Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 528

August 10, 2011: Back on set!

The ever-upbeat Alexander R. Ruemelin

Back on set today – even though my episode (#102 – 12 Hours) wrapped two days ago.  I've been standing in for Paul who has been busy prepping episodes #104-105 (The Switch and Harvest), overseeing the final two outstanding days on the pilot.  Yes, it's true!  So much awesomeness it couldn't be contained in one measly production schedule!

Director Bruce McDonald, back in action. He's a machine!

That's my Exec. Producer chair right there beside the garbage bin.

Simon runs a tight ship.

Waiting around for the next shot. And sandwiches.

A little rain fails to spoil Bruce's parade.

Patrick challenging strangers.

Tara takes flight. It was THAT windy!

On my way to the second location, had to stop for traffic.

The second location.

B Camera rides the friendly skies.

Nice day for a picnic

Big day for Maximus tomorrow.  Wish him luck!

August 9, 2011: Snow Monkeys Return! Back on Set!

Even though I'm on the other side of the country, my Snow Monkeys will be making another bid for Fantasy Football supremacy.  This season, they square off against the likes of The New Old Spice Guys, Van Isle Vultures, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, and Ivon Bartok's The Running Dead (among others).  The League, since renamed to RIP Stargate, gets underway with our live draft: September 4, 2:00 p.m. EDT.  Time to set aside the scriptwriting and producing in favor of far more pressing concerns: Chris Johnson or Arian Foster?  Andre Johnson or Roddy White?  The Packers defense or the Steelers D?

Like I wrote on message board: "This'll be perfect timing. I'll wrap season one of The Transporter in December, then be back in Vancouver in time to pick up my winnings."

I was back on set today – the day AFTER my episode wrapped – sitting in for Paul who was in meetings today.

Ennis Esmer rolls out of bed and strolls right onto set.

Tara Yelland: Sassy Car Model

Joe Kicak - DMT and husky owner.

Visual Effects Supervisor Brendan Taylor on set to supervise coffee and chicken salad sandwiches.

I advised Chris that, before going in, he should remove all metal objects like watches, rings, and fillings.

 The other day, a guest star referring to Tara: "She's got eyes like…"

"A lemur?"I asked helpfully.

"I was going to say Amanda Seyfried."

"Oh."

Ole lemur-eyes.

Tara read one of my scripts today.  I hovered around as inconspicuously as possible, strolling by every so often as she leafed through the pages, casting intermittent glances over in an attempt to gauge her reaction.  Glancing up and noticing me, she offered her feedback: "Lots of throat punches."

"Yeah,"I said.  "It's my signature move."

Hoping to make effective use of it in the days to come!

August 8, 2011: Another Maximus Update

Maximus let me carry him this morning.  On the surface, it may not sound like such a big deal but it really is when one considers that, throughout his life, he has never willingly allowed himself to be carried.  All it would take was an: "I'm going to pick you up!" and he would quicken his pace, scampering ahead to avoid the scoop and lift maneuver I'd perfected with Jelly.  I suppose he was too proud for that sort of thing – a husky black pug like himself, being toted around like some designer handbag – and always avoided my best attempts to hoist him.  No matter how hot the day or how high the couch, he preferred to get there on his own.  And even in the past couple of months when he slowed down and walking became more of a struggle, he still refused, scurrying ahead and out of reach. Until this morning.  As we headed out the door, he took a half dozen steps down the hallway, then stopped, threw a look back at me as if to ask: "Well? Are you gonna say it?"  And I did.  "I'm going to pick you up!"  But this time, rather than scamper off, he stood his ground and allowed me to scoop him up in my arms.  I lifted him up and carry him to the elevators, out the building, and down the three blocks to the park where he did his business.  And then walked back home.

I've decided against the surgery.  Given the size of the tumor, it would be a very invasive procedure that would have involved the removal of part of his upper jaw. Instead, I'm opting for radiation therapy, partly in the hopes that it may shrink the tumor, but mainly because – according to the doctor I spoke to – it would alleviate some of the discomfort and difficulty caused by the tumor at the back of his throat.  And so, starting this week, Maximus and I will be making the 90 minute trip to the University of Guelph ( and 90 minutes return) where he will start undergoing weekly radiation treatment and receiving bi-monthly anti-cancer vaccines. Hopefully, we'll see some positive results that will, at the very least, grant him the time to return to Vancouver in January for good and enjoy the rest of his days in the backyard he loved so much.

Tagged: pug

August 7, 2011: Out and about with the Stargate gang! Ice cream with Sue and co.! The Maximus update!

The Dynamic Duo: Carl Binder and Michael Shanks

Marty G. "Hansamu" as the Japanese would say.

Michael Shanks was back in town so, last night, we headed over to what is fast becoming a second home for me here in Toronto: Scarpetta.  And, this time, we were joined by fellow Stargate alums Carl Binder and Martin Gero for pasta, wine, and reminiscences.  Michael was in town shooting a guest spot on Flashpoint, Marty G. is here Exec. Producing his new show, and Carl is here working on The Transporter and bathing my dogs.

Today – completed revisions on Sharks (episode #103) and finished up my wrap report for 12 Hours (episode #102).  Took a break to finally check out the ice cream at The White Squirrel Cafe along with my friend Sue who was in town with family visiting family.

Sue (right) and family.

The coconut ice cream was fantastic!

On the home front, I've noticed that Jelly and Maximus have started gravitating toward each other of late, spending more time together, sleeping side by side. It's very sweet, almost sad, as though Jelly realizes something is up and is trying to comfort him.

We call 'em "the oldsters". Maximus and Jelly.

Spoke to the surgeon Saturday.  Apparently, it's a very big tumor.  Surgery would be risky and still wouldn't get it all.  At mom's suggestion, I asked about cryo ablation that would effectively freeze the tumor, killing it.  Unfortunately, this procedure only works for smaller tumors and would have little effect on the bone of Max's jaw that has apparently been invaded.  Radiation is an option (melanoma is apparently very sensitive to radiation therapy), although the side effects are something to consider – especially given that part of the tumor is located in the back of Maximus's throat.  Tomorrow, I'll be speaking to a radiation oncologist who will offer his opinion on the best course of action.

In the meantime, Maximus seems alright.  Slower, a little more lethargic, but still hungry and happy.  He even ran down the corridor this afternoon to get a treat from Akemi.  Feel sorry for the little guy.  Wish I could do more to help him.

Whuzzat?!

August 6, 2011: There's nothing like a nice, homemade card!

When we were kids, my mother used to emphasize the importance of a good, homemade card.  The way she saw it, it took hardly any effort to buy a card. Making one, on the other hand, was a demonstration of love, an achievement of time, toil, and determination.  Mom was right.  And so, with a former co-worker's wedding fast-approaching, I thought it would be nice to put in that extra little effort, and take the time to show her how much I cared.  I dropped by my local gift shop, picked up some multi-colored construction paper, stickers, a glue stick and got to work…

…handing them off to my assistant, Trevor with instructions to make a nice, heartfelt card.  The results…

Trevor triumphantly shows off the fruits of his all-day labor.

Not bad. A minor quibble with the word "MARRIED" that looks a little front-heavy in the letters, suggesting he misjudged the amount of space he had to squeeze in the word. Other than that, pretty nice. Like the choice of the pink and blue.

A sweet sentiment expressed amid the matrimonial adornments: wedding cake, the bouquet, a gift, a heart, and a tyrannosaurus rex.

His own little touch in the back. I believe he's trademarked the company logo.

So, I sent off the card along with a check.  Beside the "RE" at the bottom left of the check, I wrote: "Payment for black market organ".

Good luck trying to cash it!

Anyway, the following week, I received a response from the bride-to-be…

Hmmm. Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Oooh la la!

And the "thank you". I'll take it, although I'm still kind of upset she didn't take my advice and go with the Stargate-themed wedding.

It turned out Trevor had some leftover supplies and, with my sister's birthday around the corner, I figured "Why not?"…

Note the liberal use of dinosaurs and kittens.

It took a little extra time and effort but it proved worthwhile because, in the end, everyone was very happy.

With the exception of Trevor who cut his finger, contracted a bacteria from the suspect glue stick, and spent the weekend at the hospital.  Unfortunate but, as mom is fond of saying: "No pain, no gain!".

August 6, 2011: There's nothing like a nice, home made card!

When we were kids, my mother used to emphasize the importance of a good, home made card.  The way she saw it, it took hardly any effort to buy a card. Making one, on the other hand, was a demonstration of love, an achievement of time, toil, and determination.  Mom was right.  And so, with a former co-worker's wedding fast-approaching, I thought it would be nice to put in that extra little effort, and take the time to show her how much I cared.  I dropped by my local gift shop, picked up some multi-colored construction paper, stickers, a glue stick and got to work…

…handing them off to my assistant, Trevor with instructions to make a nice, heartfelt card.  The results…

Trevor triumphantly shows off the fruits of his all-day labor.

Not bad. A minor quibble with the word "MARRIED" that looks a little front-heavy in the letters, suggesting he misjudged the amount of space he had to squeeze in the word. Other than that, pretty nice. Like the choice of the pink and blue.

A sweet sentiment expressed amid the matrimonial adornments: wedding cake, the bouquet, a gift, a heart, and a tyrannosaurus rex.

His own little touch in the back. I believe he's trademarked the company logo.

So, I sent off the card along with a check.  Beside the "RE" at the bottom left of the check, I wrote: "Payment for black market organ".

Good luck trying to cash it!

Anyway, the following week, I received a response from the bride-to-be…

Hmmm. Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Oooh la la!

And the "thank you". I'll take it, although I'm still kind of upset she didn't take my advice and go with the Stargate-themed wedding.

It turned out Trevor had some leftover supplies and, with my sister's birthday around the corner, I figured "Why not?"…

Note the liberal use of dinosaurs and kittens.

It took a little extra time and effort but it proved worthwhile because, in the end, everyone was very happy.

With the exception of Trevor who cut his finger, contracted a bacteria from the suspect glue stick, and spent the weekend at the hospital.  Unfortunate but, as mom is fond of saying: "No pain, no gain!".

August 5, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #102 – 12 Hours – Day #7!

The awesome Bruce McDonald kicks back after another looooooong day.

Sweet, sweeet Saturday sleep.  I now look forward to my late weekend mornings the same way I used to look forward to new issues of The Mighty Avengers or ice cream on a hot summer day.  It's been another exhausting week, but we got some really great stuff – thanks, in great part, to our fantastic director, Bruce McDonald.  Not only is he terrifically talented, but he's also one hell of a nice guy.  A true pleasure to work with.

Speaking of "pleasure to work with", look at who moved into my office while I was away shooting episode #102…

Yes, it's our buddy Carl Binder who you may remember from such productions as Pocahontas, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Little Men, Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, Stargate: Universe, and twitter.com/cpbinder.  Look at how thrilled he is to be working with us again.

Laisse les bon temps rouler!

Today, we were in two places at once: the clean room location AND our standing sets!

Tim and Bruce conspire.

Bruce reveals his master plan to Richard.

A rare collectible shot of Tara smiling.

Watched some of the footage from the big fight sequence this afternoon.  Wow!  As Alexander pointed out: "There's nothing like this on television."  Cyril's choreography is unbelievable – fluid, fast, and fun.  As for Chris Vance, our Frank – well, like my writing partner Paul likes to say: "He's a superstar."  He's smart, dedicated, intense, an incredibly hard worker, a great actor, and a good, good person.  He's incredibly charming and can command the screen with something as simple as a purposeful march down a long corridor.  Can't wait to see the viewer reaction to his Frank Martin when the show premieres in 2012.

Took home the director's cut of the pilot.  Something to peruse this weekend while finishing up the rewrite of Sharks and writing up my Wrap Report for episode #102, 12 Hours.

Tee hee!

Yet another Stargate reunion tomorrow night.  Michael Shanks is back in town and I'll be getting together with him, Carl, and Marty G. for a night of revelry and reminiscences.

To the weekend!

August 4, 2011: The Maximus Update!

An even longer and more exhausting day than the usual.  I woke up bright and early this morning to take the 90 minute drive to the University of Guelph Small Animal Hospital where my pug Maximus had a visit with one of the resident Oncologists.

My handsome boy.

We met with the doctor who gave us the rundown on our options.  Thanks to the links man of you provided, I went armed with a bunch of questions concerning vaccines and potential alternate treatments.

Maximus looking very concerned.

Of course, it would all depend on what the tests showed.  I requested a thorough examination: a CT scan to identify the size of the tumor, chest x-ray and ultrasound to find out whether the cancer had spread, and blood work to see how his body was dealing with the disease.

He's usually incredibly laid back. Not so much in the doctor's office.

He seemed to sense what was coming and went into hiding - in full view - under my chair.

We had to leave him for the day.  The doctor promised to call me as soon as she had the results.

His "Please, don't leave me!" look.

Leaving him behind for a procedure is tough.  He is always terrified at the prospect of being left alone and will actually tremble.  But, alas, it had to be done.

I received the call late this afternoon.  Apparently, it's a big tumor and the cancer has spread to the bone behind his eye.  Nodules were discovered on his spleen and liver but they will have to aspirated and tested at a later date to check for malignancy.  On the positive side, his lymph nodes and chest are clear.  Tomorrow, I'll be talking to a surgeon about what can be done.

We wrapped at around eight.  I hopped in my car and drove another 90 minutes to pick up Maximus so that he wouldn't have to spend the night alone.  He was positively thrilled to see us.  And Jelly was positively thrilled to see him.  According to Akemi, the poor gal spent much of the day searching the apartment for him, crying.  One year apart, the two practically grew up together.

Jelly and Maximus in their younger days.

Anyway, it's late and I REALLY need to get some sleep.  I've got another early day on set and another pass on Sharks that needs to be done before Tuesday's concept meeting.

August 3, 2011: Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day 5!

Although we started an hour later this morning, I had to add an hour to my travel time so it was a wash: no extra sleep for me.  5:20 a.m. wake-up, walk the dogs, wash up, then out the door at 6:30 a.m.  By the time I rolled into The Devil's Punch Bowl at Stoney Creek, Director Bruce McDonald was already talking car stunts with our Car Stunt Coordinator Michel Julienne.  There was some initial concern the recent rainfall could complicate the game plan but, fortunately, it dried up fairly quickly and, eventually, even the sun came out.  And then left later that afternoon, making way for overcast skies and a fine mist for the vineyard scene.

Patrick, Bruce, and Michel discuss the car stunts.

The Lamborghini, in position.

A picnic by the cliff side.

Both of our shooting locations were situated a short walk from the Punch Bowl Market, purveyors of fine foods (pies in particular).  And so, after lunch, I sat down to some blueberry pie.  A la mode of course…

Derek = one piece.

Onno - 1 1/2 pieces.

Robert = 1 1/2 pieces.

Tara = 3 pieces. Probably more because she was still eating when I left to get back to work. Look! She's got something in her eye.

Tara destroys dessert!

Stephan stocks up.

We return to work after lunch. Well, Simon does anyway, wondering where the hell is everyone else?

Cruising the vineyard.

Uber-adorable Erin shows off HER NEW LAMBOGHINI, a reward for her 2+ months of hard work on the production.

Finally completed by rewrite of Payback.  Not the last time I'll be revisiting the script, I'm sure.  Still, quite relieved it's finally out of the way.  Now, I can take a break – and work on my rewrite of Sharks.

August 2, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day #4! Thanks from me and Maximus!

Back at it again today, this time in Stouffville for a visit to Geneva and a very unique home plus a healthy dose of action compliments of Fight Choreographer Cyril Raffaelli (pictured above, calling YOU out).

The day was a scorcher!

Flower child Tim Bider makes love not war.

Stephanie's salute to Switzerland.

All revved up and ready to go.

Brendan swings by set for the free coffee, then heads back to the production offices for the free lunch.

David Julienne, aka The Driver, aka 009.

Tara and Robert on an upscale picnic. And then, presumably (check out the hat below), The Kentucky Derby.

Need a lift?

What's in YOUR trunk.

Sweet ride!

The Maestro: Director Bruce McDonald

It was a hot, long day and, as a thank you to my terrific cast and crew, I arranged for a little treat…

Ice cream for everyone!

Tomorrow, I'm Hamilton-bound for a little cliff-side action and some vineyard intrigue.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to send their thoughts, links, and well-wishes for Maximus.  They are greatly appreciated.  My poor little (big) guy is more lethargic, obviously slower, but his appetite remains strong which I take as a good sign.  He also seems to be in relatively good spirits, still demonstrating his typical tail-wagging affection for the neighborhood kids who stop to pet him.

We have an appointment this Thursday to see a specialist at the University of Guelph.  I'll be going armed with a bunch of the helpful info several of you have provided, along with a slew of questions.