You know what I enjoy doing while working on a new script? Anything BUT writing. I'll go for a stroll, research, check out the kitchen, re-watch auditions and, occasionally, head downstairs and see what the gang is up to... Dark Matter Production Designer Ian Brock considers space toilets. It's the little things... Research is key! Prop…
November 3, 2015: Dark Matter season 2 sneak peek! Moon Base Hyperion-8!
In addition to the Art Department, our crack VFX crew is going to have their hands full as well heading into prep on Dark Matter's second season. I've already offered up sneak peeks at some of our Maximum Security Detention Facility Hyperion-8 interiors. Today, I offer you a sneak peek at Hyperion-8's exterior. It's an escape-proof prison…
November 2, 2015: Welcome to Hyperion-8! Pod-shopping!
Welcome to Hyperion Eight, Maximum Security Galactic Detention Facility. Logo compliments of 1st Assistant Art Director Roxanne Borris. In the market for some new-look pods this upcoming season. Check out this varied selection. I'm leaning toward the sleeker models - 5, 6, and 7. What do you think?
November 1, 2015: More sneak peeks of Dark Matter season 2!
Notes session tomorrow with Jay during which we'll be covering Episodes 201 and 202. We reconvene on Tuesday for a discussion on the merits of Episodes 203 and 204. Meanwhile, concept art and actual construction continues on our new sets. We'll look to nail down Nyx, Misaki, Devon, and Arax this week - and, hopefully,…
October 31, 2015: Jay’s Birthday Bash!
It started early that morning - whispered conversations, furtive looks amongst the members of the Prodigy Pictures production staff. "Is this about me?"I wondered. And then, when I saw them sneak the balloons, pizza, and cake into the conference room I concluded: "This IS about me!". THIS, of course, being the totally unexpected "Welcome Back…
October 24, 2015: Behind the camera on Dark Matter’s second season!
Assembling the directors' roster for Dark Matter's second season was challenging for several reasons: scheduling, availability, and a desire to include some capable candidates we didn't get a chance to work with our first time out. In the end, we didn't get everyone we wanted due to the limited slots (a mere 13 episodes!), but I'm looking…
October 22, 2015: Dark Matter season 2 sneak peeks!
Work progresses on Dark Matter season 2. Today brought a fresh round of auditions - and a handful of very strong candidates. Casting the part of Nyx is going to be especially challenging because our casting director, Lisa Parasyn, and her team have assembled some truly terrific talent. Some great choices among the candidates who auditioned for…
October 21, 2015: Alex Mallari Jr. – Dark Matter’s FOUR – answers YOUR questions!
When we were first casting the part of FOUR in Dark Matter, we cast a wide net - opening the role up to all genders and auditioning actors across North America. One candidate stood out for me in that early round: Alex Mallari Jr. Unlike most of the other candidates who delivered colorfully threatening, often over-the-top…
October 20, 2015: Gearing up for Dark Matter season 2!
I was back in the production offices today for my first full half-day of work! Well, more like third-of-a-day's work, lunch inclusive. And that also counts the roughly half hour I spent sorting through the various items I stored away in my office during my five month hiatus. Akemi needed her knitting needles and yarn.…
October 19, 2015: The Snow Monkeys’ Miracle Win! Let’s celebrate with some exclusive Dark Matter season 2 concept art!
There was the 1980 Miracle on Ice that saw a team of gutsy American amateurs best a powerful team from the USSR/ There was the Boston Red Sox 2004 defying seemingly impossible odds to rally from down 0-3 in a series to beat the heavily favored Yankees. And now, it's the 2015 Snow Monkeys who…
October 10, 2015: Dark Matter clues!
These voice-overs were intended for a late season episode, but didn't make the final cut. The dialogue hints at some possible future storylines and backstory elements. Can you make out what is being said?
September 17, 2015: Favorite Dark Matter moments!
Some of my very favorite moments from Dark Matter's first season. Introducing...The Android! Wendy takes down the Android. Derrick Moss revealed. THREE being THREE. Congratulations! Now THAT is a cliffhanger! She's baaaack! The guys talk a good game. This gal PLAYS a great game! Uh, did WE do that? A long overdue thank you. A machine...with friends.…
September 14, 2015: The Dark Matter writers’ room reconvenes!
Today, we kicked off the third and presumably final week of the Dark Matter second season writers' room. We've broken eight scripts to date and, tomorrow, we're going to jump ahead and beat out the BIG season finale. We figure with so many balls in the air, it makes sense to know exactly where we're ending up…
September 13, 2015: All caught up on the mailbag!
Back to the mailbag: 2cats writes: "When is the background from green screen added – in post? I dabble with Adobe Premiere for little video stuff, but I can imagine it being a lot of work to add backgrounds to HD film. How many film editors does DM use?" Answer: The show used three amazing…
September 12, 2015: Dark Matter Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza! More of your burning questions answered!
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.…