Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 322

January 17, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 33 of 91!

I need episode titles for Dark Matter’s third season.  And, next to waking up early and looking for parking, there’s nothing I hate more than coming up with episode titles.  So, this is where YOU come in.  Below are three potential choices for our season 3 premiere – the episode where we find out if almost everyone died in the explosion on the EOS-7 space station.

Cast your vote.  You have 24 hours to make your voices heard.  And remember – every vote counts (you can actually see them all counted up when I post the final tally in tomorrow’s entry).

Take Our Poll

After getting home from work last night, I ate dinner, then wrote five pages of my latest script, watched auditions and made selections for Episode 306, and watched and gave notes on the Episode 301 and 304 cuts.  An early start to the day has me feeling a little…logey.  You know what I need?  Some really boozy mini rum cakes.  Well, guess what Akemi made today?

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Apparently, they were so boozy that she couldn’t eat them.  I plan on eating two of them when I get home tonight and sleeping for 12 hours straight!

Today, Akemi sent me this.  It’s a Buzzfeed video featuring rescue dogs.  And, at the 20 second mark, you’ll find our Suji eating peanut butter!

Buzzfeed contacted Akemi about using the video last month and she couldn’t have been happier.

Check it out.  Over 1 million views.  Suji is famous!  I’m going to see if I can get her for a guest spot on Dark Matter!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

January 16, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 32 of 91!

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Today was Bring Your Doggy Daughter To Work Day at Dark Matter.  For the morning anyway as I Suji had an early morning appointment with the ophthalmologist.  Alas, more health issues for our new (old) gal.  Like many pugs, she suffers from eye issues caused by corneal abrasions.  They’re recommending micro-surgery to address the problem and I am, as always, torn.  On the one hand, I want to ensure she doesn’t lose her sight but, on the other hand, I always worry about putting older pugs under anesthetic.

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photo courtesy of director Gail Harvey

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Photo courtesy of director Gail Harvey

Anyway, she came to work after her appointment, got a lot of attention, sat in on a couple of meetings, and even had some great ideas for that Ishida Cruiser fight sequence.

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It’s a fruit plate fit for a king!  Actually, an emperor!  Specifically, Emperor Ishida Ryo of Zairon.  And Akemi is the artist behind the plate.  Props Master Victoria saw her inspired doggy plates and asked her to put something together for tomorrow’s breakfast scene.  Not pictured: the vegetable trays for that heated Misaki-Teku scene!

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Sadly, my inspired creations (pictured above – beady eyes and nose compliments of Akemi) didn’t make the cut.

January 15, 2017: Sunday Dog Therapy! And the mailbag!

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Another weekend come and gone.  Between the demands of writing, plotting, chores, and bills, a little on-couch therapy with the new girl.

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Bubba, bundled up, ears tucked in, ready for the winter weather.

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Suji is one tough cookie.

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Any guest to our apartment automatically forfeits all rights to self-respect and become defacto dog beds.

Let’s hit the mailbag!

Alex writes: “How do you decide if an idea (be it for a show or an episode) is worth pursuing? Can you share one that you dropped and tell us why?”

Answer: In terms of show ideas, it’s really a personal preference.  If I find the premise fresh and exciting, or if I think it will be fun to write, then that motivates me to develop a concept.  In the case of specific episode ideas, I’m always looking for the heart at the core of the story, the character-centered revelation or moments that make it all worthwhile.  If it’s missing that, then I have a hard time mustering up much interest.

“What is it like to write in collaboration with others? How does that exactly work?”

Answer: Ah, it depends.  In the case of Dark Matter, the writers convene prior to the season and I pitch out where we’re going to go in terms of overall arc and stories, then we sit down and spin ideas and break the stories together.  When the outlines are done, they go through (series co-creator) Paul Mullie and I who will provide notes before sending the writer off to script.  After a first draft, we’ll also provide notes after which, once the writer delivers a second draft, I’ll do my pass, send it to Paul for any tweaks, and then deliver it for production.  When it comes to Paul and I, we simply provide notes on each other’s scripts.  Paul’s scripts are always tightly written, so it’s rare I’ll do a significant pass on them unless there’s a production concern (ie. the estimated run time is short and we need a couple of extra scenes).

“What did you want to become as a child?”

Answer: Detective first, then comedian, and finally writer.

“If you could thank someone who influenced/ helped you regarding your career, who would that be?”

Answer: Hmmmm.  I’d like to say all the writers I read growing up, from novelist to comic book authors.

“Do you have any advice on writing in general?”

Answer: Yes.  Write!  If you don’t feel like writing, force yourself to write!  Try to write every day.  And turn off the t.v. and read.

KathyC writes: “If we want to send you something, where should we mail it to?”

Answer: The production offices would probably be your best bet.

glowyzoey writes: “Did you always want to be a writer?”

Answer: Ever since I was writing those short SF and horror stories in grade 4, yes.

“How young were you when you first wrote fiction and in what form?”

Answer: See above.  I think I worried my mother.

“Do you remember what it was?”

Answer: I was heavily influenced by the works of Ray Bradbury, Roald Dahl, and O. Henry so my work tended toward the macabre with that unforeseen twist.  In 6th grade, I wrote my first attempt at a novel – “The Robot Revolution” – 200+ pages carefully printed in ballpoint on double-sided looseleaf.

“When did you first aspire to be a producer?”

Answer: When it became clear to me that the producers are the decision-makers and the ones with the creative control in television.

Line Noise writes: “Ice cream: Particulates or no particulates?”

Answer: Depends on the particulates.  I like subtle textural additions like shaved chocolates.

Alex writes: “I’m currently an undergrad student aspiring to be a screenwriter and director. What advice would you give to someone like me to be successful? And how can I set myself apart from others?”

Answer: You’ll often hear “Write what you know” but I think a fairer bit of advice would be “Write what you love”.  If you enjoy SF, then that may well be the place for you.  Just be sure to find a fresh take or a spin on a concept that makes it your own.  When I was pitching Dark Matter, some people criticized it as being “too much like Pandora“.  Sure, it has the same basic premise, but it’s the execution that sets it apart.  “Window of Opportunity” remains one of fandom’s favorite Stargate episodes.  Sure, it was very similar to Groundhog Day, but it was the exception, what made the story unique to OUR characters, that made it work.  In both of the aforementioned examples, it was the script that made believers out of the doubters.  And so, the best advice I can give you is to write a kick-ass script that can serve as your calling card.  Even if it doesn’t get produced, like our Pizza Man 2017 script, it will get you noticed.

Tinyiy writes: “Will we see any furry friends in dark matter?”

Answer: Ha.  Melissa O’Neil (TWO) just texted me yesterday, saying her character should get a dog.

Randomness writes: “Would a device similar to the Attero device from SGA be required if Blink drives were ever to be mass produced? And do you think a corporation would research one as a counter measure?”

Answer: That was something unique to Stargate so, no, I can’t see that entering the Dark Matter universe. Still, corporations would certainly see mass-produced Blink Drives as a threat if their rivals had sole possession so they probably would seek out counter-measures.

“Although the Code Geass reference likely flew over some peoples heads with the eye thing, you know when Truffaut transferred info to Three about the prison layout(early Season 2). Any plans to progress that technology she’s using some more?”

Answer: The corps will have more than a few tricks up their sleeves this upcoming season.

“Could you ever see Four using a Naginata?”

Answer: Absolutely.  FOUR trained her in both hand to hand combat and blade work.

Das writes: “You’re a writer, so explain to me why I fall for mistreated, misunderstood, and/or abused (male) characters? Mind you, they can’t be snivellers, no, no, no…rather they have to strong and determined to overcome whatever cards life deals them. (This goes back to my childhood, watching A Fistful of Dollars, and the moment Clint Eastwood had to heal and fight back after he was beaten to a pulp. This happened a lot to Eastwood in his various westerns…and I watched a lot of westerns back in the day. lol.) There must be some psychology behind it…one writers are well aware of.”

Answer: It’s the dichotomy of the vulnerable yet capable anti-hero.  In a way, they reflect the very best and worst in us, individuals who must come obstacles greater than we would ever have to face, yet manage to persevere and reach heights greater than we could ever hope to attain.

“I need that guy in Dark Matter. Will I see him? (Three showed promise in this regard last season (2.11) – can we beat him up some more…? lol.)”

Answer, Yes, THREE is definitely your guy.  We’re going to put his through the wringer this season.

“I would like more intrigue and mystery in S3 – will I get it?”

Answer: Oh, yes.  Keeping with Dark Matter’s tradition of twists, turns, shocks, surprises – and some pretty astounding revelations.

“I really miss your more personal, less work-related, entries…especially the funny ones about your misadventures and misfortunes. You make me smile (and laugh!) when I read them, usually right when I need it most. Will we get more of those in the future?”

Answer: Yes.  Weekdays, I’m going to feature the show and, weekends, I’m going to focus on my personal life.  And the dogs.

“Have you ever considered dropping drama to take up writing a comedy show?”

Answer: Nope.  Like Stargate, Dark Matter offers me the best of both worlds: drama with heavy doses of humor.

“How about writing a humorous novel? Perhaps it could be about blogging, and readers coming out of the woodwork to pester you about their personal preferences?”

Answer: I don’t have the patience to write a novel.  “Downfall”, the short story I wrote for Masked, the anthology of superhero fiction edited by Lou Anders, took me 9 months to write – and paid approximately 1% of a script fee.  It was an incredibly satisfying experience but I’m not sure I’m up to a larger commitment.

“Miss me?”

Answer: As a matter of fact – yes!

Annie Wauters writes: “I would like to offer to put on a class for your female cast/crew. ”

Answer: That’s very kind of you to offer.  This is something I would have to take up with them once production wraps.

Keith writes: “Out of the main shows that you’ve worked on (SG-1, SGA, SGU, T———-, DM), which one would you say has given you the most creative freedom from higher up executives (whether or not that’s a bad thing)?”

Answer: Definitely Dark Matter.  Executive Producer and Prodigy Pictures President Jay Firestone has created a dream environment which allows me to tell the stories I want without having to compromise my vision.

“Is this the season where we finally find out more about the mystery guy in the hospital bed from the end of Season One?”

Answer: Check out Episode 310.

bambamfans writes: “Does Toronto have a great taco place?”

Answer.  Yes.  Toronto has the best taco place I’ve ever visited – Campechano.

“I’m not sure if you can say, but are the main characters separated throughout the first episode?”

Answer: It’s a good bet that whoever makes it off that space station will be separated from their fellow crew members -and have to find a way back to The Raza.

“Will me see any costume changes in the main cast for Season 3?”

Answer: Yes.

Len Weaver writes: “You’ve often remarked that Dark Matter has a planned 5 year arc… what if the powers that be ask for a 6th season?”

Answer: Heh.  That would be a question for them.

January 14, 2017: It’s Complicated!

I received the following email this afternoon from a returning guest star:

“Okay am I supposed to have any idea what is going on in episode 306 because I do NOT. Are there any kind of Coles Notes on season 3 I can read?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Can’t wait to be back.”

Scifi is a tough business, especially in the third season of a heavily serialized show that features everything from cloning to wormhole travel, alternative universes to white hole bombs.  Add rebellious androids, mind hacking, and time travel to the mix and you have a recipe for…well, a very complicated episode.  And I didn’t realize HOW complicated until I responded with what I assumed would be a quick summary of seasons 1, 2, and 3.  Whew!  If you thought things got crazier in season 2, you better make sure you’re sitting down to watch season 3.

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Those Lenari Death Masks are coming along nicely (designed by 1st Assistant Art Director/Set Designer Karl Crosby).

Let’s hit the mailbag:

Ponytail writes: “Have you posted your 2016 blog statistics yet? We know who was your most prolific commenter, but who was 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th?”

Answer: For some reason, wordpress didn’t offer an end-of-year statistical breakdown.  I looked to see if I could dig the stats myself but, sadly, couldn’t find the relevant info.  I too was curious.  

January 13, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 31 of 91!

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Seriously, people.  You’ve been warned.  Proceed at your own risk.

Well, coming off a one-day weekend to a work week packed with early morning meetings, late night cuts, set sitting, writing, rewrites, and phone calls, I’m running on low battery setting.  Compounding the chaos was another one of those curveballs that forced us to scrap a script idea, reorder the line-up and, most importantly (and alarmingly), drop a new script into the Episode 9 slot.  12 pages into the script I’m currently writing, I’ve had to switch gears to brainstorm a new story with Paul, Ivon, Alison, and Elliot, one I’m going to have to jump on immediately.  Or as soon as I have an outline I’m happy with.

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After being unable to identify the movie that graced the mess hall triptych last week (Rogue One as it turned out), I discovered this much more recognizable still awaiting me this week.  Open the pod bay doors, Hal.  I’m putting in a request for John Carpenter’s The Thing.

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The master of the triptych, Playback Operator Greg Whiteside, is full of surprises.

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The calm before the storm.  10 minutes before first blocking (say, 7:20 a.m.) – Director JB Sugar and the team.

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From the Dark Matter Art Department – the Taliphus-8 Safety Deposit Box. Where’s Taliphus-8?  What’s in the box?  Who’s the mystery silhouette?

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I received this at the office today – a Mallozzi/Aota pup calendar from person(s) unknown (the name of sender was so tiny, I could’t make it out).  Thank you, mystery person.  We love it!

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TastyFace #2.

So I’m going to try to catch up on the mailbag this weekend.  If you have anymore questions, just post them in the comments section and I’ll eventually get to them.

January 12, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 30 of 91! And naming the Android!

Back in October, I informed actress Zoie Palmer that the time had finally come. This season, we were going to give her character, the Android, a name.  And a backstory.  But, more importantly, a name.  And so, the two of us got to work, pitching each other possible monikers via text over the course of three months.

I’d be lying in bed, just about to doze off when – PING!  I’d check my phone: “Iris”.

Zoie would be sitting in trailer, getting her hair done when – PING!  I’d offered “Alice”.

I’d be sitting in a visual effects meeting – PING!  “Blake”.

She’d be doing some weekend shopping – PING! “Sydney”.

Me in the shower, shampooing – PING! “Jules”.

Her on set, rehearsing a scene – PING! “Marie”.

“Cleo”

“Clara”

“Zee”

“Destiny”

“Cal”

“Aloysia”

“Dee”

“Loyloy”

Finally, last night, we narrowed it down to our Top 10 and, over the next half hour, narrowed our choices down through process of elimination.

PING!  She nixed “Lexie”.

PING!  I axed “Tosh”.

She rejected “Amelia”.

I dumped “Elle”.

“Sam” was the next to go followed by –

“Cass”

“Reese”

Then “Kai” until –

Only two remained!  Zoie deliberated and, in the end, decided on…

Eliminating “Evie”.  Which left her with…

…

…

…

The Android’s name I’ll be dropping into Episode 10.

Yay Team Zolozzi!  Is there anything we can’t accomplish?!

Oh, hey, while you’re hear, enjoy this concept artwork by Henry Fong for Dark Matter’s third season:

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Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

January 11, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 29 of 91!

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What’s this?  Could I have finally given in and granted Jodelle Ferland’s request for a shipboard mascot.

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Director of Photography test tastes the commissary offerings.  Space beer!

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Laying some track for the commissary walk ‘n talk.

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The masterful work of Dark Matter Production Designer Ian Brock and his teams – art and construction departments.

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The early bird catches the wait.  Zoie Palmer arrives on time for the production meeting.  Rookie mistake!

Munitions factory safety graphics by 1st Assistant Art Director Sumeet Vats and 2nd Assistant Art Director Victor Mare.

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 TASTYFACE!!!

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, pug, pugs

January 10, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 28 of 91!

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Director Steve DiMarco charges into his final days of production on Episode 303.

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Director of Photography Craig Wright mans the heavy machinery.

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Addressing the troops.

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Daenerys Riley

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Well, look who was in town on business – but took some time out for a little eating pleasure.  If it isn’t our old Stargate fellow writer-producer Carl Binder.

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In town – ONE NIGHT ONLY! – so there was only one real choice: schnitzel dinner at Country Style Hungarian for their massive platter.  We all took a huge shnitz and then, later, Ivon also took a massive crepe!

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Finally – Sujiko braves the winter.  Akemi is convinced she’s actually a mixed breed.  Partly pug, but mostly koala.

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

January 9, 2017: Dark Matter Season 3 – Day 27 of 91! And dogs!

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I think I’ll take a little time while I’m waiting for my Episode 301 Producer’s Cut WIP (Work In Progress) to land in my inbox to just go ahead and upload today’s blog entry.  I spent the day at the munitions factory with director Steve DiMarco, the cast, the crew, and my laptop.  While they were shooting, I was tap-tap-tapping away on this latest script.  As always, slow going in the beginning but if recent history has taught me anything it’s that the pace should pick up in about, oh, 50 pages or so.  Pictured above: Steve calling the shots.

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A moment of reflection.  And practice aiming.

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Mayhem under the hot lights.  Who are those men with guns?  Who are those people on the floor?  Who’s that guy behind the camera?

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Suji in her ready-to-go stance.

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Dignified Bubba is the Alastair Cooke of our apartment.

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Lulu flashes her help-me-score-a-treat eyes.

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Suji, the face of the new Cranimals campaign?

Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter

January 9, 2017: A day off! Let’s hit the mailbag!

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My single day off this weekend happened to be the coldest day of the this winter so far.  Time to break out the big coat, scarf and, dare I say it, hat!

A BIG week ahead on the Dark Matter front.  Production continues on Episode 303 with director Steve DiMarco calling the shots while prep also continues on Episode 305 with director JB Sugar at the helm.  Between set, meetings, and writing, I’ll also be working on my producer’s edit for Episodes 301, 302 AND 304.  And, of course, that means…episode titles are on the horizon!

As you may or may not know, the readers of this blog got to choose the episode titles for Dark Matter’s second season.  And you’ll get to do it again for season 3.

Delving into the mailbag…

katie writes: “Would you be willing to read a spec script and give notes?”

Answer: Between Dark Matter and my work on various other pilots, I unfortunately don’t have much free time to read outside scripts.

livingforcreativity writes: “Do you still have attempts going to get other shows on the air? If so, can you tell us about them?”

Answer: Yes, I have three pilots out, making the rounds.  One is a straight, serialized drama, another a supernatural horror, the third that military SF I mentioned a few months back.

“Do you have elevators in your work or residence, and have you had issues?”

Answer: Nope.

“Does Akemi send you a breakfast bento box?”

Answer: More of an early dinner bento…

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PBMom writes: “How is your knee?”

Answer: Better, but it does stiffen up at night or when I’m seated for extended periods of time.

Greg Long writes: “A lot of published authors say that to be a good writer you must read a lot. Does this hold true for screen writing?”

Answer: It holds true for me.

“Do you have a checklist for each scene to ensure it fulfills a purpose?”

Answer: Each scene should serve a purpose.  If you can remove a scene without it impacting the script, then it never belonged in the script in the first place.

bambamfans writes: “If you create another TV show, who will run Dark Matter?”

Answer: In that best case scenario, I’d oversee both productions.

“What is the theme of Season 3 Dark Matter?”

Answer: The past comes back to haunt.

“Will David Hewlett return as Tabor Calchek?”

Answer: No, he will not.

“Did you return to the same condo in Toronto that you lived in last season?

Answer: Yes.  At the end of the day, it’s far from perfect but better than the other options.

“Does Suji prefer the company of humans or dogs?”

Answer: Humans definitely, women in particular, and Akemi specifically.

“What film that you watched as a child had the largest impact on you?”

Answer: Planet of the Apes, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Star Wars.

“Who do you think will win the Superbowl?”

Answer: The Dallas Cowboys.

gforce writes: “How are Lulu’s spinal issues/walking coming along?”

Answer: Hard to say.  We’ve noticed that she’s been having trouble lately but we’re not sure whether its a physical issue or the fact that she’s wearing booties.

“Also, are those script rewrites that you needed to do all completed by now?”

Answer: Alas, I’ll be in script rewrite mode until we go to camera on our final episode.

Line Noise writes: “What is the knot you were using for your ties?”

Answer: It’s called a Trinity Knot.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMnlYXoCOwc

“How much scope does a Dark Matter writer have when writing an episode?  Do they just have a beginning and end and can do whatever they want in between?”

Answer: Definitely not.  When we gather to break stories for the new season, I already know what the arc of said season will be and most of the stories we’ll tell.  We’ll spin ideas for the individual stories, and then put the beats up on the whiteboard, breaking down the episode scene by scene.  Once we’re done, the writer will flesh out an outline based on the story we’ve broken.  I’ll provide notes on the outline at which point the writer will write a first draft.  Once they’ve incorporated my notes and delivered a second draft, I’ll do my pass on the script.

Randomness writes: “How do you feel about episodes based in the future?”

Answer: Love them.

Answer: More so, have you ever considered doing a Steins Gate type message from the future to one of the crew who is facing a traumatic ordeal and needs some encouragement to push through and overcome it from their future self?

Answer: No, although one of our crew members WILL be receiving a “message from the future” in an early season episode.

profmadmax writes: “Joe, on SG-1: whose call on DVD audio commentary participants?”

Answer: Participants weren’t so much chosen as they were asked.  Whoever was free and interested would take part.

“Do you feel that a writer can plagiarize themself?”

Answer: I suppose so, yes.

“Your least favorite Atlantis episode & why.”

Answer: I hated Sanctuary.  My take: https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/february-17-2014-news-of-note-our-stargate-atlantis-rewatch-continues-withouchsanctuary/

Dupdiang writes: “Just wondering what influence you had or a point to for your finish.”

Answer: As I’ve said from the beginning, I developed Dark Matter as a five season long arc with a definite beginning, middle, and end.  And all those elements are still in play.

TheOtherOne writes: “Please may I ask how you and Akemi first met? Was it love at first sight?”

Answer: We met in Tokyo at the Pierre Marcolini Cafe where she was working – and I was eating daily chocolate parfaits.  Our first date: https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/november-30-2009-tokyo-travel-day-6-ginza-la-tour-michel-troisgros/

“So far, what is the happiest memory you both share?”

Answer: So hard to narrow it down to just one.  Well, there was the day she was accepted as a permanent resident here in Canada.

“Who (and what) was your very own first pet?”

Answer: I had a cat called Smokey growing up.

“Did you grow up with an animal companion?”

Answer: Always.  Growing up I had Smokey, then a poodle named Snoopy, then various cats, then the pugs and Lulu.

“Please would you describe the circumstances you and Paul (Mullie) first met?”

Answer: We met in a college creative writing class of all places.

“And finally …Do you regret having to kill One off in Season 2?”

Answer: Do I miss actor Marc Bendavid?  Absolutely!

That’s all for today.  More answers to come!