Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 529

September 5, 2011: It's an all Alex weekend!

I woke up this morning unable to move, my dogs clustered around me like a Cruella Deville topcoat.  I figured it was one of two things: 1) Like animals who sense earthquakes or similar natural disasters, my super-sensitive dogs were consoling me ahead of inevitable catastrophe, or 2) Winter had arrived.  Today's weather convinced me to go with option #2.  Wha- happened?  I could have sworn it was still summer yesterday!

September is shaping up to be a busy month as I count down the days to my Vancouver return.  Just received an email from Jen Spence (SGU's Lisa Park) who will be in town for a couple of days next week, so will have to make time for her.  And my buddy Steve.  Plus Anne-Marie, Carl, Marty G., Mega, Ryna, John, Nancy, Alan, Ivon, Alexander, Sarah, my aunt Antoinette, and many more.  I may have to stay an extra month just to squeeze in all these dinners.

As I've already mentioned, I'll be taking the rest of the years off.  Sort of.  There's a pilot script I've been meaning to get around to finishing and I have a fun, comic-related project (not Dark Matter, my Dark Horse comic book series, that hits the shelves January 2012) for this blog.  Also, with Akemi's October 18th visa expiration fast-approaching, I'm hoping we can find a way to extend that looming deadline.  It would be very sad to bring her back to Van for only a couple of weeks and then have her leave two days after my birthday (start working on those cards now!).  Well, all I can say is I'm working on it.  Tick, tick, tick.

Some highlights of my (apparently all Alex) weekend:

Friday night – dinner at Trevor Kitchen with….

Trevor, Sarah, and Alexander

Ryan. So awesome. He has FOIE and GRAS tattooed on his knuckles.

Akemi and I.

Also in attendance were precision driver David Julienne and stunt wizard Mohammed Elachi (not pictured clutching the requisite menu).

Then, Saturday night was BBQ night hosted by the lovely Sarah – and her boyfriend the German guy.  I brought sliders: buffalo, wild boar, camel, and kangaroo. All surprisingly good and, frankly, hard to tell apart once you lead 'em up with caramelized onions, avocado, barbecue sauce, and bird's eye chilis.  I lean toward the buffalo…

I find that camel goes down easier with beer.

Sarah mans the grill. Seriously. Who else is going to do it?

Trevor shows up, sweating like he's just run a marathon. The boy is sensitive to humidity!

Alexander shows off his latest purchase. I know nothing about guitars but I believe it's a big deal considering how much he paid for it! But who am I to criticize? I collect supervillain statues.

I couldn't resist snapping a pic of this hideous lamp in Alex's office. I figured no one would actually believe me without photographic evidence.

Alexander lights up Tokyo Tower. Or, as some people in the rest of the world call it: The Eiffel Tower.

The trio see us off. Then, five minutes later when I'm in the car, I get a call from Trevor who apparently remembered he doesn't live there and needed a lift.

And then, Sunday, we checked out the Spicy Food Festival which sounded a lot more interesting than it actually was.  We wandered about for the first twenty minutes, ravenous, and finally located the (all of six) food stands.  Had some not bad ox-tail, a great curry goat roti (would it have killed them to remove the bones before wrapping the sucker up?), and plenty o' plantain.  Then it rained.  And we went home.  Good times.

The happy couple.

The even happier couple. Kampai!

The happiest couple!

I'm off to complete my Mind Meld write-up for SFSignal's JP Frantz.  Just finalizing my top ten…

Today's entry is dedicated to blog regular PBMom.  Get well soon!

September 4, 2011: What a day!

Sure, this year has had it's fair share of twists and turns, exhilarating highs and crushing lows, but nothing has even come close to the rollercoaster of emotions I experienced today.  It was, in a word, "brutal" – tough, at times distressing, and yet, ultimately, incredibly cathartic.  I'm thoroughly exhausted and, while a part of me is relieved it's over, another part of me is bummed because, well, it's over.  Settled.  And now, we move forward to the next phase: the regular season.

I'm referring, of course, to my fantasy football league (R.I.P. Stargate) draft that was held this afternoon.

Last year, my Snow Monkeys got off to a slow start that they never really recovered from.  And, when Frank Gore went down on Monday Night Football, any hope of a post-season berth went down with him.  Some poor coaching and managerial decisions cost us early in that inaugural season, but I'm determined to get us off to a strong start.

Unlike last year, there is only one division.  So, no middling performers from inferior divisions sneaking into the playoffs this go-round.  10 teams.  16 roster positions.  1 champion!

It was an interesting draft, full of surprises.  The biggest of all kicked off the proceedings.  My Snow Monkey were sitting on the number two pick and, while I waited patiently for Reagan's Raiders to snap up Adrian Peterson, I agonized over my selection: Chris Johnson fresh off his hold-out or Arian Foster nursing a hamstring injury?  And then, instead of taking Peterson, the Raiders selected dog-killer Michael Vick (who I predict will have nowhere near the year he had last year).  Unbelievable.  I wasted no time in grabbing Adrian Peterson and then proceeded to stack my roster with some truly awesome talent: 3 QB's, 3 RB's, 7 WR's, a TE, a Kicker, and a Defense.

My team:

QB #1: Peyton Manning – A pretty sure bet and, despite talk of an injury, I doubt he'll break his ironman streak of consecutive games started.  He'll throwing the ball in week #1.

QB #2: Tony Romo – Rob will no doubt be pleased to hear it.  His season was cut short by injury last year, but he's back and the Cowboys are one of two teams I expect big things from this season.

QB #3: Ryan Fitzpatrick – He lit it up late last season and I think the Bills are great dark horse pick.  If he gets the hot hand, I won't hesitate to call him off the bench.

RB #1: Adrian Peterson – The #1-ranked fantasy player.  'Nuff said.

RB #2: Jahvid Best – Like I said, I expect big things from two teams this season.  The Cowboys are one, the Lions are another.  And leading Detroit out of the backfield is the underappreciated best.

RB #3:  Knowshon Moreno – Well-ranked and while he'll certainly be the Broncos' go-to-runner, I'm going to have to count on him breaking some big runs because Willis McGahee is Denver's goal line specialist.  Trade bait?

WR #1: Roddy White – I was downright envious of whoever it was that had White last season.  Well, no need for envy this year because I snapped him up with my second pick.

WR #2: Hakeem Nicks – To be honest, I selected him on the strength of his ranking.  Eli Manning is hot and cold but, if he's hot, then Nicks should be the recipient of many throws.

WR #3: Dez Bryant – He did well for me last season and now that he's got a year under his rookie belt, I like him even more.  And the fact that I have Romo throwing to him offers me a very tempting double word score.

WR #4: Lance Moore – He was one of New Orleans' more consistent receivers last year and, by all accounts, he had a great camp.

WR #5: Steve Smith – A great player who has to bounce back from a disappointing season.  Of course, you can chalk that disappointment up to a weak QB.  This season, with Cam Newton at the helm, things may be somewhat better.  And if Newton throws the long ball, Smith will be the guy to run under it.

WR #6: Mike Thomas – Speaking of the long ball, the Jags have a high-powered offense (to off-set their anemic defense) and their top receiver last year was Mike Thomas.  Here's hoping the good times continue rolling for him.

WR #7: Mohamed Massaquoi – Admittedly, a bit of a reach, but once he's fully bounced back from his foot injury – and provided Colt McCoy gels at QB – this pick could pay off nicely.

TE: Brandon Pettigrew – A solid performer for me last year.  Here's hoping he's 100% for the season opener.

Kicker: Mason Crosby – I was surprised to see the kicker for Green Bay's high-powered offense still available mid-draft, so I grabbed him.

Defense: The New Orleans Saints – I expect to see them in the NFC Championship.

Other players I kind of had my heart set on that slipped through my fingers: Percy Harvin, Matthew Stafford, and Mark Ingram.  Plus a couple more that are on the waiver wire.

The soon-to-be-also-rans I'll be playing against this year: The Autodrafts, whoa philly, Reagan's Raiders, The Running Dead (Ivon Bartok's team), Pigskin PIrates, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Van Isle Vultures, Mighty Molsons, and, my week #1 opponent, Surrey Monkey Poachers.

SNOW MONKEYS!!!

September 3, 2011: That dinner with Marty G.!

The other day I received an afternoon text from Golden Boy Martin Gero: "Are you and Carl free for dinner tonight?".

"Will check with Carl,"I responded.  And then, before I fully committed: "Where to?"

"416 Snackbar?"

"Great."

I'd heard good things about the place, a restaurant that specialized in comfort finger food.  Apparently, it was a cutlery-free establishment, so I looked forward to seeing how, exactly, we were going to sample the wide variety of offerings.  Turns out the answer was pretty simple: take a bite and pass it along.

Carl gets comfy.

Heeeey! It's Marty G.

Special guest diner: Mike Banacek, P.I.!

 We had just taken our seats when I heard someone outside shout: "Goddamn it!".  I turned and noticed a heavy-set fellow with a shaved head staggering about.  I assumed he was an angry drunk and redirected my focus back to the menu when one of the girls at the next table waved down our waitress.  The guy was hurt.  I turned back.  Indeed.  He was sitting on the floor, bleeding from a nasty-looking cut to his forehead.  Turns out he wasn't a stumbling drunk but a stumbling guy who'd been unloading packages from a truck when the back door had swung back and conked him in the head.  Hard.

Marty G. and Mike were on their feet and out the door, calling 911, then comforting the guy while they waited for help to arrive.  I contributed by informing the guy that "Chicks dig scars." which really seemed to hearten him.

Anyway, the paramedics arrived, he was treated, and we all returned to the table for a meal of numerous small bites.

No love for the heirloom tart but the steak tartare was a winner, even among the non raw meat-eaters.

The Scotch Egg Benny was a huge hit.

Akemi and Martin seemed to really enjoy the "rabbit food", mystery ingredients + corn (?) wrapped in a lettuce leaf.

Damn. I was really looking forward to these stuffed zucchini flowers. Not at all how mom used to make 'em.

We did the steamed buns three ways: meat, fish, and veggie.  All quite good but the crispy fried fish bun was perhaps the best thing I had that night.  Another highlight was the Mini Mac – not macaroni and cheese but a miniature Big Mac.

For dessert: S'more. Akemi's first - but certainly not her last. "I love!"she said before polishing off all three orders.

All in all, a resounding "meh".

On the other hand, a terrific time last night at a place called Trevor Kitchen where I enjoyed a terrific salt cured foie gras club with salt pickle chips and some truffled goat cheese poutine with seared foie gras.  Tonight, I head over to Alexander and Sarah's for a barbecue.  While Akemi cooked up some caramelized onions, I picked up sliders…

The selection includes buffalo, wild board, kangaroo, and camel. Wonder which one Alex will prefer...

September 2, 2011: Dark Matter! Carl's bento surprise!

I'm holding off on booking my return flight(s) to Vancouver until I get a few things settled here in Toronto.  Between tying up these various loose ends, I'll also take the opportunity to catch up with friends coming into town: Anne-Marie from Montreal, my old Stargate co-worker Jennifer Johnson, and – surprise, surprise – blog favorite and Special Features Producer Ivon Bartok.

I've decided to take the rest of the year off to recharge and watch Dark Matter, my scifi comic book series come together under the watchful eye of Dark Horse editor Patrick Thorpe.  I know he must be tired of hearing me say how much I love artist Garry Brown's pencils, but I can't help it.  I do!  Check out his cover for issue #1 (above).  You'll all get a sneak peek at more of the artwork for Dark Matter in an upcoming Previews solicitation.  Make sure to get down to your local comic shop and tell them to stock up.  Reserve now to avoid disappointment!  In the meantime, you can check out an interview Garry did in which he discusses his process and influences: interview.   Then, head on over to peruse the amazing work on this sketch blog - omegasketch.blogspot.com - featuring not only Garry's work but that of over a dozen other talented artists.

Yesterday, Akemi decided to do something special for Carl.

His very own bento box complete with heart-shaped figs, cherries, blueberries, banana, oatmeal kuma-chan, hiyoko, and (unedible) panda!

Carl was thrilled -

And then remembered he had a full day of work ahead of him -

Now that I'm no longer office-bound, Akemi no longer has to wake up at 6:00 a.m. to make me my bento.  So, for now, I'll simply have to hold on to the memory of the last masterpiece she crafted for me:

Check it out. Double Kuma!

To those of you asking – yes, now that I have the time, I will wrap up my SG-1 reminiscences with a reflection on the show's final season.

Off for drinks tonight with Alexander, Sarah, and others.

September 1, 2011: My history with Toronto! Maximus's radioactive road trip #4! It's raaaaaaaw!

I'm sure it'll come as no surprise to you all, but I never really grew to love Toronto over the course of my short stay here.  Part of it was due to the fact that we moved here in the dead of winter, the overcast bleakness that welcomed us a perfect complement to the city's leaden architecture.  Part of it was the endless traffic exacerbated by the equally endless road closures for construction that never quite seemed get underway.  And, admittedly, part of it was my own bias, a personal distaste for Toronto that I acquired at a very early age.  I'm fond of telling the story of how, growing up in Montreal, I used to suffer the six hour car ride from my hometown to T.O. every summer in order to visit my grandmother.  My sister and I would dread the annual family road trip, but my father always tried to put things in perspective.  "This is your grandmother's one hundredth birthday,"he say.  "It'll probably be the last time you see her."  And so, duly guilted, my sister and I would hop into the car, resolved to make the best of an exhausting, occasionally nausea-inducing, situation .  Then, the following year, it would be: "This is your grandmother's hundred and first birthday.  It'll probably be the last time you see her."  And then: "This is your grandmother's hundred and second birthday.  It'll probably be her last."  My grandmother lived to the ripe old age of 112.  Them's a lot of road trips – and a lot of time to develop an intense dislike for hogtown.

Having said all that, I have to admit that the city is not without its charm: great restaurants, fun things to do in the summer, and some genuinely nice people.  It also offered convenient proximity to the University of Guelph, the best animal oncology hospital in Canada.  And, for my pug Maximus, the timing of this extended visit couldn't have been better.

Today, we were there for his fourth (of five) radiation treatments.  According to the oncologist, the size of the tumor remains unchanged but, on the bright side, his swollen lymph node  is considerably smaller.  Hopefully, the anti-cancer vaccine he's taking will kick start his immune system soon.  We should know in a few weeks.

So, Akemi and I watch a lot of the cooking shows – Top Chef, Iron Chef, Chopped – but her favorite remains Hell's Kitchen.  So much so that it inspired her attempt one of the Hell's Kitchen menu mainstays.  Nope, not the risotto or something as simple as scallops.  She tried her hand at the far more challenging Beef Wellington.  How'd she do?  Well…

Hmmmm. Looks okay...

It's raaaaw!  RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

C'mere, you.  Get out.  GET OUT!  OUUUT!

Take off your jacket.

No, wait.  Keep the jacket.  Stay.  Pop it in the oven and let it cook for another ten minutes.  I'm hungry.

September 1, 1011: My history with Toronto! Maximus's radioactive road trip #4! It's raaaaaaaw!

I'm sure it'll come as no surprise to you all, but I never really grew to love Toronto over the course of my short stay here.  Part of it was due to the fact that we moved here in the dead of winter, the overcast bleakness that welcomed us a perfect complement to the city's leaden architecture.  Part of it was the endless traffic exacerbated by the equally endless road closures for construction that never quite seemed get underway.  And, admittedly, part of it was my own bias, a personal distaste for Toronto that I acquired at a very early age.  I'm fond of telling the story of how, growing up in Montreal, I used to suffer the six hour car ride from my hometown to T.O. every summer in order to visit my grandmother.  My sister and I would dread the annual family road trip, but my father always tried to put things in perspective.  "This is your grandmother's one hundredth birthday,"he say.  "It'll probably be the last time you see her."  And so, duly guilted, my sister and I would hop into the car, resolved to make the best of an exhausting, occasionally nausea-inducing, situation .  Then, the following year, it would be: "This is your grandmother's hundred and first birthday.  It'll probably be the last time you see her."  And then: "This is your grandmother's hundred and second birthday.  It'll probably be her last."  My grandmother lived to the ripe old age of 112.  Them's a lot of road trips – and a lot of time to develop an intense dislike for hogtown.

Having said all that, I have to admit that the city is not without its charm: great restaurants, fun things to do in the summer, and some genuinely nice people.  It also offered convenient proximity to the University of Guelph, the best animal oncology hospital in Canada.  And, for my pug Maximus, the timing of this extended visit couldn't have been better.

Today, we were there for his fourth (of five) radiation treatments.  According to the oncologist, the size of the tumor remains unchanged but, on the bright side, his swollen lymph node  is considerably smaller.  Hopefully, the anti-cancer vaccine he's taking will kick start his immune system soon.  We should know in a few weeks.

So, Akemi and I watch a lot of the cooking shows – Top Chef, Iron Chef, Chopped – but her favorite remains Hell's Kitchen.  So much so that it inspired her attempt one of the Hell's Kitchen menu mainstays.  Nope, not the risotto or something as simple as scallops.  She tried her hand at the far more challenging Beef Wellington.  How'd she do?  Well…

Hmmmm. Looks okay...

It's raaaaw!  RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

C'mere, you.  Get out.  GET OUT!  OUUUT!

Take off your jacket.

No, wait.  Keep the jacket.  Stay.  Pop it in the oven and let it cook for another ten minutes.  I'm hungry.

August 31, 2011: And a huge thank you to all of you! The faces behind the scenes! Time for another chocolate run!

I've been averaging between 65-70 emails a day since joining the production.  Yesterday, I doubled that with over 165 emails and counting.  Since posting my last blog entry, I've received a slew of supportive missives from friends in the industry, former co-workers, my mom (!), and even a (Trevor-style) card from Akemi hastily assembled last night while I was showering -

Thanks to everyone who took the time to write, either through email, text, or in the comment section of this blog.

Well, now I can finally set t.v. aside for far more important matters like Maximus's radiation therapy, Akemi's immigration issues and, perhaps most important of all, the upcoming fantasy football draft.  I guarantee that, following what turned out to be a disappointing freshman season, my Snow Monkeys WILL make the playoffs this year!

Wanted to take a moment to offer pics of some of the super, talented folks behind the scenes of The Transporter.  My work may be done for now but their hard work continues…

Director Bruce McDonald and my writing partner Paul. Bruce is a legend in Canada, but it clearly hasn't gone to his head. He's the kindest, most collaborative guy I've ever had the good fortune to work with. Once he's finished up directing this latest block, I'm going to convince him to come by for a blog Q&A in support of his latest film, Hard Core Logo 2, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival this month!

Location Scout Craig Jackson. A guy with a wicked sense of humor that I wish I'd gotten to know a little better.

Anna Beben, Production Manager. My fellow foodie and I will finally get around to doing that dinner. Anna, call me! I've got tons of free time now!

Visual Effects Supervisor Brendan Taylor. My sounding board, confidante, and number one commiserator. I remember watching his demo real for Hanna and being blown away. You should check it out. Ask him!

Production Designer, Tim Bider. I have never met a more photogenic member of an Art Department. A soft-spoken, sweetheart of a guy.

Tim Owen, Location Manager. His easy-going nature and understated humor make him a welcome addition to any tech survey. Or frenzied four hour location meeting.

Publicist Beverly Warren. If I was a woman working on this show, I'd be Bev. True.

Art Director Daran Fulham. I miss running into him two or three times a day while he was living in the same building Him, outside for a smoke. Me, walking one of any number of dogs. I suspect he just got fed up and moved.

Patrick Arias, 2nd AD. Master planner and expert manager, during prep week Patrick shuffles schedules and meetings like a circus performer juggles flaming chainsaws and bowling balls. Dangerous, yes, but truly a sight to behold.

Finally, a link sent my way from not one, not two, not three, but four different sources.  Appropriate given that, earlier today, I stopped by the production office to drop off my office keys – and a huge goodbye chocolate assortment for the gang…

Heavy Chocolate Consumption May Be Linked to Heart Health: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829070555.htm

August 30, 2011: Transporter thank you's!

http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/cinemaxs-transporter-showrunners-exit/

Well, hmmm.  Didn't realize we'd be dropping an official press release this quickly.  I just assumed, one month from now, I'd start posting pics of Akemi and me back in Vancouver enjoying dinner at Refuel and have you connect the dots.  Guess this means I'm going to have to put that blog entry of dinner with Golden Boy Martin Gero on the backburner and dedicate today's write-up to The Transporter…

After 11+ years working on the Stargate franchise, my plan was to take a year off – go to cooking school, work on a novel, and watch the entire run of Ralph Bakshi's hallucinogenic Spiderman cartoon in one glorious sitting.  And then, in January, my agent informed me of an opportunity to work on The Transporter t.v. series based, of course, on the successful film franchise.  Being a big fan of the movies, I jumped at the chance and, before I knew it, my writing partner Paul and I were in Toronto, working on scripts, then prepping, then well into production. Like most first year shows, there were challenges.  But there was/is also enormous potential – in the form of an established brand and an incredibly dedicated cast, crew, and production team who will, no doubt, deliver a fantastic series when The Transporter premieres in early 2012.

As I prepare to sail off into the sunset (or, rather, fly back home with four small dogs, my girlfriend, and about a half dozen supervillain statues), I'd like to take a moment to thank a few people.

Thanks to Robert Cooper, one of the smartest, most creative guys in the biz, who helped us get the show off the ground and was always on hand to offer much-appreciated guidance along the way.

Thanks to Klaus Zimmerman and Fred Fuchs for their hard work and unflagging commitment to the production.

Thanks to Sue Murdoch for her tireless efforts on behalf of not only the show, but the people who make it happen.

Thanks to pilot director Stephen Williams, director Bruce McDonald for being such a great shooter and one helluva great guy, and my buddy, director Andy Mikita, for putting sleep on hold to guide this production.

Thanks to the cast and, especially, Chris Vance (our Frank Martin), one of the kindest, most down-to-earth actors I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Here's hoping we do it again some day on another show – but, hopefully, not for at least another five years since he'll be busy on this one.

Thanks to the dedicated crew (Derick, Angela, Simon and countless others) who made every day on set an experience so positive that I'd sadden at the prospect of returning to the production offices.

Thanks to the equally dedicated personnel working in the production offices (Mega, Trevor, Anna, Sonia, Patricia and countless others)who made every day at the office an experience so positive that I'd sadden at the prospect of returning to set.

Thanks to the gang in post and VFX (and a special hats off to the stellar Brendan Taylor).  Catch you on the next go-round!

Thanks to our amazing stunt teams led by Cyril Raffaeli and Michel Julienne who delivered action sequences like no other on television.

Thanks to my friend, Carl Binder, who dropped everything and came to Toronto to support us.

And, chiefest of all, an extra big thanks to the heart and soul of the series, the one guy I'll miss most of all, Show Runner Alexander M. Ruemelin.  Keep fighting the good fight, buddy!

Finally, hats off to Steve Shill who now takes the reins of The Transporter.  The series is in very good hands and I have no doubt that, with all of the talent backing him up, he'll deliver a show that will blow everyone away.

As for me?  Well, those 52 episodes of the 1967 Spiderman cartoon aren't going to watch themselves!

August 29, 2011: "Never take a person's dignity: it is worth everything to them, and nothing to you." ~ Frank Barron

"Be nice to those you meet on the way up.  They're the same folks you'll meet on the way down."  ~Walter Winchell, 1932

Back when I was a young freelance writer, looking to break into the wonderful world of live-action television, I wrote a spec script for a young teen series.  It was an unsolicited submission (one of those things every industry professional advises against), a shot in the dark – but it had been fun to write and at worst, I figured, I could always use it as a writing sample.  Well, about a week after sending it off, I received a call from one of the show's producer.  He'd read my script and loved it.  Only problem was they had just a couple of slots left to fill for that season.  Following a brief conversation on the script's strengths and weaknesses, he suggested that, if I didn't hear back from him soon, I should touch base before the weekend.  He stressed the importance of this: my getting in touch with him BEFORE THE WEEKEND.  Any later and I risked missing the boat. And so, after a couple of days went by and I hadn't heard from him, and with the weekend fast-approaching, I gave him a call.  He wasn't in and so I left a message on his answering machine.  A day passed.  Then another.  It was Friday morning and I still hadn't heard back!  Was it possible he'd inadvertently erased my message?  It wasn't outside the realm of possibility.  I'd done it myself countless times.  To be on the safe side, I picked up the phone and tried him again.  And, again, I went straight to voice mail.  I left another message and then went about my day, assuming he would no doubt call me back.  I waited.  And waited.  And waited some more.  I started to stew.  Here was my big break, slipping through my fingers, and all because I wasn't able to honor a simple request to get in touch with him BEFORE THE WEEKEND.  Well, with the minute hand ticking past six p.m., I decided to try one last time, leave a final message.  If nothing else, at least he would know I'd made every attempt to honor that request.  So I called.  He picked up on the third ring – and then proceeded to berate me for pestering him. Needless to say, that opportunity didn't pan out.

Fast-forward to several years later.  I'd established myself as a writer, a story editor, and a director of development for one of North America's premiere animation studios.  Part of my duties of the latter position required me to take show pitches from various producers and freelancers.  One day, I walked into the board room and was introduced to the individual I'd be taking a pitch from that day.  Turned out he'd developed a popular teen show but, since it had gone off the air, hadn't done much of anything.  As I took my seat at the conference room table and this disheveled, desperate-looking guy started pitching his series idea, I started flipping through his resume and suddenly realized who he was: ole "get in touch with me BEFORE THE WEEKEND".  He obviously hadn't made the connection.  But I did.

Oh, I did.

"I want to mention one of the obvious symptoms [of a sick culture]: Violence. Muggings. Sniping. Arson. Bombing. Terrorism of any sort. Riots of course–but I suspect that little incidents of violence, pecking away at people day after day, damage a culture even more than riots that flare up and then die down. I guess that's all for now. Oh, conscription and slavery and arbitrary compulsion of all sorts and imprisonment without bail and without speedy trial–but those things are obvious; all the histories list them."

"Friday, I think you have missed the most alarming symptom of all."

"I have? Are you going to tell me? Or am I going to have to grope around in the dark for it?"

"Mmm. This once I shall tell you. But go back and search for it. Examine it. Sick cultures show a complex of symptoms such as you have named… but a dying culture invariable exhibits personal rudness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot."

"Really?"

"Pfui. I should have forced you to dig it out yourself; then you would know it. This symptom is especially serious in that an individual displaying it never thinks of it as a sign of ill health but as proof of his/her strength." - Robert A. Heinlein, Friday

It's been my experience working in this industry that you CAN succeed without being a complete and utter asshole.  Sure, you hear stories about those who have back-stabbed and blind-sided their way to the top, but every so often karma rears her beautiful head and these same individuals suddenly find themselves at the not-so-tender mercies of those they've wronged, ridiculed, or forced to go out and pick up their dry-cleaning or drain their dog's anal glands.  I personally know of two former executives who had no compunction about bullying and belittling those beneath them back when they were at the top of the heap, only to have fortune turn for them in a nasty way.  Their eventual falls from glory were all the more spectacular for the number of former associates who went out of their way to ensure they not only went down hard but stayed down for the count.  Neither has really worked since.

It's not that hard to avoid their fate.  It doesn't take any extra effort to be nice to someone whoever they may be, from the established director to the humble driver. They are, in the end, people just trying to make a living.  It doesn't kill you to show them respect.  That production assistant you diss today could some day hold your career in their hand. Remember, Michael Ovitz once worked the mail room at William Morris and before she struck it big, Madonna Louise Ciccone served up tasty treats at Dunkin Doughnuts.  Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger started off as a bricklayer while Matthew McConaughey once shoveled chicken manure to make ends meet.  Colin Powell worked at a baby furniture store, Stephen King was a high school janitor, Ralph Lauren sold gloves, and Larry King drove a truck for UPS.

I've been fortunate to work with some great people.  And some bad ones as well.  Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to tell you about the former (like, say, Chris Vance, The Transporter's Frank Martin – a great actor, hard worker, and one hell of a genuinely good-hearted guy who is simply adored by those he works with).  And nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see the latter receive their occasional karmic comeuppance.

"If I ever pass you along in life again and you were laying there, dying of thirst, I would not give you a drink of water. I would let the vultures take you and do whatever the want with you with no ill regrets. I plead to the jury tonight to think a little bit about the island that we have been on. This island is pretty much full of only two things – snakes and rats. And in the end of Mother Nature, we have Richard the snake, who knowingly went after prey and Kelly who turned into the rat that ran around like the rats do on this island, trying to run from the snake. I feel we owe it to the island's spirits that we have learned to come to know to let it be in the end the way Mother Nature intended it to be – for the snake to eat the rat." – Susan Hawk, Survivor: Borneo

August 28, 2011: Baby!

My pug Maximus isn't the only one struggling these days.  Apparently, mom's cat, Baby, is very ill and, sadly, on his last legs.  Sad.  Back in the day, he and Jelly used to play together when they were both much spritelier.  Jelly would bound down the hallway and scatter the cats like bowling pins while Baby would scramble to avoid being tossed like a hapless matador.  Hopefully, the two will get a chance to reconnect one last time before I head back to the west coast.

An abbreviated blog entry today as I switch gears to finish up my latest rewrite of Payback.  I've incorporated Director Bruce McDonald's notes, lost the flashback sequences, and now have to tweak a little dialogue.  Once that's done, it'll be smooooooooooooooth sailing!