Attention Deficit Delirium

Ron Moore (l) and David Eick with Alessandra Torresani
at the 2010 Syfy Channel Upfront.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

I recently spoke with Caprica executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick on the red carpet at this week’s 2010 Syfy Channel Upfront. You can read my Caprica story on AOL here, but there were some extra bits left over that make for a nice feature for ADD.

So here are Moore and Eick discussing their shows, their cultural impact and last year’s controversial Battlestar Galactica finale.


How much of an impact do you think that Battlestar Galactica and Caprica have had on modern sci-fi television?
Ron Moore: That’s really hard to say. I don’t know.
David Eick: We were so busy cribbing from others that it’s been hard to keep track of who we may have begat. Our touchstones were the greats: [Robert] Heinlein, Philip K. Dick and the movies of Ridley Scott, not just the science fiction ones. I think we were fortunate to figure out a way to apply some of that aesthetic to a modern TV show. I haven’t been able to pay attention enough to what else is on out there to see what we may have inspired.
Ron Moore: To me, the biggest and most important impact is that Salma Hayek had a “Frak” T-shirt when she was on 30 Rock. That was a major score because that’s the one they put in the time capsule.

Isn’t it ironic that one’s cultural impact can come down to one word?
Ron Moore: You know what? However you can get there.

Moore with "Caprica" cast member Sasha Roiz.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Ron, I saw you speak last year at the New York Television Festival and reminisce about your later years with the Star Trek franchise and how formulaic it got. How hard is it to stay as original as possible with your storytelling on Caprica, especially after four seasons of Battlestar, and to keep the mythology fresh?
Ron Moore: I think you’re always trying to avoid clichés just as a storyteller. I think within the Battlestar universe the smartest thing we did was we developed Caprica while Battlestar was still going, so we were able to make sure that we carved enough blank space for the back story on Galactica to give ourselves a lot of room. So as a consequence there are not huge plot grids that we have to keep tying into. The continuity is not so densely packed that we have to make all this stuff line up. It feels very free, that Caprica can be whatever it wants to be.

As opposed to Lost, where as the story keeps getting bigger, you have to keep checking to make sure the continuity is accurate.
Ron Moore: That’s a very different set of…
David Eick: That was a good, cautionary tale.

Moore and Eick at ease on the red carpet.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Many fans found the Battlestar ending to be controversial. What did you think of the fans’ reaction?
David Eick: We were just talking about this. I’ll say this because I didn’t actually write it, and he did, so I could speak about him in the third person. I’m really proud of it. It’s the best possible resolution given what we had set up, and I think if anybody’s longing for something different it’s only because what had been set up was so rich and had such depth and meaning that they just didn’t want it to end. So I’m very happy with what my friend here did with the script. I think it’s the best version of any that could have been conceived.
Ron Moore: I’m very happy with it. I’m very settled with it. I was very happy with it when we wrote it, shot at and saw it, and that’s the end of the show. People can take from it what they will, but I’m very pleased with it.



Last night I attended the annual Syfy Channel Upfront, where the stars chatted up the media on the red carpet, executives made their important presentation to advertisers and everybody got to party afterward. I covered the event both for AOL TV and for ADD, so you’ll be seeing those stories posted in the near future.

This year’s Upfront took place at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, where the Tim Burton exhibit is currently being held (and which Syfy is a proud sponsor of). It was a great location for this sneak peek into Syfy’s forthcoming year, not only because of the chance to see the Burton artwork but also because of the large space where the party was held afterward. Syfy President Dave Howe, Blake Callaway (SVP, Brand and Integrated Marketing) and Chris Czarkowski (VP, Sales, USA and Syfy) kept the official presentation moving along fast and furious with good wit, and they were quite accessible afterward, as were the stars. The channel also displayed a self-deprecating sense of humor by showing a clip of Stephen Colbert making fun of their name change from Sci Fi to Syfy. Good call. Tracy Morgan sent a video message announcing he will now be executive producer as well as the host of Scare Tactics, and he excused his absence due to his “fear of modern art”.

Here’s a photo gallery of the event. Stories forthcoming!



Warehouse 13 agents Eddie McClintock and Joanne Kelly enjoy a break from object hunting.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Eureka co-stars Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Colin Ferguson feel at ease in the spotlight.
They are just glad that the sky is not falling at the moment.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Sanctuary star Amanda Tapping faces the mighty WWE.
Hey, if she can take on a vampire squid, she can take on anyone.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Professional Ghost Hunters Kris Williams (l) and Amy Bruni. They ain't 'fraid of no ghosts.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Caprica executive producers Ronald D. Moore (l) and David Eick
have plenty of reasons to be happy these days.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Caprica's Alessandra Toressani (c) and Esai Morales (r) charm the press.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

WWE NXT "rookie" David Otunga in a happy mood. You wouldn't like him when he's angry.
Or maybe you would.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Caprica's Sasha Roiz (c) and Stargate Universe's Ming-Na (r) are all smiles.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Beguiling Caprica castmates Magda Apanowicz (l) and Alessandra Torresani.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Caprica star Esai Morales tells the WWE to bring it.
He's clearly not aware of their new Cylon champion.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Media, stars and advertisers gather for the annual company presentation.
There were plenty more people behind the camera.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Syfy President Dave Howe addresses the throng and reveals that his favorite character in the Tim Burton exhibition upstairs is Stain Boy. Oh yeah, and there are some cool shows on Syfy you should watch.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

A better view of Dave Howe, looking chipper after his big speech.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Eureka's sheriff Colin Ferguson (l) chats with Luke Fontneau from Warner Bros.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Among the throng at the post-presentation party.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Sleek projections hover above the crowd at MoMA.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Contrary to what you might be thinking, Ming-Na and Amanda Tapping
are not discussing Stargate mythology.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Eddie McClintock cozies up to Kris Williams and Amy Bruni
only seven hours before he has to be back on set in Toronto.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Haven star Emily Rose enjoying a good time before filming begins next month.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Alessandra Toressani hams it up with CBS Watch! magazine deputy editor Jim Colucci (l) and Sirius Satellite Radio host Frank De Caro (r).
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Colin Ferguson chats with Inner Space.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Dave Howe (l) and Destination Truth host Josh Gates enjoy rare, in-person quality time.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Three women get prepped on how to pose for the Matrix-style images
being shot in the Syfy photo booth.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

More projections, including one from the photo booth below.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

The Syfy crowd packed MoMA.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

A rare respite for the caterers.
(Photo © 2010 by Bryan Reesman.)

Ron Moore refuses to "tech the tech" anymore. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

As keynote speaker for the recent New York Television Festival “Development Day,” Battlestar Galactica and Caprica creator Ronald D. Moore addressed many different aspects of creating and sculpting the new incarnation of BSG. He also discussed how he broke into the business and the eight years he spent working as a writer and producer on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. The best and funniest moment during the 55-minute discussion emerged when one fan asked Moore why the decision was made in Battlestar to use technology that was similar to, and in some cases behind, our own. His response to the question was illuminating not only in that the audience learned how good the esteemed writer was at doing impersonations, but also how ridiculous sci-fi gets when it becomes diluted by Hollywood formula and how it inspired him to build a better show.

Ron Moore on the reason to not let technology overshadow the characters on Battlestar Galactica:
“That was in the original inception of the show, and that was really a reaction against Star Trek. It’s easy for me to bash Star Trek because I lived and breathed it so long, but I loved it, so let’s make that clear. I don’t hate Star Trek by any means, but I got very frustrated with the amount of technobabble I had to write on it. It became the solution to so many stories and plotlines. You would just be writing these endless pages… It was so mechanical that we had science consultants who would just come up with the words for us. If you look at those scripts you’ll see that.

"We're tired of you teching around. Write a script with a good ending."

Picard would say: ‘Commander La Forge, tech the tech to the warp drive.’

Geordi: ‘Captain, the tech is over teching!’

‘Well, the auxiliary tech to the tech, Mr. La Forge.’

‘No, Captain, I’ve tried to tech the tech, but it won’t work!’

And then Data pops in and says: ‘Captain, there is a theory that if you tech the other tech…’

It’s a rhythm and it works anyplace. It’s not about anything except going through this dance of how they tech their way out of it. It became so frustrating and so annoying, I just swore I was never going to write those scenes anymore. I just decided from the outset [of Battlestar] that I wanted a phone to look like a phone and wanted a retro technology. I justified it in the story because they had this back story with the Cylons — the technology had rebelled and they had gone backwards. I thought it was interesting to go that route and make the technology relatable in the same way that their coats and ties were relatable as well.”

"Hey, I was making a living. What the tech else was I supposed to do?" (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Literally one of the most recognized composers working in Hollywood today.

For the last five years Bear McCreary has been in space. Deep space. As the man responsible for scoring one of the most acclaimed television series in many years, and one of the most heralded sci-fi shows ever, his expansive, cinematic work has been heard by millions of fans worldwide. Even more impressive, though, is their adoration and devotion to him. Most composers are heard not seen, but his followers know exactly what he looks like. They avidly read his blog, interface with him and recently fêted him at Comic-Con and the Southern California concerts where he and the Battlestar Galactica Orchestra played the show’s music live to enraptured audiences.

As all BSG fans know, the epic series wrapped up on Earth, and while he is going back to the stars for the new Battlestar spin-off Caprica, McCreary will be more grounded on that planet. His other new television work will keep him planted on Earth, much like his recent Sarah Connor Chronicles gig. Between the new NBC medical procedural Trauma and the Fox action adventure Human Target, plus a possible return for the fourth season of Syfy’s wacky inventor show Eureka, McCreary will be exploring more terrestial adventures, although they will be as equally fantastic as the interstellar ones he has been used to scoring. And given his work in the Rest Stop and Wrong Turn franchises, who knows what other horror film work may come his way as well.

When he had a moment to catch his breath from all of his frenzied activity, McCreary sat down to answer some questions for A.D.D. As with past interviews I have done with him (for Mix Magazine and for Grammy.com), Bear proved to be ever thoughtful and engaging.

The music for Caprica is more subdued and airy than much of your Battlestar Galactica work. What have been the new challenges presented to you with this show, both in maintaining sonic continuity with its parent series and branching out in new directions?
I can’t say it’s been a challenge as much as a release. Caprica is much more restrained, lyrical and classical.  I have stripped away much of the tribal, primitive and divine elements from the Galactica score, and used more chamber orchestra and [classical] woodwinds than I ever did on BSG. After all, the events of this series take place in an entirely different environment. Caprica City is a familiar society at its most decadent and opulent peak, hardly a rag-tag fleet of refugees struggling for resources. The audience knows that doomsday looms on the horizon for the citizens of Caprica City, but the characters themselves do not. However, there are subtle hints of the ethnic percussion and soloists that defined Galactica.  I hope the result is a score that stands on its own, but resonates even more deeply with Battlestar fans who catch all the references. One scene, in particular, features the sole melodic connection to BSG, and it’s a real tearjerker.

The "Caprica" DVD cover.

What was it like to be mobbed fans at Comic-Con and to be treated like a rock star?
It was pretty surreal.  I couldn’t take ten steps in San Diego that week without being asked to sign photos or have my picture taken. Then to be up there on stage with the screaming audience out there, and being able to make music with them… It was an experience I’ll never forget.

How did it feel to perform your music with the Battlestar Galactica Orchestra live in front of a large audience?
It was interesting, especially because it wasn’t really a symphony orchestra.  It was more like a huge rock band. It was hot, sweaty, loud and out of control.  The audience lost their voices from screaming so hard.  That doesn’t happen at the symphony! And yet, despite all that, when I turned to the concert grand to play my introspective classical-inspired compositions, the audience silenced and soaked in every note.  When the piano pieces ended, they burst back into screaming applause.  I’ve never seen an audience so into the music. And one of the other highlights of our concerts in San Diego last month was having about half the cast show up on stage.  We had our official MCs, Edward James Olmos and Grace Park, but were also joined by executive producer David Eick, director Michael Nankin and actors Michael Hogan, James Callis, Tahmoh Penikett, Richard Hatch, Michael Trucco, Michelle Forbes and Nicki Clyne.  They had all turned up to see the concert and support the musicians.

What was it like to play a piano duet with Katee Sackhoff? How accomplished of a musician is she?
She’s the first to admit that she hasn’t taken any piano lessons in a long time.  However, she is a very musical person, and quite a good singer, although we didn’t get her singing at all this time.  Her musical instincts are spot on, and it was a lot of fun to have her join the band.

McCreary duets with Starbuck herself, Katee Sackhoff. (Photo credit: Andrew Craig.)

Beyond Edward James Olmos, who seems to adore you, do you have other well-known Hollywood fans?
Sure, I have lots of well-known friends.

The BSG family seems pretty close knit. Do you think you will all stay in touch?
Absolutely, we will all stay in touch.  We try to get together as often as possible. And the transition to post-BSG life was made a little easier because Galactica cast and crew are involved in nearly every project I’m working on.  The Human Target pilot featured Tricia Helfer and Donnelly Rhodes, Trauma is directed by [Caprica producer] Jeff Reiner, and of course Caprica itself is written, produced and directed by many of the same people [from BSG].  So, I still get to work with some of them on a regular basis, which helps.

What are you going to miss most about scoring Battlestar?
Ironically, the thing I will miss the most is also the thing I’m most glad to have escaped: the familiarity and comfort. The BSG themes had become second nature to me. I’d been living with them for five years, and the musical universe had become a safe place for me. I could look at a scene, and instantly know which character themes I’d want to use and how they were going to be set. I will miss that level of comfort, however, I’m also thankful that I’m moving on to other projects that will push me into new creative directions.

The composer with a musical weapon of choice: the accordion. (Photo credit: Andrew Craig.)

Will you be doing any more work on Eureka?
We just got the pick up for Season 4, and I have not yet been asked to return, which is totally normal. Usually the composer’s contract is the last to be renewed. I’m certainly hopeful that I’ll get to come back and keep scoring. It’s an incredibly fun series.

Were you disappointed when The Sarah Connor Chronicles was canceled?
It was an intensely satisfying show to work on, and I’m very disappointed that I can no longer look forward to watching the adventures of John, Sarah, Cameron (or Allison?) and Derek (or other Derek?). The series’ cliffhanger really mixed things up, and [producer/writer] Josh Friedman had already told me some of the planned events for Season 3.  It would have been awesome.  As for my music, its hard to say where it would have gone, but my guess is that it would have become even darker and more sinister in Season 3.  I would have loved to move forward with the series, but I’m very proud of the work we all did in our season and a half.  The soundtrack CD we put out is also really solid, and I think rivals the BSG discs, but with a completely different tonality.

You are working on the forthcoming NBC series Trauma, which is like ER in the field. What has it been like to shift from a major cable show to a major network show where audience numbers and expectations run higher?
Terminator was really my first big network show, so I’m used to the deadlines, expectations and pressure. Honestly, they’re no different than on Syfy Channel shows, just on a larger scale.  However, studio interference can be a major creativity-killer. Thankfully, the executives and producers involved in Trauma have an enormous amount of faith in me and are giving me incredible creative freedom to create the sound of this show.  So far, I’m really enjoying it and not experiencing any additional stresses.

What are you learning working on Trauma? How does it compare with your other new network series Human Target?
The two series are apples and oranges. Trauma is written for a sweaty and dirty rhythm section and has a very rock and roll sensibility. Human Target, on the other hand, is an orchestral series, and bursts out of the gate with the kind of polished and bombastic orchestral score that people generally don’t associate with my name.

How did scoring the video game Dark Void differ from your film and television work?
At first, it was very different.  I had trouble wrapping my brain around the idea of adaptive music.  However, once I got past that initial creative block, I found the experience incredibly liberating. I let my imagination run absolutely wild, and I think it shows in the score. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had writing music since I was in high school.  With any luck, the soundtrack album will be that much fun to listen to.

A match made in the heavens: Bear McCreary and Steve Kaplan in action in the studio. They have been working together since their college days at USC.

You have worked with recording engineer, mixer and musician Steve Kaplan since day one. How is your relationship evolving lately?
Working with Steve has been one of the great joys of being in the business. He’s a remarkable artist and technician who helps shape my music and gives it a unique sound.  Our working relationship is constantly evolving as I take on more and more projects and we both have to find a way to get everything done.

Your blog has attracted many avid readers. Are you surprised by its popularity?
Honestly yes, I am quite surprised. I thought that the audience for a musically detailed TV scoring blog would be quite small. The more technical I get about the nuts and bolts of my job, the more people seem to flock to the blog. And its had a positive impact on how I write music, because I start thinking about what all the fans will think when they hear it. I hope to continue blogging even though BSG is over.

When he’s not composing or performing, what does Bear McCreary like to do with his time?
In all seriousness, I can say very safely that there has not been a time since 2003 that I have not been composing or performing. It’s been a busy few years. However, when I can steal a few minutes here and there, I like to catch movies or play video games.

What is one of the video games you’ve recently played? Any genre preferences?
It took me about a year to finally get around to playing Grand Theft Auto IV, and it’s pretty amazing. I’ve completed the story line and I still can’t put it down, so now I’m going back and finishing all the little sub-missions. Very addictive.

What are some goals that you’d like to achieve in the future?
I’d like to take a week off.  I’d also love to take the Battlestar Galactica Orchestra on tour to multiple cities.  We just set up our website and are generating fan support for just such a venture.

The Battlestar Galactica Orchestra performs live. Anyone who grew up with the Seventies television series probably never thought they'd see something like this! (Photo credit: Andrew Craig.)

What do you think your fans would be surprised to learn about you?
I must confess that my blog is pretty brutally honest. There’s nothing too interesting about me that fans don’t already know, or can’t find out by looking at my blog.  But I’ll think of something for you… How’s this? My fans don’t know that when I was a kid the only music I liked to play on the piano was ragtime. I devoured works by Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton and George Gershwin. I’m not sure how I ended up from there to orchestra and taiko drums.

And finally, I have to ask: Why did your parents choose the name Bear?
They were hippies.