July 2, 2011: Crunch time and comics!

Boy oh boy, nothing keeps a television writer real and grounded like network notes two days AFTER a rewrite has been completed.  Just when they're regaining that old self-confidence, growing presumptuously organized and focused on the next script, the email fairy appears bearing tidings of discomfort and requests for a serious rethinking of the script's main villain.  And so, rather than moving on to my rewrite of episode #6, I'll be rewriting my rewrite of episode #2 instead.  Of course, as my writing partner Paul pointed out, we only have ourselves to blame.  Unlike countless disorganized productions that barely have a script beyond the season opener by the time they go to camera, with a week to go before main unit starts shooting, we have eight scripts out there in various stages of development. We're well ahead of the game which is great for the production as it gives us plenty of time to prep – and even greater for anyone inclined to give notes because there is PLENTY of time for that as well.

It's crunch time, ladies and gentlemen.  Paul is up to his eyeballs in prep on episode #1 and I've got a plethora of rewrites on tap (#2, #3, #5, #6, and #7) – with prep looming for my first episode as well.  The challenge, as always, is to address the concerns of the various players (and in the case of this production, I count a little over a half dozen) in way that satisfies their requests yet keeps the scripts tight and, most importantly, produceable given the established budgetary parameters.  No mean feat.

Today, I took a break from all the Transporter script work and relaxed by working on the fourth and final script (of the opening four-issue arc) of my upcoming comic book series, Dark Matter, an SF space opera that, at its thematic core, is all about revelations, redemption, and revenge.  My editor at Dark Horse, Patrick Thorpe has been keeping me updated on the developing artwork, forwarding me everything from rough layouts to pencils (to a color version of the first issue's awesome cover).  Artist Garry Brown continues to astound.  And no wonder. Just check out some of his past work…

Head on over and peruse the rest of Garry's gallery here: http://www.garrybrownart.com/

Dark Matter will be hitting the shelves January of 2012.

A little over 500 votes cast in the Name Trevor's Baby Contest and, sadly, my favorite choice – Oprah – trails badly with a paltry 32 votes.  It's neck and neck for the other four entries – Trouble, Spearmint, Eufemia, and Muff – as we head to the finish line.  Head on over to this entry () and cast your vote.  I'll be announcing the winning name later this week.  What I initially took for excitement on the part of the soon-to-be-dad, Trevor, our Executive Producer's Assistant, turned out to be apprehension and a smattering of fear at the prospect of how his wife will react.  Just in case he's having second thoughts, I had our legal department actually make the acceptance of the baby-naming a part of his job requirement.

Another reminder: Read volume #1 of Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire!  Discussion on the trade paperback begins Monday!

Finally, I would appreciate it if everyone took a moment to post their porn star name after following this simple formula: Simply take the name of your first pet and follow it with the name of the street you grew up on.  Smokey Bordeaux, at your service.

And finally-finally – no matter how many times I play the following video, Akemi is reduced to a puddle of tears.  I feel bad for the kid too.  I think she was expecting a bicycle…