It’s the final days of prep on the Dark Matter second season premiere.  This morning, I attended and 8 a.m. stage walk-thru with VFX Supervisor Lawren Bancroft-Wilson and the rest of the gang.  While Lawren was discussing the green screen challenges with Director Amanda Tapping, Director of Photography Craig Wright was running some camera tests of the prison’s second level balcony to check for any moire issues (Got ’em!).  Then, it was back to the production offices for at 10:00 a.m. VFX review meeting followed by a double script review AND smoked meat sandwiches courtesy of Production Manager Robbie David – and Centre Street Deli!

December 7, 2015: Final Days Of Prep On Dark Matter Episode 201!

Construction commences on our “interior whale” sequence, Episode 204.

December 7, 2015: Final Days Of Prep On Dark Matter Episode 201!

To dissuade prisoners from climbing up and out, we actually put a roof on the place!

December 7, 2015: Final Days Of Prep On Dark Matter Episode 201!

Craig on cam.

December 7, 2015: Final Days Of Prep On Dark Matter Episode 201!

Looking pretty good.  Now, all we need is set dressing, props, cast and background.

December 7, 2015: Final Days Of Prep On Dark Matter Episode 201!

This is a Presidential suite compared to the tight confines of the adjoining solitary unit.

December 7, 2015: Final Days Of Prep On Dark Matter Episode 201!

LBW goes fry-diving.

December 7, 2015: Final Days Of Prep On Dark Matter Episode 201!

The man of the (lunch) hour: Robbie David.  And his fancy new haircut.

Another Hyperion-8 playback graphic:

c/o 1st Assistant Art Director Kelly Diamond (pictured working below in the Police Files/Murder Investigation playback graphic:

December 7, 2015: Final Days Of Prep On Dark Matter Episode 201!

Tomorrow marks our last day of prep.  On tap…

9:30 – Episode 201 production meeting

13:30 – Episode 201 cast read-thru

And then, Wednesday = 1st day of principal photography on season 2 (Episode 201) begins with director Amanda Tapping while…

Prep begins on Episode 202 with director Bruce McDonald…

10:00 – 11:00 – Set walk-thru

14:00 – 15:30 – Episode 202 concept meeting

It’s about to get crazy here!

19 thoughts on “December 7, 2015: Final days of prep on Dark Matter Episode 201!

  1. Omg. OMG. OMG! This is getting just a teensy weensy bit exciting now! Good luck everyone and enjoy. 😃
    I’ll just sit back … and … wait … patiently until … it comes … out … on tv.

    (Thanks Joe for allowing us to be there as it happens! 😉)

    Apologies just a tad excited here. Did I mention that? Oh, sorry…..

  2. Fantastic sets!
    Really looking forward to seeing everything and everyone come together for what will be another excellent Season.

  3. Question of the day:

    Did Kelly already have dyed hair before work on DM began? Or did she take “inspiration” from FIVE?

    Follow up question of the day:

    How many other people on DM’s cast, crew, and their loved ones have added some “FIVE inspired” color to their hair? 😉

    -Mike A.

  4. Just, WOW! I love the look. Once again top notch set building. All bow before the great Ian Brock and crew who continue to bring the look of Dark Matter to life.

  5. Awesome sets! Excitedly counting down…. Go Joe! Go Amanda! Please keep the photos coming.

  6. The part I like is you get to eat off real plates, pretty purple flowered one there, and sit at a table. Is this normal for meals, or is it helter- skelter, every one for themself once production starts..?
    I am anxiously awaiting the new season, can’t wait to see what you have cooked up for us.

  7. That is one awesome jail. Awesome and big. You going to have any aliens in that jail? Everything looks so good, right down to your lunch! Can you get a 2015 picture of the cast reading around the table? And don’t forget a picture of the lovely Amanda Tapping and handsome Bruce McDonald.

  8. Whale Interior?

    A comical Moby Dick dream sequence perhaps?? Sounds like fun!

    Albeit ya think maybe? Ponytail Janet & I could catch a quick joy ride in the new shuttle before ya get all hot n heavy into the filming of season 2 🙂

    Gary, Hope your Christmas Chorale is coming along nicely and you’re settling into your new, well deserved, home ok

    Xronia Polla!

    xo -Drea

  9. Fancy, love the light making a pattern on the cell floor, these are some cool digs, even if it is a prison. Argh, those fries are torturing me with their siren call. The graphics and the sets are amazing.

  10. Hey Drea – Chorale concert is all done (weekend before last) and it went reasonably well. We had other acts that were part of it too, and they all did great, but I think we could’ve used another week or two of practice.

    Settling into the house well! Still some unpacking to do, but I’m trying to decide where to put stuff like pictures, etc.

  11. Love all the set pictures. I enjoy the details that you mentioned. I was wondering if these prisoners have to go down all this long corridors why are they not on a moving walkway? They could be strapped up like Houdini and it could lead them all the way up to their cell door. Never understood the need for subdued lighting. Takes away from those nice details.

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