Morris Chapdelaine

About Morris

November

November 6th, 2008

In this edition:

Madonna hits Vancouver

Cocktails with Mr. Geoff Johns- DC Comic Writer

The US gets a new president but fails on a few key measures

A return to Smallville...

OK..so first things first. As many of you know Madonna has been touring with her Sticky and Sweet Album these past few months. Her October 30th show in Vancouver was the very first time she played our city, and the crowds were ready and willing to be swept up in all her sticky and sweet goodness. I can report that the show didn't disappoint. I had great seats mind you, and even though BC place is a gigantic cavern to play, she and her team did it with style. Flanked by the now famous 'M's bejeweled in over 2 million dollars worth of swarovski crystals and a couple of jumbo-tron screens, there was enough of Madge and her dancers to go around for all 60 000 adoring fans. My favourite bit was probably the rock fused 'Borderline', followed closely by a lovely version of 'You Must Love Me' from her award winning performance in Evita.

Secondly...the night after Madonna...well, the night after Halloween in fact, I attended a swish cocktail party at Steve and Don's. This home has been privy to many, many wild celebrity and A list events. Not only is Steve a gourmet chef and artist, he also bumps shoulders with many of Hollywood and New York's young society folks, so I can never say no to an invite. This Saturday introduced me to the very gifted Geoff Johns and his delightful girlfriend Sonja. Geoff, for those of you that don't know, has been in town supervising the filming of his first ever Smallville script, 'Legion'. Geoff is very well know for his work with DC comics including, The Flash, Teen Titans, and The Green Lantern. It sounds like he's leaving Burbank to be closer to his gal Sonja- a beautiful and very talented Art Director with DC comics- ion New York City...just another good reason to get there more often!

Thirdly...unless you have been hiding under a rock, you have taken note of the brand new President to be of the US of A. Mr. Obama is an incredible orator and has moved people in countries all over the world. I have to say that I was transfixed by that evening...flipping from HD network to HD network for results until at 8PM PST it was finally announced that he would indeed be leading the USA for the next 4 years. There were several parties both indoors and out here in Vancouver...amazing to see and hear such a response. I for one hope for some serious change in the right direction for that country, and I hope we can continue to work together to make this world a better place. Now....sadly, I have to say that I am quite disgruntled by prop 8 in California as well as similar measures struck in Arizona, Florida and Arkansas. Now Arkansas was so surprise- hell- gay people can't even adopt there, but California and Florida? No gay marriage...what will the do with all 80 000 couples that have already done so? Its a mess, really...and I think a fight that still needs to be fought. The whole event made the election of Mr. Obama quite bitter sweet, and I think several people feel the same way...what about you? Thoughts, reactions?

And finally....I am , after many days on the phone and re scheduling, making a return to Smallville tomorrow. Its quite an exciting little prospect and I think the Smallville fans will be excited when they finally see what's up...but of course, I can't be responsible for spoilers, so I'll just have to leave it at that! I do plan to take my camera though and I'll do my best to snap a few pics for ya.

Stargate Atlantis Hits Vegas

October 11, 2008

Sorry for the length delay in posts, but I had a cold and have been crazy busy editing and prepping other projects. A few weeks back I was in Las Vegas with some of the cast and crew of Stargate Atlantis...let me tell you that they have an exciting episode in store! Any time that Mr. Robert Cooper gets behind the camera to direct, you KNOW you're in for something special. 

Everyone stayed at the very stylish Planet Hollywood Hotel and most of the shooting was done at night...and I think a good time was had by all. Its tough with all the toxic cigarette smoke though...how do they survive down there?!

I have read all the latest comments about Stargate Universe, but let me add that old and new fans wont be disappointed. its tough to please everyone, but from what i hear, this show will have some really cool sci-fi elements while still maintaining that 'charm' that the stargate shows have always held. Believe me- I've seen the list of DOP's (directors of photography) they are speaking too and they mean business for this show...expect something really, really, really high end and fun.
Its thanksgiving weekend up here in Canada and I am flying to Victoria tomorrow first thing to watch my sister run in the marathon- can't wait!

This story appeared in the Las Vegas Review Journal, September 29th **WARNING**episode spoilers.

  To some, Las Vegas already qualifies as an alternate universe, complete with alien life-forms.
  But “Stargate: Atlantis” puts that description into practice at Planet Hollywood, spending Monday and Tuesday in front of the casino, inside the casino — and on the roof, where a stunt player will perform a nine-story fall.
  As fans of the Sci-Fi Channel hit know, the show ends its run following its 100th episode in January. Its 99th, however, brings commander John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan, right) to Las Vegas — in “an alternate reality story” set on “a slightly askew version of Earth,” explains executive producer Robert Cooper, writer-director of the made-in-Vegas episode.
  Rather than becoming a space pilot, Sheppard “ended up as a homicide detective in this reality,” Cooper notes. He’s investigating a serial murder case — and trying to find an enemy Wraith (played by guest star Neil Jackson) who’s “hiding himself in Las Vegas” and, disguised by makeup, “blends in quite well.”
  The Wraith, Cooper reports, even ends up playing high-stakes poker with a couple of familiar faces: “Sopranos” veterans Steve Schirripa and Frank Vincent.
  Overall, the episode is intended as “a bit of an homage” to another Vegas show, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
  Cooper describes it as “stylistically similar to ‘CSI,’ " noting that “if you tuned in late, you might think you had turned on the wrong show.”
  Except, that is, for all those members of the “Stargate: Atlantis” universe hanging around.
  “Fortunately,” Cooper observes, “when you work in science fiction, you can pretty much do anything.”

Report from the Stargate Atlantis 100th episode Party

September 22nd, 2008

This past Saturday was the 100th episode and official end of Season Wrap party for Atlantis. Held in the gorgeous Wall Center Hotel Ballroom in Vancouver, BC, this event was a star studded and wonderful as they come. The world renowned Thomas Haas built a stunning all chocolate city of Atantis, which stood as the centerpiece to a room filled with dazzling lights and music.

Most of the cast was in attendance including Joe Flanigan. Rachel Luttrell, Jason Momoa, David Hewlett and Jewel Staite. 

Speaking with John Lenic, Producer and Paul Weber, US Casting Director- their thoughts are already on trying to put together the best list of talent and crew ever for their upcoming, Stargate Universe. Now I have read all the comments you've made and have forwarded most of them off to the powers that be. They LOVE hearing what you have to say and are still striving to make a new and exciting bit of sci-fi programming. Even if the lead crew is a bit younger than you're used to, believe me, chances are they will be faced with many exctitng adventures...isn't that what this franchise has been all about? Just remember to ask them to keep the crazy, scary, alien races coming! that's likely what will keep me employed by them!

In other 'acting' news, I just wrapped up 5 days on Showtime's, 'The L Word', starring Jennifer Beales, Pam Grier and many other lovely ladies. Thats why I have been too busy to post as of late...its tough being on set or in a trailer for over 12 hours a day...really, it is. The epsiode I did is their second last one ever and it's called 'Last Couple Standing'. I didn't really have too much to do, but it was great to play a human again...  

                                    
In other related news...its starting to sound more and more like Lex WILL be making a return to Smallville soon...I'll just leave you with that teaser until I know more. I hear their first episodes are looking really sick, and the cast and crew is excited to hear the fan response.
Well..I have to get back to my editng and prepping to shoot more video for IMC. Bob and I just hired a full time director to work on the documentary, and he starts next week...hopefully we'll be complete by the winter.

Character breakdowns for Stargate Universe Announced

September 6th, 2008

Character Breakdowns, Stargate Universe 03/09/08
       
       
        Colonel Everett Young.   40's handsome, capable, former SG team leader.   Like the Jack O'Neill of ten years ago, but Young's edges have tended to sharpen over time.  He requested permission to serve the remainder of his commission on Earth upon marrying his wife, Hailey, two years ago, but for now he's temporary commander of a secret off world base.   The loss of two members of his team several years ago has taught him never to take anything for granted, and be prepared for anything.   He stays on top of his team so they stay alive.   
       
        Tamara Johanson.   20-25. SGC Field medic, Captain grade.  Off world experience.  Beautiful, tough, smart, capable.  Paramedic level  training.  Able to triage serious injury. Modest background.  Dreamed of being a doctor but couldn't afford medical school and the Air Force was her best option.  She ends up being the most medically inclined person on the ship but is overwhelmed by the lack of knowledge and experience treating seriously wounded and ill patients. She also lacks the medicine and supplies and has to make do.
       
        Cloe Carpenter.  20 ish. Stunning and sexy. Daughter of a U.S. Senator.  Silver spoon upbringing and a little spoiled but not stupid either.  Politically and socially savvy. Dreams of following in her father's footsteps but for now she's a bit of a party girl in her first year at an Ivy League school.  Her father's tragic death and the  dire circumstances of being trapped on a spaceship seriously tests her  character.
       
        Eli Hitchcock.   20-25.  Total slacker.  Utter genius.   Mathematics, computers, anything he puts his mind to.  Acerbic sense of humor. A social outcast.  Comes from a broken home.  Lacks confidence because his true intelligence has never really been recognized like Matt Damon's character from Good Will Hunting with a little Jack Black thrown in.
       
        Lt. Jared Nash.  20-25. Junior SGC team member. Officer material but green and rough around the edges. Every teenage girl's fantasy. Like a college quarterback thrown into his first pro game, he is thrust into the role of leader well before he's  ready for the responsibility and must learn to take command, earn respect through action, and manage the diverse personalities on the  ship to keep everyone alive. Like Jason Bourne, he is skilled and well-trained but mentally unprepared for the urgency of the situation.
       
        Ron "Psycho" Stasiak. 20.  Marine.  Big, strong, silent.  You want  him on your side. You don't want him mad at you.  Lacks control over his temper in non combat situations.  His emotional expression ranges from sarcasm to anger.  His past is a mystery but it's clear something dark formed the hard shell around him. Yet, there must also be some moral center because otherwise he'd kill everyone around him.  Think Eric Bana's character  "Hoot" in Blackhawk Down.  Adam Baldwin at 20 could play him.