Joseph Mallozzi's Blog! (SPOILERS For All SG Shows and Dark Matter)

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October 28, 2016

Photos: Dark Matter security drone designs, dinner at Yasu


Feast your eyes on these gorgeous security drone designs by artist Henry Fong.

Pretty damn cool, no?

Upon lengthy consideration, I’m partial to version 1. Thoughts?

Henry’s resume includes work on Suicide Squad, X-Men: Apocalypse, and The Amazing Spiderman 2. Check out more of his art here:

http://www.henryfong.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/henryfongillustration/

Prep on Dark Matter’s third season officially begins on Monday with double concept meetings as we kick things off with an Episode 301/304 block shooting extravaganza!

Last night, Akemi and I had dinner at Canada’s best sushi restaurant, Yasu. Yes, sushi is generally better in Vancouver, but there’s no place in Van that tops Yasu. Oh, and please completely discount EVERY Toronto’s Best Sushi list you find online. Yasu is in a class all its own.

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October 29, 2016


Things are ramping up big time as we approach production start on Dark Matter’s third season. Although we don’t go to camera until November 18th, we’ll be kicking things off with a double-episode block shoot, so prep will start earlier – this Monday, October 31st to be precise. Veteran director Ron Murphy (who helmed Episode 106 [FIVE’s trip down memory lane], Episode 109 [FOUR’s bittersweet reunion with his former mentor, Akita], Episode 205 [undercover Android], and the explosive season 2 finale [“But First We Save The Galaxy”]) will be doing the honors on this opening block. Then, cowboy Bruce McDonald (Episode 107 [Wendy the robot], Episode 202 [“Kill Them All”], and Episode 206 [“We Should Have Seen This Coming]) takes the reins and closes out 2016 in his inimitable fine style.

I’m going to have my hands full writing, rewriting, prepping, casting, editing, etc. so I’m going to have to count on you all, again, to help out with the episode titles. Like last year, I’ll select three appropriate lines of dialogue from the episode, then have you, the fans, vote on which one become the official episode title.

In two instances, the fan-chosen episode title did not appear as a line of dialogue in the episode. In the season 2 premiere, “Welcome to Your New Home”, this scripted line is delivered by the head guard, Durand, as TWO, THREE, and FOUR step into Hyperion-8 Gen Pop in the opening tease. The dialogue was lost for time. In Episode 212, “Sometimes In Life You Don’t Get To Choose”, the line is delivered by TWO as part of an exchange with Nyx. It’s a great line in a terrific TWO/Nyx training room scene.

In the script, this scene falls between Hiro’s onscreen communication with FOUR in which the two hatch the plan for a peaceful transfer of power, and the later mess hall scene in which FOUR and SIX disagree on the future use of the Blink Drive.

INT. RAZA – TRAINING ROOM

Nyx is alone in the training room, running through a routine. TWO steps into the doorway.

TWO: Need a sparring partner?

NYX: Need? Never.

TWO walks over to one of the bo staffs.

TWO: Would you like one?

Off Nyx – TWO grabs the bo staff.

TWO: Sometimes in life, you don’t get to choose.

And she launches a furious attack. Nyx defends, then counters. They spar, equally adept, then take a breather –

TWO: He should’ve said something first. He should’ve been honest. With all of us.

NYX: He was afraid we’d try to stop him. I, more than anyone, can understand that.

TWO: Understanding it doesn’t make it any easier to accept.

NYX: You know what I have a hard time accepting? The fact that I’ve opened myself up to a complete stranger.

TWO: He may be more complicated, but the Four we know is still there.

NYX: Is he?

Nyx holds up.

NYX: I’ve been a loner most of my life. I don’t like to make attachments because, whenever I do, I end up being betrayed. (beat) You’d think I would have learned by now.

She casts her weapon aside and walks out.

What made the scene so memorable for me was the fact that second unit director and stunt coordinator John Stead had Melissa and Melanie actually spar through their dialogue. As I said – a terrific scene, but one we, unfortunately, had to lose because the episode was running long.

This season = shorter scripts!

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October 30, 2016

Photos: Dark Matter concept art, Fatali Peppers


Tomorrow, IT BEGINS!

Again.

For the third time.

11:00 – 12:00 – Concept Meeting Episode 301

13:00 – 14:30 – Concept Meeting Episode 304

*To Follow – Studio Walk-Through

Before, after, and possibly during, I’ll be working on those rewrites. I’m back on the treadmill!

Of course, I’m not the only one. Check out this second pass at “The Chair” that came my way c/o the Art Department from the talented Lee at North Front. Production Designer Ian Brock has a few adjustments he’d like to make, but I’d say this is coming along nicely.

I picked these up at the local farmer’s market this weekend. They’re apparently – appropriately – called Fatali Peppers. Anyone know what I can do with them? Beside dip them in chocolate and hand them out for Halloween?

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October 31, 2016

Photos: Joe Mallozzi, cookies, Dark Matter concept meetings, Dark Matter second stage


I wanted to look my best for the first day of prep, so I decided to go with this black, grey, and burgundy ensemble. Note the turtle cuffs (a present from Akemi) and the cat socks (another gift from Akemi).

Akemi marked the occasion by baking up a bunch of home made chocolate oatmeal with dried cherries and coconut flakes. They were a hit and Props Master Victoria Klein declared them “Ten on ten!”.

Hey! We got the band back together! And director Ron Murphy is back on lead vocals! We positively breezed through today’s concept meetings for Episodes 301 and 304.

We followed with a brief walk-thru of our second stage to refresh our memories and make sure no one had taken the Marauder for another joyride.

Careful! These walls are out of control!

Construction has already begun on that room for scene 8.

It’s going to be austere yet cozy in its military simplicity.

Hey, guys, relax! The Marauder’s exactly where we parked it.

Six boxes of Marauder control parts and two boxes of chicken hearts. Don’t ask.

Reconfiguring the former Hyperion-8 cells for far-out future use.

We returned to the Production Offices and gathered to review casting, finally nailing down the roles of Adrian Maro and Ash. Whenever I sit down to watch auditions, I’m always amazed by the many great performances we have to choose from. And the occasional out-of-left-field interpretation of the material that will yield the following stunned response from yours truly –

Wha- happened?

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November 1, 2016

Photos: Dark Matter Art Department meeting, Dark Matter concept art, Joe Mallozzi, Bubba, Lulu


Art Department meeting today to discuss the builds for Episodes 301 and 304. Production Designer Ian Brock, as always, has a creative vision – and everything is under control. Today’s secret keywords were: “drone”, “the clock”, and “Volkov-Rusi”.

A little break, and then we rolled into a rare prosthetics meeting. Yep, Episode 304 is going to raise a few eyebrows – especially among the Fandroids.

The concept illustrations for “the chair” are nothing short of stunning. Kudos to artist Lee Fitzgerald at North Front Studios.

Three intriguing options to choose from, but I lean towards V1, with a few tweaks.

Today’s ensemble…

Yeah, I forgot the pocket square.

It always breaks my heart to leave the doggies in the morning. They always look so forlorn…

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November 2, 2016

Photos: Craig Wright, "the clock", Ian Brock, Joe Mallozzi


Well, look who it is! Dark Matter Director of Photography Craig Wright was in the office today, fresh off his whirlwind working tour of Vancouver. Now, back in the familiar environs of The Raza, he’s ready to LIGHT IT UP!

The base model for “the clock” that isn’t REALLY a clock, certainly not after Production Designer Ian Brock and Prop Master Victoria Klein get through with it. File this one away in your memory banks and compare to the finished product coming your way…soon!

Speaking of comparisons to finished products – check out Production Designer Ian Brock, model for “The Guy in the Chair” (see yesterday’s blog entry for the concept art). Nailed it!

Today’s ensemble: blue suit, pocket square, octopi cufflinks, lavender kicks and flamingo socks.

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November 3, 2016

Photos: Cake, Noreen Landry, Anna Dal Farra, Anita O’Toole, Ron Murphy, sketches, Joe Mallozzi


Birthday festivities were in full swing today in the Dark Matter wardrobe department!

Birthday gal, Costume Designer Noreen Landry, enjoys champagne. And because today was her birthday, she did it with cake!

Assistant Costume Designer Anna Dal Farra provided the cake – and has already started sourcing the Dark Matter dog pics of season 3! Oooh, she’s got some good ones for our first two episodes. Note Anna drinking her champagne out of a mug.

Head Cutter Anita O’Toole enjoying a well-earned respite from cutting heads.

Director Ron Murphy. Suave.

A preliminary sketch of Ash’s outfit.

The changing room displays some of the wardrobe department’s past work.

The birthday party in full swing.

Today’s ensemble in celebration of Noreen’s big day –

I want to call it…plum?

I did remember the pocket square this time, but went cufflink-less today.

And, to complete the look, Darth Vader socks.

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November 4, 2016

Photos: Dark Matter props, Ron Murphy, John Stead, Joe Mallozzi


Props Master Victoria Klein lays out a veritable smorgasbord of goodies for the Episode 301/304 block props meeting.

Director Ron Murphy must be dissuaded from bringing his own “props” from home.

Arming our new merc, Ash.

Solara Shockley selects.

Commander Delaney Truffault sees some season 3 action.

Identify the prop from a previous episode.

Identify this prop from a previous episode.

First fan to correctly identify both props AND the episode in which it first appeared will receive a cast-signed script!

Well look who’s back from hunting The Most Dangerous game. It’s stunt coordinator John Stead! Really looking forward to working with him again.

Today’s look…

Dark blue suit to convey a sense of seriousness. Natasha, our Art Department Coordinator, said she liked the shirt’s gradients. The gradients!

And a little splash of the color purple in the pocket square.

And, of course, the high point of the ensemble = blue and purple jellyfish socks with the textured blue shoes.

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November 5, 2016

Videos: Joe's 10 Anniversary Blog Video, Lulu

Photos: Bubba, Lulu


Now that I can finally take a breather from prep, let me thank Drea, Gary, Hilda, Tam, Kathy, Jan, Randy, Maggie, Jeff, Zoe, and everyone else who contributed to my anniversary video.

On November 21st it will be 10 years of daily blogging. Wow.

Thanks to all everyone who has supported this decade-long endeavour by helping to build a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for veterans and newbies alike. It’s nice to know that no matter where I go – whether it be Japan for vacation or Toronto for work – the lot of you will always come along for the ride.

Today, I took a break from rewrites and schedule reviews to run some errands, get a crappy haircut, and, of course, spend some quality time with Akemi and the dogs.

It’s been kind of sad to witness Lulu’s gradual physical deterioration. Whereas 14 year old Bubba is always up for a nice long walk, my once tireless frenchie has slowed down considerably. There was a time not too long ago when she was constantly on the move, chasing after her toys, but now she spends much of her day curled up in her dog bed or sprawled out on the floor. When other symptoms began to manifest, we brought her in to see a specialist who diagnosed her with neurological issues, issues we’d hoped to address with surgery. Approximately five weeks ago, Lulu went under the knife for what was a six hour surgery to remove some problem scar tissue and bolster her spine. The hope was that we would see some improvement in her condition and, initially, we did. But, as the days have passed and we draw closer to her six week follow-up, it’s become increasingly clear that the surgery wasn’t quite as successful as we’d hoped.

Today, while out on a walk, we documented some of the troubles our 9-year old gal is facing…

Lulu walks relatively fine on carpets, grass, and pavement although Akemi has noticed she tends to lose her balance whenever she shakes her head.

A couple of months ago, her mobility issues manifested whenever she tried to walk on deep gravel. Now, they’re even more pronounced.

Well, let’s see how the next couple of weeks play out. Here’s hoping we see some progress.

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November 6, 2016

Photos: Akemi, Bubba, The Dumpling House, Rasta Pasta, Takoyaki, whisky


Kicked back and relaxed a little.

Headed out and hung out.

Now feeling dazed and confused as I head back into prep.

One of the nice things about the weekends is that it’s a time when I can set aside my eating routine in favor of more, uh, adventurous culinary pursuits. Like, pictured above, the dozen fried dumplings at The Dumpling House on Spadina.

With a double hit of chili paste and sweet and spicy chili oil.

We checked out the oddly-named but delicious Rasta Pasta serving everything from ox-tail and fried plaintain to jerk chicken panini sandwiches in Kensington Market.

And happened by this taste of Osaka –

Takoyaki – octopus balls. The best part of the octopus!

Tomorrow, it’s back to the office where festivities include:

10:00 – 13:00 = Mold making

11:00 = Hair and Make-Up meeting

13:00 = Editor interview

14:00 = SPFX/VFX meeting

16:00 = Playback/Graphics meeting

And between those meetings = script work!

Yep, this about sums it up.

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November 7, 2016

Photos: Dark Matter season 3 concept art, Joe Mallozzi


Okay. Seriously. I’ve been spinning my wheels on this same damn scene for days. I think, tonight, I’m just going to have to break open the sake and power through. I get this done, segue into the flashback to the pre-mindwipe crew, end the act and, after that, it’l be smooooooth sailing.

A little somethings from North Front via the Dark Matter art department. Have been loving their work, and their design for the “Maglev Platform” is pretty damn awesome. But, you may ask, what IS a maglev platform, what does it do, and what episode will it make its appearance? All very good questions.

And a little something from 1st Assistant Art Director Roxanne Borris. With the galaxy on the brink of corporate warfare, the players need to look their best. Choose your favorite Traugott Corp insignia.

Back to prep means back in fine form…

Shades of blue. Hey, check out the pocket square!

I picked it up in – where else? – Japan.

My Star Trek-themed cuffs.

Blue shoes. I switched out the black laces for baby blues and went with cloud socks.

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November 8, 2016

Photos: Dark Matter, Noreen Landry, Joe Mallozzi


Great news! For me. I pushed through that pesky hitherto unyielding scene and made it to the top of Act II. Along the way, I finally got to write that pre-mindwipe Raza crew flashback scene. Oh, that’s a keeper.

The final look of “the chair”, compliments of Lee Fitzgerald at North Front Studio.

Now, all the art department has to do is build it!

Costumer Designer Noreen Landry dropped by today to show off the new Ferrous Corp guard masks. Once we tint the lenses, they’ll look downright nefarious.

Also, a concept sketch for a new outfit. But who’ll be wearing it? My money’s on SIX!

Speaking of outfits, today’s ensemble…

All business.

The pocket square had a bit of an emerald forest theme.

So it was only appropriate I went with the frog cuffs.

Matching belt and tie with digital camo socks.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Probably a new U.S. President, which is why we all filled out sheets for the Quadrennial Electoral College Pool. My prediction: 269-269 with the tiebreaker dance-off!

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November 9, 2016

Photos: BaronDestructo, Roxanne Borris, Dark Matter concept art, Joe Mallozzi, Solara Shockley, Ron Murphy


Guys! Guys! Come on! I had one simple request. Couldn’t you have saved public discussion on the subject until Monday?

Well, I can honestly say that last night’s season finale of Election 2016 was surprising, but not shocking. Surprising because almost ALL of the polls were wrong. Not shocking because polls (which, oh by the way, use a methodology similar to that used to gauge television ratings) have been pretty damn inaccurate lately. Given burgeoning technological advancements, you’d think predictive modeling would actually get better, not worse. But we seem to be heading the wrong way down that particular information highway.

Of course, polls that proclaim seismic shifts in voter intention over the course of mere days should set off alarm bells instead of signaling the commencement of victory celebrations. That would be like resting all your starters with a ten point lead and two minutes to go in the game, or, uh –

Clinton and Democrats are looking past Trump, focusing on winning house and senate seats.

Anyhoo, I’ll just leave this here:

Those polls your reading? They’re bull****.

My wholly unscientific opinion survey gives Dark Matter season 3 a 93.67% chance of starting production November 18th.

1st Assistant Art Director Roxanne Borris shows off the cell’s window.

A final pass on the drone by concept artist Henry Fong. We’re going to lose the color and/or pin-up design and go straight black and grey.

Our Solara Shockley (more on her in next week’s press release!) demonstrates proper choke hold etiquette.

Just letting director Ron Murphy know that whole no-cutting-between-takes approach aint gonna fly.

I continue my casual prep look in advance of my formal production wear next week…

Bubba steals the shot.

It’s a power color, y’know.

Ladybugs because I’m in tune with nature.

And my favorite dogs-riding-bicycles socks.

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November 10, 2016

Photo: Dark Matter concept art


In season 1, we had 12 of 13 scripts written by the time we went to camera.

In season 2, we had 9 of 13 scripts written by the time we went to camera.

As we head into season 3, it looks like we’ll probably have 8 of 13 scripts written by the time we go to camera. And that’s being optimistic. A couple of reasons for this:

1. SCHEDULE: We’re starting production earlier. In season 1, we started in early January. In season 2, we started in early December. This season, we’re looking at a mid-November start.

2. THE ROOM: In our first year, Paul and I were joined by Martin Gero. We broke all 13 episodes over the course of two and a half weeks! In our second year, we managed to break 9 scripts. This year, we succeeded in breaking all of 7 (ish) scripts – some more detailed than others.

3. REWRITES: Holy crap! THIS is the biggest challenge of all. Unlike other season where rewrites would mostly involve tweaks to the first drafts, these season 3 rewrites haven’t been brutal, big, and time-consuming. 5 out of our first 7 scripts have seen full passes.

We’re still in great shape; still ahead of the game. I’ve heard horror stories of productions that have prepped off outlines and, in one case, a writer’s pitch (!). Thankfully, that’s a situation we’ll never face (I promise). Still, it can be both frustrating and exhausting fielding 11th hour curveballs when you’re in meetings, prepping, revising, finishing off first drafts and, oh yeah, perhaps most importantly, have a fairly well thought-out narrative plan in place that you spent the better part of three months putting together.

Ah, show business.

Hey, wanna see something really cool?

Concept art by Henry Fong.

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November 11, 2016

Photos: Dark Matter, Bubba, Lulu, Joe Mallozzi


Concept art for “the clock” which, frankly, isn’t a clock but kinda looks like one. To be featured in Episode 304.

The other day, Production Manager Brandon Tataryn asked me when I expected to have episode titles. I told him “When the fans decide.” Aint democracy wonderful?

More concept awesomeness from the desk of artist Henry Fong.

Yeah, these assorted limbs are going to come in handy. Leggy and footy.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Well, the first day of principal photography on Dark Matter’s third season is less than a week which means I’m going to have to start dressing up soon. But until then, it’s casual wear for prep…

Going to see if I can get those phone booths in blue.

Date night tonight as Akemi and I attend the screening of Tsukiji Wonderland, a documentary Tokyo’s famed 80-year old fish market, the world’s largest. It’ll be like going on vacation – for a couple of hours!