I've lived in Vancouver 11+ years, yet when it comes time to recommending fun activities for first-time visitors, I draw a blank. I don't ski, skate, hike, or bike, nor have I visited any of the city's major landmarks. I have attended the occasional festivals (so long as they were food-related) but I've rarely ventured…
June 10, 2010: Reasons I may be grumpy…
According to Ashleigh, I’ve been grumpy lately. Grumpy? Moi? Would you say I’ve been grumpy? Curt maybe. Possibly a little testy. But grumpy? Okay, admittedly I have been my usual happy-go-lucky self of late. I’d attributed it to that tricker-than-anticipated script rewrite (Finished today. Thanks for asking.) but, upon further reflection, realized it was a…
June 9, 2010: That infernal fifth act!
Today's game plan was to finish the rewrite of Resurgence. Yesterday, I got as far as the top of Act V before running out of steam. So, all I had to do was finish that final act. Seven measly pages. Well, the day is done and here I sit, staring at the top of Act…
June 8, 2010: Script rewrite! Model Shoot! And mailbag!
Today, I took a break from a heavier-than-expected script rewrite to take in that oft-rescheduled model shoot going on out back. Ivon Bartok on hand to capture it all for a future DVD special feature. Carl and co. come down to check out the on-set sandwiches. Setting the stage... I got more revealing pics and…
June 7, 2010: Production Update! Persons Unknown Premieres Tonight! Remi Aubuchon wants to hear from you!
Prep week for episode #10, Resurgence, kicked off today with a 9:00 a.m. concept meeting. Those in attendance included all department heads, Director Will Waring (yes, apparently he IS directing this one), my writing partner Paul (who sat in to get a sense of who will be where on that new set), and yours truly.…
June 6, 2010: Where’s the good pizza at? What the hell else is under that sink? Masked! And dogs!
Seriously, what does a guy got to do to get a good slice of pizza in Vancouver? Without leaving Vancouver? We tried a few places tonight. Our first stop is purported to be the best pizza in the city, Nat's Pizza, which serves a New York style version of the Italian staple. Unfortunately, the by-the-slice…
June 5, 2010: Working with John Scalzi! An Incursion-heavy mailbag!
Many of you have asked: "What is it like working with author John Scalzi?". Well, while I can tell you it's been both fun and informative, I can't really offer much in the way of details given the secretive nature of his work. As Stargate: Universe's Creative Consultant, John reads and weighs in on all…
June 4, 2010: My scheming assistant! World Cup fever! More seminal films from my youth! Upcoming projects! And Incursions airs tonight!
I think Ashleigh, our Executive Producer's Assistant, is plotting against me. I don't have any evidence to back this up outside of a sneaking suspicion, a personal hunch, and a presumption based on the uneasy sense of foreboding I experience every time I stroll by her office. She looks like she's up to something. Don't…
June 3, 2010: Seminal Films From My Youth! Do They Still Hold Up Today?
Off the top of my head. I'm sure there are a few I've missed. Would love to hear your entries. Do they still hold up? The Warriors (1979) Can you dig it? Caaan yooou diiiig it??! A recent conversation with fellow writer/producer Remi Aubuchon led me to check out this movie again, some thirty years…
June 2, 2010: Elyse Levesque Answers Your Questions!
It's finally here! That long-awaited Elyse Levesque Q&A you've all been asking about! Much thanks to the lovely Elyse for taking time out from her busy schedule (she has a job, y'know!) to answer our questions in very entertaining fashion. I'm pleased she was able to actually slow down long enough to field our queries.…
June 1, 2010: Battle Ice Cream – Round Two! Peanut Butter Crunch vs. Salted Butter Caramel! Chocolate Brownie vs. Double Chocolate!
Today marked the second and final round of the Stargate Ice Cream Throwdown pitting Writer/Director/Show Creator/Show Runner/Executive Producer Robert Cooper against Blogger/Orange Belt in Judo/High School Clarinet Player yours truly. As those of you who read yesterday's blog already know - which should be all of you - I was down after a (debatable, in…
May 31, 2010: Battle Ice Cream! Round One! Mint Chip vs. Advokaat-Laced Vanilla with Crumbled Flake! Coconut-Raspberry Swirl vs. Coconut Cream Pie! Mailbag!
Today was Round #1 of the big Stargate Ice Cream Showdown pitting big-time writer/director/executive producer/showrunner/show creator Robert C. Cooper vs. humble little me. The judges' table was comprised of the regular writers' room attendees - Ashleigh, Lawren, Brad, Paul, Carl, Remi, and Linda - with the addition of producer John G. Lenic and Kerry who…
May 30, 2010: Prepping Battle Ice Cream!
With the two-day/four-flavor Ice Cream Throwndown scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of this week, I spent the weekend - what else? - making ice cream. Looking ahead, this is what the judges can look forward to - Monday (Round One) Rob's Chocolate Mint vs. Joe's Advokaat-Laced Vanilla with Crumbled Milk Chocolate Flake Going mint is…
May 29, 2010: It’s Ice Cream Time! Oh, and Mailbag Time!
Holy smokes. I'm battling a headache of epic proportions. Those extra three hours of sleep (I woke up at a tardy 9:00 a.m.) did absolutely no good. In fact, they cut into my day, ensuring that I not complete the innumerable things I set out to do. Still, I did manage to accomplish a few…
May 28, 2010: Gearing up for Battle Ice Cream! Soliciting your anime opinions!
So next week is the big Ice Cream Throwdown pitting me against fellow Exec. Producer Rob Cooper. Four flavors! Two days! One champion! Winner take all (and by "all", I mean "absolutely nothing of any consequence except for bragging rights to the title Stargate Ice Cream King 2010" - but I'll take it). Since Rob…