Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 385
June 15, 2015
June 15, 2015: Behind the scenes on Dark Matter episode #101!
Fans in the U.K., Germany, Spain and Portugal just joined the Dark Matter family and fans in the Netherlands and France are about to follow suit. So welcome, wilkommen, bienvenida, bem-vindo, welkom, and soyez les bienvenus! The best is yet to come!
And welcome to my little blog which, over the course of the Dark Matter’s first season, will be offering up plenty of behind the scenes photos, videos, and insights – as well as a surprise or two.
Speaking of two – in case you hadn’t seen them, a few sneak peek pics of our second episode (#102) have popped up online…
DARK MATTER — “Episode Two” Episode 102 — Pictured: (l-r) Melissa O’Neil as Two, Mark Bendavid as One — (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)
http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/06/dark-matter-episode-102-sneak-peek.html
And there’s also this Season 1 preview from the gang at SyFy:
Now, let’s talk about Episode #101. Those of you who read the Dark Matter comic, edited by the awesome Patrick Thorpe, illustrated by the brilliant Garry Brown, colored by the awesome Ryan Hill, and published by Dark Horse Comics (https://digital.darkhorse.com/browse/brand/52/) will note that the first episode was word for world, almost shot for shot, the first two issues. However, there were occasions where we veered away from the source material.
THE TEASE
1) Drifting through the corridors…
*
This was our first shot of Day #1. T.J. Scott always liked to have a little background music playing (his mixtape) to help foster a relaxed on set atmosphere. We discussed options with our Director of Photography, Craig Wright, and ultimately decided to go with the lurid red lighting which always made me think “The Shining in space!”.
2) The stasis pods…
*
While I loved the idea of the amniotic fluid spewing out as the stasis pod disgorges its occupant, we opted for something a little more production-friendly that wouldn’t require our actors to spend much of the early scenes sopping wet. The mist effect replaced the liquid while the pod itself (upright, like in the comic book) was recessed in the corridor for a more visual reveal.
3) The bridge…
Production Designer Ian Brock pitched out a bridge design that was unlike anything I’d ever seen: rowed windows out front and in the ceiling as well, offering plenty of opportunities for interactive lights – especially when traveling through FTL. Stunt Coordinator John Stead did a terrific job choreographing this first encounter between ONE and TWO.
4) THREE’s entry…
Enter the ship’s resident bad-ass. You’ll note that, unlike the others, he is armed – which would suggest he actually went into stasis WITH his guns…which says a lot about the guy.
5) The Opening Titles…
As much as I love a nice lengthy opening title sequence, they’re becoming increasingly rare nowadays so we opted for this abbreviated version pioneered by shows like Lost. Executive Producer Jay Firestone suggested we use our streaking FTL effect which gives it a nice, dynamic feel. The Dark Matter clanking into place are reminiscent of our hero ship. We went back and forth on the crew – yes or no – and eventually decided on having them fade up and be partially obscured. Finally, we decided to go with this musical accompaniment because, as Jay pointed out, it would alert people in the next room that “Dark Matter is on!”.
6) Everyone awakens from stasis…
*
In the comic book, we fast forward to the character of SIX awakening from stasis to discover the rest of the crew already up and around. Director T.J. Scott was adamant that he wanted to see the moment where the rest of the crew wake up – which, in retrospect, was a brilliant idea: a bewildered FOUR followed by a composed FIVE and ending on a confused SIX.
7) Designations and discovery…
Our amnesiac crew members name each other numerically, discover clothes, comms, and a weapons cache. Curious. My writing partner, Paul Mullie, suggested the little bit of business with FIVE and SIX switching outfits – which is the first interaction between the two and hints at the friendship to come. In fact, this episode is full of little hints about our characters. Note the way TWO takes charge and the others quickly fall into line. Also not the glint in THREE’s eyes as he swings that big gun around…”Expecting trouble?”, “Hopin’!”
8) Splitting up and searching…
TWO and FIVE head for the bridge, ONE and FOUR find the training room, and THREE and SIX discover the shuttle (The Phantom Class Marauder). All begin to display certain abilities suggestive of their respective pasts. I’ve spoken at length about how anime (the swords in space motif) heavily influenced Dark Matter and nowhere is this more evident than in the character of FOUR. Alex Mallari Jr. was supremely dedicated to his training, waking up at 3 a.m. every day so that he could get a workout in prior to heading in for his early call and stunt rehearsals. He got pretty good with those katanas. So good that he ended up running the table on the various weapons in that room.
FOUR of a kind. Can anybody guess the three other swordsmen?
But seriously. What’s with the space sword? Stay tuned!
9) The Android’s greeting…
Our first elaborate stunt sequence, choreographed by stunt coordinator John Stead, directed by T. J. Scott. This one took all day! Some nice little touches including the beat where the Android disarms SIX of his weapons, snatching the last one out of his holster and tossing it aside before he can react. Zobot lays a beatdown on the boys. Luckily, TWO saves the day.
10) Bringing the Android back online…
The show is full of parallel themes and tracks. Take the Android for instance who has her memory stories wiped by the reboot. Still, her neural link to the ship allows her instant access to the ship’s systems – and the realization that the data has been wiped. Now why would someone do that? Just add it to the growing list of questions.
By the way, my favorite beat in this scene is the moment the Android suddenly sits up. Everyone else is startled, reacts anxiously by pointing or clutching their weapons. FIVE, on the other hand, scooches forward, intrigued.
That’s all for today. Let’s pick up tomorrow. For now, a couple of links to check out…
Another review:
http://www.douxreviews.com/2015/06/dark-matter-pilot-part-1.html
Travel via clone. I discuss Transfer Transit, the fastest way to get around in the Dark Matter universe:
Chatting with Starburst Magazine:
http://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/interviews/12270-joseph-mallozzi-dark-matter-interview
Tagged: #DarkMatter, Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.
June 14, 2015
June 14, 2015: Dark Matter! Behind the scenes on episodes #101! More Dark Matter-related links! And I answer your Dark Matter questions!
With Dark Matter having already premiered in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Asia, Poland and Eastern Europe, the internet is rife with comments, critiques, and theories. Lots and lots of theories. I’d like to get to those – eventually. And offer some specific pics and insights – eventually. But, with the show poised to premiere tomorrow night on SyFy UK (20:00), SyFy Portugal (22:10) and SyFy Germany (21:00), and the following night on SyFy France (21:30), SyFy Netherlands (21:00) and SyFy Spain (22:20), I’m going to steer clear of any spoilers. So let’s stick to non-spoilery behind-the-scenes insights for now…
Our very first cast read-thru!
Actor Alex Mallari Jr., Dark Matter’s FOUR (with hair!) at an early costume fitting for Episodes #101/102.
T.J. Scott directs Zoie Palmer and Melissa O’Neil in a scene (“No. Show me.”) from Dark Matter Episode #101. Executive Producer Paul Mullie looks on in the BG, hoping for a cameo.
Prepping the pod.
Emergency lighting.
What’s behind the second set of airlock doors?
Those vertical mats sure came in handy.
A few more Dark Matter-related links for you to peruse…
Dark Matter Explodes: http://guardianlv.com/2015/06/dark-matter-explodes-everywhere/
A review of Episode #101: http://twonerdstalking.com/dark-matter-pilot-episode-review/
Another review of Episode #101: http://pop-break.com/2015/06/14/tv-recap-dark-matter-episode-one-series-premiere/
Exclusive wireframe images of our space station: http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/06/exclusive-gorgeous-wireframe-images-of-dark-matters-space-station/
Where to watch in the U.S.: http://www.syfy.com/darkmatter/where-to-watch
Time for another mailbag:
bambamfans writes: “Questions ( I understand you may not be able to answer): 1. Did they all retire to their previous sleeping quarters?”
Answer: Some were instinctively drawn to their own quarters. Some not. In some instances, it was a little more obvious: ie. the room with the sketches, the room with the weaponry…
“2. Which character is the easiest to write dialogue & which is the toughest?”
Answer: They all present their own challenges and rewards.
“3. Which character/s did you connect most with? Was it different between the graphic novel and when you saw the performances on screen? On an initial watch it was ONE & TWO for me.”
Answer: What I love about the show is that it’s a true ensemble. The crew is made up of varied personalities and different viewers will respond to different characters. In my case, I found something in each of them to connect with.
“4. Will the people on the planet keep coming into the story?”
Answer: We’ll see them again in episode #102.
“5. Why is the Marauder so light inside? It seems different to the rest of the ship. Is there a reason?”
Answer: Yes. There’s a stark contrast between the clean, streamlined Phantom Class Marauder shuttle and the battle-scarred hero ship. One clearly doesn’t belong with the other. It’s more than possible one, or both, were heisted.
“6. I know they found jackets but did they find socks?”
Answer: Yep. And underwear too!
“7. What was the inspiration behind the music, which I found quite unique and surprising?”
Answer: We wanted something different – unique and surprising.
“8. How did you do the zero gravity sequences, with wires?”
Answer: Yes, wires. I’ll be posting some behind the scenes videos on the stunts soon.
“9. Who doubled Anthony for the ratchet into the wall in the door scene? It was impressive.”
Answer: His stunt double, Blair Johannes under the direction of stunt coordinator John Stead.
“10. How many takes for FOUR’s Katana display sequence?”
Answer: You’ll have to ask Alex. He was prepared and pretty flawless.
Tom Gardiner writes: “Questions, you say? I have some. They may not be good questions, but they’re the best this brain can come up with. 1 – Will David Hewlitt’s character have some of the more reprehensible qualities that McKay had? Y’know, weasely self-preservation over almost anything else.”
Answer: Oh, he’s got all of those qualities x 10.
“2 – Does Two have a condition that requires her navel to get continuous fresh air? (I’m not complaining, mind you.)”
Answer: She has a fairly extensive wardrobe.
“3 – Six watches over Five. Any hints on why or should I shut up and wait?”
Answer: It would seem that, in some cases, the characters are drawn to connections they may have made in the past. Would losing your memories change who you are? To what extent? These are some of the questions we’ll be looking to answer this season.
“4 – Five seems to be remembering someone else’s memories (Maybe Two’s?). Some glitch in the memory wipe or a hint at her having some extranormal abilities? Maybe she was responsible for the memory wipe!”
Answer: A lot of questions – which will be answered this season.
“5 – Why does One have to see his reflection in the metal cup? Are mirrors rare in the future? Where are the bathrooms?”
Answer: He didn’t have to see his reflection in the cup. He just caught it while searching through the various items in his quarters, seemingly trying to jog his memories.
“6 – No, really, where are the bathrooms?”
Answer: That opaque door behind him? That leads to the bathroom.
“7 – Back to Five. Hers was the only identity not revealed in the ship’s recovered data. This again makes me think she’s outside the loop of the apparent framing of the others by, I assume, the Big Bad Company.”
Answer: Yeah, many have been making that same assumption.
Keith writes: “This may have been asked already, but which episode (besides the finale) are you personally looking forward to the most for fan reaction? Or which episode is your personal favourite, the best example of the show?”
Answer: I think that Episode #102 offers a nice counter-balance to #101’s more ship-centric mystery, opening up, delivering more in the way of action and character moments.
Keith writes: “Also, when you wrote the first two episodes, were you envisioning them as a two hour premiere? How do you feel about the episodes being aired individually?”
Answer: If there were any two episodes that could have aired on the same night, it would have been episodes #101 and #102 – but our post and delivery schedule was very tight and we didn’t have the option. All the same, I’m quite happy to air this show on a weekly basis instead of doubling up as each instalment offers plenty of rewards – and some terrific closing moments.
JustLookAtTheFlowers writes: “Is this going to stay a family-friendly show? Meaning so many shows seem to force sex scenes or unnecessarily brutal violence on audiences. It wasn’t an issue for SGA so I’m hoping for the same deal with Dark Matter.”
Answer: Depends on the family.
Catherine Rawa writes: “Why is there sound in space?”
Answer: For the same reason we’re flying around in cool spaceships with inertial dampeners.
Ponytail writes: “PeterJ wrote, “Last time I saw Joe Mallozzi characters doing anything in a new drama they were climbing into the pods. It was a strange closure and the start of a new era.”
Wow, interesting thought. When one stasis pod door closes… another opens. Literally. Joe did you do this (start there) on purpose?”
Answer: Nope. I started developing Dark Matter back in Stargate: Atlantis’s fourth season, well before Stargate: Universe was even a pitch.
Tim G writes: “5 reminds me of River from Firefly/Serenity, only more sane. Was that an intentional move, or just a coincidence?”
Answer: I think you’ll find that, as the show progresses, FIVE is very different from River. Latent psychic abilities you say? Nothing is ever as it seems.
alex30425: “Does the title Dark Matter have any meaning to the story?”
Answer: As I said in an recent interview, the Dark Matter of the show is more thematic than literal. While some scientists posit the existence of this nebulous dark matter which hypothetically makes up about 25% of the universe, the premise of this show alludes to the “dark matter” that resides within all of us – to varying degrees.
scott writes: “Also interesting how in Dark Matter, you’ve named the episodes, “Episode One”, “Episode Two”, etc. instead of giving each episode its own unique name.”
Answer: That was a decision we made early to parallel our characters’ numerical designations, and the running themes of identity and discovery.
Tam Dixon: “The computer didn’t have Five’s records. Will that be revealed later or is she going to be a mystery?”
Answer: The plan has always been to pay off the mysteries we set up, sooner than later. In the case of all of our characters, we’ll be peeling the onions on their respective backstories throughout season 1.
Duptiang writes: “In one of the fractured screen shots near the end, was that David Hewlett?”
Answer: Hunh. Now that you mention it, it DOES look like David Hewlett…
Elminster writes: “What was that see through box thing that #5 was playing with?”
Answer: The box was a piece of technology that she seemed to instinctively know how to fix, in much the same way that the other characters display similar affinities or talents (FOUR with his swords, TWO assuming the leadership role).
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.
June 13, 2015
June 13, 2015: Ship-based SF has returned! Let’s talk Dark Matter!
What’s behind the big metal door? Executive Producer Jay Firestone is about to find out!
THANK YOU to everyone who tuned in for our Dark Matter North American and Australian premieres. I was madly live tweeting throughout the night along with many of you and I’m pleased to report we were trending in Canada and worldwide (also San Francisco and New York when I checked!). Judging from your reactions on the various message boards, you seemed to really enjoy episode #101. All I can say is: Wait until episode #102!
So, thank you all for supporting the show. Thanks to David Howe, Tom Vitale, Chris Regina and the gang at SyFy PR & Marketing for all of their support as well. Thanks to the Dark Matter cast, crew, and everyone else involved in the production. And a BIG thanks to…
Executive Producer (and Prodigy Pictures President) who deserves the lion’s share of the accolades for not only putting together the seemingly impossible deals that got this show to air, but assembled the pieces of the puzzle, oversaw prep, production, and post, and delivered a show that has defied expectations: when all is said and done, a fun, character-driven, ship-based scifi series. And, judging from your feedback so far, it’s EXACTLY what you’ve been looking for.
As some of you know from my days on Stargate, I would often invite members of the production (cast and crew) to take part in Q&A sessions here on this blog. My blog readers would post their questions in the comments section of this blog and then our guest would stop by to answer them in a dedicated blog entry. I’d like to do the same for Dark Matter, and I think it only appropriate that our first guest be none other than Jay himself. Having said that however, I know Jay is a busy guy and I’ve yet to clear it with him first – but with a little prodding, I’m sure we can convince him to drop by.
Soooo, start thinking about what you’d like to ask Dark Matter Executive Producer Jay Firestone. I’ll make the Q&A official sometime this week and you can start posting your questions!
Missed Dark Matter’s first episode in the U.S.? Go here: http://www.syfy.com/darkmatter/videos/101-episode-one
Missed Dark Matter’s first episode in Canada? Go here: http://www.space.ca/video/player?vid=611325
Missed Dark Matter’s first episode in Australia? Go here: http://www.syfy.com.au/video/dark-matter-s01e01
Check out the links, then check out the mailbag…
Some reactions to our opener:
http://screenrant.com/dark-matter-syfy-series-premiere-review/
http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/06/dark-matter-premiere-episode-review-who-are-you-i-dont-know/
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-pilot/
http://www.channelguidemagblog.com/index.php/2015/06/12/dark-matter-series-premiere-recap/
Previewing the show:
http://www.tvgoodness.com/2015/06/12/dark-matter-series-premiere-preview-interview/
ONE, TWO, THREE and me talk Dark Matter:
Melissa O’Neil chats with eTalk:
http://www.etalk.ca/News/Q-A-Canadian-Idol-alum-Melissa-O-Neil-on-helming-n
And another Q&A:
Dishing on Dark Matter:
http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/06/joseph-mallozzi-dishes-dark-matter/
Let’s hit the mailbag:
spalog writes: “The fan response to the show has been really great. But there have been some criticisms. Could you address them? 1. The characters feel too generic and stereotypical.”
Answer: Over the course of our 43 minute pilot, we establish the premise, establish our world, establish several mysteries (the memory wipe, the deleted data, the big metal door, the puzzle box, etc.), and introduce seven (!) different characters, none of who have any recollection of who they are or how they got on board – and thus possess no frame of reference from which to draw from. So, yes, our crew may seem a little “sketchy” at first blush (perhaps purposely so?), but this show is all about subverting expectations and surprising the audience. Nothing is ever as it seems. And we have 12 more episodes to start peeling the onions on these characters. And throw a slew of surprises your way!
“2. The Asian character has to be the one who can handle the swords.”
Answer: I’ve addressed this elsewhere but will repeat my response here.
I’ve been very up front about the inspirations for Dark Matter: comics, SF literature, film, television, and anime. The latter, Japanese cartoons for those not in the know, was a particularly big influence on the show’s development, specifically, a show called CowBoy Bebop that offered a wonderful mix of humor and scifi in it’s all too brief 26 episode run.
The sword-wielding character of FOUR is a tip of the hat to SF-themed anime, from classics like Gundam to more contemporary titles like Code Geass. Fans of the genre will no doubt recognize many familiar elements.
In creating the character, and his storyline, I consulted with many of my friends in Japan (I visit every year, am a student of Japanese culture and history, and speak Japanese – albeit like a four year old boy) and girlfriend (who also happens to be Japanese) who were absolutely thrilled at the prospect of a North American scifi series with recognizable anime trappings.
So, all this to say, the creation of this character actually came from a place of respect.
But why, you may ask, does he have a sword in space? Illogical? Maybe. And then again, maybe that question will be answered in time as well…
“3. Why did you cast a Filipino actor to play a Japanese character?”
Answer: As someone else already pointed out, Alex was cast because he was the best actor for the role. I felt comfortable doing so because the show is not a historical drama that, I would agree, would require a Japanese actor. Our show is set some 200 years in the future, a future in which I envision an increasingly more inclusive Japan thriving as an intergalactic player. In this setting, a “Japanese citizen” of Filipino heritage would be as common as, say, an “American citizen” of Chinese or Italian heritage.
4. The Three character is too much like Jayne from Firefly.
Answer: I’m sure all of the characters remind someone of some pre-existing character or other. Again, we’re talking about first episode impressions (and that’s fine), but all of these characters have a long way to develop and evolve over the course of the show’s first season. A couple of months from now, I have no doubt that each member of the crew will have established their unique personalities in the eyes of our viewers. And, next year, when the next big SF series comes out, someone somewhere will undoubtedly say: “Hey! That character is too much like THREE from Dark Matter!”.
scott writes: “what were into figuring out the different types of weapons/shields/armor each ship has?”
Answer: Paul and I had a pretty good idea of what we wanted to see in our hero ship. We wanted a tough, battle-scarred vessel with plenty of retro-fitted weaponry – compact and maneuverable to suggest it could hold its own against much larger ships. We left artist Bartol Rendulic the freedom to design the ship based on these specifications, and he came up with a beauty.
tealc writes: “And of course like the last two seasons of sga and the only seasons of sgu the atmosphere is dark can not see anything.”
Answer: I think you need to check the settings on your t.v. Throughout production, I worked with Director of Photography Craig Wright to ensure the darks were not oppressively so.
Joan001 writes: “But how did you get them into the “no gravity” situation?”
Answer: Oh, I’ll be sharing some videos with you in the coming days that will answer that question.
cat444 writes: “Parts of the FTL travel reminds me of how Moya travelled in Farscape. Was that intentional?”
Answer: No, our goal was to create an FTL jump, travel, and drop-out we hadn’t seen before. The only similarity I can see to Moya’s starburst is the shield playing over the ship prior to jump.
sylvia writes: “Any Plans for more presence by Dark Matter cast, crew, writers at Dragon Con?”
Answer: Unless someone invited the cast, I don’t believe they’ll be going.
Ponytail writes: “What are the beds made of? Plywood or actual mattress?”
Answer: Oh, it’s an actual mattress. Every time we’d be in there, Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza would be eyeing that bed, eager for nap time.
More mailbag coming your way in tomorrow’s blog entry…
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.
June 12, 2015
June 12, 2015: Dark Matter Premieres! Interviews! Reviews! Articles!
Go!
Watch the premiere!
Tonight!
10 p.m. on SyFy (U.S.)
7 p.m. PST, 10 p.m. EST on Space Channel (Canada)
And here is our updated global premiere rundown. New and improved! Now with added Portugal!
The cast, crew, and EP Vanessa Piazza and I (@BaronDestructo) will be live tweeting the event – both east and west coast feeds. Follow the #DarkMatter hashtag. Join us!
A final teaser promo from Space Channel: “Technically, she’s an android”…
https://www.facebook.com/SPACEchannel/videos/vb.133102256224/10153037502911225/?type=2&theater
“Here is Why Dark Matter, SyFy’s New Space Opera, Could Be TV’s Next Big Hit”:
Ships! Ships! Ships! io9 offers up a sneak peek at our corporate ships:
http://io9.com/meet-the-ships-of-dark-matters-biggest-antagonists-1710942614
Something To Fill That Firefly-Shaped Hole In Your Heart:
http://www.theworkprint.com/dark-matter-advanced-review/123
3 Things You Should Know:
http://www.syfy.com/darkmatter/blog/dark-matter-three-things-you-should-know
On bringing back the “fun scifi” with Dark Matter:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/longtime-stargate-ep-aims-bring-802045
Melissa O’Neil and Anthony Lemke dish on Dark Matter:
Roger Cross talks Dark Matter:
http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2015/06/12/slice-of-scifi-722/
Truth & Consequences: Anthony Lemke talks about playing the rogue, Star Wars, Space 1999 and his favorite episode…
The One, Two, Three interview:
http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/06/dark-matter-the-one-two-three-interview/
On tonight’s launch:
http://www.space.com/29646-dark-matter-syfy-show-launches-tonight.html
Collider’s thoughts on the premiere:
http://collider.com/dark-matter-review/
Everything you need to know about Dark Matter going into tonight’s premiere:
http://askgenretv.com/dark-matter-podcast/an-introduction-to-dark-matter-episode-1/
My chat with Blastr:
http://www.blastr.com/2015-6-11/exclusive-brains-behind-stargateatlantis-are-back-dark-matter
The Seattle Time’s TV Picks for June 12th:
http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/tv/june-12-tv-picks-dark-matter-series-premiere-on-syfy/
Teasing the premiere:
http://thetelevixen.com/2015/06/dark-matters-creator-and-cast-tease-season-one/
***Post your spoiler-free Dark Matter-related questions in the comments section and I’ll answer them in tomorrow’s dedicated “Dark Matter Q&A” blog entry! U.K. and international post-premiere Q&A’s to follow!***
Today’s entry is dedicated to blog regular ponytail!
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi television, scififun, SF, SF television, Space Channel, SyFy, SyFyFriday
June 11, 2015
June 11, 2015: 1 Day to the Dark Matter series premiere! Interviews! Articles! Global Premiere Dates! Win a model of our hero ship!
SyFy’s Dark Matter Brings The Badass Ladies In Force:
http://www.themarysue.com/dark-matter-interview/
Space Opera is Set for a New Dawn with Dark Matter:
“Dark Matter’s 13-episode first season is destined to be an action-packed mix of drama, humour and adventure in the mould of Stargate and Firefly. Any similarity to the former is not coincidental given that Mallozzi and Mullie have a long history with that franchise.”
How SyFy’s Dark Matter Created the Ultimate Police Ship:
http://io9.com/how-syfys-dark-matter-created-the-ultimate-police-ship-1710547670
Zoie Palmer Brings Dark Matter’s Android to Life:
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/zoie-palmer-dark-matter-android-to-life/
“I’m always drawn to the underdog a little bit, I’m drawn to those characters that are a little bit outside, a little bit quirky, a little bit disconnected. I think there’s a ton of places you can go. Even on Lost Girl I think every character felt a little bit like an outsider. It was a group of outsiders. They all sort of found each other and connected in that way.”
Melissa O’Neil and Antony Lemke talk Dark Matter:
http://metronews.ca/scene/1394068/qa-melissa-oneil-talks-spaces-dark-matter/
” When we started shooting, absolutely we were. We had read a number of episodes ahead as actors but one of the things that Joe and Paul did very, very well was keep secrets. Boy did they ever.”
Anthony Lemke talks Dark Matter:
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/06/11/anthony-lemke-talks-new-sci-fi-show-dark-matter
““Thematically for the show, you have the two poles, in a way, of how to approach life,” Lemke explained. “We have the side that is very moral, and the other is very instrumental. Whatever you can do to live another day is kind of what my character is all about.”
Great Anthony Lemke (Dark Matter’s THREE) video interview:
http://globalnews.ca/video/2048957/anthony-lemke-talks-dark-matter
Another teaser promo from the gang at Space Channel: “I can save us all…if you let me.”
Dark Matter – Pilot – Technical Previews: “Visuals”…
http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/06/dark-matter-pilot-technical-preview.html
“Dark Matter is poised to gallantly launch us all back into space and the visuals the show provides are a very big part of what makes this show so unique.”
A Dark Matter series premiere advance preview:
Dark Matter is the featured t.v. gallery on imdb. Thanks to BoltBait for the heads up!
http://www.imdb.com/gallery/rg2395511552
When does Dark Matter premiere in your part of the world? Check out Our Worldwide SyFy Premiere Dates:
Finally, how’d you like to win a model of our hero ship? Details here:
http://prodigypictures.com/press?news_id=172&uniqid=1238
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi television, SF, SF television, Space Channel, SyFy, SyFyFriday, SyFyFridays
June 10, 2015
June 10, 2015: 2 Days to the Dark Matter world premiere! The Space Stations!
“Where,” you no doubt are asking, “is that awesome VFX -laden trailer you promised us?” Well, they’re stuck in the pipeline (like Homer Simpson in that waterslide) and, hopefully, will be coming your way BEFORE the premiere – because, after all, that’s the whole point of releasing this trailer: to get you even more excited about Dark Matter (as if that were possible!) and let any potential fence sitters and naysayers know just how cool this show will be!
Another teaser promo, compliments of Space Channel. “We’re dangerous!”:
Variety reviews our first episode:
“Adapted from Dark Horse Comics, “Dark Matter” uses a tantalizing mystery to achieve liftoff, then does a pretty nifty job of establishing its characters to bring the audience along for the ride.”
Meanwhile, over at Entertainment Weekly:
“It’s tough to become attached to anyone just yet, but fun scenes of discovery and a twist ending should keep you interested for at least one more episode. [12 Jun 2015, p.71]”
Salt Lake City Weekly seems to like us:
http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/orange-is-the-new-black-dark-matter/Content?oid=2854227
A little insight into the construction of our space stations…
We wanted a uniform look for our space stations suggestive of a single architectural vision – but one we could play with, making changes to background and structure to vary the looks as our crew visited different locations.
We went out to our former Stargate Production Designer, James C.D. Robbins, who came back to us with a terrific concept…
James Robbins: “The first concept drawings that Joe & Paul wanted me to work on was for a space station. I was forwarded a handful of images as direction. The PD was looking to make the whole structure compact- still incorporating modular elements but more like a series of steel geodesic mushrooms radiating from a central column.
My first pass at the space station was well received, but the idea of modular pods attached in an organic cluster was nixed as the physicality of shooting the ‘ins and outs’ of sets that all have a different direction for “up” was deemed impractical.”
James Robbins: “So I developed a single axis column design topped with a “pod” that was the size of a small city. After a few notes, the final version that went to VFX is below.”
Once we’d locked our design, it went to our VFX team lead by Visual Effects Supervisor Lawren Bancroft-Wilson.
Lawren Bancroft-Wilson: “When it comes to building a space station (of which our team has done a great deal over the years) we know it always comes down to how much detail can we add to sell just how immense the scale needs to be. We were lucky to have a good deal of lead-time to really hammer out the needs of a civilian inhabited space station model. Communication relays, habitable sections, docking bays, etc. Being able to look down the road we also knew that we would be required to create variations on these deep space outposts that were build from generally the same principles and resources. The design we took from the concept had to be modular in a way that a space station on one side of a galaxy would be reminiscent of another, but different enough to reflect the economics of what that particular pocket of space could support.”
Lawren Bancroft-Wilson: “Through the various iterations of the grey scale models, you can see detail being built up and scale being accessed (as seen with our ship in one of the docking bays).”
Lawren Bancroft-Wilson: “Developing the light kit helped to give life on the inside of the space station, deciding what areas were habitable and which were not. One of the really nice details of this particular build was how much of the interior of the docking bays we were able to create so that once our ship is inside we can actually see out the windows to the realistic 3D interior of the bay.”
Although the architectural construction of these way stations will be similar, looks will vary…
Today’s entry is dedicated to longtime blog regular ponytail!
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, scifi, SF, Space Channel, space station, space stations, SyFy, SyFy Fridays
June 9, 2015
June 9, 2015: 3 Days to the Dark Matter premiere! Videos! Pics! Our hero ship!
Another short video from the gang at Space Channel: “Death. Despair. Chaos. So what?”
More early reviews:
http://scifiandtvtalk.typepad.com/scifiandtvtalk/2015/06/dark-matter-gets-two-thumbs-up.html
http://www.scifistream.com/2015/06/review-dark-matter-blasts-off-this-friday/
I talk about the show with Greg David at TV, eh?:
http://www.tv-eh.com/2015/06/09/dark-matter-launches-canadas-summer-of-sci-fi/
“There is a lot of dark sci-fi out there that is great,” he explains. “But a lot of fans are missing a fun sci-fi series and there hasn’t been one on a ship-based show for awhile. We set out to make a fun show with a sense of humour while at the same time putting viewers on the edge of their seat every week.”
Our hero ship, from concept to finished product:
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi television, SF, SF television, sicififun, SpaceChannel, SyFy, SyFyFridays, SyFyInternational
June 8, 2015
June 8, 2015: 4 Days to the Dark Matter Premiere! Tons of Dark Matter goodies: cast featurettes, videos, and behind the scene pics!
4 days to the Dark Matter series premiere! Some of the cast and I will be live tweeting the premiere (both east and west coast airings!) on Friday, June 12th at 10 p.m., so get ready!
Let’s start by meeting the crew courtesy of these individual behind-the-scenes featurettes…
http://io9.com/meet-the-memory-wiped-astronauts-of-syfys-new-show-dark-1709920345
DARK MATTER — “Episode Two” Episode 102 — Pictured: (l-r) Melissa O’Neil as Two, Mark Bendavid as One — (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/Prodigy Pictures/Syfy)
A shot from one of my favorite scenes from episode #102. Watch for it!
New sneak peek videos from the gang at Space Channel:
“We can do more. Commit to something.”
“Do you think you can do a better job? Didn’t think so.”
“You’re saying it was me who screwed with everyone’s memories?”
Executive Producer Jay Firestone oversees the action, with 1st A.D. Brandon Tataryn and Executive Producer Paul Mullie.
A friendly reminder from the gang at io9:
http://io9.com/this-weeks-tv-six-strangers-wake-in-space-with-amnesia-1709749971
Director T. J. Scott on set for episodes #101 and #102.
Director T.J. Scott heads up our read-thru. Roger Cross (Dark Matter’s SIX) is in his default mode: happy! Line Producer Norman Denver, on the other hand, looks like he’s received some troubling news. Hope it’s not budget-related.
The corridor’s colors, texture, and build give it exactly the look I was asking: “Think Nostromo”.
Testing the emergency lighting…
It’s like The Shining meets Alien!
watchplayread.com is offering Dark Matter trade paperback giveaways in the lead-up to the series premiere:
http://watchplayread.com/dark-matter-tpb-giveaway-before-the-big-syfy-premiere/
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., SpaceChannel, SyFy, SyFyFridays, SyFyInternational
June 7, 2015
June 7, 2015: 5 Days to the Dark Matter world premiere! Checking out the ship’s underbelly! And a couple of Stargate tidbits to boot!
Comin’ at ya in five (WITH FIVE!)!
Space Channel here in Canada is counting down toward the Friday premiere in delightful fashion. Each day ticks off with a different Dark Matter, appropriately enough…
Who’s next? Can’t wait to find out tomorrow!
SyFy UK and SyFy Australia, meanwhile, have launched this terrific campaign that asks…
Zoie Palmer (Dark Matter’s Android) talks about Lost Girl, her new movie Patch Town, and Dark Matter with ET Canada:
http://www.etcanada.com/video/zoie+palmer+talks+patch+town/video.html?v=458310211866#video
Another Dark Matter preview article. Brush up before the premiere!
http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2015/06/preview-dark-matter-premieres-on-syfy-june-12/
Lari Burkhart offers up her list of What To Watch In June: Among her picks…
“What do you get when you have 6 amnesiacs and a spaceship? A SyFy original series, obviously. Throw in an android and the writers from Stargate and you’ve also got me sitting on the couch anxiously awaiting this premiere!”
http://www.geeksundergrace.com/tv/what-to-watch-in-june/
Dark Matter makes Rick’s Picks at tvweeklynow.com:
We make The Columbus Dispatch’s “10 shows we’d watch this week”:
Chris Lackner of the Winnipeg Free Press profiles Dark Matter as Big Event Friday viewing:
“The small screen is due for a new sci-fi saviour, and this could be it.”
Oh yeah!
The ship’s underbelly! Probably my favorite standing set.
Two floors of fun!
Note the floor design and texturing. It’s the little touches…
Looking up at the second level. Check out the ceiling designs. Never underestimate the importance of floors and ceilings!
Watch your step!
Readying for Day #1!
Shooting in the underbelly, episode #101.
Finally – missed this the first time around. Here’s a Stargate reference from Archer:
And, speaking of Stargates, check out this almost fully functional 3D printed stargate.
No, it can’t send you to other planets. Yet!
*** Oh, and one more thing! Tomorrow, at 12 PST, 3 EST, I’ll be chatting with Simon Applebaum on Tomorrow Will Be Televised (BlogTalk Radio).
“Simon Applebaum
Good Saturday morning, Dark Matter followers! Catch co-creator/executive producer Joseph Mallozzi LIVE Monday on Tomorrow Will Be Televised, the program all about TV. He’ll take your phone calls and chatroom reaction to Syfy’s new series–Monday at 3 p.m. Eastern time, noon Pacific on BlogTalk Radio (www.blogtalkradio.com) and Brooklyn Independent Media HD (NYC-wide on Verizon Fios/Brooklyn-wide on Time Warner Cable, Cablevision Systems and RCN). Tune in and spread the word!
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi television, SF, SF television
June 6, 2015
June 6, 2015: 6 Days to the Dark Matter Premiere! Sneak peek and behind the scene goodies!
The excitement continues to mount as we approach the Dark Matter premiere, less than a week away (Friday, 10 p.m. on SyFy/Space)! I’ll be live-tweeting the event with various to-be-announced cast members, pulling double duty with both the east and west coast airings. Who’d like to join us?
Uh oh. Someone’s at a distinct disadvantage here. And he’s about to find out.
A slightly different Dark Matter trailer from Space Channel:
https://www.facebook.com/SPACEchannel/videos/10153037388371225/
Some screen grabs of the highlights:
The team!
Trouble headed your way!
This moment? HUGE!
Proceed with caution.
SyFyAustralia wants to know: “Who wants to win a trip to Comic Con?”
https://twitter.com/syfyau/status/606768390468870144
Emergency lighting!
Them’s some heavy doors.
Director T.J. Scott runs everyone through the opening Stasis Pod Sequence.
The outside of our bridge set.
Setting up the next Stasis Pod Sequence.
Anthony Lemke (THREE) discovers a life-size action figure. In mint condition!
Go ahead. Pick your weapon.
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, science fiction t.v., Science Fiction Television, scifi t.v., scifi television, SF t.v., SF television, Space, SyFy, SyFyFridays
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