Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out! My 2017 resolutions... 1) Learn to say no more. 2) Learn to say yes more. 3) Don't let any of it get to me. 4) Make Dark Matter's third season the best one yet, then make Dark Matter's fourth season even better. 5) Simplify and downsize.…
December 30, 2016: I’m Sorry I Make Fun Of My Girlfriend Falling Down!
"That poor man,"said an elderly woman. Her tone suggested pity but also a hint of relief, sort of a sympathy base with a dash of "There but for the Grace of God go I.". In truth, in that instant, it was my pride that hurt most of all. In fairness though, the middle finger of…
December 29, 2016: On Curveballs and Canines!
A previous blog entry saw me use some baseball terminology to make a point about some of the challenges I was facing. Specifically: "but then there are the unexpected curveballs that come at you from people who really should know fucking better". curveball: a pitch thrown with a strong downward spin, causing the ball to drop…
December 28, 2016: Reading and Writing!
Upon further consideration, I've elected to leave Montreal a day earlier than our planned Monday departure. This will give me a full day to decompress before the start of our 7-day work week. Yes, your math is correct. A 7 day work week starting on Tuesday because Line Producer Norman Denver and Production Manager Brandon…
December 27, 2016: Home for the Holidogs!
Following yesterday's ice storm that created traffic chaos throughout the city and forced us to reschedule our planned outing, we elected to take things easy today. We dropped by a local coffee shop for some hot chocolate, interneting and, in Akemi's case, so coloring, then took the dogs out for the slipperiest of walks. Akemi…
December 26, 2016: Dad Stories!
Whenever the holidays roll around, our thoughts inevitably turn to my late father, a man with a great sense of humor, a love of animals, and a passion for food. Late in life, once he started experiencing health issues, the family doctor put him on a special diet. No fried foods. No sweets. Just lean…
December 25, 2016: Merry Christmas!
This year, my Christmas haul was comprised of edibles and socks. But mostly socks... Sis got that roomba she wanted - Mom got underwear - While Suji got this fashionable new outfit - And some Peanuts chewies compliments of sis - Lulu immediately laid claim to Snoopy. The gifts I ordered Akemi arrived just in…
December 24, 2016: Happy Night Before Christmas!
Last night, Akemi and I enjoyed dinner with some thoroughly charming company. Also, the guy she married. Yes, we had dinner with my old high school friend, Lawrence (a.k.a. Buddy) and his better half, Mel (a.k.a. Mrs. Buddy). We enjoyed drinks, jerk wings, hilarity (of course) and a double order of chocolate-espresso mousse. Then today,…
December 23, 2016: I mean, really?
I have a plan. I've had one from the day we started production on Dark Matter's first episode, a plan that spans five 13-episode seasons and includes character and story arcs with beginnings, middles, and endings. I know exactly where we're going and knowing in advance allows us the all-too-rare opportunity to sprinkle our narrative with clues,…
December 22, 2016: Pigging out at Au Pied de Cochon!
It's a (Joe) Mallozzi Christmas tradition! Dinner at one of my favorite restaurants - Au Pied de Cochon - with my sister and Daisy. But beware! It's not for the fainthearted! Akemi and I being affectionate. Les cromesquis - deep-fried morsels bursting with liquid foie gras. And, for Akemi - the mackerel. The French onion…
December 21, 2016: Hepburn comes through again!
A shout-out today to one of Dark Matter's unsung heroes heroines, script coordinator Alison Hepburn who came through, yet again, with a terrific backstory idea for the show's third season. Alison has a great scifi mind and she has become my go-to-gal whenever I'm looking to spin ideas - or in need of one. Like, for instance,…
December 20, 2016: Montreal-bound!
It's a travel day. This morning, we embarked on a 5 hour(ish) journey back to 1976 - aka mom's house in Montreal, one of the last internet-free zones in the civilized world. Not sure what the deal is. I offered to pay for a basic service package but she refused, presumably because it's too expensive.…
December 19, 2016: It can’t get any better than this!
I started my writing career in animation, After several years of freelancing, I landed a full time job as the Manager of Animation Development at a local studio in Montreal. My 9 to 5 duties covered all aspects of the internal creative and, over the course of my time there, I developed such shows as Animal…
December 18, 2016: Suji and Secrets!
In a matter of days, we'll be in Montreal and my mother's house will come alive with the pitter patter of little paws - roughly thirty-two in all not counting the feline variety. In preparation, we're shopping, gift-wrapping, packing, and bathing... Suji deserved the spa treatment after a thoroughly exhausting afternoon at Trinity Bellwoods Park…
December 17, 2016: Suji enters rehab!
Yes, years of hard living have taken their toll. So, today, Suji entered rehab... First, a little test of those gimpy hindquarters. Yes, they're weak and she suffers from hip dysplasia, but she can really motor when she gets up a full head of steam. Into the tank for her hydrotherapy session. The handle…