That New Show…

Well, that’s it.  My extended vacation has come to an end because tomorrow, I start the writers’ room on a new sci-fi series.

I’ll be showrunning but, unlike Dark Matter, this one is not my brainchild.  And the circumstances by which I became involved are rather…unusual.

Several months ago, the Director’s Guild of Canada hosted an event pairing established show runners with up and coming directors in an evening of drinks, snacks, and speed dating-like meet and greets.  I was sent a list of potential candidates (over two hundred in all!), then asked to select eight.  On the night of the event, I sat down with those eight directors and got to know them – in the approximately ten minutes allotted to each.  During a break in the action, one of the directors I hadn’t chosen came over and introduced himself, then proceeded to heap praise on Dark Matter.  I thought: “Damn, I should’ve picked this guy!”  And then: “I still can!”

Later that week, we got together and, instead of a ten minute chat, we sat down to a two hour lunch in which we covered, among other things, a show he was preparing to pitch.  It was a unique science fiction series unlike anything I’d ever worked on, but very intriguing.

Weeks later, he called to tell me his show had been picked up, that the production company was interviewing potential showrunners, and asked whether I’d be interested in throwing my hat into the ring.  I considered.  On the one hand, it was, as I said, unlike any show I’d ever worked on.  On the other, I really liked him and, at this point in my career, I’m only interested in working with people I like.  I also liked the show’s premise.  And the possibility of reuniting my former Dark Matter crew.

So, I went in and interviewed.  And was offered the gig.

Which brings us to where we are now – specifically, on my couch, sipping chamomile tea, monitoring the Bears-Packers game while I finish this entry after which I’ll move on to reviewing my notes for tomorrow’s world building session.

More details on this series as they become available – following the grand announcement (whenever that is).

Stay tuned and Prepare to Support Your Sector!