January 29, 2008

SNOW DAY!!!! Vancouver was hit by a powerful snowstorm overnight that shut down schools and made driving treacherous in some areas. The streets have been likened to skating rinks and, while this kind of weather wouldn’t normally deter a former Montrealer like myself, it’s not me I’m worried about. Fondy’s four-wheel drive Audi A4 is, unfortunately, trumped by the average Vancouverite’s complete inability to drive in these wintery conditions. It kind of reminds me of the commuter panic in L.A. whenever it rains (“We are issuing a travel advisory! The streets are wet! Stay off the roads! We repeat! Stay off the roads! May God be with you!”). Anyway, with Paul snowed in on the North Shore and nary a snowplow in sight, we decided not to challenge the elements (and the general incompetence of our fellow drivers) and, instead, elected to work from home today. And quite a day it was. I read, researched, looked at baby pictures (Seriously, they all look identical to me. I’m sure Marty G. will do a wonderful job deciding.), and even found time to clean out the fridge. Alex Levine was supposed to swing by this afternoon and help me build a snow fort but it looks like I’ve been stood up.

So, what’s everybody reading? It better be either Fast Forward 1, Smoke and Mirrors, or Children of the Night because they’re the selections for February’s book of the month club discussions. I’ve yet to start any of them myself (I’m presently halfway through George R. R. Martin’s Fevre Dream) but I’m a fast reader and will no doubt blaze through them with plenty of time to spare.

Today’s video: Lulu does her best imitation of a snow bunny. Check out the video by scrolling down or by heading over to -

http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee164/BaronDestructo/?action=view¤t=SnowLulu1.flv

A light mailbag today. I expect that will change tomorrow. Just a feeling…

Astrumporta writes: “I seem to remember reading that Joe Flanigan thought Sheppard would not be from a rich family. Do you know why, or why the writers decided he is?”

Answer: We simply thought it would make for a more interesting backstory. Also, Sheppard has always kind of reminded me of Richie Rich all grown up.

Marielabbott writes: “When you mention that you will be revisiting Weir’s story onscreen–will we be seeing Torri?”

Answer: That is the plan.

Wraithfodder writes: “Have you thought of making an SGA episode in the snow?”

Answer: Unless there’s a story-specific reason for it to be snowing (ie. Quest II) or the location happens to be snowy (ie. Threshold) it’s not something we would do as it would prove an unnecessary expense.

Laura P. writes: “Recently, I caught a repeat of “Reunion”. During that episode, there is a scene with Sheppard and Carter on the balcony. Sheppard tries to convince Carter to allow him to go on a mission to rescue Weir. I couldn’t help but notice that this scene was somewhat similar to the season one episode (The Rising) where Sheppard wants to rescue Col. Sumner. Was this intentional or coincidental?”

Answer: It was intentional.

Zoniduck writes: “Alas, Phoenix has no restaurant week. Is there anything like this in Vancouver? And if so, do you participate?”

Answer: This city does something called Dine Out Vancouver, a couple of weeks in which participating restaurants offer set specials. On the one hand, it’s a great way to check out a variety of new restaurants without spending a bundle. On the other hand, these restaurants are so heavily booked that the meals they serve are never reflective of the true quality of the food they serve, more of a half-assed B game than the establishment’s best effort. And, no, I don’t participate.

Shiningwit writes: “Which of the dogs misses Fondy the most?”

Answer: Hard to say. Maximus and Jelly are pretty laid back and are harder to read. Bubba and Lulu, however, are more inclined to perk up and sniff the phone if they hear Fondy’s voice on the other end.

Jesse writes: “What I’d like to know is if studios, specifically animation studios would hire someone like me, at this age, attending school, and with no experience to speak of. Do studios have any internships or part-time positions for writers?”

Answer: I suppose it depends what you’re looking to do. Are you a talented artist? If so, then it’s very likely an animation studio would hire you. As for internships or part-time positions for writers - most animation shows are written by freelancers. That said, I’d suggest sending query letters out to some animation studios and find out exactly what their respective policies are when it comes to interns and part-timers.

Pauline writes: “Are there any books that would give me an insight into how animation scripts work?”

Answer: Here’s a secret - writing for animation isn’t all that different from writing for live action. Nearly all shows use the same script format. The real difference is in the act structure and length (and, of course, the subject matter).

Jean writes: “ Enjoyed Harmony very much. Could the “secret sacred ceremony” to determine the next queen have been a test to see which of the sisters had the strongest ATA gene??”

Answer: Or determined whether the next queen had the ATA gene at all.

RachelCooperLPN writes: “Though you have adamently (sp?) said that you are not going to attend the Creation con in Vancouver, is there a chance that you will make an appearance at a picnic some of the fans are having outside the studio?”

Answer: If I’m free, I’ll certainly stop by to say hello.

Paloosa writes: “Are you concerned or ok with the rating numbers so far for Season 4?”

Answer: So far, I’ve been pleased with the ratings.

Ant writes: “Hence that’s why Kevin O’Donnell poisoned him towards the end because he saw him as being partly responsible. Even though Kevin O’Donnell was probably involved in a lot of the atrocities he had to blame someone else.”

Answer: If that’s the case, then why did O’Donnell wait so long to do it? It doesn’t make sense that he waited because he wanted Herity to complete the task of ferreting out the Madman because, at the time he would have held Herity accountable, he wouldn’t have known that the Madman was going to fall into his hands.

narellefromaus writes: “Thanks Joe for being a conduit for dogs being adopted.”

Answer: Hey, my pleasure. I think adoption is a great idea.