Own a piece of Stargate history! My co-workers Lawren and Tanya have organized an auction of props, set dec, and costumes from SG-1, Atlantis, and both SG-1 movies. According to Lawren, they’ll be putting up over a 100 items. Every auction starts at 0.01 and there’s no reserve so if you’ve been dying to get your hands on Zipacna’s crazy hat from Pretense, this is your chance! Pictured above are some of the items that may one day adorn your workspace, vestibule, or fancy bathroom. And where will you be able to get your hot little hands on the likes of ARG (anti-replicator gun) or GDO (garage door opener)? Great question! Unfortunately, Lawren didn’t tell me. In addition to the aforementioned info, all he said was that they had branded the sale: “Stargate Legacy Auctions”. Hopefully, he’ll be able to provide more information tomorrow.
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 took a break from the brainstorming to watch a Day 2 mix of Infection. A very interesting episode for you wraith-fans out there as Todd crosses paths with our heroes for the first time since the events of our mid-season two-parter (And one particular event comes immediately to mind. Todd setting the Daedalus on a collision course.). Some interesting scenes in which we learn where the different members of our crew line up with regard to the wraith.
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.
Well, just dropped off Jelly at the vet’s. She’ll be spending the night there for observation after a bout of vomiting and diarrhea and a refusal to eat anything (not even her favorite liver treats!). According to the blood tests, her kidneys and liver are fine. Of course, the tests also revealed she had no white blood cells – a result the vet attributed to possibly faulty equipment. They’re sending the samples out to an independent lab to run a full blood panel. The poor gal (my pug, not the vet) is on an IV and getting some rest. Hopefully, she’ll be on the mend soon and humping Maximus in no time.
Mailbag:
Sessy writes: “If I remember correctly you also said a significant character was gonna die in the movie?”
Answer: Actually, I said that there would be a significant character death in the series. And there was – in The Prodigal.
Ponytail writes: “Are we starting to get on your nerves? Are you getting a little sick of all the moaning?”
Answer: Not really. People are well within their rights to watch (and not watch) what they want. Hell, they’re perfectly within their rights to not even give a show chance if they don’t feel inclined. What I have a problem with is people: a) making assumptions about a show they haven’t seen and spinning them as fact and, b) whining about the fact that they’re sick of hearing about something when it’s painfully obvious that they go out of their way to track down every morsel of information just so that they can have something else to whine about.
Trekkiegirlt writes: “When one of the residents of Atlantis uses their little earbuds to call another person in Atlantis can’t everyone hear them and the subsequent conversation to follow?”
Answer: Unless they switch to a private channel, yes.
Freidag writes: “Now, it’s probably just my oversensitive nature, but since the original question didn’t mention any Stargate characters, I’m curious why you felt the need to mention all of them (and Amanda Tapping, not fictional!) and only one Atlantis character, McKay, in your response.”
Answer: Oops. I meant to say Samantha Carter, not Amada Tapping (although Amanda is quite the lovable character in her own right). As for the other characters – when I said “ SG-1 and Atlantis owe much of their success to great characters like…” I think it was pretty clear that I was not speaking exclusively of those characters. Ben Browder and Claudia Black brought new life to SG-1 with their portrayals of Mitchell and Vala. Similarly, Bob Picardo and Jewel Staite, two of the most accomplished actors I have ever had the pleasure to work with, did much the same for SGA with their characters: Woolsey and Keller. Jason Momoa and Rachel Luttrell brought a depth to the characters of Ronon and Teyla that made them a joy to watch. And, yes, the Sheppard character has many fans as well.
Katya writes: “The characters on the audition call sheet seemed very two-dimensional, which makes me worry that the show is going to be more character-based. If the show were more action/plot based, it could help cover for the weaknesses of the characters. A character-driven show has to have interesting, realistic, three-dimensional characters in order to be successful in my opinion.”
Answer: Right. Which is where the script comes in. Fact is you’re not going to find three-dimensional fully realized characters in a breakdown for a show that has yet to be written.
Thornyrose writes: “With the core group of writers currently working on SGU, have any measures been taken to bring in some new writers to the series? If so, do they come in as “one shot” writers, with the Execs looking at that trial to decide to bring them on board full time?”
Answer: As I said yesterday, an effort is made every year to audition new writers. The quality of their script (if they get that far) decides whether or not they are offered a staff position. Occasionally, however, a writer may not be interested in committing to a full season and prefer to either consult or simply write an episode or two.
Thornyrose also writes: “ Are there any folks from other parts of the crew who might be eyeing taking a shot at writing? I’m thinking specifically of directors, though I know you’ve said in the past that your directors…”
Answer: Nope, no director has ever expressed an interest in writing a script since Peter DeLuise.
AmILeo writes: “Do you know if earth plays a role Stargate:Universe, besides that that’s where our main characters (I assume) are from?”
Answer: It will play a part in SGU – but in a very unique way.
PG15 writes: “Here’s a question: since you guys were discussing cosmology today, I wonder who amongst you is the best at science?”
Answer: Brad Wright and Paul Mullie are our resident science wizards.
Shawna writes: “Do you guys put out the notice to agents saying that you’re looking for pitches for freelance eps? Does this usually always happen at the beginning of the season?”
Answer: Yes and yes. Although, often, WE are approached by agents at the beginning of each season.
Shawna writes: “How would a writer show that they “get” the show when it’s just starting out and no episodes have been aired yet? Doesn’t that make it harder to find the right writers?”
Answer: It does make it hard but if a show has yet to air, we’ll look at things like: the ideas they pitch out, their ability to structure a story, their ability to write believable dialogue and characters, their ability to tell an engaging and entertaining story.
PL writes: “Since it seems like the characters in SGU will be much more isolated than those in SG-1 or even Atlantis, do you think the show will be more “serialized” than the others?”
Answer: It’s looking that way.
Das writes: “So, Joe – is there ANY chance that this crew will be sequestered with a tyrant of some sort…”
Answer: Chances are good that with a bunch of strangers thrown together by circumstance, several of them may not get along.
Chelle DeBoer writes: “Do you find that sometimes the actor doesn’t look the part of the character name you have chosen?”
Answer: Sometimes, but over time they grow into their name. For instance, the name Rodney was not exactly a favorite of ours when Atlantis kicked off – but it grew on us.
Amy writes: “As a producer of a show, I’m guessing you’re given a budget. Who gives you the bugdet? I’m guessing it’s the studio… but is Scifi involved at all in those decisions? Or do they simply purchase rights?”
Answer: Yes, the studio (ie. MGM) gives us the budget. It off-sets some of the costs of the production by acquiring a licensing fee from the network (ie. SciFi) for the right to air the show.
Ganymede writes: “Need some clarity Joe… You mentioned Feb 4 as the currently scheduled date for principal shooting… IS this for the SGA movie?”
Answer: Nope. The movies probably won’t shoot until Summer of 2009.
Ian cai writes: “Just wondered if Brad Wright has gotten round to reading Questions yet?”
Answer: He’s still working on them.
Anais33 a ecrit: “Allons nous revoir des personnes connues de sg1 dans sgu?”
Reponse: Peut -etre.
Translation: It’s possible we may see some familiar SG1 faces in SGU.
Get well soon Jelly!
You said: Answer: As I said yesterday, an effort is made every year to audition new writers. The quality of their script (if they get that far) decides whether or not they are offered a staff position. Occasionally, however, a writer may not be interested in committing to a full season and prefer to either consult or simply write an episode or two.
I’m glad to hear you folks are willing to look at new writers. To whom would one send a query letter if they’re interested in getting a script read? MGM directly? Sci-fi? You? One of the other showrunners?
I wish I could be excited about Todd…or the possibility of owning something Wraithy nabbed from the auction…or the possibility of a tyrant aboard in SGU…but I’m way too worried about Jelly… 🙁
I hope she gets better soon…nothing else really matters.
Deirdre
Poor Jelly. Hope all is ok.
What did Carl’s episode ever do to you to require you to “break” it? Are you worried you may be sued for bullying in the workplace? My heart breaks when I see an episode cry. There needs to be a foundation setup to protect episodes from people like you.
Das – If it makes you feel better, I’m researching to try and find a country that accepts provocation as a reason for getting rid of your in-laws without any gaol time.
Can anyone save me some research time? Please? My sanity will be forever in your debt.
hope Jelly is ok
(wiping drool from keyboard). Well, Canada’s economy should soon be enjoying a influx of money, looking at the items being offered up. I do rather hope that the auction will start after Christmas though. I would feel terribly guilty about spending all that money on a staff weapon, and not having anything left over for other folks….seriously, I’m going to have to see how much I can realistically bit. About the only good thing about SGA shutting down, is that you’re doing the housecleaning on all the stuff.
So, SGU goes apace. How’s the Atlantis movie looking, and any word on another SG 1 movie? I know you tend to pass on the info as soon as you’re permitted too, but I’ve never counted patience as a virtue. Thanks for the pics, and here’s hoping Jelly enjoys a quick and complete recovery.
Hey Mr. M.,
Thanks for answering my question (about if earth plays a role in SGU). Now you’ve made me even more curious about the show.
It’s always concerning when your dogs throw up, more usual that is. Poor Jelly looks particularly miserable in that picture. I hope she can come home tomorrow! I’m sure her buddies miss teasing her — erm, her company I mean.
I hope Jelly feels better soon! Elway, Flannery, Dinky, Molly and Gumbo say so too 🙂 We spent the day at the emergency vets with Elway (90 lb of Rhodesian Ridgeback/Boxer/Cute) a couple of weeks ago (no overnight patients at the vets in this town), but happily, he’s fine (other than his epilepsy).
I started out pretty pissed off about the cancellation (there’s that word again) of SGA, but now I’m actually looking forward to SGU. What time frame are you looking at with no new Stargate at all for us to watch?
Hi Joe!
Awesome pics of stuff I really, really, really want! Well, maybe just really want. But I am willing to pay some, but not tons or tonnes, of money to get it.
Y’see, I’ve been wanting to make a zombie army, and as we all know, zombie armies need weapons. Also, I don’t want any li’l electric critters bugging my zombie army (zombies get sooo cranky).
Another of my projects is to create an actual Sheppard clone, versus my GW virtual Shep Clone, who is very nice and rubs my neck after a hard day’s work, but is not quite real enough, knowm’sayin’?
Finally…uh…is that last pic (before Jelly) the Electric Smoke Catcher from Hot Zone? Whatever it is, I’m sure I could put it to good use.
I look forward to the bidding wars. 🙂
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Ahhhh….Jelly’s sick?! I hope she feels better soon. She looks like she doesn’t feel well. Poor li’l puppy. 🙁 I’ll keep healthy dog thoughts flowing her way!
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Thanks for ‘splaining that there’s love for all of the SGA characters. I knew it! I just knew it!
Also, thanks for more background info on SGU.
Does the shooting of SGA movie in Summer ’09 mean a DVD release in early 2010?
Thanks, take care, and hugs to Jelly.
eddy
Will you be finishing or fleshing out several scripts for SGU before casting begins? Is there any writing for SGA movie going on yet, or is that on hold til a few SGU scripts are written first?
Just thought Paul might want to know that my husband still has his Commodore 64 in the attic (can’t let that baby go) and Carl should know I still have my IBM Selectric (a high school graduation present that you can’t find cartridges for anywhere). So why are we saving them? Never know when someone might need one of those for a play or an antiques exhibit.
Turns out the auctions are on Ebay; they have, I think, 7 different items for sale, so far, though not all of the ones you mentioned. More to come later, I guess.
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/stargate_legacy
Have been enjoying your updates about the beginnings of Stargate:Universe. Thank you for keeping us in the loop. I for one am looking forward to the series, despite the un-informed naysayers here and elsewhere…. I hope to hear about whatever you can share when things get going for the SG movies.
Oh, and good luck with Jelly. I hope it isn’t anything serious.
Im not sure if you have already answerd this but are you going to be writing any episodes for SGU?
Oh, forgot to ask, who gets the proceeds from the sale of the props? Sci Fi? MGM? Lawren? A charity?
Poor Jelly. Hope she’s back to business soon!
Sorry, Joe, but reading between the lines it seems like Universe is going to have exactly ZERO new writers. That’s a real disappointment. It’s not that anyone is calling the current crop of writers bad. But the fact is that shows need fresh blood and fresh ideas in order to stay interesting and engaging. Fans of all different aspects of Stargate have rather universally been saying that the shows need some new writers with different perspectives for a couple of years. Like it or not, the prevailing notion is that the quality of scripts for Atlantis has been decreasing for a while now. You all read online often; you know what fans are saying. Can you really continue to justify it to yourselves that hiring new writers isn’t the way to go, that it would dilute or rob you of the great production capabilities that Atlantis enjoyed? The constant excuse that new writers just don’t “get” Stargate or scifi has always been a thin one. If one of your mottoes is to always treat the fans like they’re intelligent people and not a bunch of brainless dupes, then why do you continue to act as though fans are totally ignorant to the intricacies and politics of what is just another office workplace? We get that no one wants to lose a job and that friends/coworkers don’t want to see each other go. But at some point it has to be recognized that employee turnover isn’t always a bad thing, that it’s often inherently healthy. Hire a couple of new writers. Cut back on the work of the lesser scribes. You guys can want Universe to be as different and fresh as you want, but without some original outside ideas and scripts floating around things will only change in the most superficial of ways.
Oh Jelly, you are in my prayers! Get well soon!
God Bless
Patricia Lee
. . . Infection. A very interesting episode for you wraith-fans out there as Todd crosses paths with our heroes for the first time since the events of our mid-season two-parter (And one particular event comes immediately to mind. Todd setting the Daedalus on a collision course.). Some interesting scenes in which we learn where the different members of our crew line up with regard to the wraith.
Speaking of, did Todd & Co., figuring that the Daedalus was toast anyway, will we be finding out whether they took along some “snacks” from the Daedalus for the trip back to their hive ship?
I’ll be praying for Jelly… hopefully she’ll get better in no time!!!
(and hopefully the vet’s equipment is faulty: no white blood cells=badness)
Has Paul Mullie done a guest blog yet? I’m sure we can come up with a couple of questions for him 😉
Oh, and the auction is on eBay. At least, I’ve found a couple of items there! Hopefully there will be more to come!!!
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/stargate_legacy_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ
Whoops..
http://www.stargatelegacy.com
I think the whiteboard cleaner is effecting my brainocules, and I’m constantly tasting purple as of late…
I hope Jelly is feeling better, and humping Maximus real soon.
Hope Jelly feels better and can come home soon to her family.
Aw… Jelly! Get better soon! Am sending good thoughts and puppy prayers her way.
My “baby” grrl, a 14-yr-old Samoyed, had the same scary thing happen to her this past spring. Every fluid in her body was hollering “abandon ship!” and she would not even look at her water dish. She didn’t want to stand up. The vet sent us to the animal emergency hospital, on the suspicion that it was pancreatitus, either acute or chronic. Which has to be treated immediatement (pronto!!!), if not sooner. Be sure to tell the vet about the pugsies’ refrigerator gorge-fest. That may have everything to do with what she is going through now. Bashfulness be darned. This is your baby. When mine was in the hospital, they wanted to know if she had eaten a lot of rich food recently. Luckily not. They also wanted to know if she had been sniffing around any wild animal “puddles,” in which case giardia, an intestinal bug, could be the culprit. We did have a flotilla of wild ducks in the temporarily flooded backyard at that time, but she tested negative for that. (I’m thinking about your raccoons….) Still, they had to keep her for an entire weekend, on IV fluids and major antibiotics, and she still wouldn’t eat, not for them, and not even for me when I visited twice a day. Finally on a Sunday evening she started eating when I hand-fed her boiled chicken and rice. Then they released her. They were able to rule out pancreatitus, and decided it was some unknown massive gastro distress. She was on more anitibiotics for at least two weeks afterward. It was a close call, even so.
Hopefully this is not the case with your Jelly Grrl. Am posting this now, in case you can call whoever is watching Jelly tonight. The more info you give them, the more quickly they can help her.
Hang in there, Jelly, and Daddy Joe.
Hi, Joe.
Hope Jelly is feeling better soon.
Thank you for all the updates. Much appreciated.
Best wishes.
Thanks for clearing up that Feb date thing Joe! If you hear something strange later, it’ll just be a global collective sigh of relief!!
BTW, didn’t you have your munchkins at the office the other day? Did Jelly’s prob start after…? If so, recheck that auction list or find out where Todd was… Then again, sometimes the cleaning crew doesn’t always get those pesky nanites out of the carpets…
will the auction be online?
I admit that I’m completely gutted by the production schedule. So really all those SG-1 fans who went out and made Ark of Truth and Continuum wildly successful and far more profitable than you guys or MGM ever hoped, all we were really doing was making sure an Atlantis movie got made. As it turned out, Atlantis still needed SG-1 to get itself made, in whatever form it takes.
The next SG-1 movie, if it ever gets produced, doesn’t stand a chance of seeing daylight before 2010. That’s not what we were buying when we said yes to the first two movies, Joe. All that publicity and good will the SG-1 movies built for the franchise? Squandered. And now if the Atlantis movie tanks the SG-1 movie is probably DOA. It just sucks for us SG-1 fans who have been supporting you guys since day one of the franchise.
You guys said a movie a year if they were successful. Whatever happened to that, Joe? I’ll tell you what. Atlantis stole one of our SG-1 movies. And by doing it you’re risking losing many of those SG-1 fans due to lack of interest and no product out there.
I’m feeling pretty crappy about Stargate right now, Joe. I think I’ll just step away for a while and see where I’m at in a couple of years. I could be back. Maybe.
Thanks for answering my questions. It’s always nice to know more about how that sort of thing works.
Trekkiegirlt writes: “When one of the residents of Atlantis uses their little earbuds to call another person in Atlantis can’t everyone hear them and the subsequent conversation to follow?”
Answer: Unless they switch to a private channel, yes.
Wouldn’t that get annoying? Like constantly picking up the phone only for it to be for somebody else? Actually, it reminds me of theatre in college where the crew was given headsets, then everyone would be part of one big, utterly random conversation while they’re scattered all over the building. Though I suppose the Atlantis people wouldn’t do something like that. Might make for an interesting game of capture the flag, though.
Get better soon Jelly! Please let us know how she goes.
I hope Jelly gets better. I have a shih-tzu named Patrick who has congestive heart failure. We have to give him several pills a day to make sure the liquid stays out of his lungs. It’s sad but he is hanging in there.
Dear Jelly,
Feel better. Love and tummy gruffles, Pol’s bud, Charlie (the wonder dog.)
*waves*
Mr Me answers: […]And, yes, the Sheppard character has many fans as well.
*feels very proud* 😀
Well done, Mr M!!! 😉 😛 😀 I knew you could do it. 😀 I see the desensitization therapy is working well. 😉 Now remember, for this to be completely successfull you need to repeat this mantra every day. So, I suggest each morning when you wake up and each night when you go to bed, look at yourself in the mirror and say outloud. “Not only is Sheppard a good character, but he’s great to whump to.” 😛 By the time the movie comes out, you’ll just adore writing for him. 😀
Hope Jelly feels better soon, lots of hugs are needed when she comes home.
*hugs*
Get well Jelly mate
Regarding the comment about the SG1 movies, I feel like I helped cause the demise of SGA by buying them. I purchased both DVDs even though I’m not really that big a fan of SG1. In fact, I have not yet watched either movie.
But I erroneously thought that by buying the two features it would show support for the franchise, thus helping to keep Atlantis on the air for another season.
How silly was that? I think I shot myself in the foot, because then TPTB thought that movies could be more profitable than continuing the series, since the SG1 ones did so well.
Sheesh, I despair of how gullible I am sometimes.
So I feel like I got burned by supporting the Stargate Franchise as a whole, as they killed the part of it that I really liked in support of one that I am afraid I just have no interest in at all.
Joe: Hope Jelly gets better soon. There’s nothing worse than having a poorly Pooch, especially as they can’t tell you where it hurts 🙁
Will be thinking about her and keeping everything crossed.
@Das: “I love the All Blacks… exceptwhentheychokeintheworldcup”
Bah.. One of these days I will see them hold up that cup.
Rugby is kinda like breathing in my family. Dad’s Welsh: born and bred in Snowdonia, with the rest of the family huddled in the Clans of the Rhonda Valley. He’s also an aeronautical engineer and a self-professed beach bum, which made for an interesting combination when I was growing up. Between believing that all houses should be built within ten foot of the surf, that an F-14 Tomcat was a far more suitable mode of transport than the family car and that if a sentence didn’t have the word ‘rugby’ in it somewhere, then it simply wasn’t worth listening to.. Tis no wonder I grew up with All Blacks painted on the tip of my tongue 😛
Course, I love watching Wales play and especially when they’re pounding England into the ground. And if you think Rugby is all about the tactics on the field, then go and google the photographs of one Francois Rousseau – Locker Room Nudes, DIEVX DV STADE.. it puts a whole new slant on the game 😛
So, the Sheppard character has many fans too?? Yes, he does, but why can’t you just say that Joe F has done a great job and brought depth to HIS character?
Woah…you’re serious? An actual, factual auction of Stargate props?
HOLY CRAP.
Staff weapon, here I come!!
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Poor Jelly. She looks so miserable in that pic. I just want to give her a hug!
Hopefully it’s just one of those 24-hour bug things that we humans get some times, and nothing more serious. I hope she gets well soon and re-join the Maximelly ship. That’s right, the ship has a name now. See what your hinting of humping has done, Joe?!
—
Stargate Universe is getting more and more intriguing everyday. I’m liking the fact that it’s looking to be more serial, and how Earth will play an unique role. By that, I would assume (always dangerous, I know) that the Destiny crew won’t have regular contact with them like on SG1 and SGA.
I had a thought early on in the show’s development that we may see a rescue effort for the Destiny crew happening on Earth, as sort of a parallel story of whatever’s happening on the Destiny. Each episode would be made up of 2 stories: 1 story on the Destiny and/or the planet of the week, and 1 on people at Earth trying to find them, and there’d be no dovetailing of the two stories at the end of the episodes, at least until much later in the series.
I think that’d be pretty interesting.
Also…extended Destiny crew? YES YES YES!!! I will again dangeriously assume that that’s confirmation of a full crew on Destiny when it jumps away to a far off land, trapping the crew on the ship, instead of just the main cast stuck on it. Awesome.
Conflict between characters is good, but hopefully you guys won’t go overboard and make them jerks and bitches like on BSG. That’d be too much, IMHO.
Oh, and David Hewlett just posted this:
Link
So, David Hewlett for the next Doctor? That’d be awesome. But then again, that would probably preclude him from appearing in any future SGA movies.
Decisions, decisions.
Thanks for answering my question, Joe!
Hi Joe,
Sorry about Jelly, hope she’s better soon!
Thanks for mentioning “TODD”, I go all goose-bumpy and tingly to say the least. It’s still so wonderful that he’ll be in 3 more glorious episodes! 🙂 I can’t wait!… but I also don’t want it to end. I’ve been a fan of SG1 for 10 years before Atlantis so I’m hoping Universe will be able to fill the void. Can’t imagine a life without Stargate.
Maybe you guys could throw a Wraith in there for us worshippers like ET in Star Wars?
Could I also please ask you about this comment?!?:
Ganymede writes: “Need some clarity Joe… You mentioned Feb 4 as the currently scheduled date for principal shooting… IS this for the SGA movie?”
Answer: Nope. The movies probably won’t shoot until Summer of 2009.
Now you’ve got me really excited! Are you really planning to shoot MOVIES?!?!?!?!! Plural !!!!
Can Todd have his own movie as well by any chance?
Whoops sorry, that just slipped out 🙂
Hi Joe. I’ve found Stargate Legacy Auctions on eBay, but although the item location is listed as Burnaby, B.C., under Shipping the entries list only service to the United States. Does this mean we can only participate in this auction if we’re Americans, and not, say, if we live two SkyTrain stations away from Bridge Studios, where I assume these items are currently being housed? That hardly seems fair…
Poor Jelly! Give her loads of pug-hugs and tell her I hope she’sfeeling better soon.
Thanks for the additional hints about SGU! I wasn’t happy when the series was first announced, but I’m really starting to look forward to seeing the pilot now. Your hints about the extended crew have got me thinking — does the Destiny have cryogenic sleep chambers like Atlantis, and, if so, are there any crew members that were originally permanently assigned to the Destiny? Or are the extended crew just a bunch of people that the Destiny is going to pick up along the way (like Maya picked up Crichton and Aeryn Sun in Farscape)? Or are the extended crew just a bunch of redshirters, waiting their turn to be squished on the windshield of destiny? Hmm…
If the characters on SGU are just now becoming 3-dimensional and fully realized, as you write the first season, wouldn’t that kind of preclude any new writers from getting a foot in the door, no matter how realistic their dialogue or engaging their storylines? I mean, without knowing who the characters are…well, isn’t it hard to write stories about them when you don’t really know how they’ll react to a given situation?
I hope Jelly gets well soon! I always felt helpless when one of my pets was ill. 🙁
I would love to have an original Stargate item. 🙂
You wrote:
However, the premise of SGU is simply more intimate – a limited group of people trapped aboard a space ship hurtling through distant space – and therefore necessitates a more intimate form of storytelling.
This is something I can imagine.
I think that SGA’s easy contact with earth since season 2 was sometimes a problem for storytelling and character development. Although I know they couldn’t have been on their own forever.
Have you writers ever seriously considered to lose the (easy) contact with earth again over a longer period? And why haven’t you done that?
I know you wouldn’t answer a question about the story of the movie, but I would love such an idea for it…
There’s an auction at Legends Memorabilia – here’s the link:
http://www.stargateprops.com/Auction/xcAuction.asp
Let us know how Jelly’s doing!
About us: Stargate Legacy Auctions operates on behalf of MGM and the Stargate production companies to sell their authentic production props, wardrobe, set dec and crew gifts. We do not sell replicas or copies, these items are all original pieces used by Actors and the Crew to create the television series and movies.
Poor Jelly! Please get us an update as soon as possible. The poor little thing.
And it sounds like you’re having some fun playing with SGU. I’m looking forward to it, myself.
Poor little thing 🙁 I hope Jelly is well soon. NOthing worse than one of the kids being sick.
Hope the auction is online in time for Christmas presents…but not before my bonus gets here!!
I’m finding the development for SG-U very interesting, the snippets are keeping my attention. I would still like to be a fly on the wall.
Not literally…ew.
I want a staff weapon.
Shep eps are my fave, but Remnants sounds like too much going on for just 45 min, in other words, 1/3 Shep and 2/3 other stuff that probably deserved eps of their own. Other people think its your best one this year, so hope to be pleasantly surprised.
I think a couple new writers for SGU would be best for the “franchise”.
DD
Hope Jelly feels better soon! The last time one of my dogs came up vomiting, diarrhea and wouldn’t eat, he had found a piece of old Kong in the back yard which had gotten stuck on it’s way out. We tried to wait it out, but five days and four large brown stains on the carpet later he ended up having surgery!
He survived wonderfully, but we ripped the carpet out of the house in favor of concrete with a stargate painted on it until we could put in wood flooring…
There’s my random dog story of the day….
Get well Jelly!
S
Hi again Mr M!
Wow! Just popped over to ebay…. Lovin’ the Zat Gun. Have placed a bid, but knowing how these things go, I’m sure it’ll make a fortune! Thanks to Lawren and Tanya for their input on this….If you guys are taking requests (probably not) but if you are, any chance of Hammond’s red phone? (I think Mr Shanks snagged one of them on the last day of production?!)
How goes the bag packing for the trip?
Best to Jelly!
Shirt’n’Tie
Sorry to hear about Jelly. Keep us updated!
@Shawna & Trekkiegirit
I actually have experience using something similar to the Atlantis communication system. Was one the signaler for a battalion level military radio command net. You usually have only one channel active at any time. Something about radio frequency spectrum saturation, there’s only so many available. (have fond memories of the local radio station calling to get us off their frequencies due to us using military FM radios, hehe). We don’t have any problem with up to about 60 users. Unless you have reason to be on air, you remain quiet (something about enemy signal location effects). This type of communication is quite alien to people use to text messaging, emails, and instant messaging. Also that all conversation can be logged or recorded for after action uses.
The only thing change from real life usage to the Atlantis setting is that you must announce and identified yourself and the person being called when you use the net (either with a call sign or codeword). Otherwise you have no idea who is calling who. This is pretty standard for the military.
I am guessing that Atlantis have several different channels for different activities. One each for general announcements, command personal, security, medical, facility support and general communications. Of course I never figure out how SG-1/SGA personnel manage long distance radio communication without a large antenna and transmitter. The ear bud thing only got a range of maybe a dozen meters in real life. You need a more powerful repeater transmitter to connected you to a bigger radio network
.
You shouldn’t bait the Sheppard people so. It shows a certain meanness of spirit that doesn’t become you.
Best of luck to Jelly. We’ll keep her in our thoughts.
I only just got around to starting Necroscope. You’re review really sparked my interest! Thanks for that.
@ Steve who uses terms “universally” and “prevailing” to describe his opinion. LOL!
Thanks everyone who’s posted links to the auction. 🙂
eddy
Oh no sweet Jelly get well soon! I can’t stand when my pets are sick, I have not children so they get to be the babies in the house. Get well Jelly.
Freidag writes: “Now, it’s probably just my oversensitive nature, but since the original question didn’t mention any Stargate characters, I’m curious why you felt the need to mention all of them (and Amanda Tapping, not fictional!) and only one Atlantis character, McKay, in your response.”
JM Answer: Oops. I meant to say Samantha Carter, not Amada Tapping (although Amanda is quite the lovable character in her own right). As for the other characters – when I said “ SG-1 and Atlantis owe much of their success to great characters like…” I think it was pretty clear that I was not speaking exclusively of those characters. Ben Browder and Claudia Black brought new life to SG-1 with their portrayals of Mitchell and Vala. Similarly, Bob Picardo and Jewel Staite, two of the most accomplished actors I have ever had the pleasure to work with, did much the same for SGA with their characters: Woolsey and Keller. Jason Momoa and Rachel Luttrell brought a depth to the characters of Ronon and Teyla that made them a joy to watch. And, yes, the Sheppard character has many fans as well.
Hmmm…….is it a case of “if you can’t say something nice you won’t say anything at all?” I just don’t get it, although I suspect you’re doing it to wind us up.
**smirk**
Cheers, Chev
I want the irratus bug, but that is not on ebay yet, so, I will wait for Lawren.
Yeah, it is friday! I have already told my daughter there will be no talking to me between 9pm and 10pm tonight and then again from 11pm to 12am. Last week she pulled that crap and said she forgot, so, I gave her fair warning this time. Only call or talk to me if it is an emergency.
Ohhhh, poor Jelly. If the picture is any indication of how Jelly feels, I would say that is really crappy. I hope she feels better soon.
So, how’s Jelly?
Add my name to the list of folks with well wishes for Jelly…it’s definitely hard when the members of our family like pets are not well, and they can’t really tell us what’s wrong with them.
Hey Joe,
The Stargate Auctions seem to be going up a couple items at a time as shown here –> http://www.stargatelegacy.com/
Also a question for you: What do you think of the new Camera equipment from RED that was unveiled yesterday? I know the actual filming isn’t in your job description, but some of that stuff just seems so exciting.
Thanks!
Hi, JM.
Because we are eagerly anticipating what will come out of Stargate Universe, we, the good people hanging out at the Ronon/Keller thread at Gateworld decided to have a little fun and make out own make-belief fan version of SGU, starring our own fantasy selves (which considering we’re almost only girls made our one male poster very happy, indeed, though we did clone a couple of hunky Stargate characters to help even things out a bit…)
Each poster made their own visual representation of their fantasy selves, which was given a name and personality by the rest of the team and added to the “cast” banner. We hope you find our crative side-project as fun as we do:
http://shades-of-moonlight.com/sgu/
Looking forward to see what the new endeavor will bring and giving a big shoutout to Ronon/Keller which, let’s face it… belong together!!!
@Cheri: “You shouldn’t bait the Sheppard people so. It shows a certain meanness of spirit that doesn’t become you.
Nu-huh.. I refuse to bite.
Not yet anyhows.
(((HUGS))) for Jelly. Please keep us posted on how she is doing.
Did you ever find your wedding ring, Joe? If not, did Fondy design you a new one? My husband lost his wedding ring a few weeks ago. Since he lost it while mowing (10 acres), well… let’s just say it gives a whole new meaning to ‘needle in a haystack’.
Looking forward to tonight’s episode.
dff
Maybe some people here could use some perspective. Would it be at all possible (if it’s written down somewhere or you remember it) to post the original character descriptions for SGA before they were cast? It might help those who are scared about the characters in SGU see how they can be fleshed out into very interesting and entertaining people.
Ah man I always wanted an SG-1 prop especially the Zombie cube, too bad they are probably all gonna be up in the thousands of dollars 🙁
Are we gonna see any more of Banks? she was awesome when she kicked that hybrids’ *ss!
Joe – How’s Jelly this morning? Hope she’s feeling better…
das
Alan McCullough has a great grasp of the characters and the team interaction, Carl Binder can write fantastic stories that engage the audience, Martin Gero writes excellent epics that manage to keep the special character moments, Paul Mullie can tell an intriguing story that always brings something new to the mythology of stargate, Ken Cuperus is an absolute legend (;)), with magnificant stories and perfect characterisation, and Joseph Mallozzi has written some episodes too.
😉
Hey, Joe – you forgot your winky emoticon as usual re your Sheppard comments. It looks like this, btw… ;-D
Well, I’m glad to say I’m actually kinda looking forward to SGU now. After hearing the first description after it got a green light and after the cancellation of SGA I totally wasn’t, but now the pain of SGA’s cancellation is a bit gone I’m a bit more open minded. I won’t and will never forgive the swapping of SGA for SGU though. I know you aren’t the person to blame, and would’ve liked as much as everyone (probably even more) a sixth season, so I guess it’s pretty annoying having all those complaints at your adress (and yes, I think I know who ís to blame, and no, it’s not MGM or Scifi).
Anyway, the concept of the show sounds exciting, and also very different and similar at once from the previous shows. From the looks of it it’s going to be more serial-based instead of having many stand-alone episodes, no? I’m not sure how to see the ‘character-based’ stories, I mean, I actually liked SGA primarily because of the characters. The big multiple-episode arcs (like the Replicator and Michael-arc from season 4) were very fun to watch, but would’ve been nowhere near as good if it wasn’t for the characters. ‘The Prodigal’ was an excellent episode also because of the character moments in it.
A couple of questions:
1) Are we ever going to see The Trust again, in either SG1, SGA or SGU? It’s a very interesting concept imo, with the Goa’uld infiltrating Earth governments and companies, and living a live of luxury on our own planet.
2) Since the ‘Destiny’ in SGU jumps from galaxy to galaxy, how are you planning on introducing and keeping an enemy around? (a Stargate show needs a good enemy, ofc)
3) When in the Stargate timeline do the events of SGU take place? Similar like SGA, or something more in the future?
Hi again Mr M!
Meant to say…..Carl’s first SGU story…..Is it ghost related? I know he loves writing stories for Ghosts!
Best to all
Shirt’n’Tie
As I predicted, my measly bid on the Z’at gun was overwhelmed mere minutes after being placed *sniff sniff* Those kinds of items will go for insane money! My congrats to those that win them.
Any-hoo, best to all!
S’n’T
Many good thoughts and healing wishes for Jelly. Life is no fun when the fur babies get sick!
Oh yes, I’ve seen the auctions. Yes, indeed.
Great season so far!!!!!
Tomorrow, 11/15 is my birthday.
I’ll watch tonight’s episode for the second time in the morning – w/ my cup of coffee.
Coucou Joseph!! sa va??
Moi oui trés bien, j’ai l’intention de bien profiter de mon week end, notament en voyant ma famille et en faisant du shopping!!!
Ohhh super ces réplique!! Trés réaliste!!
Snif j’espere que votre chien va aller bien.
Merci de m’avoir répondu, mais,”peut être” ces vaste lol^^!!
Bisou bisou! à Demain ^^!
I don’t usually comment on your blog however you just hit one of my peeves:
You stated “It will play a part in SGU – but in a very unique way.”
Sorry, but things cannot be “very unique”. Unique means one of a kind, something is either unique or it isn’t, there is no “very” about it.
At least you didn’t say something like “he was literally over the moon” or this comment would be a three page rant – I can’t help myself, I’m afraid!
I’d like an iratus bug, please, ta muchly – but if it doesn’t come with an obligatory Sheppard attached to it, I’ll probably just fob it off on the secondary market.
:- D <<<—— winky emoticon.
Okay, second attempt –
;- D <<< —— actual winky emoticon! OMG, JM – I do believe you are rubbing off on me… Aaagh! Nooo!
;-D
Joe how is Jelly?? Is she home? We need an update. That poor little sugar-plumb-pumkin-pie-honey-bunches-of-oats-sweet-cakes-baby-doll-cutie-pie-lamb-chops-honey-bunny-snoogums! When you see her, hold her tight and give her a big, wet, slobbery kiss on that smushed in face of hers for me.
Ooh, auction — if only I had money! XD
At the moment, most of my pennies are going into supping up the used Axim X-5 I just got, so I can work on writing while I’m out without having to read from a sheet & type the stuff in later (I know that, when I do that, I will never actyaulally get to typing the stuff up. XD) I’m supposed tp get a Wi Fi card so I can use the net (at least for reseacrh) too, and then I need a folding keyboard. *plots* I have named the Axim JARVIS. Cyber-cookies to anyone who can guess the reference. 😉
Looking forward to Atlantis & Kolya’s return tonight! 😀
Hope Jelly gets better soon, poor dear! 🙁
For those who ead it, my column was updated yesterday with the review of “The Prodigal”:
http://www.pinkraygun.com/2008/11/13/stargate-atlantis-the-prodigal/
Where is this sale happening?
Hey joe!
I really hope that jelly is feeling better soon and that she can come home soon if she hasn’t already :o)
I do try to look foward to the new series SGU. But reading about characters mainly just about older than teenage makes it not easy. But still, really trying not to be prejudiced. I won’t be able to not watch it anyway ;o)
As far as I can see your not scheduled to write a SGU episode. Is that because you’re writing the SGA movie skript right now and will you be writing episodes for SGU in the future?
Now I don’t now whether I asked you this before… are you a fan of marzipan?
I happen to live in the hometown of the best and first marzipan maker “niederegger” and thought about sending you some.
As a child I never liked marzipan much because it used to be surrounded by dark chocolat which I hated. But now I’m quite fond of the stuff and how can I not be when living in Lubeck, the hometown of marzipan! :o)
Get well wishes to Jelly. I hope she is feeling better soon.
[quote]Katya writes: “The characters on the audition call sheet seemed very two-dimensional, which makes me worry that the show is going to be more character-based. If the show were more action/plot based, it could help cover for the weaknesses of the characters. A character-driven show has to have interesting, realistic, three-dimensional characters in order to be successful in my opinion.”
Answer: Right. Which is where the script comes in. Fact is you’re not going to find three-dimensional fully realized characters in a breakdown for a show that has yet to be written. [/Quote]
This is my issue too from I have read from the leaked call sheet there is no character like Daniel or Elizabeth in the main cast list and that is a major issue for me. Daniel was the character that I could relate to on SG-1 and on SGA Elizabeth was the closest thing I had for character to relate to. You dismiss Elizabeth as a major character you say she was a supporting character. Part of what made me love Stargate was the use of history and I love the strong minded emotional characters like Daniel and Elizabeth. I don’t like the show Gossip Girl or the New 90210 and that what I see when I read the desciption for Chloe Carpenter the Senator’s Daughter if you want to see what I said about these shows here’s a link to my LJ for that Entry
http://poundpuppy-29.livejournal.com/8538.html
[Quote]Thornyrose writes: “With the core group of writers currently working on SGU, have any measures been taken to bring in some new writers to the series? If so, do they come in as “one shot” writers, with the Execs looking at that trial to decide to bring them on board full time?”
Answer: As I said yesterday, an effort is made every year to audition new writers. The quality of their script (if they get that far) decides whether or not they are offered a staff position. Occasionally, however, a writer may not be interested in committing to a full season and prefer to either consult or simply write an episode or two.[/Quote]
I think BW and RCC need to look a little harder because it seems like they don’t want to have women there and as someone who watches a lot of the more technical shows I see women in alot of them producers, directors and writers they do exist but I think it is a boys club you guys have now and I also have always had guy friends so I do know what goes on when a group of you are together. You need some other voices there too.
I am undecided on SGU right now so far I have heard nothing to make want to watch. I don’t wish you or anyone else any ill will though. I just wish you would at least think about trying Torri again because I do think you should remember that for future movies you want the biggest possible audience and buyers.
For the movies can we please get rid of Jason’s wig please it looks horrible.
Hope Jelly is feeling better today. I was at the vet yesterday too. Madison had me neutered.
Nuff said.
Quincy
I hope Jelly is better soon. I hate it when my dog is sick because he just looks at me with those pitiful eyes like I should know what’s wrong and how to fix it without him saying a word.
Do you know if any of the art work from the show will be auctioned off. Of particular interest the artwork from The Game?
I might be willing to go in debt to get my hands on one of them.
Poor Jelly looks a little green around the edges : ( Hope Jelly is better soon. My last vet bill for my Quaker was close to 900.00 to find out why she is having seizures. I didn’t bat an eyelash at the bill, I couldn’t my eyes popped out of my head. But how could I not pay it ??? she’s my buddy. Pets are priceless. Feel better Jelly!!!
Aww, feel better Jelly!
come on Joe, pretend it’s a sex ed class and lecture us on the wraiths version of the birds and the bees, (bring on the wraith smut!)
oh, Das is not to blame for me trying to turn your blog smutty. I had every intention of bringing the topic up and had something written out to post, but then that little bit about the companion book came up and i changed it. So no associating Das with my filthy one track mind. She’s the sane one.
First image of planets outside our Solar System.
Cool!
Cheers, Chev
p.s. Get better soon Jelly. Everybody misses you.
If anybody’s interested in watching, the shuttle Endeavour launches tonight, 7:55 EST.
i cant wait for universe!! i think that the characters sound really good!!! I love the idea of them being on a ship, and character driven, but will it be completely in space or will they travel to planets as well? It is “Stargate” Universe.
Hey Joe!
Aww! I hope all the best Jelly. I really hope she gets well soon!
Nice to hear that you folks are going to be having an auction for your props. I don’t participate in online auctions, but this one may be the exception to the rule!
Thanks as always!
– Enzo Aquarius
PS – Finally got around to watching The Prodigal. You guys really outdid yourselves! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole episode, and the entire ending was absolutely amazing! Cudos! 😀
Joe,
I hope Jelly gets well soon. Please keep us updated and let Jelly know we are all thinking about her 🙂 Post more pics of the gang..I think they are so cute!
So whats up with the SGA movie not shooting until Summer of 2009? I thought by Summer of 2009 I would be waiting by mailbox for my DVD! Not happy about that I need this to be reschedule to begin shooting right after New Year and the movie released in March of 2009 and after a short..very short break..you all get back to work on making a second movie for a Summer 2009 release. Thanks.
I maybe a little dense here but what does this mean? – Some interesting scenes in which we learn where the different members of our crew line up with regard to the wraith.
Do you mean the crew’s opinion’s/feelings about the Wraiths?
Why can’t the SGA team (Ronon, Sheppard, McKay, Keller, Teyla and Torren) be the ones stuck on the ship and cut off from Atlantis and Earth and (enter rest of SGU description here)? I’m not ready to say good bye!
30 minutes until Remnants! I’ll be back to tell you how much I loved it 🙂
Deni B. It was great, we live 90 min. south of the cape and it was the best night launch in many years. GO NASA- by the way , it was going to “Atlantis” haha . sheryl
So, how are you? I am well. I haven’t had a chance to read through your mailbag the last few days, I’ll try to get to it today. I just mostly skim, for MY NAME of course. Hence & thus, I have no idea what you say to other people. What else did I want to say? … Oh, I know! So, do you think you’ll ever auction off the “wraith” concept? I mean, are you not just going to put them on the shelf after SGU is finished with them?
WK
Any chance this is the auction: http://www.stargateprops.com/Auction/APViewInCat.asp?ID=1 That is one Michael Shanks’ website (http://www.michaelshanks-online.com/news/index.shtml ) is touting. Right now only SG-1 things are online.
Great job on Remnants. The pacing was terrific and the end packed a hell of a kick.
Thanks.
We all know John tortures himself, I was hoping for something deeper, but it was all just raw whump and no fallout…heck there was no build anywhere.
I think this had a lot pf potential..but with three story arcs, no room for any emotional build up what so ever.
Every time things got tense..it cut away….I mean it was so choppy and damn what about the psychological fallout?
John tortures himself so much he deserves to have his hand chopped off? And nothing?
This should have been a Sheppard Plot A storyline..Woosley..Minor B…anything was ruined by trying to split it up too much. I mean every time things got interesting..CUT…I mean we got maybe thirty seconds of something before the next cut to next scene?
My biggest issue was there were so much that ‘could have been’..I liked seeing Woosley having a plot for once..maybe if give in another eppy. Once again Sheppard is short changed. This could have been something where got to learn a little more about the character and we were sorely disappointed…do you guys have no idea what to do with your lead?
What happened to Joe Flan’s ‘tour de force” …..he was given very little to work with.
But next week…oh look Rodney and Keller…and I bet there are not other plots B’s and C’s to divide things up.
Joe, Just watched Remnants and liked it I do have a question though, it seems obivious that John has issues with not being able to save people he feels he alone is responsible for. After all of the torture and being told that he tortures him self daily, which from the look he gave he acknowledges, why does he seem to go on like nothing happened. When the alien woman spoke with him in the gateroom and appoligized for what he went through, he almost looked embarassed like he fell for something he should have known was fake. From comments you made about the episode, I thought that John’s issues would be more resolved. The way it ended he seems to have buried another traumatic event. Whether the torture happened or not, thats got to mess a guy up. He seems to be willing to sacrifice himself often, almost in a suicidal way. Is it a case of he’s the Military guy in charge he just has to deal with it or do you see him dealing with these issues. Thanks for your time and another great episode.
Very exciting news on the auction.
We’re always looking for new prop and costume photos to study for the projects on SG1Props.
Similarly, Bob Picardo and Jewel Staite, two of the most accomplished actors I have ever had the pleasure to work with, did much the same for SGA with their characters: Woolsey and Keller. Jason Momoa and Rachel Luttrell brought a depth to the characters of Ronon and Teyla that made them a joy to watch. And, yes, the Sheppard character has many fans as well.
You do realize it’s always been obvious to us nosy folks who your favorites were – and why.
Of course, that last line could very well be tongue-in-cheek, right?
And I hate to disagree, but while Robert Picardo is a great actor, he’s added nothing to Atlantis, nor, in my very humble and clearly uneducated mind, has Ms. Staite. I’m beginning to think it’s not them, since I loved, for instance, Ben and Claudia in Farscape and disliked their characters in SG1. I loved Jewel in Firefly – can’t stand Keller. Picardo in China Beach? Yummo – in SGA – well, sweeter guy never lived, but Woolsey just isn’t Atlantis material. But again, we know how you feel about those who disagree….
hi joe love your blog gives great insight into the stargate world. anyway i was watching some oldies…ahh season 1 and i started wondering when did you guys realise that when exiting the stargate having to make the guys all frozen over would be too much…was it cos makeup ws too long or just could not be bothered.would be much appreciated, a question thats bugging me.
It is very unfortunate for the series StarGate Atlantis to be cancelled so quickly….it could have gone for at least 5 more seasons. I am in the demographic you no longer want as a fan… not to worry, I will not be watching SG-Universe. I feel very betrayed by the decision to cancel I waited to watch every Friday and just plain don’t trust you guys….you may change your interests again after 1 or 2 seasons and come up with another show. The constant change of characters and the constant push for McKay and Keller was the only complaint I had for this show….Why did you do it? The younger demographic you strive for HAVE ACTIVE SOCIAL LIVES and will not be sitting around waiting for a TV show. That’s why they’re not watching NOW! Duh….so you really should have been satisfied for the audience you had because they are gone now. Hope Jelly feels better, there is nothing sadder than a sick pug.
Great casting of Robert Carlyle, he brings all the necessary moral ambiguity to the part. From the worst possible psychpath in Trainspotting to the warm & vulnerable leader in The Full Monty to an unhinged Bond baddie.
So you can never be sure what’s brewing underneath his (current) hippie-like demeanour.
Just, PLEASE, don’t balls it all up the ultimate ending, like Galactica — almost every character ends up being an angel or prophet. Better they all go down a wormhole.
Keep up the good work.