Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 232

July 21, 2019: Suji Sunday!

The gals – cruising in their sweet ride.

Spa day.

The noble pug in its natural habitat = the air-conditioned living room.

The post July 21, 2019: Suji Sunday! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

July 20, 2019: Thank God for Excruciatingly slow airplane internet!

Instead of streaming this entire director’s cut in one go, the intermittent drop-outs (every minute and a half or so) allow me to switch over and update my blog.

So – SDCC2019 was a success.  Sure, there were some minor hiccups.  Like the 90 minute delay in our flight in.  The one hour delay in checking into our hotel.  And the realization that we wouldn’t be able to walk the floor until the next day.  But all in all, a productive 3 days.

WEDNESDAY

We got in late and, while waiting for the TPTB to sort out the hotel booking, Akemi and I rolled our luggage over to the Cheesecake Factory for a late lunch of corn tamales, (not so) hot Nashville chicken, and some salad.  We elected not to have cheesecake then and save our dessert appetite for dinner.  MISTAKE!

After unpacking our things, we headed over to the convention center to pick up our badges and walk the floor.

Logjam
Gundam!  I really have to visit the Gundam Cafe the next time we’re in Akihabara.
Riding in style!

We got our badges – only to learn we wouldn’t be able to walk the floor until the official opening the next morning.  So we returned to our hotel, disappointed, and hung out until it was time for dinner.

We walked over to Lionfish and enjoyed a very nice seafood dinner with Torri Higginson – aka Dark Matter’s Commander Truffaut, aka Stargate: Atlantis’s Elizabeth Weir, aka countless other roles including the one for the show she’s shooting in Montreal.  Conan O’Brien was seated at the booth across the way and, while that was cool, his presence was trumped by the guy who came in with two pugs, sat down, and enjoyed his dinner at the bar.  We were, of course, thrilled and just had to say hi.  To the pugs of course.

THURSDAY

The next morning, we were up bright and early and walked around the Gaslamp Quarter, eventually meeting up with Yael Tygiel.

We grabbed tacos, then walked over the convention center where we met up with our MGM reps (Jenny and David, among others), Torri, Jewel Staite, Paul McGillion, Gary Jones, and former Stargate assistant casting director Ivy.  We ended up sharing the green room with some WWE talent including superstars Becky Lynch, Rey Mysterio Jr, and Xavier Woods.  Championship belts were on full display!

Catching up with Sam Maggs

Then, it was time for the Stargate: Atlantis 15 Year Celebration panel moderated by Yael Tygiel who kicked things off by offering up a concise and entertaining summary of Atlantis’s five-year run.  We got a special video message from David Hewlett, a special Atlantis video retrospective, and read two scenes – one from the Stargate: Extinction movie script, another a scene I wrote specifically for the panel notable not only for marking the return of Elizabeth Weir to Atlantis but offering up the closest thing we’ll probably ever get to a Stargate/Supernatural crossover.  And then there were the reminisces and anecdotes.

Good times!

These two draw a crowd wherever they go.

Once the panel was done, the actors were whisked away for an autograph session.  I, foolishly, forget to bring by headshots so, I skipped the signing and hung out with the fans.

We hit the floor with our friends (and guides) David and Tiffany.

Three hours later…

We grabbed a quick bite at Ghirardelli’s before heading over to Fluxx for the second Stargate: Atlantis event.  More scene readings.  And this time, we were joined by Ben Browder, Gigi Edgley, and Chris Hyderdahl.  We capped things off with a fan Q&A in which surprisingly few questions were asked.

That night, it was drinks and dinner and more drinks with Akemi, Jewel, Paul, and Gary.

FRIDAY

We woke up early and hit the con floor where I purchased some signed prints from various artists, then agonized over a couple of gorgeous limited Alex Ross prints (which I ended up getting).

We meet author Lou Anders for a seafood lunch, then dropped in on Jewel, Paul, and Gary at their second signing.

Dinner that night was with the amazing Gail Simone and her husband Scott. We strategized on next steps for our adaptation of Crosswind.  The plan is for Gail and I to beat out the pilot this week after which we’ll finalize the pitch before heading to L.A. for the big dog and pony show.

SATURDAY

Homeward-bound!

Thanks to Jenny and the gang at MGM.

Here’s hoping that next year we come back to celebrate the launch of a brand new fourth Stargate series!

The post July 20, 2019: Thank God for Excruciatingly slow airplane internet! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

July 20, 2019: Thank God for excruciatingly slow airplane internet!

Instead of streaming this entire director’s cut in one go, the intermittent drop-outs (every minute and a half or so) allow me to switch over and update my blog.

So – SDCC2019 was a success.  Sure, there were some minor hiccups.  Like the 90 minute delay in our flight in.  The one hour delay in checking into our hotel.  And the realization that we wouldn’t be able to walk the floor until the next day.  But all in all, a productive 3 days.

WEDNESDAY

We got in late and, while waiting for the TPTB to sort out the hotel booking, Akemi and I rolled our luggage over to the Cheesecake Factor for a late lunch of corn tamales, (not so) hot Nashville chicken, and some salad.  We elected not to have cheesecake then and save our dessert appetite for dinner.  MISTAKE!

After unpacking our things, we headed over to convention center to pick up our badges and walk the floor.

Logjam.

Gundam!  I really have to visit the Gundam Cafe the next time we’re in Akihabara.

Riding in style!

We got our badges – only to learn we wouldn’t be able to walk the floor until the official opening the next morning.  So we returned to our hotel, disappointed, and hung out until it was time for dinner.

We walked over to Lionfish and enjoyed a very nice seafood dinner with Torri Higginson – aka Dark Matter’s Commander Truffaut, aka Stargate: Atlantis’s Elizabeth Weir, aka countless other roles including the one for the show she’s shooting in Montreal.  Conan O’Brien was seated at the booth across the way and, while that was cool, his presence was trumped by the guy who came in with two pugs, sat down, and enjoyed his dinner at the bar.  We were of course thrilled and just had to say hi.  To the pugs of course.

THURSDAY

The next morning, we were up bright and early and walked around the Gaslamp Quarter, eventually meeting up with Yael Tygiel.

 

Yael and me.

 

Me with Cherry the Geek.

South Park photo ops!

We grabbed tacos, then walked over the convention center where we met up with our MGM reps (Jenny and David, among others), Torri, Jewel Staite, Paul McGillion, Gary Jones, and former Stargate assistant casting director Ivy.  We ended up sharing the green room with some WWE talent including superstars Becky Lynch, Rey Mysterio Jr, and Xavier Woods.  Championship belts were on full display!

Catching up with the amazing Sam Maggs.

Then, it was time for the Stargate: Atlantis 15 Year Celebration panel moderated by Yael Tygiel who kicked things off by offering up a concise and entertaining summary of Atlantis’s five year run.  We got a special video message from David Hewlett, a special Atlantis video retrospective, and read two scenes – one from the Stargate: Extinction movie script, another a scene I wrote specifically for the panel notable not only for marking the return of Elizabeth Weir to Atlantis but offering up the closest thing we’ll probably ever get to a Stargate/Supernatural crossover.  And then there were the reminisces and anecdotes.

Good times!

 

Love ’em!

These two draw a crowd wherever they go.

Once the panel was done, the actors were whisked away for an autograph session.  I, foolishly, forget to bring by headshots so, I skipped the signing and hung out with the fans.

We hit the floor with our friends (and guides) David and Tiffany.

Three hours later…

We grabbed a quick bite at Ghirardelli’s before heading over to Fluxx for the second Stargate: Atlantis event.  More scene readings.  And this time, we were joined by Ben Browder, Gigi Edgley, and Chris Hyderdahl.  We capped things off with a fan Q&A in which surprisingly few questions were asked.

That night, it was drinks and dinner and more drinks with Akemi, Jewel, Paul, and Gary.

FRIDAY

We woke up early and hit the con floor where I purchased some signed prints from various artists, then agonized over a couple of gorgeous limited Alex Ross prints (which I ended up getting).

We meet author Lou Anders for a seafood lunch, then dropped in on Jewel, Paul, and Gary at their second signing.

Dinner that night was with the amazing Gail Simone and her husband Scott. We strategized on next steps for our adaptation of Crosswind.  The plan is for Gail and I to beat out the pilot this week after which we’ll finalize the pitch before heading to L.A. for the big dog and pony show.

SATURDAY

Homeward-bound!

Thanks to Jenny and the gang at MGM.

Here’s hoping that next year we come back to celebrate the launch of a brand new fourth Stargate series!

July 19, 2019: The SDCC Wrap-Up!

It’s been a whirlwind three days marked by large crowds, lots of walking, plenty of meetings, way too much eatings, a few purchases, and some a couple of truly standout cosplays.  The fun debrief will have to wait but, for now, let these pictures…uh…paint a picture…

They are Groot!

Mysterio!

Sue Storm and the Silver Surfer.

Akemi and Author Lou Anders step through the stargate.

Akemi cosplayed as the Unabomber.

And picked up a little art work for our place.  The two biggest splurges were this…

Justice by Alex Ross.

And Crisis on Infinite Earths – also by Alex Ross.

Bonus points to Akemi for spotting Bouncing Boy!

July 18, 2019: San Diego Comicon!

It’s been a crazy Comicon and I have much to update you on.  But just got back from a day of meetings, two Stargate events, and a late dinner with Akemi, Jewel Staite, Paul McGillion, and Gary Jones.  For now, here is one of the scenes we read at today’s panel – a scene I wrote, not for the Stargate: Extinction movie, but as a What If? we had gotten that sixth season pick-up and certain elements had fallen into place…

INT. DERELICT ASURAN COMPOUND – CORRIDOR

Sheppard leads the team (McKay, Ronon, Teyla, and Beckett) down the darkened corridor, their flashlights offering fitful illumination to their seemingly long-abandoned – though no less eerie – surroundings. McKay consults a handheld device that emits a sustained HUM.

BECKETT: How many of these locations were on that list?

SHEPHERD: This is eight of twelve.

TEYLA: The Asurans may be long gone, buttheir technology still exists. It’s just a matter of locating their assets.

RONON: Who wants to bet we come up empty again?

Suddenly, McKay brightens at the sound of a sustained LOW WHINE emitted from his device.

MCKAY: Sustained energy signature dead ahead.

They press forward, weapons at the ready and –

INT. ASURAN COMPOUND – LAB

Enter a long-abandoned lab: unfamothable equipment, an Asuran data hub, and, tucked away at the opposite side of the room, an upright stasis chamber, its surface opaque and impenetrable.

MCKAY: Well this looks promising…and spooky.

He walks over the the data hub and it comes to life on his approach. As he surveys the data –

SHEPHERD: What’ve you got?

MCKAY: Not sure. Data related to some sort of extended experimentation… (reading)

Original test subject. Neural imprint. Duplicate construct.

SHEPHERD: Just don’t touch anything.

Suddenly, the pod lights up with a HUM.

SHEPHERD: Rodney, what did I just say?

MCKAY: It’s wasn’t me! (beat) Probably.

Sheppard, Teyla and Beckett, closest to the pod, advance as its shielding slides away and the amniotic steam releases.

ON our shocked trio.

TEYLA: How is this possible?

REVERSE TO REVEAL –

Elizabeth Weir lying in stasis.

SHEPPARD: Elizabeth?

Her eyes flicker open. It takes her a few seconds to orient herself, recognize the people standing in front of her.

WEIR: John? Teyla? Carson – how are you alive?

BECKETT: I was going to ask you the same thing.

Off their shocked expressions –

EXT. ATLANTIS – DAY

Establish.

KELLER (O.S.): So I’ve completed a full diagnostic twice over.

INT. ATLANTIS – INFIRMARY – DAY

Keller informs Sheppard, McKay, Teyla, Ronon, Beckett – and an equally astonished Elizabeth lying in an infirmary bed.

KELLER: The tests confirm it. She’s Elizabeth Weir. Flesh and blood and nanite free.

MCKAY:  But – Oberoth said she was dead.

SHEPHERD: So a human form replicator who tried to destroy Atlantis – AND a liar.

KELLER (to Elizabeth): Elizabeth, what do you remember?

WEIR: I remember buying you all time to escape, being captured and then…nothing.

(beat) How long have I been gone?

MCKAY: A while.

WEIR: Rodney. How many years?

MCKAY: Well – Supernatural is still airing new episodes.

WEIR: So I couldn’t have been gone THAT long.

The others exchange surreptitious looks. At which point Woolsey enters the room

WOOLSEY: Elizabeth. It’s good to see you.

WEIR: Thank you, Richard. And thank you for taking care of my people.

WOOLSEY: It was an honor. (beat) Now, if there’s anything I can do for you, anything you need –

WEIR: Lunch – and a new wardrobe.

WOOLSEY:  Of course.

WEIR: And I’m going to need my office back.

Beat. They all swing their looks his way.

WOOLSEY: Well – this is awkward.

And off an awkward Woolsey…

July 17, 2019: Week’s Best Comic Book Covers!

These were my favorites!

Aquaman #50 (variant cover art by Ryan Sook)

Batman #75 (variant cover art by Gabriele Dell’otto)

Blade Runner 2019 #1 (variant cover art by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau)

Blade Runner 2019 #1 (variant cover art by Syd Mead)

Captain Marvel #8 (variant cover art by In-Hyuk Lee)

Daredevil #8 (cover art by Chip Zdarsky)

Domino: Hot Shots #5 (cover art by D.B. Silva)

Hellchild: Blood Money #4 (variant cover art by Eric J)

Spider-Man: City at War #5 (cover art by Clayton Crain)

Star Wars: TIE Fighter #4 (variant cover art by Leonard Kirk)

Sword Daughter #8 (variant cover art by Ben Oliver)

Teen Titans #32 (variant cover art by Alex Garner)

The Immortal Hulk #21 (cover art by Alex Ross)

War of the Realms #4, 2nd printing (variant cover art by Arthur Adams)

Uncanny X-Men #22 (variant cover art by Jay Anacieto)

Vampirella #1 (variant cover art by Alex Ross)

So, which were your favorites?

July 16, 2019: Countdown to SDCC!

I’ve spent the last couple of days getting ready for San Diego Comicon – making plans, booking restaurants, tweaking a few scenes from the Stargate: Extinction movie we’ll be reading on Thursday, and writing a special added scene…you’ll all hear about eventually.  Our place has been cleaned, the dogs have been prepped, our dog sitter has been advised – and we’re ready to go.

A reminder –

EXCLUSIVE: For the first time ever we're bringing fans a table read from Stargate Atlantis: Extinction! @BaronDestructo @PaulyMcGillion @JewelStaite @CHeyerdahl & MORE will be on hand for the event! Space is limited! RSVP:#StargateAtlantis15#SGCatSDCC19https://t.co/L6d6viLYcq pic.twitter.com/JHDYhhhZCH

— Stargate Command (@stargatecommand) July 12, 2019

For those unable to attend – fear not!  MGM has you covered.  A video of the panel and reading will be uploaded for all to see.

It’s hard to believe that it was 15 years ago, on this very day, that Stargate: Atlantis premiered with a double episode premiere.  Here’s a little reminder of one of the show’s great early season space battles – in glorious pre-viz animation!

Looking forward to catching up with Jewel, Paul, Gary, Ben..and that as of yet unannounced Atlantis veteran.

 

July 15, 2019: Reacquaint yourselves with the crew of the Raza!

Came across these delightful Dark Matter special features.

Get reacquainted with the crew of the Raza!

ONE…

TWO…

THREE…

FOUR…

FIVE…

SIX…

Android…

 

July 14, 2019: Suji Sunday!

Suji modeling her new outfit compliments of the amazing Mickeey Nguyen.

Undercover Totoro.

Pawsitively ecstatic!

Cheeky!

Pile on!

SOMEBODY has a crush on Chris Hemsworth…

Supervising the window cleaning…

And let’s not forgot Lulu!

July 13, 2019: Four days to Comicon!

Hey, you know who’s excited for San Diego Comicon?  I mean REALLY excited?

Akemi.  For true.  I mean, I figured she’d be looking forward to going, but SDCC is all she’s been talking about the last few days.  According to her, she’s excited because this will be her first trip away in ages – actually, since the last time we did San Diego Comicon for Dark Matter‘s first season.  I pointed out that we have traveled to Japan in the interim but, so far as she’s concerned, Japan and Montreal are nothing special.  San Diego on the other hand…

She loves the restaurants, the cosplay, and absolutely fangirls Yael Tygiel who will be hosting this year’s Atlantis panel.  She is counting down the days.

Hey, speaking of Atlantis…

Atlantis “Rising I and II” as retold through VFX animation – and the occasional Lego.

Wraith darts guarding the space gate!

Uh oh!

Here comes trouble.

On my tail.

Jumper fires.

Drones enroute.

Dart takes a hit.

Back on my tail!

And finally…

The best bowl of ramen in existence: the Jinya Tonkotsu Black with butter topping from Jinya Ramen Bar.  Thanks to Alex Mallari Jr. for the introduction.