Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 190

August 1, 2020: Wow. This year is just speeding by!

Yesterday, I sent off emails to all three zoom chat winners in order to arrange a good time to convene, but only heard back from two.  Line Noise, where’re you at?

This pandemic has eroded my patience with people.

Either that, or I’ve come to the revelatory realization that I don’t care for them.

Yesterday’s film-themed question…

Your Top 3 Favorites – Science Fiction Film Edition!
Answer in the form of movie posters! pic.twitter.com/EKOl19o0iz

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 31, 2020

Amazing people with whom I have worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Richard Hudolin was the Production Designer on the first five seasons of #Stargate #SG1, establishing the look of the series – and the frame for future spinoffs. pic.twitter.com/ZBqGcDcfQ9

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 28, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Martin Wood (@realmartinwood) directed almost eighty episodes of the #Stargate franchise across #SG1 and #Atlantis. He'a A fast and efficient shooter, and a terrific guy. pic.twitter.com/fIatJnsPqv

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 29, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Leah Ehman was a makeup artist and makeup department head over five seasons of #Stargate #Atlantis. Hard working, great at what she does, and delightful on set.
You can check out her most recent work on #See. pic.twitter.com/h1KkCk2sAz

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 30, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Actor Josh Blacker (@JoshBlacker) played the role of the tormented Sgt. Spencer on #Stargate #Universe. Thoughtful and big-hearted, he is a total pro, wholly committed to his craft. pic.twitter.com/SOjCyrZvB1

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 31, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Actress Julia Benson played the part of 2nd Lieutenant Vanessa James in #Stargate #Universe. Hard-working, every-busy, and a complete sweetheart. pic.twitter.com/9Kyd6GNbm2

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 1, 2020

The post August 1, 2020: Wow. This year is just speeding by! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

July 31, 2020: Zoom Chat Winners Announced!

Funazushi Ice Cream? Yes/No
Stinkiest sushi in the world is now an ice cream flavour in Japan https://t.co/wQQkgczRCq via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 31, 2020

I mean, I’m a pretty adventurous eater but I would probably draw the line here.

Things still simmering away on the projects front.  Positive baby steps with my sci-fi series, TimEscape, which is currently in network hands while another time travel-themed series overview was delivered to a different broadcaster.  Finally finished up and delivered four pitches to that comic book company.  As I stated in the email I sent them: “Hopefully one of these pops for you.  If so, let’s discuss.  If not, let’s discuss.”  I’ll be consulting on what I’ve been told will be a big budget foreign sci-fi series this summer and very much looking forward to checking out that first script.  In the meantime, I’m re-reading the first book in a fantasy series I will, hopefully, be adapting to the small screen.  Eventually.  For now, I’m putting together a brief overview for the producer who secured the film and television rights.  And there are a couple of other promising things in the works including a near future murder mystery and a near-to-far-future Seoul-specific series that will finally allow me to combine two of the things I love most: science fiction and Kpop.  No kidding.

Okay, time to select the three lucky participants in our next zoom chat.

Google’s handy random number generator has offered up the following winners…

Kevin Clawson

Line Noise

Lori Steinle

I have fired off emails to all three of you so that we can coordinate a suitable time for us to chat.

As for everyone else – Take heart!  We’ll do it all over again soon.  Thinking of maybe expanding these zoom chats to twice a month.

The post July 31, 2020: Zoom Chat Winners Announced! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

July 30, 2020: Blog #5030

This is it!  Last day to leave a comment in my July 28th blog entry for a chance to win a zoom chat with yours truly and two other blog readers.  The three randomly selected winners will be announced in tomorrow’s blog entry!

Getting a lot of push back on this one.  What say you?

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza? Yes/No https://t.co/ufVz6K972k

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 30, 2020

Almost all are objecting to the use of sliced processed cheese.  While I agree, I have also heard that the processed cheese actually melts better and provides a superior consistency.  Experts weigh in!

Yesterday’s film-themed question…

Your Top 3 Favorites – Western Edition
Answer in the form of movie posters! pic.twitter.com/OGur3D8pCK

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 29, 2020

Tonight’s film-themed question…

Your Top 3 Favorites – Animated Film Edition
Answer in the form of movie posters! pic.twitter.com/FM3YtwjGcj

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 30, 2020

More amazing people with whom I have worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Alyssa Pawlak worked as a stand-in on #DarkMatter (and #LostGirl) before transitioning to yoga, leading classes during lunch for interested cast and crew members. A lovely person. pic.twitter.com/RnzhOHlGXX

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 23, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Craig Tovell was Head Carpenter on #DarkMatter, overseeing construction of everything from our ship The Raza to the Ferrous Corp shipyard in our final episode. A terrific guy who does great work. pic.twitter.com/MDTdQ0P1pp

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 24, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
The stylish Judith Ann Clancy was the costume set supervisor and wardrobe assistant on #DarkMatter, and the costume buyer on #UtopiaFalls. Most recently, she was Costume Designer on #HardyBoys. pic.twitter.com/w6fdyQTanY

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 25, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Sterling Thomas was second assistant director on #UtopiaFalls. A terrific guy, a pleasure to work with, AND he plays a mean cosmic piano. pic.twitter.com/Xr0Rk7RgBd

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 26, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
The fashionable and fantastic Patricia Cuthbert was key hair on #UtopiaFalls. Pictured here after winning her Emmy for Outstanding Hairstyling. pic.twitter.com/Q2HgUrpn50

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 27, 2020

The post July 30, 2020: Blog #5030 appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

July 29, 2020: It takes me three times as long to come up with a blog entry title as it does to write the actual damn entry!

Akemi: How do people get superpowers?  Do they inherit them from their parents?

Me: Usually, superpowers are the result of an accident.

Akemi: So, more clumsy people are superheroes?

Me:  I…guess so.

Dunkin' Caffeinated Cereal? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/xWZKtGMkbe

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 29, 2020

Start your kid’s day off right.  This cereal will give them the energy they need to power through to recess!

Yesterday’s film-themed question…

Best movie musical.
Answer with a gif. pic.twitter.com/yl8vz1WI3y

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 28, 2020

 

Amazing People With Whom I Have Worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
A fantastic actor with a vast filmography, Ronny Cox played the role of the nefarious Senator Kinsey on #Stargate.
I ran into him a couple of years ago while in LA, and he still speaks fondly of his time with franchise.
Always nice to hear. pic.twitter.com/X7x9Jvh0EF

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 18, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Most know him best as #XFiles' Walter Skinner but, to many, Mitch Pileggi will always be #Stargate's Colonel Steven Cauldwell.
A wonderful actor and a hell of a great guy. pic.twitter.com/uiepJFjMZF

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 19, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
David Blue (@DavidBlue) played the part of young genius Eli Wallace on #StargateUniverse. He's a talented actor wholly committed to his craft. pic.twitter.com/nRZ96GECuT

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 20, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Alaina Huffman (@AlainaHuffman) played the role of Lt. Tamara Johansen on #StargateUniverse.
A fabulous actress who never fails to impressive. #Stargate pic.twitter.com/7rArcLLQHR

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 21, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Mairzee Almas directed one of my favorite episodes of #DarkMatter ("Wish I'd Spaced You When I Had The Chance"). An amazing talent, terrific to work with, and, best of all, a huge animal advocate. pic.twitter.com/YrNqtMnekP

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 22, 2020

The post July 29, 2020: It takes me three times as long to come up with a blog entry title as it does to write the actual damn entry! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

July 28, 2020: Who’s up for a little zoom chat?

Who’s up for a little zoom chat with yours truly?

If you’re interested, just leave a comment in to today’s blog entry.  Friday, I will choose 3 lucky to take part in a group chat where we can discuss everything from Dark Matter and Stargate to pepper preferences and my pug, Suji’s bathroom habits.  The world is your oyster!

This will be the second Mallozzi zoom chat.  The first one went pretty well.  No reports of damage or significant injuries – although Shinyhula’s mic didn’t work so I had pantomime most of the discussion.  Still, a fun time was had and I hope to repeat that success sometime next week.

So, if you’re interested, just leave a comment.  Not on twitter or on reddit or facebook (where I won’t be able to track them down when the time comes), but right here in response to today’s blog entry.

“I feel like I am living in a time loop episode.”

— Akemi, this morning after tending to her balcony garden (as she does every morning), while taking Suji out for her early morning walk (as we do every morning), right before our workouts (we do every morning), prior her starting lunch prep – which we eat at 11:00 a.m.  Like every morning.  But then things get unpredictable ii the afternoon!  I’ll do some writing, research stocks, read a graphic novel, and take Suji for her second walk – like I do every day, BUT not necessarily in that order!

So, what sort of a routine have you fallen into?  And how do you mix things up?

The post July 28, 2020: Who’s up for a little zoom chat? appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

Happy 23, SG-1! What else you got for us? Well, I’m glad you asked…

12 years.  14 seasons.  Almost 350 episodes.  And this was probably the best thing I ever wrote for the franchise.  Lyrics and vocals by yours truly and Paul Mullie, with an assist by the lovely Peter DeLuise.

It’s hard to believe that it was 23 years ago today that SG-1 first graced our screens.  23 years ago that we were introduced to Jack O’Neill, Daniel Jackson, Samantha Carter, Teal’c, and host of supporting characters, alien technologies, and off-world activations.  I was, admittedly late to the party (by roughly four years) but I caught up fairly quickly as the production, and its extended fanbase, became like a second family to me.  In some cases, a passionately opinionated extended family.  We celebrated small victories.  Shared many laughs.  Battled over the custody of a character or two.  And in the end, I’m sure we can all agree that it was a magnificent journey.

But it’s not over yet.  Because, truth be told, we’ve never been closer to a fourth Stargate series.

23 years since SG-1 premiered.  9 years since SGU aired its final episode.  We are close.

Thanks to the fandom that got the ball rolling with two spectacular tweet storms.

Thanks to MGM that heard their call.

Thanks to Brad Wright who has been busy on…stuff.

Long-suffering Stargate fans may finally be rewarded.  Provided a few crucial pieces fall into place.

As I’ve said all along, it’s not a matter of if, but when.

But what do I know?

Ultimately, less than some.  But more than most

Stay positive, Stargate fans!

The post Happy 23, SG-1! What else you got for us? Well, I’m glad you asked… appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

July 26, 2020: Suji Sunday!

No sleeping in for this girl.  She is up at 6:30 a.m. every morning and will make sure YOU get up to so that she can have her breakfast and morning walk.

Relaxing after her daily double walk.

The call her “The Cleaner”.

She does this thing now where she hangs around the strawberry plant in expectation of a treat and, if she doesn’t get one, proceeds to lick the low-hanging berries to claim them for herself.

Yo, Bigfoot!

Laundry Day.

The post July 26, 2020: Suji Sunday! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

That Original Dark Matter Ending – Dark Timeline Edition!

When I originally pitched Dark Matter, I had an ending in mind for the show, and for each of our main characters.  But as we rolled into production and the series started to take form, I ultimately decided to abandon it for something…different.

I had completely forgotten about that original, bittersweet ending until I recently came across the show’s pitch document.  It’s interesting to see how some of the elements I laid out nevertheless found follow through in the show’s three season run.

Since it’s no longer the conclusion to the series I intend to pursue (and since my new and improved conclusion is still in play, provided we some day get the order for that elusive miniseries) I thought it would be fun to post it here for your perusal.

***

***

***

***

***

That Original Dark Matter Ending!

This was, more or less, the original dark timeline hinted at in Episode 304, All The Time In The World.

The post That Original Dark Matter Ending – Dark Timeline Edition! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

Putting together that show bible and/or pitch!

Blog regular Shawn Parrish asks: “What is in a show bible? A treatment, the pilot script, character and world histories?”

Show bibles differ from show to show but, in general, they include – at minimum – a Series Overview, Character breakdowns, and Episode Summaries.  This is in the case of an existing series.  I recall that when I joined the writing staff of Stargate: SG-1 for its fourth season, I was handed a show bible that included all of the aforementioned in addition to a deep dive section on the SG-1 mythology covering everything from Abydos to zat guns.  The SG-1 bible updates were eventually discontinued when, as Brad put it, the document became bigger than the actual Bible.

If, on the other hand, you’re crafting a sales document, you’re going to want to include the aforementioned (Series Overview, Character Breakdowns, and a few Episode Summaries) as well as your First Season Arc and broad stroke plans for Season 2 and beyond.  Again, this is your base, but you could always add anything from Column C, Column C being everything I cover in a series pitch…

Start with a detailed rundown of the PILOT TEASE

Discuss the WORLD of your show

Introduce your main CHARACTERS

Offer a summary of your pilot, including that awesome end-of-episode beat that will hook your viewers and compel them to keep watching.

Present your game plan for season one including all major story and character arcs and that awesome end-of-season beat that will compel your viewers to tune in next season.

Offer a summary of your plans for season 2 and beyond.

Discuss the show’s tone and themes, what makes this series unique and spectacular, and why you should be the person to bring it home.

Visual aids can also help.  In the case of Dark Matter, I didn’t use any visuals in my pitch, but I did incorporate them into the show bible, using images from the original comic book.

I’m sure you’ll notice that, between pitch and production, a lot can change, usually for the better.

The original Dark Matter pitch bible also included a section titled “The End” which laid out the conclusion of each character arc and the series as a whole.  It’s something I wound up abandoning as the show progressed in favor of another planned ending.  Still, it’s interesting to look back and consider what could have been.

Remind me tomorrow and I’ll post the fate of the Raza crew as presented in that original show bible.

 

The post Putting together that show bible and/or pitch! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

July 23, 2020: An Atlantis-themed blog post!

atlantis-screen-saver-mp4

Today’s hot top question on twitter was: What where your Top 3 favorite Stargate: Atlantis episodes?

A few video files from the archives…

So, where are we headed?

Wraith hive ship display.

Puddle Jumper display.

Guess the episode!

Keeping tabs on the place.

The post July 23, 2020: An Atlantis-themed blog post! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.