Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 386
June 5, 2015
June 5, 2015: 7 Days to the Dark Matter Premiere!
Very Bad Boys!
Jay and I are putting the finishing touches on a VFX-laden trailer that will blow your socks off. It’ll go wide next week – along with an assortment of other Dark Matter-related goodies in the lead-up to the premiere.
Fun, ship-based scifi makes it’s triumphant return in a week! Help spread the word!
Oooh, lookit the pretty space station. Gorgeous. And, yep, that’s one of ours. It accompanies an article over at Space.com:
http://www.space.com/29570-syfy-debuts-two-new-space-shows.html
I’m just going to go ahead and say it. Our visual effects are as good, if not better, than any other show out there. Yes, even the one’s with MUCH bigger budgets. We’re going to surprise a lot of people next Friday – except you all, of course, because you’re savvy enough to know what to expect. Big, BIG things!
Well, I’m finally back home in Vancouver. I never sleep well the night before a flight and so, by the time I fell asleep, it was more or less time to wake up as we were being picked up at 4:45 a.m. to catch a 6:30 a.m. flight. Our buddy Jeff joined us for the voyage west. Great guy!
Once we’d unpacked and settled in, it was over to the Taqueria for lunch with Dark Matter Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok – looking all summer fashionable.
Then, it was a short walk over to The Book Warehouse where I visited Darlene (pictured above with the day’s purchases) and the gang.
Pictured above: my daunting to-read pile. Better get on it!
Hey remember that research station design? http://io9.com/exclusive-dark-matter-concept-art-is-loaded-with-glorio-1705562602
Well, it’s in the hands of our VFX team now and coming along nicely.
Next up, textures and color!
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., research station, research stations, space station, space stations
June 4, 2015
June 4, 2015: Jay’s Phantom Class Marauder! Tara! Dark Matter! And Lulu!
Prodigy Pictures President (and Dark Matter Executive Producer) Jay(mes Bond) Firestone is a man of surprisingly simple tastes. He’s a jeans and t-shirt type of guy. He prefers pizza and burgers over haute cuisine. He flies economy. But if there is one thing he likes to spoil himself on, its cars. He claims they’re a great investment(!). I suppose it depends on the car. Like the Aston Martin he got himself to celebrate the sale of his first company. Or the stealth model BMW I8 he just took possession of to celebrate the completion of Dark Matter’s first season. And, in honor of the show, Jay has named his new ride after the show’s shuttle: The Phantom Class Marauder.
Anyone else getting a Back to the Future vibe?
I, on the other hand, am a dress shirts, fancy food, business class type of guy. Cars, however, don’t hold that much interest for me (until the next time I’m in town and take Jay’s I8 for a spin), so I celebrated the completion of Dark Matter’s first season – and our final night in Toronto – in equal style:
With a Burger’s Priest double cheeseburger with double smoke (breaded, fried jalapeños)!
And lookit who we had lunch with today to cap off my seventh month stay in Hogtown. None other than my arch-nemesis, Dark Matter’s Annette Deveraux (watch Annette do her thing in the Amanda Tapping-directed episode #104!), Tara Yelland.
Besides the fact that it’s the fun, ship-based scifi show you’ve been waiting your whole life for, TheTVJunkies’ Bridget Liszewski gives you 8 Reasons You’ll Want to Watch Dark Matter:
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-8-reasons-to-watch/
Last week, I mentioned how I hoped the first Dark Matter teaser trailer would hit 250k views before the premiere. Well, it did. WAAAAY before. We’re now past 257k and counting! The new trailer (this one jam-packed full of awesome visual effect shots!) will drop next week. So watch for it. In the meantime…
And, as a thanks to all of the future Dark Matter fans for supporting the show, here’s a little something from VFX Supervisor (and playback maestro) Lawren Bancroft-Wilson: the onscreen graphics that accompanies an upcoming docking sequence…
Finally – it looks like Akemi and I are not the only ones missing Jelly. Our frenchie, Lulu, has been unusually downcast of late, moping about.
Here’s hoping the move back to more familiar territory will improve her mood. :(
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v. 
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015: Thank you!
Thank you so much for all the touching tributes to my gal, Jelly. I received emails, Facebook messages, tweets, and, as you can see, over 125 comments on yesterday’s entry. It feels strange and lonely without her. I’ll miss propping her up on my chest so that we could gaze longingly into each other’s eyes, and the smell of her nacho feet.
Thanks to my sis who put together this wonderful Jelly photo album:
https://www.facebook.com/andria.mallozzi/media_set?set=a.10153212503701743.687476742&type=3
Well, I have one more day in Toronto before I finally head back to Vancouver early (early!) Friday morning. I’ll admit – I was leery about coming back here but I’m so glad I did. The show is incredible, and I owe it all the amazing cast and crew who are not only so good at what they do, but such a pleasure to work with.
A big thanks to everyone who worked from prep, through production and post – covering everything from casting to visual effects, the gang at the production office and post-production.
Special thanks to my Vancouver boys, Ivon Bartok and Lawren Bancroft-Wilson, who uprooted their lives to move here and worked their asses off for me.
Thanks to my writing-producing partner, Paul Mullie, who shuttled back and forth, abandoning his family at irregular intervals so that he could come east and support the show.
Thanks to Rachel Sutherland, Commander of post-production who, while everyone else has moved on, stays behind to deliver on a very tight schedule – yet manages to do it with a smile.
Thanks to line producer Norman Denver who kept us on the straight and narrow, making sure we didn’t blow our budget on burgers and whisky.
Thanks to my partner in crime, Vanessa Piazza, who was there with me through prep, on set through production, and overseeing post. I honestly could NOT have done it without her.
And an enormous thanks to Prodigy Pictures President Jay Firestone who defied the odds and expectations by putting together the deals that got the show green lit, then defying the odds and expectations again by delivering a series that blew away expectations. He read all the scripts, provided notes, and weighed in on all aspects of production. The very best example of what a creative producer should be. I honestly thought we’d fight more. Ah well. I suppose there’s always season 2!
Me, Jay, Vanessa, and Norman at tonight’s premiere screening of Dark Matter episodes #101 and #102.
It looked AMAZING on the big screen. The show has everything a scifi fan would want: action, adventure, intrigue, suspense, humor, lovable and engaging characters, and dazzling visual effects. Dark Matter will NOT disappoint.
As we countdown to our world premiere, check out another early view, this one by Jamie Ruby at Scifi Vision:
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., Science Fiction Television, scifi television, SF television, SyFy, SyFy Fridays
June 2, 2015
June 2, 1015: Jelly’s Last Run
I first set eyes on her in her little enclosure, backing up and charging, stopping just short of the window, then backing up and charging again. She was admittedly adorable. And tiny! So small I could have held her in my hand.
But I didn’t want a dog. Dogs were, after all, a huge responsibility and, as anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m an incredibly irresponsible person. It would have made for a terrible match. But, as I wrote back in February of 2007:
“My reasons for not wanting a dog were numerous: the expense, the unappealing prospect of having to housebreak the little furball, the loss of freedom that comes with being a pet-owner, the necessary commitment to everything from walks to vet visits. On the other hand, her argument for getting a dog was equally compelling: she really wanted one. My sister had tipped her off to a pug for sale at a local pet shop and, after an animated discussion, I agreed to accompany her to the Alexis Nihon Plaza. It was, we agreed beforehand, to be nothing more than a fact-finding mission. There would be no dog purchases on this day. Absolutely, positively, no way! I had steeled myself mentally and was prepared to stick to my guns.
We brought the puppy home that afternoon and named her Jelly after Joe Vitelli’s character in Analyze This.”
That first day, she was constantly on the move, racing around the living room, around chairs, under tables, bounding around the backyard. And then, when she finally stopped, I grew concerned. She was unusually lethargic which I deemed a significant change in her personality. “I think she’s sick!”I said, ready to whisk her to the vet. “She’s tired,”I was told. “It’s two a.m.!”
I didn’t want a dog but, once I got her, Jelly became my life. I walked her and fed her and brought her to the vet when she was sick; soothed her and bathed and brought her to doggy daycare. When I got a job working on Stargate in Vancouver, she came with me of course, to the other side of the country where she eventually settled in quite nicely, running the corridors of the production offices with the other dogs, sitting on Richard Dean Anderson’s chest when he would lie down on the floor to accommodate her, on one memorable occasion swiping Michael Shanks’s tuna fish sandwich when he briefly set it down to grab a script. Over the years, she became a mainstay of sorts, perched imperiously atop the headrest of my office couch, presiding over the the action.
In time, we became inseparable. We were the perfect match. Her – bossy, demanding, fickle, and temperamental. Me – a sucker for a cute little thing. In the 16+ years we were together, she was my longest relationship.
When she slowed down in later years, I doted on her, carrying her up and down, in and out, when she could no longer do stairs. She would sleep beside me, sometimes awakening in the middle of the night, crying out in confusion – and I’d wake up, lay my hand on her back and that would be enough to comfort her and send her back to sleep. When her eyesight started to fail, I applied the topical gel, morning and night, to help restore her vision. When she stopped walking, I arranged for the stem cell treatment that returned the strength to her hind legs. I’m not a dancer by any stretch of the imagination but, whenever she’d feel sick or down, I’d sweep her off her paws and bound around the room with her in my arms until she seemed a little better – or threw me that bewildering “What the hell is going on?” look.
There was no denying, she was well-loved. And strong. Akemi was convinced she’d live to be a hundred. Dog years anyway.
But, sadly, time caught up with her. She stopped walking. She started sleeping through the days. And, once her appetite faded, I realized it was time to say goodbye.
Jelly took her final car ride this afternoon in the style to which she had grown accustomed – lounging in her big pink fluffy bed. When the time came, I gave her a kiss on the nose (something she’d always shied from in the past, but I guess she figured that, after sixteen years, she would stop playing hard to get and give in just this once), she shut her eyes and drifted off.
In time, I’ll pick up her ashes and place them on my night stand where she’ll resume her rightful place by my bedside.
Akemi told me that, at one point today, Jelly drifted off into what seemed a happy dreamland, wagging her tail perhaps at some fond recollection. I like to think that, maybe, even if only in her mind, she was, no longer fettered by those heavy years, bounding around that backyard one last time.
Tagged: dog, Dogs, pug, pugs, senior dog, senior dogs, senior pug, senior pugs
June 1, 2015
June 1, 2015: Out and around the home front!
A crazy day today, dealing with Jelly and Dark Matter-related issues as well as getting ready for the big trip back to Vancouver.
I couldn’t believe it! I was eating dinner at Rodney’s Oyster House, glanced over, and noticed THIS sitting in the corner. Exterminate! Exterminate!
Sure, they had a lot of awesome signed oyster shells on their wall of fame, but this one was by far the awesomest – framed between a couple of baseball players and a couple of hockey players.
Akemi likes to play with her food.
Sexy nerd!
My poor girl.
I had to return my lender phone to the production – presumably so they could use it in that 90’s action thriller.
The great thing about Toronto is that there’s a garbage depository on every block!
This is how Lulu plays keep-away.
May 31, 2015
May 31, 2015: Dark Matter episode #101 review! The gang from the production office take over the bridge!
The advance reviews for Dark Matter are going to start rolling in. Here’s one from Aimee Hicks at Spoilertv.com:
http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/05/dark-matter-pilot-advance-preview.html
Dark Matter makes another must watch list. 15 Shows You Need To Watch This Summer:
http://www.lolwot.com/15-shows-you-need-to-watch-this-summer/
See, this is why we need 24 hour security. When no one was looking, the gang from the production offices gained entry to the ship…
Elliot – texting while flying!
Natalie – caught in the act!
Touching buttons!
Caitlin – considering mischief.
Like touching more buttons!
Elliot – daring someone to kick him off the ship. Security? Anyone?
And, the coup de grace…
Today’s blog entry is dedicated to tinamarlin.
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi t.v., scifi television, SF t.v., spoilertv.com, SyFy, SyFyFridays
May 30, 2015
May 30, 2015: Akemi’s big hair day!
Inspired by Jodelle/Dark Matter’s FIVE, Akemi decided to try something a little different…
So, whaddya think? Who should she be cosplaying at the San Diego Comic Con?
Maybe.
Before heading in for her 8 hour hair sessions, Akemi and I entertained our friend Jessie – Canada’s future Prime Minster!
Alas, I think this phage treatment may come too late for my gal. Like yesterday, she slept through most of the day (Bubba, above, offers up a sympathy nap). She didn’t have much of an appetite so I rectified that by picking her up a tasty burger, bypassing the Wahlburgers next door (I said “tasty” after all) for the Burgers Priest four blocks up and three blocks over. Worth the trip! She ate the entire patty (minus Bubba and Lulu’s cut).
May 29, 2015
May 29, 2015: Two weeks to the Dark Matter world premiere! A Jelly update!
This blog’s resident television critic: Akemi.
“If this series not popular, I really can’t believe.”
– Akemi last night after watching the producer’s cut of episode #113, our season finale.
Her words echo the sentiments of my writing partner who said pretty much the same thing, in less economical fashion, after viewing prod cuts of our first two episodes:
“So, having seen the first two eps in close to finished form, I’m left thinking this: If this show doesn’t succeed, then I don’t know what people want. This is as good as television sci-fi gets. Seriously, if we don’t get a second season, then I should just retire and you should go to the Sorbonne and eventually open a restaurant.”
Well, I’m cautiously optimistic because, when it comes right down to it…
Me: I hope the show does well.
Akemi: Me too. The dogs have to eat.
Wow! The gang at MenLifestyle offer up this handy guide to Dark Matter complete with series overview, character descriptions, and cast bios:
Get ready Brazil. Dark Matter is coming your way…
Win tickets to the Dark Matter June 12th premiere screening in Amsterdam:
http://www.insidegamer.nl/artikel/117091/prijsvraag-win-kaarten-voor-de-premiere-van-dark-matter
Premiering June 15th in France:
http://www.frenchgeekmovement.fr/dark-matter-un-nouveau-space-opera-sur-syfy/
Jelly – cold in the morning, so Akemi bundles her up.
And, finally, thanks to everyone who inquired after or offered well-wishes for Jelly. She’s been very low energy these past couple of days. At this points, it’s in the hands of the vets and, hopefully, their ability to locate the treatment she needs.
Jelly – a notoriously messy eater, so Akemi got her a little something.
Jelly, of course, thanks each and every one of you for your concern.
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., old pugs, pug, pugs, science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi t.v., scifi television, senior dogs, senior pug, senior pugs, SF, SF television, SyFy, SyFyFridays 
May 28, 2015
May 28, 2015: 15 days to the Dark Matter premiere! Tell your friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances! Maybe a few strangers as well!
Last night, I watched Andy Mikita’s director’s cut of episode #113, the big season finale. All I can say is: Whoa! I envy all of you who’ll be coming into the show fresh when it premieres on June 12th. Believe me, you’re in for such a treat. We’re not just going to surpass expectations, we’re going to blow them away by delivering a scifi series you’re going to LOVE: character-driven, ship-based science fiction full of action, adventure, shocks, surprises, dazzling visual effects, and, above all else, a sense of fun.
I want to get the word out early and often. I don’t want to wait until AFTER we air to start bringing fans on board or rewarding them for their viewership. I want to get things started early by making you all part of the Dark Matter family BEFORE we air. All of these sneak peeks, photos, interviews, trailers, and endless blog posts are here (and there) because I want you all to feel that this is as much your show as it is ours. Take ownership in it. The Dark Matter army is strong and getting stronger!
Executive Producer Jay Firestone already has some awesome amazing giveaways planned to coincide with the show’s launch – among them, limited edition 3D models of our various ships. When the time comes, I’ll be offering up special signed, annotated scripts like the ones I did for Stargate – with hand-written notes and insights on every page. Official Dark Matter merchandise is on the way but, while we wait, I’ll be giving offering up some of those custom t-shirts pictured in yesterday’s blog entry. And just wait until we hit San Diego Comic Con…
More photos of our amazing cast (hopefully a few you haven’t seen):
The stasis pods
What’s behind the big doors?
Building the bridge. Love them windows!
Meet the Dark Matter crew:
http://www.thetvjunkies.com/dark-matter-meet-the-crew/
Yeah, I ramble but, in all fairness, I wasn’t THAT drunk.
DARK MATTER — Season:1 — Pictured: (l-r) Zoie Palmer as The Adroid, Alex Mallari Jr. as Four, Anthony Lemke as Three, Melissa O’Neil as Two, Mark Bendavid as One, Jodelle Ferland as Five, Roger Cross as Six — (Photo by: Dennys/Ilic/Syfy)
That #Zobot sneak peek – just in case you were geo-blocked:
And a few wonderful Dark Matter gifs compliments of http://darkmatterdaily.tumblr.com
Today’s entry is dedicated to blog regular whoviantrish!
Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, scifi, scifi television, SyFy, SyFy Fridays
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015: Another Dark Matter sneak peek! Don’t mess with the Zobot! More behind the scenes pics! What to expect from SyFy’s new space opera!
Well, whaddya know? Our teaser trailer has quietly been racking up views and is nearing the 200k mark. Let’s see if we can hit the quarter mill mark by the time Dark Matter premieres on June 12th (10:00 p.m. on SyFy! Check your local listings!)
“Do Androids dream of electric sheep? This one’s too busy beating people up to answer.”
The SyFy site offers up a little #Zobot action in this sneak peek:
http://www.syfy.com/darkmatter/videos/dark-matter-sneak-peek-the-android-attacks
or here:
http://www.blastr.com/2015-5-27/exclusive-watch-sneak-peek-syfys-dark-matter
or here:
http://darkmatterdaily.tumblr.com/post/120023168869/dark-matter-1-01-pilot-sneak-peek
Alternate Zobot shirt design:
More pics to whet your appetites…
When he’s not traveling around the world on business, reading scripts, giving notes, weighing in on prep, visiting set, or editing, Executive Producer Jay Firestone finds time to socialize – pictured above with Director Bruce McDonald.
Emergency lighting!
All readings appear normal.
Bubba x 2
You should get that looked at!
Jodelle Ferland (FIVE)
Jodelle again. Photography by Dennys Illyic (http://www.dennysilic.com)
Akemi in the containment chamber.
“What,”I’m sure you’ve been asking yourself, “are we to expect from Dark Matter?” Well, for starters…
“We have a five-year game plan,” Mallozzi explains. “One of the things I think audiences will love is the fact that because we’ve been able to plan so well; we’re able to drop hints to various character reveals and various twists and turns that will pay off later down the line either near the end of season one or beyond it.”
http://www.denofgeek.us/tv/dark-matter/246499/dark-matter-what-to-expect-from-syfys-new-space-opera
Tagged: #zobot, Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., SyFy, SyFyFridays
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