I come downstairs for the Episode 211 props meeting and discover THIS prototype awaiting me. The art department has been relentless in its efforts to get these space bongs on the show. In the past, they've attempted to sneak them by as set dressing. Recently though, their efforts have grown more inspired, as I'm sure you'll…
March 30, 2016: Name an episode of Dark Matter!
This year, we're doing something special for the fans. Well, let's say "extra special" because, in truth, we're always doing something "special". This season, YOU get to pick Dark Matter's episode titles. No, really. To date, you've named seven episodes: “Episode 14: Welcome To Your New Home” “Episode 15: Kill Them All” “Episode 16: I’ve Seen The…
March 29, 2016: My darkest Dark Matter post yet!
Listen to them—the children of the night. What music they make! Something wicked this way comes. The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown. Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing - There are mysteries which men…
March 28, 2016: In the mood for season 2?
Hey, check out this awesome Dark Matter video from the gang at Syfy.com: So, are you in the mood for season 2? How about now? Now? Stop me when you're getting close! (Station schematics by 1st Assistant Art Director Kelly Diamond) (Dwarf Star Technologies space station design by artist Jon Hrubesch)
March 27, 2016: My Top 13 Genre Short Stories of 2015!
With the deadline for the 2016 Hugo Awards nominations fast approaching (Thursday, March 31st), I thought I'd help out prospective voters by generating a list of recommended reads to guide them through the myriad titles released in 2015. In the past, I could have put together a rundown of potential Best Novels but, alas, the past year kept me…
March 26, 2016: The crew of The Raza and their anime counterparts!
ONE (Dark Matter) = Rokuro "Rock" Okajima (Black Lagoon) Like ONE, Rock comes from a well-to-do upbringing, having lived a sheltered, moneyed existence prior to the events that landed him among decidedly colorful company. From white collar careers to running with mercenaries, these two share similar fish-out-of-water experiences that force them to toughen up and mature if they are to survive. TWO (Dark…
March 25, 2016: DVD’s! Space stations! Peter DeLuise!
Mark the date - June 4th - because that's when Funimation releases the first season of Dark Matter on dvd and Blu-ray. (tweaked image c/o Alex Mallari Jr.) http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Dark-Matter-Season-1/22117 Just in time for your review in advance of this summer's season 2 premiere. Speaking of the season 2 premiere, I hear we'll be receiving an official announcement…
March 24, 2016: Dark Matter production day 69 of 101!
Character moments. Character arcs. Set ups and payoffs. They're the heart of Dark Matter. Each and every one is carefully planned, scripted, and filmed. And, at the end of the day, non-negotiable. I'm not precious about "my words", always open to input that will improve the series, but I will not sacrifice those all-important character…
March 23, 2016: YOUR reading recommendations!
Well, with the script for Episode 212 complete, a little free time has opened up (outside of the rewrites, prep, production, on-set duties, editing, VFX approvals, upcoming mixes and occasional sleeps), allowing me to get in some major reading in advance of this year's Hugo nominations deadline (March 31st). 2015 wasn't a strong reading year for…
March 22, 2016: This season puts the dark in Dark Matter!
The stuff of nightmares - from the Dark Matter costume department. Peter DeLuise directs. Devious goings-on. Infiltration and Corruption - by artist Victor Mare.
March 21, 2016: Kaboom! 2/3 of the way through production on Dark Matter season 2!
Kaboom! We have now completed two-thirds of the shooting schedule for season 2 of Dark Matter. Granted, in comparison, we've finished only a little over half the edits, less than 15% of the visual effects, hardly any of the mixes - but still, the heavy lifting has been done. And, late last week, I completed a…
March 20, 2016: More Akemi-isms!
Akemi's English has vastly improved over the 6+ years (!) we've been together. Nevertheless, she's still prone to the occasional Akemi-isms, those odd turns of phrase uniquely hers. I've covered them in past blog entries, everything from terms like "punching sweet" (super sweet) to descriptives like "tastes like old man's pillow" (her take on the…
March 19, 2016: Comic Con!
Akemi and I had walked two block past the convention center and one block down when I realized that the cosplayer we were following was actually a garishly dressed homeless man. We doubled back, found the correct entrance and we were at Comic Con! A quick visual rundown of the 37 minutes I spent there...…
March 18, 2016: Brand new season 2 episode title!
It's been a lot of fun working with director Peter DeLuise again. The last time we were together on set was, oh, five years ago on a little Stargate: Universe episode called "Deliverance". Remember... THIS?! Ah, good times. Good times. And some pretty damn good times on the set of Dark Matter. Today, we were at the headquarters…
March 18, 2016: Vote on a new episode title!
Why should primary voters have all the fun? Cast your ballot for your favorite Episode 207 title. But be quick! Polls close in 24 hours! Today's entry is dedicated to blog regular PBMom!