Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 531

August 17, 2011: Laisse les bon temps rouler!

There's excitement in the air!

Busy, busy, busy prepping the next shooting block (episodes #103, Sharks, and #106, Payback) for The Transporter's first season.  Have been hopping between meetings and my laptop, trying to get everything in order in advance of our August 31st start of production date.  "But wait!"none of you are no doubt thinking.  "Weren't you supposed to start production on your block September 1st?".  Well, yes.  Thanks for not noticing.  We were originally scheduled to start shooting on the Friday but are pulling up three days to help rejig and juggle some scheduling issues on the block presently shooting (episodes #104, Harvest, and #105, The Switch, directed by Andy Mikita).

We've got locations searching for French motorways, casting seeking out Devon's, Sergei's, and creepy tailors, and transport trying to track down the perfect douchebag car (any suggestions?).  Just finished up my most recent (I dare not say "last") pass on Sharks and included a couple of scenes with "the mystery man".  Next up, my next (certainly not "last") pass on Payback and then it'll be smooooooooooooth sailing.

Alexander - the calm before the storm.

Card-maker extraordinaire Trevor Finn and M6's Julien DeWolf offer constructive feedback on my latest idea.

This week, we've been graced by the presence of the ever-affable Julie DeWolf from our French broadcasting partner M6.  Always a pleasure to have him swing by and chat.  Smart, friendly, and a Stargate fan to boot!  His notes are always interesting because, in addition to outlining any issues he may have with the script, he also takes the time to make mention of the things he actually liked!  Wild!

Julien DeWolf!

August 16, 2011: Missing my routine!

I'm a creature of habit.   There's nothing I enjoy more than the comfort and familiarity of routine.  Back when I was in Vancouver, working on the well-oiled machine that was the Stargate franchise, I lived a fairly structured existence.  Here in Toronto, it's somewhat different.  Working on this first year production of Transporter, my schedule is now a little more…frenetic. As a result, it's been very difficult to establish any sort of routine.

I miss many of the things I used to do; many of the things I used to have time for.  Among them…

COOKING

I used to eat out all the time.  And when I say "all the time", I do mean ALL THE TIME – every meal of every single day.  But when my home life changed several years ago, I began to explore my culinary side – shopping for fresh produce at my local market, seeking out inspiring recipes, and endlessly tweaking preparations in my quest for a go-to list of favorite dishes.  In time, I perfected such plates as my port-braised short ribs, chicken breasts with morels and Metaxa cream, sweet potato chipotle pie, and caramel popcorn ice cream.  Unfortunately, since moving to T.O., my cooking opportunities have been few and far between.  By the time I roll in from work, Akemi (bless her heart) already has dinner on the table – and come the weekends, the last thing I want to do is spend 3-4 hours preparing a meal.

WORKING OUT

Back in Vancouver, I used to schedule two-a-days – one work-out in the morning, and another at night.  I didn't always get around to doing both, but I could always feel good about getting at least one under my belt.  In the a.m., it was cardio; in the p.m., weights.  Here in Toronto, it's a lot of neither.  I wake up already tired and the last thing I want to do is work out first thing in the morning.  Working out at night is doubly difficult because, not only am I still exhausted, but the gym in our apartment building closes at an all-too-early 8:00 p.m., which barely gives me time to digest dinner before hitting the treadmill.

SOCIALIZING

I mean, sure, I still socialize, but not to the extent I used to back in Vancouver where my circle of friends was much wider and my knowledge of the local restaurant scene much wider.  And there's also the fact that, for the first time in several years, I failed to host my annual chocolate party.

READING

Damn.  I used to average two books a week, setting aside a couple of hours every night before bedtime to hit the stack of paperbacks sitting on my nightstand.  I was a voracious reader.   Now, my reading is limited to online news, the occasional trade paperback, and scripts.

LAUNDRY

I include this one at Akemi's request.  Apparently, back in Vancouver, I was a veritable laundry-demon, washing and drying clothes as fast as they could be worn and shed.  Here in Toronto, Akemi has assumed laundry duties.

No doubt feeling outdone by Carl's wife's, Karen (see yesterday's blog entry), this morning, Akemi sent me off with another bento breakfast creation…

I think it's a bird?

August 15, 2011: Bento Breakfast Binder-Style! Co-workers! A Familiar Guest Star! The Maximus Update!

Akemi occasionally sends me off to work with some pretty amazing breakfasts – tasty and artistically elaborate bento creations that are, apparently, all the rage back in Japan.  I've posted pics of these edible masterpieces in recent months…

Well, not to be outdone, Carl's wife, Karen, sent him off with his own bento box creation this morning.  It was truly a sight to behold.

Properly labeled lest someone else try to lay claim to it.

A trip to the local supermarket yields great deals in the remainder aisle.

Sausage and cereal. A meal fit for a king!

And the main course: Bagel. Lovingly toasted no less!

Carl delights in his Far East feast!

Back at it today with not one but TWO concept meetings, the first for episode #103 (Sharks) and the second for episode #106 (Payback).  We'll be block shooting them in September (or perhaps earlier if we're unable to locate corroborative visual evidence of graffiti in Marseilles) and I for one can't wait.  Mainly because it'll be a month from now.  Also, will get to work with the fabulous Bruce McDonald, Director par excellence.

Some more of the people I enjoy working with on Transporter…

VFX Supervisor Brendan Taylor. You may know him from Hanna, Resident Evil Afterlife/Extinction, Silent Hill, and previous pictures of him on this blog.

Michael and Sarah practice their steely staredowns. Them's some pretty good steely staredowns!

And, someone I'm soon to be working with (as a guest star in episode #105 – Harvest), for the fourth show in a row…

The incredible Mike Dopud. Check out the guns, ladies.

A bit of a rough day for Maximus.  Akemi reports he was very slow on his walk and seemed quite sore.  Now, when he sleeps, he seems to be more comfortable resting his chin on something.  Last night, it was a towel.  Today, it's the new doggy bed I picked up for him.

Comfy!

Hey, Deni – best wishes to Elway!

Today's blog entry is dedicated to Carl Binder who crossed great distances and made many sacrifices to ride to our rescue!

August 14, 2011: Laws of Attraction!

For some reason, drunks flock to my french bulldog, Lulu, as if she were a kiosk dispensing wine samples at  an all-night liquor store.  If we're out on a walk and there's a drunk within staggering distance, guaranteed he'll find his way to her, cooing, occasionally crying, invariably getting down on the ground the better to shower her with affection. Akemi is always horrified but, for her part, Lulu seems to really enjoy the attention, encouraging it by running through her routine of adorable antics including – but not limited to: the sit and stare, the stretch and yawn, the bat and bark, and, when all else fails, she'll just crawl around on her stomach until someone notices.  So it was today when, in the midst of a sidewalk conversation with Martin Gero, three inebriated fellows, obviously fresh from afternoon cocktails in the park, descended upon us.  At first, I thought they were looking for spare change but it become instantly apparent that they weren't interested in us.  They only had eyes for Lulu.  And, after some fifteen minutes of cuddles and cackles, they picked themselves up and continued on their winding way – much to Lulu's disappointment.

In similar fashion, Jelly always seems to draw the attention of elderly ladies who will always take the time to stop, inquire as to why I'm carrying her  ("Bad hips.  Oh, I know what THAT'S like!"), and then offer her a pat and a few words of encouragement before heading off.

Maximus, bless his heart, is a magnet for cute Japanese girls.  There's just something about his rugged good looks and easy-going manner that has made him an irresistible to them ever since he was a puppy.

Sadly, the only thing Bubba attracts with any consistency is the amorous advances of much larger dogs.

And they freak him out.

August 13, 2011: A Quaint Southern Saying!

There's an old Southern saying that goes: "Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining.".  I remember hearing it ages ago and not thinking much of it at the time – but over the course of this past week, I've been thinking about it.  A lot.

I'm a pretty reasonable guy.  Most people who know me will tell you as much.  I treat people with respect and expect the same in return.  I'm not confrontational, preferring to settle disagreements in a mature and courteous manner.  All in all, fairly amiable and even-keeled.  However, certain things do set me off: 1. non-stick rice, 2. Toronto traffic, and 3. people who treat me like I'm an idiot in the mistaken assumption that my reasonable, respectful, mature, courteous, amiable, and even-keeled nature will prevent me from losing my shit.

If these past few months have taught me anything, it's that life's too short.

So, screw it.

Enjoy the dog pics…

 

August 12, 2011: Work! A surprise guest! And more Maximus!

Despite the fact that I was only on set three days this week, I'm more exhausted today than I have been all year.  Yep, one of those weeks.  Expect to have a lot more of these between now and the end of November…

I thought it was something from props. Turns out it's an energy drink.

Apparently, we're not the only kids on this block.

Look at what I'm missing on set. Tara's houndstooth nails. That and the 11:00 p.m. wrap.

The Germans.

Carl having the time of his life.

Today, we were paid a visit by surprise guest…

Brad Wright was in town for all of one day. He's got some projects in the works and will be back in September.

A usually voracious eater, Maximus turned his nose up at breakfast this morning.  I believe it had to do with all of the supplements mixed into his meal (a little over a dozen).  We scaled down his meds to his pain medication and antibiotics and his appetite magically returned.

Maximus. And his eyeballs.

According to Akemi, he slowed down a couple of times during his walk today.  She had to pick him up and carry him part of the way – and only part of the way because she had a hard time lugging the little porker.

August 11, 2011: Maximus's first radioactive road trip!

Road trip!!!

Today, we woke up early to bring Maximus to the University of Guelph for his first radiation treatment.  We left at 7:00 a.m. so that we could be there for 8:30. Once there, we checked in and, while we waited, Maximus picked himself a comfy spot and cowered.

Maximus seeks shelter.

We spoke to the radiation oncologist who gave us the lowdown.  This would be the first of five weekly radiation treatments for Maximus. Regardless of the results, five would be it.  The treatment would target the tumor located in his right inside cheek, close to his throat. Apparently, in similar circumstances, radiation has shrunk approximately 70% of tumors.  The treatment will be administered in conjunction with a bi-monthly anti-cancer vaccine that, if effective, will stop the spread of this particularly aggressive form of melanoma.

The tumor will be monitored with each visit.  If the tumor actually grows rather than shrinks, radiation will be discontinued.

Side effects may include fur loss on the side of his face receiving the treatment and the development of a blister on the targeted area after the third or fourth treatment.

Bummed.

According to the doctor, with this treatment, we can expect Maximus to be with us for 6-8 months.  Without treatment, it would be less than a month.  In a very best case scenario, we're able to get rid of the cancer.  But this is, apparently, a long shot.  Another side effect she mentioned was the possibility of Maximus developing cataracts – but that would occur a year or two after treatment and, if he's around a year or two after treatment to get the cataracts then I'll be happy to deal with them at that time.

Lily. A budding hospital romance in the works?

We left Maximus at the small animal hospital and, with two hours to kill, headed downtown.

Yes, Guelph has a downtown.

Sort of.

We stopped for breakfast/lunch…

At a place called Wimpys. I had a so-so Philly cheesesteak and some surprisingly good crispy golden onion rings.

After lunch, we took a stroll through Guelph's version of the Forum Shops…

Hey! Where's the Harry Winston?

$2 canned snails. What a deal!

Eventually, we headed back and picked up our little guy.  He was happy to see us and, to our relief, seemingly none the worse for wear.

Homeward bound!

So, one down, four to go.  Here's hoping we see some results!

Maximus thanks you for your support.

 Today's entry is dedicated to belated birthday gal Jumbles!

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