Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 395

March 7, 2015: Dark Matter EPK Day!

From now on, whenever someone requests a photo of me to accompany an interview or some newspaper article (“Local Producer Unwittingly Consumes Ornamental Headdress”) THIS is the one they’re getting. ��Akemi snapped it during today’s EPK (Electronic Press Kit) Day. ��Director T.J. Scott, his photographer, and the gang from SyFy were on hand to photograph and interview the actors, the sets, and Jay Firestone and me in the ramp up to the Dark Matter summer season premiere!

Overseeing the action on the day was Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza who drew assists from VFX Supervisor Lawren Bancroft-Wilson (drafted for monitor duty on the gallery shoot) and Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok (who helped with both the Q and A portions of the Q&A sessions).

Joining me on this rare Saturday foray into work was Akemi who – finally! – got to see the sets in person. ��And she loved them, snapping innumerable pics for her instagram…to be uploaded at a later date.

Backstage, on my way to my interview.

Snapping the cast.

Jay Firestone and I discuss the interview questions beforehand. ��But not really. ��Sure, we could’ve actually prepared, but that would’ve meant losing the improvisational aspect of being interviewed, something we don’t do so well….

Executive Producer Jay Firestone and I prepare to talk��Dark Matter.

We had a pretty good time. ��Eventually. ��We got off to a rocky start (I’ll admit I do some of my better work BEHIND the camera) and, about ten minutes into the interview, were informed we would have to start over. ��As it turned out, it couldn’t have worked out better. ��Second time around we were focused, more relaxed and we even made sense!

Akemi hangs with Bubba.

After we were done, Jay escorted Akemi over to wardrobe and had her make a few selections. ��Pictured below, two of the three new gorgeous leather jackets she added to her closet. ��She was extremely grateful to Jay-san and is already preparing the next batch of Thank You cookies.

Very exciting stuff. ��We follow the EPK and gallery shoot with a conference call later this week to discuss marketing strategy. ��As I’ve already made clear, I don’t want to wait until AFTER we��air to start showing you some of the show’s amazing visuals. ��Once we’ve all signed off, I’d like to start rolling out photos of the cast, the sets, and especially all of the amazing concept art and design work that’s been produced to date: ships, shuttles, wacky tech and weaponry! ��All coming your way soon – along with that long overdue guest casting announcement!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

March 6, 2015: Akemi’s Most Dezastro Day! The Dark Matter episode #107 props meeting is in the books!

I received the following text message from Akemi today:

“Why?”I asked. �� She replied with the following photo:

Then this one:

And, finally, THIS one:

Why is Jelly sitting in her water bowl?

The episode #107 props meeting happened today. ��Check out all the goodies.

Director Bruce McDonald takes Bubba for a spin.

This is his way of requesting that extra visual effects shot.

Bubba and 1st Assistant Director Christopher Binney get acquainted.

Oh, damn. ��Fun’s over.

Production Designer Ian Brock shows off the thingy from the place.

Closet serial killer Trevor Finn shows off his choice of weapon.

Props Master Victoria Klein gives us “the look”.

On-set props,��Lisa Amaral Wright, comes in from the cold. ��And probably wishes she hadn’t.

The Dark Matter Whisky Club is in session!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

March 5, 2015: Farmhouse scouting in the deep freeze!

While newly minted Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok was staying cosy on our nice warm sets, I was trekking to the frosty hinterlands of Hamilton to scout farmhouse locations for our upcoming episodes. ��Given the fact that I’d be braving the wilderness, I dressed in what I thought was appropriate fashion – jeans, sweater, winter boots and coat – so that I could be prepared for any and all eventualities (ie.��wolves, renegade steers, crazed locals, etc.). ��Unfortunately, I clearly didn’t think things through properly and it was only when I disembarked from the van into the chilly -12 air that I realized I’d forgotten my hat. ��And warm gloves.

As a result, I tried to hurry things along – especially when it became apparent that none of the farmhouses we’d been scheduled to visit were heated. ��“This one’s great!”I enthused as we walked into the first farmhouse. ��“Perfect!”

“Let’s check out another one,”suggested line producer Norman Denver who, coincidentally, had remembered to bring HIS hat and warm gloves.

“Fantastic!”I said as we entered the second farmhouse, my fingers already numb from cold. ��“I love this!”

And I was equally enthusiastic about the next one. ��And the one after that.

Finally, we were done. ��I was relieved. ��I could almost feel my ears defrosting. �� It was time to go!

Go check out the forest that is!

Hey, what interesting hanging cauldrons. ��I’ll just walk over here and take a picture – and warm my hands in the steam coming off them.

Director Bruce McDonald, in his signature cowboy hat, surveys the scene while production designer Ian Brock snaps away.

Wow. ��Creepy children’s toys sure have come a long way!

After trekking through the forest, we headed back toward the van. ��“Thanks so much,”I said to the woman who’d been showing us around.

“Oh, we’re not done yet,”she informed me. ��“We still have to see the field.”

Just because we were heading back in the direction of the van didn’t mean we were actually going back. ��Instead, we climbed over a snowbank and checked out the field. ��“What do you think?”asked director Bruce McDonald. ��“We could find her here with maybe some mountains and a twin sun in the sky.”

“Sure!”I said. ��“Sounds great!” ��At that point, I would’ve agreed to anything. ��“Flying robot monkeys? ��Absolutely!”

We returned to the van (I was the first one inside) and got back to the production offices in time for lunch – and a two hour stunts, SFX, VFX, and Playback meeting. What? ��We couldn’t squeeze in hair, make-up, props, and costumes?

On set, Cat t-shirt Thursday was in full swing. ��Check out Andy from Electric -

Oh, and amid all the Cat t-shirt Thursday celebrations, the cast and crew also worked on Day #2 of episode #107. ��Director Ron Murphy completed 10 pages today!

Tomorrow, he’ll attempt to break that record!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

March 4, 2015: Introducing Director Ron Murphy! Jay and I duke it out!

The Murph (aka Director Ron Murphy, aka Ronald Murphawski, aka Ronaldine Murphkowtiz-Kardashian III, aka The Earl of Leftwich) is off to a strong start. ��Day #1 of episode #106 is in the books and already I’m hearing words like “great”, “dynamic” and “callypigian”! ��Also phrases like “great energy” and��“killing it!” (which, as it turns out, referred to that big rat they discovered in the props locker. ��But still.).

Pictured above, Ron flanked by Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok and VFX Supervisor ��Lawren Bancroft-Wilson. ��I look forward to comparing this cheery, uber-positive BEFORE production pic with the inevitable weary, rage-fueled AFTER pic.

Ron and Script Supervisor Matti Huhta manning the monitors.

Ron directing the scene.

Ron directing the actors.

Ron directing the actors.

Ron directing me to take this picture for my blog.

I spent the early morning on main unit with Ron, Ivon, Lawren, Matti and the gang, then headed over to the production offices where I engaged Executive Producer Jay Firestone in a heated debate on a scene from the episode #103 edit, drove over to post where I finished my producer’s edit of episode #104, drove back to the production offices for the episode #107 concept meeting, resumed my heated debate with Jay on that scene from the episode #103 edit, headed downstairs to watch John Stead direct second unit, then headed back upstairs to continue my heated debate with Jay.

In a nutshell, it all came down to a single shot from the tease. ��I though it was funnier one way; he preferred it another way. ��I suppose if I’d been dealing with any other producer, I’d have probably been thrown out of his office. ��But instead, Jay elected to go with the democratic approach. ��He went on a tour of production offices, screening the two versions for a half dozen people, and letting the audience decide.

The majority chose his version so, in the end, it was tough to critique his take. ��On the other hand, it WAS easy to criticize my co-workers’ heinous tastes.

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

March 3, 2015: Things are about to get crazy. Er.

I was up into the wee hours of this morning, watching and preparing notes for the director’s cut of episode #104 – and writing a scene for this week’s schedule. ��And it looks like I’ll be up into the wee hours of tomorrow morning, watching and preparing notes for the prod cut of episode #103 – and writing another scene for this week’s schedule. ��Hopefully not overly wee as I have to get up at 5:30 tomorrow to get in for 7:00 a.m. call. ��We’ve got TWO units rolling tomorrow! ��In addition to the afternoon concept meeting for episode #107 with director Bruce McDonald. ��The rewrite on #107 and #108. ��Finishing up my cut of #104. ��And, oh yeah, continuing work on the script for the season finale.

To those of you asking – No, you didn’t miss the big casting news I hinted at last week. ��Rather than post the news on this blog, I decided to go through proper channels first. ��Now some of you may wonder: What’s the difference between just making an unofficial announcement and going through those official channels? ��Well, last time I checked, about three weeks and counting.

They served up cupcakes for our production meeting yesterday. ��Check out the cake to icing ratio!

And a treat of another sort compliments of director Ron Murphy who kicks things off with Day #1 of episode #107 tomorrow! ��One tasty whisky, served up in line producer Norman Denver’s special Hungarian sipping glasses.

And the ranks of our whisky club continue to grow. ��We’re like Fight Club, but with a lot less fighting and more glasses to clean.

Finally, I came across this curio gathering dust in Executive Producer Jay Firestone’s office. ��For the man who has everything:

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

March 2, 2015: Lee Rose! Caitlin’s new do! The #104 director’s cut! And socks!

Director Lee Rose calling the shots on the ISS Far Horizon.

Hey, with all this talk about socks of late, I’ve really been remiss in not displaying actress Jodelle Ferland’s unique sock sense – on display at last night’s Walking Dead soiree:

Speaking of socks. Natalie informs me I’ve also been remiss in not posting the recent pair she sported for this blog’s Sock of the Day ongoing feature. ��Voila!

She’s particularly proud of those anthropomorphic pants.

Well, well, well. ��Look at who got a haircut…

Caitlin Brown (Executive in Charge of Business Affairs AND Development) sports her new do. ��She’s been doing something new with her hair. ��And I LOVE IT!

Whoowhee! ��Big night ahead as I’ve got Amanda Tapping’s director’s cut of episode #104 to watch and give notes on ahead of a visit to editor Paul Day tomorrow morning!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

March 1, 2015: Zombies, script work, and guns!

I came across the above in the production offices this week. ��Just in time for my weekly Walking Dead night. ��This week, we were joined by my writing partner, Paul, who never watched an episode of the show before – and promised to keep his mouth shut during the telecast.

Well, I finally made some progress on our season finale, episode #113. ��As so often happens, I’ll agonize over those first half dozen scenes, writing and rewriting them, spending weeks tweaking the dialogue, at which point I’ll become so frustrated��that I’ll just push through the script, doubling my output in a single day. ��What I’ll have, of course, I’ll hate but, after more rewrites and tweaks, it’ll grow on me. ��I’m out of Act I and into Act II. ��Top of page 21!

Pictured above: When the restaurant hostess walks over and affixes THIS to the neighboring table, that’s your cue to hurry up, finish your meal and get the hell out.

Oh, hey, another hello to all of the new readers to this blog who have stumbled upon us seeking information about��Dark Matter, Stargate, or a recipe for crispy chicken skin

(right here:��https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/january-16-2013-kitchen-adventures/. ��No. ��For reals!)

Welcome! ��Things are going to get a whole lot more interesting on this blog in the lead up to our summer premiere.

Finally, another interesting flyer I noticed in the production offices last week. ��Hmmm. ��There’s gotta be a better way to unload those weapons…

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

February 28 2015: Cold potato, socks, and my date with Cloverblob!

Well look at who I came across this morning at the Farmer’s Market. ��None other than my favorite fellow foodie Natalie Cooper, aka Batman, aka The Sock Girl! ��She informed me that she had been trying to convince her mom to join her for the special tasting menu at a local high-end Mexican restaurant. ��I, of course, strongly urged her to drop her mom like a hot potato –��in favor of a nice cold potato (yours truly!). ��So, mom’s out. ����A comer!

Speaking of Natalie, I’ve fallen behind in this blog’s semi-regular Sock of the Day feature. ��Pictured above: Friday’s instalment. ��As someone who hasn’t taken a math class since grade 10, I really appreciate this one.

And, while we’re on the subject, these Halloween-themed socks arrived in the mail the other day compliments of – I think because there was no accompanying message – Sylvia. ��Thanks, Sylvia! ��I think.

The other day, somebody asked me why I didn’t respond to comments on twitter. ��Well, the truth is my online presence is pretty much confined to this blog which, going on eight years now without missing a day, is enough. ��I use only use twitter to keep updated on @DRUNKHULK, while Facebook is reserved solely for sharing lost dog posts.

Yes, to those asking, today was my zoo date with Cloverblob -

https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/february-24-2015-cloverblob/

So, how was it? ��Well, let me post this screen grab of the text I just sent Zoie:

February 27, 2015: Introducing our new Dark Matter consulting producer!

Between prep, production, and post, I hardly have time for anything else. ��Hell, I hardly have time for prep, production, and post. ��If I’m prepping an episode, I can’t be on set. ��If I’m on set, I can’t be in editing. ��And if I’m in editing, I can’t be in prep. ��So what’s an Executive Producer to do? ��Well, if you know someone with production experience (producing AND directing) and that someone shares your script sensibilities, then you hire them to set sit for you. ��Which is exactly what we did.

Introducing new Dark Matter consulting producer Ivon Bartok who will be overseeing production of episodes #106 through #109. His duties will include script consultations, shot surveillance, and the putting out of fires both literal and figurative. ��But especially literal.

First order of business after taking the grand tour of the sets and meeting the DM gang was Ivon’s induction into our whisky club. ��From left to right: Norman Denver, Trevor Finn, Jay Firestone (sipping tea instead), Ivon Bartok (breeching etiquette by foregoing the toast and getting right to it), Brandon Tataryn, and director Ron Murphy. ��Not pictured: me.

We were actually drinking 18 year old Bunnahabhain, but I’d love to try this 250 year old Glenmercury spaceside single malt.

Tone meeting today for episode #106 and parts of #109 with director Ron Murphy. Next week, Ivon acts as my representative to the tech survey heading to Kitchener early Monday morning. ��Then, on Tuesday, we’re going ATV’ing. ��No, seriously. ��The area we’ll be scouting for #109 is only accessible by ATV. ��Wish me luck!

It’s official. ��He got his parking pass. ��He’s one of us now!

Tagged: Dark Matter, Dark Matter t.v.

February 26, 2015: Top 15 Strange But Familiar Fast Food Menu Items I’d Like To Try!

Whenever I visit a foreign country, I always like to check out the local fast food eateries for a taste of the strange yet familiar. ��For instance, last time I was in Japan, I went to McDonalds and had a hamburger – but not your run-of-the-mill hamburger. ��I had a Kuro Burger: a beef patty served between two black buns, topped with black cheese, bamboo charcoal, and squid ink ketchup. ��Overall, it was a resounding 5/10 on the burger scale. ��But the experience? ��Well, that was a 10/10!

Japanese McDonalds can always be counted upon to deliver some mighty unique menu items. ��I’m never disappointed. ��That being said, I AM disappointed in some of the menu items available at familiar fast food joints around the world – only insofar as I can’t get my hands on them.

Here are my Top 15 Strange But Familiar Fast Food Menu Items I’d Like To Try!

15. Burger King Chili Cheese Nuggets: Deep-fried cheese with fiery hot japalenos. (available: Austria)

14. McItaly Adagio Burger: Beef patty topped with eggplant mousse, ricotta salata, and tomatoes served in an almond topped bun (available: Italy)

13. Mcdonalds Le Poulet-Curry: Breaded chicken, potato pancakes, lettuce, and curry served on a mini baguette (available: France)

12. McRice Burger: Beef or chicken patties topped with lettuce, mayo, and Asian barbecue sauce served on crispy rice buns (available: Singapore)

11. McDonalds Ebi Filet: Fried shrimp patty with special sauce and lettuce (available: Japan)

10. McAloo Tikki Burger: Potato and chickpea patty with tomatoes, onions, and tomato mayonnaise (available: India)

9. Burger King Pumpkin Burger: Beef patty topped with fried kabocha squash, bacon, lettuce, and a creamy nut sauce (available: Japan)

8. McDonalds P’tit Beldi: Spiced halal meat, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo (available: Morocco)

7. McPollo Italiano: Fried chicken patty topped with tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and guacamole (available: Chile)

6. McDonalds Bacon Roll: Bacon and ketchup on a hard roll (available: The U.K.)

5. McIberica: Beef patty topped with Iberico Ham, manchego cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and olive oil (available: Spain)

4. The McArabia: Grilled kofta patties, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tahini served in flatbread (available: Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia)

3. Dunkin’ Donuts’ Jalapeno Bulgogi Hot Dog: Marinated beef slices with jalape��os, melted cheese, and barbecue sauce ��(available: South Korea)

2. McSpicy Paneer: Fried paneer cheese patty topped with lettuce, red cabbage, and tandoori sauce (available: India)

1. Burger King X-Tra Long Chili Cheese Burger: Three beef patties, cheese and jalapenos (available: Austria, Germany, Netherlands)