Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 524

October 25, 2011: Mystery of Dark Matter Solved! It's a Comic Book Series Coming Out In January of 2012!

I received the almost-finished first issue of Dark Matter today and to say that I am pleased would be to understate.  I am very, VERY happy. Great work on the part of artist Garry Brown, colorist Ryan Hill, letterer Richard Starkings and Comicraft, editor Patrick Thorpe, and the rest of the gang at Dark Horse.  After reading (and re-reading) issue #1 , I went over issue #2 and made some minor dialogue tweaks and suggestions.  It's been interesting seeing the characters come alive in ways I'm not accustomed to.  No actors delivering the lines, giving human form to the voices on paper, but the different personalities resonate in an altogether different way.  Here, there's more room for interpretation – which I love.  As the story develops, it'll be interesting to see which of the four man, two women crew readers connect with. They're a unique (occasionally quirky) bunch, each with their own fascinating backstory, and I can't wait for you to get to know them.

In time.

Of course, that's provided they make it past the first issue.

[image error]A couple of Dark Matter-related web articles I happened across.

The first, a quickie interview I did for James Runciman at Alvaro's ComicBoards…

http://www.comicboards.com/mallozzi.php

Another, from a blog regular weighing in on his prospective new comic book habit…

http://gordon.dewis.ca/2011/10/25/comic-books-or-curse-you-joseph-mallozzi/

Follow Gordon's lead and head on down to your local comic shop and reserve your multiple copies (one for reading, one for packing away in mint condition, and several for giving away.  The perfect gift for your literate friends and family members.  Hell, even the illiterate ones will enjoy the pictures!).

Let's cap off today's blog entries with a couple of behind the scenes videos from Stargate: Universe's premiere episode, Air I.  Director Andy Mikita directs…

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October 24, 2011: Vids! SGA! SGU! Puppy Lulu!

Robert Cooper directs Bob Picardo and David Hewlett in a scene from SGA's Vegas…

And a scene of the evacuation of the Icarus base from SGU's Air I…

And video of puppy Lulu.  This was her very first day with us and the pugs…

 

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October 23, 2011: Behind the scenes on Stargate: Atlantis! Snow Monkeys win! Mailbag!

A couple of more clips from the vault – behind the scenes on Stargate: Atlantis's Midway.  Andy Mikita directs the wraith…

I'm pleased to report my Snow Monkeys kicked the crap out of Ivon Bartok's The Running Dead in fantasy football action today, climbing into a three-way tie for second place in the R.I.P. Stargate League.

YEAAAAH!!!

Let's celebrate with some mailbag!

Mailbag:

D writes: "What were the "planet-builders"going to be like?"

Answer: Although we had a general idea of who/what the planet-builders were (incredibly powerful aliens capable of generating living worlds – obviously) we were still months away from discussing and detailing their background and purpose (beside their grand scale scientific research).  Just prior to the cancellation, Brad was pitching out a story in which Destiny would finally encounter the planet-builders.  Unfortunately, we never got the chance to develop the story.

Tam Dixon writes: "You seem to be full of energy. How do you get settled down enough to sleep?  Max and Jelly doing ok?"

Answer: Reading for about an hour or two prior to turning in really helps me unwind – often despite the subject matter.  For instance, at present I'm reading Stephen King's Dreamcatchers, a terrific page-turner.  As for the dogs – they're well.  The older dogs have slowed down considerably of late but are doing alright.  Maximus is a whole new dog since coming back to Vancouver!

Paloosa writes: "Will you be trying to develop TV series, or even delve into feature films?"

Answer: Ideally, would love to set up an original series.  Eventually.  Am talking to a few individuals/production entities about developing some established properties.  Also have also talked to a couple of studios about show running opportunities on future projects.  Regardless of what, exactly, my next job will be – I'm not interested in starting anything until 2012.  Taking the rest of the year off.

Paloosa also writes: "And I too was wondering about Paul. Is he still in Toronto? Is he working on other projects as well?"

Answer: Paul is enjoying his time off and will be returning to Vancouver in a couple of weeks.  When it comes to work: wherever I goes, he goes – and vice versa.

noellam writes: "Does your new show idea have anything to do with food?"

Answer: We're discussing a number of show ideas and, yes, a few of them have a lot to do with food.

Akemi writes: "I ate a lot and put on a weight. "

Answer: I'll say.  Check out these before and after pics from our Food Truck Tour.

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BEFORE

!!!

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October 22, 2011: Dinners, projects, and Snow Monkeys!

Recent dinners:

Transylvania Flavor with Steve, Jodi, Akemi, and Gemma…

Steve just got back from a big gaming convention in Juarez. What's next? A tech conference in Grozny?

Jodi, also an avid reader, gifted me two SF books for my birthday - one a short story collection from my mother's most hated author, Margaret Atwood!

The platter. A little bit of everything.

Bao Bei with Jacqueline…

Jacqueline really needs to expand her culinary horizons. She doesn't eat chicken feet. Can you believe it?

One of my favorite dishes of the night: lotus root with black bean, Chinese chive, and curry.

Another favorite: steamed buns with pork belly, bean sprouts, preserved turnip, and sugared peanuts.

Bistrot Bistro with Ivon and Sara…

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The steak

The caramelized onion tart

The happy couple!

I spent the greater part of the afternoon organizing my library, ultimately coming to the conclusion that I may have way too many books and not enough shelf space.

Also started fleshing out some ideas for the show(s) I'll be developing with Ivon.  Akemi is VERY excited, for obvious reasons.

As tempted as I am to take part in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), especially since it coincides with the start of work on my planned novel(s), I think it would be preferable to work at my own pace.  I know, I know.  NaNoWriMo offers terrific motivation in the form of a deadline but I honestly think the emphasis on quantity over quality would prove detrimental to the finished product, especially considering I'm toying with the idea of writing not one but two novels.  Unlike my writing partner, Paul, who can only concentrate on one project at a time, I prefer to jump back and forth between projects.  If I get bogged down on one, there's nothing more energizing than taking a break to jump on to another.   And then there's the fact that I've been toying with two ideas for novels, one in the SF genre, the other in the fantasy genre.  Hey, chances are I may not get around to finishing either, but I'm feeling increasingly up to the double challenge.

Signed off on a few more pencil pages of Dark Matter's third issue.  Artist Garry Brown continues to amaze.  I promised my editor, Patrick Thorpe, that I'd write the copy for the advance solicitation of issue #4 by next Friday.  So somebody remind me!

Tomorrow's R.I.P. Stargate fantasy football game of the day sees my Snow Monkeys beat up on Ivon Bartok's Running Dead.  'tsgonna be ugly!

GO SNOW MONKEYS!!!

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October 21, 2011: Birthday Memories! The Great Vancouver Food Truck Tour II!

Let me set the next clip up for you.  I was working on Stargate and it was my birthday.  I made it very clear that I didn't want anyone in the office to do ANYTHING for me and that included: the purchasing of gifts, the presenting of cake, the singing of Happy Birthday – or any variations thereof.  After lunch, I noticed people milling about the kitchen.  A bad sign.  So I retreated to my office and shut the door, locking it just to be sure.  Seconds later, I received a call from my assistant, Ashleigh.  I ignored it.  She tried again.  Again, I ignored it. Another call – this time from Carl.  Sneaky, sneaky.  I ignored that too. Not to be dissuaded, they marched down to my office and knocked.  I ignored them. So Ashleigh used the master key to open the door and let everyone in.

BTW – This clip and the one I posted yesterday of the first screening of SGU's Time come compliments of Lawren Bancroft-Wilson.

Notes on the video:

0:07 – My co-workers cry "Speech! Speech!".  This is payback for the numerous times I've done the same thing, calling out for a speech – not because I want to hear one, but because it makes the moment all that more awkward for the birthday individual.

0:14-0:17 – My speech: "Thank you for doing exactly the opposite of what I requested for my birthday."

0:54 – "Take a picture of the crappy cake."  A reference to a blog post in which I criticized the quality of the office birthday cakes.

1:10 – Ashleigh never did get around to cleaning my desk.  I had to do it myself!

1:33 – Ashleigh's excuse for just walking in "You were sitting there.  I could see you." sounds perfectly acceptable if not for the fact that the blinds were drawn, meaning she would have had to peer through the tiny opening between the slats.  Creepy!

Speaking of creepy Ashleigh, she was unable to join us today for round #2 of The Great Vancouver Food Truck Tour.  Lawren was also conspicuously absent, claiming he had to be somewhere (L.A.). Fortunately, Akemi had nowhere else to be and we were joined by professional eater Ivon R. Bartok for the occasion.

It was rainy and cold, but that didn't deter us from hitting another five food trucks!

First stop: La Brasserie (not to be confused with La Brasserie 2 which we hit last Friday).

Like its sister food truck, La Brasserie offers only one menu item -

A chicken sandwich with gravy and crispy onions.  A terrific start to the tour.  A little messy but quite tasty and the crispy onions offered a wonderful textural contrast.

Ivon paced himself, only eating roughly half of everything.  After all, speedo season is right around the corner.

Second stop: Kaboom Box

Heard a lot of good things about this truck and we weren't disappointed.  I was tempted to get the oyster po'boy but, ultimately, went for the more unique menu item…

The venison burger served with greens and a sweet honey mustard. Game meat is tricky to prepare as it tends to dry out quickly, but the venison was moist and tender, the honey mustard a nice compliment to the savory grill flavor.  Akemi was reluctant to try it at first but ended up by finishing it off.

If they're not flying Santa's sleigh, Ivon is eating 'em.

Third stop: Coma Food.

Owner Jay

Next up was Coma Food, a place that offers a contemporary spin on Korean cuisine.  As we awaited our order, we were served complimentary Korean miso soup (very good although I only got to finish half of mine before Akemi helped herself).  We chatted with the truck's owner, Jay, a transplanted L.A. native who gave us the lowdown on his fresh ingredients including his home made marinade.  No pre-packaged offerings here.

We had the spicy pork burrito and it was probably the best thing I had all day.  Sweet and spicy with a nice crunch.  What I at first took to be egg turned out to be tofu.  Although he really liked the burrito, Ivon wasn't a big fan of the tofu ("There's no reason to add tofu to anything.") but Akemi loved it.  For my part, I didn't mind it as it simply took on the flavor of the accompanying elements.

I'm already planning a return visit to check out the Bulgogi Burger.

I do a better job of sampling the burrito than Ivon who took a bite and had it explode in his face.

Fourth stop: Ursu BBQ Taco

Another contemporary spin on Korean cuisine!

And another proud owner of a home made marinade (which included pears and brown sugar) and slow-roasted meat (10 hours if I remember correctly).

The Bulgogi Taco.  I ordered spicy and it delivered a really nice kick.  A little messy, but quite good.

Fifth stop: Mom's Grilled Cheese

The busiest of the food trucks we visited on the day.  The inclement weather did nothing to discourage customers, most of whom were clearly regulars.

Unfortunately, I forgot to get pics of the menu items.  I had the Jackson 3, a triple cheese, triple decker creation of sourdough, melted triple cream brie, boursin, and gruyere.  And, for dessert, the Fat Elvis: peanut butter and banana with smoked sea salt on white bread.

The Jackson 3 was good but I felt the sandwich missed the bite that, say, a cheddar could offer, meaning I'll have to go back for the straight cheddar version.  A customer beside us seemed to be enjoying hers immensely.  The Fat Elvis, alas, didn't really impress.  I commend them for using all natural peanut butter instead of the sweetened versions but, as Ivon pointed out, the sandwich could have benefited from a little honey.

Yet another successful food truck tour.  That's ten trucks down, approximately forty more to go!

Ivon keeps his spirits up (and belly full) amid the downpour.

Akemi, all smiles and sunshine - despite the lack of sunshine.

Ivon and I spitballed ideas for a new show.  We're taking a few days to think about it, then reconvening next week to discuss!  Very exciting. We'll tell you all about it.  Eventually.

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October 20, 2011: Commissioning a masterpiece! A Stargate: Universe screening! My near future plans: a novel idea! Trevor's fine. Really.

A Tara Yelland original

A masterpiece, no?  I commissioned it from my Toronto pal, Tara Yelland, who sent me the following email the day after my birthday:

"I had no idea it was your birthday yesterday! Happy Birthday! You don't look a day over 52. Hope it was a good one! As a gift, I will draw you a picture of anything you request."

Anything?  Well, I thought it would be obvious but, just in case, I was very specific:

"I'd like you to draw me a picture of a snowman marrying a bear in outer space.  There should be a stunning space battle going on somewhere in the background."

Well, this morning I finally received my birthday gift.  And, I have to say, I'm pretty damn impressed.  No half-ass sketch for me.  Instead, check out the glorious colors, the fiery combat in the BG and, best of all, the added bonus cameo of yours truly (Spaceman Joe) presiding over the cosmic nuptials.  The pic was accompanied by the following heartfelt message:

"Here, as requested, is a drawing of a bear marrying a snowman in space with a fantastical battle happening in the background. You'll notice I bothered to include you in the scenario–officiating the wedding, of course. I figure this is ultimately how you'll end up anyway.  I would be happy to sell the original print to you for a reasonable price."

How I'll end up anyway?  What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Above is a clip of some cast members (Brian, Jamil, and David) watching the finished version of my favorite Stargate: Universe episode, Time, for the first time.  Love the reactions.

See, these are the moments I miss – the camaraderie, the excitement, the pride for a job well done. Hopefully, there'll be plenty more of that in the not too distant future – but, for the near future, I'm considering a couple of alternate pursuits.  There's the Dark Matter comic book series that launches January 11, 2012 (Joe Mallozzi And Paul Mullie Release Dark Matter In January) but, before I head out and start pitching and taking meetings ahead of my next t.v. gig, I thought it might be nice to do something different like, say, write a novel.  I know, I know.  My last foray into prose fiction, the short story "Downfall" I wrote for the superhero-themed anthology, Masked (edited by Lou Anders) took me the better part of nine months to write.  But I feel that with that experience under my belt, I could write a novel a lot quicker and with a lot less agonizing over the details.  Ideally.  But maybe not.  Regardless, the more I think about it, the more I'm liking the idea of a challenge – specifically, the challenge of sitting down and dedicating 2-3 hours a day, starting November, to writing my first novel.  That's the plan anyway.  Just outlining right now. The real work begins in 11 days!

Oh, and to those of you asking, I was not eulogizing Trevor in yesterday's blog entry.  I was just wishing him all the best as he has parted ways with the production ahead of the birth of his first child, Euphemia (see past blog entries for the Name Trevor's Baby Contest details).  Apparently, he received quite the send off.  Alexander sent me a candid pic of Trevor's last day…

[image error]The pic made me all nostalgic for earlier times when I too had an assistant to verbally berate, paper cut, and pummel with rolled up rewrites of rewrites of rewritten scripts.

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October 19, 2011: Some clips from the vault! Ghost raccoon!

What the heck IS Ashleigh doing?  I honestly don't remember.  But I'm sure that anything you guys come up with will be far more interesting than the truth.

Also of interest is another video clip I discovered in the vault – this one the rehearsal of a scene from  SGU's Resurgence:

I received a horrifying email from our friend Tara Yelland today.  Are you sitting down?  Are the lights on?  Okay.  I quote it in its almost entirety (minus the preamble about the birthday drawing I requested which is, apparently, in the works):

"I came home and found a giant raccoon hanging out in my apartment. It was very startling. I noticed cupboards were open and it was cowering near the back door hissing at me. Then as I approached it, it ran upstairs and under the bed! So I took that opportunity to open the back door, then went upstairs and jumped on the bed and poked at it until it ran back downstairs and out the door. It was a harrowing experience. I can't figure out how it got in here! No windows or doors open…"

No windows or doors open?  How did it get in?  Hello?!  Isn't it obvious?!  You're place is haunted by a ghost raccoon!  Seriously, take a closer look at the supporting photo that accompanied the email:

Tell me that's NOT the spookiest ass raccoon you've ever laid eyes on.  

Anyway, I hope Tara is able to contact a proper animal spirit exorcist to deal with the problem – once she's finished my birthday picture of course.

Today's blog entry is dedicated to Trevor Finn.  You may not have been a robot or a member of the cabal, but you were a damn fine assistant and script coordinator!  

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October 18, 2011: Dark Matter hits the street January 11, 2012!

DARK MATTER #1 (of 4)

Joseph Mallozzi (W), Paul Mullie (W), Garry Brown (A/Cover), and Ryan Hill (C)

On sale Jan 11

FC, 32 pages

$3.50

Miniseries

A derelict ship floats in space, its troubled crew awakened from stasis with no memories of who they are or how they got on board. Their search for answers triggers the vessel's deadly security system: a relentless android bent on their destruction. Facing threats at every turn, they have to work together to survive a voyage charged with vengeance, redemption, betrayals, and hidden secrets best left unknown.

Science-fiction veterans Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie, best known for their work on television's Stargate franchise and the new Transporter: The Series, create a new and exciting universe!

Oooh, check it out.  Dark Horse just released its advance solicitation for January 2012 and look at what made the list.  The November issue of Previews (PREVIEWS: The Comic Shop's Catalog!) will include a two page color excerpt from issue #1 of Dark Matter, so make sure to check it out.

Speaking of sneak peeks, here's a look at some of artist Garry Brown's phenomenal pencils for the series…

Awesome, no?  The space battles and firefights are pretty awesome as well – but you'll have to wait for those.

Going through my portable hard drives and came across a slew of old Stargate-related photos and video clips including this early tour of the seed ship set from Stargate: Universe's Awakening.  It was designed for the diminutive alien crew and, as a result, the crew kept bumping their heads on the low ceiling, banging their elbows on the close quarters and, in the case of one camera man, getting trapped in one of the narrow corridors…

Mailbag:

John Scalzi writes: "Note to self: Remember to show up at Joe's door, suitcases in hand, the next time I'm in Vancouver. Preferably unannounced."

Answer: John, know that you and that team of personal chefs you always travel with are more than welcome.

P.S. I like my omelets extra fluffy.

Levent Tasken writes: "They're not giving you a courtesy car?"

Answer: They gave me one.  It's a white A4 with the words "Service Replacement Vehicle" on the side lest someone mistake it for a real car.

Ganymede writes: "BTW, you should get the Car-Guys to put in a remote camera behind a see-through mirror for the NEXT time this happens!"

Answer: If I'm going to spend money on security features for my car, I'd rather just go ahead and get the side-mounted flamethrowers (http://www.motortorque.com/blog/tag/flamethrower-car/)

JeffW writes: "Is that the "Weird Science" Kelly LeBrock, or am mixing up my eighties films again?"

Answer: Nope, that's the one.

Ivon B writes: "Damn, this is my favourite blog of the year… Fun-E!"

Answer: Laugh while you can.  My Snow Monkeys are going to lay a beatdown on your fantasy team this weekend.  Shall I make pork chops for lunch?

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October 17, 2011: The Lodger!

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Perhaps no one was more disappointed about my early return to Vancouver than former SGU script coordinator Lawren who'd been taking care of my place in my absence.  An early homecoming for me of course meant an early departure for him.  Instead of having until December to work his way through my liquor cabinet, his window of opportunity has suddenly contracted.  Akemi and I have been back a couple of weeks now, but I assured Lawren that he could stay as long as he likes.  We have the extra room and if he doesn't take it, Akemi is going to turn it into a raccoon nursery.

Anyway, looks like Lawren has found alternate accommodations and will be leaving us in a few weeks.  Akemi is and I are genuinely saddened. It's been fun having the company – someone to commiserate with over fantasy football; someone to join us for dinner; someone to reprimand if he comes home late or doesn't call ("Akemi and I were worried sick, young man!").  Akemi likens the communal spirit to the "share house" concept common among Japanese students studying English here in Canada and, while she's accepted the fact that Lawren will be moving out, she holds on to the hope that someone else will be moving in.  She had her heart set on Ivon until I informed her that he already has a place and, more importantly, a long-term lease.  Alternate candidates include: Alexander and Sarah (once they've finished up on Transporter),  Carl Binder, Martin Gero, my sister, our friend Moro-san in Tokyo, author John Scalzi, editor Lou Anders, author Marjorie M. Liu, writer Gail Simone, that Diners Drive-Ins and Dives guy, Chef Tom Colicchio, circa 1985 Kelly LeBrock, Gintama, the Fantastic Four.

After enjoying a Sunday chock full of birthdayly goodness, I woke up this morning to THIS -

THAT is my driver's side view mirror.  Or, rather, it's the spot formerly occupied by my driver's side view mirror.  It and my passenger side view mirror were conspicuously absent this morning.  Initially, I assumed some good samaritan had taken them away to be cleaned but, eventually, it dawned on me that that wasn't the case.  On the bright side, I had to drop my car off for scheduled maintenance today. According to Alan at the dealership, those replacement parts should come in on Friday.  And since he deems it dangerous to drive around without side view mirrors (I could always tape hand mirrors to doors!), he won't return my car until then.  So, if I want to get around, looks like I'll be relying on that jet pack my mother got me last Christmas.  Hey, does anybody know if you can buy rocket fuel at Home Depot?

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October 16, 2011: Happy birthday to me!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to wish me a Happy Birthday either through posts, phone calls, emails, or heartfelt photos like the one my buddy Alexander sent me today.  The latter almost brought me to tears as it stirred memories of my last few weeks on the show – how Alexander would greet us by marching into our offices, dropping to his knees, and throwing out his arms, middle fingers outstretched and waving.  It's the small things that make up the happy memories.

Speaking of happy memories, last night – a tick past midnight – Akemi gave me the birthday card she'd been working on for – well, since Toronto: a multi-colored masterpiece of construction paper, cardboard, colored pencils, markers, photos, stickers and (occasionally odd) sentiments.  A few excerpts…

[image error]Today, I celebrated in fine fashion – by having friends over to watch football and cheer on my fantasy football team.  Sadly, the Snow Monkeys last because the Dallas Cowboys don't play to win; they merely play not to lose.  Oh, and apparently Roddy White is already looking ahead to his retirement.  Still, it was memorable for the company and, of course, the food…

Ivon brings the main course: chicken tacos. He slow-roasted the chicken himself. We popped it in the oven and served it piping hot. How piping hot? Well, hot enough to burn Ivon's fingers when he removed the lid with his bare hands. Fortunately, I keep the aloe gel on hand. Hey, Ivon, if you're reading this Akemi wants to know if you're fingers are okay.

Akemi makes sweet potato mash.

Rob Cooper dropped by the Faubourg on his way over and picked up some desserts.

Lawren takes credit for the cookies his girlfriend made.

The assortment of truffles Akemi and I made. The winner: Akemi's rum and marscarpone dark chocolate truffle.

The dessert spread.

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Look at how much fun everyone was having!

Birthday celebrations continued tonight with dinner at Boneta…

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Our affable hosts: Rob and Hillary. Now THEY are power eaters. I've enlisted them as back-ups on round #2 of my Vancouver food truck tour.

Thyme gnocchi with chanterelles mushrooms and goat cheese. Buonissimo!

Rob encouraged me to help myself to the birthday balloons. Belonging to the girl at the next table.

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Akemi admires the creepy artwork.

I told her I'd get this one and hang it over the bed so that she could wake up to its soothing imagery.

 I enjoyed a wonderful rainbow trout.  We finished the meal with a dessert medley that included…

The house tarte tatin. I was expecting an earlier, slightly different version that used to be served with a scoop of ice cream the size of a softball. Still, very good.

I'd like to remind everyone that Joe's birthday festivities will continue throughout the week so feel free to celebrate in your own way.  As for me, I'm heading off to bed to continue reading Terry Brooks' First King of Shannara.  So far, so very good…

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