July 15, 2011: Another location scout for 12 Hours (episode #2, The Transporter)!

Managed to finish up my rewrite of episode #5 in the nick of time this morning, forwarding my draft to Trevor (who, in turn, ensured it was delivered to my writing partner, Paul, on set) and gathering up the necessary documents (drafts and notes) for my next rewrite before joining Director Bruce McDonald and the rest of the gang on another location scout for episode #2, 12 Hours…

Welcome to Geneva!

Tim (or "Time" as I've referred to him on this blog) demonstrates his supermagnetic powers. Unfortunately, there was no actual metal in the vicinity but had there been, this photo would've wowed. Trust me.

Bruce demands perfection. And a cappuccino!

I take a break for a little drinking and dancing. And not necessarily in that order.

The sight of my next chocolate party?

The bathroom is right down those stairs? Uh, I think I'll wait.

Toronto for Marseilles?

Ben oui!

From there it was back to the office where I gathered my things, headed back home for a quick dinner, then onto casting – reviewing auditions for over a dozen roles, then coordinating my selects with Bruce.  Taking the night off to finish reading volume 1 of Astonishing X-Men, reviewing more artwork and tweaking the solicitation text for my upcoming SF  comic book series (Dark Matter), and preparing the numbers for the "next phase".

Tomorrow, I start the rewrite of Paul's rewrite of Carl's rewrite of his own script.  As we head into production, it's no longer a not-so-simple matter of implementing the various notes (four broadcasters + two "producers") but ensuring the scripts board properly (within the number of budgeted shooting days) and come in a little under pattern (to help off-set the costs of the pilot which, as pilots are wont to do, is going to be OVER pattern).  It's a huge juggling act as we try to do this for the first eight scripts we have and beyond (as we come up with a game plan for the back of the season).  Making things easier for us (And by "us", I'm referring to the show runners, those charged with the task of making sure the scripts are great and every aspect of the episodes meets or exceeds all expectations at every level, on time and on budget, regardless of the challenges we may face, under penalty of ritual seppuku – or the show business equivalent. Namely, Paul, Alexander, and myself) are the smart, dedicated, and incredibly talented individuals who head up and operate in the various departments, from costumes to casting, production design to locations, stunts to post-production, and everything in between.  Most of whom you'll be meeting on this blog over the course of the next few months.  A huge thanks to everyone working 24/7 at the production offices and on set!  And a special thanks to Sue, Andy, Stephen, and Chris Vane and the rest of the cast and guest stars who have been nothing short of amazing.

As with any production, once you start rolling, it becomes much easier to identify the obstacles and encumbrances that may slow things down or keep the machine from running as efficiently as possible.  We've already zeroed in on a couple of those hindrances and will soon have them addressed.

And after that, it'll be smooooooth sailing!