Another day, another story. This episode, like episodes #7, 9, 10, and 11, was envisioned as a tough one that would take a couple of days to break. But, like episodes #7, 9, 10, and 11, we ended up breaking it over the course of a single day. And that leaves us with one final story remaining: episode 13, the big season finale. As we were heading out to our cars this afternoon, one writer remarked that this one probably WOULD take us a couple of days due to its complex plot. Maybe. But, then again, maybe not. I have the tease, tag, all five act breaks, and the major moves in my head. In fact, I’ve had them in my head for over a year now. After writing the pilot, THIS was the episode my mind automatically went to whenever I imagined getting the green light on the series. The big closer, the Holy Sh*t! season finale that will trigger the colossal fan forum meltdown after its eventual airing. As my buddy would say: “It’s gonna be bananas!”
Alas, as you may have noticed, there was no official announcement at Comic Con. Apparently, they’re still crossing the last t’s, dotting the final i’s, and executing the finishing squiggly flourishes that accompany most official-looking signatures. So…soon. Soon.
In the meantime, it’s full speed ahead. I’d like to see a revised pilot and first drafts of episodes #2, 3, and 4 by end of August, first drafts of episodes #5, 6, and 7 by end of September, and first drafts of #8, 9, and 10 by the time I touch down in Toronto in early November. We’ve already generated a list of potential directors while, internally, we’ve started talking about casting. We’ve got quite a few colorful roles to cast and finding the right people isn’t going to be easy – but we do have a few familiar faces we’d like to bring in for an audition. Or two. Ultimately, we’ll be looking for actors who are not only good, but good to work with. And we know a few. 🙂
Damn, I’m going to miss going into the office to spin stories. I’d like to say it’s been hard and rewarding work but, the truth is, it’s simply been a hell of a lot of fun.
We HAVE to do this again. Next season!
Perhaps they’ll break the news at the other Comic Con, the Salt Lake one in September, which is being sued by the San Diego one. Buwahahaha, we have the Californians running scared.
And way to go!
This all sounds so exciting, Joe – I can’t wait to see the results. It’s been a while since we’ve seen space based sci-fi, and I’ve got quite a hankerin’!
The one person I would LOVE to see in the show is David Hewlett – not sure if he’s available right now, but it sure would get a lot of old SG fans watching. Oh, and that he’s awesome doesn’t hurt, either. Oh, and where’s Amanda Tapping lately, anyways?
Been working some today on putting together music for my step-mom’s memorial and pretty much have it together. It’s a nice mix (I think) of everything from ’30’s stuff up to present day – all pretty upbeat, which is what she would want.
I was quite annoyed on getting home from my trip and reading the on-line obituary condolences page though. My sister (who, among a bunch of other things, totally resented the support I gave my step-mom) posted a rather subtle but obnoxious “condolence”, directed straight at me. (second one down: http://www.fundyfuneralhome.com/obits/obituary.php?id=605482, the implication being that I don’t care about my own family, when it’s quite the other way around) Sometimes, you gotta just breathe deeply and walk away. I think I will call to see if I can get it deleted though.
Hey Joe
One director I hope is on your list is Amanda Tapping. You might have heard of her… As for cast, if it’s Dark Matter, I’ve got a few suggestions though a couple have been picked up for other shows since I read the comics.
And once you’ve set up shop here in Toronto, let me know if you’re in the market for anything engraved. Signs, name plates, ID tags or engraved props you name it we can do it. We’ve got manual and computer engravers as well as laser engravers. All done on a wide variety of substrates.
Elminster
gforce: So sorry about your step mom AND your sister. Sending big {{hugs}} to you.
Oh and it’s great the writing is going so well, Mr. M.! Love the picture of Jelly. Give the pups a squeeze from me please.
gforce – it takes all kinds and the best advise, you have just given to yourself.
Just remember to breathe!
Hang in there.
JOE – YAY more and more progress. this is a very very good thing.
Like your analogy.
I say a day or so ago a “the Guardian” article on the 10 top weirdest toys at Comic-con.
Oh, just back from Bangkok. One of the new movies which billboards you see all over called “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Now I now where the prop. guns from the Ep. “Forsaken” went to.
Hi Joe
Great news on the project’s creative bustle…what a buzz!
All writers who have worked together before, and so all happening fast – what exactly is in that chocolate you dish out to the team? Send some!
The first draft schedule seems way long compared to the zippiness of the story breaking. Can the chocolate do the trick then, too, when everybody is then working on their own…and then editing others’ pieces…and re-drafting theirs, etc.
Is it good or bad to finish too early in series?
Will you be doing the same steps in overall story development, editing, and multi-coloured pages, etc, as you previously described for SGU (etc)? Is that the norm – or your norm, tried and tested. Without yummy chocolate?!
It’s Silly O’Clock at the moment over here in UK, but I get a buzz from reading about your writing. Long may the descriptions, and explanations (and perhaps snippets of inspiring detail) flow!
best,
PJR
(p.s. – a polish on my own serial thriller just went up on Amazon. I do like these multi-arc branded tales! Now, I’m about to tweak the blurb..and then there are all my other darlings projects to write next – first drafts. For now, though, there’s <>
I’d love to see someone from Stargate get cast in your show, and one Mr. D. Hewlett recently moved to Toronto. Not that I’m requesting, ’cause I remember you don’t take requests. 🙂
I’m just hoping whatever this show is, it has some great female and POC characters. After all, I know the writing will be great.
That said, can you send some of your motivation my way? My dissertation sure could use some of your crew’s speed! 🙂
I agree with @ELMINSTER, AMANDA would be great to have around. But, would She give up WEST COAST living for TORONTO..?
I’m gettin’ too old for ‘Holy Sh*t! season finales’. 😛
das
Hi Joe:
I have a request…or rather, a suggestion. When you start casting, How about bringing the Big Bad – Ba’al back. You don’t need to call him Ba’al, of course. That would, therefore, require Cliff Simon to be bad all over again. As long as he is either a regular or recurring character, that is. Sounds good, right? Right?
Which program is these episodes for?
I have to say I’m looking forward to this show.
@Tam Dixon & Sylvia – Thanks!
G’day
@ gforce – So very sorry for the loss of your stepMum.
Other family members can be quite nasty. Your sister was the one who missed out on having a realtionship with Martha..Sounds like you bonded very well with Martha over your Dad’s marriage to her. Just know you did what was right for yourself and Martha
Goooooooooooooooo the writing team..Chocolate is a super food..
And Jelly could teach us all a thing or two about how to relaxxxx.. Hope your day was productive and fun.
@GForce Family sucks sometimes. I didn’t see the message so I hope you were able to get it removed.