March 21, 2011: Conference calls, budget talks, casting, and stage walk-thrus! What a relief!

Following an exhausting few days – capped by a poor night's sleep – it was finally time to head into the production offices and kick off the pre-production on the new show.  Now given the circumstances, you'd think that going in to work would be the last thing I'd want to do but, in truth, it was exactly what I needed.  The team convened, got our new offices, checked out the stages, talked budgets and casting, discussed notes and scripts, ate veal and eggplant sandwiches from California Sandwiches, and, generally, just had a really good, really productive day – the first in what feels like a very long time.

The new production offices. I know it doesn't look like much now, but just give it a few weeks.

First thing we did was take a tour of the facilities.

The big stage.

We did a walk-through of the main stages.  The Silent Hill sequel had just wrapped production and we had the opportunity to walk some of the creepy-looking sets.

Alex looking his scary best.

We discussed standing sets, swing sets, and the possibility of shooting a significant portion of the car interior sequences in the smaller stage.  Then, we headed back to pick out our offices -

My office. The wireless is a bit slow but, fortunately, I'm able to hardwire as well - something I was unable to do back on Stargate because I apparently had a defective dongle (It's not something I like to talk about).

In no time, I was settled in…

And thinking about lunch! What did you think I was imagining? My next script?

Also in attendance on this first day…

The lovely Sue Murdoch who came bearing gifts: in the form of myriad budgets.

My fellow foodie, Anna, who I suspect will be my partner on many future culinary adventures.

Matt, our driver and Mr. Fixit.

Those budgets can wait.  Rob Cooper gets to work on those various take-out menus.

We had a conference call to discuss casting, talked directors and, most important of all -

Had lunch. Now THIS is a sandwich!

The afternoon was dedicated to getting everyone up to speed on the budget and notes on the pilot.  About halfway through the process, the jet lag finally caught up with Alex -

Either that or was he was reacting to my pitch for the musical episode.

Finally, the moment we'd all been waiting for: the arrival of our special guest…

Look who it is! It's Stargate alum Carl Binder!

More notes discussions.  Some spinning.  We wrapped up at 6:00 p.m.  So how'd we do?

Carl gives us the thumbs up.

We called it a day.

Alex has the look of someone satisfied with another job well done.

I picked up my rental car and, with the help of google maps (and the fact that I was following my writing partner in his rental car all the way back into town), I managed to find my way back to my place.  I rested up, then headed out for dinner at a place called Duggan's Pub where we enjoyed…well, to be honest, we didn't enjoy much.  The striploin sandwich was chewy and the desserts were pretty awful, but one menu item did stand out -

The duck confit poutine. No kidding. French fries, cheese curds, gravy, and duck poutine. Have to admit, it was probably the best version I've ever had.

It's not the picture that's fuzzy. It's the Germans.

Got home just in time to miss Top Chef, then spent a good thirty minutes attempting to access the recorded event – to no avail.  The Rogers box says it was recording the show but, for the life of me, I can't figure out how to play it back.  Whenever I hit the personal video recorder button, a message flashes up onscreen informing me that I don't have the service – and yet, I WAS able to set it to record the show.  WTF?

Finally, checked in with Fondy.  Both Jelly and Maximus are doing well.  Maximus is still a little freaked out and follows her around everywhere.  Jelly is unwell and is scheduled for a vet visit.

Jelly seems to be doing alright.





Maximus and Stewie, best of buddies.

Tomorrow, I'm going to leave the apartment early so that I can check out a couple of doggy daycares.

Meanwhile, the house search continues.  Fondy – on the hunt on my behalf – thinks she may have found the perfect place.  Fingers crossed!

Back in the office tomorrow to discuss the network notes on both scripts and then, finally, start breaking some new stories!