Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 81
August 30, 2023
August 30, 2023: Amazing Covers!
A few that caught my eye this week…
Blade #1 – cover art by David Marquez
Action Comics Presents Doomsday Special #1 – cover art by Bjorn Barends
Catwoman: Uncovered #1 – cover art by Stanley Artgerm Lau
Alice Never After #2 – cover art by Dan Panosian
So, which were YOUR favorites?
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August 29, 2023
The Outline!
Back when I was in University, somewhere between my BA and my Masters in English literature, I tended bar at one of the campus’s quieter watering-holes. Among the assortment of oddball regulars that frequented the place was a fellow nicknamed Chef.
In spite of the fact that everyone called him “Chef,” Chef rarely talked about food. What Chef talked about was the Great American novel he was going to write. Time and again he’d saddle up to the bar and tell me all about the literary masterpiece he would some day complete.
But deep down, I knew that his beloved novel would never get written. And it wasn’t because it was a bad idea or because I’d seen a movie with the exact same plot several months earlier. Chef was destined to failure for the simple reason that he didn’t have a plan.
Never underestimate the importance of careful planning. Because he had a plan, Hannibal was able to score a decisive military victory over the Romans. Because they had a plan, the New York Jets were able to defeat the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
And because the owners of the bar I was working at didn’t have a plan, the university revoked their liquor license, leaving me to spend many an endless evening eating bacon and onion pizza, serving orange juice, listening to Chef talk about his damn novel.
An outline is to writing what that map of the Alps was to Hannibal. It is a blueprint of the script you are going to write, an overview designed to ensure that there are no surprises in store for you later on.
Without an outline, you could be halfway through your script when you realize Lamont couldn’t possibly be Maureen’s long-lost brother, because you’ve already established his childhood as a Parisian street urchin. If you’d done an outline, you could have foreseen this issue.
Outlines are specific to the type of script you are writing. Most of the genre shows I worked on were made up of a teaser and five acts (occasionally a tag). The tease, or teaser, is essentially a taste of what’s to come, an appetizer of the episode you are going to watch.
A pantless middle-aged man crashes his RV in the dessert. A man in a suit wakes up at a airplane crash site. A guy goes out fishing and discovers a body. It’s wrapped in plastic!
The first four acts are the body of the story. SG-1 heads off on a mission. Complications arise. The action builds through each of these four acts, culminating in various cliffhanger Act Outs. The team is captured. They hit a dead end. The baddie makes an appearance.
Finally, it’s time for the denouement. In the fifth act, we wrap up our story. The enemy is defeated. Our allies are rescued. SG-1 saves the day. A teaser and five acts.
In order to write an outline, you must first “break” the story – a teaser and five acts – breaking those sections down into individual scenes (an average of 4-5 per act) covering all of the major dramatic beats.
When outlining, it’s always a good idea to know what you are working toward. For example: What do we want to accomplish in this act? What is the cliffhanger moment that will end the act? It’s always a good idea to have a plan for the plan.
I remember working on show where there was no plan for the plan. We sat in a room and the showrunner started the ball rolling by asking: “So, what happens in scene one?” We tossed out ideas, spun them, decided, and moved on to scene two. Then scene three. Then scene four.
Instead of working toward a goal (What will happen in this act? How will it end? What is our cliffhanger Act Out?), we were proceeding blindly through a long dark meandering narrative tunnel.
This approach worked until we realized the story structure was fucked – seven and a half hours later. And so, we had to start over from scratch the next day. Lesson learned.
I approach every outline working from macro to micro. I want to know how the episode will end. I want to know my Act Outs. I want to know my teaser. Once I have those locked, I fill in the pieces of the narrative puzzle.
This, I should hasten to add, is MY approach. There are showrunners who prefer to tread the roaming path. Which is fine if it works for them. But it doesn’t work for me.
How long should your outline be? That’s entirely up to you, but my outlines for one hour genre tended to fall in the ballpark of 12-15 pages. Pilots tend to be longer. P.S. Save your dialogue for the script.
Breaking a story with other writers is a lot easier than outlining on your own which can be a lonely, challenging, frustrating, ultimately very satisfying task. If you’re working with others, hear them out. If you’re working alone, occasionally seek advice.
Whenever I craft an outline, I’m reminded of an artist who once likened sculpting to the act of freeing rather than creating. Somewhere in there is the perfect version of your story and it’s up to you to find it by carefully chipping away.
What I love about this notion of the creative process is the suggestion that there is always an answer, a solution to any roadblock, provided you keep at it or, perhaps, approach it from another direction.
I also love the suggestion that perfection is elusive if not, ultimately, beyond reach and success really comes down to how close you can get in the end.
As I said, it’s always good to have a plan, but writing an outline can be challenging and very frustrating. On the other hand, it’s nowhere near as challenging or frustrating as coming up with an episode title. But that’s a lengthy thread for another day.
The post The Outline! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
August 28, 2023
August 28, 2023: Meanwhile, on the home front…
Today’s Yes/No…
Butter Frappuccino? Yes/No Starbucks releases a Butter Frappuccino in Japan https://t.co/6PFOlO6hGo via @RocketNews24En
— Joseph Mallozzi
(@BaronDestructo) August 28, 2023
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August 27, 2023
August 27, 2023: Suji Sunday!
Derpy
Suji at Beatrice Cafe.
The kouign-amann – so near, yet so far.
Impatiently awaiting her snack…
Okay. Eat time!
Dad’s muse
Sleepy girl
The post August 27, 2023: Suji Sunday! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
August 26, 2023
The Strange Assassination of Kim Jong-nam
Speaking of state-sponsored assassinations, one of the strangest was that of Kim Jong-nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia on February 13, 2017.
Kim Jong-nam was the son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il and heir to his father, but rumor has it he fell out of favor after embarrassing the family by trying to visit Tokyo Disneyland – the showcase of capitalism and Western degeneracy – with a fake passport.
Whatever the reason, he was exiled in 2003, taking up residence in Macau from where he advocated for reforms and boldly predicted the fall of North Korea’s new leader, his half brother Kim Jong-Un, in 2012.
Kim Jong-un doomed, says his brother
According to Lee Byung-ho, the director of the South’s National Intelligence Service, there was a standing order to assassinate Kim Jong-nam who escaped an attempt on his life in 2012
This prompted him to send his half-brother a letter pleading with him to rescind the order. Kim Jong-Un was apparently unmoved, especially after rumors circulated that Kim Jong-nam had had dealings with the CIA.
At approximately 9:00 a.m. on February 13, 2017, Kim Jong-Un was accosted by two women at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Shortly after, he complained of feeling unwell. He died on his way to hospital.
The two women were arrested but an investigation revealed they had been duped by North Korean agents who had convinced them they were participating in a prank show.
The two women had been recruited a month earlier by a “producer” who tasked them with varied gags that involved them approaching men in public and either kissing them on the cheek or playing peekaboo by stepping up behind them and covering their eyes.
The women would quickly apologize, explaining they had mistaken the stranger for someone else, presumably leaving the victim startled, embarrassed, or amused.
Eventually, the pranks progressed to the point where a gel or liquid would be applied to their hands that they would transfer to their surprised victims. The women claimed they made $100-$200 a prank.
On the day of the assassination, they were given a foreign substance to apply to their hands. One woman was instructed to approach the victim from behind and clap their hands over his eyes in a peek-a-book gesture…
While the second woman would follow up by approaching from in front and laying her palm on his face. The women were unaware of the identity of their target, Kim Jong-nam.
The Untold Story of Kim Jong-nam’s Assassination
They were apparently also unaware of the fact that the combination of chemicals applied to their victim was the VX nerve agent.
Presumably, the women escaped serious harm because the toxin would have had to be absorbed through their skin – but they had been instructed to wash their hands after the gag because the gel would stain their clothing.
Kim Jong-nam, on the other hand, had the nerve agent enter through his eyes and nose, and the effects were more powerful and immediate.
Attempts by the women to reach the “producer” of the prank show proved unsuccessful, their calls going to a number that was no longer in service.
The women were tried for murder. One murder, an Indonesian national, had the charges against her dismissed while the other, a Vietnamese national, was found guilty of the lesser charge of “”voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means”.
She was released a month later and there were reports that North Korea had issued an informal apology to Vietnam for involving one of its citizens in the assassination.
The post The Strange Assassination of Kim Jong-nam appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023: Fan Expo!
My reference photo of supervillain t-shirts to ensure I don’t double purchase at this year’s Fan Expo.
Akemi is Con-Ready!
Photos from Fan Expo.
Purchases? None. The verdict? Meh. I would have probably had a better time checking out Rolling Quartz at the Toronto Korean Festival.
To be honest, not a huge fan – but, surprisingly, Akemi is!
The post August 25, 2023: Fan Expo! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023: Unusual Deaths and Donburi!
#UnusualDeaths
In February of 2001, a zoo keeper in Jinan, China was mauled to death by a tiger after defecating on it. Evidence at the scene suggests the man either fell or was dragged into the enclosure by the disrespected predator. pic.twitter.com/GvSkDfYeqn
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
In December of 2001, a groom in Iran choked to death on his bride's false nail after, as per wedding tradition, licking honey from his future wife's pinky.
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
On March 9, 2003, a thief who had just robbed the Rhino and Lion Reserve at Krugersdorp, west of Johannesbur attempted to make good his escape by climbing over a high fence – only to find himself in a tiger's den. pic.twitter.com/fdAEod1SMQ
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
An average of six people choke to death every year eating a South Korean delicacy called sannakji, live octopus. pic.twitter.com/56YofZJz6r
— Joseph Mallozzi
#UnusualDeaths
A 60-year-old man in Tucson, Arizona was killed on May 18, 2002, when the radio-controlled plane he was flying crashed into him. pic.twitter.com/az6IXE1EbH
— Joseph Mallozzi
Today’s Yes/No..
Bifu teki-don? (A5 Wagyu and butter on rice) Yes/No pic.twitter.com/9svXKBrf0a
— Joseph Mallozzi
The post August 24, 2023: Unusual Deaths and Donburi! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
August 23, 2023
August 23, 2023: Amazing Covers!
A few that caught my eye this week…
The Invisible Iron Man #9 – cover art by Kael Ngu
Dead Romans #6 – cover art by Nick Marinkovich
Knight Terrors: Titans #2 – cover art by Christian Ward
The Riddler: Year One #6 – cover art by Mark “Jock” Simpson
The Unstoppable Doom Patrol #5 – cover art by Mikel Janis
Crestar and the Knight Stallion #2 – cover art by Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad
So, which were YOUR favorites?
The post August 23, 2023: Amazing Covers! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
August 22, 2023
August 22, 2023: Protects apace and news of note!
I delivered the fifth and final script for my horror comic the other week and now have started approvals on the character designs. Great stuff and I can’t wait to start giving you all a sneak peek in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, sent off three comic book pitches for a classic sci-fi I.P. Any of the ideas will be a (rocket)blast to write.
Meanwhile, a couple of the original comic pitches have stalled as I look to find a suitable artist to partner with. It’s surprisingly harder than you would expect!
Finished the series overview for that cozy mystery series and now looking to get that pitch deck completed.
Working on a new pilot, one I’ll be writing with my old friend Alexander M. Ruemelin. Still working on the outline.
And various deals and pitches remain on hold pending a resolution to the writers’ strike.
Meanwhile…
Optioning your script to the wrong company is worse than not having your script optioned.
— Joseph Mallozzi
Fool me once, shame on you…
Just read that New Yorker piece on Elon Musk. pic.twitter.com/cdsPlVdUZy
— Joseph Mallozzi
Cool…
Man, they sure down make those print ads like they used to…
Finally…
Whenever I hear "reboot". pic.twitter.com/kRNmxmliSJ
— Joseph Mallozzi
Oh, and lest I forget…
Peanut Butter & Jelly Coffee Creamer? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/s7WFbbpfAZ
— Joseph Mallozzi
The post August 22, 2023: Protects apace and news of note! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
August 21, 2023
Auditioning Advice for Actors!
You spent all weekend studying those sides, preparing for that audition. And then, when the day comes, you NAIL IT! You head home feeling great, certain you got the role. You tell your friends, you significant other, your mom (She’s been a longtime fan). You're feeling great! 2/
— Joseph Mallozzi
You’re shocked, angry, depressed. Perhaps this is the final straw and you’re considering throwing in the towel, giving up those dreams of stage and screen for that full-time position in the accounting department of your uncle’s wholesale-retail-import-export company. 4/
— Joseph Mallozzi
Maybe they brought something delightedly unexpected to their interpretation of the character. Or maybe, in some inexplicable way, they were a better fit for the role. And that doesn't mean you weren't great in your own way – just not what we were looking for at the time. 6/
— Joseph Mallozzi
Actress Ayisha Issa, who lost out on the part, nevertheless made such an impression that I ended up creating a role just for her, the character of Solara Shockley who appeared in the show's third season 8/
— Joseph Mallozzi
Because she was too good for the single line part. I told our casting director to tell her agent that we wanted to bring her back for a meatier role in the near future. And, a month later, I wrote that meaty role and I asked to see her again. 10/
— Joseph Mallozzi
My point is – It’s not you; it’s us. Or the other guy/gal.
THAT’s the case 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time, it IS you. So please try to avoid these auditioning faux pas… 12/
— Joseph Mallozzi
Don’t gesticulate wildly.
Nothing diffuses a performance faster than windmilling arms and frenetic hand gestures. On the other hand, nothing quite impresses like a composed, controlled delivery. As my old friend director @RealPDeLuise used to say: “Use the stillness.” 14/
— Joseph Mallozzi
Please, no funny accents.
Unless the role calls for one, or you are asked to do one on the day, please avoid the Clouseau-esque delivery – especially if you’re auditioning for the part of the extraterrestrial curator of some alien world. Trust me on this one. 16/
— Joseph Mallozzi
Fortunately, this isn’t a dealbreaker as the magic of make-up has come a long way and this can be undone. Witness this wizardry firsthand – as you undergo the process at approximately 4:00 a.m., every day you're on set, a good two hours before everyone else. 18/
— Joseph Mallozzi
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