Heard word back on the Stargate Atlantis movie script from two fronts – creative and business – and both responses were overwhelmingly positive. Some confusion (not surprised given the complexity of the story), so we’ll make a point to streamline and clarify in the next draft. Some great preliminary notes from Carl who missed two reunion scenes (looking over the script, I tend to agree) and likes the idea of including a quiet scene for “these two characters”, even going so far as to pitch out a version I liked a lot. Also received a casting suggestion that would turf the unknown Koenig in favor of someone a little more familiar. Discussions on the brass tacks of the production upcoming in June and with it, I’m hoping, finally, production dates.
Today, I took about an hour to jot down my ideas for that SF show we’ll (hopefully) be dong as a comic book series: our theme, moral conflict, major arcs, character breakdowns, and even how I envision the series, and our characters, ending. We’ll be pitching our vision later this week and I’m feeling very good about the project itself and its chances for success.
Back in the jungles of Stage 1 tomorrow…
Today’s entry is dedicated to birthday gal Chevron 7.
Mailbag:
Goliath writes: “So Marty G. is writing more episodes of SGU than you? I thought you were the staff writer? Is he technically a “freelancer” now? I don’t understand all the differences here.”
Answer: When all is said and done, Martin and I will end up writing the same number of scripts: 2. Before the season kicked off, we all gathered together and spun the first ten(ish episodes). He landed an early episode. I landed a later episode. Since his episode was earlier in the schedule, he got his in first and, as a result, was given a story idea that Exec. Producer Rob Cooper had pitched out. I finished my episode, Space, which was much later in the schedule, then switched gears to work on the Stargate Atlantis movie. With that done, I spent some time pitching out some ideas that didn’t really go anywhere but it looks like I’ll be writing episode 19 that Exec. Producer Brad Wright had a terrific idea for the other day.
PG15 also writes: “So, theoretically I can hire an agent, try to get invited to a pitch as an innocent freelancer, be successful at getting invited (somehow), receive all the up-to-date info on SGU, leave the country to hide from the authorities, and then spread the info across the Internet at my undisclosed, foreign location?”
Answer: Theoretically, yes.
PG15 also writes: “Your answer to my second question aides me on my quest to piece together Season 1 of SGU; it is a great quest, full of peril, danger, and inconvenience. […]
Anyways, everything up to “Faith”, 113, seems clear cut except for the maelstrom that is Fire vs. Water vs. new episode. […] But wait! There’s more! You said that Peter DeLuise was directing Darkness and Light! But the only episode he directed this year, so far, was Fire! […] In addition, one of the actors recently twittered that they were shooting some extra scenes (or the last scenes) for…wait for it…FIYAH!! […] Episode 13 is Faith, episode 14 is unknown, and episode 15 belongs to Marty G. You just denied Darkness being episodes 16 nor 17, which means that Darkness can only be episodes 18, 19, or 20, while Light can be those episodes, as well as episode 17. […] Thus, only one thing makes sense:
Fire, being so over the time limit, was split into 2 episodes. Those 2 episodes were renamed Darkness and Light.
Question: Am I right?”
Answer: Yes, you are. Congratulations, Columbo.
StellaByStargate writes: “I’ve noticed when deleted scenes are included on a DVD that they are often low in visual quality. While I understand why visual and sound effects may be missing, I’m always baffled by the grainy and dark quality of the scenes, as I assume they were shot with the intention of being included in the episode/movie.”
Answer: True but deleted scenes are rarely completed. They usually aren’t color-corrected and the visual effects are incomplete.
Airelle writes: “When you go to Fuel, (you) do you make a reservation, or can they usually seat you.?”
Answer: I call ahead and play it safe. When Martin comes back in June, we’ll definitely call ahead. As Martin pointed out, he wants to give the gang as much time as possible to prepare.
Rose writes: “- will there be a romantic scene for teyla and john in the movie?
– will there be scenes on earth and in US-towns?”
Answers: 1. As I responded to similar questions in the past, it’s very tough to have a romantic scene with John and Teyla so long as Kanaan is around. Are you suggesting he watch the baby while his wife goes out on a date? Maybe they’re Athosian swingers?
2. There will be scenes on Earth.
JoanieC writes: “ For instance when you are writing ( script/story) do you know the ending before you write the beginning?”
Answer: Always. Here at Stargate, we have the entire episode mapped out (outlines detailing each scene and beats within each scene) before we sit down to write the script. All of the writers take part in the “breaking” of each episode. In the case of the short story I just finished, I knew what the general story would be, I knew the opening scene, and I knew the final scene – it was just a matter of winding my way toward that final goal. Along the way, the pieces fell into place.
Trekkiegirlt writes: “One re-occuring theme that I don’t know how to take: Justin Timberlake.”
Answer: Lulu finds him “dreamy”.
Deeinsouthafrica writes: “Somehow I knew that Kris was going to get the title – Cute ex-missionary type vs. a sexual enigma from Hollywood wearing eyeliner?”
Answer: Yep, I saw it coming as well. Even though Adam was the significantly better singer.
Major D. Davis writes: “If O’neill died in one of the loops in the episode of Window Of Opportunity, what would happen? When the loop started again would he come back to life?”
Answer: Yep.
Thornyrose writes: “The links are appreciated, and I can hardly wait for Tuesday’s posting. Figure you’ll slide in a predone book review Monday, and then let us know how your experience was at the musical. Do have fun…”
Answer: Don’t hold your breath! We’re not going to see the show until some time in June.
Sarah Lee writes: “It’s my 20th birthday tomorrow! Can you give a shout out on your blog please?”
Answer: Sure thing. Just remind me tomorrow.
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