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April 13, 2007
Life Moves Pretty Fast
In the immortal words of Ferris Bueller: “Life Moves Pretty Fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” So true! Well things are moving pretty darned fast around here, so let’s take a look-see around. First, the biggest news: Stargate SG-1 was not renewed for an 11th season. So sad. :( But there is a silver lining. We are currently in production/pre-production for two feature length straight to DVD Stargate SG-1 movies: Continuum and The Ark of Truth. And both are going to kick ass because they have bigger budgets and great stories. So stay tuned for details.
And we are full speed ahead with production of Atlantis Season 4. In fact, we’re already shooting episodes 4 and 5 of the new season. As a result, it’ll be tough not to spoil anything for those of you honest enough to wait for the television broadcast, but I promise to do my very best.
Meanwhile, there’s another big change to talk about, right at the top. What does that mean, you ask. Well I’ll tell you. But first we’ll have to start with a little crash course on TV production hierarchy. At the top of the food chain, at the lofty peak of creative decision-making, you’ve got your Show Runner (who is also an executive producer). Now, in TV, the writer is king. Unlike in feature films, where the directors and non-writing (financial) producers often are the bigwigs, in television the writer is so freakin’ important the creative decision-making buck stops with them. And the head writer is the “Show Runner.”
As many of you may know, Brad Wright and Rob Cooper created Stargate Atlantis four years ago and Brad was the Show Runner of Stargate Atlantis for the first three seasons (Rob was the Show Runner for Stargate SG-1). But this year, they’ve passed the reigns of Stargate Atlantis to…… (trumpets please)……. the writing team of Joe Mallozzi & Paul Mullie! Yes, yes… there are two of them. Because they write/produce as a team (most of the time). So this year promises to be a bit different. I’m expecting a darker, more jeopardy filled season with twists and turns and peaks and valleys… just you wait! But before I change topics I should mention that Brad and Rob are still very involved in Atlantis, but Joe and Paul are the “go to guys”.
Now, this change in hierarchy might affect how you address your fan mail. So be advised as follows: for concerns about whether or not a specific beloved character is going to continue to exist in the Pegasus Galaxy after Season 3, please direct all queries, requests, complaints and letter bombs to Paul Mullie (room 926). He is the agent of doom around here. For those of you who would like to see certain characters getting to know each other a little better or “getting jiggy with it” (you shippers out there - you know who you are), please direct all fan communication to Joe Mallozzi (room 929). He is handling affairs of the heart this season. For stories involving ghosts or characters coming back from the past, contact Carl Binder (room 923). For back-half continuations (second parters) and male-on-male kissing, that would be Martin Gero (room 922). And for bottle shows, Alan McCullough (room 932) has made the shift over from SG-1 this year. So don’t be shy, send us your well-thought out letters and we will read them over lunch.
Tonight you’ll get to see the back half of the two parters for both shows. For Atlantis, it’ll be The Return Part 2, written by Martin Gero of course. For SG-1, it’s the stirring conclusion of The Quest. Here’s some fun little behind the scenes tidbits.
From Martin Gero on The Return:
- A whole new underwater set was built at a cost of over $100,000.
- You’ll get to see Richard Dean Anderson as an action hero for the first time since forever! (SG-1 season 6?)
- Martin thinks the sequence of the jumper’s flight chase through the city is the best special effects they’ve ever done on this show.
From Joe and Paul on The Quest:
- Believe it or not, but the ‘snow’ set is the same as the ‘sand’ set with different lighting. That’s movie magic for you.
- Carter’s punch (she will only take so much sexist BS) wasn’t in the first draft, it was only decided after mulling over the scene that her reaction should be stronger.
Enjoy!
ATL
Posted by Alex Levine at April 13, 2007 12:02 AM
