While newly minted Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok was staying cosy on our nice warm sets, I was trekking to the frosty hinterlands of Hamilton to scout farmhouse locations for our upcoming episodes. Given the fact that I’d be braving the wilderness, I dressed in what I thought was appropriate fashion – jeans, sweater, winter boots and coat – so that I could be prepared for any and all eventualities (ie. wolves, renegade steers, crazed locals, etc.). Unfortunately, I clearly didn’t think things through properly and it was only when I disembarked from the van into the chilly -12 air that I realized I’d forgotten my hat. And warm gloves.
As a result, I tried to hurry things along – especially when it became apparent that none of the farmhouses we’d been scheduled to visit were heated. “This one’s great!”I enthused as we walked into the first farmhouse. “Perfect!”
“Let’s check out another one,”suggested line producer Norman Denver who, coincidentally, had remembered to bring HIS hat and warm gloves.
“Fantastic!”I said as we entered the second farmhouse, my fingers already numb from cold. “I love this!”
And I was equally enthusiastic about the next one. And the one after that.
Finally, we were done. I was relieved. I could almost feel my ears defrosting. It was time to go!
Go check out the forest that is!
Hey, what interesting hanging cauldrons. I’ll just walk over here and take a picture – and warm my hands in the steam coming off them.
Director Bruce McDonald, in his signature cowboy hat, surveys the scene while production designer Ian Brock snaps away.
Wow. Creepy children’s toys sure have come a long way!
After trekking through the forest, we headed back toward the van. “Thanks so much,”I said to the woman who’d been showing us around.
“Oh, we’re not done yet,”she informed me. “We still have to see the field.”
Just because we were heading back in the direction of the van didn’t mean we were actually going back. Instead, we climbed over a snowbank and checked out the field. “What do you think?”asked director Bruce McDonald. “We could find her here with maybe some mountains and a twin sun in the sky.”
“Sure!”I said. “Sounds great!” At that point, I would’ve agreed to anything. “Flying robot monkeys? Absolutely!”
We returned to the van (I was the first one inside) and got back to the production offices in time for lunch – and a two hour stunts, SFX, VFX, and Playback meeting. What? We couldn’t squeeze in hair, make-up, props, and costumes?
On set, Cat t-shirt Thursday was in full swing. Check out Andy from Electric –
Oh, and amid all the Cat t-shirt Thursday celebrations, the cast and crew also worked on Day #2 of episode #107. Director Ron Murphy completed 10 pages today!
Tomorrow, he’ll attempt to break that record!
Oh, I can’t wait to see the flying robot monkeys! They sound awesome and I’m anxious to see how they work into the plot! 🙂
Well, that will teach you to forget your hat. (for your hands – that’s what pockets are made for!)
That’s a very pretty farm.
Joe… Do I need to send you a Jack Hat or Navy Watch cap? =)
Feels like you were just shooting the first two episodes. Amazing how fast this show is progressing.
Joe you sure have gotten a bunch of awesome directors for your Dark Matter. How did you do that? Are they as excited about this project as you, the creator? Some you have worked with before. Did Jay bring the others on board? Is direct Robert C. Cooper going to get an episode? I hope so, I like his style (Sateda and Vegas). I think Dark Matter is going to be awesome! It’s your baby!
(Getting use to and) loving all the cat t-shirts. I can’t wait to see Director Mr. McDonald in one! 🙂 hehehe…
Love that first farm house picture. Beautiful!
Joe since you tend to forget things that are not attached, get a nice warm coat with an attached hood. Also, get some warm gloves that are on a rope that attach to your coat with a clip. When you are not actually wearing them, they just hang from your coat. See any small kid for an example.
I’m here to help! 😉
Yes Hats are very thing. Cant stand hoods. Hat and Wool Sock. Wool is a wonderful futuristic material.
Wow, 10 pages. He is almost like a Peter Delouis, with out the uncomfortable commentary, right? I was watching 2001 the other night. That was a nice field too.
Boiling Cauldrons, a bit too McBethian for me.
THIS is what you need for NEXT TIME Joe!
http://www.pook.ca/products/pook/pook-toque/
They’re great. I’ve seen them in person at a trade show a few years back. – Would probably make a great “crew” gift..?
Otherwise, if just a normal wool toque will do, e-me an address to send it to and I’ll pop one of mine in the mail for you.
*shakes head* Joey, Joey, Joey. Maybe I should drop my current crocheting project and make you a pair of mittens to keep in your coat pocket.
(continued from previous post)
Perhaps a pair of old-fashioned mitts on a string; you can thread them through your coat sleeves so they’ll always be…forgive me…HANDY.
😖
https://cobblerscabin.wordpress.com/happy-hookin/mens-mitts-on-a-string-free-pattern/
That crowd of Dark Matter people with you clearly were not thinking. They could have asked for raises or a new car!
I love the look of the interior of that farmhouse. How rustic and cozy looking. I bet it makes you real glad you were born in the 20th Century and not back then.
Ooh, I do like that farm. And Andy’s cat shirt.
I make Happy Hippie hats on my loopy loom, I should send you one. Mostly they are for folks at festivals who underestimate just how cold a desert can get at night, but a Hippie Hat will do in winter.
I blame your production staff for the lack of hat/gloves. 😉
Here. Have a baby Lulu: http://cheezburger.com/8449960192/cute-baby-animals-french-bulldog-puppy-cuteness
Snow makes a change from the typical non snow locations Stargate was filmed in Van. That being said Toronto looks like it has the cold weather for a little while yet.
Oh and I would hate to guess what kind of story you have set up for a farmhouse. But I’m sure it’s a good one Joe 🙂
Also, why is there not an official “Dark Matter” toque? And that reminds me, where are all our fleeces, iPhone cases and other official Dark Matter stuff? 🙂 We need stuff to buy!
oh it is stories like these that make me appreciate my drought ridden California. I lived in New England for two winters and don’t miss the feeling of my bones turning to ice or feet so could they felt like I was walking on blocks of cement. Good luck staying warm
Try this out for a coat Joe. http://www.landsend.com/products/mens-primaloft-down-blend-commuter-coat/id_272703
Or this: http://www.landsend.com/products/mens-expedition-parka/id_273541
I have a similar women’s commuter coat for pet sitting that is a 0 to -15 below rating and it gets me through those 32 degree days just great. I don’t know if they make a coat for me for anything below that. 🙂
Yeah…what gforce said.
And, add hoodies to that list too.
please