So, things are progressing nicely on all project fronts.
A.K.A.: We’re working with Thunderbird Films, developing this one for Bell Media. Paul is presently doing a pass on the pilot script while I work on the series overview. We have our notes call on the script for episode #2 tomorrow which will give us plenty of time to input any changes and deliver the entire package (both scripts and the overview) late next week. Hopefully. I hear that the broadcaster will be making decisions in the month of February so, thankfully, we’ll have our answer soon enough. Also in contention for a series order are projects by Robert Cooper (Soul Hunter, a super fun show along the lines of a sexier, darker Buffy) and Mark Savela (Echoes, an Earth-based, alien-influenced SF extravaganza with our friend Carl Binder at the creative helm).
The Southern Gothic pilot: We’ve finished a first draft and it’s in Tara’s hands for now. Once my schedule frees up, probably the week after next, I’ll look to shave five pages from the draft and do a “southern dialogue” polish.
That horror script: Alex and I talked through the story and agreed that I would start writing while he concentrated on Orphan Black. The plan was to get him 30 pages in February when he would finally have the time to commit to the project. Then, 30 pages become 40. Then 50. Then 60. The further along I got, the more pieces came together and, by the end, I was on a roll. On Monday, I completed a first draft of the script that, at 83 pages, is admittedly patchy at points, but I think a very promising start. Some of the scenes I envisioned kept me up nights, so that’s probably a good sign.
That SF pitch: Late in 2013, we were in Toronto pitching broadcasters a series based on a novel by a popular SF writer. In February, we take our show back on the road, this time to L.A.
That Super Secret Project: This one promised to be a lot of fun and things were coming together nicely…until some lawyers got involved at which point things ground to a halt. It’s too bad. I know it would have been something you all would’ve enjoyed.
Continuing our tour of the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2014!
Round #4…
Kiss ‘N Tell: Kissed by the sun, some things are meant to go together, just like orange and chocolate. Served with a candied orange peel chocolate creation.
Available at: Gem Chocolates 2029 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver.
The drinking chocolate here was lighter in comparison to some of the other places we tried and the orange flavor very subtle. The candied orange peel that accompanied the hot chocolate, on the other hand, was bursting with concentrated orange flavor.
Like Feathers & Snow: White Chocolate with warm spices. Served with a cardamom cookie.
Available at: Beaucoup Bakery 2150 Fir Street (in Kitsilano)
A nice, flavorful, fulsome cup that married to perfection the sweetness of the white chocolate with the redolence of the spices. The ideal hot chocolate for those stay-in-out-of-the-cold conditions.
The Verdict: Both were nice sipping chocolates but given the choice I’d go back for the…
Winner: Like Feathers & Snow (Beaucoup Bakery).
Round #5…
Five Spice Dragon: To sip on while taking in all Chinatown has to offer – five spice flavoured hot chocolate. Served with a Fennel Fortune Cookie.
Available at: Soirette Macarons & Tea 1433 West Pender Street, Vancouver. (Coal Harbour)
Going in, I wasn’t at all sure about the chocolate and five spice combo. And, after having it, I’m still unconvinced. The actual chocolate base was very nice.
Trio of Chocolate: The base of this hot chocolate is 66% Mokaya chocolate by Michel Cluizel. Served with a disk of 45% Kayambe milk chocolate and white chocolate ice cream.
Available at: Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe 1059 Alberni Street
http://www.thierrychocolates.com/
So here’s how it’s supposed to work. You’re served the white chocolate ice cream in the cup topped by a chocolate lid. The hot chocolate is served separately for you to pour through the opening in the chocolate lid (see it pictured above). For some reason, my order was served with the hot chocolate already in the cup so that, by the time I reached the table, then went back and got a spoon they forgot to give me, the ice cream was mostly melted. Despite this annoying oversight, this was probably the best hot chocolate I’ve had so far. Decadently indulgent.
Verdict: Alas, despite the service lapse, this one wasn’t even close.
Winner: Trio of Chocolate (Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe).
12 down, about 48 to go!
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