Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 219

November 28, 2019: 8 Days to Stargate Tweetstorm!

Eight days until the tweet storm to end all tweet storms!

You ready?  Let’s do this!

Hey, head on over to youtube and subscribe to Stargate Command for a slew of Stargate-related video exclusives.  Like this Brad Wright interview in which he talks about the show’s fandom –

And if you aren’t already following Brad on twitter, you should do so now: @bradtravelers

Oh, hey, looking for the perfect holiday gift for that Stargate fan?  Well, Giant Freakin Robot has you covered:

Stargate Gifts: A Guide To Shopping For SG-1 Fans

Put me down for a half-dozen coasters.

Came across the following article yesterday:

Stargate: What Killed The Franchise And Who Will Bring It Back

And couldn’t help but weigh in –

“While Star Trek gets all the headlines, the Stargate franchise has a history of success which for a time, seemed ready to rival Gene Roddenberry’s vision of the future. Until it didn’t and after nearly twenty-years and millions of fans, the entire Stargate galaxy collapsed.”

Collapsed?  Really?  There was a 12 year span between the end of Enterprise and the premiere of Discovery – compared to the less than 9 years since Stargate: Universe last aired.  Yes, it’s been a while since we’ve seen new Stargate, but I don’t think any level-headed critic was sounding Star Trek’s death knell back in 2005.  Guys, why so negative?

“And then it all started to fall apart. Times were changing. The serialized format which made Stargate SG-1 a hit in the 90s was over and the golden age of television was in full swing. Linear storytelling with complex plots and heavy character development was the norm and Stargate hadn’t really changed with it.”

A couple of things.  The term “serialized” commonly refers to the type of extended narrative storytelling being called “linear” here.  Stargate’s SG-1 and Atlantis were episodic in nature while SGU was more serialized.   Also, to proclaim that the episodic format “was over” is debatable since episodic television still continues to enjoy much success, especially internationally.  Finally, to suggest that Atlantis should have undergone some sort of tonal and structural approach is a reach.  Would a sudden shift to a serialized format have secured Atlantis an increased viewership?  There’s no way to know for sure but common sense would dictate that a serialized format would make it MORE difficult for new fans to jump onboard a series midstream.

“Then came two more series and before you knew it, Stargate fatigue set in. This was evidenced by the numbers and shelf-life. The popular SG-1 had ten strong seasons. Stargate Atlantis was only able to scratch out five while Stargate Universe could only manage two.”

Okay, the “Stargate Atlantis was only able to scratch out five” line made me laugh out loud.   That’s some long-term scratching.  While, yes, I think Atlantis could (should have) continued, five years is still a pretty solid run.  As for Universe – yes, disappointing it only got two seasons, but I think that pinning “the numbers and shelf-life” (not sure what, exactly, the latter refers to) on “fatigue” is as about as viable a theory as pointing the finger at the shift away from the traditional viewing model, the rise of streaming and time-shifted viewing, the increasingly expanded programming landscape and, of course, as already referenced, the shift to a more serialized narrative structure that was atypical of the franchise.

“While SG-1 took viewers to different parts of the universe, Stargate Atlantis kept them in one place.”

Actually, the two shows were very similar in terms of premise.  While SG-1 explored the Milky Way from its base of operations at Cheyenne Mountain, the Atlantis expedition explored the Pegasus Galaxy from its base of operations on Atlantis.  Sure, there was a little more time spent exploring the city itself, but it wasn’t a huge shift in the storytelling conceit.  Also, said small shift strayed ever so slightly into the serialized-style narrative that the article earlier stated Atlantis had failed to adapt itself to in time.

“In SG-1’s case, longevity could have been its undoing. Richard Dean Anderson was a regular on the series for the first eight seasons and by seasons nine and ten he was a guest star.”

In fact, Rick was actually curtailing his appearances as far back as season 7.  But even if you use SG-1’s eighth season as a drop off point, Stargate continued on for another six years, seven seasons, and 140 episodes.  Not exactly a last gasp.

“That tweet storm Mallozi mentioned is being organized by he and Wright, who hope to have fans deluging MGM with messages on December 6, 2019.”

While I’m sure Brad is aware of our efforts, he isn’t a part of this campaign. In fact, this upcoming tweet storm is being organized by yours truly, the High Council, Stargate Now, and many other fans.  Still, we should absolutely tag Brad (@bradtravelers) on the night of the tweet storm and show him just how strong Stargate fandom remains after all these years.

“But you have to wonder: If MGM is already working on more Stargate as Mallozi claims, then why do fans need to tweet bomb them to spur them into action?”

Because “working on” (development) and “green lighting” (production) are two different things.  Over a year ago, there had been no promising news on a new in-canon Stargate series since SGU aired its last episode.  And then, months after our first tweet storm, word broke that Brad Wright was in talks with MGM.  Just a coincidence?  Maybe.  And then again, maybe not.  I’m perfectly happy to officially chalk it up to coincidence once again if, months after this next tweet storm, MGM announces production on a new in-canon Stargate series.

P.S. Two z’s in Mallozzi.

***

Man, it’s been ages since I’ve down one of these online rebuttals.  Good times. Thanks to the gang at GiantFreakinRobot for the article.  While I may disagree with certain points, I nevertheless do appreciate their taking the time.

The post November 28, 2019: 8 Days to Stargate Tweetstorm! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

November 27, 2019: Week’s Best Comic Book Covers!

These were my favorites…

Fantastic Four: Negative Zone #1 (cover art by Mico Suayan)

Scream: Curse of Carnage #1 (cover art by Stanley Lau)

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #39 (cover art by Ashley Witter)

Basketful of Heads #2 (cover art by Clayton Crain)

Batman & Robin Omnibus (cover art by Patrick Gleason, Mark Irwin)

DC Comics: The Art of Jim Lee, vol 1 (cover art by Jim Lee, Scott Williams)

Detective Comics #1016 (cover art by Kaare Andrews)

Freedom Fighters #11 (cover art by Eddy Barrows)

Martian Manhunter #10 (cover art by Joshua Middleton)

Ascender #7 (cover art by Dustin Nguyen)

So, which were YOUR favorites?

Also a reminder – 9 DAYS TO THE STARGATE: SUPERDRIVE TWEETSTORM!

 

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November 26, 2019: 10 Days to the Stargate: Superdrive Tweet Storm!

Prepare for battle!  The Stargate Superdrive is only 10 days away from storming the internet!

Word is getting out…

Stargate Producer Joseph Mallozzi Reveals Plans for “Stargate Tweet Storm” For New Series

"this applies to all sci-fi fans out there. The more the merrier. Join us Friday, December 6th at 21:00 EST, 18:00 PST and tweet your hearts out… Random participants will win assorted Stargate and Dark Matter swag from the vault… You in?" https://t.co/9MVwT6xcu2

— TeamRazaEurope (@TeamRazaEurope) November 22, 2019

Stargate Tweet Storm Date and Time Revealed by Producer Joseph Mallozzi

Stargate Superdrive: Producer Says The Franchise’s Return Is ‘Inevitable’

I’ve heard from a number of old friends who will be joining us on the night.  So keep rallying the troops!

P.S. – I’ve been going through my storage unit for cool giveaway items and came across this awesome, never worn North Face vest (size Large) that was a Stargate: Atlantis crew gift during the show’s run.  Check it out.

Everyone participating in the December 6th tweet storm will have a chance to win this and several other cool sci-fi items.

More surprises to come!

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November 25, 2019: 11 Days to Tweet Storm!

Hey, Stargate fans!  Ready for battle?

The Stargate Superdrive campaign is picking up steam as we barrel towards our scheduled tweet storm.  Friday, December 6th at 21:00 EST, 18:00 PST.  Tell you friends, family, fellow fans, acquaintances, and even strangers who may just have an interest in helping to lock down a new in-canon Stargate series.

Now I realize that the timing of this tweet storm may prove problematic for a lot of our European fans as the launch may fall anywhere from 2:00 – 3:00 a.m. depending on their home country.  There is, unfortunately, no ideal hour for worldwide fans that will also ensure optimum trending, so I’m going to suggest we do what we did last time and have two tweet storms.  Unlike the last go-round, I think that the second would be much more effective if it didn’t immediately follow days after the first but, rather, have its own build and launch. That way, Stargate fans across the globe will be able to take part over the course of the two scheduled events. Sounds good?

For now, however, let’s focus on that first tweet storm.  If you can make it, we’d greatly appreciate it.  If not, you can always use TweetDeck to schedule your tweets in advance (click on the link for details).

Like last time, we will use a dedicated hashtag for the event.  And like last time, this hashtag will only be revealed 15 minutes prior to the commencement of our tweet storm.  We’d love to reveal it in advance but experience has taught us that doing so results in people tweeting out the hashtag early – which inhibits our ability to trend.  So, we’re going to have to keep it under wraps for now.

The High Council is finishing work on a simple video tutorial that will clearly outline everything you need to know about tweeting up a storm.  Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, continuing my #SecretsOfDarkMatter series on twitter, offering informative, occasionally surprising, behind the scenes trivia about the show.  For instance, did you know…

#SecretsOfDarkMatter #DarkMatter
On location shoots where vehicle access was prohibited, the production would use a special sled to ferry actor @ranthonylemke to and from set. This was required as part of his contract. pic.twitter.com/UQVva3BNBd

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 25, 2019

And…

#SecretsOfDarkMatter #DarkMatter
The season 2 budget was so tight that the infirmary set doubled as actress @ZoiePalmer's trailer and home. Pictured below, Zoie runs lines before turning in for the night. Also pictured, actor @therogercross drops by to grab some aspirin. pic.twitter.com/VOMVTzZPOq

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 25, 2019

Also…

#SecretsOfDarkMatter #DarkMatter
It's referred to as Background Holding because that is where background extras are held until their services are required on set. They are also allowed out for meals, exercise in the yard, and occasional conjugal visit. pic.twitter.com/hvtGuNc9hN

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 25, 2019

The more you know.

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November 24, 2019: Suji Sunday!

Missing my girls this week!

Raspberry!

That post-nap face.

Lulu showing off.

Suji hits the road.

That nose!  So kissable!

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Stargate: A New Hope

So, why am I so positive about this upcoming tweet storm?  Do I actually think it will change things?  Influence the decision-makers?  Ultimately result in a new in-canon Stargate series?

In a word: Yes.  For several reasons, most of which I’ve already outlined.  But for one reason almost no one has noted.  The last tweet storm worked.  No, it didn’t immediately result in a new series, but I believe it did get the ball rolling in that direction.  And I’ll explain how shortly.  First, let me lay out my overall reasoning on this:

Since shortly after Stargate: Universe aired its final episode, I’ve been vocal and adamant in my belief that we would be getting a new series – eventually.  At the time, I had no idea what form it would take or, specifically, when it would land, but common sense dictated it WOULD happen.  Eventually.  Now I know it’s downright crazy to apply logic to the entertainment industry – and that’s true. With one exception: when it comes to the bottom line.  Studios are in the business of making money, and the Stargate franchise was one of MGM’s biggest moneymakers. There is no way they’re just going to allow it lie fallow indefinitely. There have been changes at the company, both in terms of its leadership and, by extension, production strategy.  That has no doubt delayed things – as has, I suspect, a cautious approach to a relaunch.  As I said, the Stargate franchise is one of MGM’s most lucrative properties, and they want to be absolutely sure that the series they are going to green light has as much opportunity to succeed as possible.  They need to be sure.  And THAT takes time.

I mentioned in yesterday’s blog entry that the rise of the streamers will also exert an influence as these elite players seek to build a subscriber base by offering exclusive marquee content.  One way to do that is by spending on huge productions.  Another way is to acquire established properties, ones with built-in fanbases that will drive subscriptions.  I’m talking about Amazon’s forthcoming Lord of the Rings and Wheel of Time adaptations, CBS All Access’ Star Trek revival, Disney+’s The Mandalorian, Netflix’s Lost in Space.  And I’m also talking about Stargate.  It’s an as-of-yet untapped goldmine, one with a solid fanbase clamoring for more.

Now I’m not saying a new Stargate series couldn’t land on one of the big networks or cable entities because they’re just as hungry for product, especially a proven property like Stargate, but the fact is that these new streaming services are driving a lot of this new IP-based content.  And a number of them are just getting started.  There’s Netflix and Amazon and Hulu, more recently CBS All-Access and Apple TV+ and Disney+, and upcoming, Warner Media’s HBO Max and NBCU’s Peacock.  And I’m sure we’ll see more, a growing list of potential homes. But the reality is that while the number of these potential homes may continue to grow, the number of properties with Stargate’s pedigree (17 seasons, 300+ episodes) is severely limited.  Someone is going to make a move soon, and to those that don’t: Well, you snooze, you lose.

To this point, I’ve discussed the various market forces that are dovetailing to make the production of a new Stargate series inevitable.  But there is one more piece of the puzzle, the final element that will ensure we get that new Stargate – and not just any old Stargate series, but one that is in-canon and offers a perfect entry point for new viewers while also rewarding longtime fans.  And that final element is YOU.  Now some of you may wonder “How can fans possibly have any influence on the launch of a new Stargate series?”.  My answer to that is – You already have.

Stargate: Universe was cancelled on December 16, 2010.  Its final episode aired May 9, 2011.  Years went by without any word regarding a new series.  And then, in March of 2018, Stargate fandom launched an enormous tweet storm in support of a new in-canon series.  Six months later, during an appearance at Gatecon, longtime Stargate Executive Producer and Showrunner announced that he was in talks with MGM.  “I’m very happy to be able to say that MGM has a nice renewed interest in the franchise,” Wright said to fans. “And we have started talking again.”

Hmmm.  7+ years of radio silence and then months after that massive tweet storm, suddenly, progress.  Sure, it may just be a coincidence – but I’m not a big fan of coincidences.  That’s lazy, contrived, result writing.

Now I’m not saying the massive online showing by fans was the single motivating factor, but I like to think that it was, perhaps, ONE of the factors that led them to finally see the light and realize: “Hey, Brad Wright created and oversaw seventeen years of our most successful franchise next to Bond.  We really should be talking to him about new Stargate.”.

Between the rise of the streamers, the quest for marquee content, and Brad Wright’s renewed involvement in the franchise, I think we’re nearing critical mass. And this upcoming tweet storm will help us achieve it.

Looking forward to it – and what the next six months bring!

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That Stargate Tweet Storm Has A Date!

Save the date! There’s a big Stargate tweet storm a-brewing.

Friday, December 6th at 21:00 EST, 18:00 PST (Check your local time!)

We’ll be hitting twitter HARD at the appointed time for a full hour.  The goal?  To let MGM (and all those prospective new broadcast/cable/streaming homes) know that Stargate fandom is very much alive and eager for a new series.  But not just any new series.  Stargate fandom will settle for nothing less than an in-canon series, one that offers an easy jumping on point for new viewers yet still honors seventeen years of sci-fi t.v. history.

Quite the challenge admittedly.   But former Stargates SG-1, Atlantis, and Universe co-creator, showrunner, and Executive Producer Brad Wright is up for the task.

To quote Brad in a late 2018 interview: “I don’t expect – and certainly don’t anyone expect – another television show to appear around the corner.  But Stargate is an important part of their library.”

Between then and now, I feel we’ve really turned a corner.  Several new streaming platforms have entered the game, driving the market for marquee content.  And, truly, what is more marquee than a crown jewel franchise that spawned over three hundred episodes of television?

I’ve been saying it for years now: Stargate will come back.  It’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN.

And given the developing television and streaming landscape, it’s clear that WHEN is NOW.

So we’re going to tweet.  We’re going to be respectful.  Yet we will be firm in our conviction that a new Stargate series is not only imperative but long overdue.

Now I need you all to get the word out.  If you know any Stargate fans who would be interested in a new series, let them know and get them on twitter.  The same applies for fans of Travelers and Dark Matter.  We could use your support.  Hell, this applies to all sci-fi fans out there.  The more the merrier.

Join us Friday, December 6th at 21:00 EST, 18:00 PST and tweet your hearts out.  In addition to blowing the doors off twitter…

We’ll be joined by some familiar faces.

Random participants will win assorted Stargate and Dark Matter swag from the vault.

And, if things fall right, we will all soon be rewarded with a new show.

You in?

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November 21, 2019: Midway in Montreal!

The High Council and I are in the final planning stages for the upcoming Stargate tweet storm.  We just have a few details to nail down (hopefully by tomorrow) after which we will be posting the exact date and time of the event.  We’ll have more than a few surprises in store, so stay tuned!

Well, I’m past the halfway mark of my Montreal visit and am not getting any of the work done I had planned on completing while in town.  I think lack of sleep has a lot to do with.  At night, my sister’s dogs like to cram in close – and get up and walk around at all hours of the night.  They are also up at 6:00 a.m. on the nose.  My sister suggested that, if I’m not ready to get up, I should just tell them “Go back to sleep” – which, as it turns out, works for about ten minutes before they’re up again.

They also bark at everything.  And I do mean EVERYTHING!  People, cars, other dogs, each other.  I think my blood pressure will be through the roof by the time I finish up here on Monday.

Went out with one of my oldest friends last night.  “Oldest” as in “longest friendship”  Also, “oldest” as in elderly and decrepit.  Lawrence is pictured above, picking the raspberry off our sushi.  Yes!  Raspberries on sushi!  The restaurant’s other aberrant offerings included maki with blueberries and strawberries.  I mean, why not M&M’s and gummy worms?

Apparently, he doesn’t really keep up to date on the blog and mostly ignores my tweets with the exception of my semi-regular weird food-related Yes/No posts.  So, just in case he missed it (and with the holidays right around the corner), I ask you –

Jimmy Dean sausage candy canes? Yes/No https://t.co/djB6iNlZFv

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) November 10, 2019

I’ll be honest.  I’d MUCH prefer these over peppermint.

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November 20, 2019: Week’s Best Comic Book Covers!

These were my favorites…

Captain America #16 (cover art by Alex Ross)

Captain Marvel #12 (cover art by Mark Brooks)

Spider-Man: Velocity #4 (cover art by Skan)

Strikeforce #3 (cover art by Andrea Sorrentino)

Batman #83 (cover art by Mikel Janin)

Batman #83 (cover art by Francesco Mattina)

Batman: White Knight Presents Von Freeze #1 (cover art by Sean Murphy)

The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage #1 (cover art by Denys Cowan)

Vampirella #5 (cover art by Stanley Lau)

Eternal Illustration: The Works of Ilya Kuvshinov (cover art by Ilya Kuvshinov)

So, which were your favorites?

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November 19, 2019: Dogsitting!

So, I am in Montreal for the week, dog-sitting my sister’s pack while she attends a conference down south.  Woke up early yesterday in order to catch an early flight in, accompany mom to a medical follow-up (All good!), and get the rundown of Andria’s place.  Last night, I slept in her guest room which, interestingly, doesn’t have blinds, thus ensuring I was up at the crack of dawn (somewhat earlier than I anticipated).

Today, it’s been quality time with Kona and Ralphie (and, to a lesser extent, her cat, Rapini, who prefers the solitude of the basement unless dinner is late).  Oh, and mom.

Lunch at Smoke Meat Pete (make sure to order it medium-fat!).  A tradition!

Chocolates dipped ice cream cones at Chocolats Favoris.

Making Russian tea cakes, aka Mexican wedding cookies, aka snowballs, aka sneaky cough inducers.

Whoo, I am exhausted.  Early night.  I’m turning in.  Feel free to stay up as late as you like.  Just remember to turn off all the lights when you’re done.

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