Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 245

February 10, 2019: Suji Sunday!

The many faces of Suji…

Relaxed.

Intrigued.

Hungry.

Suspicious.

Hey, look over there!

Her “I’ll have a treat now, thanks” look.

When I left for Montreal the other day, she chased me down the hallway.  Pictured above,  Akemi scooping her up by the elevators.

Lounge-wear.

Guest starring Lulu – pictured here, a little drugged-out and kind of miffed after her recent visit to the vet.

February 9, 2019: The Results Are In!

I’m back home and perusing the results of Thursday’s poll(s) which asked you to weigh in on which element of my outline for my (formerly) Untitled Awesome Project would make it to first draft.

A resounding YES to alien slang!

Drad!  One of the things I loved about Farscape was the show’s replete glossary of slang terms – a grand loopy sci-fi tradition I hope to continue in this new series.  And most of you agree!

“Diner Distress” gets the edge…

I know, I know.  How can you pass judgement on a scene you know nothing about it – aside from the fact that it is presumably in a diner where one of our characters experiences some form of distress?  Well, all I can say is that every time I’ve pitched the scene, it has never failed to elicit laughter.  Akemi was saddened at the mere thought of not seeing this scene on screen  – so hopefully, the majority is right and it does make the cut.

Yes, to aliens!  Of course.

What would a great sci-fi series be without aliens?  Clearly, you’re all onboard with extra-terrestrials – but the real question being asked is whether these particular aliens in the outline will get the go-ahead.  Some resistance off the top but here’s hoping you’re right.

Saying yes to the jelly!

One scene in particular stands out as perhaps…perhaps a little too visceral in its jelliness – but it certainly sets the stakes.  I could have self-censored at the outline stage but the sequence is too great to miss out on.  At this point, it’s go big or go home!

Love for tea and the great outdoors.

Without giving too much away, this scene is tonally reminiscent of some of Dark Matter’s most memorable family scenes.  As Ivon said after reading it: “Pulls at the heart strings.”.

No faith in dance.

Say it aint so.  The majority is unconvinced by the carefully choreographed, crucial climactic dance number that caps the pilot.  But, in all fairness, I bet the same people would have voted no to a hot chocolate-sipping alien.  If it survives, I guarantee this will be the show’s most referenced – and rewatched – sequence.

Answers this week!

On several fronts!

 

February 8, 2019: Birthday Surprise!

Since I’m now only one hour from my hometown of Montreal (maybe 2 hours door to door), I decided to hop on a flight and surprise mom for her 85th birthday.

Yes, the plan was to go for smoked meat but our go-to spot, Smoke Meat Pete, was mysteriously closed so we had to settle for sushi instead.  Or what passes for sushi in Montreal.  Then, after a relaxing afternoon, it was time for dinner – and another surprise compliments of her two dozen co-workers (Yes, at 85, mom still goes in to work three days a week!):

Check out some of the family photos…

Mom can’t help but point out that my attitude towards taking photos hasn’t changed much over the years.

Subtext = Santa: I’m a serial killer.  Me: Santa’s a serial killer.

Mom during her Hip hop phase.

Taken the last time I was in town.

Tomorrow, it’s back home to Toronto where responsibilities await!

Annnnnnnd scene! And outline.

Well, I just delivered the outline for my (previously) Untitled Awesome Project.  At a robust 24 pages (roughly double my usual outline page count), it’s chalk full o’ story details, fun character beats, twists, turns, surprises, and a sprinkling of gags.  Either they’ll love it or – they’ll have me committed immediately after they finish reading it.

OR it’s very possible that they’ll have a few bumps.  Hopefully not – or not too many – but I have to admit that certain elements in this script fall under the categories of ambitious, provocative, or downright insane.

So, as I await feedback, why don’t we all try to predict what the response will be to some of the pilot’s more “out there” aspects.

What will survive to see first draft?

Take Our Poll



Take Our Poll



Take Our Poll



Take Our Poll



Take Our Poll



Take Our Poll

Answers next week!

Hopefully.

February 6, 2019: Week’s Best Comic Book Covers!

These were my favorites…

Archie 1941 #5 (cover art by Peter Krause)

Asgardians of the Galaxy #6 (cover art by Jamal Campbell)

Conan the Barbarian #3 (cover art by Esad Ribic)

Conquest vol. 1: Icelandia (cover art by Živorad Radivojević)

Die #3 (cover art by Jen Bartel, ChristianWard)

Immortal Hulk #13 (cover art by Alex Ross)

Infinity Gauntlet: Deluxe Edition (cover art by George Perez)

Vortex: Collected Edition (cover art by Tim Bradstreet)

Old Man Quill #1 (cover art by John Tyler Christopher)

Robotech #17 (cover art by Jeff Spokes)

Tony Stark: Iron Man #8 (cover art by Alexander Lozano)

Wasted Space #6 (cover art by Hayden Sherman)

X-23 #9 (cover art by Ashley Witter)

Whew!

Which were your faves?

February 5, 2019: The Projects Update!

Well, how delightful.  A new project has landed on my plate, this one an original comic book series I pitched a little while ago.  It’s a far-future space opera in a similar vein to Dark Matter – a tech-fueled, character-driven adventure series with an undercurrent of humor.  Today I presented by broad stroke vision for the story to my editor who had some great suggestions – a tweak in the motivation of one of the central players as well as a slight revision that will see the series-defining twist occur at the end of the first issue.  We also talked tone, themes, and artists.  We reconvene sometime next week when I’ll present him with a revised overview and rough breakdown of the first story arc.

Prep is revving up on the production I’m showrunning.  Ian Brock and the Art Department are fine-tuning those set designs while, today, we discussed the show’s varied wardrobe demands.  Discussions still ongoing on certain departments.   Casting, however, is full-go.  Meanwhile, the scripts for episodes 105 and 106 were sent out for broadcaster review this morning.  Episodes 107 and 108 are currently being revised.  Awaiting notes on that 109 outline before sending the writer to first draft.  As for Episode 110, our season one finale…I’m holding off.  Ideally, I’d like to have all the scripts more or less production ready by the time we go to camera in late March, but I do recall the Dark Matter season one finale benefiting from a little insight into the show’s onscreen chemistry – something we won’t know about until we start seeing some cuts.

I’ve set aside the first draft of my (formerly) Untitled Awesome Project pilot script (and 24 page outline) so I can come back at it with fresh eyes tomorrow.  Ivon will be sending me notes tonight.  His initial take: “wacky but really funny”.

That big BIG BIIIIIIIIG pitch is presently being revised on the heels of some requested changes by The Powers That Be.  Their input was great and, as I told my partner on this one, the new take “addresses their concerns and, more importantly, incorporates their suggestions in a way that makes for a more focused, character-complex narrative”.  If we get the green light on this one, I’ll have some major reading research ahead of me.

Finally – sadly – those Dark Matter rumblings I reported on a couple of months ago have grown silent once again.  I had a conversation with a representative of a group with very deep pockets who had expressed interest in saving the show – and, really, COULD have saved the show had he been able to reach the right people when the series was first cancelled (And by right people, I mean me. Honestly, how hard am I to find online?).  They were interested in teaming on another project that, to be honest, while not my cup of tea, I would have happily worked on as a means of  establishing the foundation for potential bigger projects (And by bigger projects, I mean a Dark Matter revival).  Of course, in this business, nothing goes according to plan.  Strategies shifted.  Now, I’m working on these projects and they’re, I suspect, heading down the slippery slope of extended development hell.  It’s a rite of passage!

February 4, 2019: From “I LOVE it!” to “Are you out of your mind?!” The uncertain world of pilot-writing.

So last night I completed a first draft of the pilot for my (formerly) Untitled Awesome Project, then today I reverse-engineered a 24 page outline (because, of course, it’s easier that way).  In looking it over, I have to admit – it’s a pretty crazy script, a lunatic sci-fi comedy with action, aliens, adventure, banter, camaraderie, humor, and an absolutely bonkers climax involving mind control, sonic attacks, and an extended choreographed dance sequence.  It’s pretty freakin’ wacky.  Perhaps TOO freakin’ wacky?  “I LOVE it!” could be as likely a response as “Are you out of your mind?!”.

Maybe.  Maybe I am.

Oh, hey, if you’re looking for my opinion on provocative online, here ya go –

   No.

Yes.

No.

So, tomorrow, it’s off to the production offices to talk visual effects, costumes – and have a conversation with that comic book company about the two series I pitched them.

And while we’re on the subject…

Nah, I’ll hold off on that one until we get some feedback on the revised pitch.  But if we land it, this one will be HUUUUUUUGE!

February 3, 2019: Suji Sunday!

She’s saved you a spot on the couch!

Sure, she may look like an angel but…

The staredown.

Frenchie martial arts champion enjoying breakfast.

Chillin’ with mom.

And a closing message from Lulu –

February 2, 2019: Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate!

Pictured above: Our haul from today’s Winter Chocolate Festival featuring dozens of bean-to-bar craft chocolate makers.

A few old favorites (like Toronto’s SOMA and Victoria’s Sirene) in addition to many new-to-me chocolatiers.  Surprising, not that much Ecuador-sourced bars which have always been my preference, but still a nice variety – and some surprising offerings.

After sampling our way through the entire room, Akemi had such a sugar high that we elected to do the one hour walk home.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to offer a little insight into what brought you to this blog and when.  Your participation here is both greatly appreciated and highly encouraged.

You’ll all be pleased to here I made some modest progress on my Untitled Awesome Project Pilot, powering through six pages to hit the halfway mark of Act 4.  I still have no idea how and if that fifth act will come together, but there’s really only one way to find out.  And that’s by writing it.

Writing is a lonely, miserable business

Oh, sure.  It’s all well and good when you first get the go-ahead, and even better when you type FADE OUT, but everything in between can be a solitary, interminably frustrating, dispiriting stretch – especially when the you hit THE WALL.  I’m not so much talking about writers’ block, that narrative impasse that is ultimately more psychological than creative, but more a point in the process when you write yourself into a corner.  You’ve been motoring along, everything has been falling into place, and then suddenly you realize…you are screwed.  Your antagonist’s motivations are murky, your protagonist isn’t proactive enough, the pieces you assumed would fall into place haven’t, and that manic climax you envisioned unfurling to I’m Blue (da ba dee) remains confoundingly elusive.

There’s no figuring it out.  Sometimes, it all comes together in mysterious fashion, like Stargate‘s Ripple Effect or Dark Matter‘s All The Time In the World, challenging scripts with complicated set-ups and pay-offs that magically came together when I sat down to write them – don’t ask me how.  Other times, like on this latest script, I’m ready to throw in the towel.  I love the characters and the scenes and the dialogue but they’re like disparate pieces of an unfathomable puzzle.  And unlike the aforementioned other scripts that, while important, were not going to make or break things for me, THIS script could be the difference between a series green light and a giant missed opportunity.

And I have a little over a week to figure it out.

I remember someone once likening art to sculpting and the fact that one isn’t creating but actually freeing what’s inside.  Somewhere in that block of granite is the perfect statue and it’s the sculptor’s job to chip away at it until they get as close as possible to perfection.  So it is, I believe, with writing.  There is an astoundingly fantastic version of this script.  I just need to find it.

And time is running out.