Sci-Fi Storm

Actor Michael Shannon (Agent Nelson Van Alden in Boardwalk Empire) has signed on to play the evil Kryptonian General Zod in the Zack Snyder’s Man Of Steel movie, opposite Henry Cavill’s Superman and Amy Adams’ Lois Lane. “Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character,” according to Snyder.

Now, kneel before Zod!

I just realized I never actually posted my retro review for [sfs=859]The Starlost[/sfs]! This show had a very interesting history in its short life, ultimately becoming something of a parody of the genre and television production – or perhaps the epitome of a production that doesn’t “get it”.

Originally, only a handful of episodes were released on video tape, but a couple of years ago the entire series was [sfs=859]released on DVD[/sfs].

First, a basic synopsis:
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I can’t say I’m surprised at all, but as part of an interview with UGO, Jonathan Frakes talked about (among his other projects, which includes directing his wife in an episode of the web series Bar Karma and a possible Gargoyles movie) how Paramount milked Star Trek to death, and have since turned down proposals from Frakes, Bryan Singer, and even William Shatner for new shows. “They feel at CBS Paramount that they don’t want to make the same mistake that’s been made before, which was watering down the brand by having a TV show and a movie,” according to Frakes. “That’s what happened with Star Trek: Nemesis, and that’s why I think Star Trek: Enterprise didn’t last the way they expected to. It was the classic corporate greed of ‘we’ve got something good, so let’s continue to milk it’ and we milked it so dry that the fans had no appetite for a movie.” So wait, someone in Hollywood actually learned a lesson?

Andy Serkis, perhaps best known for his motion-capture and voice acting that turned Gollum from just CGI into an actual character in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, will add another role during production of The Hobbit films – but this one will be behind the scenes. THR is reporting that Serkis will be the second unit director – which means he will be directing production of secondary footage while Peter Jackson directs the primary shooting (primarily those with the main characters). This could include stunt and action sequences, as well as motion capture. Serkis has done a little directing already, primarily with video games, but plans to go on to live action directing after completing The Hobbit.

Did you like Face Off? Or did you think you could do better? If the latter, now is your chance! Syfy is looking for competitors for the second season of the hit show, and will be holding open auditions in both Los Angeles and New York this Sunday!

Who: Syfy’s Face Off, the hit competition reality series that celebrates the incredible artistry of special FX make-up, exploring the world of these pros and the unlimited imagination which allows them to create amazing works of living art. The series incorporates effects make-up, as well as a a wide range of skill sets including prosthetics, sculpting, casting and molding. Each episode involves incredible reveals of the competitors’ finished work, and the drama of one contestant being sent home by the panel of expert and celebrity judges. It all culminates in one winner and one $100,000 grand prize that will launch a career.

What: Casting men and women, both professionals and novices to the art of special FX make-up. Must be 18 years or older and proficient in beautifying, prosthetics and special FX.  Interested participants can obtain an application by sending an email to: www.syfy.com/faceoff.

Where:

LOS ANGELES MARRIOTT – MONSTERPALOOZA CONVENTION
2500 Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505
Faceoofflosangeles@gmail.com

Sunday, April 10th, 2011 – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. pacific

NEW YORK – IMATS CONVENTION (downstairs)
82 Mercer Building
82 Mercer Street
New York, NY
faceoffnewyork@gmail.com

Sunday, April 10th, 2011 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. eastern

In the next sneak peek clip of the all-new episode of Stargate Universe, Greer and Scott explain why space deer might just end their momentary status as a vegetarian for the past 10 months. The hunger causes them to set out in the forest and take down their next meal. Greer momentarily loses focus on the kill and the deer are spooked away. Knowing all they have is time they get up and set out on foot after them until the deer leap from the shrubs, letting out ferocious groans, and the prey suddenly becomes the predator. Watch the clip and tune in on Monday at 10/9c on Syfy for this action filled episode!
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Aidan, Josh and Sally are the best of friends. Aidan protects Sally when her ex-living-boyfriend tried to burn her house down, Josh prevents Aidan from being murdered by a disguised nurse, and Sally runs to Aidan’s aid when he was staked by a vengeful vampire. That’s what roommates are for, right? Watch the clip to see if Aidan recovers and if Josh is able to fend off Bishop and the other vampires, and don’t forget to tune in on Monday at 9/8c only on Syfy!

Plus, check the recap for “You’re the One that I Haunt”!

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Entertainment Weekly had an interview with Star Wars: The Clone Wars supervising director Dave Filoni, and he gave look forward to what might be expected in the 4th season – and also said that Battlestar Galactica‘s Katee Sackhoff will be voicing a “memorable” character! “Everybody here loved Battlestar Galactica. It was such a great, inspirational series, and I think fans will be very pleased with the character she portrays,” Filoni said. “Let me say this, it will be a memorable character, that is for sure.” BSG fans may have noticed some classic BSG references in the show already.

Some of the other things he mentioned: More three-episode story arcs, multiple Oscar winning sound editor Walter Murch will work on an episode, and bigger epic battles. And we may not have seen the last of Chewbacca either…

At the MIPTV event in Cannes, BBC Worldwide Productions SVP Julie Gardner and actors John Barrowman and Bill Pullman are promoting the upcoming fourth series (content warning: adult language) of Torchwood, which is getting something of a makeover as part of the production moves to the U.S. – which includes a much bigger budget, thanks to the Starz network. According to Gardner the budget is triple what it was under just the BBC.

What does the bigger budget mean? “There is so much more we can do with Torchwood now having made the leap to America. It’s going to be even bigger and better,” according to star Barrowman. Big stunts and more sexual chemistry. “The audience is going to need a forklift truck to pick their jaws off the ground. The stunt work is unbelievable. I used to do quite a lot of stunts except if it was jumping off of buildings but now I’m not allowed to because of the insurance policy. I’m much more valuable in America!”

Will Smith will join his son Jaden (The Karate Kid) in front of the camera for an upcoming SF film co-written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. While no title was given, it may be the One Thousand A.E. project mentioned by the director in the fall while promoting The Last Airbender. Smith was originally tied in as a producer (and still is), along with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, Shyamalan, James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz (for Overbrook Entertainment, Smith and Lassiter’s production company).

What little is known of the plot: “The story takes place far in the future where a young boy has to navigate an abandoned planet on a space ship that has crashed. On board is his estranged father.”