Monday, July 6, 2015

Joseph Mallozzi Dark Matter Creator





Joseph Mallozzi  is a producer and writer, known for Stargate SG-1 (1997), Stargate: Atlantis (2004) and Dark Matter (2015).


What is your new show Dark Matter about?

- Six individuals wake up from stasis aboard a ship with no memory of who they are or how they go onboard.  The series will explore their search for answers.


How would you handle being in the same situation as the crew?


- Pretty much the same way they do.  There aren't a lot of options.  You have to rely on those around you, take a leap of faith that they are being honest with you, and hope for the best...but be very careful.  


How did writing and producing Stargate prepare you for Dark Matter?


- Stargate was an incredible learning experience for me.  Over the 12 years I spent on the franchise, I learned how to produce a series, from script to edit.  From a creative standpoint, my time on Stargate also taught me the importance of character, relationship, team dynamics, and humor - all of which I've applied to Dark Matter. 


Why did you decide to start your blog?


- Originally, my blog was intended to be a food journal of a two week trip to Asia.  Upon my return, I decided to keep it going and include other elements of my life, specifically my work on Stargate.  I approached it as an exercise.  Blogging forced me to write and the only way to improve as a writer is to keep writing.  And so, I've continued this exercise - for over eight years now, and have yet to miss a day.


What's your favorite comic of all time?


- Hmmm.  That's a tough one.  If we're talking single issues, I'd go with Deadpool #11 written by Joe Kelly, a brilliant time travel tale that has our contemporary Deadpool visiting the pages of The Amazing Spiderman #47.  Avengers Annual #7, in which Adam Warlock and co. meet their demise and meet again in the afterlife of the gem stone, has stayed with me for decades.  Uncanny X-Men #137, Phoenix Must Die, was a seminal story that encompassed all I loved about comics at the time.  

- If we're talking favorite comic book series of all time...it's tough because quality fluctuates, writers come and go.  I loved Ed Brubaker's Daredevil, Joe Kelly's Deadpool, and Mark Waid's The Flash - off the top of my head.  

- If I had to stick to Desert Island picks, those trade paperbacks I'd bring with me if I was to spend my remaining days stranded alone with nothing to do but read and re-read: Watchmen, The Killing Joke, Saga: Omnibus.


What writers and/or producers are you a fan of?


- There a number of authors I enjoy reading: John Scalzi, Joe Abercrombie, Alastair Reynolds, Catherine Webb (as Claire North).  I can't say I'm a fan of any one "producer".


Who would win in an arm wrestling contest between you and Jay Firestone?


- Jay obviously.  The guy is so determined.  When he sets his mind to something, he's unstoppable.


Is there anything you'd like to add?


- Yeah!  Come see us at Comic Con!  Dark Matter Panel: Thursday, July 9th at 7:15 p.m. @ Room 6BCF!