Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 387

April 13, 2015: A final Dark Matter location scout! And one more Thank You!

I spent most of today out and about, checking out possible locations for our last few episodes. ��We were on the lookout for: a high-tech facility, cool corridors and stairwells, operating theaters, a dining room, and a field emitter room…

This chamber offers a great-looking entrance and exit – when it’s not being used to wash hospital gurneys.

Line Producer Norman Denver and Production Designer Ian Brock kick back between autopsies.

See if we can switch out that thing in the middle for a power saw. ��We’ve got a tough nut to crack.

1st A.D. Brandon Tataryn finds his light.

Suitably creepy corridor. ��Could you imagine it, just a little bit dimmer – with some unfathomable creature crawling toward you from the other end? ��Yes?

To be honest, I’d try my luck in the creepy corridor with the crawling creature before I’d brave this catwalk.

“I’ve never seen a group��so excited about a stairwell before.” – Guy who was giving us the tour of the place.

Director Andy Mikita in prep.

When the alarm that sounds like an air raid siren sounds, please put these one.

Interesting architecture. ��Potential HQ of Dwarf Star Technologies?

Ian invites you to share a seat with him on the hallucinogenic carpet.

Tomorrow, we follow up with a location photo look-see. ��And then, I’ve got to write that Android(s) scene!

In yesterday’s blog entry, I thanked all of the people who helped make��Dark Matter��a reality. ��BUT, I forgot one important supporter. ��Thankfully, longtime blog reader Ponytail reminded me…

���Joe you forgot one person behind your success���the one who keeps the home fires burning, offering endless support, taking care of the kids, a culinary expert, flying companion and dog escort, a constant source of amusement and delight, beautiful partner, perfect distraction from job stresses, ideal Tokyo sidekick and personal translator, equally talented with endless energy, and beloved by all. Where would you be without Akemi.���

…and reduced Akemi to tears.

So, yes. ��A special thanks to my awesome girlfriend who takes care of business on the home front while I’m away…

…and also sends me off every morning with these awesome bento box lunches.

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., television production

April 12, 2015: Dark Matter – A 7+ year journey!

I was actually developing��Dark Matter��as far back as 2007. ��That year comes to mind because, in 2007, we were producing Stargate: Atlantis’s��fourth season and I remember walking the corridors of the ship we constructed for episode #405,��Travelers, and saying to Paul: “We’ve got to find a way to keep these sets. They’d be perfect for Dark Matter!” ��In retrospect, it was probably a good thing we didn’t hold on to those sets. ��The storage costs over seven years would have no doubt eclipsed the price tag of our spanking new sets.

The nice thing about waiting seven years for your show to get green lit is that it gives you plenty of time to develop the hell out of it. ��Characters, their journeys, seasonal and series arcs – you’d be surprised how much you can flesh out over the course of 84+ months.

With a more than fully fleshed out show on our hands, ��the plan was to roll right into��Dark Matter��if and when Stargate ever ended. ��I’d been preparing myself for Stargate’s eventual end since Stargate: SG-1’s fifth season, back in early 2000, so I’d grown inured to the dread of cancellation. ��As a result, when the end did come, and Stargate: Universe was cancelled in 2011, I was taken by surprise. ��I wasn’t ready!

This business is funny sometimes. ��Given the fact that Brad Wright and Robert Cooper had effectively established MGM’s t.v. division and made the studio TONS of money with Stargate, I imagined they be set. ��A studio deal. ��A couple of blind pilots. ��Offers to use their years of experience to help shepherd or run whatever other productions the studio had in the pipeline. ��No? ��A letter of reference? �� A hearty handshake? ��A “Thanks for multi millions?” scribbled on a post-it?

If they weren’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat for the guys that had earned them enough cash to purchase a tiny country (something modest with a lot of beachfront property), I figured my chances were…slimmer…

“I’m sorry. ��What department did you say you used to work in?”

“Uh, television. ��A t.v. show actually. ��We ran for seventeen seasons, produced over three hundred episodes and two movies? �� Stargate? ��STARGATE?!”

“Could you spell that?”

Even with a writing/producing background on one of the most successful franchises in television history, the chances of selling a pitch are slim. ��People love great ideas. ��They love great scripts. ��But, usually, not enough to buy them. ��Established properties on the other hand…well, that’s a different story. ��And that’s something I was well aware of from my days working development.

And so, rather than roll the dice on a pitch tour, I made a single call – to Keith Goldberg at Dark Horse Comics��and presented him my idea for��Dark Matter. ��He loved it and, in no time, we were in business with publisher Mike Richardson on a four-issue SF comic book series. ��That would eventually be collected into a trade paperback. ��Which would be used as a visual aid and sales document to help Prodigy Pictures President Jay Firestone sell the show.

So, much respect for Mike Richardson, Keith Goldberg, artist Garry Brown, colorist Ryan Hill, editor Patrick Thorpe and the rest of the gang at��Dark Horse Comics��(Kari Yadro, Aub Driver, Spencer Cushing et al.)

And much respect for Executive Producers Jay Firestone and Vanessa Piazza for getting the show to air.

And much respect for my terrific cast, crew, VFX, and post personnel helped me produce one hell of an awesome SF series. ��And a ship-based SF series no less!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

April 11, 2015: Our Stargate Family Reunion continues on Dark Matter!

Well, well, well. ��Look who it is. ��Director Martin Wood (Stargates SG-1 and Atlantis) hits the streets of Toronto – in his trademark shorts. ��Yes, if there are two thing I remember about Martin Wood from our days on Stargate, it’s: 1) His penchant for wearing shorts year round, and 2) His onscreen cameo character, Major Wood, always lugged around a giant wrench.

Alas, no giant wrench on Dark Matter (but who knows? ��We’ve yet to shoot his episode, #111) but the shorts are still in full effect!

We had our final (?) notes session with Executive Producer Jay Firestone the other day. ��Soon after, we made the necessary changes and released our season finale, episode #113. ��As I may have mentioned, I want to approach each season as a instalment in a book series. ��And so, #113 offers answers to many of the questions we set up over the course of our initial 13 episode journey and includes one HUGE reveal. ��But I made a point of scripting it in a way that keeps the mystery reveal a secret…until our very last day of production. ��A LOT of theories swirling around set right now…

B 1st Assistant Camera Marcel Janisse enjoys lunch in the infirmary’s isolation chamber.

I’m thinking it’s high time for another mailbag. ��If you’ve got questions about the show, post away. ��I’ll answer later in the week.

I’m also thinking of doing one of those reddit AMA’s. ��How do they work?

Finally, here’s another look at the��Dark Matter��teaser trailer:

Over 47k+ views and counting! ��Share! ��Share! ��Share!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi television, SF, SF television, SG1, SGA, SGU, Stargate, Stargate Universe, Stargate: Atlantis, Stargate: SG-1, SyFyFriday, SyFyFridays

April 10, 2015: Check out the Dark Matter teaser trailer!

It’s here! ��It’s here! ��The��Dark Matter��teaser trailer is finally out! ��Share! ��Share! ��Share!

Head on over to IGN.com for the write-up and links:

http://www.ign.com/videos/2015/04/10/dark-matter-trailer

When SyFy told us they wanted to produce a one minute teaser trailer for the show, my initial response was “Impossible!”. ��We only had two locked episodes with no finished visual effects. ��How could they possibly produce a compelling trailer?

Well, I stand corrected. ��This first teaser trailer is pretty darn terrific. ��A big thanks to��Gary Morgenstein, Katherine Nelson, Bill Trojanowski, Samantha Agnoff and the rest of the gang at SyFy Publicity & Marketing! ��Great job on this one and I look forward to the next VFX-laden trailers to come!

SyFyFridays returns to SyFy June 12th with an SF triple header! ��A two part premiere of Defiance kicks things off at 8:00 p.m. ��And Dark Matter has��the 10:00 p.m. slot.

Circle the date on your calendars and SHARE THE HELL out of our trailer!

And here’s a little behind-the-scenes pic to tide you over until tomorrow. ��Locked and loaded.

Allow me to end today’s entry with a shout out for my long-time buddy, Lou Anders, who is about to publish the second book in his Thrones & Bones series (Nightborn��hits the shelves July 14, 2015). ��Meanwhile, Lou’s been keeping busy, touring. ��And, apparently, his characters are going places as well:��http://louanders.blogspot.com/2015/04/thrones-bones-characters-for-fate.html

Thanks, all. ��And get the word out. ��We’ve already got over 22k views and counting. ��I want to reach 50k by Sunday!

Tagged: #BecauseWeAreDangerous, Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi television, SF, SF television

April 9, 2015: The Dark Matter trailer is almost here! More Dark Matter personnel!

Received confirmation that the very first Dark Matter��teaser trailer will hit the net tomorrow morning. ��Watch for it!

Today, Paul and I completed our final pass on episode #113, the big season finale! Looking forward to hearing the reactions…

Came across the following sign on one of our stages today. ��Should I be worried?

Also came across this little item on set today. ��Not sure what it is, but I think I might need one.

Our��Dark Matter��whisky club whisky collection continues to grow. ��Another bottle of scotch…

c/o 1st Assistant Director Brandon Tataryn.

Two more��recent additions to our whisky club. ��I like scotch, but I love bourbon – and that baby bourbon is a tasty one!

1st Assistant Director Grant Boyle contributes yet another bottle to the club.

And a little something from Director Bruce McDonald.

Allow me to continue to introduce to you the individuals who’ll be bringing you��Dark Matter:

Production Manager Robbie David enjoys a lonely lunch. ��Check out the heartbreaking look in his eyes.

B Camera Operator Anton Van Rooyen is as careful with his diet as he is with his camera.

Pre-nuptial B Dolly Grip Phil Calambakas. ��Sorry, ladies, he’s off the market!

3rd Assistant Director Lauren Guyatt is super fun. ��A terrific addition to any production – or party.

Dark Matter��trailer! ��Tomorrow!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

April 8, 2015: Sleep or blog? As if I have a choice!

Following a day in which I was on set for main unit call, then drove over to editing where I finished my prod cut of episode #107, then picked up rum cakes for the crew on my drive back to set, sat in on the production meeting for episode #110, went back to set, had script meetings for episodes #112 and #113, headed back to set, then sat in on an impromptu script meeting for episode #110 – I am burned out. ��And ready for bed.

But I have a blog to write!

As much as I’m tempted to skip an entry (It happens on occasion), I can’t. ��I haven’t missed a daily update in eight years. ��Also, you guys pay good money to be entertained and enlightened.

So, rather than disappoint you with a half-ass blurb, I’m going to wow you instead. ��With set pics from random episodes! ��And rum cake!

Man down! ��Anthony Lemke (THREE) practices getting the crap beaten out of him.

Who resides in the underground lair?

The future has a definite Japanese influence.

In many respects.

Corporate Guard, Ferrous Corp!

Owner/baker Tova packs up my rum cakes. ��Four in all!

In hindsight, the perfect end to an exhausting day.

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

April 7, 2015: Dark Matter Worldwide!

Dark Matter Goes International!

http://variety.com/2015/tv/global/spaceship-drama-dark-matter-to-go-global-on-syfy-1201467374/

“LONDON ��� TV series ���Dark Matter��� is going global on Syfy following its U.S. premiere on the channel on June 12.

It will air on Syfy in 86 countries, including the U.K., France, Germany, Spain and Australia. Regions where it plays on the channel include Asia, Central Europe and Latin America. […]”

Great news!�� This means that the next time I travel to Tokyo, I’ll be able to stay in and watch Dark Matter��on Universal Channel (Japan)!

We’re still a ways from finished visual effects, but there’s some very positive early buzz on the show. ��People who have watched the rough cuts of our first two episodes are��very excited by what they’ve seen. ��The feedback has been fantastic and we keep hearing the same things: “Great characters!”, ��“Great sets!” and, most importantly “Fun!”.

Let’s celebrate with the final instalment in our Four Days of Tabor Calchek feature:

I saved the best for last. ��This one’s going to be my new desktop wallpaper!

Can’t wait to see the Tabor Calchek cosplayers at Comic Con next year.

The awesome Bruce McDonald was in the ship’s underbelly this morning, shooting his final scene for episode #107. ��Love this guy. ��It was a pleasure working with him – and an equally great pleasure watching his director’s cut of same episode (minus that outstanding scene). ��It’s going to be great. ��But don’t take it from me. ��I screened it for Akemi the other night and she couldn’t stop talking about it.

Another director I’m a huge fan of is Ron Murphy who followed Bruce today, shifting the action to the mess – and episode #109. ��It was a festive atmosphere. Especially after we broke out the party favors:

Tomorrow: Editing! ��Infirmary! ��Bridge battle! ��Jay’s notes on the season finale! And rum cakes!

Not necessarily in that order!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi television, SF, SF television

April 6, 2015: Day #3 of our Four Days of Tabor Calchek feature! Enjoying the great outdoors on Dark Matter episode #109!

I admire people who dress like they just don’t care – what other people think. Lady Gaga. ��Don Cherry. ��And, of course,��Dark Matter‘s��Tabor Calchek. ��I knew the gang in wardrobe was going to have a lot of fun dressing him – maybe, I suspected, a little too much fun. ��So it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I made my way down to the costume department last month for a sneak peek at Tabor’s outfits. I was treated to a lot of comfy wear (see previous blog instalments) and then a bit of flash in the form of the type of shirt usually reserved for disco enthusiasts or East European gangsters. ��I loved it, but had only one small request. ��Instead of just having him in his underwear, lets give Tabor pants. Pleather pants!

And, voila! ��He’s ready for business. ��Or a night out on the town!

I was up at 4:30 this morning so that I could prepare my breakfast, see to the dogs, and then take the hour long drive to Hamilton for today’s 7:00 a.m. main unit call. ��It was still dark by the time I rolled into the crew park.

Hell, it was so early, it was late!

Shooting in the woods today. ��And I mean that in two senses of the word.

Also, occasional slashing and stabbing.

“A” 2nd Assistant Camera, Michael Purdon, color codes sticks for blocking.

Okay, what I mean is, when the actors come to set, the director will “block” a scene with them, deciding who moves where and when. ��Once that has been decided, “marks” are placed on the floor (usually tape, color coded for each performer, but, in today’s case, sticks) so that everyone knows exactly where they should be standing and/or moving to in order to “hit their mark”.

It was, thankfully, our final location day for episode #109. ��I suppose it could’ve been worse. ��It could’ve been raining. ��On the other hand, it could’ve been just slightly better with the addition of snow. ��Ah, I suppose I can just get Lawren, our VFX Supervisor, to add some in post. ��How hard can it be?

Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok and actress Melissa O’Neil (TWO) try to stay warm. ��Hey! ��It’s winter again!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v., science fiction, science fiction t.v., Science Fiction Television, scifi, scifi t.v., scifi television, SF, SF t.v., SF television

April 5, 2015: The Four Days of Tabor Calchek continues! My Easter feast!

In many ways, I envy the crew’s handler, Tabor, and his ability to get in a good day’s work – without ever having to change out of his pyjamas. ��It’s one of the perks of a freelance career, especially one that affords a comfy home office and the convenience of interstellar communications.

Happy Easter! ��Sadly, I couldn’t join my family in Montreal for our annual feast due to my tight production schedule. ��Happily, I was able to do the next best thing: join someone else’s family for a feast.

And that someone was��Dark Matter��Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok who kindly invited Akemi and me to a tasty banquet with his mother, sister, several guests, and sticky toffee pudding! ��Sarah Bartok, Ivon’s sister, was visiting from Montreal where she is the co-host of the city’s most popular radio show (read all about her here:��http://www.thebeat925.ca/an/sarah-bartok-1060.html). ��She was kind enough to bring me back a jar of Au Pied de Cochon Tomato Jam! ��A taste of home.

My other home.

We kicked things off with two tourtieres (meat pies), one from local Toronto gourmet shop Pusatieri’s, the other from one of my all-time favorite restaurants Au Pied de Cochon. ��The former was good but the latter was outstanding.

Then, it was on to the main course: perfectly cooked roast lamb chops, mashed and baked potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, ��roasted parsnips, and brussel sprouts.

And, for dessert: individual sticky toffee puddings, a flourless chocolate cake, and a lemon pie so tart I think I may have sprained a salivary gland eating it. ��All delicious.

Many thanks to my new adopted family, the Bartoks: mom, brother Ivon, and sister Sarah. ��I’m moving in this weekend!

Stay tuned! ��You’ll finally get a sneak peek at��Dark Matter��this week when SyFy releases our very first teaser trailer. �� ��#BecauseWe’reDangerous

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

April 4, 2015: We have an official premiere date! Kicking off my Four Days of Tabor Calchek feature! Introducing on set dresser Jean Brophey!

With the cast reveals right around the corner, it’s time to ramp up the big visual reveals as we count down towards our early summer premiere. ��So let’s kick things off with a mini blog feature I’m calling The Four Days of Tabor Calchek.

Introducing the crew’s handler, their de facto agent, the guy who gets them their freelance assignments. ��He’s smug; he’s smarmy; he’s swank and laid-back. ����Day #1: Let’s call this one “Home Office Casual”.

Hey, speaking of��Dark Matter’s��summer premiere, we’ve got an official airdate:

That’s Friday, June 12th at 10:00 p.m. ��Ah, this takes me back. ��Do you remember the glorious Friday SF triple header of days gone by: Stargate: Atlantis, Stargate: SG-1, and Battlestar Galactica running back to back to back? ��Well, rumour has it science fiction fans are in for a real treat this summer as SyFy brings back SciFi Fridays. ��I, for one, can’t wait.

But I’m going to have to because Atmosphere is still working on those visual effects.

Hey, continuing my ongoing series of “Who’s who on the��Dark Matter��crew?” – it is with great pleasure that, today, I introduce to you the awesome Jean Brophey, On Set Dresser extraordinaire. ��It’s her job to make sure things look good before the director yells “Action!”, and she takes her job pretty seriously, scrambling onto set to switch out cargo��crates, flip bed covers, and whisk away weird background elements that she, the eagle-eyed expert, will catch before anyone else.

And when she’s not ensuring on set continuity on the rotating quarters sets (She has a visual overview of each crew member’s room hanging on the far wall for easy referral) or pointing out potential visual miscues, she’s moving stuff whether it be chairs, tables, weapons or…

…a pile of giant rocks.

Need that grand piano moved? ��Well contact Jean c/o��Dark Matter!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.