!

Guys, I have an alarming admission to make/  I had breakfast cereal for dinner.  It was a Chocolate Chex – Cinnamon Toast Crunch – Maple Syrup Eggos – Captain Crunch medley with oat milk and almond butter.  I feel like I’m two weeks out from doing my grocery shopping in my bathrobe and slippers.  I need someone to talk me down.

So I thought now might be a good time to do another fan zoom chat.  I’ve done two and, to date, they’ve gone fairly well.  I think.  I mean, no one has been injured.  Not seriously anyway.  So, knowing that, I’ll be randomly selecting three blog readers to join me for a zoom chat in the coming weeks.  Topics may include Dark Matter, Stargate, science fiction, dogs, and my suspect meal choices.  Just leave a message in the comment section of today’s entry for a chance at listening to me talk about Maple Syrup Eggos (in the run up to my TED Talk on the same topic).

Okay now, this is important…

This answer is shrimp of course.

A reminder that our Crime Club reconvenes tomorrow to discuss Uncut Gems.  It’s a movie that has received some, er, “mixed responses” from friends, so I look forward to reading your takes.

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September 30, 2020: And one from the Dark Matter vault!

Those who know me know that I’m a huge anime fan. Back in Vancouver, my collection was 3000 dvd’s deep. So it should come as no surprise that Dark Matter was heavily influenced by the genre, everything from the character of FOUR and his connection to the Principality of Zairon to FIVE who is a kindred spirit to Cowboy Bebop’s Radical Edward. One of my favorite visuals from the world of anime is the tiny girl with the giant gun, seen in the likes of Iria from Iria Zeiram the Animation, Seras Victoria in Hellsing, and, most recently, Mine and her beloved Pumpkin in Akame Ga Kill. During the season 1 gallery shoot, Jodelle was posing for photos when I handed her a prop – Bubba, THREE’s oversized gun, and we snapped a bunch of pics. Seeing her wielding that oversized weapon, I realized I would have to write it into an upcoming season 2 story.

Hey, if you ever get the chance, you should definitely check out the Dark Matter subreddit.  Lots of great discussions and posts from fellow Dark Matter fans.  Like this one I found particularly touching…

Wholesome content and the purity of platonic relationships. ( Five + guys) [ SPOILERS] from DarkMatter

Amazing people with whom I have worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Kimberly Zaharo was the Art Director on our first season of #DarkMatter (before moving on to productions like 11.22.63, Downsizing, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix. She is, in a word, "terrific". pic.twitter.com/S0Mzre4yl9

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 17, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
David B. Thompson is an amazing editor with whom I have worked over the years. HIs credits include #Bitten, #DarkMatter and, most recently, #FortunateSon. His in-home editing suite also makes him the ideal editor for these pandemic times. pic.twitter.com/itEPd5Ltct

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 18, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
One of my very favorite recurring characters on #Stargate #SG1 was Colonel Harry Maybourne, played to roguish perfection by the incredible Tom McBeath. pic.twitter.com/5bmbPzaKWd

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 19, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Ben Cotton (@bengcotton) played the role of the vexatious Dr. Kavanagh on #StargateAtlantis, a character you loved to hate (and maybe would have hated to love had the show gone a sixth season?). A talented and very busy actor! pic.twitter.com/7sP20kbwqF

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 20, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Anna Galvin played the roles of the doomed Dr. Reya Varrick in SG-1's "Collateral Damage" and the tormented Mrs. Armstrong in SGU. But my favorite performance was her turn as the mysterious Vanessa Conrad in SGA's "Remnants". #Stargate pic.twitter.com/umQjvbvPoW

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 21, 2020

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September 29, 2020: Hey, remember when writing was done on a typewriter and you had to actually visit the bank to do actual banking?

I received a notification from a subscription service informing us that Akemi’s information had been compromised in a hack.  At first I was “This is a scam” – but the email checked out.  In addition to a rundown of the situation, it offered a link to a free subscription for a cyber-security protection service that would monitor – and provide insurance against – identity theft.  My initial reaction was “This is a scam” – but the link proved legitimate, as is the service (Norton).  So, just to be extra safe, I went to the official Norton site and signed in using the promo code provided, downloaded the device security and secure VPN…when my laptop prompted me for my apple I.D. to complete the installation – at which point I thought “This is a scam!” and bailed.

Granted, it retrospect, I’m being paranoid.  It’s legitimate software from the legitimate Norton site sent my way by the legitimate subscription service.  But I figured I would just sleep on it.

From the Stargate vault…

Director Will Waring attempts to talk down a knife-wielding wraith.

On second thought – here, take him!

Uh oh.  Here comes trouble.

Enjoying the fresh air.

He was the lead guitarist of Gwar for two years.

Amazing people with whom I have worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Emily Drake was a second assistant director on #DarkMatter. A hard worker and a great personality, she is pictured here preparing to corral the extras. pic.twitter.com/KBBB4k58ob

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 11, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
PR and digital marketing strategist Dani Gagnon (@daniginc) has worked tirelessly online and off promoting #UtopiaFalls (among other productions), offering fans of the series incredible behind-the-scenes insights. I'm a big fan of her work. pic.twitter.com/WWM9fzAwus

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 13, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Carl Liberman, head of the literary department at The Characters, has been my agent for over 20 years. He put us on #Stargate's radar when they were looking for new talent and, years later, helped set up #DarkMatter. pic.twitter.com/M0LTtZtUj2

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 14, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Greg Fox was a camera operator on #Stargate – all three series and over eighty episodes of the franchise before moving on to productions like #Continuum, #IZombie, and #TheCrossing. Solid, dependable, and professional. pic.twitter.com/an0cC8HIBc

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 15, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Alex Chapple directed multiple episodes of #StargateUniverse including "Subversion" and "Epilogue" and has since moved on to productions like #BlueBloods, #SVU, and #FBI. pic.twitter.com/oqTY5Ii3BR

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 16, 2020

The post September 29, 2020: Hey, remember when writing was done on a typewriter and you had to actually visit the bank to do actual banking? appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.