Review Fix chats with “Dark Matter†creator Joseph Mallozzi who discusses his new SyFy series, from its origins as a script to eventual Dark Horse Comic to television show. A former writer on the cult-classic and critically acclaimed series, “Stargate-SG-1†and pair of spin-offs, Mallozzi lets us know what to expect from a series that in pre-production, already features a plethora of solid young actors who have appeared on everything from “The Strain, to “Twilight†and even Broadway.
Review Fix: How did the series transition from comic books to TV? What was the process like?
Joseph Mallozzi: Actually, the script came first.  I’d been developing the series for many years while working on Stargate and eventually wrote the pilot.  Rather than simply go out and pitch the series, I decided on a different tact. I knew, from my many years working development early in my career, that “established properties” always seemed to garner more attention than original material.  And so, Paul and I approached Dark Horse Comics about transforming the pilot (and what would be the show’s second episode) into a four-issue mini.  They loved the idea.  And, sure enough, when it came time to pitching “Dark Matter: The Series,†the comic book proved an invaluable visual tool that really helped make the sale.
Review Fix: What is your favorite element of the series?
Mallozzi: If there’s one thing I learned early in my television career, it’s that viewers may tune in for the hook, but they stay for the characters. Â And Dark Matter is, first and foremost, all about its characters.
Review Fix: The comic has some awesome characters- you need a special cast to pull it off. What was casting like?
Mallozzi: Casting was exciting, fun, frustrating and, ultimately, very satisfying. Â In many ways, I wish we had three more characters to cast.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy this series the most?
Mallozzi: Those who enjoy science fiction, serialized drama, compelling characters, and their action-adventure with a dose of humor.
Review Fix: Will fans of your previous work dig this? Why/Why not?
Mallozzi: I think that fans of Stargate will enjoy Dark Matter, again, for its emphasis on characters, relationships, and its underlying humor – elements that made Stargate such a huge success.
Review Fix: What are your goals for this TV series?
Mallozzi: Plain and simple, Paul and I wanted to tell a story. Â And this first season is what we consider Book One in this much longer narrative.
Review Fix: What is it comparable to?
Mallozzi: Hmmm. Â Ultimately, if I had to draw parallels to any other work, it would be an anime series called Cowboy Bebop.
Review Fix: How is the TV series different from the comic?
Mallozzi: The series will add many new layers to the story, the world, and, of course, the characters and their relationships. Â Still, the four issue trade paperback does a nice job of encapsulating our first two episodes for those looking for a sneak preview.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Mallozzi: Head on over to my blog (www.josephmallozzi.wordpress.com) where I’ll be offering up behind-the-scene insights throughout prep, production, and post-production on Dark Matter’s first season.
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