One of the questions I get asked a lot is: “What does a producer do?”. The answer is: “It depends.” Some producers oversee scripts and various other creative aspects of production, from casting to costumes. Other producers oversee the numbers, things like scheduling and budgeting. Still other producers deal with the broadcasters, agents, and lawyers. And then there are those producers who do much of the heavy lifting before the show even gets on the air, selling the series and closing the deals that get it that first season green light.
Usually it’s one or the other. Or the other. Or, the other. In the case of Dark Matter Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza, it’s all of the above. She was instrumental in getting the show picked up and since then, through pre, production, and post, has been HEAVILY involved in everything from casting and production design to mixes, music, and marketing.
Yes, Vanessa not only does it all – but does it all really, really well. So it should come as no surprise that she was recently recognized for her incredible talents.
The hottest Canadian talent you’ve never heard of [unless you read this blog on a regular basis] but will:
I’m a fan!
Let’s get to more of your questions…
lewis writes: “If Dark Horse decides to do another limited series comic of Dark Matter would you & Paul write a whole new story line with our favorite space faring crew or use some of the tv scripts? Also, illustration wise would you use the look of the crew from the original comic series or incorporate the look of the actors?”
Answer: I hadn’t even considered the scenario. In a best case scenario, five years from now after the show has run its course, Paul and I would be free to write the unseen adventures of the Raza crew (the ones we’ll get to know over the course of the show’s run.
Randomness writes: “1) Will the Android take on more human traits as the show goes on? You know, like aspiring to be more than just a regular Android and maybe, you know, be more human like?”
Answer: It’s possible. I don’t want to give too much away, but we do have a significant story arc planned for everyone’s favorite Android in season 2.
2) Any plans to do an episode based around any spatial anomalies, like say something that makes time go all funky aboard the ship or something? could be fun!
Answer: Yep, could be a lot of fun. Let’s find out when Episode 207 airs.
3) How do you feel about alternate universes with relation to the show?
Answer: Pretty good. Pretty damn good.
4) Can we expect any more revelations regarding Derrick Moss?
Answer: Yes, very early on.
5) Now that Six has betrayed the crew, can we expect some heated discussions between him and the remaining crew when everything has settled down?
Answer: Oh, you can bet that any future conversations between SIX and his fellow crew members will be passionate.
6) I’ve wanted to know more about Three prior to the lost memories, will his backstory be touched upon more next season?
Answer: Yes, we’ll be delving deeper into THREE’s past in season 2.
Drea Crystal writes: ” In the SG series seems most of the very best episodes, resulted from a writing collaborative … So am naturally wondering why the decision to have you each take turns writing individual episodes on your own instead of working together? or at least have you all collaboratively consulting on most of the episodes?”
Answer: On Stargate, even though Paul and I were co-credited though much of the franchise’s run, we actually started writing separately around season 7 of SG-1. Much like Stargate, Dark Matter is a collaborative effort – but it starts with Paul and I. In the case of season 1, I had the thirteen stories in mind before we even assembled the room. Once the show was green lit, my writing partner Paul Mullie, and consulting producer Martin Gero got together and hashed out all the story beats – every moment of every scene of every act in the script. Paul and I oversaw all the scripts, revising when necessary and, once we were in production, I made necessary changes or, in some cases, additions (many of the FIVE-Android scenes). Back on Stargate, Bard Wright and Robert Cooper oversaw all the scripts in a similar manner.
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