Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 314

April 3, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 82 of 91!

This is the time of the season when things are finally winding down and I can finally catch a bit of a rest.  Although there are still episodes to finish shooting, cuts to edit, visual effects to approve, and episodic music to review, the writing is done and that means my nights and weekends are (mostly) my own.  I no longer have to obsess over plotting or run dialogue in my head when I’m in the shower, driving, or lying in bed.  The script-in-progress no longer haunts me like a fevered dream. I’m free.  Free!  For maybe another week or two at which point I really have to start thinking about season 4.

As you’re all aware, I have a 5 year plan for Dark Matter and so far, so good.  In the words of the inimitable Hannibal Smith –

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And this season’s has come together quite nicely.  Congratulations to me.  Now, time to move on to my fourth 13-episode plan.

Same time last year, I made a list of the arcs I wanted to explore in season 3. They were:

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Ryo Ishida

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The Blink Drive

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The corporate war

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The independent colonies

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Dwarf Star

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The alt. Marauder crew

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In addition to a myriad of character arcs, revelations, and surprises.

Can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for you in season 3.  Awaiting the official announcement of our premiere date and, while I can’t reveal it, I can tell you it’ll be sooner than you think!

Finally, I leave you with a Suji-related post.  Me and my girl enjoying peanut butter –

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

April 3, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 83 of 91!

This is the time of the season when things are finally winding down and I can finally catch a bit of a rest.  Although there are still episodes to finish shooting, cuts to edit, visual effects to approve, and episodic music to review, the writing is done and that means my nights and weekends are (mostly) my own.  I no longer have to obsess over plotting or run dialogue in my head when I’m in the shower, driving, or lying in bed.  The script-in-progress no longer haunts me like a fevered dream. I’m free.  Free!  For maybe another week or two at which point I really have to start thinking about season 4.

As you’re all aware, I have a 5 year plan for Dark Matter and so far, so good.  In the words of the inimitable Hannibal Smith –

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And this season’s has come together quite nicely.  Congratulations to me.  Now, time to move on to my fourth 13-episode plan.

Same time last year, I made a list of the arcs I wanted to explore in season 3. They were:

[image error]

Ryo Ishida

[image error]

The Blink Drive

[image error]

The corporate war

[image error]

The independent colonies

[image error]

Dwarf Star

[image error]

The alt. Marauder crew

[image error]

In addition to a myriad of character arcs, revelations, and surprises.

Can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for you in season 3.  Awaiting the official announcement of our premiere date and, while I can’t reveal it, I can tell you it’ll be sooner than you think!

Finally, I leave you with a Suji-related post.  Me and my girl enjoying peanut butter –

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

April 2, 2017: A Walk in the Park!

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“Is that Suji?”asked the woman in the bicycle helmet.

“Why yes,”I said.  “It is!”

We’d spent the better part of the beautiful afternoon in High Park, walking the dogs along the water, taking in the sights and the cantankerous swans, and were on our way back to the car.  Lulu and Suji were tuckered out, so I had the task of pushing them – and their stroller – up the winding incline toward the lot.  We’d just reached the nice little bench area at the top of the hill when we encountered the lovely cyclist couple.

“They’re exhausted,”I explained.  And then, by way of an explanation: “They’re old.”  Ironically, they looked quite comfortable in the stroller while I was the one fighting for breath.

They’d recognized Suji from a recent pug meet-up.  Initially, I’d assumed/hoped they’d recognized her from instagram where her NewOldPugSuji account has, in a mere three months, has more than doubled by follower count.  She’s on track to break 5k by mid-month.  At this rate, I’d be foolish NOT to stunt cast in season 4.

When I retire in about seven years from now, I’m going to just live off Suji’s various endorsements and public appearances.

But today, a lot of this:

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Hey, this takes me back.  Actors Peter Kelamis, Patrick Gilmore, and Jennifer Spence behind-the-scenes on Stargate: Universe –

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April 1, 2017: Dedicated to the Dogs!

We received the retouched selects from our family photo session at Off Least Studio.  Some great shots of 11 year old Suji, 9 year old Lulu and, of course 14.5 year old Bubba taken the week before he passed away.

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This is one of my favorites.  Note Lulu actually smiling for the pic.

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Suji and her classic “What’s up?” look.

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Suji and her wheels.

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Our dignified older man.

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Lulu says “Whatever!”.

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She has a way of melting your heart.

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Suji demonstrates her earthquake-preparedness stance.

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Bubba shaking it up.

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He looks like he’s still a puppy!

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Ready to go on vacation.

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Like an old married couple.

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And a rare family pic.

Tagged: Dogs, french bulldogs, pugs, senior dogs, senior french bulldogs, senior pugs

March 31, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 81 of 91!

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Guys, guys!  Not so fast!  We’re not heading back to Vancouver for another month and a half.  I’ve still got another two and a half weeks of production, one script rewrite, four cuts, and innumerable mixes to complete before I can start packing.

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The action was fast and furious on main unit over at the Ishida Palace where the red wine and blood were flowing.  Dontcha just love family reunions?

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Security cam footage from Rigel-9 captures two of this galaxy’s most wanted.

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The subterranean meeting lair – a work in progress.

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The Ferrous Corp shipyard – designed by Henry Fong.  Moving on to the VFX stage.

Between my various Dark Matter-related duties, I’ve managed to read 40 books so far this year.  The best book I’ve read to date – and, in fact, the best book I’ve read since my 2014 discovery of The Glass Castle – is Hannah Tinti’s The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley that, at it’s heart, explores the relationship between a girl and her deeply-flawed father.  5 stars!

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Can’t recommend it enough.  Brilliant.

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Hannah Tinti, The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley

March 30, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 80 of 91!

Thanks to all who participated our episode naming poll.  We have a winner!

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Dark Matter “Episode 25: Isn’t That A Paradox?”

Well?!  Isn’t it?!!!!!

Four more chances to choose your favorite episode title to come!

While the action continued at the Ishida Palace, I was at the production offices prepping the BIG season finale.  AND making plans for season 4 (How’s that for optimism?).

A little something the Art Department is working on…

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A question from birdyincanada: “I know I just missed the last mailbox, but I would like to know who is responsible for choosing a director and why does a show choose different directors for different episodes instead of sticking with one person. They do this for movies, why not for shows?”

Answer: Production proceeds on a staggered schedule so that, while one director is shooting an episode, another is prepping.  It would be next to impossible for a single director to prep the entire 13 episode slate (it would take months!) and then direct the whole thing – and, frankly, not particularly efficient.  Using different directors also allows us to try and discover new talent, like this season’s finds: directors Craig David Wallace and Melanie Orr.

Before Bubba’s passing, we had some family photos taken with photographer Kevin Sarasom at Off Leash Studio.  He got some great shots of the kids, among them this keeper:

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Also, thanks to artist A. Jaye Williams (sillwill.com) for the amazing sketch of Bubba.

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Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 29, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 79 of 91!

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Well, looks who’s back to close out the year.  Yes, it’s director Ron Murphy, here to book-end Dark Matter’s third season with a season finale that will, well, blow your minds.

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Today, I traveled to capitol of Zairon for the big Ishida Palace dinner scene.  Who are the invited guests?  Well, you’ll have to wait until episode 312 to find out, but here’s a sneak peek at one of the table pieces compliments of Set Key Props Lisa Amaral Wright.

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And while they were eating fruits and vegetables at the Ishida Palace, Ivon, Kerrington, Elliot and I were two minutes away enjoying a decidedly different meal…

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Hey!  Who feels like choosing our next episode title?   Your choices are…

Take Our Poll

What, pray tell, could this episode be about?

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 28, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 78 of 91!

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Tune in today on the Dark Matter Facebook page for a LIVE FEED of the two Semi-Final matches at approximately 8:00pm (TBD). The two matches are between Brandon Tataryn and Norman Denver, followed by Jesse Partin and Rich Green. Check in on the Facebook page for any updates to the scheduled match times.

AND stay tuned tomorrow for the final match which will be streamed live, mid-day, time to be confirmed!

WATCH

Ever wanted to shadow a director?  Or get the real scoop on what goes on in a production meeting?  Well, wonder know more.  Here are exclusive pics of director Bruce McDonald – and friend – in action…

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I hate it when they fight.

Ishida Office Mouse Puppet design by Judith Clancy!

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Anyone remember what THIS is?

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 27, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 77 of 91!

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Dark Matter Productions!  Joe speaking.  How may I direct your call? (Photo by Alice Foster.  My new boss?)

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These new Apple power adapters are the worst ones yet!

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This afternoon, I got to spend a few hours in the editing room with the outrageously talented Nick Wong as he prepares to put the finishing touches on one of my very favorite episodes of the season.  Nick, in his rookie year on Dark Matter, came highly recommended by Blindspot Creator/Showrunner Martin Gero and he has done Marty G. (and the DM production) proud by delivering some of the tightest, most dynamic episodes in the show’s run.  Always a pleasure.

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We’re down to The Final Four!  No, not THAT Final Four.  THIS Final Four.  I’m referring to the Dark Matter Ping Pong Tournament.  If you were paying attention today, you got a chance to watch the action live when actor Anthony Lemke took on heavily favored line producer Norman Denver for the final spot in the semi-finals.  Norman, of course, one in three games, setting up a match-up against his right-hand man Brandon Tataryn (who will someday give name to the terrible disease that claimed Sarah’s life).  In the other semi-final match-up, it’ll be red hot Rich Green vs. Jesse “Iceman” Partin.  Check out some of the action:

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 27, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 78 of 91!

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Dark Matter Productions!  Joe speaking.  How may I direct your call? (Photo by Alice Foster.  My new boss?)

[image error]

These new Apple power adapters are the worst ones yet!

[image error]

This afternoon, I got to spend a few hours in the editing room with the outrageously talented Nick Wong as he prepares to put the finishing touches on one of my very favorite episodes of the season.  Nick, in his rookie year on Dark Matter, came highly recommended by Blindspot Creator/Showrunner Martin Gero and he has done Marty G. (and the DM production) proud by delivering some of the tightest, most dynamic episodes in the show’s run.  Always a pleasure.

[image error]

We’re down to The Final Four!  No, not THAT Final Four.  THIS Final Four.  I’m referring to the Dark Matter Ping Pong Tournament.  If you were paying attention today, you got a chance to watch the action live when actor Anthony Lemke took on heavily favored line producer Norman Denver for the final spot in the semi-finals.  Norman, of course, one in three games, setting up a match-up against his right-hand man Brandon Tataryn (who will someday give name to the terrible disease that claimed Sarah’s life).  In the other semi-final match-up, it’ll be red hot Rich Green vs. Jesse “Iceman” Partin.  Check out some of the action:

 

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter