Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 365
November 17, 2015
November 17, 2015: Dark Matter season 2 casting news! We have our Nyx!
The news broke just a few hours ago. Actress Melanie Liburd (High Priestess Kinvara in this upcoming season of Game of Thrones) joins the cast of Dark Matter in the role of Nyx.
http://deadline.com/2015/11/madisen-beaty-aquarius-melanie-dark-matter-1201627495/
So who is Nyx? Is she friend or foe? And what’s her secret? (I only ask because, well, it would seem that every member of our crew has held some sort of secret.) For now, all I’m going to say is this: Galactic high security detention facility’s make strange bedfellows!
I’ll also say this about Melanie – she absolutely nailed the audition. We had a lot of strong candidates for the role, but she delivered like no other and I immediately knew SHE was our Nyx. Talented, yes, but also downright lovely. We are lucky to have her.
Kind of reminiscent of the excitement I felt after watching the audition of a certain Melissa O’Neil last season.
More exciting casting news to come!
Things continue to ramp up on the pre-production front. This morning was all script work; this afternoon, meetings and grand tour of our new sets-in-progress.
The new stage is only a five minute drive (15 minute walk!) from the production offices and our standing sets. Early still, but the structures and details are looking great.
Also today, I was deliberating over gruel:
I preferred the goopier consistency of the one on the upper left, but kind of liked the alarming off-brown coloring of the one on the upper right. I’d also bring down the mystery particulates by sixty percent.
Show running! There’s no job like it!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
November 17, 2016: Dark Matter season 2 casting news! We have our Nyx!
The news broke just a few hours ago. Actress Melanie Liburd (High Priestess Kinvara in this upcoming season of Game of Thrones) joins the cast of Dark Matter in the role of Nyx.
http://deadline.com/2015/11/madisen-beaty-aquarius-melanie-dark-matter-1201627495/
So who is Nyx? Is she friend or foe? And what’s her secret? (I only ask because, well, it would seem that every member of our crew has held some sort of secret.) For now, all I’m going to say is this: Galactic high security detention facility’s make strange bedfellows!
I’ll also say this about Melanie – she absolutely nailed the audition. We had a lot of strong candidates for the role, but she delivered like no other and I immediately knew SHE was our Nyx. Talented, yes, but also downright lovely. We are lucky to have her.
Kind of reminiscent of the excitement I felt after watching the audition of a certain Melissa O’Neil last season.
More exciting casting news to come!
Things continue to ramp up on the pre-production front. This morning was all script work; this afternoon, meetings and grand tour of our new sets-in-progress.
The new stage is only a five minute drive (15 minute walk!) from the production offices and our standing sets. Early still, but the structures and details are looking great.
Also today, I was deliberating over gruel:
I preferred the goopier consistency of the one on the upper left, but kind of liked the alarming off-brown coloring of the one on the upper right. I’d also bring down the mystery particulates by sixty percent.
Show running! There’s no job like it!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
November 16, 2015
November 16, 2015: In the works – Dark Matter season 2!
One of the many, many things we’re looking to accomplish in Dark Matter’s second season is to introduce cool new futuristic energy-based weapons along the lines of THREE’s Bubba –
Well, we’ve got a lot of terrific concepts in the pipeline – a couple of which have already advanced to the design stage.
This afternoon, Props Master Victoria Klein dropped by my office for her daily show and tell…
“What,”you may be wondering, “is that?”. Well, does this inspirational photo I posted to last week’s blog give you a hint?
No, of course not. Anyway, it’s a component to one of those cool new futuristic energy-based weapons I was referring to. So what does it do? Well, you’ll find out right off the bat in Dark Matter Episode 201!
This one’s another non-lethal work in progress. The finished version will be sleeker with a black anodized barrel (presently the silver component). This one will also be making early season appearance.
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
November 15, 2015
November 15, 2015: Dark Matter = Gilligan’s Island!
A couple of months ago, I came across this interesting little piece which seeks to match the crew of The Raza to the passengers of The S.S. Minnow.
http://www.syfy.com/darkmatter/blog/dark-matter-gilligans-island
Never mind that actresses Melissa O’Neill and Jodelle Ferland didn’t know what the hell the interviewer was talking about (Thanks for making me feel old, ladies!). There’s no denying the similarities: seven disparate individuals thrown together by circumstance, isolated, facing insurmountable odds, they must band together, despite their differences, in a concerted effort to stay alive – and stage a musical version of Hamlet (Spoiler Alert!).
So, let’s match ’em up!
ONE = GILLIGAN
Our idealistic, innocent, unlikely heroes. They’re often in way over their heads but, despite all, succeed in their efforts to do the right thing.
TWO = THE SKIPPER
The defacto leaders of their respective groups – strong, capable, but somewhat temperamental.
THREE = MR. HOWELL
Mercenary, egotistical, always looking out for Number #1, yet their gruff exteriors belie a hidden warmth engendered by the love of a good woman.
FIVE = MARY ANN
Sweet and sunny, sure, but also incredibly resourceful. When push comes to shove, you can count on them to scrounge together the necessary components to fix up an FTL drive, or whip up a coconut cream pie.
THE ANDROID = THE PROFESSOR
Our resident tech experts share a dry sense of humor and a conservative fashion sense.
FOUR = MRS. HOWELL
Proud and dignified, they’re the quiet warriors of their respective crews.
SIX = GINGER
Both like to dress up in sexy outfits that show off their arms. Both have the annoying habit of ALWAYS bringing up the past and allowing their colorful histories to inform their present decision-making. Before becoming an actress, she assisted a magician who made things disappear. Before joining The Raza, SIX assisted a rebel group that made an entire space station disappear.
Agree? Disagree? Next up, Dark Matter = Community!
November 14, 2015
November 12, 2015: A mini mailbag!
Dallas Marshall writes: ” Will Bubba get a Daddy-Son day, too?”
Answer: Bubba is a big momma’s boy. He’s much happier hanging at home with Akemi.
clevere1 writes: “Is Paul still show running with you Joe?”
Answer: Although Paul is a co-creator and an executive producer on the show, I am (and have been) Dark Matter‘s only show runner.
screwball writes: “If she comes to the set, any chance of getting a picture of her posing with her namesake? Maybe with Anthony Lemke demonstrating the proper way to handle Lulu (and Lulu)?”
Answer: You mean like this?
jeff t writes: “The scripts are done!?”
Answer: Well, the first two anyways – pending the inevitable rewrites. The rest are coming!
jimfromjersey writes: “Will we be seeing any alien species this season?”
Answer: Well, I did promise the girls in wardrobe…
gforce writes: “Right in the midst of moving my stuff to the new house.”
Answer: Congrats! When’s the house-warming party? I’m going to get so wasted I’ll be stripping wallpaper with a flat iron!
msstargate writes: “Might we see an episode or 2 directed by Peter?”
Answer: Peter DeLuise is already booked to direct Episode 209.
Bea_And_Carmen writes: “Is there a way to send in my CV? 3 years of stage management in musical theatre and 10+ years of production work in TV as a background… Hmmm? Chance for a placement?!”
Answer: Alas, we don’t need anyone for this season…but maybe next year?
ceresis64 writeS: “And the new character Treihan is the Warden. What was his casting breakdown?
Answer: “No-nonsense, arrogant, and authoritative, the Warden runs one of the most fearsome intergalactic prisons in colonized space. The Warden doesn’t suffer fools and is quick to confront – and take down – anyone who would challenge his/her iron rule. [REDCATED], the Warden is [REDACTED] that seeks to [REDACTED] the crew of The Raza [REDACTED] about their [REDACTED] (see Episode REDACTED).” Open to all ethnicities and genders.
Dallas Marshall writes: “Why did the bridge have to be broken down during the hiatus, once you got the word that you’d been renewed for season 2? This is a primary set that you know will be used throughout the series. Did they have to rebuild all the sets?”
Answer: Our Raza set is still standing. We’re simply in the process of building some new sets for season 2.
Pontytail writes: “Is your second season preparation easier than your first season?”
Answer: With less lead time to write scripts, it’s actually more challenging.
ceresis64 writes: “Any more news on the casting breakdowns?”
Answer: “MISAKI HAN – A former companion of Ryo Ishida, she is now – as the new Commander of Ishida Royal Guard – determined to bring him back home for execution. Focused, fearless, and deadly, she is a dangerous adversary.”
jeff writes: “In the guest quarters room of the SGC there’s a painting hanging on the wall of what appears to be Saturn. My wife loveeees this painting and I want a print of it… But I can’t find it anywhere. Do you know anything about this set piece? It would be super special to have your involvement in pointing me in the right direction.”
Answer: Hey, Jeff, I wish I could help but I don’t know anything about that particular prop. Sorry.
FargateOne writes: “…and the new actors are…?”
Answer: You’ll find out soon!
November 13, 2015
November 13, 2015: Daddy-Daughter Day!
Check it out! I’m heading to Japan where my buddy Ivon and I will embark on our new career as the hilarious Osaka comedy duo Gaijin and Tonic! Got my suit and I’m ready to go! Ikimasho!
Lulu this morning was looking a little down. But, as promised, she was in for a treat today…
Road trip!!! Today was daddy-daughter day at the office. Lulu got to hang around while I worked on my latest script. Call me crazy, but between all the attention lavished upon her and the extra treats (including a little roast chicken off my lunch plate) she actually seemed MUCH happier than she’s been in weeks. She did the rounds of the production office, played with her toys, met a bunch of people, went out for multiple walks, and lazed around.
Meanwhile, back on the home front…
Today’s blog entry is dedicated to our friends, families, and fans in Paris.
November 12, 2015
November 12, 2015: Scripts are out! Props are primed! And Lulu is bummed!
Two down(ish); eleven to go! If all goes as planned, Jodelle and co. should have two more scripts (Episodes #203 and #204) to curl up with next weekend.
Victoria came by this morning for her regular 10 a.m. props show-and-tell. We discussed variations of these…
…and these…
Trust me, when the episode airs, you won’t even recognize them.
A meeting with the Art Department today as well in which we discussed the myriad builds for our opener. It’s gonna be HUUUUGE! Next Tuesday, we’ll be taking a tour of the sets-in-progress. Who’s coming?!
Speaking of our Art Department, I received an email today from Production Designer Ian Brock that made me smile. Not that his emailed suggestions, sketches, and concept art don’t ALWAYS bring me great joy – it’s just that, on this occasion, he already had me at the heading:
Shuttle, puddle jumper – tomato, tomahto.
Akemi suspects Lulu is depressed. Does she look depressed to you? A little despondent? A tad melancholy?
I mentioned this a while ago. Ever since Jelly passed, she’s been unusually quiet; less playful and clingy. Every morning, she’ll crawl up into my arms and fall asleep until it’s time to wake up. Apparently, she spends most of the day curled up in her dog bed – a far cry from the days when she used to drive everyone nuts by continually chasing her toys through the house.
I’m thinking I may bring her in to work with me tomorrow; see if some daddy-daughter time cheers her up.
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
November 11, 2015
November 11, 2015: Costumes and Canines!
Last year, whenever I went down to the costume department, I’d notice the dog pictures lining the far wall – funny photos of pooches dressed up as samurai or miners, running a science experiment or playing cards. A new one would go up, roughly once a week, and I didn’t think anything of it until I took a closer look and realized there was a method to the mutty madness. Each dog photo was thematically on point! Samurai Dog = Episode 109. Miner Dog = Episode 102. Mad Scientist Dog = Episode 111. Card Playing Dog = Episode 1o4, Suddenly, it all made sense!
And so, I was delighted to see the tradition continue this year with a brand new picture to kick off the new season. Pictured above is our Episode 201-themed dog photo. Teaser alert!
(Last season’s dog pic rundown: https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2015/08/23/august-23-2015-the-dog-days-of-dark-matter/)
The impeccably dressed Noreen Landry calls the clothing shots!
Today, we had our very first wardrobe meeting of the young season. Costume Designer Noreen Landry was fairly bursting with great new ideas. And also quick to remind me of a few of the things I promised her back in season one in the event we did get a second season pick-up. In no particular order: hats, more color, and aliens!
My aversion to hats stems from my experience working with the great Peter DeLuise, an enormously talented director who positively HATED onscreen headwear. I remember watching dailies once and bursting out laughing at the sight of one of our leads, undercover as a simple villager, wearing a silly hat. “You see!”shouted Peter, following up with a sad shake of his head. “Now it’s a scene about a hat!”
Also in attendance and back into the swing of things was Assistant Costume Designer Anna Dal Farra.
And Unit Manager Robbie David who is on hand to act as my bodyguard in the event things turn ugly for me.
A very early version of our Hyperion-8 prison guard uniforms.
This one doesn’t belong on this particular uniform but it’s something I’ve never noticed before – the Ferrous Corp insignia!
Infirmary-wear for Devon.
Today’s blog entry is dedicated to the memories of our military veterans.
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Dark Matter Season 2
November 10, 2015
November 10, 2015: Let’s get this show on the road! Eventually, when we go out to shoot on location.
Huzzah! Looks like we’re making a t.v. show after all! Today, after a morning spent writing and perusing potential casting options, I attended my very first concept meeting of this young season. Well, okay, it was more of a pre-concept meeting. In attendance were all of the department heads, line producer Norman Denver, Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza, and joining us via conference from rainy Vancouver, EP Paul Mullie. 1st Assistant Director Brandon Tataryn (Tataryn’s Disease: A disorder common on planets where Serillium is mined, a result of the run-off from refineries leaching into the water supply. In its advanced state, the disease causes rapid decline in specific neurological motor function related to autonomic life-support. There’s no known cure. How’s that for a coincidence!) oversaw the action. Topics of discussion included smoke blasts, lasers, black lights, force fields, tablets, shivs, prison gruel, and the sim yard.
***
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter 
November 9, 2015
November 9, 2015: Official prep begins on Dark Matter season 2!
Uh oh. Actual real bonafide official prep on Dark Matter’s second season kicks off tomorrow with not one, not two, but THREE big meetings! First up is our pre-concept meeting during which all the department heads will gather to discuss what they did on hiatus. And then talk about what’s needed for our first couple of episodes – sets, costumes, props, etc. We’ll follow that with a general review meeting that will involve generally reviewing everything – which, quite honestly, sounds a lot like what the pre-concept meeting should be. We’ll end our day with a season 2 budget overview which will give line producer Norman Denver the opportunity to beat us up over our high-flying, awesome set-building, special guest star booking, VFX-ladening ways.
Meanwhile, up to my eyeballs in script work – writing, re-writing, and re-re-writing. I’m hoping to have drafts of at least 9 of our 13 scripts by the time we go to camera December 9th (confirm the date for me, willya?). We’ll shoot our first episode before the holiday break, then streak through the final 12 when we return, all rested and relaxed and full of eggnog. My former Stargate associate, the awesome Amanda Tapping, will take the director’s chair for Episode #201. Exciting, no?
A couple of Dark Matter-related links. Yep, people are still talking about our first season – no doubt because it’s available on U.S. Netflix. Tell your friends!
Is Dark Matter worth watching? Dani Wood says…well, I don’t want to give it away. Just read the article.
This reviewer compares the show to an awesome Aussie bacon sandwich! Yeaaaah! Next season, we’re adding awesomely figurative melted cheese and caramelized onions!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwvsgrJO09I
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
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