Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 347
May 13, 2016
May 13, 2016: Dark Matter season 2 trailer! An analysis!
There you have it. Another brilliant promo from the gang at Syfy Publicity & Marketing. LOTS going on here. The images whip by so quickly, it’s really hard to get a sense of what, exactly, is going on.
Thankfully, this is the age of screen grabs. So, without further ado, let’s deconstruct the Dark Matter season 2 trailer for a shot by shot analysis of its many secrets.
Shot #1: Six people in a small, sterile room. Hard to tell who’s who, but the guy on the floor does appear to be THREE. On his left, looking up – is that TWO? Maybe. As for the others – not so sure, but that guy with the white hair (corner bottom right) is definitely not a member of The Raza crew. So where is everyone else and why have our heroes seemingly been separated?
SHOT #2: FOUR asks “What happened to us?”. And it’s pretty clear he’s addressing TWO. Are we to assume this shot follows the preceding opening shot? And do both follow somewhere on the heels of last season’s explosive finale? Last time we saw our intrepid crew, they were unconscious, being dragged off The Raza by the Galactic Authority. Is this them waking up?
Shot #3: Similar lighting and architecture so it’s safe to assume these two shots belong together. “What happened to us?”. We can clearly see FOUR is talking to TWO and THREE. But where’s the rest of the team: ONE, FIVE, SIX, and the Android?
Shot #4: YOU CAN’T HIDE. Who’s “you”? The crew of The Raza presumably. But what could they be hiding from? And, perhaps most interestingly, what could they be hiding? Themselves? Information?
Shot #5: Oh boy. The door slides open to reveal SIX…in uniform. I don’t think there’s any doubt now where his allegiances lie. Presumably.
Shot #6: What look like cells, prisoners, a cafeteria-style area. All of the prisoners react to something, something seemingly painful, in unison and simultaneously go down. Curiously, what appears to a lone guard standing in the deep BG seems unaffected.
Shot #7: FROM YOUR PAST. Oh, wait. THAT’S what you can’t escape. Perhaps a reference to the show’s central theme? Or is it a reference to something more specific?
Shot #8: “With those memories, you’re different people,”says FIVE. And she seems to be trying to convince someone…of something. And what memories would she be referring to? Their pre-stasis memories would seem to be the obvious answer…
Shot #9: Speaking of stasis – we catch a glimpse of several stasis pods, and they seem to be occupied. But by who? And where? The corridor and pods look architecturally different than The Raza.
Shot #10: Six individuals including TWO, THREE, FOUR – and that guy with the white hair. Is it safe to assume this shot belongs with the first two that open the trailer? The six-some have been stripped down to their undies and appear to be carrying similar clothing. Two guards stand in the background and, above the big imposing door behind them, is a logo: H8. H8?
Shot #11: Hey, it’s our Android. And why does she looks so damn uncomfortable? Is that menacing piece of equipment attached to the back of her head? Is she trembling?
Shot #12: Whoa! Hang on! That’s our Android – but with a decidedly different look. New hairstyle. New outfit. And is that a gun she’s packing? Who’s she planning to shoot?
Shot #13: FOREVER. Is a long time.
Shot #14: The Raza in flight. And I’ve never seen it look better. A hint of the awesome visual effects to come? THREE says: “War is coming.” Where? Who is going to be involved? Why is THREE so worried?
Shot #15: We’re clearly in The Raza’s underbelly. FIVE is resting her hand on…something. The Android stands beside her. Beside the Android stands…a mysterious individual. Behind the Android stands…another mysterious individual.
Shot #16: “SIX” a countdown beings and, appropriately enough, we have a shot of SIX in stasis. And that hand resting atop the front suggests this shot directly precedes or proceeds shot #15. What’s going on here? Is this the fate that awaits a traitor?
Shot #17: “FIVE” continues the countdown and we go to FIVE, in a dark vent, seemingly struggling against someone…or someTHING.
Shot #18: Holy crap! Why is FOUR holding a gun on a clearly frightened FIVE? What’s going on here?
Shot #19: “FOUR,” goes the countdown and we see FOUR, wearing coveralls very similar to the ones we saw the prisoners wearing in shot #6, and he’s holding a sword, preparing to face-off against a mysterious someone.
Shot #20: The countdown reaches “THREE” and we go to The Raza’s resident bad boy, looking very uncomfortable as some sort of interactive light plays across his iris, some sort of indiscernible green shape.
Shot #21: We count down to “TWO” and are greeted by a shot of TWO on the ground in what appears to be an alley, bloodied and beaten, looking up at someone.
Shot #22: The countdown hits “ONE” and we go to what appears be ONE, standing over someone with a gun…equipped with a silencer. He fires.
Shot #23: And we end on the Dark Matter logo and our season premiere date: July 1st on Syfy, Syfy Spain, and Space Channel in Canada; July 2nd on Syfy Australia; July 4th on Syfy UK; July 11th on Syfy Germany. And more premiere dates to come.
So, what did you think of the season 2 trailer? Guesses? Theories? Let’s hear ’em!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, #DarkMatterSeason2, Dark Matter, Dark Matter Season 2
May 12, 2016
May 12, 2016: All things Dark Matter!
I was on a conference call this morning with some 40 members of the Syfy International team representing Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Latin America, the U.K., Poland, and the Middle East. We talked Dark Matter‘s performance overseas (we’re a hit!), what lies ahead for season 2 (big BIG things!), and marketing & publicity ideas for the upcoming season (more cast connections, behind-the-scenes insights, contests and giveaways!). I was happy to join in because Syfy International has done such an amazing job supporting Dark Matter – and it’s clear that they genuinely love the show as well. A huge thanks to everyone who took the time to attend, and thanks to Bipasha Ghosh (VP International Marketing – Syfy) for organizing. There are some very cool things headed your way…
Like, for instance, the first Dark Matter season 2 promo that will released…sooner than you think! And when it does, make sure you have that pause button ready because you’re going to want to catch every single frame. LOTS of little teasers in this one including a VERY interesting one for Android fans. A great little trailer compliments of Fowzia Iranpur, Bill Trojanowski, Samantha Agnoff, and the rest of the gang at NBCU. Watch for it!
In the meantime, enjoy saver these BTS pics:
Director Will Waring, 1st Assistant Director Chris Binney, and Director of Photography Craig Wright commence their reign of terror (photo courtesy Lawren Bancroft-Wilson).
The Empress – Mung-Ling Tsui (photo courtesy Renee Chan)
Dancing with the Stars – Mung-Ling and Will trip the (faster than) light fantastic.
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
May 11, 2016
May 11, 2016: The Dark Matter cast takes a beating this season!
Whoa. You thought your job was rough. Check out actors Anthony Lemke and Alex Mallari Jr., nursing their wounds after a particularly brutal second season:
In retrospect, I guess the production SHOULD have sprung for those stunt doubles.
Well, I spent the afternoon in editing today with the incredible Ben Wilkerson, working on our penultimate episode (Episode 25: Sometimes In Life You Don’t Get To Choose). To quote from the email my writing partner, Paul, sent last night after screening the episode: “Phew, that’s some ending.” Oh, hell yes, it is!
Tomorrow, I get on the phone with the team from Syfy International – about 40 individuals representing various broadcast regions – to talk about the show’s second season and what we can do for YOU the fans. And all you need to do is tune and spread the word. Dark Matter premieres July 1st on Syfy, Syfy Spain, and SpaceChannel; July 2nd on Syfy Australia; July 4th on Syfy UK; July 11th on Syfy Germany. More premiere news to come!
Over on my dedicated Dark Matter twitter account (@DarkMatter_show), the BTS pics continue to come fast and furious:
But you already know this because you’re following the account, right?
Meanwhile, over on Reddit, I continue my Stargate: SG-1 reflections:
Stargate: SG-1 Memories – Enemies, Threshold, Ascension
And, while we’re on the subject, I offer up tips for that t.v. pitch:
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
May 10, 2016
May 9, 2016
May 9, 2016: And that’s a wrap on Dark Matter’s second season!
With the completion of today’s final second unit day of episode 213 (Episode 26: But First, We Save The Galaxy), production on Dark Matter’s second season has come to an end. We are officially done. Except for the edits, music, sound effects, mixes, color correction, visual effects, other outstanding post requirements, and deliveries.
I am beyond excited to see the finished episodes and for YOU to see the finished episodes because this upcoming season is going to be UN-BE-LIEVABLE.
You wanted more ship to ship battles? You got more ship to ship battles!
You wanted more futuristic tech? You got more futuristic tech!
You wanted more Android? You got more Android!
You wanted ******? You got ******!
Less than two months to go to our explosive season premiere!
Prepare yourselves by heading over to Netflix and binge-watching season one.
Or follow my alt. Dark Matter twitter handle (@DarkMatter_show) for behind the scenes pics –
Monitor Reddit, both the Dark Matter and Stargate sub-reddits, for goodies and my upcoming June AMA.
And, of course, continue to check out this blog for cool little BTS goodies like this –
Seriously. You guys are spoiled!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
May 8, 2016
May 8, 2016: The Dark Matter wrap party!
It’s the end of another season of Dark Matter and I can’t help but consider it a bittersweet conclusion to another fantastic year. On the one hand, I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished and am looking forward to a little time off. On the other hand, I’m genuinely going to miss my extended family, this cast and crew, with whom I’ve spent the better part of my days these past seven months.
Last night, we said our goodbyes in fine style with drinks, dance, drinks, food, and drinks…
Noreen shows off her spaceship purse.
Brianna and Matt
DOP Craig Wright looking dapper.
Alison and Akemi ready to party.
Akemi samples the refreshments.
Jean and Rowena
Anastasia and Jeff (aka Lieutenant Anders)
Norman sports his team colors.
Ellen and Adam
Zoie and Akemi
Lindsay and Vanessa
The Ferland sisters: Jodelle and Marisha
Melissa, Ivon and Brett
Roxanne and David
Jodelle and Mackenzie
Joe and Noreen
Ready for bedtime
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
May 7, 2016
May 7, 2016: Shaun Sipos joins the cast of Dark Matter!
The official announcement came yesterday over on Deadline.com. Actor Shaun Sipos joins the cast of Dark Matter. Here’s the article:
“Sipos will play Devon, a once world class surgeon, who is haunted by a dark past that may pose a danger to himself and his fellow crew members.”
Sipos. Sipos. Now why does that name sound familiar?
Oh, yeah! Shaun’s sister, Jessica, played Tash, the mercenary with the weird sibling bond, back in the show’s first season (Episodes 210-211).
Having worked with both, I can personally attest to the fact that Shaun and Jessica share clear genetic predispositions. They’re both terrific actors, exceedingly charming, and two of the nicest people you could ever hope to spend time with.
Tonight’s the Dark Matter wrap party. I’m off to limber up for my treacherous signature dance moves (Professional dancer on closed dance floor. Do not attempt to duplicate, re-create, or perform the same or similar dance moves.), so I leave you with a few mysterious set pics from the show’s upcoming second season:
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
May 6, 2016
May 6, 2016: And that’s a main unit wrap on Dark Matter season 2!
That’s it! Today marked the end of main unit photography on Dark Matter’s second season. We have one more day of second unit to complete Monday, May 9th but for all intents and purposes, heavy lifting has been completed. Above: Executive Producer and Prodigy Pictures President Jay Firestone tail slates the season.
Commander Gena.
Main unit celebrates wrap with sushi and champagne.
And, of course, whiskey!
Today was suit day on Dark Matter! Line Producer Norman Denver goes undercover in Miami.
1st AD Brandon Tataryn came in wearing a suit this morning – but costume designer Noreen Landry thought it too ill-fitting and redressed him with a little something from the wardrobe department. Note the pocket handkerchief.
And the trinity knot. He’s venturing into my territory.
Anthony Lemke flashbacks to his lawyering days.
Mel x 2! Melanie Liburd and Melissa O’Neil.
Melanie, Norman, Ron, Jesse, Melissa, and that show runner guy.
We knocked down 17 bottles this season – and still have a day to go.
After the smoke settles on main unit, the Dark Matter whiskey club convenes.
Phil says “See you for season 3!”
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Dark Matter Season 2
May 5, 2016
May 5, 2016: Zoie Palmer (Dark Matter’s Android) answers YOUR questions!
Yes, it’s true. Dark Matter’s excruciatingly adorable Android, played by the equally excruciatingly adorable Zoie Palmer, has agreed to drop by and do a little fan Q&A. If you have questions for Zobot, post them in the comments section. I’ll gather them over the course of the next few days, then relay them via subspace in an encrypted data burst directly to her neural matrix (via The Raza of course).
DARK MATTER — “Episode Twelve” Episode 112 — Pictured: Zoie Palmer as The Android — (Photo by: Russ Martin/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)
Three questions per customer, so make ’em count!
If you’re not following my dedicated Dark Matter twitter account (@DarkMatter_show), these are some of the BTS pics you’ve been missing:
While, over on Reddit, I continue my trip down SG-1 memory lane:
Stargate Memories: Watergate, The First Ones, Scorched Earth
As our second to last day of main unit photography on Dark Matter’s second season draws to a close, I leave you today with some pics from…one of our new episodes:
Airlock inside.
And out.
EOS-7 lost and found department.
Representing the Galactic Authority: Jim Codrington
Representing the Galactic Authority…
A snacking Kris Holden-Reid.
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Android, Dark Matter, Dark Matter Season 2, The Android, Zoie Palmer 
May 4, 2016
May 4, 2016: The Dark Matter season finale named!
The results are in and this one wasn’t even close. And you’re winner is…
“EPISODE 26: But First, We Save The Galaxy”.
Thanks to everyone who cast their ballots. Next season, we’ll (hopefully) have another 13 episodes to title!
Hey, who is this familiar-looking mystery character?
Answers await you this upcoming season!
You’re following my unofficial all-things Dark Matter twitter HQ @DarkMatter_show for your daily dose of Dark Matter BTS photos, right?
Hopefully, yes, because that’s where all the live-tweeting action is going to take place when the show premieres on July 1st!
Meanwhile, over on Reddit, the Stargate fun continues:
Stargate Memories: Crossroads, Divide and Conquer, Window of Opportunity
And over on the Television sub-reddit:
My Top 10 Desert Island Comedies
Big BIG Dark Matter cast member fan Q&A announcement coming your way tomorrow. Watch for it!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
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