Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 206

February 28, 2020: Let’s Make A Deal!

A few other production opportunities have recently arisen, some of which would take me away from Toronto.  Akemi and Suji would, obviously, come with, but I’m not so sure I want to leave Hog Town.  Maybe if this was twenty years ago and I really needed that next gig, but I now have the luxury of waiting things out.  Then again, I shouldn’t thoroughly dismissed these nascent possibilities.  Back when I was living in Vancouver, the thought of shooting a show in Toronto did not appeal – but I went ahead and did three season of Dark Matter.  Much earlier in my life, the prospect of leaving Montreal to travel to the other side of the country for work seemed the last thing I wanted to do – yet, in the end, I packed my bags, moved to Vancouver, and did 12 years of Stargate.

I suppose part of my reticence stems from my desire to see three of the big projects I have in play (see last entry) go to camera.  By committing to another production, I’ll be taking myself out of contention should any of those projects get a green light.  On the other, it’s the classic –

Do I take Door #1 or wait and try my luck with Door’s #2 or #3?

Akemi Presents…”Lunch” (Created and Produced by Akemi Aota, Eaten by Joseph Mallozzi)

More #AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Before she landed on #AgentsOfShield – and after her memorable run on #ER – actress @MingNa played the part of Camile Wray on #StargateUniverse.
Immensely talented, she's also possessed of an incredibly kind and positive spirit. pic.twitter.com/V67xRUBkbg

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) February 17, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Accomplished singer, actress, and Face Timer, Melissa O'Neil (@Mel13Oneil) lit up #DarkMatter with her performance as our kickass commander, TWO. Smart, sweet, and super successful, she's currently tearing it up on #TheRookie. pic.twitter.com/6UE5vUjeny

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) February 18, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Actor/Writer/Producer Miklos Perlus played the villainous Victor Kane to perfection in #StudentBodies. However, unlike most actors who play bad guys, Mik is surprisingly un-nefarious, down-to-earth and good-natured. pic.twitter.com/i8s9ohK5je

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) February 19, 2020

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February 27, 2020: Recommended Comic Book Reads!

I’ve had a lifelong love affair with comic books, one that has waxed and waned and waxed again over the years as I invariably pick up, then lose, then pick up interest once again.  Everyone once in a while, I’ll make a concerted effort to get back into reading by picking up almost every title that looks even remotely interesting, then drop them as I lose interest. As time goes on, this becomes increasingly more difficult what with the proliferation of publishers, books, and those annoying crossovers.

So, over the past couple of days, I checked out a veritable mountain of new releases – strictly new issues of ongoing series.  THESE were my Top 5 Reads…

Jessica Jones: Blind Spot #4 (of 6)

Written by Kelly Thompson / Art by Mattia de lulis

I loved Michael Bendis’ Jessica Jones, so, to be honest, I was a little leery going in, worried that a new writer would not do justice to the character Bendis made so very compelling.  And yet, to my delight, writer Kelly Thompson doesn’t miss a beat, effortlessly capturing that original tone, those original voices, and making the character her own in this outstanding limited series.

Punisher: Soviet #4 (of 6)

Written by Garth Ennis

Art by Jacen Burrows

I’ve often found the gratuitous, comical violence in Ennis’s work will occasionally undermine the drama of his narrative, but this issue finds him at his constrained best.  There’s humor here, but it comes from the characters and the dialogue rather than the over-the-top bloodshed.  Don’t get me wrong.  There’s still plenty of graphic brutality here, but it’s in service to a top-notch, suspenseful story.

The Amazing Spider-Man #40

Written by Nick Spencer

Art by Ivan Coello

I’ve been a big fan of Nick Spencer’s since Superior Foes of Spider-Man and The Fix.  He is the perfect fit for the quippy web-slinger, delivering a fun, funny, and fast-paced tale involving colorful villains, games of chance, and the perils of social media.

X-Men #7

Written by Jonathan Hickman

Art by Leinil Francis Yu

I have clearly been out of X-loop way too long and have A LOT to catch up on. Despite that seemingly herculean task, this issue offers a surprisingly good jumping on point as we are introduced to the Crucible, a shocking ritual that seemingly seeks to undo the harm caused by Scarlet Witch’s devastating actions in House of M.  This one was a jaw-dropper.

Black Terror #5

Written by Max Bemis

Art by Ruain Coleman

Hats off to writer Max Bemis for so thoroughly sucking me into a story about a character I knew absolutely nothing about – five issues in!  Great book all around but it’s the dialogue that really makes it stand out.  Going to have to pick up the first four issues now.

In addition to the above, the following titles captured my interest and warrant further investigation:

Avengers #31
Ravencroft #2 (of 5)
Star #2 (of 5)
Amazing Spider-Man The Daily Bugle #2 (of 4)
New Mutants
The Kill Lock #3
Batman: Curse of the White Knight #7

Avengers of the Wastelands #2 (of 5)
Falcon & the Winter Soldier #1 (of 5)

Detective Comics #1020
Far Sector #4
X-Force #8
Suicide Squad #3
Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen #3
Death and Glory #9
Killadelphia #4
Invisible Kingdom #10

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February 26, 2020: Week’s Best Comic Book Covers!

These were my favorites…

Avengers of the Wasteland #2 (cover art by Juan Jose Ryp)

Black Terror #5 (cover art by Rahzzah)

Detective Comics #1020 (cover art by Lee Bermejo)

Fantastic Four: Grimm Noir #1 (cover art by Ron Garney)

Leviathan: Dawn #1 (cover art by Alex Maleev)

Monster Planet #4 (cover art by Ron Leary)

Monstress #26 (cover art by Sana Takeda)

Suicide Squad #3 (cover art by Mico Suayan)

So, which were your favorites?

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February 25, 2020: Pandemic? Yes/No

For the past month or so, I’ve been keeping abreast of this potentially burgeoning pandemic by checking out daily updates on the breaking news.  My source of information is NOT –

The WHO – which has appeared shockingly inept throughout the virus’s progression.

The CDC – that seems more worried about scaring people than informing them.

The major media – who prefer to minimize mounting concerns by comparing the coronavirus to the seasonal flu which, in their learned estimation, is infinitely worse.

No, my sources for thorough coverage have been reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/China_Flu and https://www.reddit.com/r/Coronavirus/ ), twitter (@BNODesk and MackayIM). And the following youtube channels:

MedCram –

Dr. John Campbell –

Chris Martenson over at Peak Prosperity:

Hopefully, the relative indifference to this mounting global issue on the part of our political leaders will prove the correct approach.  But, just in case…

So you think you’re about to be in a pandemic?

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February 24, 2020: Back in the swing of things

It’s nice to be back home.  Last night, I slept in my own bed, with my own dog snuggled up against me.  And, today, I was back in the swing of things, taking a few meetings and, most importantly, completing a first draft of my second TimEscape script.  The more I write for these characters, the more determined I am to see this show made – for my sake (because I love writing this show) and for yours as well (because you’re going to LOVE it).  I’ll get some notes, do a pass, then send to my partners at EOne, go through a round of their notes, and then send on to the network.  I’m hoping to hear word on a green light by top of April at the latest – which, honestly, feels a long ways off.

In the meantime, also awaiting word on another amazing mega secret project.  This one is in play but, as always, who knows if and when things will fall into place.  It’s really a no-brainer – but, sometimes, there’s no figuring the decision-makers.

And then there’s that other SUPER project that has been held up for going on six months now.  This one would be a blast as well.

And, of course, the other projects and prospects.

The one thing that gives me pause as these various possibilities coalesce is the likelihood that committing to one will pretty much shut the door on the others.  But, of course, that’s a classy problem to have.  In a perfect world, with a perfect schedule, I could do all three.  But I am not a patient person.  For the sake of my immediate sanity, I’ll settle for one.  NOW.

More #AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Michael Klinghoffer and Judy Spencer were two of the co-creators of #StudentBodies, my very first live-action series. They were welcoming, collaborative and, above all else, just a hell of a lot of fun to work with. pic.twitter.com/7rTM2136Rn

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) February 14, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
My former writing partner, Paul Mullie, has always had a great ear for dialogue, and a great head for logic. If your story could survive a writers' room with Paul in attendance, then you knew it was bulletproof. pic.twitter.com/ATufCkSipC

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) February 15, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Alex Levine started as a script coordinator on #Stargate and is now one of Canada's premiere t.v. writers with credits on #OrphanBlack, #XCompany, and #Flashpoint. With a great head for story and character, he's a huge asset in the writer's room. pic.twitter.com/JUHDCQdc6F

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) February 16, 2020

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February 23, 2020: Suji Sunday!

I’m back home for Suji Sunday!

Hey.

Sitting back and relaxing…

Tongue out Tuesday…on Sunday.

Stop and smell the flowers.

Snuggling with dad’s sweater while he’s away.

And, FINALLY…

Reunited.

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Utopia Falls – Behind the Scenes

A few behind the scene photos from the Utopia Falls production…

First official meeting of The Utopia Falls Whiskey Club.

Series Creator/Director R.T. Thorne surveys his sets-in-progress.

First scene!

The Tribunal readies for action.

The ladies of Hair & Make-Up: Sherylann, Julia, Joanne, and Alex.

The Tribunal – relaxed mode.

R.T. Thorne calling the shots.

Sean Baek, aka Tribunal Ryden

Jeff Teravainen (aka Tribunal Gerald) and Supervising Producer Ivon Bartok.

Sean Cullen – Voice of New Babyl, National Treasure, and HUUUUGE sci-fi fan.  You may recognize him from a little Dark Matter episode called “Isn’t That A Paradox?”

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February 21, 2020: Montreal Day…?

I woke up early this morning, completed the third act of my TimEscape script, then picked up mom and her neighbors and drove to Smoke Meat Pete for a meal I’d been looking forward to all week.  And a meal that was simply not destined to happen.  Sadly, the place is closed – FOR SIX WEEKS!  So instead, we ended up at an Italian restaurant my mother recommended where she had a very tough steak and I ate a pizza akin to a dorm student’s culinary output.  A sad substitute for smoked meat.

Saw a skunk meandering across my sister’s backyard the other night.  When I mentioned it to my mother, she responded: “Yes, they live under porch.”  They what?!  I followed up with my sister who strongly urged me to rattle the screen door and make as much noise as possible before the letting the dogs out.  Good to know.

What day is it?  How long have I been gone?  Is the war over?  I have no idea.

More of the #AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
First Assistant Director on #Stargates #SG1, #Atlantis, #Continuum, and #Universe, the good-natured Alex Pappas always ran a tight set. And his hair was ALWAYS on point! pic.twitter.com/5N3sTYg9aE

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) February 11, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
A talented editor can make a good show great, single-handedly fix everything from continuity to performance issues, and magically save episodes.
Emmy Award-winning Wendy Hallam Martin (@wendyleehallam) is one of the very best.#DarkMatter pic.twitter.com/GwojqrTFXB

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) February 12, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Ever the calm in the eye of the production storm, Set Decorator Andy Loew is the guy you can count on to ensure the set looks exactly like you need it to WHEN you need it. #DarkMatter #UtopiaFalls pic.twitter.com/n3Zvg8ErhJ

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) February 13, 2020

 

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February 20, 2020: Montreal Day #8!

It’s been a whirlwind couple of days here in Montreal.  Yesterday, I took my mother to the hospital to have her cast removed cast removed and fitted for a wrist brace.  Today, I accompanied her to get her pants hemmed.  Tomorrow, we’ll be going to pick up said pants.  Crazy, no?

Yesterday’s lunch was (my favorite!) chicken fettine and green beans.  Today, it was smelts (Apparently my father’s favorite) and dumplings.  Tomorrow, we head out to Smoke Meat Pete where I will enjoy The Pete Special, medium-fat of course.

Work continues on the second TimEscape script.  Hoping we receive that elusive series green light in early April.

Booked my flight and I’m finally heading home on Sunday (as I have stuff to deal with back in Toronto on Monday)!

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February 19, 2020: Week’s Best Comic Book Covers!

These were my favorites…

Captain Marvel #15 (cover art by Mark Brooks)

Wolverine #1 (cover art by Alex Ross)

DCeased: Unkillables #1 (cover art by Yasmine Putri)

DCeased: Unkillables #1 (cover art by Francesco Mattina)

The Legion of Super-Heroes #4 (cover art by Alex Garner)

The Red Mother #3 (cover art by Qistina Khalidah)

Skulldigger + Skeleton Boy #3 (cover art by Patrick Reynolds)

Mobile Suit Gundam: Thunderbolt, Vol. 13 (cover art by Yasuo Ohtagaki)

Blade Runner 2019 #6 (cover art by Syd Mead)

Fantastic Four #19 (cover art by John Tyler Christopher)

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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