Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 533

July 29, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day #3!

Check it out! Director Bruce McDonald shows off a new book on his 1996 punk rock "docu" classic: Hardcore Logo.

We were back at TIFF today for the third day of production on episode #102: 12 Hours.  The usual cast of characters were in attendance…

Tara and Robert compare their favorite lines from the script.

Tim Bider was on hand to supervise the tweaking of the signage. Under his watchful eye, TIFF INFO was magically transformed into ROUSSEAU INFO.

Tara feels she's been getting a bad rap on this blog, so she demonstrates her affable side by offering me a breakfast sandwich. I had to set it aside for a few minutes and, while I was attending to other business, our 4th A.D. Lamont ate it. Curiously, he ended up having to go home, suffering from stomach cramps and explosive diarrhea.

Blocking the fight sequence.

Director Bruce McDonald at the helm.

Director of Photography Derick Underschultz spies on the office girls across the hall.

We were shooting in an actual office building and I came across this awesome note in the company kitchen. I mean, seriously. Who would do that?!

2nd A.D. Patrick, the eternal optimist.

Kaitlin Janisse - our Rachel - all business.

Greg Bryk as the villainous Carson Bernhardt.

Bruce at the wheel.

Sassy Erin Daprato from Costumes - Stargate fan! And a fan of Michael Shanks!

Tireless Tara Yelland. What a work ethic!

I stopped by Soma and picked up chocolates for the gang.

Eventually, we head down to the parking garage for the final sequence of the night…

The car stunt coordinator and his drivers hogged the Lamborghini. When it was finally my turn, they called it a wrap and told me I'd have to wait until next week. And I'd bought a special driving hat and everything!

I also sprung for Booster Juice. The second I walked in the door, they descended on me like a pack of wild dingoes. Pictured above, the head dingo is distracted from her feast.

Director Bruce McDonald on a roll.

Simon, Julia, and Robert celebrate another awesome day's shoot.

Shooting the start of the chase sequence.

The weekend is upon us and, finally, I can relax.

Just as soon as I finish that damn rewrite.

Tagged: Bruce McDonald, The Transporter

July 28, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day Two!

Let's kick off today's entry with a (sort of) pic of Tara Yelland – actress, entertainer, stupendous stand-in, and princess (For real!)…

Tara insists she was defamed in yesterday's entry so I feel the need to post a retraction: While she did call me non-Paul, berated my t.v. viewing choices, listed America's Next Top Model as one of her favorite shows, AND didn't get me a ham sandwich, she wasn't exactly lazy. No, she didn't chop vegetables like Robert, but she did contribute to blocking the Frank and Carla driving scenes and the poolside sit - in the case of the latter, braving a dangerously rickety patio chair in the process.

Rob stocks up in anticipation of THE BIG ONE!

A toast. To the Executive Producer!

We started the morning with the reception area so that we could shoot out Francois Berleand who heads back to France today.  Another great Tarconi scene. Apparently, before leaving, Francois let it be known that he had a terrific time on set, in no small part due to his interaction with Director Bruce McDonald (who seems to be gaining a lot of fans amongst the cast and crew).

Of course you all recognize the Rousseau Electronics logo.

Director Bruce McDonald dreams big!

Robert Morse hits his mark.

Too busy today to get any work done on the Payback rewrite.  Just like yesterday.  So far, I'm 0-2 with ten days to go before I prep my next block.

You do the math.

Anna and Damion discuss...actually, don't recall what they were discussing. May have been red leotards and leather kilts. Really.

Tim tries to steal another sign.

The view out the window offers a taste of Nice.

Stephanie preps the playback. En francais, s'il vous plait.

Hmmm. Bruce considers his next shot.

Director Bruce McDonald and Director of Photography Derick Underschultz arrive at a consensus.

Tara, still refusing to put in a blog reappearance. Sassy, no?

We were about to shoot our first scene in Rousseau's office when the dulcet strains of a street corner musician rose up to greet our first take.  We waited while someone went downstairs to talk to the guy (pay him to go away?).  It reminded Rob of an experience he had when he was shooting something downtown across from a condom shop. Apparently, the owner of the condom shop was playing some loud music.  The production asked him to turn it down.  He refused. They offered him $50.  He demanded $850.  They refused.  He turned up the music REALLY LOUD.  They caved.

We were shooting at the elevators so these guys had to wait a while before they could go down to the lobby. They were all: "This is an outrage!". And I was like: "Seriously. Where does that guy have to be?"

Another thumbs-up day from Bruce.

We actually finished early today.  Our first early day!  That's the good news.

The bad news?

I think the production may be haunted.

More on that in the coming days…

July 27, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day One!

Kicking off today's entry with a pic of Damion Saliani from Costumes - mainly because his wife reads this blog on a daily basis and will apparently go bananas when she sees this.

Up at 5:30 a.m. this morning to walk the dogs and get in for the first blocking.  It was Day #1 of Episode #102, 12 Hours, and I wanted to make sure I was there on time: a) for my director, Bruce McDonald, b) for my cast, c) for my crew, and, most importantly, d) for breakfast.

I arrived with plenty of time to spare.  Approximately 45 minutes to spare.  And so, I ended up doing a little work in the office before strolling over to our standing sets.

First up today were two scenes with actor Francois Berleand (Inspector Tarconi).  He was brilliant – picking up where he left off in the the Transporter film series, crafting a character both amusing and incredibly endearing.

Director Bruce McDonald. Hot! Hot stuff!

Tara Yelland and Robert Morse, our stand-ins. HE was incredibly nice, even going so far as to grab me a ham sandwich as time ticked past dinner. SHE referred to me as "not-Paul" (a reference to my writing partner who was on set producer for the last episode), then berated my television viewing choices (this despite the fact that she never misses an episode of America's Next Top Model).

VFX Supervisor Brendan Taylor. Disclaimer: His head isn't really this big.

Check out the lazy stand-ins. We ended up sending Robert over to the Frank set to chop vegetables. Really.

Those veggies in their pre-chopped state.

After finishing up with Frank's house, we moved to Carla's office for Chris Vance and Andrea Osvart's first scene together.  Wow!  Talk about onscreen chemistry.  These two spark and sizzle together.  Tough and charming meets strong and sexy.  It's going to be a lot of fun writing for them this season.

Our studio Audi rigged to ride.

1st A.D. Simon Board and Director Bruce McDonald prepare to change into their swim trunks and go for a dip.

Running through the Int. Audi scenes.

It's like they're ready for prom.

Happened across this guy on my way back to the production offices for lunch. Think he may figure into the episode's climax.

We finished up the office scene after lunch, and then it was over to our rigged Audi for the interior car sequences.  We ended up blazing through the driving sequences and, defying the odds (and Brendan's pessimistic prediction), finished our day on time.

Congrats to the cast, crew, and the fast and fantastic Bruce McDonald!

Bruce Almighty!

Got home for 8:30, exhausted yet upbeat.  It was very good day. Except for the fact that I got no writing done on my rewrite of Payback. Not at all sure when I'm going to find the time.  I think I might leave the script out on my coffee table overnight in the hopes that the script elves pay me a visit.  I know it's a longshot but at this point I'm willing to try anything.

July 26, 2011: The Maximus Update! A Chocolate Surprise! One Final Field Trip! Prep Ends and Production Begins on 12 Hours!

Thanks to those who sent their well-wishes and expressions of concern for Maximus.  He went in for his emergency dental surgery yesterday during which he had two teeth and a tumor(!) removed.  I'm happy to report he is on the mend, on meds, and back to his typical gluttonous, voracious, mud-eating, food-slurping self.

See?  Much better.

Look at what I received yesterday!  The package included chocolate-covered pretzels, ginger chocolate, salted caramels, peanut butter chocolate bacon, dark chocolate bacon and – my favorite – dark chocolate-dipped potato chips.  They were compliments of Steve and Jodi in Vancouver who are not only very good friends, but very good at reading between the lines.  Thanks, guys!

The final day of prep for 12 Hours saw us boarding the early morning bus for a trip to Hamilton and the second part of our tech survey…

Field trip! YEAAAAAH!

Back at the Devil's Punch Bowl. We're talking about using a crane and a descender. The latter worked beautifully in The Prodigal.

Director Bruce McDonald takes everyone through the vineyard scene.

Once we were done, Anna and I walked over to the big red barn by the side of the road and stocked up on butter tarts, pecan tarts, peanut butter squares, brownies, and chocolate-coconut squares…

We had our cast read-thru after lunch.  Everyone loved the script – fast-paced, funny, and very exciting.  Kudos to my buddy Carl Binder.  And a big welcome to some of the fantastic guest stars who'll be appearing in this episode: J.P. Manoux, Ennis Esmer, and Greg Bryk.  If that table read was any indication, this one is going to be a lot of fun.

An early start to the day tomorrow as we kick off production on episode #102 (12 Hours).  That's a 7:00 a.m. main unit call.  We're on our standing sets, in and around Frank's place, Carla's office, and the Audi interior.  Green screen, plates, and lighting challenges will not doubt make for a long and involved afternoon. This will be my first full day on set with the dashing Chris Vance and the drop-dead-gorgeous Andrea Osvart, both of whom have been absolutely amazing in dailies.  I was in editing this afternoon checking out one of Andrea's scenes.  Me: "Holy smokes!".  Editor: "Yeah."  Nothing more needed to be said.

Also tomorrow = Tarconi cooks!  Actor Francois Berleand was trying to decide what he wanted to prepare for the scene.  I suggested tete de veau.  He laughed then, suddenly dead serious, proceeded to run through its proper preparation.  I love this guy.

July 25, 2011: The Transporter Tech Suvey (Episode #102: 12 Hours)!

Can I just say how much I like the people I'm working with on this production.  All very nice, very creative, very hardworking individuals.

Today, we all went on a bit of a group field trip to take in some of the locations we'll be visiting for episode #102, 12 Hours…

The alley where Frank meets Ogilvey and co.

Director Bruce McDonald fills everyone in on how he envisions the scene unfolding.

After pitching out an inspired step-by-step/blow-by-blow throwdown, Fight Choreographer Cyril Raffaelli films the location from all angle. He'll no doubt study the footage later as he perfects the sequence.

Cyril's right-hand man, Momo, takes note.

Director Bruce McDonald runs everyone through one of the security guard beats.

Simon stands in for Rousseau's secretary. Sadly, his imaginary typing skills leave much to be desired.

Our hero Frank (played by the dashing Bruce McDonald) confronts Rousseau's Secretary (played by the demure Simon).

I catch Tim trying to make off with the 4.

The site of our seedy nightclub.

I drove myself to the next location, the clean room, only to discover a production was already shooting there. We had to wait until they broke for lunch before doing our tour. No sign of Erika.

July 24, 2011: Night Market!

Yesterday, we hit the Toronto version of the Chinese Night Market.

And I happened to have my camera with me…

What I at first assumed was an offensive waft coming off the porta potties was, in fact, this place: Wei's Smelly Tofu. Didn't get around to sampling the goods but I can confirm it was appropriately named.

As was this place. Check out the guy in the bask. Apparently, not even he can stand the smell of his own cooking.

Akemi enjoyed something a little more staid: buttered corn on the cob. Meh.

Fondy joined us for this outing. It always helps to have a lot of back-up on these culinary expeditions. This allows you to sample a wide variety of things. Here, we sat down to some jerk chicken and ox-tail. Gotta say, I've never met an ox-tail dish I haven't liked.

This was surprisingly good - incredibly moist and flavorful. They've got a place on College. Will have to check 'em out.

A variety of toasts, from sweet to savory. I dunno. It's a Hong Kong thing.

I went with the vanilla ice cream, nutella, and bacon bits. Alas, the bacon didn't work for me here. The nutella? Well, that works for me anywhere.

The highlight of the night: the deep-fried Mars Bar.

And then it started to rain - at which point everyone get very intimate under the food tents.

So how did the Toronto Night Market compare to the Vancouver version?  Pros: Offered several food items not available back in Van, like the Caribbean fare and deep-fried Mars Bars.  Cons: Not as big, food not as varied, and few merchant shops.  Akemi was really looking forward to picking up four pairs of socks for ten bucks.

I spent much of the day going over the two scripts I'll be producing after 12 Hours.  Sharks is a road show and boarding long, but Payback is much more manageable given that much of this episode's action takes place at one grand location.  With a few adjustments  - changing the industrial complex pick-up to a forest meet, making the garage confrontation an exterior scene, and switching the location of the op – I think I can get both episodes to board comfortably within the days alloted.  And who knows.  If I get really lucky, we can knock off a half day early and go to Bier Markt for the afternoon.  There's this Rogue Double Chocolate Stout I've been meaning to check out…

July 23, 2011: Working on The Transporter 24/7! Cyril Raffaelli and Mohammed "Momo" Elachi! Maximus on the mend?

Great.  I'm working on The Transporter at the office.  I'm working on The Transporter at home.  Now, I'm working on The Transporter in my dreams.  Last night, I dreamt I was on set, producing episode #102 (12 Hours) when we ran into a mini emergency of sorts.  One of the actors playing the part of Thug #2 had failed to show.  Fortunately, series Fight Choreographer Cyril Raffaelli had a solution.  Who better to fill in than the guy responsible for producing the episode. All I had to do was hit my mark, deliver a handful of lines, then remember to dodge five successive axe blows aimed at my head – left, left, right, left, right.  I don't know how it happened, by ended up agreeing and, then next thing I knew, I was stumbling through the scene, struggling to remember my dialogue, all the while eyeing that big red axe.  What was it again?  Left, right, left, right, fight?  Left, left, right, right, left?  Oh, shit.

I woke up somewhere between the second and third axe strike.  From what I can recall, I think I was doing okay.

Speaking of spectacular stunts, I had my meeting with the series fight choreographers, Cyril Raffaelli and his assistant Mohammed "Momo" Elachi (pictured above) yesterday for 12 Hours.  We went through the script and highlighted the various fight sequences.  Cyril and Momo asked me where the fight was to take place, how many opponents are our hero was going to face off against and, most importantly, how long I wanted the fight to last.  Ten seconds?  Twenty seconds?  Thirty? Answers in hand, they're now off to study the script, visit the locations, and then craft the most spectacular fight sequences possible.  Next week, we'll regather, discuss what they have in mind, tweak and then it'll be smoooooooooth sailing.  I've made sure to set aside an entire day for the BIG fight sequence at episode's end in addition to a half day for the episode's hair-raising climactic stunt.

It's been very busy on the work front between prep and script revisions but these past two weeks are going to seem like a holiday compared to the next two.  Two huge final days of prep to kick off the week and then I'm into production, eight days on set producing episode two.  Oh, and while I'm at it, tweaking Sharks and rewriting Payback.

And if I have time, I really should get around to filing my quarterly tax installment.

So, took my pug Maximus to the vet today.  As I reported in yesterday's entry, he's been an uncharacteristically unenthusiastic eater of late.  Was it the heat?  A stomach issue?  Or something much more ominous?  Well, apparently, it's none of the above.  It seems he broke a tooth and an abscess developed as a result, making meal time a bit of a nightmare for the (big) little guy.  Anyway, he's on pain medication for now and guess in for dental surgery on Monday.  Wish him luck!

July 22, 2011: Poor Maximus! Akemi and Mega gift exchange!

My boy Maximus (above) has been feeling under the weather.  At first, I assumed it was summer heat-related (thus the cold compress Akemi applied – again, above) but as time has worn on, it's become pretty clear that there's more to it.

Sure, he's been a little more low-key, a little slower than usual, but the biggest indicator has been his loss of appetite.  He used to inhale his meals, snap up treats (and, occasional fingers) quicker than you could offer them but, lately, food just doesn't hold the thrill it used to for him.  Sure, he'll eat – but not with the ravenous "This'll probably be the last morsel I'll ever get!" relish.  Even his walks to the park are now devoid of his typical mud-eating.  Something's up.

And so, tomorrow, he's off to the vet for a full physical: blood test, x-rays, poking, prodding, and the occasional squeeze.  Hopefully, they'll be able to find out what's wrong with him.

Failing that, I guess we can just go with the never-fail cure-all: vanilla soft serve!

So the other day, my friend Mega was lamenting the fact that she didn't have an Akemi to make her bento breakfasts.  Well, I told Akemi and, this morning, she sent me off with this…

…and this…

For Mega.  It contained one of my favorite chocolate-hazelnut cookies from Soma.  And the operative word here is "my".  It was MY last chocolate-hazelnut cookie I'd been saving for tonight's dessert!

Anyway, Mega was thrilled and loved the/my cookie.  And, before I headed off today, she gave me something for Akemi…

What a first-rate home made card!  This weekend, I'm picking up the construction paper, sparkles, stickers, and funny scissors Trevor will need to fashion the most awesome wedding card ever.  A friend of mine is getting married in August and I felt she deserved the time and effort only an Executive Producer's Assistant can provide.  And, before you all get on my case about making Trevor do this, let me point out that I will ALSO be putting in the time and effort.  These things don't approve themselves, y'know!

Mailbag:

Deni writes: "Elway's doing great, the huge lump under his shoulder muscle is a lipoma, no more seizures, hopefully a happy weekend ahead.  Thanks again, everyone! Xoxo"

Answer: Great news, Deni.  Give Elway a big kiss on the nose from me.

Dasndanger writes: "Joe, I just realized you had a mailbag and didn't address my suggestion to come to the shore.  You gotta come down…you have a connection here! I mean…you and me, and our childhood! We probably watched Jaws together in the same movie theater! You may have stayed at one of my sister's in-laws motels!"

Answer: We stayed at a bed and breakfast.  I remember going on an amusement park ride and then watching my little sister throw up the chocolate-covered banana she'd eaten prior to boarding.   I also remember my uncle getting so badly sunburned that he had to crawl on his hands and knees from his bedroom to the bathroom across the hall.  Yep, good times.  Good times.

dasndanger also writes: "Also…can Akemi make a Todd bento box?"

Answer: I showed her a picture of Todd.  She said – "I think easy."  You going to send her a home made card?

JimfromJersey writes: "Has there been an announcement as to which network Transporter TS will air in the US? I've seen HBO and Cinemax mentioned, but don't know if that's perhaps an "in association with" scenario?"

Answer: Nope, HBO/Cinemax in the U.S., HBO Canada in Canada, RTL in Germany, and M6 in France.

ytimynona writes: "Hey Joe, Long time no read! Sorry about that… been busy getting my BA in math!"

Answer: Congrats!  Good luck on the move.  Whenever I travel, I just buckle the dogs up, securing them through the loop in the back of their harnesses.

Randomness writes: "Both the SG1 movies actually made money, it wouldn't just be making to show on TV exclusively but making to sell on DVD/BD, Itunes etc, you can't honestly say these wouldn't of made any losses for MGM."

Answer: So if they were such a sure thing, why didn't the movies go into production?

Randomness also writes: "Thing is, I wasn't the one saying Brads making a Stargate movie…"

Answer: Actually, I reported he was trying to get a movie off the ground, not he was "making a Stargate movie".  Please get your facts straight.

Randomness also writes: "The blame here, and always should be, would be the writers, not the cast, crew, or anyone else. The writers dictate the direction of the show."

Answer: Sure.  And looking back on three shows, two movies, seven seasons, and over 350 hours of television, I'd say that direction was a pretty good one.

Randomness also writes: "Obviously you have followers that will lap up everything you say as truth, but I dunno Joe, actually erm.. provide proof for once?"

Answer: I don't see anyone lapping up anything.  I see me (and only me) calling you out for making erroneous assumptions.  If you really feel that you're in a better position to know everything that went on behind the scenes (presumably through osmosis while perusing some message boards) then far be it from me to burst your bitter bubble.

July 21, 2011: Oatmeal Teal'c! Again with the meetings! Surprise guest star – Martin Gero! Mailbag!

Hey, check it out!  Look at what was in my Happy Panda bento box the other day: oatmeal Teal'c!

And today's bento box surprise

Oatmeal and fruit in the top Rilakkuma container. Chocolates in the lower one with the message: "Don't touch please" and, in Japanese "This is Joe's".

Rolling along on production and prep.  Shooting at the airport today and apparently the footage looks amazing.  Meanwhile, meetings for me…

Director Bruce McDonald ponders his next move. Steadicam? Dolly? Nope. Let's call lunch.

Tim Bider still hasn't forgiven me for referring to him as Time Binder.

Stephanie and Patrick enjoy nothing more than a 5:30 p.m. Playback meeting.

Simon = A.D. and all-around Europe expert

Akemi and I were just about to head out to dinner tonight when I got a call from Marty G. who was looking to the same.  He's been putting in some late hours on his new show but caught a break today when one of his staff writers came down with the flu (YES!).  And so, we met down in the lobby and braved the sweltering heat.  Our destination: Rodney's Oyster House…

Oysters to start. Then steam lobster and hot smoked salmon. They took the oyster po'booys off the menu so we ordered fried oysters, got an extra bread basket, a side of mayo, and made our own.

Ready for business.

And, on the way back, we went to Soma for chocolates and ice cream.

Today's entry is dedicated to long-time regular Kelly Hurt.

Mailbag:

Shiny writes: "So I'm guessing no comic-con for the TSPTR gang — maybe next year?"

Answer: Alas, we just started shooting and will be in production straight through the November.  No Comic Con presence this year.  I'll hopefully be going next year to talk Dark Matter and pick up some Randy Bowen statues.

Randomness writes: "Those are the facts. SGUs lack of success forced MGM to end things, you dont need to be an ass to put that point across either, as actions speak louder than words, and with the shows and staff gone from the bridge, it tells me MGM lost faith in the former crew."

Answer: First of all, MGM didn't force any issue.  SyFy did when they canceled the show.  The prospect of direct to dvd movies have been an iffy prospect for quite some time and the alternative, simply producing a movie for broadcast, didn't make financial sense.  Also, you bandy about facts like you actually know what you're talking about with regard to the cancellation which, I'm sorry to say, you aren't.  Sorry if that offends.  You can certainly feel free to make assumptions, but don't kick 'em around as truths.

Randomness writes: "Had movies of been made its not like Syfy wouldnt want."

Answer: Really?  Under what circumstances?  Are you privy to how much they would have been willing to pay to make this reality or is this sort of a "Hey, if you're giving movies away, we'll take one!" situation?  Hell, if there were some produced movies lying around for the taking, I'm sure they wouldn't be the only one in line.

jojo writes: "Is your crazy idea to move the production to Vancouver?"

Answer: Nope.  My not-so-crazy idea is to move ME back to Vancouver.

jojo also writes: "I hear Bridge studios has some space available."

Answer: Not sure they do.  From what I hear, Once Upon A Time (Robert Carlyle's new show) has moved into our old production offices.  Also, heard from Michael Shanks and he is shooting a film in Stages 5 and 6, the former homes of Stargate Command and Atlantis.

Debra writes: "How are the other dogs doing? Didn't you have a new stem cell treatment scheduled?"

Answer: I'm holding off on the next stem cell treatment.  Jelly is doing great, even pulling off a wobbly hallway run on occasion.  Maximus seems to be under the weather.  Treats no longer excite him and he takes forever to walk anywhere.  I'm bringing him to the vet Saturday to get checked out.  As for Bubba and Lulu – still troublemakers.

Thornyrose writes: "My comments on a second season and beyond is alas, not based on reading the fall patterns of my dog's toenail clippings, or of visions provided after spending a few hours in the insane heat and humidity striking my part of the country. Rather, I am making a prediction based on the confidence I feel about the people working on the show, the nature of the show itself, and the interest my non-sci fi loving coworkers have expressed about the show. "

Answer: I have no doubt The Transporter will be great and that the show will get that second season pick-up – and a third, fourth, and fifth.  There are a lot of very talented people on this production and I'm sure they're in for a nice, long five-year run.

susan TTT writes: "If you didn't know that the Ice Cream van was there how did you manage to take the photograph?"

Answer: I didn't!  Alex had Trevor take the picture.  The jerks.

Dweeb writes: "You should get out and enjoy the 120ºF humidex now in Toronto. Miss the cold depressing Vancouver rain yet?"

Answer: Almost every day since my arrival.

lucas writes: "Joe – to maintain consistency in how a character spoke or what was siad, did only certain writers write or at least correct lines for only certain characters?"

Answer: Nope.  All of the writers gave input on every script, providing notes on everything from plotting to dialogue.

July 20, 2011: Voting Irregularities (Just sayin')! Bubba's Beach Bod! Transporter Production Update! Mailbag!

So today I found out that I was nominated for a Constellation Award in the category of "Outstanding Canadian Contribution to Science Fiction Film or Television in 2010″.  Also today, I found out that I ended up losing the award two weeks ago to these guys -

Teddy Wilson and Ajay Fry, hosts of the uber-awesome Innerspace on Canada's Space channel.  Now don't get me wrong.  I love the show and think these guys do a great job.  I just feel the need to voice my concerns regarding some purported voting irregularities.  Specifically, the fact that a cross-reference of the registered voters revealed many of them apparently sat in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1911 and 1912.  The voting list also seemed to include all of last season's contestants on Master Chef Australia, several Presidential pets (among them George Washington's staghound Sweet Lips, Benjamin Harrison's opossums Mr. Reciprocity and Mr. Protection, and William Howard Taft's cow Mooly Wooly), and three of the four members of the Banana Splits (Snork was curiously absent).  In addition there were rumors of armed Teddy and Ajay supporters roaming the streets on election day, intimidating voters and, in the case of one unfortunate Robert J. Sawyer supporter, forcing him to eat his own peach-colored crocs.

Anyway, forget I mentioned it.

So, this is interesting.  My crazy work schedule, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise are taking a toll on me physically.  But the dogs, it would seem, have benefited from the move.  Check out the following Before and After pics of Bubba…

Portly Bubba in Vancouver then

Lean and Mean Bubba in Toronto now

Wow!  Those three-a-day walkies have paid off!  Bubba's ready for swimsuit season!

Today = meetings, meetings, meetings!  And our weekly summit/conference call.  Gotta say, I'm usually fairly patient individual and it takes a lot to get me to go off, but I WILL lose it the next time "someone" asks me to deliver a script update and then continually cuts me off while I'm trying to deliver said update or while I'm trying to make others aware of the challenges we're facing (ie. the fact that I'm juggling six simultaneous script rewrites or the fact that Alexander worked through the night, staying at the office until 7:30 this morning and only going home to shower before returning for an early morning meeting).  I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict that if it happens again three weeks from now while I'm prepping those two monster episodes, there's gonna be some fireworks!

After leaving my last meeting of the day, I noticed Alex and Trevor enjoying some soft serve.  WTF?  Apparently, the ice cream truck had stopped by.  And Alex hadn't bothered to get me any.  WTF?!!! 

Look at him – so smug.

Spoke to the lovely Carl Binder today.  He is finishing work on my dream project and will soon be free to lend us some much-needed writing/producing support. But, alas, not until early August – well past the time I'll have had to produce 12 Hours and rethink/rewrite/reconfigure Sharks and Payback.  And well past my nervous breakdown.

Finally – my crazy idea got nixed because – well, it was crazy.  And no.  It didn't involve night shoots or amphetamines.  Think crazier!

Today's blog is dedicated to Das and PBMom.

Also, Kymm.  My answer is black!

Mailbag:

archersangel writes: "stargate was probably twice as much work because of the special effects & stuff, but Mr. M wasn't a show runner so he didn't have to be involved with so much."

Answer: Correction.  Mr. M WAS a show runner and Stargate was a comparatively smoother production mainly due to the fact that Paul and I joined the franchise in its fourth season after Brad and Robert had turned the production into a well-oiled machine.  Well-oiled machines don't get built overnight!

Randomness writes: "Syfy had no choice but to cancel SGU…"

Answer: No choice?  Really?  Was someone holding their family members hostage?

Sarah writes: "Is it possible extinction will be in production next year?"

Answer: Sorry.  Most unlikely.

Debra writes: " Is there any truth to the comments that a year after the cancellation of star gate the network regretted it, tried to revive but was too late?"

Answer: Nope.

Debra also writes: "Or that Shanks leaving allowed a "fresh" start on SyFy and probably was why it got renewed."

Answer: Absolutely not.

Thornyrose writes: "It should be some consolation that once you have a season or two under your belts, things will get smoother and smoother."

Answer: Season two?  Is the production moving to Vancouver?  What've you heard?!!