This morning, I received an email from Jeffrey Ford (http://14theditch.livejournal.com/), the author of this month’s fantasy selection: The Empire of Ice Cream. Jeffrey has kindly agreed to drop in and do a guest blog entry for us when the time comes. So go pick up a copy of the book and start reading. Discussion on The Empire of Ice Cream begins April 21st! (From Booklist: “A book that opens with a story about creatures who live their entire existences in sand castles, from when youthful builders abandon them to when the tide destroys them, demands readers possessing a healthy sense of wonder and the willingness to embrace the bizarre and fantastic. The title story beautifully twists the experience and senses of a synesthetic musician to answer the question, what would happen if synesthetic experiences took on physical forms? “The Weight of Words” takes the phrase seriously to explore the sinister potential of print. “Boatman’s Holiday” depicts what Charon, the boatman of Hades, does on vacation. Giants and unidentifiable alien creatures, fairy tales, the intertwining of wonder and terror, and fantastic views of both the strange and the ordinary all appear in this marvelous collection, with Ford’s comments on his inspiration and motivations appended to each story.”)
Then, this afternoon, I received an email from F. Paul Wilson (http://www.repairmanjack.com/), the author of this month’s horror selection: The Keep. Paul has also kindly consented to swing by and field some of your questions and comments. You have one month to read the book. Discussion on The Keep begins April 14th. (From Amazon.com: “Thus reads the message received from a Nazi commander stationed in a small castle high in the remote Transylvanian Alps. And when an elite SS extermination squad is dispatched to solve the problem, the men find a something that’s both powerful and terrifying. Invisible and silent, the enemy selects one victim per night, leaving the bloodless and mutilated corpses behind to terrify its future victims. Panicked, the Nazis bring in a local expert on folklore–who just happens to be Jewish–to shed some light on the mysterious happenings. And unbeknownst to anyone, there is another visitor on his way–a man who awoke from a nightmare and immediately set out to meet his destiny.The battle has begun: On one side, the ultimate evil created by man, and on the other….the unthinkable, unstoppable, unknowing terror that man has inevitably awakened.”)
Word from the set is that the actors are really enjoying working with Ken Girotti on Broken Ties. This is great to hear because we love what we’ve been seeing in dailies. Jason, who was totally pumped about this episode for weeks prior to filming, has been doing an awesome job. And all-around class act Mark Dacascos has been equally terrific, not to mention a real pleasure to work with.
To all those of you asking – the preliminary sales performance of The Ark of Truth has taken everyone here at the production offices by surprise. We were hoping for a strong showing, but the response to this point has been nothing short of amazing. Still the #1-selling DVD at Amazon.com the last time I checked, and early reports have it doing extremely well at other outlets. Congratulations to Robert Cooper, the cast, and crew.
Today’s pics: Devastation, hanging in the gate room, more devastation, and Mark Dacascos/Tyre after a heavy night of partying..wraith-style!
Today’s mailbag –
Livingstone writes: “Can’t wait for season 5…One question only: will Lindsey Novak appear?”
Answer: At present, we have no plans for Lindsey.
Kelly writes: “So you suggested Browder to be the star of SG-1 and it’s new commanding officer?”
Answer: Did I? I certainly suggested that Ben Browder join the cast after season eight.
SusantheTartanTurtle writes: “What is Felix’s history? He doesn’t look like a baby – does that mean that he was a rescue dog?”
Answer: Felix is a 1 ½ year old schnauzer rescue. He was owned by someone who felt he “just didn’t fit in with the family” (as was the case with their previous golden lab). All I can say is I’m glad this woman’s children matched the throw pillows. It would have been a shame to have to get rid of them too.
Cmdragonia writes: “I think I remember once that you posted a art department layout of McKay’s quarters. Were they ever built/used, or did that scene end up getting cut?”
Answer: I don’t recall what episode it was for, but I don’t ever recall shooting a scene in McKay’s quarters…
Cmdragonia also writes: “Also, you had a whole thing about Major Lorne’s first name finally being used, yet when I watched all the episodes with him in it, it’s never used, and in The Last Man it only says E.Lorne on the plaque, and is never said outloud. Was that another script edit?”
Answer: It didn’t make the cut, but in the script he refers to his nephews referring to him as “Uncle Evan”.
Thornyrose writes: “Will Search and Rescue be the second of a two parter and The Seed be a separate story?”
Answer: The Seed is a standalone episode.
Belouchi writes: “ 1. [..] After seeing the Ark of Truth […]. They have 11 powerful ships at their disposal, why couldn’t they lend a hand against the evil wraith in the pegasus galaxy? 2. I figured from a recurring pattern in the past seasons that in the first half of the season that is the first 10 episodes there is always a tech savy episode with cool visual effects involving either space fights or ancient technology in general. […]. Might I be somewhat close to say Daedalus Variation is the one for season 5? 3. Is season 5 Atlantis the season where we will finally see the Furlings?”
Answers: 1. The Ori ships were powered by the Prior who, in turn, drew their power from the Ori/Adria. 2. Somewhat. 3. Nope, sorry.
Laura writes: “Hello would like to know if there will be any Mckay eps this year?”
Answer: The Shrine of Talus will be a David Hewlett tour de force.
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