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 30, 2015: Dinner with Tabor and Rodney!
"I'm at the back sitting under the Hades mural!" said the message. I quickened my pace. I had, in fact, arrived twelve minutes early for dinner. And as I rolled by a parking spot about a block from the restaurant I thought to myself "Maybe I can find something a little closer." Fifteen minutes later,…
October 28, 2015: The Dark Matter crew gift! Help me decide!
Pictured above, the card from the cast that accompanied their gifts for the Dark Matter crew as season one neared wrap. Their gift was this handy customized Dark Matter phone charger: The production, meanwhile, gave out these cosy micro-fleece jackets at the beginning of the season: And gave out these caps at the end" Direct Message? Death Match? Dungeon…
October 26, 2015: Walking the quiet set! Construction begins!
Today, I took a walk through our existing standing sets - the infirmary, the mess, the corridors, bridge, and underbelly. Boy, the place sure looks different during the hiatus. Without the lights, set dressing, cast and crew, it looks like the set of a horror movie... Construction has begun, full throttle, on the new standing…
October 25, 2015: But wait! There’s more!
In addition to those mentioned in yesterday's entry, we've got a bunch of great directors taking the helm in Dark Matter's second season. Take this familiar face... John Stead: In his first major directing gig, Dark Matter stunt coordinator and second unit director John Stead delivered one of my very favorite episodes of the show's first season, Episode 110…
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 17, 2015: Fan hello’s! Dark Matter Season 1 DVD Reviews!
First off, a little something I received today from Zoie Palmer (Dark Matter's Android) who is at Dallas Comic Con meeting her fans - some of who, it turns out, are Stargate AND Dark Matter fans AND read the blog! Thanks for the hello's. Wish I could've been there! Next time you see Jason Momoa, ask him to…
October 12, 2015: Travel plans!
Akemi: I can't believe we're going back to Toronto. Me: Neither can I. Tomorrow, Tuesday, will mark our last day in Vancouver for the foreseeable future. Our last day to enjoy the city and all the comforts of home. Can't say I'm actually looking forward to Wednesday. We'll be up at 5:00 a.m. so that…