With the start of prep on Episode 208 and the commencement of principal photography on Episode 207, Friday, February 26th, marks the unofficial halfway point in the production of Dark Matter's second season. On the one hand, I am amazed and delighted that it has gone so quickly and so smoothly to date; on the other hand,…
February 19, 2016: A few Dark Matter twitter recommendations!
Can I just say how much I enjoy working with this guy? Jeff Teravainen (Lieutenant Anders) is a class act - who totally kills it onscreen. His presence may be bad news for our Raza crew, but always great news for our Dark Matter production crew. Can't wait for you to see Jeff tear it up in…
February 18, 2016: A new addition to the club! And another episode title!
Sure, he's directing episode 207 but, more importantly, Jason Priestley joined the Dark Matter Whisky/ey Club. He's a bourbon man. I have a feeling we're going to get along just fine. Hey! We have a new episode title! And the final tally on this one wasn't all that close either. So far, we have - Episode 14:…
February 17, 2016: Dark Matter news and notes!
Spent my afternoon in editing with the lovely Wendy Hallam-Martin, working on the John Stead-directed Episode 204. LOTS going on in this one. An alternate title I was going to throw into the mix "Space Station Are Dangerous" didn't make the cut because it literally did not make the cut. Ah, well. Still, a lot…
February 12, 2016: Dark Matter season 2 – behind the scenes action and goodies!
Ooh la la. A little something from the Hyperion-8 Jump Into Spring Collection. The most popular producer on set! Morning truffles (Early Grey and Bourbon) compliments of Akemi. I'll just leave this rock wall right here and pick it up later. Marc Bendavid (ONE) snacks between set-ups. So, uh, what's behind the big rusty door? The…
February 11, 2016: New episode title! A trip down Roxanne Borris memory lane!
As promised, here is the Episode 203 title chosen by YOU, the viewers and voters: "Episode 15: I've Seen The Other Side Of You". So far, I'm 2 for 3 in the title game. Prior to this one, I was secretly rooting for "Kill Them All", the eventual winner in the last round. Alas, "Most…
February 10, 2016: Dark Matter behind the scenes!
Today, we were back in The Hammer for some interior run and gun... This morning, I took no chances, opting for not two, not three, not four, not five, but SIX layers of clothing. I felt like Ralphie's little brother from A Christmas Story. I left my place for Hamilton at 6:15 a.m. The drive over…
February 9, 2016: Shooting in the wilds! Dark Matter season 2!
Today, the cast and crew hit the wilds of Hamilton for a little main unit photography. Some exclusive behind the scenes pics... Gator alert! Avoid the swamp! Setting up the day's first shot. It was chilly, but not unbearably so. That, I suspect, will change tomorrow. Script Supervisor Matti Huhta, dressed for the weather. For…
February 8, 2016: Name another Dark Matter episode!
Yesterday, I watched the Superbowl with some of my co-workers: co-creator Paul Mullie, VFX Supervisor Lawren Bancroft Wilson, Line Producer Norman Denver, 1st Assistant Director Brandon Tataryn, and their respective families (almost all of who were rooting for the Broncos), and actor Anthony Lemke who, always the contrarian, was rooting for the Panthers. We gathered…
February 7, 2016: The Dark Matter noodle bar!
Yesterday, after visiting the alley set, Dark Matter Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza, Akemi, and I stopped by a nearby noodle bar. How nearby? Well, try two sets over from that alley set. Following through on that Blade Runner vibe. Steam and neon! The place was new. How new? Well, when we walked in, they were still painting the tabletops! You're all…
February 6, 2016: Dark Matter – behind the Saturday scenes!
Today saw a wrap on two different directors and their respective episodes - Steve Dimarco (Episode 203) and John Stead (Episode 204). I dropped in for about an hour in the morning for the alley scene. Two (more like three) outstanding scenes will find their way into the pre-existing director's cut of 203, a dynamic…
February 5, 2016: Dark Matter production full steam ahead!
Ah, finally, the weekend is upon us. Time for rest, relaxation..and a special second unit Saturday shoot. Though, in all honesty, these Saturday shoots are becoming less uncommon and, so, not particularly special. Just saying, guys. Not that I don't enjoy my time with my co-workers. If I was trapped on a space ship millions…
February 4, 2016: Sushi! Demons! Transfer Transit Travel! And Dark Matter goodies!
Dating Akemi is always an adventure. Every text is a little treasure offering cultural insights into the land of the rising sun. Take yesterday, for instance, when I received THIS text: My reaction was "Hunh?". Oh, okay, because I was throwing the soy beans BEFORE seeing the demon. P.S. I going to assume the demon…
February 3, 2016: The day in Dark Matter!
Sometimes, when you're on set, you come across the strangest sights. Like today, for instance, when I happen across Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza in the midst of her workout. Her killer regimen involves cardio, eating right, and heavy HEAVY weights. Check her out... Then she concludes her routine by tossing anvils at parked cars.…
February 2, 2016: On the Dark Matter front…
Due to other production commitments (mainly prep, writing, and editing), I haven't spent as much time on set as I might have liked for this latest episode. Fortunately, my former Stargate cohort, Ivon Bartok, has done a bang-up job overseeing the action in my absence. So good, in fact, that I could probably stay in Vancouver next…