Martin almost had himself a new story today. I say almost because, after spinning out what he felt was a wonderfully exciting idea, Martin returned to his office and, in the process of writing it up, came to the conclusion that, hey, this concept has the potential to go wrong in so many different ways. So, he’s back at Square #1. On the brighter side, both Alan and Carl have episode titles for their scripts. Outsiders will be Alan’s follow-up to The Queen, while Carl’s script, formerly titled The Red Shirt Diaries before being re-titled to First Day, has become Prodigal. Skip over that big, blank space at the #15 slot and you come to my final episode of the season, tentatively titled Remnants. A little more progress today which took the form of my promising to have a beat sheet ready for Monday. I guess there’s nothing left to do now but write the damn thing.
Well, hey. Marty G. just dropped by to pitch out his new, wonderfully exciting idea for Episode #15. We all love it. I suggested he rush back to his office and write it up before he changes his mind. Again.
I was at post today to approve that insert for Broken Ties and, on my way out, poked my head in on the Whispers assembly. It’s looking veeeeery, creepy and presently running about four and a half minutes long. Will, busy on location shooting Tracker, will work on it this weekend. I hope to see a cut by Monday.
For those of you wondering who is writing and directing what this season, here’s how the first half of the season breaks down. Note, these aren‘t the official credits (ie. “Written by me“ will not appear in the Whispers opening).
Search and Rescue: Written by Martin Gero, Directed by Andy Mikita
The Seed: Written by Paul Mullie, Directed by Will Waring
Broken Ties: Written by me, Directed by Ken Girotti
The Daedalus Variations: Written by Alan McCullough, Directed by Andy Mikita
Ghost in the Machine: Written by Carl Binder, Directed by Ken Girotti
The Shrine: Written by Brad Wright, Directed by Andy Mikita
Whispers: Written by me, Directed by Will Waring
The Queen: Written by Alan McCullough, Directed by Brenton Spencer
Tracker: Written by Carl Binder, Directed by Will Waring
First Contact/The Lost Tribe: Written by Martin Gero, Directed by Andy Mikita
Finally, some possibly sad news on the local culinary scene. Fondy walked by our favorite Greek restaurant, Ouzerie, the other day, and reports it appears to be closed. Closed! First our favorite schnitzel place, The Budapest, shuts down, and now our favorite hang-out for lamb looks to have closed up shop. My mother will be devastated!
A belated blog dedication to Susan W. Best of luck on that job interview.
Mailbag:
Linburk writes: “I was wondering what would be the best way to email you or get into contact with you. I am starting a blog in which I review scifi/fantasy books. I would like some input on what would be the best books to read.”
Answer: You can try me at moorsyum@yahoo.com or check out any of the following books: The First Law series (Joe Abercrombie), Consider Phlebas, Use of Weapons, The Player of Games (Iain M. Banks), The Martian Chronicles (Ray Bradbury), Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card), Stories of Your Life and Others (Ted Chiang), Childhood’s End (Arthur C. Clarke), Camp Concentration (Thomas M. Disch), The Empire of Ice Cream (Jeffrey Ford), Smoke and Mirrors (Neil Gaiman), The Princess Bride (William Goldman), The Forever War (Joe Haldeman), The Lies of Locke Lamorra (Scott Lynch), A Feast for Crows, A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords (George R. R. Martin), The Scar (China Mieville), The Name of the Wind (Patrick Rothfuss), Old Man’s War (John Scalzi), Armor (John Steakley), City of Pearl (Karen Traviss), The Keep (F. Paul Wilson), Lord of Light (Roger Zelazny), SFWA European Hall of Fame. Start with those.
Bailey writes: “Do the other writers get to be on set when their episodes are being shot?”
Answer: They can swing by the set whenever they like. All of the show’s writers are also producers.
Barbara writes: “ive noticed the last few seasons rodney and lots of water
will be treated to another wet and soaked epp?”
Answer: Yes, in the front half of the season you’ll be treated to a very soppy sequence.
Terry writes: “Will you see the new “Iron Man” film?”
Answer: When it comes out on dvd, sure.
Samanta writes: “I’m currently working on a research paper, for my english class, on the mental and physical process of creating a script. I have a few question’s I’d like to ask you, and if you are able to free some time up for me, is there an email address I can send my questions to?”
Answer: Check out my answer to the first question.
Melissa writes: “Will you be taking any pictures of Joe Flanigan for your blog soon?”
Answer: Nope. Sorry.
GoSpikey writes: “Is there any chance of seeing Connor Trinneer in more than one episode next season?”
Answer: Chances are good.
Gatelady writes: “There have been previous insinuations that Radek is a bit of a perv, with the “he sniffs my hair” etc. comments from Keller and Carter. Now you have him working alone with a 15 year old girl? Dudes! this is just sick. Seriously, what are you thinking?!?!?”
Answer: The bigger question is – What the hell are YOU thinking?!?!?
Eva K. writes: “Just wondering… why was it prolonged so late?”
Answer: There are times when the schedule is so tight, that we may drop scenes to make our day. And, usually, the scenes to be dropped are what we refer to as “inserts”, quickie shots of someone holding up a photograph or drawing a sword from a scabbard – essentially, a shot that can be picked up at a later date because it doesn’t involve a specific actor. In the case of the insert shot I referred to in my last entry, it was shot but I asked for a re-shoot because I felt that the angle might confuse viewers as to who, exactly, was pulling their sword.
Thornyrose writes: “Is there some particular reason that Broken Ties is not further along the production process, or are things about status quo?”
Answer: The later addition of the insert in no way delayed post-production on Broken Ties.
Thornyrose also writes: “And when is episode 16 scheduled to start filming?”
Answer: Last time I checked, some time in late July.
Paloosa writes: “Do you still break it down into the more traditional three acts like a screenplay, and use the plot points for the commercial breaks? Or is there a completely different format for TV?”
Answer: The Stargate structure = a tease and five acts.
Mercie writes: “Just wondering, have you ever read Calculating God by Robert J. Sawyer?”
Answer: I haven’t, although I did read (and enjoyed) Hominids.
Wraithbones writes: “I just noticed that on your previously read list there was a book called ‘The Name of the Wind’ […] Did you think it was a good book?”
Answer: I thought it was a great book.
Lynn08 writes: ““Are there no prisons?” in Atlantis? Being such an insulated community, I would think the Atlantis base would have its share of crime.”
Answer: There are cells (used for temporary confinement), but no prisons. If any member of the expedition actually commits a crime while on Atlantis, he/she will be immediately shipped back to Earth.
Sherwood Forest Maiden writes: “Hi Joe, could I have blog dedication for Sunday 11th May??”
Answer: Sure, birthday girl, so long as you remind me on the day.
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