The finish line is within sight!  In two mere days, we premiere and you, the fans, will finally be able to see what all the buzz is about.  Until then,  keep telling anyone and everyone, peruse those online reviews (like this one  http://scifi.about.com/b/2009/09/30/the-new-season-so-far.htm or this one  http://www.tvovermind.com/stargate-universe/review-stargate-universe-a-stargate-for-the-rest-of-us/10400), and check out today’s chock full o’ pics entry:

Hey, look who it is!  It's the ever-affable Carl Binder having a blast on Stage 2.
Hey, look who it is! It's the ever-affable Carl Binder having a blast on Stage 2.
Carl is on hand to lend Special Features Producer - and, on this day, kino sequence Director Ivon Bartok some much-appreciated support.
Carl is on hand to lend Special Features Producer - and, on this day, kino sequence Director Ivon Bartok some much-appreciated support.
Best of buddies!
Best of buddies!
Greg Fox all strapped in and ready to go!
Greg Fox all strapped in and ready to go!
Director of Photography Jim Menard's illuminating presence.
Director of Photography Jim Menard's illuminating presence.
Okay, down to business.  They pretend to watch the scene being shot but are actually checking out last week's episode of Vampire Diaries.
Okay, down to business. They pretend to watch the scene being shot but are actually checking out last week's episode of Vampire Diaries.
A break in the on-set action.
A break in the on-set action.
David Blue snaps me snapping him.
David Blue snaps me snapping him.

They're having way too much fun.  This is a place of work, people!
They're having way too much fun. This is a place of work, people!

Ivon shows up to give them a firm talking to.
Ivon shows up to give them a firm talking to.
Brian J. Smith thinking about all the wonderful fans who took the time to check out his Q&A (see last issue, ed.)
Brian J. Smith thinking about all the wonderful fans who took the time to check out his Q&A (see last issue, ed.)
Jennifer Spence (SGU's Lisa Park) and Peter Kelamis (SGU's Adam Brody).
Jennifer Spence (SGU's Lisa Park) and Peter Kelamis (SGU's Adam Brody).
The new James Bond?  I think so.  The dashing Patrick Gilmore (SGU's Dale Volker).
The new James Bond? I think so. The dashing Patrick Gilmore (SGU's Dale Volker).
Brian J. Smith (SGU's Lieutenant Matthew Scott) shows off his crossfit form.
Brian J. Smith (SGU's Lieutenant Matthew Scott) shows off his crossfit form.
Seriously, what did I just say about having too much fun?!
Seriously, what did I just say about having too much fun?!
Back to work.  They shoot the scene.
Back to work. They shoot the scene.
Carl loves it!
Carl loves it!
Every 16 hours or so, the actors are permitted to leave the soundstage and take in some of the marvelous Vancouver weather.  Five minutes of freedom - then back to work.  This next scene aint gonna shoot itself!
Every 16 hours or so, the actors are permitted to leave the soundstage and take in some of the marvelous Vancouver weather. Five minutes of freedom - then back to work. This next scene aint gonna shoot itself!

Rounding out my salute to the cast of Stargate: Universe, I’d like to make special mention of screen veteran and all-around class act Robert Carlyle.  When I first heard he was going to be playing the part of Dr. Rush, I was, of course, thrilled…and very curious.  What would it be like working with such a well-established and accomplished actor?  Well, eight months in, I can honestly say that it’s been an utter joy.  I needn’t tell you how incredibly talented he is – but I’ll tell you anyway.  He IS incredibly talented, time and again blowing the doors out with his consistently dynamic, wholly engaging performances.   Simply put, the guy is immense fun to watch!  And for those of you wondering what he’s like when he’s not acting his heart out, allow me to break it down for you: humble, gracious, genial, soft-spoken, and VERY charming.  About as un-Hollywood as you can get.

Lieutenant Scott (Brian J. Smith), Dr. Rush (Robert Carlyle), and Eli Wallace (David Blue).  Photo courtesy and copyright MGM Television.
Lieutenant Scott (Brian J. Smith), Dr. Rush (Robert Carlyle), and Eli Wallace (David Blue). Photo courtesy and copyright MGM Television.

Yes, we’re extremely fortunate to have assembled a truly stellar cast, all of them not only great performers, but great people as well.

33 thoughts on “September 30, 2009: Only Two Days to the Stargate: Universe Premiere! Robert Carlyle! An On (and Off) Set Photo Journal Entry!

  1. Heya Joe,
    THANKS very much for the wonderful and exquisite photo tour ride you are giving us as we approach the premier.
    Counting the days and hours….

    And, yesterday’s Q&A by Brian J Smith blew my socks off as his answers are grounded and sincere – wow, GREAT stuff!
    As someone else mentioned, he does his family proud.

    Oh, and Carl should be in the movies!

  2. Oh goodness, those are some beautiful people, there!!! Looks like they’re all having a BLAST!!!!

    (Seriously, if it weren’t for the 12+ hour workdays, it seems like acting would be an ideal job choice! You get to pretend to be something you’re not, never have to think of what to say [at least when you’re working with scripted stuff], and you actually get PAID to do it! Too bad the hours are so long and it requires talent…)

    TWOOOO DAYSSSS!!!

  3. I will not be able to watch the premier for I am in the Middle east my tour finishes in november.

  4. I was idly considering hitting up VCON this weekend, but it seems silly to go without seeing if Stargate will have anyone attending I should check in with. Any idea if someone will be there?

  5. Hey Joe,

    Just a quick note to say that anyone who enjoyed the BOTM selection The Traveler by John Twelve Hawks, that his 3rd book, The Golden City, is now available.

    Just downloaded it from the Sony Store. Looking forward to reading it. Just finished up the 11th Dresden Files book last night so perfect timing.

    Hope the premiere goes well.
    Take care.

    PS: Husband says Joan has a lot to answer for with how addicted I am to reading now. Said in jest of course. Well, mostly. He’s worried the Reader and I may now qualify as a de facto relationship. I say “Thanks” 🙂

  6. How I would love to be a fly on one of those walls!! My Calendar messaged me as I logged on tonight to say SGU will be released over there tomorrow! Well I am in Australia….Can’t wait to see it!

    Thanks for the prayers @Tammy Dixon!

    All the prayers and hopes for my mate appear to have worked. Even though my friends family lives in one of the worst effected areas near Lolamanu, Samoa they have all (15 of them) managed to survive!! Amazing!! Unfortunately a few of her close friends didn’t 🙁 Tragic….

  7. “If it’s successful do you think it could restart Stargate Atlantis?
    “No – that’s done, I can tell you one thousand percent!”

    Any comment on the above statement by Robert Carlyle. How can he be so certain that SGA is done when fans keep getting told that a movie may still be made. I find the above statement totally out of order but it has also confirmed what I’ve always suspected, Atlantis is dead and gone. Its almost like the SGA characters never existed!!

  8. Hey Joe,

    I love show and tell. What a treat you prepared today. They are all such wonderful pictures. A peek into your world. I guess it is weird that we never see you. I guess you really are behind the camera.

    Two days…somehow seems forever still. I was so excited to record it and watch it many times over. Booooo, the DVR here is just a player and not really a DVR. So, I am upset that I can’t record. Watch it once. Does any true fan of Stargate EVER watch once. Boooooo.

    Okay, pictures are good, they stick around. I’m still thinking of which are my favorites. Remind us again how much time we have to think about it.

    Best to you Joe,
    Cheryl 🙂

  9. Maybe its because I’m a more internet active person this time around, or maybe its because I’ve been with this side of SGU “since the beginning”, but there’s something about the staggering amount of interaction between you guys making Universe, and us guys waiting anxiously to watch it that just feels more intimate than I’ve experienced with any other television show.

    I don’t want to overstep myself and say that I feel like I’m “part of it”, but I certainly feel much more involved and engaged. It feels less like this is a show that I’m going to fall in love with, and more like its a project you guys are putting together for me; its more personal. I feel protective of it; anxious for its success tomorrow; determined to ensure that as many people as possible watch, enjoy, and get hooked like I already know I will.

    I just wanted to express my immense gratitude for all the photos, the insights, the questions answered, the glimpses provided, and everything else on this blog, on Twitter, and everywhere else. If the reality is anything like what we’ve seen, then I seriously hope that you guys earn the success and the critical acclaim that you so clearly deserve for this.

    That’s either incredibly profound, or incredibly creepy. >_<

    SGU: best birthday present ever!

  10. Ooooh, lots more great pics and funny/droll captions — great way to start a day. Also, thanks for the featurette on Robert Carlyle. I’m really looking forward to seeing his take on an obsessed, possibly semi-maniacal scientist.

    Yes, these people are having way too much fun on a jobsite. My goal is to follow their example as closely as possible.

    Thanks! Gotta run now (literally).

  11. Hey Mr. Mallozzi,

    This is my first time posting a comment on your blog, even though I’ve been enjoying your cheeky sneak peaks into behind the scenes stargate action for quite some time now. I’ve got a question for your mailbag:

    Have you found the abundant negativity from much of the stargate fanbase towards SG:U disheartening, or in any way a distraction to your “producering” duties?

    It continues to amaze me how “fans” of the franchise complain about the development of a new show thats primary goal is to ensure said franchise lives a healthy broadcastable life! I couldn’t be more excited for the Universe premiere (although I’ll have to wait until October 6th for its Sky1 UK debut). As an aspiring student actor, it’s always a pleasure to see a strong ensemble cast come together, and you guys really pulled out all the stops for SG:U. I’m a big fan of Robert Caryle, and I can’t wait to see the other cast members strut their stuff and show what they’re made of.

    Cheers, all the best,

    Jon

  12. One thing seems certain. The Stargate sets are a pleasant working envirement. Of course, you Do get to pick and choose what we see; but it’s always great to see people who enjoy not only the pay but the actual work they do. Thanks for sharing the pics, and the captions, with us. Though speaking of pics, when are the pooches going to post another on their Twitter account? I know, I know, ungrateful fans are never satisfied with what they already have. It’s just that you’ve so spoiled us…

  13. I have liked every second of Robert Carlyle that I have seen in all of the promos and trailers.

    It can already be seen that he is going to bring
    a ton of talent to his performances on/in SGU.
    …probably just perfect for the type of character
    that he is going to be playing on the show.

    Carlyle’s talents were never in question when
    he was cast…he has a proven track record
    for delivering on just about any and all levels.

    It’s so many of the “young guns” that I really
    have my eye on….and there are quite a number
    of new faces involved in the production.

    I am sure that all through the casting process that
    their various talents were screened, tested and
    tested…again and again.
    My hope is that everyone is as solid as the next
    and that there won’t be any sort of obvious
    “weaknesses” in the younger less experienced
    cast members.

    …..but it is interesting to note that the SGU storyline
    kind of seems to be of some help in regards to
    the “growth” that we can be expecting to see
    from all of the younger faces…from the very
    first episodes to the last.

    I hope that this new Stargate show turns out to be as successful as all of the other Stargate shows have been.
    I am looking forward to tuning in each week to watch
    this new show for many many seasons.

    The path has been set….let the adventures begin.

  14. Hi Mr M!

    Great snaps! Many thanks.
    Twitter is alight with SGU! It’sgreat.

    We will get to see it here next Tuesday…So if regulars could put “Spoiler” Tags or the like around details, I (for one) would be most appreciative. Otherwise I’ll have to steer clear of the blog for a couple of days.

    My thanks (in advance) to all the team/cast and crew who helped put this together. It has been a singular joy to “hear” a lot of the day to day stuff from both yourself Mr M and the cast and crew via Twitter. Certainly it has given me an even deeper appreciation of the creative process.

    Best to all at the The Bridge!

    S’n’T

    PS: The pressie is in the post to get to you for the b’day!!

  15. Hi Joe I’m back. 2 more days!!! And i’m having my friends over for the premier. Yay!!!! My regular status is now resumed since I’m back from my trips. Anyone miss me???

    Thanks so much,
    Major D. Davis

  16. Thanks once again for the great pics, Joe. It is Thursday am for me so it’s only a day-and-a-half to go to finally watch the premiere of SGU. I am anxiously waiting to see what Robert Carlyle brings to this show. I’m sure it will be intriguing to watch him. The rest of the cast looks so great as well – can’t wait until tomorrow. Cheers.

  17. “The finish line is within sight!” Odd way to put it. It STARTS on Friday, it doesn’t end. 😉

  18. Me voila!!!! Oulalala j’ai eu peur car hier nous n’avions plus internet O_O heureusement le dieux Stargate à entendu mes priéres et tout est rentré dans l’ordre, je suis fin prête pour demain soir =)!!

    Ahhh c’est génial, je vois que Brian à répondu à une de mes questions hier ♥ ça me touche beaucoup, qu”il ai accépter de répondre a un question qui était en français =)

    Merci pour ces photos!

    H -22 et 54min

    =P*

    Bisou, bonne journée!

  19. “If it’s successful do you think it could restart Stargate Atlantis?
    “No – that’s done, I can tell you one thousand percent!”

    Any comment on the above statement by Robert Carlyle. How can he be so certain that SGA is done when fans keep getting told that a movie may still be made. I find the above statement totally out of order but it has also confirmed what I’ve always suspected, Atlantis is dead and gone. Its almost like the SGA characters never existed!!

    Sorry Joe but I agree with Christine. Being a fan SGA is a very disheartening thing. Not only did Robert Carlyle tell us that our show is well and truly dead but Brad Wright said that TV has out grown such shows as SG-1 and SGA in an article he did for Glen Schaefer.

    http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/reelman/archive/2009/09/28/at-stargate-s-helm.aspx

    Sad indeed that the show I loved for five years is so carelessly tossed aside for something supposedly better and more polished. I don’t want drama I want humor and light entertainment that’s what drew me to Stargate in the first place.

  20. I know its too soon, but was wondering what you thought of the idea of spliting SGU season one DVD release into 2 volumes similar to BSG? It is an unconfirmed rumor, but reaction so far has NOT been positive. I think as long the extra cash I pay for 2 vol. instead of one goes back into the franchse….I don’t have a problem with it.

  21. Me revoila, j’ai regarder les heures de diffusions de sgu demain et elle est à 9h00 du soir. Mais ce qui me pose probléme ce sont les décalages horraires….

    Car quand vous dites 9h00, comment vous faites pour les passer toujours à la même heure dans chaque fuseaux horraire?

    Lol, je ne sais toujour pas sur quel fuseaux horaie est ma video live de la chaine, àtout les coups je vais devoir veiller toute la nuit^^!

    Bisou!

  22. Ok anyone else think that the character of Volker kinda looks like the character of Patrick Jane from The Mentalist. Same style of clothing and curly blondish hair.

  23. Joe, please tell my husband Graham to stop being boring and to watch SGU with me on Friday night.
    (L.N.H.B. = Leave no hubby behind)

  24. So many pretty people… can’t wait.

    @Liuz. Stay safe, and thanks for serving. Drop me a note if you’d like a care package sent your way, I know how to do the FPO/APO thing.

  25. If you wanted the SG1 and SGA fans on board for SGU someone should have censored Carlyle’s comments. I can’t believe that on the eve of the ‘big event’ that this type of ‘crap’ is said by a lead of the show that is going to ‘save us all’. Let’s not forget that without SG1, SGA would not exist, and without SGA bridging the gap for the ‘right time’ and enough money for BW’s baby, SGU would not exist. I think that BW and his little group need to do some PR work here. And the SGA fans are in need of some truth.

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