Well, well, well. If it isn’t another Dark Matter guest star with a Stargate connection. Which of you diehard SG-1 fans recognizes Supreme High Council Per’sus of the tok’ra, who nearly lost his life at the hands of a za’tarc way back in the season four episode “Dive and Conquer”? Small galaxy, no?
Back when Stargate concluded its awesome t.v. run back in 2010, I knew that, when all was said and done and all the sets had been struck, the final episode delivered, and I took that closing walk from the production offices to my car for the last time, I knew in my heart that there was one thing I would miss more than anything.
The money.
But coming in a close second was the people I worked with, some of whom I’d spent the better part of twelve years of my life along, making three fantastic t.v. shows. I honestly thought I’d never be lucky enough to work with a group as talented, kind, and supportive as the cast and crew from Stargate. But four years later, here I am, in Toronto (of all places!), working with an equally talented, kind and supportive and supportive cast and crew. In many ways, they actually remind me of the old gang, and my experience working with them has been, at times, very reminiscent of the great days I spent on the Stargate franchise. This, of course, is a testament to the hard work and careful management by Prodigy Picture’s (and Dark Matter Executive Producers) Jay Firestone and Vanessa Piazza who assembled a great team for this project, made up of Lost Girl veterans and other familiar faces.
Anyway, they’re great people – who are all too often unsung heroes of the production process. So here are a few of the behind-the-scenes individuals who help make this show great…
2nd Assistant Art Director (and budding amateur taxidermist) Kelly Diamond. You’re already familiar with some of her work (the videos for Cosmic Tonic and Intergalactic Pet Shipping! to name a couple), but you’ll see her awesome grapahic/playback skills on full display once the series starts to air. That Android data stream in episode #103? That’s her!
If he isn’t juggling the front office action or overseeing supply runs, Production Assistant Kyle Dolphin can be found showing off his physical prowess during the weekly Friday Push-Up contest. Remind me to show you pics of that time he was drafted to model the space suit. It’s like he was born to perform an EVA!
I’ve only had the pleasure to work with editor Teresa Hannigan on a single episode so far, but rumor has it I’ll be fortunate enough to re-team with her soon.
On Set Carpenter Jesse Partin notable for, among many other things, riding the mechanical bull that time we shot the casino episode in Hamilton. Also, he’s our resident doorman – in charge of ensuring a smooth open and close on those sliding ship doors.
The title of “Craft Server” doesn’t do justice to the culinary wizard that is John Schieder. Mornings, if you’re looking for a breakfast burrito or omelet, he’ll make you one to order. Then, throughout the day, will ensure you’re well-fed, offering up a rotating assortment of impressive food items, from sausages and schnitzel to greek salads and the best damn clam chowder I’ve ever eaten.
And I’ll undoubtedly miss them all once the show ends.
Five years from now.
So cool to see more of that great crew.
Part of it, my friend, could be that you yourself are such a great guy to work with and you bring out the best in people!
To be honest, I didn’t watch the SG-1 series, but I do recognize Andrew Jackson as Jed from an episode of Lost Girl. Also not sure if you noticed, but you mentioned Vanessa Piazza as Vanessa Firestone!
Whoops. Good catch. Thanks!
“And I’ll undoubtedly miss them all once the show ends.
Five years from now.”
You are such a pessimist. You better start thinking beyond 5 years and come up with more stories. Dark Matter could go on a long, long time. It is always interesting hearing about the crew. When the show airs, and we can finally realize their work, I hope you will show their pictures again.
those eggs looks so good!
Why is Jack Nicholson peering over Kelly’s shoulder? Eek.
Looks like a nice group of co-workers you have. Looking forward to the show’s premiere!
We saw Interstellar last night. The robots in this movie were great! Did you see the movie?
I find it surprising how far Syfys ratings have declined, the network has four scripted shows pulling terrible numbers(Helix, 12 Monkeys, Olympus and Haven). It’s almost as if viewers have deserted the channel. But I take the view that if you give viewers what they want, they will support you. This is why I believe The Expanse and Dark Matter will have a good start and Defiance will continue to do well.
Haha, I leave my lurking space for one day and it turns out david hewlett has a guest spot on Dark Matter… Awesome!! That dude was hilarious as Mckay!
I am not surprised at how far Syfy ratings have dropped…they deserted their fan base, offered up so much so-bad-not-even-laughable-garbage (such as Olympus) that sadly many I know assume if it is on Syfy, it is not worth tuning in (take 12 Monkeys that is supposedly good, but I don’t know anyone watching it!).
I am fervently hoping that people see it is Mallozzi and know he’s not doing crap and give this (and The Expanse) a chance.
Yay! David Hewlett!! I guessed correctly after all. Well,THAT is rare. Cannot wait to see Dark Matter in all of it’s glory.
And I agree with gforce, that surely “your personality” must have a bearing on the wonderful camaraderie at your work.
Yes, Tam Dixon I enjoyed the robots in Interstellar the best also!
2cats
@ Randomness – “I find it surprising how far Syfys ratings have declined…” “It’s almost as if viewers have deserted the channel.”
It is funny you should say that. I was just watching (sort of – couldn’t bare to look at some parts) a cheap, gory, zombie movie this morning on SyFy, then left the house for a few hours. I come back to find Zombie Apocalypse now playing on SyFy, another gore fest.
I was thinking… seriously SyFy, where have all the high caliber and old classic shows gone that you use to have? Even reruns of these old great shows like SG-1 and SGA (Twilight Zone, Outer Limits) would be better than this.
I was thinking how great it is that Joe is bringing back a quality space drama with Dark Matter. Many years ago, I ordered cable, solely because I wanted to watch the SciFi channel. It was fantastic! I sure hope the viewers tune in to watch Dark Matter and drive all this zombie garbage away. And give SyFy something to build on again.
@JosephMallozzi You’re welcome.
nice to see more of the people behind the scenes.
@Debra I watch 12 Monkeys and love it.
After the betrayal by the channel’s leadership towards SciFi viewers when they change the name and shifted the programing to Ghost Hunting etc, many thousands of us change the channel and seldom returned. It seems the attitude towards us may have changed some and a few shows are being allowed back. I am glad and Dark Matter is a joy to view.
Joseph please keep up the good work I appreciate your efforts !!