Back on set today - even though my episode (#102 - 12 Hours) wrapped two days ago. I've been standing in for Paul who has been busy prepping episodes #104-105 (The Switch and Harvest), overseeing the final two outstanding days on the pilot. Yes, it's true! So much awesomeness it couldn't be contained in one…
August 8, 2011: Another Maximus Update
Maximus let me carry him this morning. On the surface, it may not sound like such a big deal but it really is when one considers that, throughout his life, he has never willingly allowed himself to be carried. All it would take was an: "I'm going to pick you up!" and he would quicken…
August 7, 2011: Out and about with the Stargate gang! Ice cream with Sue and co.! The Maximus update!
Michael Shanks was back in town so, last night, we headed over to what is fast becoming a second home for me here in Toronto: Scarpetta. And, this time, we were joined by fellow Stargate alums Carl Binder and Martin Gero for pasta, wine, and reminiscences. Michael was in town shooting a guest spot on…
August 6, 2011: There’s nothing like a nice, homemade card!
When we were kids, my mother used to emphasize the importance of a good, homemade card. The way she saw it, it took hardly any effort to buy a card. Making one, on the other hand, was a demonstration of love, an achievement of time, toil, and determination. Mom was right. And so, with a…
August 5, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #102 – 12 Hours – Day #7!
Sweet, sweeet Saturday sleep. I now look forward to my late weekend mornings the same way I used to look forward to new issues of The Mighty Avengers or ice cream on a hot summer day. It's been another exhausting week, but we got some really great stuff - thanks, in great part, to our…
August 4, 2011: The Maximus Update!
An even longer and more exhausting day than the usual. I woke up bright and early this morning to take the 90 minute drive to the University of Guelph Small Animal Hospital where my pug Maximus had a visit with one of the resident Oncologists. We met with the doctor who gave us the rundown…
August 2, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day #4! Thanks from me and Maximus!
Back at it again today, this time in Stouffville for a visit to Geneva and a very unique home plus a healthy dose of action compliments of Fight Choreographer Cyril Raffaelli (pictured above, calling YOU out). The day was a scorcher! It was a hot, long day and, as a thank you to my terrific…
August 1, 2011: Maximus…
I noticed the change in Maximus several weeks ago. Normally possessed of an appetite characteristic of most pugs, he would scoff down treats on sight, snapping up kibble, liver brownies, and fingertips with equal relish. And then suddenly, three weeks ago, something changed. While he didn't exactly turn down the treats, he no longer attacked…
July 30, 2011: Dinner with Mike!
I spent much of the day working on that damn rewrite of Payback, taking a break only to check out the lame Caribana Fest that offered up eight-dollar jerk chicken sandwiches and corn on the cob as a presumed "taste of islands". So much for the oxtail, curried goat, and plantain I was expected. Screw…
July 29, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day #3!
We were back at TIFF today for the third day of production on episode #102: 12 Hours. The usual cast of characters were in attendance... Eventually, we head down to the parking garage for the final sequence of the night... The weekend is upon us and, finally, I can relax. Just as soon as I…
July 27, 2011: The Transporter – Episode #2 – 12 Hours – Day One!
Up at 5:30 a.m. this morning to walk the dogs and get in for the first blocking. It was Day #1 of Episode #102, 12 Hours, and I wanted to make sure I was there on time: a) for my director, Bruce McDonald, b) for my cast, c) for my crew, and, most importantly, d)…
July 24, 2011: Night Market!
Yesterday, we hit the Toronto version of the Chinese Night Market. And I happened to have my camera with me... So how did the Toronto Night Market compare to the Vancouver version? Pros: Offered several food items not available back in Van, like the Caribbean fare and deep-fried Mars Bars. Cons: Not as big, food…
July 23, 2011: Working on The Transporter 24/7! Cyril Raffaelli and Mohammed “Momo” Elachi! Maximus on the mend?
Great. I'm working on The Transporter at the office. I'm working on The Transporter at home. Now, I'm working on The Transporter in my dreams. Last night, I dreamt I was on set, producing episode #102 (12 Hours) when we ran into a mini emergency of sorts. One of the actors playing the part of…
July 22, 2011: Poor Maximus! Akemi and Mega gift exchange!
My boy Maximus (above) has been feeling under the weather. At first, I assumed it was summer heat-related (thus the cold compress Akemi applied - again, above) but as time has worn on, it's become pretty clear that there's more to it. Sure, he's been a little more low-key, a little slower than usual, but…
July 21, 2011: Oatmeal Teal’c! Again with the meetings! Surprise guest star – Martin Gero! Mailbag!
Hey, check it out! Look at what was in my Happy Panda bento box the other day: oatmeal Teal'c! Rolling along on production and prep. Shooting at the airport today and apparently the footage looks amazing. Meanwhile, meetings for me... Akemi and I were just about to head out to dinner tonight when I got…