Scariest of them all...

scary....scary...man.

Some older art...

Old...time for some new, eh?
Better get on it.

To Write ....part 4

For many years, I focused on writing children's books and short stories. I have dreamed of being a full time children's writer/ author/ illustrator ever since I was a kid. For years, I was involved in various writing groups where we would meet on Saturdays or late nights after work. I wanted to talk to everyone I could meet about writing and illustrating books. I was convinced that this was my calling in life.

So I wrote and wrote....illustrated and wrote. When I would finish a story, I sent it off to a publishing house. That's when I got to play the waiting game. I would wait, and wait....then wait some more. After months of hoping and dreaming, I would finally hear back with a rejection letter. This happened more times than I want to admit. After a pile of rejection letters, you start to rethink what you are doing and come up with an alternate game plan.

I decided to go into the 3d industry. 3d was still art, just a different form of art. And 17 years later, I am still loving the 3d medium. I have worked on everything 3d from video games, film, broadcast, children's shows, television, medical animation, print, media....and so much more.

So, over the years I have continued to write and draw my little stories. I'm sure that one day down the road, I will finally be able to finish them. Until that time comes, I will keep chugging along adding to the stack...a little here, a little there.



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Children's Books / Stories


The first children's story I wrote is called, "The Last Little Rhino." It is pretty self explanatory. The story is about the last rhino in the world. But the little rhino has a trick up his sleeve. Is he really the last little rhino?

My second children's story is titled, "Ivan The Terrible Loveable." This story is about a 5 year old boy that LOVES pets. Any pets. Neighborhood pets, pet store pets, zoo pets, park pets, and any and all pets. However, Ivan isn't very gentle and has to leaarn how to be nice to the little critters.

I also wrote, "I Babysit A Bottomless Pit", "Kookaburra Roo", "Until I'm Not I am", "Happy Stew", "Zoo Doo", "Two Foots Is A Feet", "Born This Way", "Arza And The Universe", "Hippo Hill", "The Butterfly Wish", "My Gorilla Grool", "Runyins", "Baboonies", "Birkley", "Hubbel", "Muddy Smiles", "If Animals Were...", and a bunch of others.
I guess I have enough work to keep me busy for a lifetime.

Here is a collage of some of the "placeholder art" covers. Sorry that the images are so small. I did that on purpose because I don't want placeholder art floating out there on the web.

* None of my children's stories are published as of yet. Some have pages of artwork and rough sketches, and others not so much. Most of the artwork is placeholder art until I can really focus on how I want the visuals to look....However, the character design is pretty close. I make sure that I have the character looking close to the final so I can visualize him/her during the writing process.


Now that online publishing tech is here and very accessable, the game has changed. The publishing world has changed. I no longer have to think that success lies within a publishing house. Now, the publishng world is wide open, the sky is the limit, and the possibilities are endless.

...isn't that so cool?

My obstacle right now is "time". If I can find the time....I can finally finish illustrating these awesome little adventures.


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"Hubbel"

Hubbel is my latest comic. I have hundreds of drawings and strips that are ready to be inked. My problem is finding the time to do it all. Hubbel is an office comic strip featuring Bill Hubbel.
Hubbel is a very selfish, narcissus who is too smart for his own good. What makes this comic very fun is the rivalry between Hubbel and his office mate Dilly. I may post more at a later time.


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"Hottie Latte"

My latest script is called, "Hottie Latte". It is a working title and may change at some point.

Years ago, I asked my daughter to help me write a romantic comedy. The problem was that although I had a great idea, I kept forgetting bits and pieces. I kept thinking that her and I could find some time to figure out the script together. As she got older, she got busier. I got busier...and it just never seemed to happen. I thought that I better write down a 5 page synopsis so I wouldn't forget it again. That 5 page synopsis turned into my latest screenplay. My daughter wasn't able to help me write this story, but I am sure I'll be getting some feedback from her.

"Hottie Latte" is about a snobby-elitest working woman from Los Angeles. She loves her fancy cars, fancy friends, fancy apartment, and her high paying career. She is in her late 30's and has put off marriage and family because she just doesnt have the time. Her boss sends her to Utah to close a deal with an important client. She doesn't realize that a huge snowstorm is blowing in and will dump a record amount of snow that will trap her for a week with a stranger, and a very strange town. In the end, she not only has a change of heart, but also falls in love with the small town and the people.

Okay. I know what your thinking. This sounds like "Groundhogs Day", or "Doc Hollywood". NOPE. Not even close. I tried to be very orignal with a surprise twist. I guess you'll just have to wait for the movie...ha.


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My Future Script Projects:


So, here is a list of my future screenplays that I have been itching to finish.  These new stories are in various stages of development.


"Snow Beast" is about a snow beast. Is he nice? Is he mean? Is he even real? CG / Family

"No Man's isLAND" is about a man who owns an island. His father once owned many acres that were taken away from him (Blighted) by the goverment. His father lost everything. He grows up with an anger and a hatred that he channels towards innovation and technology. He gets his revenge by building more than an island. The inhabitants of the island are the twist in this story. Live Action / Adventure

"Eon" is my alien story. Who can write stories and not have an alien idea? Not me. This story is about a guy who works for a video game company. He goes camping and encounters an alien who has been thrown off course in his travels. He realizes that this alien, Eon, is lightyears ahead of human civilization. Eon's knowledge could be a great benefit to him and his career. Live Action /Adventure/ Comedy/ with CG

"The Prince Of Pocatello" is about a man named Ruddock who has lost it all. Why? Because he was accused of doing something that he didn't do. He was framed by his jealous co-worker. The result? Ruddock lost his wife, his job, his family, his friends and is about to lose his 5 acres of land that has grandfather left him. All he has left in the world is his John Deere tractor and his 5 acres of land. As the police close in, he means to go out fighting, however, he finds something on his land that changes everything. Live Action/ Adventure / Comedy

"The Runyins" is a film idea based on my children's story. The idea is that a meteor comes crashing to the earth and lands in Sugar City, Idaho on a country farm. The family that owns the farm investigates the strange meteor, as well as NASA and the government. Did something really fall from space, was it the government, was it a spaceship, or was it an elaborate hoax? The whole town speculates...but a boy finds out the truth. Is there life from space? Do aliens exist? Did they open a pathway to something worse?
CG / Family


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to be continued....

To Write...part 3

"Auckland Island"

 

 

 

 

I have always wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand. I am particulaly interested in the Maori culture. I especially love anything native-hawaiian. I am a sucker for the dancing, luau's, and especially the music. (I love that reggae beat!) Everything about the polynesian islands I love, so I  wanted to write a story about the native Maori people.

 

 

 

I came up with a story idea that I had many years ago. (Concept was conceived in 1989, but started in 1998) My working title is called, "Auckland Island".
The story is about a young Maori boy named Joseph. He is a half breed in New Zealand. His mother is Maori and his father is Pakeha, or European. His family is very poor and live on the North Island which is barren and dry due to an old curse. The beautiful island that sits off the northern coast is called Auckland. It is lush, full of life, and has everything one could ever want. It has been protected by the curse for nearly 100 years. The one who can break the curse by reaching the island, will rule the island.
Everyone on the shores of the North Island dream of breaking the curse by reaching Auckland. But it is extremely dangerous and many have lost their lives in their attempt to reach the island.
The northern island is becoming a wasteland. Auckland is their only hope, but only a Maori can break the curse. Will Joseph succeed in his dream to reach the island? You'll have to find out.

This script would make an awesome CG film. I illustrated some concept artwork as I immersed myself into the Maori culture. I built some Maori rafts and a few of the main characters in 3d.  I also worked with Maya's ocean/ water fx in 3d. Its pretty amazing how you can get a realistic looking ocean. (see above for my 3d raft and 3d ocean)

Above is the character, Mokie. (I actually met a guy that looked just like him!)

This is a really great adventure.


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"White Heart" The Story of Ota Benga:


I have always been obsessed with Africa and wildlife. In 2001, I actually went to Africa for a humanitarian project where we worked with the poor and needy in the slums. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I have always been intrigued by African culture, the language (I even tried to learn Swahili), and with the people.

As I frequently research Africa and natives, I came across a story about a Pygmy named Ota Benga.

In the early 1900's, researchers, doctors and scientists would bring over African natives to study them in places such as New York, St. Louis, and even in London. They claimed that the Pygmies, who only stand at 4 feet tall, were the purest race in the world. The scientists wanted to learn all they could about them and their way of life. They considered that the Pygmy race could possibly be the missing link in human evolution.

The Pygmies were brought over to America. Some eventually stayed, but they had a very difficult time adjusting to American life and culture. Ota Benga was brought over to America in 1904 to perform as a native dancer at the St Louis World's Fair. He eventually found his way to New York where he worked at the Bronx Zoo taking care of the primates. Ota Benga became very famous and people were curious to know about this little Pygmy. He became a human spectacle and was actually put on display at the zoo. He was billed as a ferocious cannibal that many flocked to see. He was often inside the primate house as visitors watched him work with the chimpanzees and orangutans. The patrons gasped in horror as they gazed upon his sharpened filed down teeth. They were intrigued by his small stature and native dress . In real life, Ota Benga was a kind, playful, and curious Pygmy. He was misunderstood, mistreated, and eventually ended up taking his own life.

The story of Ota has some much potential as a film. When has anyone written a movie about Pygmies? I couldn't imagine this story not being told. My goal was to secure the rights to this story and write a screenplay...however, after doing hours of research, I found that the rights were already secured by someone else, and there was a long line of people wanting to make this story into a film. I knew I didn't have a chance, but I wanted to write the script anyway.
(I just hope they have the passion that I have to make this story into an awesome script.)

I started writing the screenplay that I titled,  "White Heart", which would be a serious adaptation of the book, "Ota Benga: Pygmy In The Zoo", by Phillips Verner Bradford and Harvey Blume.


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"Pygmies In The Rockies"

As I progressed with the screenplay for Ota Benga, I grew a little discouraged at the thought of someone else making this film. I wondered if I was wasting my time on a project that would never happen.

I decided to regroup and change my direction.

As thrilled and excited as I was in writing my tribute to Ota, I decided to write another script about Pygmies. I based the idea on the historical facts that I had uncovered as I searched the web about Pygmies in America. In my story, a group of scientists bring over a family of Pygmies to be part of an African display in a New York museum. The premise is based on true history, true facts, and documented evidence. I just had to decide whether this story would become a drama, or could it become a comedy?

The more I thought about the possibilities, the more I thought that this script idea could turn into a very comical story. I wondered, what would happen if Pygmies actually escaped in a large city? How would Pygmies use their natural survival instincts in a foreign place filled with modern technology and too many people. You might say it sounds like a spin off of "The Gods Must Be Crazy", or "Crocodile Dundee". I actually think my script is quite original, and very, very funny.
The story takes place in modern time and would fall under the category of comedy/adventure.

So, I titled the screenplay, "Pygmies In The Rockies". I even picked the actors that I would love to see in the starring roles. (see I told you I'm a dreamer)

I went to a film festival and saw Will Friedle in a film. He was fantastic and so dang funny. Such a natural comedian.  I knew he could be perfect for the starring role. At least I wrote the story with him in mind.

The leading lady part might go to Erin Chambers. I'm really not set on who would play this particular role, but I really like her.

I also had loved Frank Langella in the movie "Dave". I thought that he would be awesome as the evil doctor/ museum curator.

Ving Rhames would be perfect for the part of Leroy, the henchman of the evil museum curator. (He was in "Dave" too) He is also the Pygmy tracker, but he is more of a mobster than any kind of tracker. The Pygmies sure give him a run for his money. It's pretty hysterical.

I even have some music chosen that I would love to use. Pete Mitchell from "No More Kings" is a pure genius when it comes to writing and executing songs. I am sick inside that I missed them in concert in Salt Lake in 2007. (I was supporting my nephew at his School Of Rock concert.) Pete is a super creative mind that I would love to tap into one day.  Anyway, he wrote a couple songs that I would love to pull into this film. "Leroy and Me", and "Paper Airplane". Pete,...call me buddy. Let's have lunch. My treat. Let's get creative. heh.

* I think the most difficult part of making this film, would be finding suitable Pygmy actors to play the parts. Now don't get me wrong. I am not poking fun at Pygmies. I actually love the Pygmy people. If anything, I am bringing an awareness to the plight of the Pygmy. How I wish that I could make this film, and donate proceeds to the Pygmies of Africa whose natural habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate in the Congo.

if only.......sigh.


to be continued...


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To Write...part 2

"The Light Before Christmas"


In 2005, I was approached by a friend who asked if I would write some holiday scripts for a local stop - motion animation studio. The films would be children friendly videos that would be available on dvd, but they would first have a theatrical release in various theaters. The Christmas film would be released on IMAX format and be shown in IMAX theaters. The films would make the rounds on television and cable stations across the world. This opportunity was too exciting to pass up.

The stories would have the look and feel of the famous artist, James Christensen. The plan was to get 7 films completed, but the sad reality was that the productions ended after our second film. I believe it was due to the lack of funding and the constant search for investors and cash. The films that were slated were Christmas, Halloween, Easter, St. Patricks Day, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day, and New Years Day.

So I rolled up my sleeves and was anxious to get to work. The first film was a Christmas film based on the poem, "Twas The Night Before Christmas". My job was to tie in a storyline that supported the classic holiday poem. This was a bit of a challenge because I only had the front and the back end for the story development which equated to about 10 minutes. (total time 28 minutes)
So, I came up with a story where Katy and Makean get lost in a snowstorm, and are found by the kind Candleman. He takes them to his house and tells them a story. It wasnt as creepy as it sounds. The voice of the Candleman was provided by Ken Sansom who voiced Disney's Rabbit (From Pooh) for many years. His voice was so kind, gentle, and endearing. He really made the show special. Sadly enough, Ken passed away a month ago. (October 8, 2012) What a treasure he is to have in these films! What an amazing legacy he has left.

I came up with the title, "The Light Before Christmas" and tied in the story of Christ's birth. To be honest, I couldn't fathom telling a Christmas story without somehow referencing the Savior of the World. This didn't go so well in the initial pitch. They didn't like the name, and of course, nobody wanted a religious message. (This was Christmas wasn't it?)
I knew I could make it work...but more than that, I had to convince them that it would work through the storytelling. It was not an easy task to do that within the alotted time of 10 minutes.
(18 minutes of the poem, and 5 minutes on the front end, and 5 minutes on the back end.)


One day, as I was trying to figure things out, I came across an article that talked about how Jesus Christ is the "Giver of all good gifts". This was all I needed to hear. I jumped back into the script and tied the theme (Giver of all good gifts) with the poem and made it work. I guess the producers hired some outside professional writers to look over the script and give their feedback.

They liked it. It worked.

We moved into the production phase of, "The Light Before Christmas."

some more images...

 

 

 

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"Spooky Bats And Scaredy Cats"

The next film was about Halloween. The film was titled, "Spooky Bats and Scaredy Cats".
I wrote a couple of good scripts that I was really happy with, but due to budget limitations, we had to keep it very simple. We had to use and reuse old characters from the other films. (We used the same armatures, just dressed them differently.) We had to cut corners wherever possible. This made it challenging because you couldn't introduce new characters.

So, I got busy writing a 28 minute script. The first script had alot of bells and whistles. It had crowd scenes, monsters galore, and some very interesting characters. The scripts that followed were dummied down and simplified. We used the same main characters from, "The Light Before Christmas", and added Frankenstein, The Wolfman, Witch, and The Mummy. There might have been one or two more characters added. (Swamp creature)

The film was completed and every now and then I'll see it playing on tv around Halloween.

Here's a picture I drew on the cover of my master script that I had titled, "A Monster's Holiday". Sometimes I have to draw a visual image so that I can get into the groove of writing.
This is actually a very cool script that is much different than the final version.
Maybe one day, I'll use this for another project.....?

If I was to have one regret, it would be that I wished that I was involved on the storyboard process.

I spent an incredible amount of time developing the stories in my mind and in text. It is very challenging to solve all the problems within a story without visuals and timing.
To me, the script and storyboard process go hand in hand.

When I turned over the script for storyboards, the director basically said, "I'll take it from here." I felt like had I been involved in the storyboard process, (because I am such a visual artist) that I could have ironed out some flaws that ended up in the final film. I also felt that I could have strengthened the story even more.

But, overall, I am really happy with the results. You can find both films on Amazon, Ebay, and other outlets.

Ken Sansom as the Candleman.


to be continued...