Today, we were back in The Hammer for some interior run and gun... This morning, I took no chances, opting for not two, not three, not four, not five, but SIX layers of clothing. I felt like Ralphie's little brother from A Christmas Story. I left my place for Hamilton at 6:15 a.m. The drive over…
February 9, 2016: Shooting in the wilds! Dark Matter season 2!
Today, the cast and crew hit the wilds of Hamilton for a little main unit photography. Some exclusive behind the scenes pics... Gator alert! Avoid the swamp! Setting up the day's first shot. It was chilly, but not unbearably so. That, I suspect, will change tomorrow. Script Supervisor Matti Huhta, dressed for the weather. For…
February 8, 2016: Name another Dark Matter episode!
Yesterday, I watched the Superbowl with some of my co-workers: co-creator Paul Mullie, VFX Supervisor Lawren Bancroft Wilson, Line Producer Norman Denver, 1st Assistant Director Brandon Tataryn, and their respective families (almost all of who were rooting for the Broncos), and actor Anthony Lemke who, always the contrarian, was rooting for the Panthers. We gathered…
February 7, 2016: The Dark Matter noodle bar!
Yesterday, after visiting the alley set, Dark Matter Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza, Akemi, and I stopped by a nearby noodle bar. How nearby? Well, try two sets over from that alley set. Following through on that Blade Runner vibe. Steam and neon! The place was new. How new? Well, when we walked in, they were still painting the tabletops! You're all…
February 6, 2016: Dark Matter – behind the Saturday scenes!
Today saw a wrap on two different directors and their respective episodes - Steve Dimarco (Episode 203) and John Stead (Episode 204). I dropped in for about an hour in the morning for the alley scene. Two (more like three) outstanding scenes will find their way into the pre-existing director's cut of 203, a dynamic…
February 5, 2016: Dark Matter production full steam ahead!
Ah, finally, the weekend is upon us. Time for rest, relaxation..and a special second unit Saturday shoot. Though, in all honesty, these Saturday shoots are becoming less uncommon and, so, not particularly special. Just saying, guys. Not that I don't enjoy my time with my co-workers. If I was trapped on a space ship millions…
February 4, 2016: Sushi! Demons! Transfer Transit Travel! And Dark Matter goodies!
Dating Akemi is always an adventure. Every text is a little treasure offering cultural insights into the land of the rising sun. Take yesterday, for instance, when I received THIS text: My reaction was "Hunh?". Oh, okay, because I was throwing the soy beans BEFORE seeing the demon. P.S. I going to assume the demon…
February 3, 2016: The day in Dark Matter!
Sometimes, when you're on set, you come across the strangest sights. Like today, for instance, when I happen across Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza in the midst of her workout. Her killer regimen involves cardio, eating right, and heavy HEAVY weights. Check her out... Then she concludes her routine by tossing anvils at parked cars.…
February 2, 2016: On the Dark Matter front…
Due to other production commitments (mainly prep, writing, and editing), I haven't spent as much time on set as I might have liked for this latest episode. Fortunately, my former Stargate cohort, Ivon Bartok, has done a bang-up job overseeing the action in my absence. So good, in fact, that I could probably stay in Vancouver next…
February 1, 2016: Dark Matter doings!
Spaaaaaaace neeeerd! Ahem. Now that I've got that out of my system... With Consulting Producer Ivon Bartok on set, I was able to sit in my office and blaze through seven glorious pages of my latest script (questions, silver ball, impending doom, threats, danger, explosion) bringing me to the top of P.51. I figure I'll…
January 30, 2016: Dark Matter season 2 teaser!
Most shows are fairly secretive about production. Sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes tidbits are rare because TPTB fear the release of the dreaded "spoiler". And what, exactly, constitutes a spoiler? Well, opinions vary but shows tend to err on the side of caution, preferring to keep most things under wraps. That means no set photos, script hints, or…
January 29, 2016: Space spaghetti and sweaters!
Check it out! The pasta of the future! Chef Mallozzi Spaghetti & Meatballs! Perfect for those nights you don't feel like taking the transport shuttle to the moon base market for a supply run. Thanks to 1st Assistant Art Director and Graphics Maestro Roxanne Borris for immortalizing me in Dark Matter art department lore (since this…
January 27, 2016: Dark Matter Episode 202 title revealed!
Huzzah! We (and I do mean the collective "we" as YOU all helped choose them!) have another episode title for Dark Matter's second season. Last week, you all voted and the winner was: "Episode 14: Welcome To Your New Home". This week, you voted again and while the results were much closer, there was a clear winner…
January 26, 2016: A walk (descent, jump, and climb) in the woods!
"Just a little further!". Line Producer, Norman Denver, forged ahead, his constitution fortified by boxing and scotch. "Almost there!" I scanned the trees to either side, then the winding pathway that dipped up ahead before curving and disappearing behind the dense brush. "Watch your step!"warned Brandon Tataryn, skirting a deadly patch of ice and then scurrying…
January 25, 2016: Help me name another episode! Dark Matter Episode 201!
Last week, you all helped select a name for our season premiere (now titled Episode 14: Welcome To Your New Home). Today, the voting begins for our second episode title of the young season. Your choices are... So, what's it going to be? Cast your vote! Leave your mark on television history! Blue screen blues.…