I've often drawn parallels between my experience working on Stargate and my experience here, working on Dark Matter - the production, the people, and the overall positive vibe. When Paul and I joined Stargate at the beginning of SG-1's fourth season, we started off as co-producers but, thanks to the support of people like executive producers Brad Wright and…
April 6, 2016: Goodies from the Dark Matter art department!
Well, I'm pleased to report we are in majority agreement. Presenting our choice for the Ishida cruiser: Thanks to everyone who weighed in with their votes and opinions. And thanks to artist Jon Hrubesch for gorgeous design. After Stargate ended, I would receive all sorts of request from fans for the onscreen graphics used at Stargate…
April 5, 2016: Done and (almost) done!
A little something from the Dark Matter wardrobe department. Costume Designer Noreen Landry's sketch of an Ishida Royal Guard. Done and (almost) done! Today, I completed the preliminary first draft of our season finale, episode 213 (which you'll be naming at some point in May). All I can say is: "Holy smokes!". The script is now in…
April 4, 2016: Weigh in on the Ishida Cruiser design!
Let's get the ball rolling on this totally awesome blog entry with these totally awesome Ishida cruiser designs by the totally awesome Jon Hrubesch. A LOT of wonderful variety to choose from here. We're leaning a certain way, but would love to hear your thoughts. If I can refresh your memories, THIS was the Ishida…
April 1, 2016: New Dark Matter episode title! And graphics!
Hurrah! The results are in and the fans have spoken. We have a brand new Dark Matter episode title: "Episode 21: Stuff To Steal; People To Kill". I was just in editing on this one and I have a feeling it's going to be a fan favorite. I can't believe we have a little over a…
March 31, 2016: The RPG-420!
I come downstairs for the Episode 211 props meeting and discover THIS prototype awaiting me. The art department has been relentless in its efforts to get these space bongs on the show. In the past, they've attempted to sneak them by as set dressing. Recently though, their efforts have grown more inspired, as I'm sure you'll…
March 30, 2016: Name an episode of Dark Matter!
This year, we're doing something special for the fans. Well, let's say "extra special" because, in truth, we're always doing something "special". This season, YOU get to pick Dark Matter's episode titles. No, really. To date, you've named seven episodes: “Episode 14: Welcome To Your New Home” “Episode 15: Kill Them All” “Episode 16: I’ve Seen The…
March 29, 2016: My darkest Dark Matter post yet!
Listen to them—the children of the night. What music they make! Something wicked this way comes. The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown. Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing - There are mysteries which men…
March 28, 2016: In the mood for season 2?
Hey, check out this awesome Dark Matter video from the gang at Syfy.com: So, are you in the mood for season 2? How about now? Now? Stop me when you're getting close! (Station schematics by 1st Assistant Art Director Kelly Diamond) (Dwarf Star Technologies space station design by artist Jon Hrubesch)
March 26, 2016: The crew of The Raza and their anime counterparts!
ONE (Dark Matter) = Rokuro "Rock" Okajima (Black Lagoon) Like ONE, Rock comes from a well-to-do upbringing, having lived a sheltered, moneyed existence prior to the events that landed him among decidedly colorful company. From white collar careers to running with mercenaries, these two share similar fish-out-of-water experiences that force them to toughen up and mature if they are to survive. TWO (Dark…
March 24, 2016: Dark Matter production day 69 of 101!
Character moments. Character arcs. Set ups and payoffs. They're the heart of Dark Matter. Each and every one is carefully planned, scripted, and filmed. And, at the end of the day, non-negotiable. I'm not precious about "my words", always open to input that will improve the series, but I will not sacrifice those all-important character…
March 23, 2016: YOUR reading recommendations!
Well, with the script for Episode 212 complete, a little free time has opened up (outside of the rewrites, prep, production, on-set duties, editing, VFX approvals, upcoming mixes and occasional sleeps), allowing me to get in some major reading in advance of this year's Hugo nominations deadline (March 31st). 2015 wasn't a strong reading year for…
March 22, 2016: This season puts the dark in Dark Matter!
The stuff of nightmares - from the Dark Matter costume department. Peter DeLuise directs. Devious goings-on. Infiltration and Corruption - by artist Victor Mare.
March 21, 2016: Kaboom! 2/3 of the way through production on Dark Matter season 2!
Kaboom! We have now completed two-thirds of the shooting schedule for season 2 of Dark Matter. Granted, in comparison, we've finished only a little over half the edits, less than 15% of the visual effects, hardly any of the mixes - but still, the heavy lifting has been done. And, late last week, I completed a…
March 18, 2016: Brand new season 2 episode title!
It's been a lot of fun working with director Peter DeLuise again. The last time we were together on set was, oh, five years ago on a little Stargate: Universe episode called "Deliverance". Remember... THIS?! Ah, good times. Good times. And some pretty damn good times on the set of Dark Matter. Today, we were at the headquarters…