Stargate: Universe - Joseph Mallozzi's Blog - Production Updates Apr 23 '09

From Joseph Mallozzi's blog update for April 23, 2009:

(Please follow the link for the complete blog update.)



April 23, 2009: It’s Like That Episode Of SG-1 Where The Team Has To Introduce A Foreign Element Into the Sun Of Another Planet In Order To Save The World’s Inhabitants Except That Instead Of “The Team” It’s “Me” And Instead of “Introducing A Foreign Element Into A Sun” It’s “Making This Entry” And Instead Of “Save The World’s Inhabitants” It’s “Entertain The Readers Of This Blog”. Oh, And A Production Update.

... Will Waring is directing Brian J. Smith (Lt. Scott) and Justin Louis (Col. Young) over on Stage 2 (set codename: Hoth).

Director Andy Mikita is over on Stage 4 taking a wandering camera tour of the Destiny set.

Robert Cooper is working on his producer’s cut of Earth and is awaiting notes on his brilliant script for Time as his prep week approaches.

Brad Wright shifts gears after putting out both Darkness and Light, looking to hammer down the story for episode 13.

My writing partner Paul [Mullie] continues work on Divided. According to him, there’s a lot of story and he fears the script may go long. Which would be par for the course.

Carl Binder will be assuming revision duties on Faith, episode 12.

Oh, and I found the time to do another pass on that Atlantis movie script. I wanted to have another go at the Beckett-Teyla scene but was sidetracked by a new script, an impromptu writer’s meeting, lunch (priorities, yes?), and an all new, all tight producer’s cut of Air I and II. That Destiny is a mighty cool-looking ship.

Finally, a reminder to Producer John G. Lenic, who has been with the franchise since The Children of the Gods pilot, will be taking your questions, so if you want to ask him anything about his 10 years on SG-1, 5 years on Atlantis, 2 SG-1 movies, or his time on Universe, start posting…

Stargate Atlantis - MGM Stargate - Behind the Scenes Photos - 'Enemy at the Gate'

At MGM Stargate:

(Please follow the link to view all the photos in their original format.)

28 behind-the-scenes from the Stargate Atlantis series finale episode, 'Enemy at the Gate,' which airs Friday, January 9 '09 at 9pm on the SciFi Channel (US).



Director Andy Mikita, Amanda Tapping (Col. Sam Carter) and Executive Producer Joseph Mallozzi



Joe Flanigan (Lt. Col. John Sheppard), Camera Operator Will Waring, and Christopher Heyerdahl (Todd)



1st AD Alex Pappas, Kavan Smith (Maj. Evan Lorne) and Director Andy Mikita



Rachel Luttrell (Teyla Emmagan) and Joe Flanigan



Robert Picardo (Richard Woolsey) and Jason Momoa (Ronon Dex)



Joe, Rachel, Jason, Chuck Campbell (Chuck the Technician), David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay) and Robert



Jason, Andy, Alex, Rachel, Robert, David and Joe



David

Stargate Atlantis - MGM Stargate: 10 Behind the Scenes Stills - 'Identity'

At MGM Stargate:

(Please follow the link to view all the photos in their original format.)

10 behind the scenes stills from 'Identity.'



Director Will Waring



Paul McGillion as Dr. Carson Beckett



Dawn Olivieri (as Neeva) and Director Will Waring



Jason Momoa (Ronon Dex), Dawn, Paul, Rachel Luttrell (Teyla Emmagan), David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay) and Joe Flanigan (Lt. Col. John Sheppard)



Puddle jumper interior

Stargate: Universe - Joseph Mallozzi: Spinning Stargate: Universe!

At Joseph Mallozzi’s blog:

(Please follow all the links for the complete blog posts.)



Spinning Stargate: Universe - Day One

… We were all back in the office today, spinning stories for season one of Stargate: Universe. In attendance: creators Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, Carl Binder, Martin Gero, Alan McCullough, Paul Mullie, and myself. The first order of business was, of course, catching each other up on what we’ve been up to since last we met. I can’t help but think that if everyone on staff blogged as well, we’d be able to access all of this information before going into the office and could thereby dispense with the niceties of social interaction and get right to work. Easier said than done however. Paul’s Commodore 64 is not internet-capable and don’t get me started on Carl’s IBM Selectric, the Queen of electric typewriters.

Our second order of business was providing notes for episode #1. Brad and Rob did a terrific job of kicking things off in thrilling fashion. The script is fast-paced and fun; its characters unique and engaging. My favorite: Dr. David Rush. Oh, he’s going to be a handful. Originally planned as a two-parter, Brad and Robert quickly discovered that there was simply too much story for such a tight frame, so the series opener is now looking like a three-parter.

In addition to that first script, Brad and Rob provided us with a beat sheet and springboards for several more stories. Brad has laid claim to #4, a story that is right up his alley. Speaking of perfect pairings, I couldn’t think of anyone better than Carl Binder to write #5. Rob is eyeing #6 which offers a most intriguingly SF door in, while #7 and #8 have yet to be claimed.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, Stargate: Universe is a series that draws on established mythology yet blazes a bold, new path for the franchise. It’s definitely more character-centered and intimate in its exploration of the interpersonal dynamics that will drive a lot of the shipboard developments (and, no, I’m not talking about romance). The premise of this ship hurtling through uncharted territories offers up unbounded story possibilities, yet also forces us to adopt a very different approach toward alien encounters and planetary investigation. Twin themes mentioned over the course of today’s conversations: survival and sacrifice.

Prep-production is progressing nicely. Rob showed me about eight different designs for the Destiny. According to him, they’re getting close. No casting news to convey but some interesting names are being bandied about. The search continues. Finally, another element I’m loving is the SGU version of the SG-1/Atlantis MALP (Mobile Analytic Laboratory Probe). Very cool.

Tomorrow, we discuss Brad’s first story following the big three-part opener, establish some of the big picture storylines and arcs we’d like to pursue over the course of the show’s first 20 episodes, and then start breaking Carl’s story ...


Spinning Stargate: Universe Day Two

... Back in the office today. Brad and Rob were in a meeting this morning so Paul and I ended up discussing the outline for the SGA movie. He’ll be making a few changes to the structure and then, hopefully, put it out before week‘s end. Once the meeting wrapped, we convened in the writers’ room and talked big picture notions for the series, the big bang, our expanding universe, and the interesting repercussions of FTL travel on both contact parties involved in an instantaneous means of communication. Oh, and the post-production schedule is out. It looks like February 4th will be the first day of principal photography ...


Spinning Stargate: Universe Day #3

... Back at it today, spinning Stargate: Universe. With a first draft of episode #1 in hand and episodes #2-4 mapped out, we turned our attention to episode #5, Carl’s baby. After much heated debate on the motivating factors that “complicate things for our gang“, we ended up breaking the story in a little less than two hours …

We ended the day with a general discussion of SGU: some future storylines, a couple of surprises, yes there will be a mid-season two-parter, and the types of individuals who will make up the Destiny’s extended crew ...


Spinning Stargate: Universe Day #4

... With five stories in place, we turned our attention to episode #6 today, beating out Marty G.’s very first SGU script. This one involved a long, loooooong discussion on the workings of a certain technology which forms the impetus to another terrific character-driven story. Next week, we have stories to break for Rob, Alan, Paul, and myself after which we head off for two weeks of fun in the sun (or rising sun in my case). Then, we’re back in the office for one more week of discussion on the (hopefully) completed outline ...


Spinning Stargate: Universe Day #5

... Well, back in the office today. While Brad and Robert worked on revisions to the first script, the rest of us kept busy in our respective offices surfing the internet, phoning home, and making final preparations for our trip to Tokyo. At a little after 11:00, we convened in the writers’ room and started spinning Alan’s story. We broke for lunch, then resumed the discussion on shipboard justice and the ever-developing interrelations among the crew. Factions, fractions, and surprising revelations. By the time we called it a day, we had beaten out Alan’s story ...


Spinning Stargate: Universe Day #6

... Went into the office today and did the Whispers commentary with director Will Waring, after which the writers gathered to discuss one of Rob’s story ideas. It’s a great premise that, when I read it, left me wondering “How the hell is this going to work?” and, after much back and forth, we eventually came up with the logic construct to make it work (see Brad‘s whiteboard diagram for the explanation [photo at the site]) ...

Spinning Stargate: Universe Day #7

... Back on the office today for another day of SGU spinning. We skipped episode 9 (While I like the general premise and think it could be a lot of fun and, really, at the end of the day who doesn’t like fun?, I feel that, unlike the other stories we’ve discussed so far, this one is far more nebulous. Fearing we might well spend our final three days trying to spin a story out of this kernel of an idea, I suggested we move on to #10 and #11 which, at the very least, are somewhat more substantial in comparison) and moved on to the two-parter. I hesitate to call it a two-parter because, the way these episodes have developed so far, there are a threads that run through all the stories, in essence making this season one big 20-parter. Now given that some of you have started comparing SGU to existing shows on the basis of what little information has been released thus far, I thought it might be a good idea to help paint a clearer picture of the show. And so, to those of you looking for standing comparisons, I’d say more Lost than Battlestar, more Dr. Who than Heroes, more The Office than My Name Is Earl ...

Spinning Stargate: Universe Day #8

... Today was our final day of spinning on Stargate: Universe and we finished in impressive fashion, breaking not one but TWO stories. The first, episode #10 is mine (Carl is especially excited about this one) while #11 falls to Paul. Ticking clocks, twists and turns, alliances, betrayals, and a surprise guest! And, just like that, we have our first 10 stories in play. Now, all that remains to be done is to write the outlines, design and build the sets, design and create the costumes, design and produce the props, nail down the crew, cast the roles of Young, Rush, Scott, Eli, Tamara, Chloe, Stasiak, Wray, and Brody (among others), and everything else that needs to be done before we start shooting in early February. I have a feeling our visual effects department is going to have a blast with this show!


Easing Back into a Routine

... Well, back to work, but not back to the office. We were supposed to reconvene next week but, as expected, Brad and Robert are up to their eyeballs in scriptwriting and series prep so, instead, we’ll be flying solo, working on our own outlines and scripts. Rob showed me the stack of ship designs they were mulling over last time I was in and I suspect that he and Brad have probably narrowed their choice down by now.

So far, Martin, Carl, and Alan have put out outlines (and I’ve already provided notes on all three), and Rob and Brad have put out the first draft of the opening three-parter, Air, which puts me tied for last place with Paul (who, I’m assuming, is just about finished his pass on our outline for the SGA movie). Priority #1 now for me is hammering out an outline for the first part of the SGU mid-season two-parter. From what I understand, casting is still ongoing but I expect we’ll be hearing word on some decisions soon…soon ...

Stargate Atlantis - MGM Stargate: Six Behind the Scenes Photos - 'Remnants'

At MGM Stargate:

(Please follow the link to view all the photos in their original format.)

New - Six behind the scenes photos from 'Remnants.'



Director Will Waring, Robert Davi -- behind Will -- (Kolya) and Joe Flanigan (Lt. Col. John Sheppard)



Will Waring and Robert Picardo (Richard Woolsey)



Joe Flanigan, Robert Davi, Will Waring

Stargate Atlantis' 'Remnants' airs Friday, November 14 at 9pm on the SciFi Channel.

Stargate Atlantis - MGM Stargate: Behind The Scenes Photos - 'Outsiders'

At MGM Stargate:

(Please follow the link to view all the photos in their original format.)

Eight new behind-the-scenes photos from the new Stargate Atlantis episode, 'Outsiders,' airing Friday, October 17 '08 at 9pm on the SciFi Channel.



David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay) and Joe Flanigan (Lt. Col. John Sheppard)



Script Supervisor Terry Murray (L)



Director Will Waring (L)



David Hewlett



Wraith, Director Will Waring, standing behind Will is actor G. Michael Gray (Sefaris) and standing behind Will and to the far right, I believe that is Wray Douglas, Special Effects Supervisor

Stargate Atlantis - MGM Stargate: NEW Behind the Scenes Photos - Tracker

At MGM Stargate:

(Please follow the link to view the photos in their original format.)

Four new behind the scenes publicity stills from 'Tracker.'



Jewel Staite and crew



Mike Dopud (Kyrik), Jewel Staite and Director Will Waring






SFX Supervisor Wray Douglas to the immediate right of Will Waring

Stargate Atlantis' 'Tracker,' premieres Friday, September 19 at 10pm on the SciFi Channel (US).

Stargate Atlantis - Director Will Waring Answers Questions & New Video!

From Joseph Mallozzi's blog update for September 12, 2008:

(Please follow the link for the complete blog update and to view the new video.)

September 12, 2008: With Special Guest Star Director Will Waring, and the FX Stage Tour Part V



Director Will Waring


Hey, look at who dropped by with the answers to all of your burning questions. None other than fab Stargate Atlantis director Will Waring! Initially reluctant to guest here and lay bare his inner soul, Will finally came around after a little coaxing, a dash of needling, and some good old-fashioned sleep-deprivation.

Check out Will's Q&A, then scroll down to the bottom of this entry for Part 5 of our stroll through the FX Stage. And, in the coming days: the fan protest, my dinner with Bob Picardo, Atlantis physics consultant Mika McKinnon, pics from the set, and a video tour of Stage 3.


First a big thanks to Joe for finally letting me onto his blog , and a thanks to Joe and Paul for another great SGA year. Ok here goes.

Shirt `n Tie writes: "(i) Can I ask you the pineapple question? Including both SG1 and SGA, how many episodes have had pineapples appear in the background as an innocent prop? I think the story is that you had to drive a car through a scene at the start of your career and a pineapple rolled around the back windscreen and since
then you have tried to incorporate a pineapple in every epiosde you direct…Is this true? Anyway, curious to know if you have kept count of the pineapples.

(ii) What for you as a director is the most fun part of your job? and also the reverse…what is the least fun part of the job?

Thank you for taking the time to read (and answer) the questions…. I too also love the audio commentaries you take part in for the DVD box sets…. Your insights into what happened on set really bring the episode to a real context..Many thanks for this and (as always) please keep up the good work!"

WW: "1) What pineapple? I have no idea what you're talking about. 2) The most fun is seeing a plan come together, watching a great performance in a scene, and seeing a cut come together better than imagined, or reading a script and laughing out loud going holy shit can we do that? It's fun to watch the great crew and cast work together to pull off what we do every day. The least fun is running out of time and sometimes being the mean school bus driver.

Stargate Atlantis - 'Whispers' Behind the Scenes Videos and Photos!

From Joseph Mallozzi's blog update for September 7, 2008:

(Please follow the link for the complete blog update, and to view the new behind the scenes photos from Stargate Atlantis' 'Whispers' [in their original format] and five -- count 'em 5! - behind the scenes videos from 'Whispers!' Joe, THANK YOU so much!)



Director Will Waring

September 7, 2008: I Suffer a Field Injury, The Whispers Breakdown Part II, and Oodles of Pics and Vids

**snippage**

Speaking of the book club, author Stephen Dobyns turned his Q&A around in record time so I’ll be turning this blog over to him tomorrow. In the meantime, I hope you’re all very busy reading this month’s selections because the week of September 15th fast approaches when we’ll be discussing Justina Robson’s Keeping It Real with author Justina Robson. The following week, author Glen Cook be dropping by to field your questions about this month’s fantasy selection, The Black Company, and author Sarah Langan will be joining us the week after that to talk about The Missing, this month’s horror selection.



Dr. Allison Porter (Nicole De Boer), Maj. Anne Teldy (Christina Cox) and Sgt. Dusty Mehra (Janina Gavankar)

**snippage**

Anyway, continuing with the Whispers breakdown…

ACT THREE

INT. MICHAEL’S LAB - NIGHT: Mirellus‘s revelation.

Another straightforward scene. Sheppard realizes the answer to dealing with Michael’s experiment lies in the data, and since his wraith reading skills are as rusty as Teldy’s, they set off to find Beckett and Porter.

INT. HOUSE - NIGHT: Beckett heads out to investigate.

Unable to contact Sheppard, Beckett is going stir crazy. His friend is in trouble and he is, in effect, stranded and can‘t help him. At which point he hears the sound of movement outside. As he explains to Porter, if there’s a threat out there, they’re as good as sitting ducks. Subscribing to the theory that the best defense is a good offense, he heads out to check the perimeter. In his mind, he can look around and stay close enough to the house in the event Porter sounds the alarm. Unfortunately, his little stroll takes an unexpected turn...



Ghouls just want to have fun

Stargate Atlantis - Whispers Breakdown, Part 1 - NEW Behind the Scenes Photos

At Joseph Mallozzi's blog update for September 6, 2008:

(Please follow the link for the complete blog update, and to view the NEW behind the scenes photos from the production of Stargate Atlantis' 'Whispers' [in their original format], plus a video tour of Stage 2, part 2 with Carl Binder [the wraith hive interiors].)



Lonely monster looking for Miss Fright. Enjoys creeping up walls, terrorizing humans, and long walks on the beach.

September 6, 2008: Whispers Breakdown, Part 1

Well, as promised, I’m dedicating today’s blog entry to a post-Whispers blow-by-blow. Since I was on set for this episode, I have plenty to talk about and, over the course of this breakdown, I’ll touch on a variety of subjects including revised scenes, deleted footage, and on-set anecdotes. And, seeing as how it looks like I’ll have a lot to say on this one, I may well run out of steam and have to pick things up tomorrow.



Okay, now smile and say...

Before I get started, I’d just like to remind everyone that Will Waring, director of Whispers and countless other SG-1 and Atlantis episodes, has agreed to do a guest blog here, so start posting your comments. Quick, before he changes his mind!



Cheeeeeese!

To Das who asks: “What was your mindset while writing Whispers? Dead serious, tongue-in-cheek, something else?” Definitely tongue in cheek popcorn fun, from Carpenteresque fog to the Ringesque well crawl. In fact, Sheppard’s line late in the episode neatly summed up the spirit of the episode: “Great. Now all we need is for the prom queen and the kid in the wheelchair to wander off and we’re all set.”



What're YOU looking at?!

Today’s pics: Behind the scenes on Whispers.

Today’s video: Stage 2 walk-thru II (up until the point where my camera battery died on me).

THE TEASE

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT: A couple of locals run into a spot of bad luck.

This scene wasn’t in the first draft which actually started on Atlantis with Sheppard informing Beckett that Major Teldy’s team had found something off-world (the original end of tease was the reveal of the lab with Sheppard and Beckett). However, the network and Rob felt the script needed some action off the top. I thought about it and came up with this scene that 1) established the creepy mood we’d be touching on later in the episode and 2) offered me a way of working the gas masked figure (Michael) into the episode. Also, given that I wanted this episode to follow the traditional horror flick structure, I felt that a scare off the top was a terrific idea. The one point I was resolute about, however, was that we not reveal the look of the creature. Not here. Not yet. I also thought it important to establish some sort of unique sound for the creatures, something we could establish early and then use as a cue later in the episode to signal their approach. Editor Mike Banas came up with a temporary solution, a variation on a dolphin’s chittering which I found very effective. So effective, in fact, that when a new sound was created for the Day 1 mix, I asked them to put Mike’s original creation back...

To be continued…



Actor removes her eyeballs and puts them in a plastic container for safe keeping.

Stargate Atlantis - Joseph Mallozzi's Blog Updates Sept 1-4 '08

Some recent updates at Joseph Mallozzi's blog:

September 1, 2008: Corn Soup, Crispy Brains, and Mailbag!

Mailbag:

flygirl writes: “Will you have an active role in the 3rd SG-1 movie and/or the first SGA movie?? “

Answer: Paul and I will be writing and producing the first Atlantis movie. We will probably be asked to read and provide notes on the SG-1 film script as was the case with both Ark of Truth and Continuum.

September 2, 2008: A Touch of Evil, a Kellerific Mailbag, and The Weird Food Purchase of the Day



“Evil” Kenny Gibbs

Today, Evil takes over this blog. And by Evil, I am, of course, referring to “Evil” Kenny Gibbs, our Stargate Atlantis Props Master. Kenny a.k.a. Evil a.k.a. Yellow has been with the show as long as I can remember and it’s a pleasure to have him drop by for a little meet ‘n greet. While you’re enjoying Kenny’s little show and tell, start thinking up questions for our next guest, Mika McKinnon who, as part of the props department, has been our physics consultant for the past two seasons.

What has been your personal favorite prop that you had a hand in making (Stargate related or otherwise)?

KG: "My favorite Stargate prop would have to be a toss up between the ‘replicator disruptor’ used by RDA in SG-1 or the hero swords used in Blade 3. Guns and swords. Love em!"

Gemini-nominated actress Jewel Staite

September 3, 2008: Director Andy Mikita Calls the Shots, and The Weird Food Purchase of the Day



Director Andy Mikita on his throne

Hey! Look who it is! Why, it’s 20-year film and television veteran Andy Mikita, director of such episodes as Heroes I and II, Before I Sleep, Be All My Sins Remember’d and, more recently, Search and Rescue, The Daedalus Variations, The Shrine, First Contact, and The Lost Tribe. Andy, who is presently prepping the series finale, Enemy at the Gate, joins us today to answer your questions, dish some behind-the-scenes dirt, and plug his new signature sandalwood-scented men’s cologne. (Ha ha. Just kidding about the behind-the-scenes dirt.)

Looking back at your time on Atlantis, what are some of your favorite memories, and some of your most traumatic or difficult?

AM: "I really enjoyed working with David Ogden Stiers. He would provide a continuous onslaught of hilarious jokes and stories. A prince of a man and a total pro. Also, shooting Before I Sleep was special ‘cause it was my first Atlantis.

I think the day Joe lost his dad was the hardest. I felt terrible and he insisted in carrying on. Every time I watch Search & Rescue and see him trapped under the rubble it reminds me of that day. That’s what we were shooting when he got the news..."

Today’s mailbag:

Evolution Anyone writes: “You all have no shame…again Atlantis is going to copy, scene for scene, an SG-1 episode? I let out a gasp when I saw the “alien autopsy” pics from First Contact/Lost Tribe.”

Answer: Oh, I hear ya. Another alien autopsy! It’s like we do one of those every second episode. And, wait, it gets worse! If you can believe it, there’s also a scene where the team exchanges weaponsfire with some aliens (shades of SG-1!) and even a scene in which two characters talk as they walk around (freakin’ ripped off from Louis Le Prince’s 1888 Roundhay Garden Scene). Gasp!

September 4, 2008: The Lemons Rolls In, August’s Top 3 Reads, and The Weird Food Purchase of the Day



Darren Dolinski as Mirellus

With Whispers set to air this Friday night, I thought I’d say a few words about of one of the actors I’ve yet to mention with regard to the episode. Darren Dolinski plays the role of Mirellus, the mysterious local with a secret or two about a certain abandoned village. Darren won the role on the strength of a great audition, but what we didn’t know when we hired him was that this was to be his first time in front of the camera. Needless to say, his transition from stage to screen was flawless as he delivered a terrific performance.

Hey, great news! I’ve successfully shamed director Will Waring into agreeing to come by and do a guest blog for us! I’ll start gathering questions for Will on Saturday as I’m sure you’ll have plenty of Whispers-related-what-the-heck-were-you-thinking questions for him.

Stargate Atlantis - MGM Stargate: NEW Behind the Scenes Photos - Whispers

At MGM Stargate:

(Please follow the link to view all the photos in their original format.)

17 new behind the scenes photos from Stargate Atlantis' 'Whispers,' scheduled to air Friday, September 5 '08 on the SciFi Channel (US). Guest stars include Paul McGillion, Nicole De Boer, Christina Cox, Janina Gavankar and Leela Savasta.



Joe Flanigan (Lt. Col. John Shepard) and Writer/Executive Producer/Showrunner Joseph Mallozzi



Director Will Waring



Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett)



1st Assistant Director Alex Pappas



Paul McGillion and Nicole De Boer (Dr. Alison Porter)



Director Will Waring, Christina Cox (Maj. Anne Teldy), Joseph Mallozzi and Leela Savasta (Capt. Alica Vega)



Leela Savasta, Joe Flanigan and Will Waring



Paul McGillion and Joe Flanigan



Wraith Home Theater System

Stargate SG-1 / Atlantis - Video: Set Tour Stage 5 Part Two

At Joseph Mallozzi's blog update for August 30, 2008:

(Please follow the link for the complete blog update and to view the NEW video, the second half of the Stage 5 tour.)



Sharon Taylor and David Nykl or, if you prefer, Amelia Banks and Radek Zelenka

August 30, 2008: Actress Sharon Taylor Answers Your Questions and We Complete Our Tour of Stage 5.

With the end of production on Stargate Atlantis less than a month away, I'm going to do my best to introduce you all to some of the amazing unsung heroes who have worked very hard behind the scenes these many years. They may not get the all-expenses-paid invites to the overseas conventions but that doesn't mean that their contribution to the success of the show was no less important than the likes of the series regulars, writers, or producers. Over the past couple of months, you got to know the likes of VFX Supervisor Mark Savela, Director of Photography Jim Menard. In the coming days, it'll be Props Master Evil Kenny Gibbs and Director Andy Mikita. Among the many others on my "to pester" list: Composer Joel Goldsmith, Stunt Coordinator James Bam Bam Bamford, Director Will Waring, Playback Supervisor Krista McLean, SPFX Supervisor Wray Douglas, Costume Designer Valerie Halverson, Production Designer James Robbins, and many others. Can't promise they'll all have the time to drop by, but it doesn't hurt to ask - or apply extreme pressure if they prove reluctant (Yes, I'm talking about you, Will.).

As for today, I'm happy to turn this blog over to actress Sharon Taylor who went from a "blink and you'll miss her" appearance as a replicator in Progeny to a recurring role as gate technician Amelia Banks...