http://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/...our-questions/
October 29, 2010 - Part 2
“Is Syfy looking to develop more fun fare like Warehouse 13, Eureka and Haven? I loved that Pearry Teo pushed for better production values on Witchville. Will we see Syfy’s original movies move away from the camp and weird animal mashups?â€
EK: We absolutely want to develop fun series that entertain our audiences and take them on a ride.
As for our movies, I’m not sure, but I will say that growing up I was a huge fan of Roger Corman and Troma Films, so for me it’s nice to see that legacy live on. I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I dare you to watch the Sharktopus trailer without smiling once.
“Thanks for bringing us great shows like SGU!â€
EK: You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching them!
“Would you mind sharing some highs and lows of being at Syfy?â€
EK: I adore working at Syfy for so many reasons, but the biggest reason is that Syfy truly values and celebrates the imagination. I’ve had some jobs (Purchasing Assistant at an Oil Company) that did not exactly push my creativity, and every day here I’m challenged to think outside of the box, and encourage others to do the same.
I can’t say that I’ve had any real lows so far. I’ve been extremely lucky to (knock on wood) not have any series I work on be canceled. I know that day will come, and I would imagine that will become what I answer to this kind of question. I suppose the biggest low so far is that our cafeteria has limited vegetarian options.
“How long have you been a fan of Science Fiction and what got you into the genre?â€
EK: I can’t remember how long because as far back as I can remember my hair was in Princess Leia buns or I was pretending to be She-Ra. I wanted desperately to join the Ghostbusters, and kind of still do. Later I moved onto the hard stuff, R.L. Stine, Time Bandits, and I haven’t looked back.
“What are you some of your favourite foods?â€
EK: I’m a vegetarian, but as Joe can attest to, that doesn’t stop me from eating. I love avocados and eat them with anything I can. I’m also a huge fan of spinach and sweet potatoes. On the bad for you front, I have a weakness for hors d‘oeuvres and caramel. About once a week I have veggie sushi rolls, and whenever I’m in Vancouver I have to get a Veggie Terimayo Hot Dog from Jappadog. I recently went to Toronto, and discovered that the Four Seasons has an amazing Egg White Omelette, and that the restaurant George has incredible vegetarian options.
“Would you mind sharing some of your favourite authors?â€
EK: My favorite book in the world is Love in the Time of Cholera, I could read it every day. I know it’s kind of cliché, but Catcher in the Rye is a very close second. I love authors who pull you in, and make you feel like an accomplice (Kurt Vonnegut, Dorothy Parker, Oscar Wilde).
“Are you an animal lover? And what is your favourite animal?â€
EK: I’m a vegetarian who has two recscued dogs (Harry and Faye, pic Below). As you can guess, I’m a sucker for dogs, but there really isn’t an animal I don’t like. Maybe bees and wasps. Yeah, I kinda hate those.
“Stargate SG1, Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe, which out the 3 is your favourite series and why?â€
EK: Well, I definitely have a soft spot for SGU since I was with it from the beginning. My favorite SGU episodes are Time, Malice and Divided. My favorite SG1 eps are 200, Window of Opportunity and Grace , and my favorite SGA eps are Tabula Rasa, 38 Minutes, and Vegas.
“What direction do you see the Syfy channel heading in the future?â€
EK: I think we’ll stick with this name for a while. Personally, I’d love to see some comedies on the channel, and I wouldn’t mind something a little spookier than we’re used to either.
“Do you believe in the existance of Ghosts, as Syfy is big on the whole Ghost Hunters thing, what do you think of the 3 shows currently on your network?
EK: I do believe in ghosts. I was raised Cuban Catholic in New Orleans, so I’m not sure if it was possible for me not to. Ghost Hunters is one of our biggest series, and I definitely get the appeal. My favorite of the three is Ghost Hunters International because I can watch it and pretend I’m traveling.
“What happened with Legend of the Seeker?, if anything did happen, fans around the world have been mailing networks requesting this series be picked up by Syfy, as it averaged around 2.2 million viewers on ABC, why wasn’t this picked up? Was the asking price by ABC/Disney too high? The show is currently im limbo with no one wanting to pick up, do you think you could make a miracle happen Erika? I think you’d have to agree itd be perfect for the Syfy channel.â€
EK: I am constantly impressed with the level of dedicated that LOTS fans have for the series. It’s definitely an entertaining show, and I have to admit I kind of wish I was Cara. Honestly, I wasn’t a part of the decision making process, but I can say from experience that sometimes not enough love in the world can save a show that needs a new network.
“When can we expect to start seeing promos for the new show on Syfy?â€
EK: Do you mean SGU? I expect right after Comic Con. We have one amazing trailer that will premiere there. Ha, this answers shows how long ago I started answering these. Sorry.
“You still oversee the Writers on the Verge program, right? Do you just deal with the Finalists or do you have any say in who is picked (do you read the submissions)?â€
EK: Sadly, I no longer oversee WOTV. Syfy let me finish out the cycle that was happening when I came over here, but after that they put a new person in my former position, the lovely Karen Horne. When I was there I read every single essay and resume, the first 5 pages of every script, and all of about 50% of the scripts.
“In the program, do you ever see college-aged finalists? People from all over the country?
EK: We take all kinds. Youngest Finalist had just graduated College. Several Finalists have come from out of state.
“Are you a dog or a cat person, or both?â€
EK: Dogs rule, cats will be tolerated after copious amounts of allergy medication.
“What are your views on our ‘non-acceptance’ of the demise of SGA?â€
EK: I respect that view. It took me a very long time to accept the demise of several series, Freaks and Geeks and Dead Like Me among others.
“What is your favourite part of the job?â€
EK: I love so much of it, but I’d have to say my favorite part is working to make every episode the best they can be. I’m always ready to dig deeper and push further.
“Do you get to travel a lot?â€
EK: Yes I do. I’m in Vancouver about once a month, NY every few months and I spent the last month in Toronto. Smackdown has expanded that travel to all parts of the country.
“Ohhh I just checked your twitter and see that you hail from New Orleans. That is one place I am definitely going to go, could you please recommend a couple of your favourite restaurants?â€
EK: Fantasy New Orleans eating day: Breakfast at Commanders Palace, Lunch at the now non-existent Mystic Pizza, Dinner at Café Lebanon or Five Happiness, and drinks at the Columns. Then of course, late night Beignets from Café Du Monde.
“@Ms. Kennair – Can you please use your talents and influence to push for an Atlantis movie, and can you please push for Teyla and John becoming a couple in that movie?â€
EK:: MGM is the one in charge of movies, but if it comes up, I can definitely see where Teyla is at these days.
“Is there any way, any way at all, to fund an SGA continuation as a Movie of the Week (you could put MegaBug Wraith in it!) or as a mini-series?â€
EK: Sadly MegaBug/Wraith hybrids don’t really test well. I would think a nice Sharktolucian or a Pirahnarreplicator may do better.
“How important is the Stargate franchise for Syfy channel?â€
EK: The Stargate franchise is extremely important as it’s our longest running franchise, and it is pure science fiction.
“Question for Erika: How old are you? You don’t look very old in the picture Joe’s been showing us. Also, just what does a Director of Development do?â€
EK: I get that one quite a bit. I just turned 30. My mom got carded until she was in her 40s, so I’ve decided it’s a good thing. Thanks.
And this just in! Check out this outtake from SGU’s “Awakeningâ€.
October 29, 2010 - Part 2
“Is Syfy looking to develop more fun fare like Warehouse 13, Eureka and Haven? I loved that Pearry Teo pushed for better production values on Witchville. Will we see Syfy’s original movies move away from the camp and weird animal mashups?â€
EK: We absolutely want to develop fun series that entertain our audiences and take them on a ride.
As for our movies, I’m not sure, but I will say that growing up I was a huge fan of Roger Corman and Troma Films, so for me it’s nice to see that legacy live on. I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I dare you to watch the Sharktopus trailer without smiling once.
“Thanks for bringing us great shows like SGU!â€
EK: You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching them!
“Would you mind sharing some highs and lows of being at Syfy?â€
EK: I adore working at Syfy for so many reasons, but the biggest reason is that Syfy truly values and celebrates the imagination. I’ve had some jobs (Purchasing Assistant at an Oil Company) that did not exactly push my creativity, and every day here I’m challenged to think outside of the box, and encourage others to do the same.
I can’t say that I’ve had any real lows so far. I’ve been extremely lucky to (knock on wood) not have any series I work on be canceled. I know that day will come, and I would imagine that will become what I answer to this kind of question. I suppose the biggest low so far is that our cafeteria has limited vegetarian options.
“How long have you been a fan of Science Fiction and what got you into the genre?â€
EK: I can’t remember how long because as far back as I can remember my hair was in Princess Leia buns or I was pretending to be She-Ra. I wanted desperately to join the Ghostbusters, and kind of still do. Later I moved onto the hard stuff, R.L. Stine, Time Bandits, and I haven’t looked back.
“What are you some of your favourite foods?â€
EK: I’m a vegetarian, but as Joe can attest to, that doesn’t stop me from eating. I love avocados and eat them with anything I can. I’m also a huge fan of spinach and sweet potatoes. On the bad for you front, I have a weakness for hors d‘oeuvres and caramel. About once a week I have veggie sushi rolls, and whenever I’m in Vancouver I have to get a Veggie Terimayo Hot Dog from Jappadog. I recently went to Toronto, and discovered that the Four Seasons has an amazing Egg White Omelette, and that the restaurant George has incredible vegetarian options.
“Would you mind sharing some of your favourite authors?â€
EK: My favorite book in the world is Love in the Time of Cholera, I could read it every day. I know it’s kind of cliché, but Catcher in the Rye is a very close second. I love authors who pull you in, and make you feel like an accomplice (Kurt Vonnegut, Dorothy Parker, Oscar Wilde).
“Are you an animal lover? And what is your favourite animal?â€
EK: I’m a vegetarian who has two recscued dogs (Harry and Faye, pic Below). As you can guess, I’m a sucker for dogs, but there really isn’t an animal I don’t like. Maybe bees and wasps. Yeah, I kinda hate those.
“Stargate SG1, Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe, which out the 3 is your favourite series and why?â€
EK: Well, I definitely have a soft spot for SGU since I was with it from the beginning. My favorite SGU episodes are Time, Malice and Divided. My favorite SG1 eps are 200, Window of Opportunity and Grace , and my favorite SGA eps are Tabula Rasa, 38 Minutes, and Vegas.
“What direction do you see the Syfy channel heading in the future?â€
EK: I think we’ll stick with this name for a while. Personally, I’d love to see some comedies on the channel, and I wouldn’t mind something a little spookier than we’re used to either.
“Do you believe in the existance of Ghosts, as Syfy is big on the whole Ghost Hunters thing, what do you think of the 3 shows currently on your network?
EK: I do believe in ghosts. I was raised Cuban Catholic in New Orleans, so I’m not sure if it was possible for me not to. Ghost Hunters is one of our biggest series, and I definitely get the appeal. My favorite of the three is Ghost Hunters International because I can watch it and pretend I’m traveling.
“What happened with Legend of the Seeker?, if anything did happen, fans around the world have been mailing networks requesting this series be picked up by Syfy, as it averaged around 2.2 million viewers on ABC, why wasn’t this picked up? Was the asking price by ABC/Disney too high? The show is currently im limbo with no one wanting to pick up, do you think you could make a miracle happen Erika? I think you’d have to agree itd be perfect for the Syfy channel.â€
EK: I am constantly impressed with the level of dedicated that LOTS fans have for the series. It’s definitely an entertaining show, and I have to admit I kind of wish I was Cara. Honestly, I wasn’t a part of the decision making process, but I can say from experience that sometimes not enough love in the world can save a show that needs a new network.
“When can we expect to start seeing promos for the new show on Syfy?â€
EK: Do you mean SGU? I expect right after Comic Con. We have one amazing trailer that will premiere there. Ha, this answers shows how long ago I started answering these. Sorry.
“You still oversee the Writers on the Verge program, right? Do you just deal with the Finalists or do you have any say in who is picked (do you read the submissions)?â€
EK: Sadly, I no longer oversee WOTV. Syfy let me finish out the cycle that was happening when I came over here, but after that they put a new person in my former position, the lovely Karen Horne. When I was there I read every single essay and resume, the first 5 pages of every script, and all of about 50% of the scripts.
“In the program, do you ever see college-aged finalists? People from all over the country?
EK: We take all kinds. Youngest Finalist had just graduated College. Several Finalists have come from out of state.
“Are you a dog or a cat person, or both?â€
EK: Dogs rule, cats will be tolerated after copious amounts of allergy medication.
“What are your views on our ‘non-acceptance’ of the demise of SGA?â€
EK: I respect that view. It took me a very long time to accept the demise of several series, Freaks and Geeks and Dead Like Me among others.
“What is your favourite part of the job?â€
EK: I love so much of it, but I’d have to say my favorite part is working to make every episode the best they can be. I’m always ready to dig deeper and push further.
“Do you get to travel a lot?â€
EK: Yes I do. I’m in Vancouver about once a month, NY every few months and I spent the last month in Toronto. Smackdown has expanded that travel to all parts of the country.
“Ohhh I just checked your twitter and see that you hail from New Orleans. That is one place I am definitely going to go, could you please recommend a couple of your favourite restaurants?â€
EK: Fantasy New Orleans eating day: Breakfast at Commanders Palace, Lunch at the now non-existent Mystic Pizza, Dinner at Café Lebanon or Five Happiness, and drinks at the Columns. Then of course, late night Beignets from Café Du Monde.
“@Ms. Kennair – Can you please use your talents and influence to push for an Atlantis movie, and can you please push for Teyla and John becoming a couple in that movie?â€
EK:: MGM is the one in charge of movies, but if it comes up, I can definitely see where Teyla is at these days.
“Is there any way, any way at all, to fund an SGA continuation as a Movie of the Week (you could put MegaBug Wraith in it!) or as a mini-series?â€
EK: Sadly MegaBug/Wraith hybrids don’t really test well. I would think a nice Sharktolucian or a Pirahnarreplicator may do better.
“How important is the Stargate franchise for Syfy channel?â€
EK: The Stargate franchise is extremely important as it’s our longest running franchise, and it is pure science fiction.
“Question for Erika: How old are you? You don’t look very old in the picture Joe’s been showing us. Also, just what does a Director of Development do?â€
EK: I get that one quite a bit. I just turned 30. My mom got carded until she was in her 40s, so I’ve decided it’s a good thing. Thanks.
And this just in! Check out this outtake from SGU’s “Awakeningâ€.
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