Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 377
July 21, 2015
July 21, 2015: Lulu update! Another Periscope? More #DarkMatter Episode 107 photos!
Thanks to all those who asked but, sadly, Lulu isn’t doing any better. Yesterday’s ultrasound offered up nothing in the way of answers, so she’s going in for an endoscopy on Thursday morning to test for something called stand lymphagectasia. If that too comes up empty, then next week it’s a colonoscopy to check for granulomitis colitis (aka “boxer colitis”). Hopefully it won’t come to that as that would mean not feeding her for three days prior to the procedure. THREE DAYS of nothing but broth! At first, when we thought she would have to go in this week, Akemi suggested we adopt the same diet in solidarity – but I dismissed the notion on the grounds that we already had lunch and dinner plans. But next week is wide open! Akemi is already simmering the chicken necks!
If nothing else, this past week and a half of Lulu’s “intestinal issues” has sharpened my instincts to razor focus. My reaction time is unparalleled. At night, the merest cliquey-clack of Lulu’s nails on the hardwood floor will snap me out of the deepest slumber, out of bed and throwing on my pants, racing downstairs to open the backdoor so that she can go outside and relieve herself before it’s too late. I’m like a soldier deep in enemy territory, sleeping yet always fully aware and fully prepared, his ears attuned to the slightest noise, ready for trouble.
I’m thinking of doing another Periscope Q&A, to run 15-20 minutes after each of the North American broadcasts of Dark Matter Episode 107. The episodes air at 10 p.m. EST and 7 p.m./10 p.m. PST and I would jump on at approximately 1 minute after to field your question. Who’s in?
Speaking of Dark Matter Episode 107, here are a few more intriguing sneak peeks for you to check out:
You’re doing something new with your hair. I love it!
There’s a new android in town!
Looks like THREE’s had a bad day.
Something’s up with SIX.
Trying to book a trip to Tokyo for late September – and considering whether to go to L.A. for some agent-shopping next month. Might be a good idea to have someone on board. You never know…
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Dogs, french bulldogs, granulomitis colitis, lymphagectasia, pugs
July 20, 2015
July 20, 2015: That Periscope Q&A! Thoughts on Episode 106! Previews for Episode 107!
Well, today’s Periscope Dark Matter Joseph Mallozzi Q&A was a tremendous success! Insofar as I actually got it to work…eventually. One full minute of confused dead air time aside, it came together as expected: fun, informative, and sporadically awkward. I think that, in the future, I’ll just stick with the onscreen questions as bouncing between two screens should only be attempted by true professionals. Also, what is the deal with the color schemes on the floating viewer commentary? Small writing against pastel backdrops make shout-outs an extremely challenging proposition.
I suppose it could’ve been worse. I could have spent the half hour unwittingly talking to myself – or worse, failed to turn the damn thing off and given everyone a fascinating peek at the life of an Executive Producer on hiatus (mainly sitting around watching old episodes of the 1960’s Spiderman cartoon).
I DID manage to save the Q&A and upload it to youtube. Whether that’s actually a good thing is debatable.
Anyway, now that I’ve worked out all the bugs on this, my first Periscope event, the next ones will be smoooooth sailing. Nay, dare I say: Perfect! Depending on how I’m feeling, I may actually try to do one following this Friday’s North American airing of Episode 107, 11 p.m. EST, 7 p.m./10 p.m. PST. What do you think?
Meanwhile, for those of you who missed this afternoon’s debacle, here it is in all of it’s raw, unedited glory:
Episode 106 reviews and insights:
http://noobist.com/uncategorized/dark-matter-episode-6-review-recap/
” By the time the entire crew learns about their pasts this is going to be one epic show. Stay tuned.”
Defiance, Killjoys, and Dark Matter – The SyFy Friday video review. Love these two!
And some Episode 107 previews:
OITNB’s Ruby Rose gunning for trouble!
Who is the mystery guest lying in the infirmary?
Guest-starring The Strain’s Natalie Brown
FOUR, expecting trouble?
Sneak peek:
http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/07/dark-matter-episode-107-sneak-peek-2.html
And trailer:
http://www.syfy.com/darkmatter/videos/dark-matter-next-episode-episode-seven
We’re about to pass the halfway mark of Dark Matter’s first season! Can you believe it?!
Now, the character revelations come fast and furious! Think you know our crew? Think again!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, #NatalieBrown, #RubyRose, Dark Matter
July 19, 2015
July 19, 2015: Dark Matter update! Periscope! Links! The SDCC Panel!
That’s 9 p.m. in the U.K., 10 p.m. in Germany, 4 p.m. EST, 1 p.m. PST. Find me @BaronDestructo on twitter. #AskJoeDM for tomorrow’s event.
For those of you who missed the Dark Matter panel at SDCC, here it is compliments of Tom Gardiner from http://www.threeifbyspace.net:
On Dark Matter Episode 106:
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-episode-six/
“Dark Matter took a bloody trip down memory lane in its memorable sixth episode, giving us a huge insight into the history of some of the crew members, and adding new fuel to the raging nature vs. nurture debate.”
http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/07/dark-matter-episode-6-review-the-past-shapes-the-present/
“Now, all we want is more. Lots more.”
http://www.mikesfilmtalk.com/2015/07/18/dark-matter-episode-six-recap-and-review/
“While Dark Matter may be science fiction, it plays more like a mystery creating more puzzle pieces as it fits others in place. Part of the SyFy Friday lineup, this is addictive viewing.”
http://www.tv-eh.com/2015/07/17/review-four-five-and-six-on-dark-matter/
“Who is Titch, and what happened in their life to turn them into a hardened criminal? That was one of the key questions posed in Episode 6 of Dark Matter.”
http://www.denofgeek.us/tv/dark-matter/247798/dark-matter-episode-six-review
” Although the hunt for resources is still center stage as the main problem to be solved in Dark Matter, some much-needed back story came out of “Episode Six,” and my expectations were sent into a tailspin. It’s a pleasant sort of disorientation, and the questions and theories these new details inspire greatly enhances my enjoyment of the series, which is quickly becoming a highlight of Syfy’s summer lineup.”
“The show is building on their drives and gives them each a reason to push forward and accomplish a specific goal. Once we figure out One, Two, and Three’s official pasts, we’ll finally be rounded out. Although I’m suspecting that their memory wipes were an agreed plan, I do like that each character isn’t tied to another in any specific way. Good diversity. More episodes like this please.”
http://www.tv.com/news/dark-matter-season-1-episode-6-episode-six-review-143691083158/
” The future of the show depends on if Dark Matter can dole out information on these mysterious backstories while keeping the present interesting. It’s not an easy task, and to Dark Matter’s credit, it’s done a decent job of it up to now.”
And a nice little write-up of Episode 105 and the show in general I missed:
http://www.themetropolist.com/tv/tv-reviews/dark-matter-review-s1-e5/
“Dark Matter then is a fantastic addition to Monday night television and, if the ratings stay strong, should become a nice little earner for the Syfy channel. It certainly has all the elements needed to go the distance, with good characters and a sense of mystery underpinning the story. “
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi t.v., SF, SF television
July 18, 2015
July 18, 2015: An Afternoon at AnimeEvolution!
So, what’d you all think of Dark Matter Episode 106? All the pieces are coming together, right?
Well, more answers coming your way next week. But first, there’s that #Periscope #AskJoeDM event planned for this Monday on the heels of the U.K. and German airing of episode 6. I’ll be online, live (?!), answering viewer questions from 9 p.m. UK/German time, 4 p.m. EST, 1 p.m. PST. Swing on by!
Today, I took a break from the Dark Matter drama (after reviewing the first four outlines for season 2) and headed over to the UBC campus to check out AnimeEvolution. Akemi and I met up with Jodelle (the star of last night’s episode) and Matt for an afternoon of costumed mayhem, anime swag, and a weird pistachio-avocado shake. After Comic Con, we figured the cosplay would pale in comparison – but we were mightily impressed with some of the outfits.
Thanks to longtime blog regular and AnimeEvolution guest relation maestro Shane Cossever for the invite. We had a blast!
Akemi, Shane, Matt, and Jodelle.
Akemi’s photo op with Pikachu.
Gintama’s Kagura
Rurouni Kenshin
Quaint yet creepy mouse person in frock.
Best of friends!
Can’t I.D. the warrior woman, but that’s Daenerys from GOTS.
Is there an airline hostess anime?
Dunno, but a pretty inspired outfit.
Captain America
The Harajuku look.
The Harry Potter wand collection. I’ll be honest. I was tempted…
Not sure but I’m thinking of making this my season 2 on set look.
Sucker Punch
Gravity Falls
Mortal Kombat’s Sub-Zero
Angel and Saviour
I thought Spirited Away, but Akemi says no.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Jodelle makes a purchase.
AnimeEvolution continues tomorrow at the UBC campus. http://www.animeevolution.com
Tagged: #AnimeEvolution, #DarkMatter, Anime
July 17, 2015
July 17, 2015: Dark Matter Episode 107! Periscope Monday!
How’s that for a sneak peek? Prepare to learn the hitherto hidden backstories of three of the Raza crew as tonight’s episode of Dark Matter answers some long brewing questions:
How and why did FIVE end up on the ship?
What bizarre circumstances transformed a young prince into one of the G.A.’s Most Wanted?
What horrific crime did our big-hearted SIX commit that landed him on The Raza?
I will, of course, be live tweeting both east coast and west coast feeds, that’s 10 p.m. EST, and 7 p.m. AND 10 p.m. PST on SyFy and SpaceChannel.
Also, I’ll be doing a periscope event on Monday. It’ll be my first time using the app and I’ve already screwed up by announcing the wrong times in yesterday’s blog entry (since fixed!). So, I’ll live tweet the airing of Dark Matter’s sixth episode as it airs in the U.K. and Germany (8 p.m. on SyFyUK and 9 p.m. on SyFyDE), that’ll be 3 p.m. EST, noon PST.
The actual periscope event will take place after the episode airs (9 p.m. UK, 10 p.m. Germany, 4 p.m. EST, 1 p.m. PST) and should run approximately 15 minutes, possibly longer if I can’t figure out how to turn it off. Come find me on twitter (@BaronDestructo) or seek out the hashtag: #AskJoeDM. Yes, that’s Joe Doctor of Medicine. Hop on and ask me your Dark Matter and health-related questions and I’ll try my best to answer them! “Episode 10! It was inspired by her second audition! Eat more finer!” Sorry. Just practicing.
Check out:
This advance preview of Episode 106:
https://tvgeektalk.com/previews/dark-matter-advance-preview-episode-six-photos-video/
“In Friday’s episode, prompted by the crew itching to find out what’s behind that big door, Five decides to undergo a procedure to try and retrieve her lost memories, and to our surprise, it works! Actually, it works a little too well.”
This interview with actor Roger Cross (SIX):
“Given the scheduling, I figured I would have to pass on Dark Matter. However, TJ Scott was directing me on The Strain and he was going to be directing the pilot for Dark Matter. TJ told me, ‘Don’t worry, we can make this work.’ He ended up talking with the producers and they found a way to share me, so at one point I was doing both The Strain and Dark Matter, but it was all good.
This interview with actress Jodelle Ferland (FIVE):
“This is pretty much my dream role and one that I’ve always wanted to play. When I first stepped onto the Dark Matter set, it was like I was working on Firefly or Doctor Who. You have no idea how happy this makes me. Sometimes when we’re filming a scene and everyone is standing at one end of a corridor, I’ll turn around, look the other way down the length of the empty end of the corridor and pretend that I’m on an actual spaceship,” she says with a smile.
And another interview with Jodelle:
http://talknerdywithus.com/2015/07/17/an-interview-with-jodelle-ferland-of-dark-matter/
“And it’s interesting because every member of the cast is very different; I don’t think any of us are quite the same, and somehow we just work perfectly together. Our little spaceship family.”
This interview with yours truly – which includes a video interview with cast-members Jodelle Ferland, Anthony Lemke, Roger Cross, and Melissa O’Neil:
http://www.tvaholic.com/2015/07/17/interview-with-the-cast-and-co-creator-of-syfys-dark-matter/
“Likeable bad guys are hard to pull off but, when you’re successful, they can be the most rewarding of characters.”
Tomorrow, we’ll be hitting Anime Evolution here in Vancouver where I’ll be on the hunt for some new anime-themed t-shirts…and such. The event runs kicked off today and runs from the 17th to the 19th at the University of British Columbia New Student Union Building (http://www.animeevolution.com). @animeevoluion Who’s in?!!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
July 16, 2015
July 16, 2015: Talking Dark Matter Live on Periscope! This Monday! Provided I can figure out how it works!
All the kids and SyFy International Execs are doing it! And they’d like me to join in, Monday July 20th at 8 p.m. U.K. time, 3 p.m. EST, and noon PST. As someone who can barely manage Excel, I look forward to winging it on the day. I imagine I’ll turn on the live stream, do the Q&A, and then accidentally leave it on, allowing Dark Matter fans worldwide an unedited window into the fascinating life of an Executive Producer. We’re talking raw, honest footage of me feeding my dogs a banana or me making frittata. It’ll be like Big Brother without all the other people and the drama. But with more counter top cleaning.
Remember! That’ll be Monday, July 20th at 8 p.m. U.K. time, 3 p.m. EST, and noon PST!
So, how will it work? I don’t know. I was hoping you’d tell me. I downloaded the app and, as far as I know, I just press the “Start a Broadcast” button and we’re good to go. I’ll answer your questions and chat about the episode airing on SyFyUK that night (Episode 106), giving you insight into various facets of the production: scripting, location shooting, delicious late night eggplant and veal parm sandwiches. But I’ve said too much!
How will you find me? No idea. I assume that a link will magically appear on my twitter feed when things (are about to) get underway (@BaronDestructo).
Will there be surprise guests? Depends. Do my dogs count? If so, then yes! Maybe there WILL be surprise guests!
Spread the word. This is a rare opportunity for you to see my kitchen!
What at first I took to be depression has turned out to be, perhaps, something far more insidious as my french bulldog, Lulu, has gone from seemingly despondent to seemingly despondent – with diarrhea. The antibiotics haven’t worked so she’s off to get an ultrasound on Monday. Apparently, they’ll be shaving her belly and slathering it with jelly. Jealous?
So, how did the cast and crew feel about working with director Amanda Tapping. This final day send-off sums it up.
Awwww. Jodelle Ferland (FIVE) and Alex Mallari Jr. (FOUR) during the Episode 105 read-thru. These scripts are exhausting!
Big zombie infected guy!
A Dark Matter Episode 106 preview you should check out…
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-episode-6-preview/
“JODELLE FERLAND STEALS THE SHOW
Calling Episode 6 a big one for Five is a bit of an understatement. Five is featured heavily in this one, giving Ferland the chance to show off her impressive acting chops.”
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
July 15, 2015
July 15, 2015: Dark Matter mailbag! And such!
Dark Matter Episode 6 approacheth! What are we in for?
“The episode is jam packed with reveals and new details about the crew. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to watch this episode, especially if you’ve been waiting for some answers.”
“In this sneak peek, we see her relive a memory from Four’s past. If this brief encounter with his young self is any indication, he didn’t have a very happy childhood. This little scene alone goes a long way toward explaining his dour mood … and his fighting abilities.”
Mailbag!
Glenda writes: “Will there be any future scenes between David And Zoie?”
Answer: Not this season, but if we get that second season pick-up then plans are already in motion.
shaneac1 writes: “Ps any word on season 2 yet after all the Expanse hasn’t even aired yet and they just got greenlight for season 2.”
Answer: Actually, The Expanse writers have been given the go ahead to start developing scripts for season 2 – which is not the same as getting a green light to go into production on a second season. It’s not uncommon. Jay (Firestone of Prodigy Pictures) has already given us the go-ahead to start scripts for season 2 in advance of – hopefully – an official pick-up.
scifikriss writes: “Are you talking about this periscope? https://www.periscope.tv/ If so it is fun… I haven’t used it yet but I do have it on my phone.”
Answer: Yep, that’s the one. I’ll be joined by my assistants, Bubba and Lulu, to help field fan questions.
Marisha Ferland writes: “I’m confused about Three being in Two’s quarters. Is it supposed to keep us guessing?”
Answer: Not really. Given how the episode ends, it’s pretty clear what was going on. But it’s something that will be addressed next episode. (No dragging things out for this show!)
fsmn36 writes: “Not a question, but I have to say, I was sad at the Syfy twitter’s lack of Dark Matter coverage. Shame on Syfy for not promoting DM as hard as other shows.”
Answer: Members from the SyFy PR & Marketing team who have worked hard to promote the series did also show up to support our panel and that was much appreciated.
Randomness writes: “Given how well Dark Matter does with DVR viewers, how confident are you that Dark Matter will get its much deserved second season?”
Answer: Ah, I’m not going to jinx it. Let’s say I’m cautiously optimistic. But we still need fans to get the word out!
kabra writes: “Ok so I am just a little confused about One. Who is the clone? The one we knew first or the second one? Do we know where the clone came from? Did I miss something? Or we just don’t know yet?”
Answer: Answers coming your way soon. Clones?
kabra also writes: “…if DM goes into a second season could you cast Jack Donnelly and /or Robert Emms and /or Ayisha Hart??? ”
Answer: Guest casting for season 2 should be very interesting. I already have a couple in mind…
dannyfleming94 writes: “Hi Joe, now that it’s became really popular for shows to be binge watched after being aired, other creators of shows such as OSTNB, GoT have stated the have changed a lot of how they design a season of a show. I was wondering if this trend has affected the way you have made shows, such as Dark Matter since the stargate days? ”
Answer: Absolutely. Back in the Stargate days, the emphasis was one standalone episodes that would allow new viewers to jump in anytime. Now, with the popularity of netflix and screening, viewers can easily catch up if they miss an episode. It’s the age of binge-watching and serialized shows are king! Which is why we crafted Dark Matter to be a high serialized, binge-worthy series.
JustLookAtTheFlowers writes: “are the characters ever going to use their real names? ”
Answer: TWO made it clear off the top of episode 2 that their names represent who they were, not who they are moving forward. For the time being, they’re keeping the numerical designations. And nicknames.
jimfromjersey writes: “Is that an engagement ring on Akemi’s finger? =)”
Answer: Nope. My, aren’t we impatient? :)
Shana writes: “Did you end up needing those earplugs?”
Answer: No. Tylenol did the trick.
2cats writes: “Glad that Dark Matter is doing so well, but sure wish SyFy would promote it more. You have to scroll down to find it on SyFy’s site while Defiance, Killjoys and Dominion, along with idiotic Sharknado 3 have prime placement. What’s up with that?!”
Answer: Any support is appreciated and I think SyFy PR & Marketing have done a great job promoting the show.
2cats also writes: “1) Why does everyone wear their weapons strapped to their legs while on board? They are rarely without them, except to work out or sleep in quarters.”
Answer: Paranoia?
“2) Why are there so many scenes of everyone standing equally-spaced apart in whatever part of the ship they’re in, on the bridge, in the infirmary, etc. I’ve only noticed Three leaning against something on occasion.”
Answer: The big group scenes are always a challenge to shoot and I think our directors have done a wonderful job keeping each of our characters “alive” in the scenes. They’re the biggest challenge but, also, the most rewarding for fans who enjoy the group dynamic.
“3) Will there be a blooper reel? I know the fans would love it!”
Answer: Probably. I’ve always liked a good blooper reel.
“4) Since they all seem to be denying their past evil lives as more is revealed, will they turn from being mercenaries to being champions of good by act of pure will power?”
Answer: The fact that they’re turning their backs on their pasts doesn’t mean they’ll be “champions of good”. Change doesn’t necessarily mean a complete 180 degree. And, in fact, a few of our characters will have problems with even the smallest of adjustments.
“5) Is it possible that the One on ship really is the original and the duplicate that found him is the impostor?”
Answer: Sure, it’s possible. This is scifi after all!
Randomness writes: “1. Will the Galactic Authority have any prominent figures that have a strong interest in hunting down certain individuals from the Raza crew, almost like a personal crusade of some kind?”
Answer: Eventually, yes.
“2. Any plans to separate the Raza crew for long periods, such as one or two members being captured or arrested?”
Answer: Again, it’s possible. There will be times when they’ll split up – and, in those instances, will prove more vulnerable.
“3. Any plans to do an episode entirely focused on a single crew member of the Raza, with the rest of the cast being mostly background level(In terms of importance to the story) or maybe one or two crew having more of an input in the story?”
Answer: Yep. Episodes 108 and 109 will each spotlight a different character.
“4. Could the Raza ever get a job that involves hunting down a ghost ship of some kind? Like a long lost ship, it’d be quite an adventure for them I’m sure, especially if there were multiple groups with a vested interest in finding it.”
Answer: Er…sure.
“5. Hypothetically speaking, would you ever expand the main cast of Dark Matter and add an additional crew member to the Raza? I know 6 human crew + an Android is enough, but say if the opportunity ever arises and you had the perfect idea to add someone new for a season, would you do it?”
Answer: Most definitely. If the opportunity presented itself. And the opportunity may well present itself…
Kathy C writes: “Is Dark Matter coming to New York Comic Con? Please pretty please?? ”
Answer: It’s schedule-dependent. And whether or not we receive an invitation.
Marsha R. writes: “Did you revisit the downtown jail environs this year?”
Answer: Ha! I have found memories of the two of us walking that neighbourhood, looking for somewhere to eat and only finding bail bondsmen offices.
arcticgoddess writes: “What were the criteria for choosing the actors for Dark Matter?”
Answer: Talent and a good attitude.
Ponytail writes: “Joe why did you say this would be your last con?”
Answer: It was awesome to meet the fans but I think I’ll let the cast take it from here.
2cats writes: “This blog is a highlight of my day and I appreciate the effort taken to keep it going. When will we be doing cast & crew guest visits?”
Answer: Ah, great question. Now that you mention it, I should get one started. I was thinking of waiting until the episodes had aired. What do you think? Too late?
Duptiang writes: “Jodelle (spell check no like) looks smashing in her summer attire. Did she come to the cast call with that hair color? Is it for her character or a fashion choice, just curious?”
Answer: No, Jodelle’s hair was dark (natural) and long when she auditioned for the role. It was EP Jay Firestone’s idea to give her character colored hair after seeing a pic of Jodelle cosplaying at a con. Originally, the suggestion was pink but, after further research, we decided that the green-blue she now sports was the way to go. Akemi is sooo envious!
gforce writes: “My question is – are these the kind of answers that just raise more questions?”
Answer: These are the kind of answers that answer questions. But that’s not to say there won’t be more questions posed. :)
msstargate writes: “Any idea when you will get word on renewal?”
Answer: No. Ideally, sooner is better so that we have time to properly prepare (scripts, sets, etc.) and book directors!
NarellefromAus writes: “Not sure if you’ve been asked already, but have you heard much about the BBC Jonathan Strange series?”
Answer: Great things! It’s on my to-watch list after I finish season 2 of The Fall.
Leslie writes: “Any idea whether you all will make it to Dragon Con in September?”
Answer: Again, it depends on if the cast members are available – and invited! As for me, I’m all conned out for the foreseeable future.
Mike P. writes: “How are the ratings in Canada? I haven’t heard anything since the first two press releases.”
Answer: Pretty great, thanks for asking. Our first two episodes did great numbers for SpaceChannel (as covered in those initial two press releases) and, since then, our audience has continued to grow, increasing viewership every episode. I believe we’re the #1 show on their network!
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
July 14, 2015
July 14, 2015: Answers await in Dark Matter Episode 106!
Oh, yeah! Now we’re getting into the meat of the series. After so many questions, we’re finally getting some answers in a BIG way next episode. I mentioned the fact that we’d be peeling the onion on our characters’ backstories – well, Dark Matter Episode 6 goes multiple layers deep, offering up insight into the histories of not one, not two, but THREE of our crew!
This episode will be a Jodelle Ferland tour de force and fans of FIVE (The #FiveHive!) – as well as fans of a couple of hitherto quieter crew members – are in for a treat.
As always, get ready for action, suspense, humor…and a couple of touching character moments.
Previews!
http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/07/dark-matter-episode-6-preview-a-dangerous-dreamscape/
So what did these people do to land themselves on the Galactic Authority’s Most Wanted list? Well, as we’ll soon learn, in a couple of cases, some pretty horrific things.
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
July 13, 2015
July 13, 2015: The Return of the Weird Food Purchase of the Day! Key Lime Oreos! Dark Matter interview links!
The biggest highlight of my trip to San Diego Comic Con (yes, even bigger than the corn tamales at The Cheesecake Factory) was meeting the fans (Dark Matter and Stargate), at the panel and then one on one on the floor. I met up with my former Stargate cohort Jenny Stiven and her family, David and Tiffany who I first met back on November 2, 2010 when they won a visit to the set of SGU (https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/november-2-2010-new-sgu-snow-monkeys-pull-off-incredible-comeback-stargate-set-pics/), blog regulars Lisa Yimm, Screwball, and Jeanine during the cast signings, Tom and Erin from http://www.threeifbyspace.net, and longtime blog lurker and dog enthusiast Beth! And, of course, there was blog regular Jim Lawson who came bearing gifts: Key lime Oreos – which got me to thinking…When was the last time I did a Weird Food Purchase of the Day video?
Akemi, in particular, really enjoyed them as you can see.
Some SDCCC Dark Matter goodies…
Roger Cross, Jodelle Ferland, and Anthon Lemke walk the red carpet before the EW party.
Roger Cross and Anthony Lemke chat with Yael Tygiel:
Jodelle Ferland, Anthony Lemke, Roger Cross, and Melissa O’Neil chat with kyooltube:
Talking with GeekWorldRadio:
A sneak peek from Dark Matter Episode 107 that was screened for the panel:
The Dark Matter episode 105 post-mortem. I sit down for my weekly chat with TheTVJunkies’ Bridget Liszewski to discuss THREE’s motivations, that mysterious key card, and what’s in store for Episode 106 (hint: FIVE! FIVE! And more FIVE!).
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-episode-5-postmortem-space-zombies/
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter
July 12, 2015
July 12, 2015: The Mikkei Ships!
A little something I was holding onto. The breakdown on the Ferrous Corp and Galactic Authority ships were featured on another site. Today, I feature the ships of The Mikkei Combine with helpful overviews from design artist James Robbins and VFX supervisor Lawren Bancroft-Wilson.
James Robbins: [Dark Matter Production Designer] Ian Brock forwarded me the notion of a Japanese design based on the Samurai and suggested the exterior plating be reminiscent of plated Japanese armor.
Below is the earliest pencil version with a side ortho and a ½ top view which will be mirrored to provide the full view:
James Robbins: The general consensus was that the lower portion (the chin strap) of the side view wasn’t scaling properly – It gave the impression of a smaller ship. I refined those elements and did a little toning and mirrored the top view in Photoshop. (below)
James Robbins: This still felt too filigreed and it was decided to remove the “chin-strap”
James Robbins: I cleaned up the lines and added some strong contrasts. This (above) became the final version for VFX.
And then, we handed things off to VFX Supervisor Lawren Bancroft-Wilson…
Lawren Bancroft-Wilson: We first started approaching the build of a cruiser using the concept designs, but when the need turned to making a destroyer we were able to integrate the cruiser design along with reference of many of the more modern destroyers we’re seeing built today.
Lawren Bancroft-Wilson: There’s no doubt that this ship, more than any other, has a heavy nautical inspiration and we really used that to help differentiate it from the Ferrous Corp ships. Where the Ferrous Corp ships were bulky and straight edged, we followed the concept design in having the Mikkei lean more to flowing curves and a rounded exterior.
Lawren Bancroft-Wilson: Like the other destroyer we needed battlements that lined every side of the ship with the ability to launch an attack in any direction. We also helped to differentiate the Mikkei ships by giving them a light kit that is blue with a soft glow oppose to the painted red sections of the Ferrous Corp ships.
The design of the Mikkei shuttle, their surface to orbit transport vessel, went relatively quicker…
James Robbins: “The Mikkei shuttle was the only remaining ship and it went through with few notes.”
Today’s entry is dedicated to Gary and Paloosa.
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction spaceships, scifi spaceships, SF spaceships, spaceships
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