Late last year, before we’d even started the casting process, when all we had were those first few scripts and a general idea of where we wanted to go, there was one character that really stood out for me from among the many amazing characters Brad and Rob had created – a fascinating player with attitude and heaps of potential. That character was Camile Wray, the I.O.A. rep who finds herself stranded aboard Destiny, much to her horror and the chagrin of several military personnel stranded with her. I loved the character because she was fiercely independent, a force to be reckoned with, and a fiery wildcard in an extraordinarily volatile scenario.
Of course the character we imagine at the script stage is never quite the character we end up with on screen. Sometimes, they’re very close. Sometimes, they don’t live up to those lofty initial expectations. And, still other times, with the right person in the role, they far surpass that original incarnation. A great actor not only gives life to the attributes that so engaged you on the page, but adds layerings of depth and complexity that, in turn, open up a host of wonderful possibilities for both the character and the show in general. And that’s exactly what actress Ming-Na has accomplished in the role of Camile Wray.
From her breakout performance in The Joy Luck Club to her turn as Disney’s Mulan to her ten years as Dr. Jing-Mei Chen on the long-running hospital drama E.R., she has proven herself both immensely talented and incredibly commited to her craft. Off camera, she is an utter delight – sweet, upbeat, and very funny (After only his first day on set with her, my fellow producer Carl Binder declared himself a HUGE fan). Oh, and she’s gorgeous (as if you hadn’t noticed). And, for bonus points, she’s a big science fiction fan.
Yet another standout in an already exceptional cast.
Well, we’re in the home stretch. We’re shooting Subversion and prepping our final two episodes, Incursion I and II. Carl is in post, working on his producer edit of Pain. Today, we watched the Day 2 mix of Light with its finished visual effects. All I can say is: Wow! This one gets the award for Most Beautiful Episode. It’s full of lovely shots and SF eye candy. Kudos to Director Peter DeLuise and the Mark Savela’s VFX team. Oh, and we’ve also cast a couple of major roles for the season ender. One heavy hitter (a Boston Legal alum) flies up at the end of this week for a costume fitting – hopefully, pug in tow.
Hey, just got off the phone with Bob Picardo (aka Stargte’s Richard Woolsey). As some fans have pointed out, he and his lovely wife Linda are about to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, so I thought I’d give them a call. I’m pleased to report that between his film and television work and the many convention appearances, Bob is as busy as ever. Still, despite his hectic schedule, he’s planning to make time for the SGU season premiere next Friday night. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again (and again and again). The guy is a class act.
Ten days to the Stargate: Universe premiere! Tell your friends! And tell them to tell THEIR friends! Leave no fan behind!
“Ten days to the Stargate: Universe premiere! Tell your friends! And tell them to tell THEIR friends!”
Yo, dude. Advertising doesn’t come for free! What’s in it for me?? It better be something lean, mean and green, or I ain’t playing!!
😀
das
One heavy hitter (a Boston Legal alum) flies up at the end of this week for a costume fitting – hopefully, pug in tow. Dude. It better not be Shatner. He gives me the heebie jeebies! 🙁
Thanks for the pictures!!! I’ve loved Camille ever since that poll you ran. Wray is just too awesome of a name not to love! And that was even before I knew that Ming-Na was going to be playing her!!! (I’m a fan of her from MULAN!!!)
Hi Joe, thanks for the pics and hype on Universe. Ming Na has impressed me for years and I’m looking forward to seeing her shine in SGU.
@ Das: the actress in NCIS: LA was Linda Hunt. She’s been around for a while and is great in whatever she plays. Ask Carl B. She was the voice of Grandmother Willow in Pocahantas!
That’s all for now. The pillow calls. Nite!
Patty O
Ah, I have mixed feelings about Oct. 2nd. On one hand I have this massive project due in class that I still need to finish. On the other hand, of course, SGU premieres. On the bright side, working on the project may make time go faster.
A Boston Legal heavy hitter….
Ooh there are times I like the odd hint of a hint of a spoiler, but then there’s times I do not 😀 Eeeeee.
@dasNdanger Dude we get SGU!!! What else is their except for the ever so few sightings of Wrath?
Ming Na has always been one of my favorites. Boy can she act. Can’t wait to see her in SGU.
You teased us. Someone from Boston Legal?! That could be anyone. It has to be an actor who has a pug. Grrrr.
My son has asked me about a dozen times when SGU premieres. I keep telling him and he keeps forgetting.
Yay! Congrats to Bob Picardo (I *love* him! First adored him on Star Trek Voyager) and his wife.
I’ve got SGU marked on my calendar and I intend to tune in 🙂 Thanks for all the behind the scenes! (I’m excited too b/c I have a friend who *just* discovered SG-1 – her and I were Voyager fans back in the day – that’s how we became friends… she’s excited about SGU too LOL – says she can’t get enough Stargate!)
So how do you manage to snag so many genuinely nice, as well as talented actors” Ouiji board? Psychics? D20 die rolls? Let Jelly and Maximus sniff them and decide from their reactions? As the years and cons go by, it’s always enlightening to try and see how “real” an actor/actress is. Or at least if they are good enough to project a desired image and sell it. While I’ve not seen any of the Universe cast, I give high marks to all of the other SG related actors I’ve been lucky enough to see. And have the SGU actors been briefed on their new secondary career of convention hopping? Anyways, I will pass on word of the shows premiere, though partying will wait until a) the Atlantis movie and/or b) I’m hooked on Universe and put together a second season premiere party. Anyways, thanks for the daily update, as well as the Twitter pics of the pooches.
Well,
No fan left???
I live in Germany, I I feel left!
There’s no way to watch it in Germany. 🙁
No hulu.com, no syfy and no other tv channel 🙁
PLEASE HELP ME!
I wish I could watch the premiere! But unfortunately, I’ll be in class 🙁 I went to DB Bistro today and had the DB burger. Maybe my palate’s really bad, but I didn’t taste any truffles. 🙁
10 days? already?
My money is on James Spader…and Michael Shanks has been playing a con artist!
@ Sheryl & PattyO – Yeah, I meant LINDA Hunt. Sorry. Fever. (God, I LOVE blaming all my brain farts on this!) I know exactly who Linda Hunt is…I mean, I’ve seen Kindergarten Cop like a bazillion times! First thing I ever saw her in was The Year of Living Dangerously – she was amazing in that.
@ suziesbluefeather – See…I was hoping Joe would figger out a way to wrap up one of those green fellers and send him off to me in the mail. I’m sure he still has access. 😉
Now…to try to go back to bed. Just had a little power outage, and when the tv went off, I woke up. I hate when this happens, because I feel impelled to run around the house, reseting clocks, and stuff. Totally awake now. 😛
das
FINALLY! I’ve seen the SGU trailers on Sky 1 and yes it looks as awesome as I expected, can’t wait for the 6th October:)
Now I just have to retrieve the dog’s tea-towel collection and put it in the laundry…..again..what I want to know is how she got all of ’em?
Boston Legal alum!!!!! That’s my second favorite show after Stargate (all of them). Clues to who it is please!
I LOVE Ming Na!!
Anyone from Boston Legal works for me. I love the enitre cast, and show and the theme song is epic!
But now Im in uber-duber-loud, highly dangerous fan girl mode for SGU!!!!!! XD
The premiere is October 9th here so we have to wait longer. I shall now go and sit in front of my tv and wait 🙂
P.S I got my 5th Season of Atlantis muahahahahaha now I have them all.
“Leave no fan behind!”
Well, there’s one all things Stargate fan who’ll be left behind in Denmark.
If someone on SyFy could convince the Danish TV channel “6’eren” (who’s airing SG1+SGA) to take it on ASAP, I’ll be so happy. Else we’d have to wait, at least, a few years.
And as Joel (the German) there’s no Hulu, no SyFy, no chance to watch it online for me either.
Gah! I definitely feels left behind where amazing Sci-Fi are concerned…
Hey Joe,
Love the picture show and tell. Loved the one of Brian best…as always.
Still trying to stay on the positive side.
10 days. That is nice to think about.
Best to you Joe,
Cheryl 🙂
I’m excited because TV season is back!
Now my killer question. It’s a repost but i’ll rephrase it. Joe, what would you say to those who didnt watch SG1 or Atlantis (for whatever reason) to watch Universe?
What killer difference is there to change their mind?
To be honest it was when the announcement that Ming Na had been cast that I got really excited for SGU. I was always going to watch, but she is such a class act and fantastic actress that it thrilled me to hear the news.
Congrats to the Picardo’s on 25 years.
9 days now!!!
Huh… I never realized Ming Na was Mulan. And I love Mulan, it’s one of my favorite Disney movies (and I used to be a HUGE Disney nut).
I have to say…it was the casting of Ming Na that made me say, “As much as I love SGA and wish it was coming back another season, I will give SGU a try.” And the more I read about it, the more interested I became. So I will be there in 10 short days, excited as ever!
@sheryl, I am not hiding, at least I don’t think, maybe I could email the baron and he could give you my email or somehow get in touch, maybe, huh Baron.?
@das, I enjoyed NCIS also,but the new Ncis was at the same time as Warehouse 13 finale, so one of them got taped.
–Ready for Oct 2nd, counting down,vcr???/dvd set up as well, in case I miss anything. GO SGU!!!
Just finished reading Stranger in a Strange Land. Not bad, enjoyable reading. Picked up another by Heinlein/Spider Robinson, Variable Star, looks promising as well, any other suggestions by him that are good Joe?? Heinlein I mean. I know he passed away in 1988, but I see he wrote a large amount of books. thanks
Have a great day!
Ming Na was awesome in E.R. I’m rewatching it on TNT now. I’ve gotten to the episode where she is overworked and accidently kills a patient. She doesn’t look any older. What’s the deal with that? I look older but she definitely could still pass for mid twenties/early thirties! Not fair!!!!
As for Bob Picardo, he will always be “The Doctor” on Enterprise to me. He totally nailed that part! “Please state the nature of your medical emergency?”
Twenty five years of marriage is impressive. May they have many more years to celebrate!
Tam
Wow. Early. Lulu throw up in bed this morning?? 😉
das
More Ming Na pics!
YAY!
That’s it, I got nuttin’ this morning.
Coucou Joseph!
ça va ? Moi super, j’ai reçu ma saison 5 de stargate atlantis!!!! Trop contente!
Min Na est une actrice formidable, je suis impatiente de la voir à l’oeuvre dans sgu =)!!
Merci pour ces photos!! ça fait aussi trés plaisir d’avoir des new de Robert !!!
Je suis sur que le finale de la saison 1 sera génial!!!!
J-9 =P
Bisou Bisou
A bientôt.
@dasNdanger well christmas will be here soon enough so maybe?
I met Robert Picardo a few years ago, and he’s a very nice guy. Congratulations to him and his wife!
I think someone asked a few blogs ago if Syfy was advertising on any station other than Syfy about SGU. I am happy to report that while watching MSNBC last night during primetime, I saw what looked like a slightly new trailer (which I saw again run on Syfy today).
I have 3 different confirmations of friends who previously were not going to watch SGU who now will because my constant posting of SGU reviews and clips on Facebook has changed their mind.
P.S. I think the guy to the left of Brian was just on the season premiere episode of Heroes as Peter Petrelli’s paramedic partner. Don’t know his name though.
Me reovoila =)!! J’ai regarder les bonus de mes dvd ♥…et on vous voit!!!! =P
Dommage qu’il n’y ai pas de bloopers.
Dite j’ai une question, est ce vrai que beaucoup de personne qui parle anglais s’étrangle avec leur langue O_O lol c’est trop bizzard je trouve^^!
Bonne journée!
kisss
Joe….we’re planning a SGU Premiere Party and thought we would serve “themed” food and drinks. Do you have any suggestions that would tie into Universe?
Twitter and Facebook updated with premiere info.
I’ll let you know what you can do for me when the time comes.
Greetings Great Mallozzi,
I have just received the Non Prop Rock of Mallozzi from a special courier cleverly disguised as a U.S. postal carrier. As I opened the seemingly innocuous package, I was struck by the overwhelming responsibility I was about to shoulder to preserve and protect this unique relic. I am humbled to think that because my caption was chosen by Mallozzi’s acolyte Carl the Binder, I, myself, am now chosen to preserve the tangible reminder of the Great Mallozzi’s existence and power. Historically, only three of us have been chosen for such responsibilities–Harry Potter and his magic, pg15 and his flocking, and me and my rock. I am well aware that my life will change forever. I must deal with the petty envy and jealousy of weaker minds as well as the growing accolades and huzzahs of countless thousands of Mallozzi’s followers. Rest assured, however, that though I be bathed in unending admiration and celebration I will not forget to listen to that insistent inner voice warning me that all glory is fleeting. I remain your honored yet humble servant
JES (aka Steinkopf the Chosen)
P.S. I’m having far too much fun with this and I really do need to get a life. 🙂
@AIRELLE, Thanks for showing yourself!! I e-mailed Joe with my e-mail address and asked him to send it to you. If you don’t get it in a few days, Let me know on the blog and I will get it to you, as he may be uncomfortable doing this. We are trying for a FL. blog get together , maybe the last w/e in OCT.??? Trish, Deni ,and Kabra, I will get to you ALL.. Thanks , Joe for letting us use your blog!! Sheryl
@AIRELLE, what about a meetup in orlando on the last w/e in Oct.? TRISH? KABRA, DENI?? JOE??? Sheryl
JES – Congratulations on receiving your hard earned and long awaited prize, the great magical “rock of Binder” received from the benevolent Overlord Mallozi.
Not that it matters, but I hereby place dibs on the “DeLuise Sceptor of Power.”
A great actor not only gives life to the attributes that so engaged you on the page, but adds layerings of depth and complexity that, in turn, open up a host of wonderful possibilities for both the character and the show in general.
This is the best description of collaborative art (which, ultimately, all art is) I’ve ever read. We build upon the past.
Waiting, with anticipation, for the premiere.
Hey Joe. Where did you study for your Marketing degree?
Jes: Thanks for the laughs!
Tam
@all the Florida gals: I’m good with the last weekend in October, but let’s all let Shery know ASAP.
@Trish: Called you, got your machine, so call me back. Can’t find your email address anywhere!
Hiya Joey!
@JES
Taking care of a rock may seem pretty straightforward, but there are perils. What do you do if someone puts an identical rock next to it? Which one was yours? See? Not so simple.
With the announcement from http://www.propstore.com/stargate.htm>http://www.propstore that props from SG1 and Atlantis will be going up for sale, how does this impact future movies (in other words, can you reassure fans there will be something left to film with!) 😉
Hmm – Boston Legal alum, dog owner….. there’s two I can find — Candice Bergin, seems unlikely, and Christian Clemenson.
Heya, Joe…
I’m working on getting the Benbo on board for SGU (although most of the guys over there hate me…lol). So far several have said they’re planning on tuning in, including at least one who’s never watched Stargate before. And these guys fall into the demo that the show’s aiming for – young and male.
Now. Send me Todd. 😀
das
I tried to research but couldn’t find the pug owner. Heavy-hitter suggests Shatner, Spader or Bergen. However you have in the past praised Mark Valley & Christian Clemenson. I think you said you’d love to have them on the show. Of course Rene Auberjenois has been on Stargate before. Hmmm……..nah I’m still stumped.
Cheers, Chev
Oh my.
Yes, Ming Na is indeed GORGEOUS. She’s so fun and bubbly too! You should see her tweets, Joe…ok, that came out sounding really wrong. You should visit her twitter account, Joe! It’s like she’s the embodiment of happiness. It’s great!
Speaking of Twitter, I’ve started putting “#SGU” at the end of every one of my tweets, even those completely unrelated to the show (which, relative to those that does relate to the show, is clearly much, much less important); hopefully, if enough people do this, we can make SGU a trending topic, thereby spreading awareness of the show! Hey, maybe you can tell the doggies to do the same!
@ das:
.
Why do I get a feeling that you’re NOT talking about money? 😉
@ JES: Yes. YEEEES. I see that you now feel the POWAH of the holy objects sent forth from the Hallowed Halls of Bridge Studios by Sir Joe of Mallozzi. Treasure it; guard it; protect it; it is your duty from now until your death, at which point the obligation shall be passed onto your children. SO SAY WE ALL.
Oh wait, wrong show. 😉
Oops, sorry I sent this twice, Joe. Feel free to delete the first, incomplete one, as well as this one, which explainings it.
With regard to the NFL thing I love the 49ers. The first game I saw was on Saturday morning TV in Australia while I was having breakfast. It was the famous 1982 49er v Cowboys NFC Championship game with “the catch”. I started following the 49ers as they seemed like the underdogs and couldn’t believe the last 2 minutes. I was hooked and have followed them ever since.
Teams I don’t really like include: Rams, Vikings, Packers, Bears. Most likely for silly reasons like those cheese hats and these teams beat us at critical times.
Cheers, Chev
Any chance we can get a picture of the foie gras protesters next time you see them? I don’t know why, but I just find the thought very amusing. Also, though not quite as good as Better Off Dead, One Crazy Summer is another John Cussack classic on my guilty pleasure list. Then again, Real Genius and Gone In 60 Seconds (the Nic Cage version) is also on that list, so that doesn’t say much about my taste.
IT’S ALIIIIIIIVE!!
😀
das
Or, just let all three through. That’s cool too. 😛
How’s your Mom? Has she had her knee operation yet? The blog family is keepin’ her in their prayers, for good docs, a great op., and a fantastic and speedy recovery.
Oh…it can’t be Shatner, can it?
No way.
That’s be…pretty funny. ‘Course Spader would be a funny turn on the show too, I guess.
Looking forward to 10/2, I’m considering a party.