Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 316

March 15, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 69 of 91!

The people have spoken and we have a brand new episode title.  Aint democracy wonderful?  Your winner…

[image error]

“Episode 33: Wish I Could Believe You”

Thanks to everyone who made Operation Name-Another-Episode a great success. But special thanks goes to YOU.  Yes, YOU!

[image error]

Today was Bring Your Daughter To Work (And Leave Her With Key Hair Expert Renee Chan While You Go Watch Blocking) Day!  Suji was a hit on set.  Thanks to Renee for dog-sitting her while I was taking in the action in the core room.

[image error]

Speaking of which – here is director Melanie Orr’s – uh – blueprint for today’s first blocking.  Note the details including camera placement and pod.

[image error]

Director Melanie Orr all smiles with Director of Photography Craig Wright and 1st Assistant Director Josh Gray.  The calm before the storm.

[image error]

One big-ass charger.

[image error]

Just sitting in the underbelly gathering dust.

Or are they…?

[image error]

Bubba appreciates the well-wishes and wants you to know he’s hanging in there.

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 14, 2017: Choose a new Dark Matter episode title!

Another week means another opportunity to make a contribution to television history.  I mean, what other show gives you the opportunity to help choose episode titles?

Today, it’s Episode 307 on deck.  And your episode title choices are:

Take Our Poll

While Co-Executive Producer Ivon Bartok and the crew were burning the midnight (well, 9 p.m.) oil on set, I was back home watching director Paul Day’s cut of Episode 307 (script compliments of Ivon Bartok).  This one is a real head spinner. Akemi actually jumped up off the couch in disbelief several times during the first screening.  Then, I went through it for notes.  Meticulous notes.  Started at 6:00 and finished at 9:30.

Tomorrow, it’s the Episode 311 cast read-thru – which means we’re a day away from the Episode 311 production meeting – which means we’re only two days away from the start of production on Episode 311 AND the start of prep on Episode 312. 312!  After reading the script, Paul said the same thing he said after reading last season’s penultimate episode (featuring that bloody family reunion at the Ishida Palace): “How are we going to top this one?”.  Oh, don’t you worry.  We will.

[image error]

What’s this?  What does it do?  Who possesses one in the Dark Matter universe? What fictional universe also makes use of one (or variation thereof)?  What fictional universe will be making use of one (or variation thereof)?

Hey, it’s been ages since I’ve done a mailbag.  If you have any questions for me, Dark Matter-related or not, fire away.  I’m feeling refreshingly honest this week!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 13, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 67 of 91!

Guys!  Help me approve a few visual effect shots for Dark Matter’s upcoming third season…

[image error]

Needle in a cosmic haystack.

[image error]

Intruder alert.

[image error]

We’ve got company.

Alas, only low-rez screen shots but they’re just a taste of what’s in store for Dark Matter fans this summer.

VFX Supervising Producer Lawren Bancroft-Wilson has got some awesome eye candy in store.  And just wait until  we get to the season finale.  It’s gonna be sheer madness!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 12, 2017: Things I’ve enjoyed of late!

Today, the whole family headed over to Off Leash Studio where photographer Kevin Sarasom spent the better part of an hour snapping singles and group shots of our muttly crew.  Lulu and Suji were naturals, sitting pretty, preening, and occasionally mugging for the camera while Bubba required a little more work to bring out his natural derpishness.  But we got there.  Eventually.

Kevin was terrific with the the gang, directing them with care, confidence – and treats.  The dogs loved him.  And it seemed the feeling was mutual.  By session’s end, as I was packing up, I glanced over and noticed he’d abandoned his camera to better shower  Lulu with belly rubs.

I’ve been on a reading tear of late, blazing through 28 books to date in 2017.  At this pace, I should easily surpass by annual 100 title goal and maybe even challenge my 2014 reading record of 180+ books.  Or not.  Some of my favorite reads so far this year include Revenger, an epic space adventure from Alastair Reynolds, Tade Thompson’s fiercely original SF thriller Rosewater, Matthew De Abaitua’s AI conspiracy The Destructives, the first book of Brian McClennan’s Powder Mage series Promise of Blood, Emily Fridlund’s mesmerizing coming-of-age novel History of Wolves, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, Yuval Noah Harari’s non-fiction treatise on the intersection and potential merging evolutions of humanity and technology, and The Core of the Sun, Finnish author Johanna Sinisalo’s utterly delightful scifi tale of a capsaicin addict’s descent into the dark world of black market hot peppers.

Many of these books were released in 2016 and yet I’ve heard no mention of them as award season approaches which is altogether baffling (or, to be somewhat indelicate, kinda bullshit).

This weekend, I made it a point to try out a new restaurant – and was richly rewarded with Bar Raval serving Spanish Tapas on College Street.  A few of the culinary highlights of our back-to-back visits: [image error]The kitchen bread: red peppers and anchovies.

[image error]

Crispy cheese, serrano ham, and caramelized onion pastry.

[image error]The house-canned scallops conserva served in a garlic tomato oil with a side of chips.

[image error]

Bacon, chorizon, red pepper and quail egg atop grilled bread.

[image error]

The Basque cheesecake – Akemi’s favorite.

[image error]

Their version of a chocolate-hazelnut donut.

Hey Jeff and Barb, maybe the next time you’re in town?

Back at it tomorrow!  Main unit Episodes 309 and 310.  Second unit episodes 308, 309, 310, and 313.  Prep meetings for Episode 311.  And possible Pink pages for Episode 311?!

Don’t push it.

Tagged: #BarRaval, Bar Raval

March 11, 2017: The Bubba Update

[image error]

Sadly, it isn’t good news for our boy.  A follow-up with our oncologist revealed that the tumors in his lungs have grown since our last visit one month ago.  As a result, she suggested we discontinue the Palladia treatment and focus on making the most of the time he has left.

[image error]

We’ll continue administering the Prednisone which will, hopefully, make him more comfortable.  Otherwise, we’ll be going homeopathic – mushrooms, Chinese herbs, turmeric, and goat’s milk – in the longshot hope that something may help.

[image error]

We’ll also continue with his acupuncture sessions – although I’m dubious about their efficacy.  I didn’t really notice a change in him after the first two appointments but am willing to demonstrate a little patience, only because we DID see some surprising results with Jelly years ago.

[image error]

Some days he’s down – sleeping mostly, eating reluctantly, disinterested in engaging.  Other days, it’s almost as if he’s back to his old self again – eating voraciously,  barking loudly to convey his displeasure with the pace of the meal preparation or our impertinence in actually going out without him.

[image error]

He’s still up for his walks and is always excited to go out, but he has slowed own considerably.  It’s hard to believe that, less than six months ago, neighbors and passersby were commenting on how spry and puppy-like he seemed for a senior. Now, it’s a slow stroll to park and back.  It’s particularly heartbreaking for Akemi who has been his constant companion and champion these many years.  She has taken to wearing sunglasses on their daily outings in the event she starts feeling emotional.

[image error]

They’ve really been inseparable these past seven years and have formed a special bond.   Now, as he grows needier, it isn’t uncommon for him to climb upstairs (a Herculean feat for his old bones) to look for her or wander about anxiously when she’s not home.

[image error]

Tomorrow, at Akemi’s request, we’ll be attending our own gallery shoot at a local photo studio.

I guarantee I won’t be the only one dressed up for the occasion.

Tagged: pugs, senior pugs

March 10, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 66 of 91!

[image error]

We have a brand new episode title!

Last night, before turning in for the night, approximately 300 votes had been cast and “I’ve Already Killed You Once” was running away with it.  When I woke up this morning, the tables had turned.  A new contender had taken the lead.  With a little under 8oo total votes cast, your winner…

[image error]

“Episode 32: One More Card To Play”

[image error]

Director John Stead shoots one of Dark Matter’s most epic throwdowns, coming your way in season 3.

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 9, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 65 of 91!

[image error]

Ah, there we go.  A totally natural candid shot of Director Melanie Orr in action.  Pictured above: discussing shots with Director of Photography Craig Wright.

[image error]

On the Raza mess triptych: the ladies.[image error]

And the guys.

[image error]

Keep that fan mail coming!

Hey, as promised, it’s time to vote for a new Dark Matter episode title.  YOU get a say so that I don’t have to wrack my brain to come up with one.

The Episode 306 contenders are…

Take Our Poll

Polls close in 24 hours.  Cast your ballot and then tell your friends!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 8, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 64 of 91!

[image error]

Happy Birthday to my friend and Dark Matter Co-Executive Producer Ivon Bartok who celebrates today in the best way possible!  On location.

In Hamilton.

Outdoors with a bunch of extras.

Most of them kids.

[image error]

Also Happy Birthday to 1st Assistant Director Chris Binney.

[image error]

Who celebrated by presiding over the Episode 311 concept meeting.

[image error]

ALSO Happy Birthday to our locations manager, Zachary Beckwith!

[image error]

Who celebrated by sitting in on the Episode 311 concept meeting.

[image error]

AND – not so fast! – ALSO Happy International Women’s Day!

Also, Happy Registered Dietitian Day!  If you’re celebrating, swing by the kitchen and pick yourself up an apple!

Day #1 of Melanie Orr’s Dark Matter directorial debut.  She’s off to a roaring start and, while I did take some set pics, they’re all spoilery so, instead, I’ll just post this shot of Mel taken in the transport van on our way to yesterday’s read-thru (and from Burger’s Priest).

[image error]

Speaking of Burger’s Priest, former Stargate writer/Executive Producer Carl Binder was in town last week working on a  super secret project.  Pictured below…

[image error]

Sampling The Vatican, a double cheeseburger sandwiched between two grilled cheese buns!  Has he no shame?!!

Speaking of shameless…

[image error]

Yo, Four-Eyes!

Tomorrow, we name another episode!

No, really!  I mean it!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 7, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 63 of 91!

[image error]

This Saturday is the BIG Dark Matter gallery shoot day!  The entire day will be dedicated to taking awesome photos of our awesome cast on our awesome sets to help market the show’s awesome third season!

[image error]

Also, as in previous years, photos will be taken for the official series poster that will be talked about at great length but never followed through on.

[image error]

Kudos to last year’s photographer, Norman Wong, who snapped the photos that adorn today’s blog entry.  Beautiful, very dynamic work.

[image error]

This year, it’ll be a different photographer, but I have no doubt the shoot will be equally amazing because Executive Producer Jay Firestone will be on hand this time, overseeing the action, calling the shots, and directing the day.

[image error]

Jay has a great eye for character and onscreen relationships.  Combine that with some of the terrific ideas he has in mind, and I think this gallery shoot is going to surpass even my already lofty expectations.

[image error]

Of course, while Jay and the gang are establishing the look of the Dark Matter Season 3 marketing campaign, I will be at home, working on this season’s final scripts.  The finish line is in sight!

[image error]

Even though my longtime producing partner, Paul Mullie, will assume scripting duties on the finale, I was up late last night writing the outline.  A tease, five acts, and a Tag.  Done!  There are a few bugs to work out, but that’s what Script Coordinator Alison Hepburn is for.  Ideas, fixes, and timely script changes!  And once that’s done, it’ll be smoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooth sailing!

[image error]

Today at the read-thru for 310, actor Anthony Lemke (THREE) said he thought the episode was going to be a fan favorite given all of its various narrative threads and payoffs.  And, in the back of my mind, all I was thinking was: “Wait until you read 312!”

[image error]

Speaking of threads  and payoffs (and, possibly paybacks!) – THIS GUY!  Formerly FOUR, presently Emperor Ishida Ryo of Zairon.  What’s his deal?  And how can he possibly come back from the explosive events of last year’s finale, “But First We Save The Galaxy”?  Good questions.  Well, I can assure you there’ll be a reunion. But I can’t promise you it’ll be a happy – or bloodless – one!

Two units running tomorrow.  I’ll be in The Raza’s infirmary with director Melanie Orr, checking in on our “passengers” and taking a walk down memory lane with the Android while Co-Executive Producer Ivon Bartok will be on location, in Hamilton, with director Paul Day for another crew member’s foray into the past.

Meanwhile, director Steve DiMarco starts prep on an episode that will see our anti-villains discover the horrifying truth behind a long-standing mystery.  One crew member will respond in shocking fashion while another will meet a surprising end (of episode?).

Can’t wait to brig it to you!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

March 6, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 62 of 91!

Whoa!  Is that right?  Day 62 of 91?  We’re over two-thirds of the way through production on Dark Matter’s third season.  To quote Akemi: “How possible?”

[image error]

On-set action from a, uh, future episode.  Teku Fonsei (Andrew Moodie) calls the shots on the Ishida Cruiser.  Photo c/o D.G. Hagey

[image error] [image error] [image error]

A few screenshots from our season 3 premiere (“Being Better Is So Much Harder”) c/0 VFX Supervisor Lawren Bancroft-Wilson.

Hey, to those of you wondering about our premiere date…join the club!  I’ve yet to hear official word but, if I were a betting man, I’d tell you to clear your June schedule.

[image error]

Another awesome concept design from the mind of Set Designer Karl Crosby. What’s (or who is) in the pod?

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter