Four years ago, I attempted to track down the rights to a classic sci-fi series . It was a favorite of mine growing up and, I felt, ripe for a reboot, so I reached out. And came up against a series of dead-ends. I handed the job off to my former agency who either got nowhere (and were too ashamed to tell me) or simply lost interest. Whichever the case, it was another dead end and frustrated, I gave up. Then, last week, I read that the rights-holders had recently signed a deal with a company I had worked with in the past. I sent one more query about the property, fully expecting another dead end – only to be informed that they would be happy to hear my pitch.
It just goes to show that, in this business, you never know. That horror feature I thought was dead has been resurrected and is presently making the rounds. That small town supernatural series I believed was finished – multiple times – has apparently found possible new life. And the pitch for that classic sci-fi reimagining I assumed wasn’t going anywhere will, at the very least, finally have a shot…four years later!
Meanwhile, as the Powder Mage pitch deck goes out, I’m thinking of doing a dedicated blog post in which I cast the prospective series using only Dark Matter cast members. Sort of a Dark Mage crossover. Who would would you cast as Field Marshal Tamas? Vlora? Julene? The colorful Mihali? This is going to be fun!
A little St. Patrick’s Day Yes/No
St. Patrick's Luck 'O the Donuts? Yes/No
Thanks to @kate_mccrea for the tip!
Krispy Kreme Has Unveiled Its St. Patrick’s Day Donuts to Bring Us All Luck https://t.co/y4Rr7TT8wU via @Yahoo— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) March 13, 2021
Finally, I leave you with one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite episodes…
If that classic Sci-fi series is the one I’m thinking of that has a year in the title, I truly hope something comes of it!!
That scene from DM makes me laugh out loud every time. The last cut off line is perfect!
I’m not familiar enough with the characters to know who would fit in as who, but they need to all fit in there!
That Dark Matter clip puts me in the mind of the last year of quarantine. Everyone has been on this Groundhog Day/Time Loop and it is maddening. Hopefully it’s coming to an end soon.
OMG – I think I know which show you’re talking about (is it OK to mention what we think it is? I know you wouldn’t be able to confirm or deny.) And I can’t think of anyone better-suited to it than you! I was excited last week when I heard a reboot was in the works, and now I’m over the moon at the possibility that you could be working on it.
Best of luck with your pitch!
Tamas = Anthony Lemke
Taniel = Alex Mallari Jr
Viora Flint = Melissa O’Neil
Ben Styke = Ennis Esmer (whichever character is a little “off” ie: crazy)
Mihali = Marc Bendavid
Julene = Zoie Palmer
I guess you can’t turn a boy character into a girl and vice versa like you did in Dark Matter? There seems to be plenty of Powder Mage characters to give all Dark Matter cast a roll.
Krispy Kreme? No thanks. I don’t like the fact that they put a clear glaze on everything, even chocolate covered donuts. I prefer Winchell’s or the local independant donut shop who makes donuts properly.
I have to confess that I am not familiar with the characters, I really must read the books before the show reaches our screens, I would say though that any chance to get the band back together will be amazing
Considering I currently have my hands full with serious health and financial problems I’ve not had a chance to read the PM series. Albeit, for anyone interested in getting in on the Dark Matter re-casting fun, the description of the characters can be found in fandom created wiki.
–> https://powdermage.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Characters
Taniel: David Hewlett.
The character needs that comical slant to show the contrast between the whiny, insecure, still internally struggling little boy and the arrogant, “I can make tough, brilliant, strategic decisions quickly”, side.
Tamas: Kris Holden-Ried. He would have to be aged and scarred up a bit in make up to appear old enough and tough enough to be Taniel’s father. Albeit, he would in all likelihood prove perfect in the role. What Tamas and Taniel will easily share in common is “a highly commanding stubbornness” in their POV. It would also make for an interesting topic of discussion amongst the fans because Hewlett is actually older than Holden-Ried in real life.
Vlora Flint: Ellen Wong.
Ben Styke: I’d have to give this some deeper thought, but off the top of my head … Daniel Fathers or Andrew Jackson.
Julene: Aisha Issa.
I’ve not read all the character or magical ability descriptions yet, but based on what I know thus so far,
I’m inclined to think the PM universe would do well to include a version of Andrew Moodie’s Teku Fonsei. Such brilliant calm and wisdom. His knack could include empathic sensing of those who need his guidance most of all and intentionally invading their dreams as they sleep each night.
Communicating with a troubled individual in REM until they have resolved their issues or dilemma.
He’d be a magical psychiatrist or counselor as needed.
Also, Alex Mallari jr needs to be cast as a highly skilled bad ass warrior loyal to no one but himself. His pre-cog abilities could include the knack to see his opponents retaliatory strikes and blows in battle immediately before they make them.
I wish you the best success with all your projects. Persistent’s will pay off… eventually. I look forward to watching your next new series 🙂