Today, I turn this blog over to the toughest guy on Stargate: Atlantis. No, no John Sheppard? Puleeeze. I’m talking about the real deal, the fearless one, the show’s oft-bruised and bruising Stunt Coordinator: James “Bam Bam” Bamford who has kindly taken time off from being shot, stabbed, kicked, punched, thrown, blown up, and set on fire to come by and answer your questions. On to his Q&A…
Ytimyona writes: “Questions for Bam Bam:
What was the hardest stunt you’ve managed to pull off?
JB-I have done a double highfall into an airbag with two jumpers, myself and another stuntman.
Are there any actors who do their own stunts?
JB-Many actors do a lot of there own stunts, but never all.
What sort of stunt is your favorite?”
JB-I have many favorites, but a well thought out, realistic fight sequence is up there with them for sure.
Linda Gagne writes: “Have you ever gotten hurt on a stunt? If so, how bad and which episode?”
JB-I have not been hurt during any stunt on SG1 or Atlantis, but I did get burned pretty badly on the last commercial promo shoot we did getting lit on fire. The wind came up unexpectedly and kept the flame in my face.
Elyse writes: “1) Have any stunts gone wrong (hopefully not horribly)? And if so, what has occurred?
JB-If anything has gone wrong, I have just rolled with the punches and adapted a new strategy…..nothing has gone REALLY wrong. Wink.
2) What was the most complicated stunt you can remembering having to set up (for either SG1 or SGA)?
JB-The Sheppard vs. Sheppard fight including all the wire gags, for “Doppleganger”
3) Do you think you’ll be going over to SGU?”
JB-I can never tell for sure, but a little bird has indicated to me that I will be darkening the halls during the prep and shooting of the upcoming excitement of “Universe”.
Sari writes: “How did you get into doing stunt work? Was it something you always wanted to do, or did you discover it later on?
JB-I saw the “Six Million Dollar Man” as a young boy and my father told me he jumped high because of a stuntman….naturally I wanted to jump as high as Lee Majors so……I was approached to be the martial arts double for Michael Dudikoff for a series, “Cobra”…the rest is history!
What kind of martial arts training have you had?
JB-Shotokan and Shorin-Ji Kenpo Karate with Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing. Also Balintiwak Eskrima.
What’s your favorite fight/stunt sequence that you’ve done on Atlantis?
JB-Probably the sword fight in “Broken Ties” or the knife fight in “The Eye”….or….
Enzo Aquarius writes: “Have you ever been serious hurt while doing your work (sorry, had to ask ), and, if so, what happened?”
JB-If you count “seriously” as tearing my lat and getting my head split open……but….no broken bones(a couple of ribs, yes) or life threatening injuries.
Star writes: “1.What is the most complex stunt you had to coordinate for the show?
JB-I think I have answered this already?
2.Have you ever had a stunt go terribly wrong?”
JB-I think I have answered this one already as well…..no?
AndreaFWhites writes: “In “Conversion”, it looks like someone from the stunt team did most of the sparring with Rachel besides Joe, who was that and did Rachel do all of her scenes?”
JB-I used two stunt doubles for that scene as well as both actors….Jeff Robinson as Sheppard, and Lani Gelera for Teyla.
Amel writes: “quel acteur a été le plus difficile à dirigé pour les cascades?
vous arrive t-il de changer à la dernière minute une chorégraphie?
quel est ton dessert préfèré? moi, c’est une glace aux cookies….”
JB-Hmmm……ask me that one in person, at a convention. I promise to answer in full, and in French.
And Then There’s Cake writes: “As martial artists, my husband and I pay particular attention to fight sequences and how well they are choreographed and executed. Yours are surperb! How did you manage to get that “big screen” quality and feel into your scenes? (’Cause let’s face it, most TV fight sequences are crap.) Is it a difference in how you stage them or film them?”
JB-First of all, thank you very much for the compliment. The differences are….rehearsal time, and timing, period. I require my actors and stunt people to rehearse quite a bit more than the usual series. In rehearsal, I demand the timing to be delivered so as to eliminate any ugly pauses or indications of a choreographed battle.
Mondschaf writes: “To Bam Bam: Would you like to talk about some funny incidents that occured while performing stunts? Or if somehing just wouldn’t work the way intended? I’d love to read.”
JB-Well then….while performing a “Hong Kong” hand pull, I was hurled into a tree with a wire on “Dungeon Siege”. Upon impact with the tree, my pants split wide open…..and….well….I was not wearing any underwear…..ok?
Manda writes: “first of all I want to say that I love your work with Stargate, it’s been fantastic. I think my favorite fight sequences have been the ones between Ford and Ronon in “Runner” and Ronon and Tyre in “Broken Ties”. Which fight sequence(s) was your favorite to work on?”
JB-Thank you for you interest!! I have answered a same minded question already but I tend to have the same taste as you.
Chevron7 writes: “1. Who would win in an arm wrestling contest, you or Dan Shea?
JB-Would you really like to know? I’m not a wrestler by choice, but…well….that one would have to happen to answer you completely.
2. How much fun was “the big jump” in Outcast? Was that the biggest jump you’ve done?
JB-That jump was mucho fun of course!! Alas, it’s not the biggest jump I’ve done to date, sorry.
3. Were you really a stunt double for David Duchovny on The X-Files? If so, are there any memorable stunts I should watch out for (I’ve got all of the DVDs)?
JB-Yes, I was his double from season 2 until the end of season 5…..He told me to tell you all that he does all his own stunts….but check out the RV drag in “Blood”.
4. Are there any massive fight scenes coming up in the rest of Season 5? I’m thinking something along the lines of Mitchell/Marrick in AoT (which was brilliant!), perhaps with a certain Lieutenant-Colonel and an elusive Wraith.
p.s. please come to Australia, we have sharks. LOL!”
JB-I love sharks, and Australia….wow!!! Yes there are more great fights to come…..”Prodigal” will give you a few, in fact!!!
Perragrin writes: “Is there a stunt you just wouldn’t do for love, nor money.. no matter how much they paid you?”
JB-Let’s see……..no.
Scary writes: “How did you get the name BAM BAM does it have anything to do with the Flintstones and Barney’s son? ; )
JB-My last name is BAMford. Yes, it’s that simple.
I saw on the ARK OF TRUTH Credits that you were the fight coordinator and Dan Shea was the stunt coordinator? Why the difference? Aren’t fights consider stunts? Are you in charge of both on SGA?
Thanks for all your hard work. : )”
JB-Fights are considered stunts, of course. Some stunt coordinators are not fight choreographers so they require another individual to come in and perform that particular task for them. In the case of the last couple of seasons of SG1, I served as the fight choreographer whenever there was a larger scale fight sequence to handle. I would sometimes bring in an assistant as well when I was super busy on Atlantis at the same time.
Caitylanna writes: “I have a few questions for Bam Bam – how did you get started in stunts? Which of the actors pick up the choreography for the stunts (i.e. fighting) the fastest and how long do you usually practice before you have the actors at full speed?”
JB-I got into stunts through the martial arts….I was chosen to be a martial arts double for and actor. I usually attempt to get at least 4 hours of rehearsal time with the actors prior to filming a fight sequence. Rachel and Jason are definitely the two top memories when it comes to choreography.
Cat1 writes: “Which is your personal favourite type of stunt to set up or to perform, and are there any kinds of stunts you enjoy less?”
JB-Intricate fight sequences, or driving sequences, or full body burns, or highfalls….or….I love them all!! I don’t enjoy being overly cold…so….that’s all.
DasNdanger writes: “1. Which actor’s (male/female) growth and development in handling their own physical performances (stunts, fighting, etc) was most personally satisfying to see over the course of SGA’s run?
JB-Well…..Rachel came from no fight experience to amazing on screen ability….so did Jason, for that matter…..so…..well…..they both ROCK!!!
2. Tackling stunt work in full Wraith make-up and attire – how hard is it?
JB-Not hard at all actually. The make-up is very comfortable and easy to work with.
3. What one single moment in SGA are you most proud to have been a part of, and why?”
JB-Seasons 1,2,3,4, & 5….because I was there!!!
Ellie writes: “Bam Bam, thank you for the most unusual, varied and efficient fighting techniques I have seen in tv! It’s all a visual feast and a moving (in every sense of the word!) poem.
JB-You are welcome.
1/ Have you considered starting your own fighting school / martial art training school? (Not just for actors but also for members of the public wanting to learn martial arts)
JB-Been there with my teacher….I don’t have time to tackle a school.
2/ Have you ever considered using chen tai chi defensive moves? They are not as flashy as other martial arts moves but incredibly effective for small people to use against big attackers.
JB-I use anything that suits the personality of the character I am choreographing for….so….yes….if it looks good!!
Thanks Bam Bam! May you have a long and successful career in beating up people!”
Tim the Technician writes: “1) Were you disappointed that the Weir stunt at the end of ‘First Strike’ didn’t work as planned?
JB-I was not disappointed at all. There was a safety call made, and I stand by it %100. It still ended up looking great on film, which is the point in the end.
2) Since you’re Bam Bam, can we assume that there is a ‘Pebbles’ out there too?
JB-Um….ya.
3) Were you scared about the jump you had to do for ‘Outcast’?
JB-No.
Fantastic work with all of the stunts and fight scenes that you’ve been a part of for both SG:1 and SG:A. Thanks!”
JB-Thank you for watching!!
Firefly827347 writes: “Are you ever coming back to Gateworld?
JB-Yes….I’m just very busy working on other things at the moment…I love Gateworld!!
And do you have any movies lined up for stunt work after Watchmen?”
JB-I am currently working on a movie entitled,”RAMPAGE” as well as a day or so’s work on “2012”.
MyNameIsNada writes: “Obviously there are some actors who can do their own stunt work and other who can’t. Are there set limits and guidelines you need to follow in terms of how much of a stunt an actor is allowed to do? Have you ever been told not to allow an actor to do a certain stunt? Finally, just a random question here, if somebody was interested in becoming a stuntperson, what skill would you say is most important to master? Thanks!”
JB-Every actor is different and it is my job to get to know each and every actor I work with so I can determine what they are capable of. A stunt person is the ultimate crosstrainer, so there is not one skill you would require, but over 100.
Patricia Lee writes: “Alex Levine wrote in this week’s SGA blog about Tracker:
“As for the specific stunts, when you’re watching the show keep in mind the following: When Ronon tackles Kiryk off a cliff, there are no stunt guys or visual effects involved. Both actors actually go flying off the cliff and land on some pads out of frame. Also, Will told me that Jason actually wanted to be the stunt guy for the spiked log gag (you can’t miss it). Of course he wasn’t allowed, because if Jason gets injured, we have to stop shooting. But apparently he kept arguing with Will about it and Will had to say no a hundred times. Will also mentioned that they had a lot of laughs shooting the decapitation scene. I imagine you viewers won’t find it so funny, but shooting it was kind of silly.”
1- Could you please elaborate on what the silliness was about?
JB-That would be the “dropping of the head” into frame on every take. It made us all crack up.
2- Also, will we get to see a behind the scene extras of you and your team on the Season 5 DVD’s? If not, is there still time to ask Ivon if he would film one? Please! And thank you!
JB-Yes, there will be tons, and tons of behind the scenes footage for you all to check out on season 5….Ivon was always there, at the ready.
3- Did you go to Las Vegas? If so, what was a memorable moment in shooting there that you can share!
JB- Yes…..VIVA LAS VEGAS!!! Um….I can’t tell you the details other than I am extremely proud of this episode….extremely!!!
4- Finally, do you know yet if you will be continuing as stunt coordinator for the SGA movie? And will you be at the Creation Con in Vancouver in April 2009.
JB-I was told about a movie….we will see what happens with that….I may be at Creation, but I don’t know for sure yet.
Thanks for a wonderful 5 year run and keep us up to date on GW as to your next projects so we can look for you in the credits and actions scenes. Best Wishes!”
Trish writes: “ Hey Bam Bam! Thanks for coming on Joe’s blog to chat with us! You are the BEST fight choreographer on television! Period! And the best for the movies, too. Your fight scenes are made for the big screen.
JB-Wow! Thanks!!!
Here are my questions—
1) Please say you will be on American Gladiators in the future. My husband and I would love to watch you beat all those steroid-maniacs. If they won’t have you on the show I’m sure it’s because you’d make them all look bad. You’d be the reason to watch, though.
JB-I ran into a very nice MGM exec. In Vegas, and he assured me that he is trying to get me on there still. It may not be fair, since “TOA” is a good friend of mine…..or would it?
2) What did you want to be when you grew up? I’m thinking a librarian. Ok… Just kidding! But seriously, if you couldn’t be a super-amazing-uber stunt/fight choreography, would WOULD you be?
JB-I love what I do and would do anything else.
3) You once told me that the Jaffa costumes were the hardest to wear. Since then I’ve been wondering why. I think you said, “Oh they are awful! I hate them!” It’s not an exact quote. It’s basically what I remember. Now I’m wanting to know… are they hot? Heavy? Pinchy? All of the above? Have you worn something worse since?
JB- Heavy, hot, pinchy, awkward, slow, ….all of the above and more…yes….my least favorite wardrobe of all time to fight or run in.
4) How hard would it be to teach a wimp like me to do a fight scene? I have a minor in dance but I don’t believe fighting is like a dance. Jason Mamoa says it is like a violent, angry, dance. It seems way more complicated and dangerous than that to me. Especially if you gave me a sword or some other weapon. I think I’d just beam everyone in the room with it.
JB-Rachel had only a dance background when I began to teach her and look how she did?
5) Which brings me to my last question. Have you ever had someone who could not learn to do the fight scenes? I only say this because I’m sure I would not be able to do it. It seems MOST people would lack the skill to do a great fight scene. Am I right?”
JB-I have been able to transform some of the most unlikely people into killers on screen……but…..not everybody is cut out for it, that is correct. It just makes my job easier, and more enjoyable if the individual(s) I am teaching are capable, and not having six fingers and three hands.
JB-THANK YOU ALL FOR A FANTASTIC, MIND BLOWING 5 SEASONS OF GREATNESS!!!!
Happy Birthday!
I hate to request something on your special day but here goes: Please find a way for Christopher Heyerdahl to play Todd again in the Atlantis movie next year. I’m devastated that Season 5 will be the last Atlantis year but would be even more devastated if The Lost Tribe becomes The Last of Todd. Thankyou and again, party hard today!
Ooooo, Bam Bam does Muay Thai.
I wonder if he does the Wai Khru? And which character he takes on for it.
Questions always come to mind after the fact.
Thank you Joe for having Q&A sessions on your blog. They’re always so enjoyable to read. Please don’t stop doing this. Also a warm thank you to Mr. Bamford.
WK
Somebody give Bam Bam a valium…I’m out of breath from just reading that. 😆
Thanks, JB! Great answers! LOL…you’re totally nuts… (that’s why we love ya!)
das
It’s the 16th here so I’m gonna say it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOOOEEE!!!!
Hope you have a bonza day and all those dinky di Aussie cliches…
yeah kick me.
No pilfered poultry for you today!
Damn, I forgot to send in my Question for BamBam! D:
*doh*^1e
But I loved his Answers!!!
Hey Joe!
Thank you for this review! I thought it was so interesting!!!
Questions:
How come we’ve never seen a F-302 jump into hyperspace? Does it have a hyper drive? If it doesn’t how come, it looked like the hyper drive on the prototype was good for small jumps.
Keep considering my choir music proposal!
Halo Luver
Joe,
It would be so great if you could dedicate tomorrow’s post to my baby boy, Zach. He’ll be seventeen tomorrow. And yes, my hair gets more gray every year.
Best,
Rose
Hey Joe.
Well, I see I’m certainly not the only one having problems with Keller. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t radically hate her or anything, and I certainly recognize the fact that Jewel is a wonderful actress, as well as that fact that when it comes down to it, she may not really have that much more screentime/storylines than the other characters. I can definitely appreciate that. Besides, I’ve seen two different posts where people of opposing opinions broke the episodes down based on how much Keller was in them, and it was obvious they both had large biases. Now, I’ll admit that if I were to attempt to break down the episodes in the same manner, I would probably make her role seem larger. Which one’s right, which one’s wrong? Neither, I would say. They both support their reasoning logically and have plenty on evidence.
So, I guess it comes down to opinion. I personally feel that many times, (not always, of course) I turn on SciFi to watch SGA, and feel like Keller is being shoved down my throat. It’s her and her theories, her saving the day, her being kidnapped, her being over-taken by some alien entity, her flirting and getting caught up in love triangles… Ha, see! I’ve successfully showed my bias! I don’t think that any of those are wrong, but I’m sure someone else could come behind me and counter everything I just said, just as well as I suggested them.
I see no problem in disliking characters. Bashing is fair nor is it civil, but I admitedly dislike Keller. I liked Carson, but I never needed him to be a big part of the episodes. (Though, being a Shep-whumper, his presence was sometimes a good thing for me. *wink*)
But anyway, I guess I just wanted to come here and add my opinion. No one’s right, no one’s wrong.
To sum it all up, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with Keller. To the point that I didn’t even watch Tracker. I know, not a good fan. I did turn it on though, so my rating was there, but… I guess she’s too much to handle. And it’s quite obvious you and the other writers adore her. Again, she’s a good character and Jewel is a great actress… I just see her as those really good, popular songs that the radio plays too much an you end up sick of them. It just seems to ruin something that was good, and could continue to be so.
Anyway, that was just my OPINION. Ha, see? Us not-so-into-Keller-people aren’t all bad. I’ll still watch and enjoy the show, of course. This isn’t a big deal, I just wanted to add my OPINION as rationally as possible..
Well, you have an excellent night!
P.S.., BAMBAM’s Q&A was awesome!!! Thanks to him for that and to you Joe for having him on!!!
Sooo cool! BAM BAM …you rock!
Thanks for all the insight!
Cheers
Hi Joe,
Please give my thanks to Bam Bam! I think he is great 🙂
I’m really looking forward to The Prodigal and I hope Teyla and Ronon kick @$$ in this epi. I’m an action girl and I miss Ronon and Teyla fighting! And when I say kick @$$ I mean fight till the death no holding back @$$ kicking!!
Thanks 🙂
p.s.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🙂
Thanks for the Q&A!
Joseph, you are such a tease with the Sheppard comment.
Thanks BAMBAM!
Where it is still the 15th here, I will hold happy birthdays until tomorrow. If I am reading the comments right, that is when your birthday is. So, until tomorrow.
Thanks Mr. Bamford for a great guest appearance. In a show where so many people are involved, your own efforts make a particularly important contribution to the overall quality of the show. And I’m glad to hear we can look forward to some movies you’ve had some part of. here’s hoping for many more years of success, in and outside of the Stargate franchise, for you. Thank you Mr. M. for bringing us this guest appearance.
Do you think that Elizabeth Weir will ever return in the movies, in any form?? It seemed that there could have been a chance in your version of season 6. . And please don’t not bring her back because of Torri Higginson’s reluctant attitude on returning. And I do believe Torri only didn’t return because she believe Weir kept getting de-humanized or something, I guess that’s off the subject. I am mereley an Elizabeth fan hoping for hope. I have been loving Atlantis lately, but have felt a hole the way Elizabeth was left. Sorry for kinda rambling!
Thanks for the replies, Bam Bam!! You do a fantastic job on the show — it has some of the best stuntwork I’ve ever seen, in either TV OR movies! 😀 The fact that you got such high-caliber stunts out of actors with former training boggles my mind. My hat off to you, sir! 🙂
++++
Instead of wishing you a happy brithday tomorrow, Joe, in the spirit of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, I’m going to wish you a very merry *UN*birthday today (the 15th)! yeah, I went to the Food & Wine festival today at EPCOT, and that song was playing at the entrance, so now it’s stuck in my head. XD
I was stuffed silly by the end of the afternoon. There were even things I was tempted to try but didn’t, wanting to save room (and carb allotments) for things I wanted to try more. The kielbasa & potato pirogie with carmelised onions and sour cream was good — better than last year Dad thought. The pizza in Italy was so-so; mum really liked the ziti. Dad said his sausage & pretzel roll at Germany was good, but the saurkraut was so vinegary it made his lungs burn. XD Mom enjoyed the apple struedel, but the portion was pretty small. The plumwine & green tea cooler I had in China was divine! The empanada from Chile was good, but I didnt enjoy it quite as much as last year — the filling was a little lacking somehow. Mom enjoyed her chilaquile pretty well (can’t remember what stand that was from — Puerto Rico, maybe), save that it was a bit spicy for her. Both the folks loved the cheddar soup from Canada, but then they always do; it’s a regular menu item at Le Cellier, but this saves them from having to go in. 😉 I had a beef brisket with red potatoes and some sort of horsey-laden sauce (can’t remember where from); the beef was good, but the sauce was shockingly bland, couldn’t taste the horsey at all! The highlight for me was the Ireland stand: the potato-leek soup was great, as always (although the portion was ridiculously small), and the cheese/bread/apple-chutney plate was impressive! In fact, there was so much food, and the cheese was so rich, I couldn’t finish it! The bread was really good. The chutney was okay, but not really something to eat alone (and I wasn’t about to waste the bread on it, as I just can’t eat cheese without bread or crackers in the same bite) — I would have preferred to have had some chicken for it. (I used to get the roast chicken at the Rose & Crown, and they had a fantastic apple chutney — or maybe it was an apple marmalade? — on it, better than the stuff I had today …) Actually, I could have done with less cheese (or more bread), as I couldn’t only finish about half the plate — Dad was the same way. (And he hated the chutney.)
Yeah, I know, my tastes are pretty tame. XD It’s just as well: if I have been more adventurous, I would have burst from too much food! XD
@das ~ I hope things have calmed down for you!
@Trish ~ give Allie a hug from me!
Hi Joe
What’s this super secret project of yours? Are you writing a book? You said it’s not Stargate related so I won’t hope for a surprise announcement that SGA will be back for a partial season.
For MELorne-Süper-Fän:
If you want to ask Bam Bam a question, now that he has blogged for Joe, you can visit my site: http://www.stargategalaxy.com and ask a question of Bam Bam there. He has agreed to answer some questions from visitors to my site as well. Also, Dean Aylesworth, who played young Anubis on Threads, has agreed to answer some fan questions. So, anyone interested, feel free to post some questions for these two gentlemen.
Thanks Joe, for letting me post this on your blog.
Patricia (AG)
Okay Blog readers… *tap, tap tap* Listen up! We’re all gonna sing to Joe Mallozzi right now! So tune up your vocal cords and watch the maestro!
Ahem… Do Ra Me Fa So La Te Do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We’re so glad that you were born, for if you were not here,
We would not see your smiling face nor hear your voice of cheer,
It’s hard to say God Bless You to someone who doesn’t exist,
Especially on your birthday you’d certainly be missed, so…
Happy, Happy Birthday from all of us to you,
Happy, Happy Birthday may all your dreams come true,
We hope you have happy birthdays all your whole life through,
Happy, Happy Birthday, its smiles all around for you!
*The chorus bows and curtsey*
Now Joe, blow out the candles and cut the Cake!!! Hummmmm Chocolate!
****It your Birthday…enjoy it and don’t forget to thank your Mom for bringing you in this world from your FANS****
Cheers
Patricia Lee
Joe,
Your birthday is tomorrow too? Damn, I didn’t know that. Tomorrow’s post should definitely be devoted to yourself! Wishing you an early happy birthday,
Rose
Happy Birthday Joe. And thanks for sharing your life with us thru your cool blog. It is always geat reading and good fun. Lots of interesting people and thoughts flowing thru here.
Thanks to Bam Bam for his Q&A. He is the boss when it comes to coordinating all the fantastic stunt work. One thing he wrote, “Rachel and Jason are definitely the two top memories when it comes to choreography”. Memories. Wow. That was kinda sad. I guess Stargate Atlantis is just a memory now for a lot of those who were involved in it’s making.
And a great memory! Thanks Joe, especially for Reunion and Broken Ties. As a Ronon fan, they were two wonderful episodes written by you. Thanks.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!!! 😀 😆 🙂
May all the WFP of the day NOT make you sick but instead be very yummy and make you happy!
A massive THANK YOU to Bam Bam for stopping by! After reading your responses I actually feel like I might make a good fighter after all! Bam Bam, you totally RULE! 😀
@Perragrin and Wolfie: I’ll pass on the well-wishing to Allie. Her knee is still in bad shape. I guess we’re going to the orthopedic’s when we get back home.
@sulien: Allie is wanting to try the Star Trek Exhibition at the San Diego Air and Space Museum tomorrow. That is, if they have a wheel chair we can rent. I’ll let you know what we think of it!. Thanks for the info!
@das: How’re things? Do ya need hugs? I seem to have missed what’s going on. So… (((((hugs)))) if ya need them. And may you have wonderful Todd dreams. 😉
Trish
Thanks to Bam-Bam for the enlightening guest blog =)
And thanks so much Joe for bringing in all the wonderfully entertaining and eye-opening guest bloggers 🙂
And I hope you have a very happy birthday tomorrow (well, it’s already today, where I am), enjoy yourself, Joe!!!
Happy Birthday Joe!!!
Did you hear me singing with Patricia Lee? I was the one who was off key! ; )
Hope your Day is a great one! Enjoy the chocolate!
It’s your birthday? What are you, like, 25? *evil grin*
Would appreciate a blog dedication next week. Acting I midterm performance.
Happy Birthday, Joe. I hope you have a great day and get some nice presents.
Also, a big thank you to BAM BAM for answering the questions. I was very impressed with the fight sequences, especially the Sheppard-Sheppard fight in Doppelganger.
Chevron7–you’re a genius for asking that X-Files question. Now I’m going to have to go back and rewatch all those seasons to see if I can spot him. Darn. 😉
Thanks for hosting this Q&A, Joe! Great to get to know a little more about the stunts.
HI Joe – Thanks so much for sharing your blog with Bam Bam. He is so talented and just a hoot!
Happy “Pre-Birthday”. May you be showered in chocolate and all of your favorite foods. May all of your trips to Los Angeles result in “green lit” projects. May your secret project turn to gold!
Is there going to be cake?? A special dinner at Fuel??
@ElisaD… That’s okay…. can’t carry a tune in a bucket either!!!
Giggles
I wish you a Happy Birthday!!!
…and here’s a song for you 🙂
Happy birthday Mr M, maybe you should take a day off on the blog and do more Weird Food Purchase video clips.
Did Anne Teldy got her request send yet? Or are you surprising her with additional goodies.
Any idea on when we will get some inkling of the SGA movie?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!!! And when I say the best memories, I mean Rachel and Jason can remember choreography extremely well…..not to mention our returning fight superstar, Tyre, played by Mr. D. himself!!!
Happy B-Day Joe!
Thanks for the Q & A with BamBam!
Ps: Is it okay if I post the Q&A on his site?
http://james-bamford.com/
Yes, may you enjoy your birthday to the fullest (I doubt that will be a problem).
🙂
Happy Birthday Joe!
Hope you have a great day, full of doing whatever it is you aren’t allowed to do for the other 364 days a year.. and that Fondy treats you to a slap-up meal this evening. Have muchlies fun anyways 🙂
Thanks to James for popping by to answer our many questions. I didn’t realise he did the stunts for David in X-Files (I *really* have to get down to watching those DVD extras >.>), so that’s my two fav actors on two of my fav shows. They couldn’t be in safer hands, could they? Course, if i’d known, then i’d have grilled him about the Mulder trip from the sub in season 2’s ‘End Game’. I still think ‘ouch!’ every time I watch it. Kudos Bam Bam 😀
@Trish: Meh.. sorry to hear that. Keep us up to date and thoughts are with the both of you. Here’s hopefully to a speedy recovery! 🙂
Happy Birthday, it’s the 16th here like alot of places. October is def the best month for birthdays mine’s on 19th, yay.
Loved the Q&A with Bam Bam
Haaaaaaappy Birthday, Joe!
I’d say something that I believe to be witty, but it’s 1:37 am here and I need to nap for 8 hours. I wish you a wonderful day tomorrow, and a well-planned, well-catered party to boot!
And remember, you’re only as old as the number of rings you can count on your severed torso, assuming humans are like trees, which we’re probably are.
Ok, that was too gruesome. How about…you’re only as old as the number of friends you have?
Hmmm…no, if that were true you’d be long dead from old age.
I’m just gonna stop now. Once again, have a happy birthday, Mr. Mallozzi! We’ll all be celebrating with you in spirit!
P.S. Thank you BAMBAM for the Q&A! It was awesome! 😀
Hi Mr M!
Firstly, thanks to BAM BAM for a wonderful Q and A.
And……..drum roll please……….
Breithla Shona Dhuit, A Uasal Mallozzi!
(This is : Happy Birthday Mr Mallozzi in our native Irish (Gaelic))
Hope that you have a great day and celebrate til the wee small hours.
Best to you and all!
Shirt’n’Tie
Gotta say that that is an excellent post Loren, I was trying to say something similar on GW the other day but it didn’t come out anyway near as well as that 🙂
Thanks for an excellent Q&A BamBam, I really enjoyed reading it. Definately can’t wait for Prodigal and Vegas 😀
And Happy Birthday Joe! 😀
Cazz x
Joe is the birthday boy today?
Happy bday!
Spikey
thanks to Bam Bam for the Q&A ^^
and Happy Birthday! Have a great day!
Thanks, guys…gals…but really, I’m fine. Just my normal crazy ol’ self. Just hope Allie will be okay. I’ve neglected a few people here…I know someone is expecting, but I missed who…and other stuff. I’ve been a bit…distracted…by a certain scene from a certain episode, one that both has be laughing (just because), and defending a certain sexy bug for his actions. I’m actually surprised that so many Wraith fans seem to have a problem with the way Todd behaved – personally, I couldn’t be happier seeing his Wraithy side for a change. It’s the edge I wanted to see, as long as that’s all it is – an edge, and not a transformation into ‘evil villain’.
So, no worries. I’m quite fine.
Have a nice day today, Joe. Look on the bright side – you’re not as old as me. 🙂 Mr. Das just turned 40 this year, and he still hasn’t gotten over it…lol. I just tell him to go with the flow, this is the last hurrah before the big 5-0…and those yearly prostate exams, and colonoscopies.
Cheers! 😀
das
Whaaaat? Sheppard not the toughest guy on Stargate Atlantis? ***gasping in shock, eyes welling up with tears***
Yes, the Doppleganger Shep v. Shep sequence was awesome. Thank you, Bam-Bam!
Thank you Bam Bam for this interesting and funny (still trying to imagine the incident scene you mentioned 😉 ) Q&A.
And for the other special thing today – yes, now should be the 16th here and in Canada:
Happy Birthday Joe and best wishes for the future! 🙂
Hi, Joe.
Many thanks to you and James Bamford for his q & a!
Wow. It’s Thursday, and still no episode trailer for “Outsiders” at MGM Stargate. I’m not feeling the love here, Joe.
🙁
Happy Birthday, Joe! Hope this new year will be the best so far!
Another year through the Gate
Travels and travails
Love and laughter
Joy and tears
Family, friends and
Gaters
Celebrate your life
Wish you happiness
On this your birthday,
Our SGA potentate!
🙂
Hi Joe.
And a Happy Birthday to you.
Thanks for letting Bam Bam stop by.
To Bam Bam thanks you it always cool to hear from you.
Joe, I saw the pictures for the Episode, Brainstorm. I am staying spoilers free, so I don’t know anything about this episode. I don’t need the details of the episode, but I would like to know the following:
1. Is this a team episode?
2. Do Sheppard, Ronon and Teyla make any appearances in this episode?
3. In the episode of Shrine, don’t you think that episode service the character of McKay?
4. In the episode of Tracker, I believe that episode service the character of Keller and Keller in the story. This is based on your comments from a few days, am I correct in my assessment?
5. In the episode of Brainstorm, for the characters of McKay and Keller, does this episode service the characters, the story and or both?
6. How many episodes this season is solely character driven for Sheppard? I think Sheppard has had some wonderful character moments through out this Season, so far, and then there were a couple of times not so good, but I can’t say an episode centered on him.
7. Can we can we expect any more episodes this season that service the characters of Ronon and Teyla? Like Broken Ties for Ronon and The Queen for Teyla.
If you have previously answered any of the following questions, I’m sorry for the duplicate line of questioning.
Thanks.
Great Q&A with Bam Bam!!
Happy Birthday Joe, hope you’re having a fantastic day!!!
I share this awesome day of birth – right now I’m celebrating by eating chocolate and listening to the Dark Knight soundtrack & Dr Horrible (it’s a good mix!!) before the family arrives. Wahey 😀
Have a good one!
Hey Joe!
Amazing interview! Bam Bam is truely a talented stunt coordinator, glad you folks have him and I hope he stays for Stargate Universe. None of the stunts feel forced but look extremely realistic. 🙂
Let me also wish you a happy birthday! Have a good one!
– Enzo Aquarius
Happy Birthday, Joe! Have a great day! What will you wish when you blow out the candles?
*sings the birthday song with Pat and ElisaD*
Happy birthday Joe! Doing anything special for it? (I imagine a trip to Fuel will be likely?)
Thanks for the great Q&A with Bambam. 😀
Philippa
Hey Joe,
So I gather today is your birthday – best wishes. Any special plans? Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary – 15 years! I think that’s crystal – apparently the tradition of giving certain gifts each year dates back to the Middle Ages:
“The practice of giving peculiar gifts on various wedding anniversaries originated in Central Europe. Among the medieval Germans it was customary for friends to present a wife with a wreath of silver when she had lived with her husband twenty-five years. The silver symbolized the harmony that was assumed to be necessary to make so many years of matrimony possible…”
…So, a compensation of sorts?? (just joking). Fifteen years ago, if you had asked me what my life would be like today, I would never have guessed how happy and complete it would be. Wonder where I’ll be fifteen years from now…
To change the subject – just wondering if your approach to writing the SGA movie would be different if it were direct to DVD (as Ark of Truth and Continuum were ) rather than airing on SciFi first (i.e. will you break it down into “acts” as with an episode, to accomodate commercial breaks)?
Happy Birthday!
Jean
Thanks Joe for inviting BamBam to join us. It was a thrill to see him answer my question. Please tell him his input was much appreciated. : )
Happy birthday Joe!!!
Guess what??? My birthday is on SAT. I will be the big 45. : )
Thanks Joe for having Bam Bam, he is awsome. We would love to see you and your stunt crew in Chicago @ The SG1/SGA Creations Convention in August 2009. Pretty, pretty please.
Happy Birthday!
Coucou Joseph!!
Vous allez bien??? =D
Ahhhhh aujourd’hui c’est votre anniversaire!!!
C’est super !!!!
J’espers que vous allez avoir pleins de jolie cadeaux, et que vous serez avec les gens que vous aimez!!
Tout pleins de bonheur pour ces 1 ans de plus, même si cela ne change rien car vous rester le meilleur!!!
Gros gros bisou!!! je vous adore!! Encore ♣Joyeux anniversaire!!♣
Votre petite fan qui ne vous oublie pas..!
Hi, Joe!
Joy on the MGM Stargate trailer for ‘Outsiders’ at:
http://stargate.mgm.com/video.php?id=157§ion=3
🙂
@Joe: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
@shelsfc: Happy Birthday!
*waves*
Have a great birthday, Mr M. Enjoy yourself, and remember you’re only as young as those you feel. 😉 Hope you have a great day. 😀
Thanks BamBam for a great Q&A it’s much appreciated. 😀
*hugs*
Joe,
I hope your birthday is going as planned. Two posts from me in one day is something I never do. But I just had to comment.
I see Jason Momoa and his sweetie Lisa Bonet are going to have another baby in December. Congratulations to them!! Now that Lisa has her first TV show in about 20 years, Life on Mars, the paparazzi are going crazy taking pictures of them everyday and everywhere they go. Lots is being writting now about Jason staring in Stargate Atlantis. Seems like free publicity to me. Those SciFi creeps can’t do anything right. They could be riding this new wave of interest. I think people will tune in to Atlantis to see more of Jason.
And Keller picking geek Rodney over hunk Ronon. Only in Martin Gero’s dreams and his fantasy writings would that ever happen!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!
Happy birthday, Joe!
I haven’t read most of the entries in weeks, but I’ve read some comments here and there. Regarding the discussion about Jennifer… personally I loved the first 9 episodes this season (didn’t like the mid season two-parter. Sorry. For me, the worst episodes of all the five seasons are definitely The Tower, Irresistible, Irresponsible, Trio, First Contact and The Lost Tribe). But I do agree with those that feel Jennifer has had a bit too much screentime. I did read what you said about Jewel being a great actress, and I don’t disagree. But aren’t the rest of the actors/actresses on the show equally as good? Don’t Joe Flanigan, David Hewlett, Jason Momoa and Rachel Luttrell deserve that screen time?
For the record, it’s nothing against Jennifer. I would be complaining exactly the same if that kind of screen time had been dedicated to Radek, Lorne and any other except what I consider the core of the show (John, Ronon, Rodney and Teyla). In fact I’ve also complained in the first few seasons that Carson was overused in my opinion, since I felt he as the doc was just background character and he was being used too much. And I like all these characters: Jennifer, Woosley, Carson, Elizabeth, Radek, Zelenka, Caldwell… however, I feel NONE of them should have that amount of screen time. For me, the show is about John, Rodney, Teyla and Ronon, those are the main characters for me, and I feel those four are the ones who should be getting the focus in all the episodes (either as the team together, or some of them in character centric episodes) and all the others are background characters who should be there when required, without being the focus of any episode.
In short, my complaint is not about Jennifer. I felt making Carson a regular character in seasons 2 and 3 was a mistake. I feel the same mistake was made about Jennifer this year. I think the doc should be recurring, no matter who plays the role.
Just my opinion.
Happy Birthday to you!!!!
Happy Birthday to you!!!!
Happy Birthday dear JOOOOOOOEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday to you!!!
Happy birthday joe!!!!
Hope you had a blast!!!!!! hope you had the bestest cake ever!!!!!!!
T
I’ve just recently begun reading your blog, and with as busy I imagine you are, I’m impressed you take the time to answer as many of the questions here as you do, much less take questions for others!
I’m hoping you can answer a profession specific question for me. I’ve written two feature length scripts and am working on another and would love your thoughts on the best way to go about getting representation. Because without one of those glorious beings, (opinion varies on how glorious they are, of course!) one cannot get anywhere in this industry.
I want to get my stuff read, with honest coverage attached, but, as you make a living at this profession, you know how difficult it is starting out. Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Joe,
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a brilliant day! Best wishes & happiness always!
I always love coming here to your blog! So um… How are you gonna spend your special Day? I hope you get to do something fun! Ok! Bring on the birthday cake! Oh! I love cake!
When do you go to Asia? I hope you post some lovely pic’s!
Do you have any weird or wonderful questions I can ask David, kavan or Andee? Cause they are gonna be at a con I’m going to in 2 weeks!
Take care!
Cathie
Happy Birthday!! There must be cake, LOTS of cake!
Thanks for the great Q&A with James Bamford.
Happy birthday!! I hope you have a wonderful day.
Great Q&A! Very interesting.
Just wondering – Why won’t there be bloopers in the Season 5 DVD? Any specific reason?
Happy Birthday Joe!
Neat Q&A..
Have to mention mind you, if BAMBAM went on American Glads he’d win the thing, they may as well award him the grand prize because I doubt anyone could beat him period.
I hope he appears, if only to watch everyone lose against him.
“In FC/TLT, I get the impression that Keller throws Todd off his game a bit. In The Queen, he seemed to acknowledge her nervousness by speaking gently to her (’ah, she’s vulnerable!’), and then he opens up to her in First Contact, before catching himself (’ack! I’M vulnerable!!’). Finally, in The Lost Tribe, he seems frustrated during the interrogation before he curtly dismisses ‘her’ (not ‘Dr. Keller’, which suggests to me either a loss of respect, or an emotional distancing knowing she would soon be dead… ‘no sympathy for the fallen’, and all that). If I didn’t know better, I’d say that Keller almost unnerves him, as if he can’t read her as well as the others.
So, my question (this is NOT a ’ship’ question): In your mind, how does Todd view Keller, and does she throw him off his game a bit, or is it something else? Also, will their recent interaction be addressed in any upcoming episodes (if you can answer that without spoiling anything)?”
Das said this two blogs back, and I thought it was really interesting. This is just another one of the reasons Todd is such a great character. There are so many mysterious intentions that he has. And when you think you understand him, he surprises you. With Keller, I agree with your assessments. I believe he views her as a really good doctor and may actually have some respect for her. That’s the way his demeanor seems to me. I think, as doctors and researchers, they both had a level of respect for one another. And I hope this wasn’t the last of their interactions. It just adds more to Todd’s character.
Happy, Happy Birthday Joe! How you get lots of yummy chocolate to eat!
Have you read any of David Farland’s books?
Happy Birthday, Joe! May all of your dreams come true! I wish you all the best for your birthday and the days that follow.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE!!! 😀
Happy birthday to you, Joe. I hope the dogs and your wife got you something nice to celebrate
Hopefully I’m scraping in with time (Internet at home cr@pped itself, doing this at work)
Happy Birthday Joe!
Today it’s our turn to dedicate the entire comments section to you. Hope you had a fab day and you’re being treated like a king, or if not a king then the court jester maybe 😀
Cheers, Chev
For all this talk of Todd and Keller. I dunno. You know….I’m of the mind that the wraith are essentially human beings with an unfortunate vulnerability. If the wraith, as a phenomenon, were taken apart and their parts examined individually (their need to feed, their insecty background, their aggressive culture etc.), the wraith wouldn’t be that interesting. It is the dynamic of all the parts put together, that makes them interesting.
For instance:
It doesn’t make any sense that they’re “EVOLVED INSECTS.” humans and every other species on the planet evolved from simpler organisms. It also doesn’t make sense that their brutal culture is due to great granny wraith being a grasshopper. How many brutal human cultures are there currently, have there been in the past–almost ALL. What makes the wraith brutal is their humanity, what makes the wraith complex is their humanity, what makes the wraith intelligent is their humanity.
What looks like an apple, tastes like an apple, smells like an apple, is probably an apple (or it could be an Asian pear) Occam’s razor “All other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best.”
So, to get back to the Keller thing, I simply think it is just a refreshing cultural change for Todd. He gives himself permission to be himself around Keller, because Keller gives everyone permission to do this–She is a doctor. It’s in your best interest for your doctor to know you. I think that’s about the extent of it. Why is Todd gentle with her? Because he’s capable of being gentle and honestly unless he has to be he’s a fairly gentle reserved personality. When has Todd been mean to anyone? Of course he implies it all the time, but have we seen it? Even when he has no reason to be? He’s never been uncivil to Ronon either, when he’s had plenty of opportunities to be. You always think he has something up his sleeve, but he’s never ever been uncivil. Never. I can’t think of a time when he has been, except to Kolya’s men.
So, I’m not up to making more of the Keller Todd thing than it warrants.
Yea. It’s the bit of humanity in them that we can sense, and that distinguishes them from others. Like, for example, the Replicators – who cares if they are completely wiped out? They had no feelings at all. No trace of humanity. And because of that, I feel the Wraith were superior with both gaining the favor of the fans and becoming a strong race. Caring about things doesn’t make someone weak.
I completely agree that he acts the way he does because she is a doctor. And that’s still very interesting. Because she is still an inferior human as far as the Wraith are concerned. Why should he act any different towards any human? The interesting thing about Todd is he has this different kind of relationship with everyone. He has this mutual respect with Sheppard, accepted tension between Ronon and himself, and an interest in Teyla. It’s neat that he opens up with Keller and I’m also curious how he thinks of her. Like I said, I think it’s 100% respect for their positions. Todd is a good, intelligent leader. He has all these scientific capabilities, which makes him unique. He is smart enough to tell that Keller is very good at what she does.
Still, why should he even care? I wonder what the writers think. If they would have ever worked together. Humans and Wraith… Todd and Keller… Wraith and Atlantis. If the Replicators resurfaced, would they work together?
@ WK – Well, ya know, luv – this is where we just have to agree to disagree. 😉 I love the concept of ‘evolved bug’ – to me, it’s no different than Marvel’s mutant X-Men (Homo Superior), or the new concept just introduced into Wolverine’s mythos that he’s an evolved wolf (Lupus Sapien). It’s fiction – it doesn’t have to fit known science, or preconceived ideas.
Perhaps the next jump in Wraith evolution will be to finally discover their humanity…but for now, I’m happy imagining them thinking, and behaving, like their tick-like ancestors. It makes everything else SO much better for me – their organic tech, and their snarly ways, and their gooey pod births…it all is so NOT human, and I love it! In my mind, I imagine the Wraith something like children, playing dress up. Like children, in their top hats and high heel shoes, pretending to be adults, the Wraith walk and talk and dress like humans, even though they can’t hide the fact that they are anything but. I guess that’s why I loved the Wraith in Condemned SO much…trying to be so human, so refined…and then…he drooled. LOL. Such a perfect reminder that he wasn’t human at all.
But we all see what we want, and like what we like. I just find the Wraith more interesting as evolved bugs, than as ruthless, green humans. I guess that’s the beauty of a show like this – it allows room for different interpretations of the characters, beyond what’s presented on the screen.
@ Ashley – Yeah – Todd is a surprising character. I was especially (and pleasantly) surprised by his recent behavior. I loved him in Common Ground, he was aggressive and brutal and unpredictable, with a streak of humor. He was very feral in that episode, and it’s one of the things that made me fall in love with him. His strength – his animalistic nature – and his ability to restrain that nature in order to achieve his goal. In S4 he changed, but it was a natural progression, going from someone full of confidence and decorum in The Seer, to a more subdued, almost ‘obedient’ character over the next few episodes while he was at the mercy of the humans, to a return to his confident self in Kindred, where he was once again on his own turf. In S5, he has just totally opened up – you just do not know what he’s going to do next – or say next. I love it! You know he has it in his blood to kill, without conscience, but at the same time you know he’s intelligent enough to weigh the pros and the cons before lashing out.
The question, of course, is whether or not his nature will override his common sense. In a small way I think this happened in FC/TLT, thus his ‘acknowledgement’ that he has some explaining to do by telling Keller it was a ‘long story’; his inability to look her in the eye suggested he felt some guilt over his rash actions, but he wasn’t in the mood to justify himself. It was a good moment, and I hope – once Joe gets done celebrating his big day – he finds it in his fuzzy little heart to give us his take on Todd’s relationship with Keller.
das
@Wraith Cake:
What exactly do you mean with “human beings”? For me the Wraith are “humanoid beings” but no “human beings” (what for me is equal to “humans”).
And their aggression…well, I don’t think the Wraith are aggressive because of their human heritage. They are aggressive because aggression is part of the evolution of every being (including plants). No living being will exist for a long time when it is not aggressive towards others.
Love the X-Men 😉
“I was especially (and pleasantly) surprised by his recent behavior.”
Yes, me too. At first it seemed rash. But after watching it again, the horror that these two ships have been obliterated was very real. I saw it coming when the camera showed the ships flying. But it was still completely shocking. Todd has no reason to believe it wasn’t them.
I agree about his gradual progression. He has developed very nicely and realistically.
“In a small way I think this happened in FC/TLT, thus his ‘acknowledgement’ that he has some explaining to do by telling Keller it was a ‘long story’; his inability to look her in the eye suggested he felt some guilt over his rash actions, but he wasn’t in the mood to justify himself. It was a good moment, and I hope – once Joe gets done celebrating his big day – he finds it in his fuzzy little heart to give us his take on Todd’s relationship with Keller.”
Well said. And I completely agree. I noticed the same things you did because while you closely watch Todd, I closely watch Keller. 😛 They were excellent scenes and I hope this is not the end of it.
Awesome Q & A! I love, love, love the fight sequences, must be in the blood but they are always my favorite part of the show and I tend to rewatch the really cool fight scenes over and over. Bam Bam does an excellent job with the fights and the actors do as well.
Please bring back Amelia Banks because I understand she teaches Martial Arts and really knows her stuff. She is one lady who can kick butt, but is also gorgeous doing it.