Well now you know as much as we do. No, no, that’s not exactly true. We still know more than you do. But at least we ALL know the names of our cast members. The news finally broke yesterday but, on the off-chance you were in your basement watching a Lord of the Rings marathon,…
February 24, 2009: Greetings, Book Discussion, and The Questions are Amanda-Bound
First off, allow me to welcome and respond to two new readers to this blog, both of whom posted comments in response to yesterday’s entry. Sherry Harris writes: “Brian’s mom here, Mr. Mallozzi! Thank you so much for the compliments. I am extremely proud of my son, he is not only very talented and smart,…
February 23, 2009: Infoquake, by David Louis Edelman
Following The Autonomous Revolution that pitted humanity against intelligent machines, Earth entered a Second Dark Age. Science and technology were shunned and survivors surrendered their freedom to austere religious governments. But, despite their autocratic rule, not even these organizations could hold back the march of progress and, eventually, the planet entered an age known as…
February 22, 2009: Screw the Oscars. Enjoy the Dogs Instead.
Well, I had intended to turn this blog over to Baron Destructo and Cookie Monster for their annual Oscar Selection Show but, alas, both were caught by surprise when the Academy suddenly announced they were telecasting the awards tonight! Unfortunately, of the numerous Oscar contenders, Cookie Monster and the Baron only watched a grand…
February 21, 2009: Fond Remembrances and a BIG Guest Blogger Announcement!
Whenever my career draws to its inevitable conclusion, I’ll be able to reflect back on the many fond memories of my time in “the business“. I‘ve had good times, bad times, and everything in between. That said, the high point for me were the years I spent working on Stargate: SG-1. They were memorable for…
Febrary 20, 2009: Early Returns Are Positive!
Great news! It looks like I won’t be asked to pack up my office and escorted off the lot for the time being. Rob, who has been spending his days on set since the start of production, called this afternoon to tell me he liked my script. Always good to hear, but especially so given…
February 19, 2009: Why Does This Restaurant Smell Like Cheese?
I attended a surprise birthday party last night for my friend Steve, a videogame producer and occasional dining companion. As per instructions, Fondy and I arrived at the Samba Brazilian Steak House at exactly 6:30 p.m., joining the other twenty or so guests. Many of you may be familiar with the concept: You pay a…
February 18, 2009: First Day of Production
Today marked the start of production on Stargate: Universe and, while most were down on Stage 3 watching/participating in the action, I was up in the production offices, pacing the corridors as I’m wont to do when working on a script revision. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. Until, finally, I’ve made the…
February 17, 2009: Poised For Production
For the life of me, I can’t imagine how such a great idea could have gone so horribly awry. Impacted by the recent economic downturn, a tycoon in China was forced to trim his roster of mistresses down from a high-living five to a lower suburban middle-class one. Heartbreaking. No doubt a fan of reality…
February 16, 2009: Awful Afflictions, Dreadful Disorders, and Curious Conditions
So we were sitting in the writers’ room today, discussing health issues over lunch, when someone told us about a friend who had recently undergone heart surgery. Turns out his “chest was feeling funny” one day and he decided to get it checked it out. A series of tests revealed he was about to suffer…
February 15, 2009: Gone But Not Forgotten – Especially when I’m in New York and hankering for a good meal.
Well, despite the excitement that comes with the launch of a new series, I have to admit that it’s a very different vibe this year, what with the loss of not one, not two, but three of our past writer’s room regulars. Gone is Alan McCullough whose GQ good looks and team stories made him…
February 14, 2009: Nothing Says “I Love You” Like Thirty Dollars Worth of Flowers, An Expensive Meal, and A Heartfelt Card. Uh, Aside From Actual Saying “I Love You”.
Like most men, I consider Valentine’s Day little more than a manufactured holiday specifically designed to exploit a lacking in many modern relationships, the result of living in a fast-moving, modern world in which, more often than not, couples really don’t have the opportunity to properly express their affection for one another. Thus, this opportunity/celebration…
February 13, 2009: Dinner with the Boys at Boneta, and Introducing Master Sergeant Angelique
The room. Despite the fact that I eat out A LOT, there are still those Vancouver restaurants that fly under my radar. And I’m not referring to those bohemian eateries or take-out noodle places that seem to spring up every second week. I’m talking about some of the city’s heavy hitters like the new look…
February 12, 2009: Pre-Production Update and Those Things Better Left Said or Unsaid?
As another week draws to a close we inch ever closer to our first day of principal photography. We had the costume fittings on Monday and then the super-secret closed-door invitation-only cast read thru on Tuesday. Yesterday was the stage tech survey for Air #1, #2, and #3 while the production meeting for all three…
February 11, 2009: More Big Book of the Month Club News. And the Mailbag!
I’d like to take a moment to invite fence-sitters and prospective first-timers to join our Book of the Month Club. HOW IT WORKS: I’ll announce the upcoming titles and include a brief synopsis of each and a date for the commencement of discussions. For those interested, the pertinent information is available in the right…