You'll be pleased to hear I'm halfway through Act I of The Scourge. I must have re-written the tease a dozen times before moving on to the first scene of Act I, which I've also re-written a good dozen times. Its a tricky script to write and I've spent a fair amount of time researching the various elements that figure into the story, struggled to convey the information in as concise and entertaining a way as possible, then edited out 75% of what I'd written upon further reflection. Its a labor of love, minus the love at the moment. As I've said before, some scripts are just easier to write. And, as I've also said, when I hit Act II, it'll be smooooth sailing. I hope. Can't wait to hear Michael try his hand at Mandarin.
Have to get around to my next installment in the In the Making series, as well as the next chapter of my production diary in which I discuss the editing process. Hopefully once I pick up the pace on this script, I'll be able to get both done in record time.
Made two batches of ice cream today: Chocolate Chip Rumball, and Butterscotch Butter Crisp. Thanks for forwarding me that article on the Extreme Ice Creams. To tell you the truth, I'd definitely give the Bacon Ice Cream a try. There's an ice cream shop around here that boasts an assortment of very unique flavors including Curry and Durian! Last time I went to visit, I tested a flavor I thought was Roquefort Cheese but may as well have been Vomit.
Watched a Korean movie today. Sort of. My Wife a Gangster 2. The first 5 minutes were great!
Watched a Japanese movie yesterday - Blue Spring - by one of my favorite Japanese directors, Toshiaki Toyoda, who wrote and directed 9 Souls. I'll be the first to admit that his movies may not be for everyone, but there's something about his characters and direction that really resonate with me.
My last blog entry seems to have engendered quite a response on one of the, uh, other forums. Whooowhee. Individuals were posting angry angry tirades about yours truly. Ah, just like old times. Though to be perfectly honest, in this case, I'm actually kind of surprised by the reaction. I wrote: "there is one board whose fans have been consistently negative about the show over the years who have found much to enjoy in season 9, which is nice", which I thought was nice. Then, I make mention of a handful of individuals among those many fans who have chosen to go the sour grapes route by dismissing the popularity of season 9 on their own forum by chalking it up to "mystery writers" who are undoubtedly responsible. Tsk, tsk. Somehow, either because no one bothered to read my actual quote or, as more likely happened, chose to comment on the commentary made by their fellow posters, its been a feeding frenzy over there. Keep your fingers in your pockets and don't make any sudden movements! So, all this to say - If you were offended because you assumed I'd criticized you for being critical or for disliking the shows in past seasons - don't be. Be as critical as you like and continue to enjoy and not enjoy the show as you see fit. If, on the other hand, you're offended because I made fun of your crackpot conspiracy theories involving script elves and invisible writers - then, please, continue to be grievously offended.
Ratings tomorrow (but its a production holiday), then back to work on Tuesday when Ripple Effect resumes shooting and that much-loved, sorely missed character (or two) make their return to SG-1. The Tower starts prep this week, a script that Paul wrote in record time (less than a week). Ethon also goes into production - a copy of which is being printed up for my perusal as I write this.
Well, I'm off to read it and give notes. Then its off to bed as we're off to Bellingham to get the pugs' eyes checked at the doggie eye specialist. G'night.
Executive producer Joseph Mallozzi has been on the SG-1 writing
staff since Season Four. Along with writing partner Paul Mullie, Joe has
written such fan favorite episodes as "Window of Opportunity," "Summit,"
and "Lockdown." Joe lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. 
*sigh* You really truly did have that irony bypass that many of us have supected, didn't you Joe?
Bacon flavoured ice-cream? Okay. I think I just burst a blood vessel somewhere. The tidbits for 'The Scourge' and 'Ripple Effect' are very tantalising - cheers!
I was wondering if you could let us know how you came to be a screenwriter, particularly as I'm moving in that direction (thanks partly to the great work you guys produce) and am currently working on a portfolio for Screenwriting MA applications.
By the way, your Production Diary has proved invaluable in channeling the ideas I had for an Atlantis spec, so thanks again.
Heh. I wasn't offended before, but I am now...
I just read your last two posts. I just want to say Joe I love you. : )
Keep up the good work!!!!!!
Can't we all just get along? *sigh*
We know about the elves. Please drop this charade and let the world know.
So far, I've really enjoyed Season 9, much more so than I have season 8. The cast additions have been great. The Cameron Mitchell character - awesome! Vala - fantastic. She should be a regular. I haven't read all the spoilers , but I've heard some disturbing news about Vala. Say it isn't so!
I just love reading your blog. *LOL*
As for the ice cream - could you send us some samples? ;^)
Too bad you can't give us ice cream samples over the forum, but I do enjoy hearing about your concoctions and adventures into more adventurous flavors. Cold Stone currently has a Wasabi Ginger flavor that tastes like neither wasabi or ginger, but manages an overall Sushi Ice Cream flavor. I think I'd prefer your Amaretto experiment.
-Hex
I think I love you, Joe.
But, shouldn't we free the house... errr script elves?
I bet the durian ice cream is good. I had "el diablo" - chocolate ice cream with cinnamon and cayenne pepper a few weeks ago, and it was pretty spectacular. Also there are some interesting recipes for cheese-in-ice-cream here; the mascarpone and maple one looks particularly good.
What's the name of that Ice Cream place up there, Joe? Some of us may need to go check it out next spring when we come up for the Creation Con in March.
I still want French Vanilla with milk chocolate chunks.
Joe you should try making some Red Hot Cinnamon Ice Cream. It was outstanding, cinnamon ice cream then ya mix in the little red hot candies, it's great for valentine's day :)
Kwoosh... I think I dialed the wrong gate address and landed in this AU Blog. Are the Priors here already starting fires?
Last I checked we were discussing TV shows. Wow, imagine if even 1% of this fervor were directed to actual problems – like poverty, disease or human rights... those pesky problems where actual lives are at stake. :D
Sounds like everyone needs to chill out with some ice cream?! Maybe some Mexican hot cocoa with a dash of cayenne.
BTW, I agree with your wife’s take on HP6 – the action was in the past or someplace else, and the main plot was rammed into the end with unguessable explanations. Still good, but not great.
What are your pugs’ names? Do they eat ice cream? :D
I'm pretty sure I know which forum you are referring to, Joe. It's best to probably just let them be and back away slowly. Some people will never be satisfied no matter what you say or do.
The Chocolate Chip Rumball ice cream sounds yummy! But Bacon? Eek! lol! Not one I'm brave enough to try, I'm afraid.
Bacon ice cream would put me off ice cream forever I think... I hate bacon... ewwlch.
Can't wait for the returning, much loved character! (or two) I love to see people back on the show, the ones we miss dearly.
*coughJANET-JACOB-GEORGEcough*
:D
I can't wait until the season really gets heated up!
I really hope the doggie is OK too.
Script elves! Dang, why didn't I think of that? It explains everything! Well, except for the rubber ducky.
I've heard of that ice cream (gelato) place with the crazy flavors- I think there was even lemon chicken at one point. I've been trying to get there for a few years, now, but since I'm usually only in town for a con, it's hard to find the time... and the people willing to go with me.
We have lobster ice cream, here, but since I'm one of those freakish anti-seafood people (I'm anti-everything, aren't I?) I haven't tried it. The Guinness ice cream was quite tasty, though. Worth a shot (ha) if you ever find any.
erm, that's a no go on the lobster ice cream :o Saw it in Bar Harbour and barely managed to escape.... LOL, hey, I'm a New Zealander and I'm not a huge seafood fan either, I'm also pro-s9 (well of the "give it a chance" variety), annoyingly optimistic and a (mostly lapsed) shipper :S, does this mixture of anti and pro things make me picky? or just terminally confused? ;) :p
(and I take leave to be mysteriously busy when it comes to trying lemon chicken ice cream.... altho you might convince me to go to try the other flavours :D ).
It's unfortunate a few people were offended by your blog entry Joe - I wouldn't have thought any of your comments could be construed so negatively. However it IS your fault that I'll forever have visions of rooms of barely clothed elves chained to typewriters writing SG eps.... (no wait, I'm just confusing my franchises - who'da thought mixing HP and SG would be a hazard! :p ).
^^^ There should definitely be barely clothed elves chained to typewriters. SG-1 would be SO much better.
You know - actually we could use some barely-clothed elves on the show. Maybe the Ori have elf-servants. *hopeful*
I'm in the wishy-washy pro and anti S9 group. But if I know for sure you're bringing elves on board I could swing solidly into the pro group. *g*
Fandom exists in one of two states:
* Insane
* About to become insane.
Embrace the kerfuffle of it. >:-)
Some fans should get a life and not feel so defensive about what's only entertainment. Plus, if you criticize someone, it's only fair to let them answer back.
Elves would be cool on the show. Lots of Arthurians stories include elves. And since you did a really really cool looking Merlin, why not bring other Arthurian characters into Stargate ?
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LOL! You are awesome, Joe! I love how you take the insane ramblings of ridiculous weirdos in stride. :-D
Speaking of Japanese films, have you seen "Battle Royale?" Such a cracked-out film...but I love it! :-)
oh no another Erica posts comments! therefore i'm going by eri now.
There will always be someone who takes what you (and anyone else) say as an insult of some sort or twist the words just to become angrier. I think you did a good job explaining what you were trying to say in this entry. Where do you get the time to look at other forums? I barely find enough time to hang out on gateworld!
I've seen the first My Wife is a Gangster movie, it was alright...but if you're looking for a hilarious korean movie find one called "Attack the Gas Station" its truly one of the coolest movies out there. Also another fave korean movie is "Tell Me Something", which is somewhat freaky but awesome (its suspense, not comedy).
Thinking of extreme ice cream flavors this has nothing to do with it but you probably know Vancouver tons better than i do, and probably already know of this place, but there's a pretty good malaysian/chinese restaurant on sexsmith (near vancouver intl airport) in this little shopping centre area. It's called Ellie i believe...like i said this has nothing to do with ice cream but when thinking about the extreme ice cream flavors i thought of that restaurant. its cheap but its pretty tasty.
oh and one last thing...come on you guys...script elves are overrated and a thing of the past! everyone uses golden lion tamarins to throw apples at land gnomes who have to do all the writing...i mean after the whole elf raid and all...
Do make an oreo mint ice cream some day...I wish to live vicariously through you. :)
The tamarins can't be employed because one of TPTB has a mortal fear of land gnomes and since the two go together...
Besides, nekkid tamarins aren't nearly as interesting as half-nekkid elves.
Hi Joe,
I wasn’t sure where to post this as I don’t have your email address, but I figured you read the comments.
First of all let me say I am an RDA fan and I don’t hate the new season. :) With that out of the way I do have a question though. Is it really too much to ask for one scene to give the guy above the title for the last 8 years a decent send off? I know you guys are already halfway to the season and I realize there’s no way that this would change but I’d just like to know why? The average fan doesn’t have a clue what’s going on. I’m guessing the online fandom has around 10 to 15,000 people, the ratings indicate over 2 million viewers, don’t they deserve some sort of explanation? Not to mention the people that watched and loved almost every episode, bought the DVDs, etc? I have two close friends who think online fandom is sick to put it mildly and both of them independently asked me what was going on in the show. The only reason I can think of is to keep people guessing and tuning in to find out what’s up with O’Neill, which I find very disrespectful to the character, RDA and the fans. RDA was obviously in Vancouver and even if he only had time to shoot a few short scenes, something way more meaningful could’ve been done. Something to give the fans closure to one era and let them enjoy s9 as it is and not because they want to find out if there’s ever going to be an explanation.
As for s9, I really don’t hate it, to me it obviously doesn’t hold the same attraction as previous seasons, but it’s by no means bad. It’s good entertainment, I like the new villains and I like the new characters and think they’ll fit in just fine. I’m not too crazy about Vala, but that is only temporary so I can live with that. I don’t think the new show is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but I’m sure I’ll keep watching and no doubt find it interesting and entertaining.
I am disappointed how the whole Jack leaving thing was handled though and I’d love nothing more than a simple explanation.
Thanks,
MMM the Chocolate Chip Rumball and Butterscotch butter Crisp sounds yummie Joe!!
One question is Rum in one of them?
And your are A tease with this
much love,Sorely missed chacacter
or two!!
You have me on me seat wondering
who that maybe.
C-ya
Shortea
First of all, just in case I haven't said it publicly this week, bravos, kudos, & heaps o' thanks for the new stuff thus far. Seriously happy camper here where both 'SG-1' & 'Atlantis' are concerned. One of the other fora this week has carried a fair amount of whingeing about the Jack-&-Daniel tag in 'Origin,' but I thought it was right on the money! It's one of the things I as a viewer love most about how you guys as writers ply your craft: you acknowledge that we're smart enough not to require spoon-feeding! Less is sometimes more, & that little 'I'm scared'/'I'm hungry' exchange spoke volumes!
On to the other two favorite topics of the Mallozzi Film, Ice Cream, & Blog Club. There's a local mega-dairy here in North Carolina that makes a knock-your-socks off Banana Pudding ice cream. It may sound a bit strange, but it's a delectable twist on a Southern staple. (Ask Ben Browder if you doubt me: he's from these parts; he'll back me up!) Oddly enough, this fine concoction quickly goes from wicked to evil with liberal application of chcocolate syrup (something no self-respecting Southerner would ever do to banana pudding).
Film suggestions, if you happen to be in a quirky-character-study-of-small-village mood, are 2003's "Seducing Doctor Lewis," & an older film of similar ilk, 1983's "Local Hero." The former is set in a Quebecois fishing village, the latter in a Scottish fishing village; both involve big-city boy sustaining culture shock in charming small village peopled with odd characters. Both worth a watch.
Cheers!
Hi Joe!
I heard that your blog site contained a 'lick and sniff' ice cream spot. So I licked my monitor-, but I'm not sure if I like 'dust flavored ice cream'. Do ya think those little elves were being facetious when they directed me to this site?
Oh well, atleast my monitor is clean now.
Anywho, I'm loving season 9! Tell the elves to keep up the good work!
I think I know what forum you are talking about. Don't worry - they'll be back to hating the episodes once they have Sam Carter in them again.
Way to go Sam - that's what I say!!
Your ice cream sounds great. I saw something about Anchovie flavoured ice cream somewhere - wouldn't advise it though - kinda salty!!
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