tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86146591903619229012024-03-13T09:43:17.246-07:00Greg AronowitzHey, welcome back to the BarnYard! An acre of land tucked away in the middle of Hollywood, where bulldogs roam free & imaginations come to life through the magic of special effects. We’ve created this blog so we can share our day-to-day creative chaos with you in a more real-time situation that our usual BTS video sites. But in typical BarnYard fashion, we will still be trying to load you up with as much “how to” information so you can make what ever we make at home.Geekyfanboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06277495132632152696noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-32779922889094857612015-10-18T23:38:00.000-07:002017-12-02T16:09:22.008-08:00You disappoint me, Disney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s6S3tprWNw/ViSPrIXPR5I/AAAAAAAAETk/4g7isWlPUIY/s1600/No%2Bstruzan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s6S3tprWNw/ViSPrIXPR5I/AAAAAAAAETk/4g7isWlPUIY/s640/No%2Bstruzan.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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I was told I was too young to see Star Wars when it
premiered in 1977, but I was overjoyed when I discovered it was being
re-released the following year. That announcement was conveyed to me through a
magical image on the local theater marquee, a masterpiece of bright colors and
bold lines, born from collaboration and error (the poster was actually done by
two artists, and a miscommunication led to the original painting be done too
small to fit all the necessary titles, so it was mounted to a larger board and
the extended space was painted in with images of other “flyers” to create the
now infamous “Circus Style” poster.) and to this day, I have a stronger memory
of seeing that art for the first time than actually seeing the movie itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Honestly, it is that way for most of my favorite movies. If
the subject of Raiders of the Lost Ark comes up, before I even visualize
Indiana Jones running from the boulder, or Toht’s melting face, my mind goes to
a single image: Indy and Marion standing behind the glowing ark, with vignetted
portraits of allies, foes, and snakes filling out the corners of an iconic
movie poster. When I think of Back to the Future, the first thing that comes to
mind is Marty McFly looking at his watch, his foot in the door of the Delorean,
streaks of fire burning bright orange against the deep blue night sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a child, when I saw that one sheet image
with no context as to what the movie was about, I had no idea what it meant.
Except that I HAD to see that movie!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Throughout my childhood (which includes up to right now, by
the way) movie posters were such an important part of the entertainment
experience. They offered a promise of the magic that was about to come, a hint
to the worlds that lie behind the red velvet curtain. Whether it was kismet, or
really good marketing teams, all of my favorite movies had the best posters.
And as my appreciation for this art form matured, I soon realized that all of
those posters were created by the same artist, Drew Struzan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You may not recognize that name, but you know the art. You
may not even like the same kinds of movies I like, but I can guarantee Drew
created the poster art for at least one of your favorite movies. He has done
hundreds of them, and every one is as breath taking and awe inspiring as the
next. His resume basically reads like a Hollywood hit list: Star Wars, E.T.,
Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Shawshank Redemption, Big
Trouble in Little China, Hellboy, The Great Muppet Caper, Coming to America, The
Thing, Batteries not included, Hocus Pocus, if you can think of a film with an
iconic poster, Drew most likely illustrated it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So it is no surprise that I was completely taken aback this
morning when Disney released the first image of the “official” Star Wars: The
Force Awakens one sheet and it was a photoshop montage! After almost two years
of publicizing how director JJ Abrams begged Drew to come out of retirement to
do the poster, and then teasing us with the magnificent promotional art Drew created
for the film at D23, I was shocked that I wasn’t looking at a hand painted masterpiece from
the man himself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It was clear that whoever executed the final product
definitely took their cues from Drew’s oeuvre, most likely in the form of
endless comps the artist created to design his version of the poster. There is
an attempt to recreate the daring color palette Drew is famous for, hints of
bold outlines, some blown out highlights…but none of it rings true. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For months, I have been hearing about people exclaiming that
they cried when they saw the new trailer, or almost fainted when they saw a new
character design in toy form. This time around, I haven’t let my guard down to
get that emotionally connected yet. I want to see the movie first before I buy
in 100%. I want to know who these characters are before I fill my shelf with 3
¾” plastic effigies to them. The trailers have definitely shown me that John
Boyega and Daisy Ridley have brought their A-game, but it was seeing Drew’s D23
promo art that really endeared me to them for the first time. It made me want
to go on an adventure with them. Looking at that art allowed me to believe that
“this is going to be great!” And it was for that reason today I actually did
shed tears for The Force Awakens, sitting at my desk, staring at my lifeless
computer at a soulless photo montage movie poster. Tears of utter
disappointment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3ZPQkTyXQQ/ViSO-aLL7vI/AAAAAAAAETc/BRKyghryzLY/s1600/forceposter_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3ZPQkTyXQQ/ViSO-aLL7vI/AAAAAAAAETc/BRKyghryzLY/s640/forceposter_web.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
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Drew's promo teaser art painted for the D23 convention<br />
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I was affected so deeply by the decision to use a photo comp
poster over Drew’s art that I actually took the time to write this, and for
those of you who know me or follow me, you know that I NEVER do anything like
this. I have my opinions, as everybody does, but I don’t go plastering them all
over the internet. But I felt like this had to be said. This isn’t about Star
Wars, or Drew, or my childhood. This is about art, American culture, and
Hollywood heritage. This is about tradition and integrity. I’m sure that whatever
reasons where brought up in some big executive round table discussion about why
it was valid to go with photoshop over a painting made perfect sense to those
involved, but why? Why even discuss it in the first place? Why remove the human
element out of such a human story? And if you are hell bent on going with
photoshop, why not make it unique? Why try so hard to make it look like a Drew
painting!?!? He was right there! I know hundreds of filmmakers who would give
anything to have a Drew Struzan poster to accompany their film. I’m one of
them! You had it and you threw it away? But only AFTER you showed us the
possibility of how great Drew’s version would have been with the D23 art? It’s
like serving filet mignon for an appetizer, and hot dogs for the main course.
Like, 99¢ store deadstock hot dogs, not even Carney’s!<br />
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How does Disney not realize that a Drew Struzan poster is a staple of Star Wars? Not to mention the fact
that they broke up a set. If there are truly going to be 9 main story Star Wars
films, Drew painted 6 of those posters already. When Lucas asked Drew to create
a new look for the Special Editions in 1996, the artist insightfully composed a
triptych, and then even more cleverly continued the pattern for the prequels,
so the whole series lines up like an adventure map. And now we are expected to
just slap this computerized design, and those to follow, next to his organic
freehand genius? I know I’m ranting now, but I just can’t see the logic. If
Drew had remained in retirement, or “lost his touch”, I could see this
happening, and there would be nothing we could do about it. . But he signed on,
ready and willing, and proved to the world without a doubt that he still “had
it” with the D23 teaser. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have seen all kinds of posts and comments today, and many
of you are perfectly fine with the poster. Some of you even think it is “awesome”.
All art is subject to opinion, and there is no right or wrong. At the end of
the day, it is all about how the image makes you feel. I am just expressing
that this images leaves me empty. And like a 30 year Star Wars junkie, I so
badly needed a fix. I thought this poster would be it. I thought I would catch
a glimpse of it and instantly know I HAD to see this movie. But instead I saw
noise, a thin imitation, a backpedal on a promise, and my hopes and dreams were
quickly replaced with fear and doubt for what other pitfalls this new film
might have in store for me. The saddest part is that it seemed like JJ and all
involved were trying so hard to respect the original trilogy, practical
effects, design aesthetics, and the majesty of old world artistry. For this
reason alone, and I may be in the minority here, but I feel that going with a
photoshop poster is the most disrespectful thing of all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I know we live in the digital age, but we have to keep in
mind that a computer is just a tool. I’m not saying its better or worse than a
paintbrush, just that it has its applications and a time and place to use them.
And this poster was not it. There are amazing digital artists out there, but
Star Wars needs a poster illustrator, and Drew is the best. No computer can
bring what he does to his art. The compassion, the spontaneity. The pencil on
paper, the brush in the hand. The splatters, the random squiggles. You can
study a Drew poster for decades and always find new surprises. He doesn’t paint
movie stars, he paints characters. When I look at the new digital poster, I see
Harrison Ford. When I look at Drew’s D23 art, I see Han Solo. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Even for movies Drew didn’t like, he still loved doing the
painting, and you can see that love in the art. You FEEL that love looking at
it. If you don’t believe me, do me a favor and look at the new poster again.
Really look at it. Let go of worrying about having tickets to the opening night
midnight screening, forget about chasing your cat around with your awesome app
controlled BB8. Imaging you know nothing about Star Wars, you haven’t been
cyber stalking Lawrence Kasdan for hints to Kylo Ren’s backstory. Pretend you
are walking past the old one screen theater in your hometown and you catch
sight of it… Do you lock eyes with the characters? Are those spaceship leaping
out at you? Do you feel the colors flowing over you? Are you mesmerized by the composition?
Do you sense there is a greater story just beyond what you see? Does it look
rich? Like a dream? Like no matter how long you stare you can’t figure out how
it came to exist? Do you picture this poster in a very expensive hand carved
frame with UV coated plexi hanging above your couch as you entertain guests 20
years from now? You may see it differently, but my answer to all of the above
is NO. And for that I am very disappointed.<br />
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Current marketing trends, with giant photos of actors, and heavily filtered images of objects forming logos, have made the once illustrious art of painted movie posters a breed on the verge of extinction. This art form has always been a part of this franchise, and in many ways Star Wars was the last great holdout for art of this kind. By not following in this tradition, Disney has shown me that they don't really understand or care about what Star Wars is at it's core, and have no concerns about letting such a vivid part of American pop culture die. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m certain that the final art Drew meant us to
see is crated away somewhere in the Disney vaults, like the ark at the end of
Raiders. I believe that art is a horcrux, containing a piece of Drew’s soul.
And a piece of my soul, as well as yours and all of us who make up the Star
Wars universe. And until that art is out in the world, that universe can never
be whole.</span><!--EndFragment-->Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-2052265325774489112014-11-04T12:20:00.002-08:002014-11-04T13:34:27.209-08:00My New Show on Geek & SundryIn the past, Felicia Day has tasked me with some great geeky challenges, like creating The Guild weapons for the "Do You Want to Date My Avatar?" music video:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSSH29SwMwE/VFkyFIYH2uI/AAAAAAAAEQA/wZfzQmaDV9g/s1600/Finished!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSSH29SwMwE/VFkyFIYH2uI/AAAAAAAAEQA/wZfzQmaDV9g/s1600/Finished!.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bringing BioWare's world to life for Dragon Age: Redemption:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTwRcXymOqA/VFkyJ-cZArI/AAAAAAAAEQI/T8WOhAXpCBc/s1600/DA%2B3.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTwRcXymOqA/VFkyJ-cZArI/AAAAAAAAEQI/T8WOhAXpCBc/s1600/DA%2B3.19.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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And
painting Wil Wheaton and herself in cheesy romance cover style art for
"Team Cawkes." <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuR7_c73KwU/VFkyNiMeQXI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/guEO6vgOOnk/s1600/e61f_fawkes_codex_highland_sextasy_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuR7_c73KwU/VFkyNiMeQXI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/guEO6vgOOnk/s1600/e61f_fawkes_codex_highland_sextasy_poster.jpg" height="400" width="273" /></a></div>
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Even last week, Geek & Sundry challenged me to
create the ultimate Halloween Jack o' lantern, so I made a radio
controlled R2D2 out of a pumpkin!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oFA5AC2xv4w/VFk0xPwAT0I/AAAAAAAAEQc/BDPn1Ixzmcg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-04%2Bat%2B12.18.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oFA5AC2xv4w/VFk0xPwAT0I/AAAAAAAAEQc/BDPn1Ixzmcg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-04%2Bat%2B12.18.30%2BPM.png" height="400" width="397" /></a></div>
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But now, YOU are in control of my greatest geeky creations! Thanks to Geek & Sundry, I am working on a new show where I will create geeky crafts based on your suggestions! We are getting ready to film, so I need your help! Either in the comments below, or on Twitter with the hashtag #GeekCraftLab, let me know your suggestions for:<br />
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(A) Topics: Your favorite geeky things! It could be as specific as a character, prop, location, vehicle, robot, or animal, or as general as the title of a movie, comic, show, or book! Anything you would want to see me build from all of geek lore!<br />
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(B) Mediums: You have all seen me use clay, plastics, and resins before. This is where the challenge comes in! Name the craziest material you can think of, and dare me to build something out of it. It can be ANYTHING! I won't even give any suggestions. I want your imaginations to run wild!<br />
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Here's the catch: All of your suggestions will be mixed up and one from each category will be randomly chosen. Whatever that combo is will be what I have to build!<br />
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So hit me with as many suggestions as you want! Give me your coolest geeky topic, and your zaniest medium! I can't wait to start building! Hopefully I won't be making a Tardis out of porkchops... Although.... #GeekCraftLabGreg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-63665466415447928832013-08-31T14:12:00.000-07:002013-09-04T02:14:29.252-07:00Minecraft Art Exhibit at the V&A Museum in London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With the global success of<a href="http://minecraft.net/" target="_blank"> Minecraft</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/notch" target="_blank">Notch</a> and the gang at Mojang have captured the imagination of gamers everywhere. People have gravitated to dimensional 8-bit world by the millions, and the positive, creative outlet has become a neutral playground for all ages.</div>
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Many institutions have taken notice to Minecraft's influence, and welcome it with open arms as a tool for educating, communicating, and inspiring. It was no surprise that the <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Victoria and Albert Museum</a> in London reached out to <a href="https://twitter.com/LydiaWinters" target="_blank">Lydia Winters</a>, Mojang's Director of Fun, to see if they could host a Minecraft themed exhibit for their Friday Late program. </div>
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Lydia dreamed up an art show where Minecraft artifacts integrated into all of the existing exhibits throughout the museum. Using Minecraft as a familiar point of entry, young minds would find themselves exposed to centuries of amazing art they may have never chosen to explore on their own. </div>
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Of course, this meant having to create all of those artifacts. Thankfully, I was the first person she thought of to be involved in such a project. However, knowing that I was busy with a few other things (mainly: Minecon 2013, a couple network television shows, a few independent movies, Floppets, etc.) Lydia opened the conversation by sending me a list of the rooms she wished to have objects for, and offered me first pick of the exhibit I wanted. I, in turn, presented a list of ideas for ALL of the rooms, because, honestly, I would have been excited to make something for any of them! It turns out that Lydia liked all of the ideas, and it was decided that I would be the artist representing Mojang in all of the physical mediums for the "World of Minecraft" exhibit. Ultimately, I created 21 original pieces to be displayed at the V&A.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-baNU70irRCM/UiSGw6ofXJI/AAAAAAAAEF8/YuraGHn3Vxg/s1600/V&A+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-baNU70irRCM/UiSGw6ofXJI/AAAAAAAAEF8/YuraGHn3Vxg/s400/V&A+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 1: The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world's greatest museum of art and design. It was founded in 1852, and houses over 4.5 million precious objects. Works from many of the great masters can be viewed here, from early Egypt, ancient Asia, to the Medieval and Renaissance periods, through modern times. As you can imagine, it was a huge honor for me to be able to display my work within these hallowed walls.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUxCacWif9U/UiZVyz_4NHI/AAAAAAAAELw/TyqQs2rrY5w/s1600/IMG_6099.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUxCacWif9U/UiZVyz_4NHI/AAAAAAAAELw/TyqQs2rrY5w/s400/IMG_6099.PNG" width="267" /></a></div>
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Photo 2: I started the project with the most complicated piece, a faux marble statue of Steve and a wolf. I guess it's really a dog, since it has a collar, but "wolf" sounds so much more poetic! Junkboy provided me with 3D models, skins, texture packs, turnarounds, everything I could need to create physical Minecraft characters, but <a href="https://twitter.com/Red5Iam" target="_blank">Red5</a> and I have found that the fastest way to mock-up a Minecraft project is to find a fan made papercraft project online! They are highly accurate, and easy to assemble, so within minutes I can make a concept model for that character I wish to build.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jo4urPDFrdo/UiSG5G1_lWI/AAAAAAAAEIM/0ibELawFuhI/s1600/V&A+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jo4urPDFrdo/UiSG5G1_lWI/AAAAAAAAEIM/0ibELawFuhI/s400/V&A+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 3: Once I had my design locked in, I used the mock-up to figure out a scale to build the final piece in. By choosing 3/4" pixels, the finished Steve would stand 24" tall. I created a styrene gridded panel the size of the largest area of Steve, which is his torso, at 8x12 pixels. This was then molded, and dozens of panels where cast out of urethane.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NMBPE1XLg9U/UiSG98B8PaI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/guCdA7kKRks/s1600/V&A+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NMBPE1XLg9U/UiSG98B8PaI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/guCdA7kKRks/s400/V&A+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 4: Each panel was then marked off by the number of pixels that each sized it to each area of Steve. Then I marked what corners needed to be bevelled in order to have square panels. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J44vg8-naAU/UiSHDx1MG8I/AAAAAAAAEKw/htbmGceBdNI/s1600/V&A+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J44vg8-naAU/UiSHDx1MG8I/AAAAAAAAEKw/htbmGceBdNI/s400/V&A+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 5: I used a dremel with a course grinding wheel, and with some help from the team, ground all the marked corners to 45 degrees. This process results in a lot of fine urethane dust, which clung to the hair on my arms and created an awesome "frozen" effect!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QR2qIFx5mNY/UiSHEbsMuXI/AAAAAAAAEK0/SnaqddGQnbo/s1600/V&A+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QR2qIFx5mNY/UiSHEbsMuXI/AAAAAAAAEK0/SnaqddGQnbo/s400/V&A+6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 6: When the panels were bevelled, I began to assemble the "boxes" that make up Steve's parts. I used a small modeler's square to make sure that all of the planes connected at a 90 degree angle.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjCKqTDkKwg/UiSHERvN7UI/AAAAAAAAELE/gstOqb_PHBk/s1600/V&A+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjCKqTDkKwg/UiSHERvN7UI/AAAAAAAAELE/gstOqb_PHBk/s400/V&A+7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 7: Because I wanted the final piece to have a monochromatic marble look, I wanted to separate Steve's various colors and features by putting them on different planes. As the game assets all follow a strict pixel dimension, I decided it would be easier to "stretch" the corner pixels of any bumped out area, rather than create a different scaled grid. I achieved this by using styrene tubes as spacers, and then filled the gaps in with Bondo auto body filler.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXZuIOr7gqI/UiSHFM_3GhI/AAAAAAAAELA/PcP3LVx63OQ/s1600/V&A+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXZuIOr7gqI/UiSHFM_3GhI/AAAAAAAAELA/PcP3LVx63OQ/s400/V&A+8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 8: This technique was most visible on Steve's face, where I inset his eyes and bumped out his nose and hairline. Emulating a stone sculpting process from the past, I set the pupil back further than the white of the eye, so the natural shadow would make the space appear darker. Never having to dimensionalize Steve, this was the first time I came across the controversy concerning the pixels of the lower face. If the pink pixels under his nose represent a lip, do the brownish ones along his chin form a beard, or a smile? Apparently, no one knows for sure, and Junkboy thought it was funny that I didn't know, so I made my best guess, and decided that a beard was best suited for this "ancient" version of Steve.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPSymGypLSM/UiSHFZiAknI/AAAAAAAAELM/vtoue7tWLsk/s1600/V&A+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPSymGypLSM/UiSHFZiAknI/AAAAAAAAELM/vtoue7tWLsk/s400/V&A+9.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 9: As much work as it was, assembling the boxes for Steve was the easy part! I found it much more tedious to make all the proper cuts to pose him properly. I started by going back to the paper craft version, and experimenting to get the right angles before committing to cutting the actual resin pieces.<br />
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Photo 10: Steve was secured together by gluing the angled pieces together, then dropping 1/2" armature wire through the hollow boxes to create a skeleton. He was then filled with a two part rigid polyfoam, so he ultimately became one solid piece. Now all Steve needed was a sword...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYjlFtQrDbE/UiSGwZzqqgI/AAAAAAAAEF4/u5XVHrzsxTM/s1600/V&A+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYjlFtQrDbE/UiSGwZzqqgI/AAAAAAAAEF4/u5XVHrzsxTM/s400/V&A+11.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 11: The best part about making the miniature sword for this statue is that it ended up being the perfect size for my Boston Terrier, Print. He's no wolf, but he is much more likely to protect me from Creepers now that he is armed. The version he is holding is the foamcore mock-up I used to make sure I had the right scale before creating the final piece.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0IjnaGdW4U/UiSGxuAMS9I/AAAAAAAAEGQ/hDijm-57GOU/s1600/V&A+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0IjnaGdW4U/UiSGxuAMS9I/AAAAAAAAEGQ/hDijm-57GOU/s400/V&A+12.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 12: I built up the wolf with the same process I used for Steve, and then created a base. The idea was to make a Minecraft inspired version of a classical marble base. I used MDF wood, since it is very smooth, and pretty dense. The weight would help balance the statue and keep the figures grounded.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-HxwzGfpd4/UiSGyc4SxJI/AAAAAAAAEGc/6RRmk9xbbEw/s1600/V&A+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-HxwzGfpd4/UiSGyc4SxJI/AAAAAAAAEGc/6RRmk9xbbEw/s400/V&A+13.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 13: The final step was painting. The entire piece was sprayed with white lacquer, and then I "marbleized" it. I used a technique I learned many years ago when I did scenic painting for movie sets. It's quick and easy once you get the hang of it. I start with acrylic gel gloss medium, add touches of paynes gray and white, and use a large brush to create streaks that I blend in randomly. By doing this multiple times in layers, it forms a convincing marble effect.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TflDY-vO8X4/UiSGys4xuvI/AAAAAAAAEGY/vQLCc6iolgc/s1600/V&A+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TflDY-vO8X4/UiSGys4xuvI/AAAAAAAAEGY/vQLCc6iolgc/s400/V&A+14.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 14: Here is the sculpted clay cover for "The Book of the Nether", or the "Nethernomicon." This was the piece I designed for the museum's library. The category was "medieval books", and I had some ideas for lavishly bound, gold guilded tomes, but I asked Lydia if I could have more fun with it instead. She gave me free reign, so I created this ancient volume of Nether secrets, written in a long forgotten hand, and bound in Creeper hide and wolf fur.<br />
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Lydia had mentioned the possibility of a Minecraft art show earlier in the year, but by the time dates were chosen and the red tape was worked out, I had less than a month to create all the pieces. Mojang would have been fine with fewer displays, but they are huge supporters of my work, and I knew Lydia envisioned the experience encompassing the entire museum, so I did my best to make an installation for as many of the exhibit halls as possible. This meant working on multiple pieces simultaneously. I am trying to lay out progress for you here in linear fashion, but in reality, when glue was drying on the statue, I was sculpting on the book. And while this piece was in the mold, I was working on the paintings, etc.<br />
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Photo 15: After the sculpture was molded in silicone, three copies were cast. The first one became the front cover. The second one became the back cover, but I cut out the Creeper's eye and mouth pixels, and replaced them with the surrounding full pixels of the third copy. This help me avoid having to sculpt and mold a back cover. The finished castings were primed, and base coated in a dark olive. I then went in with various shades of green and dry brushed the individual scales. I went darker and grayer than the usual Creeper colors, as I wanted the hide to appear dead and tanned. To further this effect, I did a wash of burnt umber, so the deep areas would shadow, and the greens would mute out a bit.<br />
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Photo 16: If you are a fan of 80's horror films, you will easily recognize the influence of the Necronomicon from Sam Rami's original <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003IY48PS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003IY48PS&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Evil Dead</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003IY48PS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. And if you've seen my interpretation of The Anatomy of a Creeper statue from The Museum of Mojang at PAX 2012, you will be familiar with my understanding of what Creeper skin looks like in our world. I drilled holes along the covers, and used a hemp twine to stitch up the edges in order to break away from the "sculpted" feeling. I also sewed up the eyes and mouth, as the last thing I wanted was for this book to come to life in the museum and start biting people!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ctMDC4u24s/UiSGz6D98rI/AAAAAAAAEG0/JJky3AXnUnk/s1600/V&A+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ctMDC4u24s/UiSGz6D98rI/AAAAAAAAEG0/JJky3AXnUnk/s400/V&A+17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 17: Everyone knows that ancient books contain hundreds of pages, especially when they are chronicling unspoken tales of the Nether. I didn't have the time, nor the content, to create a huge volume of pages, so I created a large section of false pages. This consisted of several sheets of plywood stacked and glued together, then cut to a dimension smaller than the cover on three sides, but extending out to the spine on one side. I cut a hole in the center to make the overall piece lighter. The styrene dividers in the middle are supports, so the thin styrene sheet I used to cover the hole couldn't collapse in. I used an xacto knife to notch out a strip of styrene like a rake, and dragged it along a fresh coat of Bondo to create the illusion of pages.<br />
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Before the top cover was mounted on, I inserted the half dozen paper pages and fastened them down with a brass strip and a series of nails. Red5 printed out a series of charcoal drawings I did onto a parchment paper, and I burned all the edges. The bottom-most page was glued down to the wood block, so you could never turn past it. I'm sure that's where all the secrets are hidden!<br />
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Photo 18: The final step was to bind the spine with the fur of a wolf!<br />
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Photo 19: For the metalwork room, I dusted off the pickaxe from the Barnyard archives. I wanted all the pieces for "World of Minecraft" to be original, but there is no avoiding how much Minecraft fans love Steve's pickaxe! I figured not everyone has gotten a chance to see it in person, so I added it to the collection.<br />
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Photo 20: Armor and swords are a popular theme in the metalwork room of the V&A, so it made sense to pair up the pickaxe with an iron sword. I thought it would be fun to make it slightly more majestic, so this version is covered in silver and gold leaf. </div>
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Photo 21: For the Japanese exhibit hall, I got to design a weapon not in the game: a katana! It turned out to be very easy to pixelate this traditional japanese weapon. I went with the same angled pixels as the standard sword, but stacked them in three descending layers. The third, thickest layer became the spine, and the first, thinnest layer became the cutting edge. In addition, I painted each layer a different shade of metal to emulate the folded <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamahagane" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" title="Tamahagane">Tamahagane</a> steel.<br />
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Photo 22: The guard was made of layered styrene. If you read my blog often, you know that I prefer sintra over styrene, for its ease of cutting and speed in gluing. But it's not nearly as sturdy as styrene, and I wanted these pieces to withstand shipping and handling to and from the museum.<br />
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Photo 23: The katana display also included a sheath. This WAS made of sintra, stacked to echo the shape of the sword so the blade could slip inside. The outside was then covered in Bondo to build up a smooth, slight arc. This was then paneled in a thin wood veneer. The fully assembled piece was stained with acrylics, and coated multiple times in clear lacquer. Red5 built a traditional katana stand, pixelized of course, to house both blade and sheath separately.<br />
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Photo 24: Red5 also handles a lot of the Google Sketch-up work around the BarnYard. But when I asked her if she could mod out our Enderdragon model to twist up like a Netsuke, a small Japanese sculpture, she really didn't want to! Sketch-up is an amazing program, but getting it to do curves and multi-axis spirals is like pulling teeth. So I went the low tech, old fashioned way and made a quick clay maquette. I started with 1' and 1/2" blocks cut from plasticine.<br />
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Photo 25: I used a small dragon I got in China as a starting point. I know that Chinese dragons and Japanese dragons are two completely different things, but the particular style and pose I was going for is common in both cultures.<br />
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Photo 26: Following the maquette made of easily malleable clay, 1" and 1/2" acrylic cubes were cut and beveled to mimic the curves. This proved harder than I thought, but with some struggling and a bandsaw, the end result finally matched the initial plan.<br />
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Photo 27: Knowing the massive size of the V&A, I had this fear that any display I made that was smaller than my hand would be swallowed up by all of the surrounding grandeur. To round off the Japanese collection, I added a couple more netsuke for more presence in the room. Here are the completed Ivory Steve (affectionately nicknamed Samurai Steve at the BarnYard) and Jade Creeper, influenced by !8th century Japanese design. </div>
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Photo 28: Next project to throw in the mix was the Stained Glass Window. The V&A has an amazing collection of some of the finest stained glass in history, with pieces from churches and nobel houses dating back as far as the 12th century! I think of all the piece I created for this exhibit, the stained glass was the most exciting, because it really was outside the box for Minecraft. </div>
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I started the piece with a rough Sharpie on paper drawing of a Minecraft countryside with a farmhouse, a pond, and sheep grazing under an open sky. I added a Mooshroom for color, plus they are my favorite animal in the game. I handed the drawing over to Amish, who created a 3D model of the scene and rendered a full scale version of the drawing, where all of the lines where perfectly horizontal and vertical, and all of the perspective was true.</div>
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Photo 29: This art was printed out full size, 24"x48", and spray mounted onto the back of a sheet of 1/8" plexiglass. I then used small strips of stock styrene to "trace" all of the computer generated lines onto the plexi, sealing off all the corners to create segments for the colored glass. I tinted polyester resin to various shades, and poured each segment one at a time.<br />
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Photo 30: The entire process was filmed, so you will be able to watch how to make faux stained glass soon on both my channel and the Minecraft channel on Youtube! Of course, my Frenchie, Art, was directing, so it may not all be in focus!<br />
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Photo 31: The finished piece! I achieved different glass like textures in the resin by layering it, over or under catalyzing it, or manipulating it while it was gelling. The end result is pretty realistic.<br />
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Photo 32: I got a break from all the tedious styrene modeling when I started the painting portion of the exhibit. There were two main areas we where targeting in the museum for this medium: The painting room, of course, and the famed miniature portraits.<br />
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I noticed that the miniature portraits seemed to all be displayed in small clusters of varying sized paintings, so I matched that motif with a collection of seven pieces, ranging from 1' to 6".The largest piece was of the main mind behind Minecraft, Notch.<br />
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Photo 33: The rest of the collection included Steve, the wolf, a chicken, a pig, a witch, and an Enderman.<br />
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Photo 34: The chicken was not happy about the lunch choice that day!<br />
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Photo 35: Print, on the other hand, was ecstatic!<br />
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Photo 36: Next on the agenda were the large paintings for the painting room. Although this room in the museum houses mostly medieval, renaissance, and Victorian paintings, I wanted to widen the scope of Minecraft and infuse the characters into a broad collection of classic images. I started by replacing the famous figure in Munch's "Scream" with an Enderman.<br />
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Photo 37: With all the work done...well, mostly done, the next challenge was packing it all up and getting it to England! While I put the finishing touches on stuff, Red5, Keri, and the gang had bubble wrap and styrofoam peanuts flying in a flurry of cardboard and tape. We ended up getting all 22 pieces of art into 4 boxes and 2 suitcases. Special thanks to Virgin Atlantic, who were very generous in letting me check in all those extra bags at a very reasonable fare!<br />
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Photo 38: Getting that pile of packages through Heathrow Airport by myself seemed like the most impossible task in the world, until I got to the hotel and Lydia and I had to get all those giant boxes down super tight, twisty corridors that slowly got narrower the closer we got to our rooms!<br />
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Photo 39: My room instantly transformed into an art studio, naturally. With only a few hours to go until the opening of the exhibit, I fought to make the time to finish off the final pieces. The look on Lydia's face when I pulled the blank vase out of the box was priceless. Luckily she didn't notice that the Netsuke Creeper sitting on the desk was still unpainted...<br />
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Photo 40: Finally, everything was finished! I got all the pieces to the museum, and the curators divided them up and started arranging them in the various rooms. The museum seemed to be miles long, keeping up with all the pieces was hard. Along the way, I saw Multiplay setting up for the lectures and party outside. It was really fun to see giant Minecraft images standing amidst classic architecture and sacred objects.<br />
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Photo 41: Now that the entire exhibit was set up and ready to go, there was finally a moment to breathe. Vu and Lydia where invited to check out one of the museum's modern interactive installations: spindle chairs designed to never fall over, no matter how far you lean back. Basically, they give you that weird sensation of falling when you tilt a chair back to far, but you don't actually fall. It was very weird, but we had a good laugh. After 20 days of sleepless nights and non-stop movement to get here, it was a perfect moment before presenting our work to the world. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fridaylate/9653798705/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Friday Late - The World of Minecraft - August 2013 by V&A Friday Late, on Flickr"><img alt="Friday Late - The World of Minecraft - August 2013" height="267" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/9653798705_ddfd5ee390_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 42: The World of Minecraft event opened at 6:30pm, and 5,000 people poured into the museum. Just as Lydia had hoped, the fans were thrilled to see all the Minecraft exhibits, but then also found themselves marveling over the artifacts and masterworks on permanent display throughout the museum. (photo provided by V&A Museum)</div>
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Photo 43: Everyone in attendance received a program and a "trail" that lead them to all of the Minecraft artifacts. The stained glass window got a lot of attention.<br />
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Photo 44: Here, Lydia models the Minecraft jewelry. A silver Creeper broach, and a chicken cameo.<br />
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Photo 45: Also included in the painting room, this is a piece entitled "Cubic Cherubs", inspired by Raphael's Sistine Madonna.<br />
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Photo 46: The third painting was inspired by Grant Wood's Modernist work, American Gothic. For my version, I decided to recreate the background verbatim, and turn the elderly couple into Steve and the Creeper.<br />
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Photo 47: The videos to come will show more of the exhibits in the museum environment, but I wanted to include a few of my favorite photos from the night. Here, the katana sits among ACTUAL katanas and Samurai armor donated to the museum by Japan. </div>
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Photo 48: This image shows the Nethernomicon on display at the front of the V&A library, which is home to such rarities as the original Charles Dickens manuscripts! I imagine there would be a hefty fine for not returning those by the due date!<br />
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Photo 49: Last but not least, here is the Steve and Wolf statue in the V&A's great statue hall. It was a dream come true to be able to show my art among such a revered collection. And I am so glad to be part of the Minecraft exhibit. Minecraft fans are so creative, and being able to share my passion for creating with them is truly inspiring. I hope the work I did for "World of Minecraft" has inspired some of them!<br />
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Many thanks to Mojang, Notch, Lydia, Carl, Vu, Junkboy, Jeb, and all the entire Minecraft team for making me part of their world. And very special thanks to Ruth, Joana, Kieran, and the staff at the V&A museum for their support in this amazing opportunity.<br />
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Let me know if you have a favorite piece in the comments below. And say hi on twitter (@gregaronowitz) or, if you were at the exhibit, share a picture with me on instagram! And don't forget to keep an eye out for behind the scenes videos on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/BarnyardFX?feature=watch" target="_blank">youtube channel</a>!<br />
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Ok, I've got to get back to work. Minecon is coming...Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-51139942960528874382013-08-04T19:00:00.000-07:002013-08-05T09:32:16.877-07:00Shark Hunter<div style="text-align: left;">
I was just a kid the first time I saw JAWS, and not only did it instill a deep seeded fear of sharks within me, it actually made me afraid of any body of water larger than a drinking glass! Even as I grew up, despite my love of swimming and the fact that I spent summers on the Jersey Shore, I avoided going in the ocean at all costs. I was certain I would inevitably be eaten by a shark. But no matter how hard I tried to stay out of their way, the sharks finally found me. Actually, it was just one shark with a vendetta. Just like in that movie that founded my fear to begin with. And he ate me. Multiple times. Watch below for the full story...</div>
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Photo 1: Ok, so as I said in the video, obviously this was all just fake movie stuff! I have never actually been eaten by a shark. At least, not to the best of my knowledge. I did, however, pretend to be eaten or killed by that Megalodon four times in one movie! I was supposed to be four completely different people, but if you watch SHARK HUNTER in on dvd for higher resolution, you can clearly tell that it is me every time! </div>
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Photo 2: Shark Hunter is the story of a marine biologist determine to prove the existence of at least one living megalodon, because this particular prehistoric shark ate his family right in front of him as a boy. He ultimately finds this underwater goliath, and for some reason the shark decides to make it a mission to wipe out the scientist's bloodline altogether. </div>
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Photo 3: Long before Sharknado, a direct to DVD company called UFO was making "mockbuster" films about giant snakes and rabid mammals to overwhelming response. They drafted one of my best friends, legendary Hollywood designer, Matt Codd to direct this ambitious tale of man vs. beast . They capitalized on his visual style to make this super low budget movie look, well, not so low budget. To maximize the small amount of dollars spent, they moved the production to Bulgaria. Matt was only over there a few days before he woke me up in the middle of the night exclaiming that Eastern Europe didn't have anything he needed to successfully pull off all our usual low budget sci-fi tricks, and he needed my help.</div>
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Photo 4: The main thing Matt needed was a pair of deep sea diving suits. He figured he could whip something up with a bunch of standard hockey and motocross gear, but he quickly discovered that neither sport was very popular in the city of Sophia. </div>
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The original plan for my involvement was to gather up a bunch of shin guards and shoulder pads from our usual used sporting goods haunts, and ship them off to him. But once I had everything collected, a long distance phone call with Matt took things to the next level. He came to the conclusion that helming the production was consuming way too much of his time to do art department duties, and no one else on the crew had the experience to put the suits together once he got my supplies. He asked if, instead of shipping everything, I could book a flight to Europe and spend a few days putting the dive suits together myself. </div>
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Photo 5: As any good friend would, I cancelled my plans for the week and booked a rush ticket to Bulgaria. In February. I fit as much long underwear as I could (which is a rare commodity in Southern California) in between the hockey gloves and kneepads, added a few hand tools to the suitcase, and took the 10 hour flight for my 5 day stay just north of the Black Sea.<br />
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Turns out that there were lots of art department things Matt wanted for the film that his art department couldn't quite wrap their heads around, like this scuba gear made from a broken vacuum cleaner, so I was tasked with a dozen more projects, and several more weeks of work than anticipated.<br />
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Photo 6: It wasn't long before my five day stint turned into a six week tour. But that wasn't completely out of the ordinary for me, especially in the late 90s, early 2000s. I went to China for a weekend once, stayed almost a year! Where things really flipped into bizarro world was when Matt needed me to act! </div>
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As you know, I do my best work BEHIND the camera, and my wallflower personality has never positioned me to be acting material. Every once in a while, I end up with a small background cameo, or pop into a scene of a web sceries for laughs. But I'm no actor. Yet, somehow, I ended up with not only an actual role in Shark Hunter, but five roles! Four of which required me to be killed by a shark. </div>
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Of course, it wasn't like Matt cast me as an actor in his movie right away. It started out small, due to circumstances beyond our control. My first time in front of the camera was a direct result of budget cuts. Matt wanted the research team investigating the destroyed underwater facility to discover a realistic, water logged body. Production couldn't afford a dummy, so it turns out it was cheaper for me to stipple latex on my own face and pretend to "float" when the diver pulls away a piece of styrofoam debris covering me. The make-up girl frosted my hair and put that slimy skin from an inner eggshell in my eyes to make me look dead. Normal day on the job, right?</div>
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Photo 7: The next roll was even more accidental. The first day of shooting the deep sea gear took so long, due to fine tuning the "dry for wet" technique and trying to make our waterless set look as convincingly like the bottom of the ocean as possible, Matt didn't get to shoot the close-ups of the second diver. The following day, that actor was unavailable. So Matt turns to me and says, "Greggie! (that was his nickname for me. In his British accent, it was very endearing) Get in the suit, mate, and pretend to be that guy!" He assured me that due to the angle and lighting, he couldn't see my face, so it didn't matter that I was a different person. And he promised that I didn't have to worry about acting, I just needed to move a little like I was talking and they would dub in a professional actor's voice later. Well, you saw the clip. You can CLEARLY see my face, and they totally left my dialog that I mutter purely as a placeholder to sink up with my movements. It's terrible. But even worse, if you are paying attention, it must be massively confusing to see me get eaten by the shark, only to show up again later as the ship's mechanic! </div>
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Obviously Matt had never intended my face to show up in the footage of that diver's mask, because he never would have cast me in the "real" role of Peters, geeky mini-sub expert.</div>
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Photo 8: I'm so glad he did, because as corny as it is, the scene were I am staring into the moon pool and get eaten by the giant shark is definitely a career highlight! I mean, that puts me in the ranks with Hollywood greats like Samuel Jackson and Robert Shaw, right? Ok, well, maybe not even close, but I'm sure those guys didn't have the honor of becoming chum in a set they built with their own hands! </div>
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I spent the majority of my extended stay doing the detail work on all of the sets, and building the moon pool bay from the ground up. The whole deck was raised to accommodate a pop-up pool, and the walls were decorated with every piece of junk I could find laying around the WWII era television station we were filming in. </div>
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Matt did this amazing drawing of the mini-sub, something straight out of a James Cameron movie. I told him I really like the complex, spherical shapes. He said, "Great! Build it!" I can't express how difficult it is to build a 10 foot egg out of 4"x 4" rough cut timber, 1" particle board, and plaster of paris with only a screw gun, a hatchet, and one of those long, two person lumber jack saws! </div>
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Photo 9: As the weeks went on, I spent my days pretending to be an actor or stuntman (the 3rd death was me running down a corridor, taking a face full of pyro before collapsing to the ground. Matt though he had actually killed me when his directing monitor went white from the explosion. We must have watched playback 20 times, laughing harder about his panicked reaction with each viewing) and my nights trying to get sets and props ready for the next day. One of my last tasks was to fabricate an interior of the mini-sub for closeups of the various pilots. With the exception of the monitor behind the other Agent Johnson, this entire set was made from stuff I found at the local Home Depot equivalent. The rectangular pads on the right were insulation tubes I bent in 90 degree angles, the ribbed "vents" were irrigation tubes, and the panels over his head were plastic tool boxes I took apart and screwed to my fiberboard frame. I painted the whole thing off white, and put a desk chair in there! Just like Jacque Cousteau would do it, except not at all! </div>
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So, really, there is no moral to this story! The fact that I was afraid of a movie shark as a child only to be eaten by a movie shark multiple times later in life has had no real effect on my daily routine. It was just something fun to talk about, and I figured Shark Week was as good a time as any!<br />
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My faux phobia of faux sharks should not influence your admiration of these magnificent creatures in any way, but if for any reason a full week of awesome Discovery Channel programming has you afraid to fill the bath tub, pop in the Shark Hunter DVD for good laugh!<br />
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<br />Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-30596878531546300292013-07-30T19:30:00.000-07:002013-08-02T15:09:32.473-07:00Death Star Trench cake on Nerdy Nummies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was <a href="https://twitter.com/Red5Iam" target="_blank">Red5's</a> birthday this month, and I wanted to do something special. Baking was always a hobby of mine, but I thought it was time to step up my cake game and make a birthday cake that would be long remembered throughout the galaxy! I asked my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/RosannaPansino" target="_blank">Rosanna Pansino</a>, creator of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLABDF3052CBF1B195" target="_blank">Nerdy Nummies</a>, if she could give me some quick lessons on the use of fondant. I had never really worked with it before, and I knew it was the next step to elevating my baking skills. She invited me on her show, so my lesson turned into trial by fire! Watch below to see how it turned out!</div>
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Photo 1: Ro and I didn't have time on the show to go over every single detail involved in making the Death Star Trench cake, so I thought I would write this post to cover some of the steps that I handled while she was baking the cakes!<br />
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I was in charge of putting together the spaceships for the dogfight in the trench. Being that this cake was for Red5, it was only natural that I included Luke Skywalker's x-wing. I wanted the ships to be edible along with the cake, so I gathered as many of my "model parts" as I could from the grocery store. The x-wing mainly consists of fondant, graham crackers, Good&Plenty, and pretzel sticks.<br />
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Photo 2: I tried using a pretzel stick as an armature for the x-wing, but the ship is so long and thin, the pretzel wouldn't support it. Particularly with the moisture of the fondant, and the pushing and poking I had to do to shape it. So I gave up on my "100% edible" concept, and justified this plastic armature by telling myself that lollipops and ice-cream bars have sticks in them! I used a piece of 1/4 clear acrylic rod as the "stem" so the final ship would appear to be flying over the surface of the cake.</div>
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Photo 3: Then I softened up some fondant by working it in my hands, and wrapped the armature. It took a while to shape it, because fondant doesn't work like clay. I needed to let it sit and firm up for a while, shape it a little, then let it sit again.<br />
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Photo 4: Once I had a shape I liked, I cut 4 wings from the graham cracker, and pressed them into the fondant body. I rolled a small coil of fondant and worked it between the wings with a small metal spatula to help keep the wings securely in place.<br />
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Photo 5: With the x-wing needing to firm up for a while, I shifted my attention to Darth Vader's TIE fighter. This ship was constructed from a gum ball Ro gave me off the set of Nerdy Nummies, a candy cane, several waffer cookies, and a graham cracker.<br />
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Photo 6: I drilled a hole through the gum ball and slipped a length of candy cane through it. This will be the cockpit and wing arms.<br />
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Photo 7: Then I cut out the engine housing from a graham cracker. I notched the front to fit around the gum ball, and cemented it to the candy using icing.<br />
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Photo 8: Vader's TIE fighter has very distinctive angled, louvered wings. One of my first ideas for this cake was to use chocolate waffer cookies to build those, since they have a similar shape and texture. And, you can eat them! The cookies were the perfect size for the scale I was using, but they were way to thick. So I used an xacto knife to split them in half.<br />
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Photo 9: Then I used the xacto to shave off a 45 degree angle where the top and bottom cookie would touch the center panel, er, cookie.<br />
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Photo 10: Using the same icing as earlier, I carefully placed a bead of it along the edge of the middle cookie, then placed the top cookie on at an angle. When the icing dried up a bit, and held the cookies together, I flipped it over and did the bottom cookie. This whole process was repeated for the other side, and when they were fully dry, I carefully cut the corners off to make the wings their proper shape.<br />
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Photo 11: While the wings set, I mixed some grey-blue fondant, rolled it into a thin sheet, and carefully covered the entire body of the TIE fighter. I used my metal spatula to press in detail lines.<br />
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Photo 12: While the TIE fondant firmed up, I made some lasers by cutting a slit in a few sour gummy strips, and placing a thin piece of wire into them.<br />
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Photo 13: Now we are into final assembly. The waffer wings are secured onto the body of the TIE fighter with fondant. The wings of the x-wing get a thin layer of white fondant. I used a small piece of the TIE fighter blue fondant to sculpt the x-wing cockpit, and a small piece of the gray we made for the Death Star surface to make R2-D2 and the rear details. I attached pretzel sticks to the tips of the wings with icing, and I wrapped shortened pretzel sticks in fondant to be the thrusters. The engines are simply white Good & Plenties. I pushed the wire of the lasers into the gum ball so Vader would be taking a shot at Luke.<br />
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Photo 14: The final detailing for the ships consisted of Ro's edible magic markers for stripes on the x-wing, and blue icing piped on the wings of the TIE fighter.<br />
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Photo 15: Everyone in the galaxy if familiar with the intimidating surface of the Death Star, but now you can think of it as a delightful treat!<br />
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Photo 16: I pulled images of the individual Death Star tiles from the interwebs, and used them as patterns to craft the numerous fondant tiles for the cake.<br />
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Photo 17: Ro and I set up an assembly line to make all the tiles. She cut out tons of shapes using these awesome multi-sized geometric cookie cutters she had, and I stacked up the piece in different patterns resembling the reference.<br />
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Photo 18: All in all, we made about 100 unique tiles! It took us all day! But it was a super fun day. Ro is a blast to hang out with. Phew! Phew!<br />
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Photo 19: This cake involved a lot of fondant! We had to mix the gray to get it to be the right shade for the Death Star by adding small amounts of black to the white fondant. Then it had to be worked a ton to get it all mixed evenly. I may have worked this batch too much!<br />
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Photo 20: When the fondant was the perfect color, Ro rolled it out and draped it over the cake. She is such a pro! It went on so smooth, the cake literally looked like metal. I had seen it done before on shows and stuff, but never in person. On the second cake, she had me do it! I was so nervous about messing it up after all that work baking! She is an excellent teacher, so I got it right the first time. But not without my fair share of freaking out! Luckily, that part was cut out!</div>
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Photo 21: There are lots of things you guys don't get to see in the final edit of the show. Like how the top of the cake, which was cut off to level the final cake out, looked like a deranged Minecraft creeper! It looks a little weird, but was it ever tasty! You may wonder how everyone involved in Nerdy Nummies doesn't constantly want to eat EVERYTHING on the show...<br />
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Photo 22: It's simple! Ro just keeps a huge supply of chicken wings around so no one has room for dess<span style="text-align: center;">ert!</span><br />
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Photo 23: As you saw in the video, we adhered the finished tiles to the body of the cake, and it was ready for the party!<br />
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Photo 24: The cake made it safely to San Diego, and while everyone was out on the dance floor at Felicia Day's Geek & Sundry party, Ro and I snuck back to the greenroom to do the final assembly of the cake. We slid the ships into the trench, secured the laser towers, and adhered all the additional base tiles.<br />
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Photo 25: Then we pulled Red5 off the dance floor to surprise her. All her friends were there, including the Yellow Lion from Voltron!<br />
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Photo 26: Happy Birthday, again, Red5! May the force be with you always! And thank you Rosanna, for the lessons, the extraordinarily generous amount of help, for having me on your show, and for being an awesome friend!Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-84026752658719029592013-07-12T19:00:00.000-07:002013-07-15T13:03:11.898-07:00Pacific Rim<div style="text-align: left;">
For some people, summer means time to take off from work or school. For others, it's all about the beaches and amusement parks. But for me, the perfect summer is one filled with amazing blockbuster movies. I wait all year for the popcorn fair the summer season cinema brings. And at the top of the 2013 lineup is Pacific Rim, Guillermo Del Toro's ode to the classic giant robot and monster movies we all grew up with. </div>
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To celebrate the release of this much anticipated film, I teamed up with Polaris, Warner Brothers, and Legendary Pictures to create a video about some famous gamers training to be Jaeger pilots. It's pretty great! Check it out below...</div>
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For the actual movie, there were scores of CG artists rendering robots, and millions of dollars to create breath taking full size sets and hardcore pilot armor. We didn't have that. In typical BarnYard FX style, we had to be clever and practical, and pull all of our movie magic tricks out to pull off something worthy of such a prestigious project. Luckily del Toro and the guys at ILM gave us incredible imagery to work from.</div>
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Photo 1: To start the whole process, I had Amish draw up some Jaegers. If you don't know this about Amish, he is an expert on all things robot. If you have a Roomba vacuuming your floors, Amish probably knows its pattern settings. I figured if the thousands of hours Amish has spent watching Evangelion and building Robotech model kits was ever going to massively impact a project, this was the time to unleash it!<br />
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Photo 2: After Amish finished the turn arounds, and Guillermo, Warner Brothers, Legendary, and Polaris signed off on them, I blew them up to full size. Well, full size would be like 30 stories tall. Let's say, actual size! And in this case, actual size is the height of the people wearing them! Unlike the feature film, which uses GC exclusively to create the robots, we went old-school and built suits for stunt performers to wear. In our own fun way, this was our tribute to the classic sentai shows, like Power Rangers.<br />
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Photo 3: Now having a scale, I started sculpting pieces. I wanted the boots to be large, anime large. So I figured they were the best place to start to set the proportions for the rest of the suits. I kept the armature simple, a single piece of speedrail bolted to a wooden base, and some plastic bottles duct taped to it as filler. We drink a lot of Gatorade here at the BarnYard. It's good to reuse and recycle!<br />
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Photo 4: The first boot roughed out. Of you aren't sure how big it is from this photo, you are currently looking at about 150 pounds of WED clay!<br />
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Photo 5: More progress. I chose WED clay (which is glycerin based instead of water based) because it is fast and cheap. But it MUCH softer than oil clay, so geometric shapes are difficult. I had to actually let this sculpture dry out for a few days before I could start getting smooth surfaces and crisp lines.<br />
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Photo 6: Some guy finishing off the sculpture. This boot belongs to the Jaeger codenamed: Redflag Horowitz.<br />
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Photo 7: Out in the shop space temporarily called "the robot room", Kaygo starts to block out Redflag's head. On the smaller to mid-sized sculpts, we went with roma plastalina to keep the details and forms tight.<br />
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Photo 8: This is my sculpt for the head of the Jaeger named Shameless Fox.<br />
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Photo 9: With several sculptures finished, it was time to start molding stuff! Here I am explaining to our summer intern Emily how I want the mold split. Emily is in school for film design, and by the end of the first week at the BarnYard, she was building, molding, and casting like a pro!<br />
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Photo 10: Here's Shameless Fox's boot molded in fiberglass.<br />
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Photo 11: The more detailed sculpts needed to be molded in silicone. This rubber starts out in liquid form, and gets catalyzed to solidify. In order to get all of the air out of the thick liquid material before it sets, it needs to be placed into a vacuum chamber. It takes a while to get all the bubbles out, so Red5 gets comfortable while waiting. Um, I guess that's comfortable...<br />
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Photo 12: Emily puts the final layer on the Redflag torso. Yes, it was sculpted around Arnold. A soft foam version of the robot will be pulled from this mold so the stuntman can wear it and still have enough flexibility to move.<br />
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Photo 13: Not all of the robot parts were sculpted. Here, Sarah and Emily prepare to reinforce the upper torso Amish built from sintra for the Wolfqueen Jaeger.<br />
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Photo 14: This is a robot forearm that Amish crafted out of a PVC pipe, some sintra plastic, and a bondo stipple. We were invited over to Warner Brothers to review all of the film assets, so we tried to incorporate as many of the shapes and textures used on the movie's robots as possible into our versions.<br />
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Photo 15: Red5 preps on of the silicone molds for foaming. The waffle grid around it will lock into a fiberglass jacket to help it keep its shape during the foaming process.<br />
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Photo 16: The foam is a two part liquid that gets mixed together, then it expands into a solid, cushiony sponge. It creates a lot of pressure as it foams up, so Sarah is helping Arnold stay in the chest mold so the robot torso forms properly. Or, something else entirely different could be happing here. Time time to move on, nothing to see here, people...<br />
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Photo 17: Once the foam pieces are removed from the mold, they need to be trimmed and patched. Red5 gets ready to seam the Redflag boots. I told you they were big!</div>
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Photo 18: Each Jaeger suit had dozens of pieces. As we were getting close to having the molding and casting complete, we needed to do a test fitting to make sure everything was connecting together. The stunt guys weren't immediately available, so all of the short, scrawny artists here at the studio decided we would give it a go so we could keep moving forward. I know what Red5 is wearing for Halloween this year...<br />
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Photo 19: No one was safe from embarrassment on fitting night. Here is Amish as a junior sized Wolfqueen. <span style="text-align: left;">That look on his face says, "I should have designed these things to be more comfortable!" </span><br />
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Photo 20: And finally me as Redflag Horowitz. Or I guess in this case, Redflag Aronowitz :P</div>
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Photo 21: Now knowing that we had all the pieces we need, it was time to bring the actual suit performers in and make sure all the elements were adjusted to fit them perfectly, and make sure they had the full range of movement necessary to make the robots come alive. Here Yoshi, a Power Rangers alumni, inspects his suit. Even not fully dressed, he looks better in the suit than I did!<br />
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Photo 22: With final adjustments made, everything is ready to start painting. The biggest challenge we had was that all of the different materials the suit was made of all needed to be painted with different kinds of paint, but all the colors needed to match! Here, Keri bases out those giant boots using PAX paint tinted to the Jaeger team's colors.<br />
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Photo 23: Once all the base colors were applied, the pieces came in to my "house of mess" where I aged them down with acrylic washes and added nicks and dings with chrome paint.<br />
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Photo 24: The final painting process involved highlighting panels and spraying semi transparent reflective tints over the face shields.<br />
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Photo 25: Everything was ready to go on set, and we did the final assembly on the stunt guys in front of a green screen.<br />
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Photo 26: The Jaegers complete: Shameless Fox.<br />
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Photo 27: Wolfqueen.<br />
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Photo 28: Redflag Horowitz.<br />
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Photo 29: All of the robot footage was shot on green screen with a sand box floor, and the desert location was comped in later. Here, director Aaron Umetani explains a shot to the director of photography. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who is always making crazy hand gestures in on set photographs.<br />
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Photo 30: Just like in the movie, part of the original plan was to have WWII style nose art painted on our Jaegers. We ran out of time in pre-production, but the directors decided they could make a little time on set if I could still make it happen. Based on concept art that Amish did for each team, I hand painted the nose art on the Jaegers while the stunt guys were wearing them. I only had about 15 minutes a piece! This logo is on Redflag, piloted by the Game Grumps.<br />
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Photo 31: The suits were heavy and hot, so we needed to take them off the actors as much as possible. If there wasn't enough time to get them out fully, we would just remove as many parts as we could in the time we had, and then be ready to get them suited up again when the cameras started rolling. Here, Red5 is standing by!<br />
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Photo 32: To give the stunt guys a longer break, director Nathan Kitada dons Wolfqueen's arm to film some insert shots.<br />
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Photo 33: In the video, the Jaegers are piloted by some of the most popular gamers on youtube. Dodger dropped by the set to hang out with us and go all hands in with me and her very own Shameless Fox.<br />
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Photo 34: But our work wasn't done! We still had to get Dodger and crew geared up to pilot the Jaegers. In the film, each robot is piloted by two people who wear full body neuro suits. Legacy FX did the movie's pilot suits, and they are drop dead gorgeous. We made our versions out of used motocross and hokey gear, with a few specialty pieces like these scratch built helmets. Here, Keri preps the fiberglass casts to be fitted with the vacuum formed visors.<br />
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Photo 35: We didn't have a lot of time to customize the pilot suits, but I thought a few extra details might help sell them as being closer to what you see in the actual movie. I found an old carpenter's kneepad in the workshop that kind of resembled the shoulder pads on one of the official pilot suits, so I used the time I saved not having to scratch build on to sculpt the Pan Pacific Defense Corps logo on the found piece before molding it. When del Toro saw the final product, he asked, "How did you get those?"<br />
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Photo 36: Nathan and Aaron knew they were only ever going to shoot the pilots from the chest up, so we didn't make lower suits. The gamers wore their own close, and we put the armor over it. Here, Game Grumps JonTron and EgoRaptor rehearse in costume.<br />
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Photo 37: Jesse Cox and Dodger make Jaeger pilot suits look fashionable as they prepare to set Shameless Fox in motion.<br />
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Photo 38: Fully geared up, Husky Starcraft and Total Biscuit work as one mind to pilot Wolfqueen. This shot of the on set monitor shows what the camera sees. For all we know, Husky isn't even wearing pants!<br />
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After the shoot, the VFX team comped in the pilots chamber. Ironically, for the film, the pilots chamber was a real set, and the robots were all digital. For our video, we did the exact opposite!<br />
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Photo 39: Well, that's a little behind the scenes on our Pacific Rim video. I hope it made you smile, and better yet, I hope it made you want to go see the movie! Summer doesn't count until you do!<br />
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Let me know what you thought of the video, the movie, and our Jaegers below. And be sure to follow me and my BarnYardFX crew, as well as our friends on youtube, on twitter and instagram for more updates and pictures on this and future projects!Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-69526396567846703322013-05-04T13:59:00.002-07:002013-05-04T15:03:08.263-07:00Tentacles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy May The Fourth! I usually reserve this date to blog about something Star Wars related, and well, I don't consider this an exception. When I think "Star Wars", nothing comes to mind faster than three of my favorite people: George Lucas, C-3PO, and <a href="https://twitter.com/bonniegrrl" target="_blank">Bonnie Burton</a>! If you follow any sci-fi social circles, than there is no way you haven't heard of Bonnie. If social media was a universe, Bonnie would be its Overlord. </div>
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Photo 1: In addition to connecting the world to the greatest sci-fi and fantasy info out there, Bonnie is also an accomplished author, host, and crafter. Through her travels and networking, she has amassed a very impressive list of artistic friends, so she decided to host an art show at the Ltd. Art Gallery in Seattle. The show is called TENTACLES, and it opens today!</div>
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I was honored to be asked to show at Tentacles, and to be listed among all of these stellar talents. Be sure to check out everyone's work for the show <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/275928999209252/" target="_blank">here</a>, and if you are in the Seattle area, definitely stop in! </div>
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Photo 2: This is my piece for the show! I first instinct was to do something with the Sarlacc pit, since I felt I was doing this piece FOR Bonnie, and we share such a strong common love for all things Star Wars. But then I felt that EVERYBODY would probably do something Sarlacc, so I decided to go in a different direction. I came up with several ideas for paintings, but the idea I liked the most was for a sculpture of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine being snagged by the Giant Squid from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. </div>
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Photo 3: My concept was to build a version of the Yellow Submarine that captured the bubbly feel of the 60's original, but was constructed with the same aesthetic of Disney's Nautilus. </div>
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Photo 4: I found this profile of the Yellow Submarine on the interwebs. </div>
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Photo 5: And this amazing model of Nemo's famous submarine. The original goal was to build a Yellow sub with as much detail and realism as this. I figured it would take a few weeks of work to do it, but unfortunately my schedule didn't allow me to free up that much time! Bonnie invited me to the show a month ago, which seemed like a lifetime to do one piece of art in the beginning. But then I ended up being in New Orleans for 2 weeks, and then at C2E2 in Chicago for a week. On top of doing a monster project with <a href="https://twitter.com/Adam_Fn_Green" target="_blank">Adam Green</a>, cranking out my new Marvel line for <a href="http://floppets.com/" target="_blank">Floppets</a>, and some giant robots for Warner Brothers, my month got packed! I found myself heading home from the airport with only 3 days left to deliver something to the Tentacles show. Which is in Seattle, so I had to leave room for shipping. And the countdown begins...</div>
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Photo 6: With so little time, I needed to let go of the hope of making molds and castings.This piece would be a one-off, and I would be shipping the original. So I had to use strong, light materials that were workable, yet permanent. I decided to go with Bondo auto body filler. I'm sure that is a rare medium for art galleries! But it's quick and reliable! </div>
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I started by cutting the Yellow Submarine profile out of sintra plastic, and then I created a plan view and cross sectioned them. </div>
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Photo 7: I added a few more planes of sintra to help me navigate the shape, then loaded the whole thing up with Bondo. I did smaller batches and layered it up, as trying to put a massive amount all at once causes the material to get very hot as it catalyzes, and this can cause the sintra to warp. I used an xacto knife and a rasp to shave the Bondo into shape as it kicked. Doing this before it fully cures help speed things up, since it turns rock hard after it sets all the way. </div>
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Photo 8: Once I got all of the shapes blocked out on the sub, I sanded the whole thing to smooth it out. Then, using a blueprint of the Nautilus I found, I marked off the various panel lines and iron framework typical of the Jules Vern era. I used a razor saw, and xacto, and a file to etch in all the panel lines. Then, I used a pin vice to drill in all of the rivets. This took longer than anything!</div>
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Photo 9: With the sub well under way, I turned to the tentacles. I ran out to a local marble dealer and found a nice scrap of onyx to use as a base. This actually determined the entire scale of the sculpture. I pulled a wooden base of the same size and drilled holes in it to mount 1/4" armature wire that I shaped into the tentacles. I used the sub to figure out the exact positioning of the curls. Then, I wrapped the wire with aluminum foil to add some bulk. </div>
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Photo 10: Then, back to Bondo. Layer upon layer, I built up the tentacles. Occasionally, I would rasp the surface to take off all of the drippy spikes that grew from trying to apply a liquid vertically!</div>
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Photo 11: After I felt I had enough Bondo on the pieces, I rasped and sanded them into the final shape. Then I spent the rest of the day, and way into the night, applying Magic Sculpt Epoxy rings to create suckers. Luckily, I had the lovely <a href="https://twitter.com/MarissaCuevas" target="_blank">Marissa Cuevas</a> pre-mixing the two part epoxy and rolling it into little ringlets to speed the process up. </div>
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Photo 12: Some final model work on the sub, and it was ready to be attached to the tentacles. Once the sub was secured, I popped the tentacles off the wood base and mounted them on the onyx. The whole sculpture was sprayed in DAP Bronze Metallic finish, which is a rare, out of manufacture spray paint that I horde and save for special occasions, because it really does look like bronze.<br />
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I cleaned the piece up, took some pictures, and managed to get to FedEx about 20 minutes before the cutoff! </div>
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Now, the final piece of the puzzle is the title. I wanted to name it something that connected The Beatles with the classic seafaring story. I came up with two names, and there is a split decision here at the BarnYard. So I'm asking all of you to help me out! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">20,000 Hits Under The Sea</span> vs. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Octopus's Garden At 20,000 Leagues. </span></div>
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Which one do you thing better suits the piece? Tweet me your vote <a href="https://twitter.com/gregaronowitz" target="_blank">@gregaronowitz</a> #tentacles</div>
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Thanks so much for the help. Definitely check out all of the other amazing art at the show, and, of course...</div>
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May the Fourth be with you, all days!</div>
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Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-2963748977981186062013-02-24T11:30:00.000-08:002013-02-25T17:28:23.191-08:00Thank you, Mr. Spielberg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Photo 1: It's Oscar night. Since I am not the partying type, I thought I might celebrate by paying tribute to one of my personal favorite film makers and wish <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000229/" target="_blank">Steven Spielberg</a> good luck this evening! Not that he needs it! Steven has been nominated 15 times and has won 3 Oscars. Add that to the Saturn Awards, the Critic's choice, the BAFTAs, the Emmys, The DGAs, the mantle in Spielberg's office looks like a model of Manhattan made out of trophies! All well deserved, as the man is a master of his craft. But I still have fingers crossed for his latest film, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443272/" target="_blank">Lincoln</a>. My opinion may be biased, as it was the last Spielberg film I worked on since I headed out to fight my own civil war in the world of independent film.</div>
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Photo 2: Of all the Spielberg projects I got to work on, Lincoln was probably the simplest for me. No futuristic spaceships to engineer, oversized dinosaurs to scale, entire cities to build. My job was to take all the existing civil war reference the research department collected, and turn it into small scale physical models for Steven to plan shots with. The first round of models were VERY simple, put together with purchased plastic soldiers and crude cardboard houses. We assembled the earliest versions, like this layout of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_House_Hill" target="_blank">Henry House Hill</a>, where the battles of Bull Run were fought, on a block of foam in my backyard. I would carve the foam to match the contours that Steven and Production Designer Rick Carter were looking for, and Steven could place the figures around to see how the "landscape" would work.<br />
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Photo 3: As the scale and layout started to make more sense, I would elevate the detail of the model to make it more understandable to other crew members that were joining the production. By adding more soldiers, horses, wagons, trees, and a more accurate model of the house, people handling locations, extras, animal, stunts, and special effects could get a stronger sense of what Steven was looking for. <br />
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Photo 4: Here's Henry House completed. This model was used for a presentation Steven made to distributors for the film, showing how he planned to make an epic recreation of the Civil War at a moderate budget. Every extra, cannon, and fence post would be accounted for in pre-production, so the camera would capture every dollar that was spent and put on the screen. </div>
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The meeting was held in the boardroom at Amblin Entertainment, Steven's production facility in the heart of Universal Studios. The entire space was filled with reference photos, maps, location photos, illustrations, and charts that showed how the movie would be made. Pictured from left to right, Production Designer <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0141437/" target="_blank">Rick Carter</a> (nominated tonight for best design), illustrator James Clyne, and Assistant Art Director Stephan Dechant prep for the presentation.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6sSi-MldGw/USqZ-pwI_3I/AAAAAAAADxU/U3B15Fwt8SM/s1600/Spielberg+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6sSi-MldGw/USqZ-pwI_3I/AAAAAAAADxU/U3B15Fwt8SM/s400/Spielberg+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 5: A slightly more complicated aspect of my job during pre-production involved recreating the original battle fields on the topography of the current filming locations. Many of the actual sites are historic landmarks, or have been severely altered, or are surrounded by modern structures that made filming too difficult. Production had to find other spans of land that had similar properties to the actual sites, and we added specific landmarks to make them more accurate. I used satellite photos and geographical maps to construct miniature landscapes that perfectly matched the locations production would rent for filming, then built all of the structures and miniature armies for Steven to move around for planning. Some of these models got pretty fancy. The one pictured on the left actually folded up like a briefcase so Steven could take it to set and use it as a table top model in the field!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEpmXZO1Pw8/USqaBdYhAuI/AAAAAAAADxk/pH7Qxmy1T7A/s1600/Spielberg+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEpmXZO1Pw8/USqaBdYhAuI/AAAAAAAADxk/pH7Qxmy1T7A/s400/Spielberg+6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 6: As I mentioned, Lincoln was the last Spielberg release I worked on, and over the course of the 13 projects before it, I earned the unofficial title of "souvenir maker." Steven enjoyed my models so much, designers and producers started making sure that I made at least one piece that would be designated to the director's collection. These models always had purpose in the design process, but as the creation of them developed into a staple, the subject of the models usually became an element of the script that Steven was most excited about. For Lincoln, Rick Carter chose to set me loose on a diorama of the Battle of the Wilderness. <br />
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Photo 7: Grant and Lee sent their armies to fight in the dense woods, which was
littered with the skeletons of fallen soldiers from a previous battle.
Steven was very excited about the prospects of filming something so
haunting, as he felt it summed up the darker tones he wanted the film to
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LrFzz0dP7Do/USqaCeQKrpI/AAAAAAAADx0/qT5wV2avNNw/s1600/Spielberg+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LrFzz0dP7Do/USqaCeQKrpI/AAAAAAAADx0/qT5wV2avNNw/s400/Spielberg+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 8: I always talk about my model work in a general sense, but I guess I should take this opportunity to clarify the various categorizes I have worked in. Concept model making is were I take film makers' ideas, either verbally or from concept illustrations, and bring them to physical dimension ( I used to say 3-dimensions, but these days everybody assumes that means CG!) as a model or maquette. Set design models are built from blueprints, usually unpainted, simple foamcore, often called "White Models". Screen Miniatures are fully detailed scale models used within the film to simulate larger structures or objects. A model such as this Battle of the Wilderness would be considered a presentation model, or as Producer <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0933213/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Colin Wilson</a> once called them, "ridiculously expensive toy trophies!".<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyq9bZg1rEI/USqaDhpb9HI/AAAAAAAADx8/x6aoREOsQ1I/s1600/Spielberg+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyq9bZg1rEI/USqaDhpb9HI/AAAAAAAADx8/x6aoREOsQ1I/s400/Spielberg+9.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div>
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Photo 9: Often times, film models are disposed of once the production is done with them. Especially the White models, which usually are pinned together and barely survive pre-production! But for my "presentation models", which are intentionally destined for a longer life, designing and building them is different than any other form of film model making. I need to make them last, and more importantly, the ones for Spielberg need to really put on a show! The Wilderness model diorama was constructed in a shell I envisioned as the butt of a Civil War cannon, the back interior wall painted like a Virginia spring sky. Many of the trees were sculpted and cast in clear resin, and flicker bulbs with spinning gobos were installed in the base to make the woods look like they were burning! There were even a few miniature smoke machines (from HO scale trains) to fill the domed forest with smoke and fog!</div>
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Photo 10: The Amblin boardroom used to be the staff arcade, filled with old school stand up
video cabinets, and classic pinball machines. After Dreamworks formed,
it was recruited for much more formal business, but Steven still kept his hand in keeping the decor fun, filling the room with original works from his earlier movies, as well as an amazing collection of original art from MADD magazine, all parodying his films. Working with Spielberg was a dream come true for me, and every day there was something to remind me of that. On this day, it was seeing a model I build sitting in the same room as the ACTUAL ILM shooting miniature of E.T.'s spacecraft.</div>
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Photo 11: Lincoln was the last film, but I have so many great stories from the others. I could probably, and should probably, write a separate post for each one, but I will skim through some highlights as an overview without keeping you away from the red carpet for too long tonight! </div>
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I grew up idolizing Spielberg, with his movies dominating my top ten list. To this day, nothing comes close to bumping <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NQRE9Q/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NQRE9Q&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Raiders of the Lost Ark</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000NQRE9Q" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004TDTO/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004TDTO&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Jaws</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004TDTO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UESJLK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003UESJLK&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003UESJLK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VECACG/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000VECACG&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Close Encounters of the Third Kind </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VECACG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> from my all time favorites. So you can imagine how I must have felt during my first encounter with him. The question is, WHICH first encounter? We actually crossed paths a few times before I was officially part of his crew, so each "first time" had a new level of excitement. It was actually Steven who tipped of Katzenberg at Disney to buy "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000068MC4/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000068MC4&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Spaced Invaders</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000068MC4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />", the second film I ever worked on in Hollywood, and I was told that most of the things he liked about the film were contributions I had made. I was 18, and on cloud 9 hearing that he actually liked my work. A year later, I was called in to do work on animatronic snakes for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I got to put on Harrison Ford's actual leather jacket, and if I died right then, life would have been complete. Shortly after that, I was subcontracted to make some dinosaur models, and got to be a fly on the wall during all the buzz (Is that a pun?) about the computer taking over our industry during Jurassic park. </div>
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Looking back, what I would consider to be the "real" first time I worked with Steven has to be on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004U8JV/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004U8JV&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Jurassic Park: The Lost World </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004U8JV" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I had just come off <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B5XOXY/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000B5XOXY&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Batman Forever</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000B5XOXY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, where Steven's storyboard artist, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0523204/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2" target="_blank">Dave Lowery</a>, had seen my work. He recommended me to Rick Carter, who called me in. I owe Rick a lot, because after he reviewed my portfolio, he said, "I don't see what I'm looking for in your book, but I have this gut feeling you can do it". It's pretty rare that people in the industry, working on such high profile projects, roll the dice on new crew members, but Rick's gamble turned into over a decade of steady employment for me, and multiple collaborations with Rick including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WQWPJQ/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WQWPJQ&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Cast Away</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000WQWPJQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035C22NI/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0035C22NI&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">What Lies Beneath</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0035C22NI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and 5 other Spielberg projects.</div>
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The picture above was taken during a storyboard session where Steven used my Lab town model to plan his shots. The fact that I look like the only one standing still really expresses how I felt whenever I would take a moment to think about what I was doing. JP:LW was early on, but the surreal feeling of realizing you are standing next to one of the greatest filmmakers of all time as he uses your work to act out his genius never goes away. He would be in deep though, then explain a shot or sequence out loud, ending with a look to me and "What do you think about that?" The first few times he asked, I don't even remember being able to form full sentences in reply.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WV3y_Sd0XPU/USqaZExaWxI/AAAAAAAADyE/iwjdjblnhxI/s1600/Spielberg+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WV3y_Sd0XPU/USqaZExaWxI/AAAAAAAADyE/iwjdjblnhxI/s400/Spielberg+12.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Photo 12: The main reason I kept getting called onto Spielberg projects was the fact that Steven liked how quickly I could "sketch" in physical dimensions. Ordinarily, the design process would start with drawings, work into blue prints, then be made into white models. This could take days, often weeks, and sometimes months. Steven thinks very spacially, his camera work has lots of movement. Even the greatest illustrators (and he has ALL the greatest ones) are still only capturing a single frame of the film at a time. He likes to use models so he can see all the angles, and move around them to find the greatest way to convey the emotion of each shot. But he wanted models to look at BEFORE designs were done, so I was given the task of taking a small amount of information and jumping right to the final steps. This model of the town on Site B was the first model I built for Lost World, based on some short discussions and some napkin sketches Rick and Dave did over lunch. I worked non stop for 48 hours, and when Steven saw it, he ran into the office exclaiming, "Toys? For me!?!"<br />
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Photo 13: Realizing that the concept of sketch models would work, Rick and I formulated a process that I still use to this day. I build the models using plastics and other materials that are sturdy enough to be permanent, but flexible enough to make adjustments in case the idea changes. I do a basic pass to get the proportions and shapes in place, then continue to build on the same model as each phase is approved. So, for instance, a simple Pacific Island house would start out as a basic box with windows, then elevate to something like what you see here as different textures and details add to its "personality".</div>
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Photo 14: The layers keep adding on, finally reaching a painted stage, and then progressing to a "scenic" stage. In the case of Site B, the town had been abandoned to a tropical storm some time ago, so the buildings where tattered and overgrown. My model was used to convey the extent that Rick wanted to express the Man vs. Nature theme. On some projects, the course of sketch model to final product can take a singe day, while on others, it can be years! The building I constructed in the first 48 hours of employment on Lost World were tinkered with for about 6 months, changing shape and size to accommodate the sequences in the film as they changed.</div>
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Photo 15: That model grew, too! Even though it never changed from the original 1/4"=1', the finished town expanded past the initial 4'x8' table and ended up needing its own bungalow to house the 15 feet of jungle I had to build around it! The guys at the mill built custom tables that had trap doors so I could stand up in the middle of the model to work on it!</div>
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Photo 16: The best example of "sketch modeling" for Lost World is probably the lab. Rick gave me a magazine clipping of a dinosaur ribcage, and a photo of some curved tin roof from a Frank Lloyd Wright building or something. He liked the way the two items echoed each other, and wanted the lab to pull from both. The idea was that it was the highest tech money could by, but once the island claimed it back, it just became another fossil. I took the concept and just started building, using the photos and clippings as inspiration. The "sketch" was integrated into the town model, and finished to look like what you see in the final film. Once approved, the set designers actually drafted plans based on the model, which is completely reverse of the norm!<br />
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It was amazing to see the lab built full size on the Universal backlot. I felt like I had shrunk to 1//4 scale walking through the front doors. Every detail I had put in the miniature was matched full size. The set is still there, hidden behind the plane crash for War of the Worlds. Sadly, as life imitates art, the backlot is reclaiming the lab as its own, and it has deteriorated so badly that I can't imagine they will let it stand much longer.<br />
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Photo 17: The biggest hurdle for me as an art department modeler was trying to reset the bar. If I built a model in two days, the next one was expected over night. If I made a model with working lights, people would want the new version to have running water. And I'm not joking! I made several Lost World set design models with actual working water falls! Every detail mattered, like keeping in touch with the guys at Stan Winston Studios to make sure that the paint jobs I did on the miniature dinosaurs matched the schemes they were designing for the full size dinos.</div>
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Photo 19: All of that detail, and most of those models were never seen by anyone outside of the office. They played an important role in the development of the films, but it was often hard to explain that my work was ON the film, but not always IN the film. I had the best of both worlds, though, when Steven liked my design model of Jurassic Park: San Diego so much that he decided to feature it in the movie! Why a hunting party would bring a delicate architectural model half way around the world to do a video presentation is beyond me, but I didn't really care. Watching the giant animatronic triceratops destroy it on set was one of the greatest moments of my life!</div>
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Photo 20: Lost World opened so many doors for me, and was the beginning of a whole new world. I learned so much, was exposed to so many things I only ever dreamed of seeing. I grew as an artist and a filmmaker, and the education never stopped. I also made some of my most treasured friends during that time. Above all, Lost World was fun! We laughed every day, and got to be as creative as our imaginations let us. I miss those times, especially the free reign we had over the Universal lot. I'll never forget our lunches on the roof of the Psycho house!</div>
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Photo 21: Steven is famous for helming multiple projects at once, perhaps the most legendary story being about him directing Jurassic Park via satellite while on location for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00012QM8G/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00012QM8G&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Schindler's List</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00012QM8G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. Most people can barely keep up with one small movie, never mind directing two of the most influential movies of all time at the same time! I got to witness his dual process (Or is it Duel process?) on several occasions, the first being pre-production on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0783231202/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0783231202&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Amistad</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0783231202" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> while Lost World was in mid-principal photography. I hadn't even started packing up my tool kit when I was asked to create the on-camera miniature ships for the historical drama. </div>
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Why I chose to pole dance on the Amistad, I don't know. I think I just set US history back a few thousand years...</div>
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Photo 22: I've mentioned in previous posts that it was Batman Forever that inspired me to start my merchandising company. By the time I was employed at Amblin/Dreamworks, <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2012/05/legends-in-3-dimensions-star-wars.html" target="_blank">Legends in 3 Dimensions</a> was in full swing. I usually had works in progress, factory samples, or just my favorite pieces on my desk while I was working on Steven's films. One day while he was in to review some models, he noticed a bust of Greedo sitting there. He asked if I had done it, and I explained that it was part of my tribute to all my favorite sci-fi movies. He said, "Where's E.T.? George gets one and I don't?" I said, "Lucas gave me the license. Universal won't!" He picked up the phone on my desk and called someone, and the next day I was in a meeting about making this E.T. bust for the 20th anniversary collection.<br />
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Photo 23: Steven was very helpful with the project. I explained that it was my goal with L3D to create the most accurate versions of the subjects I was sculpting as possible, and to involve the creators, designers, and directors as much as I could. Any access he could get me to reference used for the film would make the E.T. bust that much better. So...he gave me E.T.! The actual, real E.T. It was delivered to my house in a big crate, and I got to keep him for weeks. E.T. was in my house. It still gives me goosebumps to think about it, even 15 years later.</div>
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Photo 24: Not every project I work on makes it to the big screen. Or small screen. Or any screen, sometimes. There was a handful of Spielberg projects I worked on after Amistad that shut down before they were filmed. This is usually because I am brought in during a "development" stage, where the projects are close to being ready, but all the details are not quite worked out. Sometimes movies shut down because they can't get the right stars, or locations aren't available, or budgets become to high after the art department designs a bunch of crazy expensive stuff. Sometimes directors just don't feel confident in the material, even if they thought the initial idea was solid. And sometimes a better idea is too good to pass up. </div>
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At one point, Steven was slated to direct <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EHRVMY/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EHRVMY&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Memoirs of a Geisha</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EHRVMY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. I was brought in to create set design models, such as this work in progress of the Tipsy House. </div>
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Photo 25: <span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0309357/?ref_=sr_1" target="_blank">Dennis Gassner</a> was Production Designer, and he was fond of my sculpting abilities. He asked me to create custom scale figures for all the models, including a set of 1/4" geishas performing a tea ceremony. The larger geisha on the left is 1/2" scale, and I built a wooden and rice paper dollhouse scale version of the Okiya that ended up being a gift to Steven's daughters after the film shut down. This time, the movie wasn't made because Steven felt that the story was too dire to be his first release for the new </span>millennium.</div>
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Photo 26: No one was sure what Steven was going to do next, so I assumed Memoirs shutting down meant I was temporarily out of a job. But I had no sooner finished crating up the Geisha models when I was called down to the Fox lot. The new project didn't have a script yet, but I was handed a photocopy of a short story by <a href="http://www.philipkdick.com/" target="_blank">Philp K. Dick</a> called "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035WTJFW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0035WTJFW&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Minority Report</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0035WTJFW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />". The film reunited me with my long time friend <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0578831/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Ron Mendell</a>, who got me started in set design model making, and together we did concept models for the hovercopters, future cars, the precog chambers, and the insanely complicated Precrime Precinct. </div>
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The 1/2" scale model of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0568273/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Alex McDowell</a>'s Precrime building was almost 4 feet tall and 10 feet across. the three stories of spiral ramps where intersected by hundreds of plexiglass planes, which formed offices cantilevering off the ramps. If you ever dripped glue on the windshield of a model car, you can imagine how nerve wrecking this model was to build!</div>
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Photo 27: I had just finished up pre-production on Minority Report when I got a call from Rick Carter asking me to meet him at Amblin the following day. He couldn't tell me why, but it was very important. It turns out that late <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000040/?ref_=sr_1" target="_blank">Stanley Kubrick</a> had left his final opus to Spielberg. Stanley had been developing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FECNIO/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004FECNIO&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">A.I. Artificial Intelligence</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004FECNIO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> for twenty years, and wanted Steven to finish it. Steven idolized Stanley, as we all do, and was excited to start the project. But he owed Sony Memoirs, and Fox had Minority Report well underway. He knew the art department was key to keeping Stanley's vision, so he decided to have a to secret unit start working on the project before anyone even knew he was going to do it. The "untitled project" team consisted of myself, Rick Carter, illustrator <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0543761/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Warren Manser</a>, and my friend from New York, Glenn Urieta. Glenn came on to assist me with model building, and it was his first feature film. he had no idea that he would be one of only 5 people in the world to know what Spielberg was going to do next!<br />
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We spent the first few weeks in a private bungalow pouring through thousands of pages of notes, drawings, film clips, and research that Stanley had collected over the years. Chris Baker is a British concept artist that worked with Kubrick to develop a style for the world of AI, and we used his sketches and story boards as both a jumping point and an anchor as we progressed with the designs. An instant favorite of Chris's early work was the Rouge City Toll Bridge, which featured suspended road that spanned into tunnels running through women's heads!<br />
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Photo 28: It wasn't long before I was building a model of the Gigeresque bridge. However, this was one of those cases where I didn't GET long to build it. For some reason, I had to turn the finished model around, from raw sculpt to finished presentation model with working lights and moving cars, in less that 3 days! SO if you are wondering why we are dumping silicone onto the sculpture instead of doing a proper case mold, that's why!</div>
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Photo 29: The finished model. Even the little toll booths lit up! I actually fell asleep behind the wheel delivering this model to Warner Brothers. I ran a red light and got pulled over. A.I. was a dream project, but it was rough. I estimate I did 3 all-nighters a week for 18 months!</div>
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Photo 30: I didn't build any of the actual models used in the film for AI, just the design versions. But as I finished each one, they were crated up and sent north to ILM, where friends such as <a href="https://twitter.com/grantimahara" target="_blank">Grant Imahara</a> measured and scanned them to create the final frames of film.</div>
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Photo 31: If you are wondering why I had to drive the model to the studio in the first place, its kind of a long story. But the short version would be because I built it at my house. I built all of the models from AI at my house! During the first weeks, Steven didn't want anyone to know what we were working on, so after we got through the research stage and I was ready to start building, he and Rick decided that it would be more discreet if I worked out of my own studio. After months of building and meeting at the BarnYard, it just became easier to leave everything over there rather than uproot the shop to Warner Brothers. Besides, with the amount of hours I was working, the closer I was to my bed the better. During one presentation after a round of all nighters, I fell asleep underneath one of the models as Steven showed it to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0613830/?ref_=sr_1" target="_blank">Dennis Muren</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0935644/?ref_=sr_1" target="_blank">Stan Winston</a>. They were smoking cigars, and I woke up thinking the office was on fire!</div>
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Photo 32: AI was a very conceptual film, and some of the designs changed radically, and sometimes multiple times. I would say I built a few hundred models for that show, with at least a few dozen larger format presentation models such as this 8' long version of the Flesh Fair. Just like on Lost World, Rick and I worked from sketch models up to finished presentations. This photo is at the "grey" stage, more final than a sketch, but still taking notes and adjusting.</div>
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Photo 33: Here's a similar angle of the final model. You can see some of the alterations and additions. You can also note the insane amount of miniature lighting that went into this presentation model. The marquee even has mini neon, which actually exists now, but in 1999 we had create it ourselves. Milk was also delivered to your door in glass bottles!<br />
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Photo 34: That last statement wasn't true. I think milkmen became extinct in the early 80s. But digital cameras didn't exist yet! All of the images you are looking at in this post were shot on film. I couldn't find prints of these cool photos taken by Audie England, but I did manage to scrape up the proof sheets. If you click to enlarge, you can see details such as the miniature Jumbotron screens, which were functioning LCD screens that hooked up to a lipstick camera so Steven could see the model on the model screen!</div>
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Photo 35: AI probably had more original city designs than any other movie ever. And each one had its own unique style. The most memorable one for sure was Rouge City, or Sex City. Every building was inspired by either breasts or phyllis. Stanley's original concepts were way crazy, like Clockwork Orange on EXTRA acid. But being that Spielberg represents a more family oriented audience, the breast count needed to be pared back. But Steven wasn't ready to let it go completely. We built multiple versions of this city in design model form, and Steven would pick out buildings he thought we could get away with. I remember him unveiling one model to Producer Kathleen Kennedy, who gasped, "Oh, Steven!" Spielberg shrugged and said, "Hey, it's Stanley's vision! The final version did not disappoint, thanks to the help of amazing concept illustrations like the above version done by the great <a href="http://www.warrenmanser.com/www.warrenmanser.com/INDEX.html" target="_blank">Warren Manser</a>.<br />
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Photo 36: Because Rouge City was such a debated subject, we decided to split the difference between white models and sketch models, knowing there would be massive changes. Using Warren's illustrations, I pasted up foam core buildings to look like presentation models, but they could quickly be cut down, modified, or replaced. </div>
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Photo 37: Once the building designs were deemed acceptable for the targeted audience rating, I moved them to the "presentation" model level. Using the color illustration foam core version as the sketch base for proportions and measurements, I created each individual building using clay, plaster, and plastics. These refined versions were also shipped to ILM, where bigger physical models and digital versions were made for filming. </div>
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Sidebar: You may notice a photo in the background of me on the set of Black Scorpion, directing the late, great Soupy Sales. If you know who that is, you are either a HUGE television buff, or were born before 1942!</div>
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Photo 38: This post started out about Lincoln, but now I can't stop thinking about AI. It probably was the longest amount of time I ever spent working on a single film, including those of my own! And so many different designs. Every environment in the film was fictional. The family's apartment, the medical facility, the hot air balloon tribe, the future ice excavation, the sunken island of Manhattan... so many, and there needed to be design models for everything! </div>
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Another favorite was underwater Coney Island. The models were very elaborate, but highly stylistic and surreal. I painted them in all blue tones to simulate light at a depth, and accented them with pops of colors using coral and seaweed. I did several versions of the Blue Fairy, and the one that was chosen for the final was sculpted around a spare resin casting of my Lady Pendragon figure!</div>
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Photo 39: As with all things in Hollywood, not everything is destine to make it to the silver screen. One of the earliest AI projects was a city called Shanty Town, where Gigolo Joe takes David to hide from the scavengers looking for unregistered mechs to sell at Flesh Fair in early drafts of the script. The scenes were ultimately cut, and the massive city build was stripped down to a few cargo containers. </div>
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Photo 40: The sketch model made it all the way to presentation form before the script was altered though. It would have been a huge set, but this polaroid of the finished model shows hints of Rick Carter's genius: building the set up against a freeway on-ramp and framing the opposite end with an oil pipeline would allow the camera to film in a contained area, but give the appearance that the set was bigger than it was. You may also note Rick's desire to use a real airliner fuselage in the construction. He was bummed when the set got cut, but he got his chance to haul in a jumbo jet years later for the crash sequence in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BJO8KU/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003BJO8KU&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">War of the Worlds</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003BJO8KU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />.</div>
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Photo 41: I needed a break after AI, so I started working on my own projects. Selling a few scripts led me to taking on the role of Executive Producer for ABC's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007RT9N0/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007RT9N0&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Power Rangers</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007RT9N0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, and I found myself with a few months of free time as that production was gearing up. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0616924/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">John Myhre</a> had taken over Production Designer duties on Memoirs of a Geisha, which was now up and running, even though Spielberg would now only produce. John knew I was on the project the first time, so he asked me to come back and pick up were I had left off. The schedule was much tighter this time, so most of the models were made of foam core, but I incorporated the color printout technique used on Rouge City to make everything look more finished. This is the final model of the Okiya House.<br />
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Photo 42: The first time around, Steven was making preparations to film the exteriors in Kyoto, Japan, where most of the story takes place. This time, however, circumstances made it impossible to shoot over there, so we had to actually recreate the village of Kyoto in Valencia, California! It was a massive, magnificent set, and John and Art Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0903789/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Tomas Voth</a> deserve the Oscar they got for it. I never got to see filming take place, as I had to leave right after pre-production to direct Power Rangers: SPD in New Zealand.<br />
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I made this 1/4 scale Kyoto model with my friend and assistant <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1479324/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Scot Erb</a>. He took over for me after I left, and started heading up model departments such as Dream Girls and Tropic Thunder. He's watching the academy awards right now hoping to celebrate a win with his Life of Pi art department.<br />
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Power Rangers led me on the path of producing and directing, so even though I can't resist building a prop or set here and there, I haven't gone back to full time studio art department jobs. Memoirs was the last time I built models for Steven. Wait, what? I know what you are thinking. But I said Lincoln was the last of Spielberg's films I worked on, but it wasn't at the time I worked on it. I guess I left that part out.<br />
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That big presentation meeting I was talking about? The distributors who attended all agreed that there wouldn't be enough interest in a presidential bio-pic, even one directed by Steven Spielberg. So we shut down. In 1994! I was there as it went through changes, saw different actors discuss the lead role, including Liam Neeson and Harrison Ford. Steven switched projects, but he never gave up on Lincoln. Almost a decade later, he got it in those theaters, and there was plenty of interest. Oscar levels of interest. That's why I believe Spielberg deserves the Oscar for Best Director tonight. He did much more than bring a vision to the screen. he championed a dream and made it a reality. As our forefathers would want us all to do.<br />
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You have been an inspiration to me all of my life. It has been the greatest honor to work with you, and I am thankful that there is no end in sight to the entertainment you bring to this world.<br />
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Thank you, Mr. Spielberg<br />
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<br />Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-65288670841914109612012-12-31T19:42:00.000-08:002013-01-18T19:27:18.539-08:002012: A Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy New Year! If you are reading this, the Mayans were wrong and the calendar keeps on going! Which is a good thing, because it might take you a while to read this post! I don't know what's wrong with me, but at the end of each year I think back and feel like I didn't accomplish much. I certainly didn't accomplish everything I wanted to, at least. But as I sat down to make a list of things to include on this blog, I was surprise to find how much we did here at the BarnYard in 2012. The days go by fast, but not so fast that there isn't time to load them up with great projects. I narrowed it down a bit, but I still feel compelled to apologize for my rambling. It was a busy year. But hopefully you enjoyed a few of the things we did...</div>
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Photo 1: The year started off pretty strong with me and my friends winning a ton of categories at the <a href="http://iawtvawards.org/" target="_blank">IAWTV Awards</a>. I was the Academy's first multi-catagory winner, honored with best Best Production Design and Best Make-up FX awards for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005TZFZ6U/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005TZFZ6U">Dragon Age: Redemption</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005TZFZ6U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Of course, being the first is the ONLY thing that kept me in step with this amazing group, as all of us ended up winning multiple awards, and naturally the amazing <a href="https://twitter.com/feliciaday" target="_blank">Felicia Day</a> needed help carrying her 4 trophies home!<br />
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Photo 2: I'm thrilled to have been nominated for the 2013 IAWTV Awards, this time for Best Costume Design for my work on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYvc6E-Wjbo" target="_blank">Save The Supers</a>. I designed the entire show, including the sets and props. <a href="https://twitter.com/sandeepparikh" target="_blank">Sandeep Parikh</a> wrote and directed this "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002S3Y1LQ/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002S3Y1LQ">Super Friends!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002S3Y1LQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />" parody, and it was awesome to collaborate with him again this year. The show also gave me another opportunity to costume Felicia, this time as a 60's style comic book villain. </div>
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Photo 3: As in the past 4 years, 2012 was filled with Felicia Day driven projects. Some were direct calls from her where we worked together on something, other times one of us would show up on set and be surprised the other was there. But either way, looking back on the year, it seems like so many cool things have come from us working together. Which is good, since Felicia is always fun to work with! Above, you can see the soap mold I made in the form of the logo for her show, <a href="http://theflog.geekandsundry.com/" target="_blank">THE FLOG</a>.<br />
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Photo 4: <a href="https://twitter.com/TealSherer" target="_blank">Teal Shear</a>'s show, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MyGimpyLife" target="_blank">My Gimpy Life</a>, featured Felicia as an actress who liked to read romance novels while in casting agent's waiting rooms. So, pretty much, she was playing herself. The script called for a sci-fi/romance hybrid called Blind Desire, with a dust jacket that featured a blind goddess being seduced by a cat man. Teal called and asked if I would do the cover, much in the style I did <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/e61f/" target="_blank">The Guild's Highland Sextasy</a> painting. I asked <a href="https://twitter.com/milynnsarley" target="_blank">Milynn Sarley</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/teamunicornftw" target="_blank">Team Unicorn</a> to be my model, as she is as close to a goddess as you can get. It's acrylic on canvas, with as many innuendos as I could fit in a 24x36 inch space!<br />
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Photo 5: This year also brought us the launch of Felicia's YouTube channel, <a href="http://geekandsundry.com/" target="_blank">Geek & Sundry</a>. I weaved in and out of almost every project, designing logos, providing props, whatever I could do to help. G&S partner and producer <a href="https://twitter.com/KimEvey" target="_blank">Kim Evey </a>developed the <a href="http://writtenbyakid.geekandsundry.com/" target="_blank">WRITTEN BY A KID</a> series, and I was lucky enough to be picked to helm an episode. I designed, directed, and puppeteered <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2012/09/written-by-kid-ginger-potato.html" target="_blank">Ginger Potato</a>, about a gingerbread man who can't catch a break, and I believe it is my favorite project of 2012.</div>
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Photo 6: And I cannot forget to mention <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YFGIWK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005YFGIWK">The Guild</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005YFGIWK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Season 6 had some of the biggest design challenges yet, with an underwater world, and giant props like this bronze dragon statue that <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffylew" target="_blank">Jeff Lewis</a> had to camp out on for days of filming!</div>
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Photo 7: One of my favorite things about the web world is all of the cross-pollination of cast and crew. We all end up working together on all of these different ventures, so it really starts to feel like family. Jeff Lewis has his own show, the award winning <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/5minutehour" target="_blank">Jeff Lewis 5-minute comedy hour</a>, directed by The Guild's <a href="https://twitter.com/seanbecker" target="_blank">Sean Becker</a>. Those guys asked me is I would design some of the more daring episodes, involving sci-fi and fantasy themes. I even built them a hospital room when finding a location was problematic. That was the same episode I on which I worked with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0427964/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Doug Jones</a> again. He may not look very happy here, but he was actually thrilled that this one project we did together in 2012 only required some minor face painting, as opposed to the intense full body prosthetics I had to put him in for the 5 projects we did together in 2011!</div>
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Photo 8: There are actually too many web shows to mention if I want to finish this blog before 2014, but I will definitely include a few more of the key ones. The Fine Bro's My Music is making a lot of waves on the internet, including a whopping 9 <a href="https://twitter.com/streamys" target="_blank">Streamy</a> nominations! I'm glad one of those is mine for Best Design, since we worked hard to build what I am pretty sure is the largest set ever build from the ground up for a web series.<br />
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Photo 9: The show centers around the crazy characters in an A&R company, each representing a different genre of music. But in a way, the office where they work is almost a central character in and of itself. An empty sound stage was converted into a 6000 square foot, 2 story set to accommodate the web series even the major networks would consider ambitious!</div>
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Photo 10: Another great series was <a href="http://husbandstheseries.com/" target="_blank">HUSBANDS</a>, penned by <a href="https://twitter.com/JaneEspenson" target="_blank">Jane Espenson</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/GoCheeksGo" target="_blank">Brad Bell</a>. I designed season 1 in 2011, and was happy to return. I love everything the show stands for, and I think its some of the best writing on the web. This season, things were bigger and better, which usually means more work for the art department! The producers found a huge house in the Hollywood Hills to shoot in, but so much of it was bare. Like this walk in closet. that we had to fill with stylish garments. On a non-existent budget. I think <a href="https://twitter.com/Red5Iam" target="_blank">Red5</a>'s face says it all! But we pulled it off, and Team Husbands rose above all obstacles to bring another great season of the show to the web!<br />
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Photo 11: <a href="http://www.machinima.com/" target="_blank">Machinima</a> was on the rise this year, giving all of their shows a make-over. And I got to do most of the making-over! I designed 6 sets for them in all, including the mail room for Respawn: Inbox and this talk show set for Inside Gaming Daily.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YLWgpqJgmY/UOuM2npcOkI/AAAAAAAADnw/gBYqtGvdSXM/s1600/2012-17a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YLWgpqJgmY/UOuM2npcOkI/AAAAAAAADnw/gBYqtGvdSXM/s400/2012-17a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 12: The internet and "main stream media" are still considered worlds apart, but it is becoming more common to see huge movies and television shows have splinter versions on the web. There are also occasions when original web content makes its way to other media such as DVD. Just in time for Christmas,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092QU0YY/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0092QU0YY">The Legend of Neil</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0092QU0YY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> did just that! I had a blast designing season 3 of this break-out series, and it was a privilege to do the art for the dvd cover. And don't forget to watch the special features. I'm sure I'm in there showing you how to make something!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeKoS_b7IJI/UOuM3XfbvMI/AAAAAAAADn0/PEZotv1hJEA/s1600/2012-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeKoS_b7IJI/UOuM3XfbvMI/AAAAAAAADn0/PEZotv1hJEA/s400/2012-20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 13: I didn't get to design any video games like I did in 2011, but I did work on a bunch of commercials for them! Probably the most popular of all was the live action spot for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050SYK44/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0050SYK44">Borderlands 2</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0050SYK44" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. My team stayed up for 72 hours straight to deliver 12 masks, 4 helmets, and a loot crate! But it was worth it. I don't think any other project has gotten as much response! It seems everybody wants a bandit mask. Do you?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XoJkLOVbHY/UOuM3QNrMAI/AAAAAAAADn4/5NaZzXidLXg/s1600/2012-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XoJkLOVbHY/UOuM3QNrMAI/AAAAAAAADn4/5NaZzXidLXg/s400/2012-19.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 14: Thinking back on the year, I recall many of the all-nighters being for video game commercials. After months of bidding and designing, I ended up with only a weekend to create the 7 trophies featured in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017Q4DGI/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0017Q4DGI">Wii Sports</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0017Q4DGI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> commercials.<br />
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Photo 15: In hind sight, a weekend seems like a luxury compared to the handful of hours I was given to build this robot costume. It was for a smokeless cigarette commercial in India, and it happened so fast we didn't even have time to cast an actor. So I just made it to fit me! I put it together from stuff laying around the shop, and didn't worry about making it comfortable since I would only have to wear it for a few hours. Or so I thought. The client loved the spot and order a whole series, so I ended up becoming a robot multiple times over the year, each shoot longer and more complicated than the next! But, hey, they brought me flowers!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_FVVEcfoWk/UOuM4cJXthI/AAAAAAAADoM/p7-Z9jKPCw0/s1600/2012-21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_FVVEcfoWk/UOuM4cJXthI/AAAAAAAADoM/p7-Z9jKPCw0/s400/2012-21.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 16: I did a lot of television work this year, too. One of my favorites was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UD7J62/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003UD7J62">Happy Endings</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003UD7J62" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0915458/" target="_blank">Damon Wayans. Jr.</a> Every time the writers dream up a crazy prop, I get a phone call. And with each call, the props get crazier and more challenging. Which is awesome! I feel like I did something for almost every episode this season, but I can only show you the ones that have aired so far! You may recognize Sinbrad here, but keep watching the show for more!<br />
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Photo 17: The script for the episode "Sabado Free-Gante" called for "indestructible piniatas", so although they look fragile on the outside, these donkey actually have welded steel skeletons and super dense polyurethane skin!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhZOmW7O7Pg/UOuNRuFnmGI/AAAAAAAADpA/Y74AmsLhvHw/s1600/2012-24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhZOmW7O7Pg/UOuNRuFnmGI/AAAAAAAADpA/Y74AmsLhvHw/s400/2012-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 18: I love being part of Christmas episodes! Red5 and I built this gingerbread version of London for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0193846/" target="_blank">Elisha Cuthbert</a>'s shop. Anthony Thompson even made the candy eggs on the Ferris wheel light up!</div>
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Photo 19: I heard the producers where thrilled that some of the props got so much feedback from the fans, like my Hip Hop Santa. I had to make multiple versions of him, including a stunt version for Damon to throw off the balcony, and the terminator version you can see on the right. This prop was ultimately cut from the episode. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM1HHagN_HI/UOuNRsLes0I/AAAAAAAADpE/CLvbT2HBsuE/s1600/2012-24a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM1HHagN_HI/UOuNRsLes0I/AAAAAAAADpE/CLvbT2HBsuE/s400/2012-24a.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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Photo 20: Sometime my presence on a television show is very subtle. Like this bus stop poster that was featured on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038M2APA/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0038M2APA">Justified</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0038M2APA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. My buddy <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003478/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Dave Blass</a> put it there. 2012 brought him an Emmy Nomination for his design work on Justified. Dave and I have worked together for decades, since the Corman years, so I could not be more proud of him. Next stop: Oscar!<br />
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Photo 21: Of course, there are other times when it's pretty obvious I'm working on a TV show. Like, when I'm working ON a TV show! I took the plunge this year and stepped IN FRONT of the camera, for real this time, not a cameo or anything. Luckily, it was a reality show, so you didn't have to suffer through me acting! <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2012_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Syfy Channel's HOT SET</a> exposes what goes into creating movie sets, much in the way that it's producers showed you the wonder of make-up fx through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L3ORTW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004L3ORTW">Face Off</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004L3ORTW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Myself and a competitor had 3 days to design and complete a film set based on a specific theme. We were each allowed to bring 2 team members. I had my art director, Red5, and Amish, my concept illustrator. The winners got $10,000. I won't spoil the rest. You should just watch it!</div>
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Photo 22: <a href="https://twitter.com/wilw" target="_blank">Wil Wheaton</a> had a milestone birthday, 20 or 30 or something, and there was a huge party. Kim Evey came up with the perfect gift, combining Wil's 2 favorite things: Doctor Who and beer! She was searching the internet for an idea, and found art of a Dalek stein, accompanied by an endless forum of fans who wished it was a real thing. So she asked me is I cold make it a real thing. And I did. That's Wil's seal of approval face.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZSGxkjGe4o/UOuNSx25OTI/AAAAAAAADpU/jgNypgxp7pE/s1600/2012-26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZSGxkjGe4o/UOuNSx25OTI/AAAAAAAADpU/jgNypgxp7pE/s400/2012-26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 23: My birthday was much more low key. I spent it with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YO9YUW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007YO9YUW">Tenacious D</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007YO9YUW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. We filmed some stuff.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyR2ktzVvYo/UOuNTMmIy0I/AAAAAAAADpM/g2iCjEwaWWY/s1600/2012-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyR2ktzVvYo/UOuNTMmIy0I/AAAAAAAADpM/g2iCjEwaWWY/s400/2012-27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 24: 2012 was the year I achieved many life long goals, too. Growing up as a kid in Jersey, I used to paint heavy metal album covers on the backs of jean jackets to earn extra cash for Star Wars figures and stuff. I dreamed of the day I would be the one painting an actual album cover. I've painted a bunch over the years, but never for a major, classic metal band. Well, I almost got my shot this year. The German band <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00753MBHA/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00753MBHA">Accept</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00753MBHA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> asked me to paint them a cover, and they had a really great concept. I did a ton of comps, but unfortunately, the label rejected everything, including the concept. They ended up just using their logo. The band, however, loved the art, and gave me a special thanks inside the CD and LP covers. All those years of studying the album covers, wondering who those people were in "The Band wishes to thank" section, and now I'm finally one of them!<br />
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Photo 25: I also had my first museum exhibition year. I designed and sculpted a series of armor for endangered marine life to help the <a href="https://twitter.com/Surfrider" target="_blank">Surfrider Foundation</a> promote environmental awareness. The life-sized sculptures will be traveling around the country, where you will be able to see them at both museums and aquariums. The exhibit is entitled, "<a href="http://oceanarmor.org/" target="_blank">They cannot protect themselves</a>", and through this art I wanted to express that we as humans always find a way to shield ourselves from the harm we create, but there are so many other creatures on this Earth that cannot create a barrier against our actions.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uujAHLF89P8/UOuNUkQHPuI/AAAAAAAADpg/KXCJfAZ33Ak/s1600/2012-27aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uujAHLF89P8/UOuNUkQHPuI/AAAAAAAADpg/KXCJfAZ33Ak/s400/2012-27aa.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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Photo 26: I've actually been spending a lot of time thinking about the environment and our impact on it. I'm not going to turn into some preach activist or start chaining myself to trees, but you have to be blind to not see how our progressive society is impacting the planet. And I'm just as guilty of it as anyone else. The amount of chemicals and raw materials the entertainment industry burns through is ridiculous. There are lots of things we can do to minimize, but it would be delusional to think it will ever be completely eliminated. I decided that I need to do as much positive effect as possible to help counter the negative results I have caused through the years. I feel, as always, that I am most effective when using my art, so my beast shot was using it to try to spread the word and help educate people about the environment.</div>
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My good friend <a href="https://twitter.com/roddenberry" target="_blank">Rod Roddenberry</a> agreed, and he was very impressed with the Surfrider sculptures. He asked me to create a piece for the <a href="http://www.roddenberrydiveteam.com/" target="_blank">Roddenberry Dive Team</a>, an organization that promotes environmental awareness through the exploration of the oceans. Rod hosts the Trashy Diver contests, which encourages divers to clean the waterways they frequent, and rewards them for the effort. Categories include "most trash", "most unique trash", and "most likely to be found on the USS Enterprise Starship." There are tons of great prizes, like a Hawaiian vacation!</div>
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Photo 27: I participated in a multitude of the cleanups, collecting trash on the beaches, off the shore, and through the river ways all along the coast of California. With the help of an army of volunteers, we amassed truckloads of debris that I could use to create the art piece. On some of the more remote trips, like Catalina Island, I was limited to the amount of trash I could use by what I could carry on my back. Soon there was a huge pile at the BarnYard, which we sorted through and categorized. The big question was, what was I going to build?</div>
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Photo 28: Rod and I spent a lot of time talking about it, and conceptually we were of two minds. I felt strongly that because so many artists were doing recycled/found object nature sculptures, we should do something Star Trek themed, since Rod is the only one who could truly represent that aspect of the sci-fi phenomenon's view of the future. Rod really wanted to do a marine animal, going for the juxtaposition of creating a beautiful image out of the materials that are destine to destroy it. In the end, we compromised, and I used the trash we pulled from the California water ways to build George and Gracie, the humpback whales from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002I9Z8CG/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002I9Z8CG">Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002I9Z8CG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. The piece premiered at the Ocean Blue Film Festival in Monterey, alongside the submersible James Cameron used to go to the deepest depths of the ocean that any man ever has. With such serious technology as that, I wasn't sure how my trash sculpture would be received. But all my fears where put to rest when explorer Jean Michel Cousteau became George and Gracie's biggest fan.</div>
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Photo 29: I've known Rod for years, but we are both always so busy that we never get to spend much time together. The whale project allowed us to hang out more often in 2012, even if most of that time was spent waist deep in trash! We had a good time though. thinking back, I realized that I spent almost every major holiday this year with the Roddenberrys, which is awesome. I attended an Easter brunch at their house, and couldn't resist making these cookies...</div>
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Photo 30: In 2011, I directed and designed <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/08/white-room-20b3.html" target="_blank">White Room: 02B3</a>, the first original Roddenberry Production in years. We filmed the project in 360 degrees, using state of the art technology for an audience immersive experience. This year, we showed sneak peeks of that technology at the various conventions and trade shows we attended.<br />
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Photo 31: The 360 version for dome theaters and your hand held devices is still being worked on, fine tuning the technology to give you the best viewing experience possible. But the "director's cut", which I filmed in a traditional single camera format, made its world premier at the <a href="https://twitter.com/scifilondon" target="_blank">Sci-Fi London Film Festival</a>. It was great to see it up on the big screen. I got to meet so many creative forces in the sci-fi community, and I was invited to speak about special effects and film making at The British Academy of Film and Television. <br />
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Photo 32: My trips to Europe, or anywhere for that matter, are usually for work and my schedule is always too full for extensive sight seeing. This trip was no exception, as we had a packed line up of screenings and panels. But I did finally find time to make the half day trip out to Stonehenge. It was definitely on my bucket list, but actually being there was so much more than that. It is one of those places where you can actually feel the mystery, and know that there are things in this world we will never understand. </div>
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Photo 33: Then there are mystical forces that are much easier to wrap your mind around. Like the Beatles! White Room: 02B3 writer <a href="https://twitter.com/torymell" target="_blank">Tory Mell</a> and I walked across London to find Abbey Road, and I was pleased to see that so little has changed since the famous photo for their <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0025KVLUQ/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0025KVLUQ">1969 album cover</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0025KVLUQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. When we got there, it was relatively quite. But apparently tons of people have the same idea we did, because it was soon teaming with people from all over the world. We offered to help a couple take a recreation of the Beatle's photo in exchange for one of our own, and when they screamed with joy over how perfect the one we took matched their Googled image of the original, our services became in high demand.<br />
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I attempted to hold back traffic as Tory directed people to strike the pose while he snapped away. Not wanting to deny anyone, we had to wait till a lull to make our escape. We estimate we took over a hundred photos in that 45 minutes! We joked about getting a permit to set up a booth and charge $20 a pop. Surprised noone has done that yet!!!<br />
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Photo 34: Hang on, I'm not done with Roddenberry yet! With Rod's help, my collectible company Floppets took a big leap forward into the licensing game when we created Star Trek Floppets! There are 9 designs available currently at <a href="http://roddenberry.com/">Roddenberry.com</a>, with 9 more for series 2 in production now!</div>
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Photo 35:<a href="http://www.floppets.com/" target="_blank"> Floppets</a> made leaps and bounds in 2012, which was officially its first year in business. But we came out of the gate strong, premiering at the New York Toy Fair in February, where we were called, "The next big trend in kids' toys!" It was quite the honor, considering we were on the floor with the biggest and best toy companies in the world. We wanted to make sure people didn't forget about us, so I designed these commemorative edition Floppets to hand out at our booth. They were a huge hit, so be sure to look for a new design at every show we attend next year. And there will be a lot of them! As a matter of fact, the most travel I did this past year was for Floppets.<br />
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Photo 36: I attended C2E2 in Chicago, and we did a big promotion for the Guild Floppets. <a href="https://twitter.com/amyokuda" target="_blank">Amy Okuda</a> was kind enough to join me for the trip, and the fans were thrilled to see her. She had a non-stop line all weekend long, and we ran out of the limited edition <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2012/04/think-tink.html" target="_blank">Think Tink prints</a> I made by the end of the first day! </div>
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Photo 37: Soon after Chicago, I ended up in Vegas again, this time for the Licensing Show. This is kind of a behind-the-scenes version of the comic conventions, because everything we know and love is represented there, but nothing is for sale and the big ticket franchises have showrooms that are invitation only. I tried to talk to Saban about some doing Power Ranger Floppets, and they wouldn't even let me in! I was relieved to meet some friendly faces at SeaWorld, though.<br />
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Photo 38: I ended up making a lot of great deals over the week despite my Power Rangers rejection. But I have to say that the highlight of the whole trip was running into the Gotcha booth, which was plastered with standees and larger than life photos of <a href="https://twitter.com/MarissaCuevas" target="_blank">Marissa Cuevas</a>! I knew she had modeled their clothing line last year, but it blew my mind to see her image representing the entire company at the show. This was just one of many achievements for Marissa in 2012, a list which also includes a starring role on Nickelodeon's Super Ninjas! I can hardly wait to see what she will accomplish in 2013!<br />
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Photo 39: Floppets also had a huge presence at San Diego Comicon. We premiered Star Trek series 1, along with original designs for Witchblade, Darkness, and Fathom. We also had a ton of signings, including the entire cast of The Guild, Legend of Neil, Save the Supers,<a href="http://www.freshhellseries.com/" target="_blank"> Brent Spiner's Fresh Hell</a>, and Team Unicorn. But comicon started way early for me this year, since I helped <a href="https://twitter.com/nerdist" target="_blank">Chris Hardwick</a> and The Nerdist Channel usher in the event with the Course of the Force. This charity run started in Santa Monica, and celebrity runners carried a lightsaber all the way to San Diego. The whole thing started with an online video of Chris getting the prop from Lucasfilm in San Fransico. I production designed the spot, and even got to cut off The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman's hand. </div>
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Photo 40: It was nice to not have to travel far from home for <a href="https://twitter.com/StanLeeComikaze" target="_blank">Stan Lee's Comikaze</a>. It was so close, actually, that I didn't mind packing up my studio and converting the Floppet's booth into a Web Series Museum. I put all the props I've made from shows I've worked on so everyone can see them live. If you dropped by at the right times, you also would have met Felicia and Team Unicorn live!</div>
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Photo 41: This was the first year I got to attend PAX. Naturally, I drifted through the floor like a zombie, since it took another string of all-nighters and insane last minute building to create The Museum of Mojang. This booth housed relics and works of art from the creation of <a href="https://minecraft.net/" target="_blank">MineCraft</a>, as well as Scrolls, and Cobalt. Everything turned out great, though, and I had a good time hanging out with the geniuses from Sweden. My "anatomy of a creeper" was a big hit, as <a href="https://twitter.com/ijustine" target="_blank">iJustine</a> will testify!</div>
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Photo 42: I had to sneak away from filming the Guild season 6 to make an appearance at <a href="https://twitter.com/PowerMorphicon" target="_blank">PowerMorphicon</a>, but it was well worth it. It's always good to be reunited with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007RT9N0/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007RT9N0">SPD rangers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007RT9N0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. <a href="https://twitter.com/monicEMay" target="_blank">Monica May</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/brandojay" target="_blank">Brandon Jay McLaren</a>, and I did a panel, had a few laughs, signed a few autographs, and then I had to bail. I can't wait until I can work with all of those guys again.</div>
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Photo 43: If you got to roam around E3 this year, you were sure to run into some of my work. My favorite piece was the Live Feed set for the Machinima booth. They wanted something that was generic, yet embodied sic-fi and gaming. I went with this Aliens inspired structure, and we tricked it out with aluminum pipes and red under lighting.<br />
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Photo 44: I carved out a little time to actually explore E3 myself, and to make sure I didn't miss anything, I joined my favorite video game expert for the tour. Milynn was ecstatic to find Pac Man carpet that matched her dress, and was sure she would blend in...<br />
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Photo 45: The guys over at Sypher Art Studios jumped in to help me build the Steampunk booth for Guild season 5, so in trade I sculpted them a full size dragon head for the <a href="http://www.labyrinthmasquerade.com/" target="_blank">Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball</a>. On Guild season 6, I needed to borrow said dragon back for the game designer's office, so I returned that favor with a series of goblin sculpts. I did 5 characters in all, and created 30 appliances for the 2 night event.<br />
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Photo 46: I took a break in between making things to TALK about making things! I did multiple lectures and panels this year, including this fun interactive one for the <a href="https://twitter.com/thebuibrothers" target="_blank">Bui Brothers</a>. </div>
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Photo 47: And late at night, when I couldn't sleep, I would draw strange things to put on Apple computers! I have multiple designs available for sale on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97355245/ood-macbook-decal-dark-gray?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=stickers+macbook&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_includes[0]=tags" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, but the most popular by far is the Ood.<br />
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Photo 48: The last convention of the year was the biggest of them all. Mojang brought me back to design Minecon 2012, and this time it was in Paris. I had to travel over there several time to scout out the venues, find crew and facilities, and work out all the details since the show was so involved.<br />
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Photo 49: There definitely ended up being some downtime between scouts and meetings, and there is so much to see in Paris. I was over there with Milynn, so naturally the priority was discovering French comic book shops!</div>
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Photo 50: We also went to Stockholm, Sweden to visit the Mojang offices. There Junkboy and I plotted and schemed about what Minecon Paris would look like. If you are wondering why this photo looks like it's from the 1920s, it's because the guys threw a big, themed office warming party the week we where there. It was an adventure finding vintage clothing in the malls of Stockholm, but I think we did alright!<br />
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Photo 51: Not all my trips to Europe were as much fun, though. With Minecon only 5 weeks away, I packed up all my gear, and the crew and I headed over to Paris for the final build. We were only there 4 days when we were mugged outside a RER train station. 6 guys came out of nowhere as we were getting into our rental car in the parking lot, and started beating me with a steel police baton. We were able to fight them off, and they didn't get any of our belongings, but I ended up with a dislocated shoulder, disarticulated collar bone, fractured elbow, and extensive nerve and tissue damage. I'm healing up now, but the pain has greatly effected my work flow. I'm told the aching and tingling is going to take months to years to go away, so, there's that...<br />
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Photo 52: Everyone on the crew took a some damage from the incident, but here at the BarnYard, we truly believe the show must go on! We made an oath to avoid train stations, and stayed in Paris to finish building Minecon. I have to admit that three dimensional 8-bit pixels are very surreal on morphine! I kept my distance from the power tools for a bit, and focused as much as I could on the big picture. It was a struggle for us all to get to the finish line, but I feel like at some point over that weekend, practically every one of the 7,000 attendees came up to personally thank us. That is the best medicine ever. </div>
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Photo 53: In the war of art, there are no winners or losers. Everyone has there own style, methods, and audience. BUT, if I had to pick a winner, this year it would definitely be <a href="https://twitter.com/keepcalmKERIon" target="_blank">Keri Palmetto</a>! Keri joined the BarnYard as an intern right after the holidays last January. I decided to hire her after the first project, and over the course of this year, she has worked on almost every single project I mentioned above, and most of the ones I haven't mentioned! She even survived the Paris mugging with me! All in all, about 40 unique projects in 12 months. If nothing else, 2012 gave Keri a full resume. Hopefully she is enjoying her experience at the BarnYard as much as I enjoy having her here! Happy New Year, Keri, and here's to many more (police baton free) projects!<br />
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Photo 54: This past year has been filled with many wonderful things, but the most wonderful of them all was the introduction of Nikko Ransom Byrnes. His mom is my best friend, and producing partner for over a decade, Sheri Bryant. I don't know if he will grow up to think of me as an uncle, or a brother, or that weird dude that has a house full of scary heads, but holding him in my arms, I do know that no film or work of art could ever be as wonderful as he is. I am so inspired by him. He is only a few months old, but seeing him smile and laugh every time he sees his dad, John Byrnes, is the most amazing thing ever. I know that he will never be without, that his parents are the kindest and most caring people I know, but I promise that if he ever needs anything, I will be there. Everything I possess is his, and every ability I have will be used to make his dreams come true. I am so excited to share 2013 with Nikko. It is the beginning of his journey, and I'm certain it will be the best adventure yet!Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-54228005275506632932012-12-05T15:16:00.000-08:002012-12-16T17:02:57.371-08:00Save the Supers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons like I did, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYvc6E-Wjbo" target="_blank">Save the Supers</a> is the web series for you! A parody of icon driven animated shows such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002S3Y1LQ/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002S3Y1LQ&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Super Friends</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002S3Y1LQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, STS draws back the curtain to show us what it's like to be a super hero when they are not in the spotlight. Unfortunately for this group of avengers, they are being filmed 24/7 reality show style, so they ultimately let their guard down and reveal to us who they really are as people. And although it is hilarious, it is not always pretty!</div>
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Photo 1: Save the Supers is the brain child of writer/director/star <a href="https://twitter.com/sandeepparikh" target="_blank">Sandeep Parikh</a>. Although it just premiered this year, it can actually be considered the grandfather of all web series! Long before watching serialized content on the web was popular, Sandeep shot a pilot for Supers to pitch to the networks under the banner of his production company, Effin Funny. It was a cross between <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSTK3S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CSTK3S&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Justice League</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CSTK3S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053O8AAK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0053O8AAK&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">The Office</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0053O8AAK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. The episode was pitch perfect, but way too high concept for TV execs to wrap their minds around, so Sandeep started developing the show for an audience more interested in the genre: the web! The subject matter proved to be too tough to produce with the limited resources of internet budgets, so Sandeep and team turned their efforts to something more manageable: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092QU0YY/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0092QU0YY&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">The Legend of Neil</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0092QU0YY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (If you know the show, then you get that that was a joke!) While putting LON together, Sandeep joined his improv troop cast member <a href="https://twitter.com/sandeepparikh" target="_blank">Felicia Day</a> on her new venture, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C68WNC/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002C68WNC&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">The Guild</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002C68WNC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and the web has never been the same.<br />
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Along the road to completing 3 seasons of Neil, and 5 seasons of The Guild, Sandeep accrued a massive following and met a wide range of crew members that were willing and able to help him realize his vision. I was one of those people, and this is my adventure to Save the Supers!<br />
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Photo 2: Sandeep was not in the original pilot, but after Felicia asked him to play Zaboo in The Guild, it became apparent that people liked to see him in front of the camera as much as behind it. I have to give him credit, I don't know how he does it! I usually take on the role of designer/director, and it's very difficult to monitor everything from where I sit. I cannot imagine directing a whole show while BEING IN the show! But he pulls it off effortlessly. <br />
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Sandeep plays Merman, an Aquaman type hero that finds himself somewhat useless if there isn't a mission under water. He is however, the most organized, sensible, and sane of the group, so he tries to make himself useful by actually holding the Force together.<br />
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I signed on to do the usual props and sets, but I thought it would be fun this time around to handle the costumes, too. It was a lot of work for my small crew, but we had a lot of fun and I think the end results were pretty entertaining. I thought I would show you my concept sketches, inspirational reference clips, and the final product all at once.<br />
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I wanted the show to still look like the cartoons it was based on, so I went with bright colors and broad shapes. I wish we could have made everyone look like Iron Man or The Dark Knight, but that was still beyond our budget, and honestly, not in the style of the show. I wanted to capture the campiness of the 70's superhero spandex, while trying to find the line that didn't cross into cheesy.<br />
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For the most part, the final costumes were pretty close to my initial sketches, with a few minor tweaks here and there. On Merman, the major changes were the lessening of the amount of scaled material, because a full scaled body suit ended up looking a little ridiculous, and the addition of sleeves. Jenn Rose was concerned about the amount of prosthetics it would take to hide ink-squirting tubes down Sandeep's bare arms, and Sandeep was worried about the amount of time he would have to spend at the gym to show his bare arms and be convincing as a super hero. I pushed as much as I could, because I really like the idea of a sleeveless swimmer, but it was a battle I did not win. I still think he looks cool, though. <br />
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Photo 3: Night Knight is Super Force's equivalent to Batman. He doesn't have super powers, but he has high impact armor and more gadgets than <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/" target="_blank">ThinkGeek</a>. This costume made it through the process relatively unaltered, save the deletion of his top knot, replaced by a razor sharp saw blade fin. I went a little more centurion than bat, since I felt the character captured enough of the essence it was parodying that the costume had more freedom to play off the Knight aspect of the name. <a href="http://teamunicornftw.com/" target="_blank">Team Unicorn's</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rileah" target="_blank">Rileah Vanderbilt</a> went fabric hunting for me, and found some amazing chain mail patterned spandex that saved <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3502971/" target="_blank">Max Bird-Ridnell</a> from having to wear extra pounds of metal links. <br />
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Photo 4: If there is one thing I learned on this show, it's that Lycra is NOT easy to sew! Luckily, I have a bunch of awesome cosplayer friends that came to help get all this stuff together. Fleetfoot was one of the simplest designs, but the hardest to construct, since all his stripes and angles needed to be cut out and sewn into the suit. It took multiple senti suits in the various colors to fuse together this single suit. We found a jacket that was a pretty good match, but it was white, so I had to paint it! Strangely, the paint held really well, and the thing I thought would need the most daily maintenance was the only thing we never had to touch up!<br />
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Photo 5: Worldman underwent the most radical changes. The body of the suit remained intact, but the cape ended up being much more traditional than I planned. I was hoping to do something more like Hawkman's floating ribbon cape, just to pull away from a carbon copy Superman. But the most noticable change is the fact that my concept art has him as an alien. I really tried to convince Sandeep to make Worldman look like he was from another world. I liked the idea of having a Martian Man Hunter type character, making him blue, and giving him green birthmarks that looked like a map of the Earth. But Sandeep felt strongly about casting <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2741788/" target="_blank">Mickey Hawtrey</a>, who played Worldman in the pilot, and many of the scripted jokes were based on the fact that Worldman believed he was the perfect man, so it was important that he looked human. I am a firm believer that story trumps design, so my alien was not to be. In hindsight, I am VERY thankful, as it was hard enough to get all 5 actors plus villains into costume in any sense of a timely manner, so a full head prosthetic every day would have killed me. Although, I do hope we have at least one full alien villain or guest hero in Season 2. Just cause I'm a glutton for punishment like that. </div>
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Photo 6: And no super hero line-up would be complete without the sexy heroine. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2238126/" target="_blank">Mandell Maughan</a> plays the part well. Although Elementra is very much the Wonder Woman of SuperForce, Sandeep wanted to take the character in more of the Greek Goddess route. The final design had a few additions, like the loincloth, and a few ideas removed, like the furry boot covers. My concept with this was to keep it sleek and sexy, but with enough flowy textures that we could see the costume physically interact with Elementra's wind power. <a href="https://twitter.com/ashi_chan" target="_blank">Ashphord Jacoway</a> stepped in to sew up the very complicated spiral striped cape and all the panel work. <br />
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Photo 7: Last, but not least, is my favorite costume of the series. It's no surprise that it is yet another collaboration with the amazing Felicia Day. This was the first drawing I did, and it was also the only costume to have zero changes in the final. Perhaps it's because Felicia and I have had so much practice! I've made her into an <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/09/felicia-days-tallis-costume.html" target="_blank">assassin</a>, an alien, a damsel in distress, etc., so a super villain only seems natural!</div>
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Photo 8: The real challenge with web series is the ever changing schedules and conflicts with all of the busy people pitching in. The hardest part of costuming Save the Supers were the fittings. The cast are all super talented actors, so naturally, they were always shooting on a set somewhere. There were several components of costumes that required body casting, like Felicia's Panthera cowl. We had planned on doing a head cast of her so it would fit perfectly, but then she got called back onto <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004X60QE2/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004X60QE2&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Eureka</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004X60QE2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and ended up in Canada the entire month before shooting. She was scheduled to arrive home the day before we needed her, and that obviously was too short of a turnaround for me to cast her, sculpt, mold, cast, and paint the cowl. So we decided to improvise. Felicia measured her head in the mirror of her hotel room, and gave me the sizes over the phone. If you know Felicia, you can imagine that scenario would be a million view youtube video.</div>
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Photo 9: I've been doing head casts for 25 years, so I have an actual sea of stone heads in storage. If an actor needs an appliance or helmet of some sort but can't come in for a casting, I just find a head with the closest measurements and work off of that. It's tricky business, because even though diameters and distances might match up, no two people have the same head shape, and that can make a cowl like this very uncomfortable. At first I though one of the casts I made while sculpting the cowls for WB's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SMNL92/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000SMNL92&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Birds of Prey</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000SMNL92" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> might work, but the closest match was actually <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007RT9N0/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007RT9N0&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Power Rangers SPD </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007RT9N0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />'s Yellow Ranger, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monica_May" target="_blank">Monica May</a>.</div>
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Photo 10: It took a little bit of onset adjusting, but I lucked out and the cowl fit. But that doesn't mean it was comfortable! It was pretty tight, which it needed to be, and Felicia was fine to wear it while shooting, but between takes, it was better to have it off. It took a while to set her hair through the mask, so she started just wearing it on top of her head!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcwHI2gSqpE/UMzVegk25YI/AAAAAAAADeg/u98AusxFlPM/s1600/STS+13.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcwHI2gSqpE/UMzVegk25YI/AAAAAAAADeg/u98AusxFlPM/s400/STS+13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 11: But trust me, the cowl wasn't the only tight thing she had to wear! Her costume was made of metallic purple Lycra we got at a stripper store on Hollywood Blvd. They only had pants, and I couldn't find an exact fabric match, so the rest was made of, well, more pants! Cosplay expert Ginny McQueen tackled that massive undertaking. Artoo helped, of course...</div>
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Photo 11: When it comes to super hero shows, the women aren't the only ones subject to tight spandex. No one is safe. Including the viewers! </div>
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Photo 12: Another example of head matching was for Night Knight's helmet. We didn't have time to get Max in for a cast, so I took measurements and went out to the storage locker. Ever wonder which celebrity has the same size head as you? Well, in Max's case, it was Arnold! An exact match on every measurement.</div>
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I sculpted all of Night Knight's armor in WED clay for speed. This clay needs to be packed very tightly, so I usually start a sculpture off by grabbing handfuls and throwing it as hard as I can at the armature or cast. I was just starting to get some mass on the helmet when I realized it was looking like Arnold's high school yearbook photo...</div>
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Photo 13: When I was finished, it looked much more like the Arnold we know today. </div>
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Photo 14: I'm sure Max will get an ego boost from knowing that he also has the exact same body measurements as Arnold circa 1995. I have a collection of Schwarzenegger bodies around from the multiple times I cast him for films in the 90's, and they come in handy at times like these. Here, I am sculpting NK's chest armor.<br />
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Photo 15: In an attempt to stylize Night Knight's costume up a bit, I decided to sculpt shin guards that look like gargoyles from a castle, or Notre Dame. I was hoping to only have to do one, but the curvature of the shin forced me to make two so they looked balanced when Max wore them. </div>
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Although all of these components were supposed to be armor, I cast them in latex and polyfoam so they would be soft and flexible and not inhibit Max's movement. I worked on the Batsuits for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B5XOXY/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000B5XOXY&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Batman Forever</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000B5XOXY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and (sigh) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B5XOXO/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000B5XOXO&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Batman & Robin</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000B5XOXO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which were made from dense foam latex mounted on custom made neoprene suits. My goal was to emulate that process as much as possible, however, a single bat suit cost more than the entire production budget of Save The Supers. So, yeah...</div>
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Photo 16: Arnold's shoulders were bigger than Max's (sorry, Max) so I sculpted the shoulder guards on a mannequin. The final casts were, however, large enough to double as a turtle shell for my Frenchie, Art. We all know who is going as King of the Koopas for Halloween next year...<br />
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Photo 17: With all of the costumes done, it was time to concentrate on the Super Force HQ. Naturally, the inspiration was the Hall of Justice.<br />
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Photo 18: I wanted the inside to be filled with blinking lights and large control panels, just like the cartoon. I tried to keep the color scheme neutral, as to not conflict with all of the bright color patterns on the characters.<br />
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Photo 19: Each hero had their own station, and Night Knight had his secret lab. Although I had to build this set INSIDE another existing set for another show I was producing, it was still pretty large for a web show. The meeting room was on the second floor, and the party the Supers held in the main control room held about 100 people for the finale!<br />
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Photo 20: The HQ was the biggest build, but that didn't mean it was the only challenge. There were several locations that needed to be fully dressed. Producer Jeff Winkler found this awesome empty bank to use for the opening scene. It was both a blessing and a curse to have such a blank canvas. We had the freedom to do anything we wanted, but that was a lot of real estate to fill on a shoestring budget.<br />
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Photo 21: The bank scene was a lot of fun, though, and it was even more so for me due to that fact that my buddy <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0911933/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Zack Ward</a> came in to be the Jokester, a Joker/Carrot Top hybrid villain. You know Zack from such classics as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034PHWM2/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0034PHWM2&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Battle Planet</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0034PHWM2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />...er, well, no. I still owe him for that. But definitely from Resident Evil, Transformers, Dollhouse, Titus, and with Christmas fast approaching, he will be on your TV 24 hours a day as Scut Farkus in the holiday classic, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AYJUW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000AYJUW&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">A Christmas Story</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000AYJUW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. The Jokester was a fun character for me, mostly because of the large number of props he used in his "act."<br />
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Photo 22: Of course there was the Rubber Chicken Grenade, which is probably my favorite prop of the whole show.<br />
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Photo 23: The Jokester is a prop comic turned bad, so he uses visual aides to punctuate all of his bad puns. Naturally, no security card would consider this drill a threat if a man in clown makeup carries it into a bank...</div>
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Photo 24: But "you know the drill!" This hardware is actually a cleverly disguised gun! <a href="https://twitter.com/Red5Iam" target="_blank">Red5</a> made this prop, and no, she does not want to make another one!<br />
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Photo 25: All of the Jokester's henchmen wore masks to hide their faces. Each mask was a famous comedian. At first we thought it would be easy to find these masks on line, or in Hollywood at the LARGEST HALLOWEEN STORE IN THE WORLD, but none were to be found except a creepy Jay Leno. So I sculpted the other 5 myself. I was hoping to spend a whole week on this task alone, but as things got piled up and I spent most of my time putting out low budget fires, the mask project kept getting put aside in hopes that some existing ones would surface. Ultimately, I ended up sculpting all five masks in one afternoon, the day before they shot! Red5 and Winkler pulled an all-nighter with me to mold and cast them, and I painted them on the liftgate of the art truck at the location as Sandeep paced around inside the bank waiting to shoot. No pressure or anything.<br />
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Photo 26: The scene ends with Morphman transforming into a wrecking ball, and Worldman throwing him through the bank wall. My friends at Sypher Studios helped create the damaged wall, and we set it up in front of a set of double doors.<br />
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I didn't have to make a costume for Morphman, because he is never seen in human form during the show. He is, however, in tons of scenes morphing into different props. Dozens of them. We decided that every prop would have his color scheme with tell tale pinstripes, so you always knew it was him.<br />
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Photo 27: Even when he was a piggy bank...<br />
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Photo 28: Or a toaster...<br />
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Photo 29: Or a gavel. He was also a chair, a coat rack, a shopping cart, a lamp, a vase, a balloon, a guitar, a soccer ball...the list was endless. <br />
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Photo 30: But Morph and Jokester weren't the only ones enjoying propage. Night Knight had his fair share of personal arsenal this season. The coat of arms he wears on his chest is the Swiss army logo supers dream about. It has mini swords, a chainsaw, a grappling hook, these throwing stars shaped like his initials...<br />
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Photo 31: Night Knight also has a jam packed utility belt, filled with handy things like this smoke bomb for quick escapes. I tried to make all of his gadgets look "medieval."<br />
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Photo 32: No one knows exactly where Night Knight gets his gadgets, but it is suspected that he makes a fair share of them himself. We get to see his skill in action as he crafts some booties for his future super baby. The kid is sure to be warm and deadly with this footwear...<br />
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Photo 33: Once again, though, the reigning crown of props goes to Felicia Day. Panthera had more custom props than any other character, even though she was only in a single episode of the show. She was the purrrfect criminal. (deal with it, there is so much more to come) Her super power is that she can recreate an exact duplicate of ANYTHING from cardboard, justifiably called "DupliCats." This way she can steal the original, and no one will even notice it is gone, making her the cat's meow of burglars. Of cat burglars... terrible, I know. <br />
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Photo 34: The most intricate Duplicat was the replica of an Assyrian bull. This was only seen as a final product, so it didn't need to be made of cardboard. But it did need to be light weight so it could be tossed around like cardboard. I wanted to find a fiberglass copy at a prop house, but everything we came across was stone and heavy. I ended up carving this one out of a chunk of foam.<br />
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Photo 35: We did manage to find a decent and affordable bust of Nefertiti. This still needed to be duplicated, or, uh, duplicat-ed, in cardboard so Night Knight could smash it.<br />
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Photo 36: The hardest part of prop making is watching something you spent so much time on get purposely destroyed right before your eyes...<br />
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Photo 37: Other Duplicats were works in progress, where we actually see Panthera constructing great works of art from crude materials. The script called out a few specifics, but I got to add a few of my own. I thought this Remington would be a nice touch.<br />
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Photo 38: For her great escape, Panthera makes a duplicat of herself to fool the surveillance cameras. When we shot the scene, we had Felicia strike a pose for the front view, then I matched it with this hollow cardboard dummy for the over the shoulder shot.<br />
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Photo 39: The Panthera prop list seemed never ending. There was also duplicat jail bars, a Merman standee, a cardboard car door, computer monitors. There was also a ton of arts and craft supplies, and random gags like these custom cat themed magazines. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3305074/" target="_blank">Josie Kavadoy</a> and Red5 did the graphics. Pawlin is my Boston Terrier, Print, who also played Zaboo's mom in an episode of the Guild. We like to keep it in the family!<br />
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Photo 40: Some characters, thankfully, had very low prop demands. The benefit of a super hero like Worldman is that he doesn't need anything but his cape and his good looks. Unless, of course, he's shamelessly promoting his own cereal...<br />
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Photo 41: Once filming was done, the BarnYard took on some of the post FX work. One of our main jobs was to make the exterior of SuperForce HQ match the interior I designed. Sandeep shot a plate downtown, and we needed to create elements that would make the Los Angeles building look like a version of the Hall of Justice.<br />
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Photo 42: BarnYardFX alum Mazin Dajani helmed this exterior, painting out all of the tell tale LA signage, and constructing some new architectural elements to convert the building into the HQ. I had him add the SF signal light on top, along with statues of the heroes. We also emphasized the black framed frosted glass, so it would echo the interior shots.<br />
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Photo 43: You can do a lot of amazing things with computer effects these days, but I still think the best effects are the ones you didn't even know were there. A good example would be this exterior shot of Elementra grabbing a smoke. Nothing distracting about this shot, right? Well, it took a lot of work to make it that way.<br />
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Photo 44: In typical indie style, we had to steal this shot downtown. It's hard
enough trying to run and gun film making in Los Angeles, so it
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shoot. So Mazin painstakingly painted the signage out. Ordinarily, it would be no big deal, Mandell crosses past the right hand sign, and in front of the doors, which needed to match the interior set doors. Plus, the footage needed to be shot hand held (You will be ticketed for filming in LA before your tripod legs even touch the ground if you try to use gear without a permit) so no two frames were the same. That meant days of tracking and rotoscoping, for an effect no one even knew was an effect! A big round of applause to Mazin for making it look so easy!<br />
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Photo 45: So that's Save The Supers! I hope you enjoyed the show, and I hope there will be more to come! I'm curious to know who everyone's favorite character is, and which prop you like the best! Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/gregaronowitz" target="_blank">twitter</a> for more behind the scenes!</div>
<br />Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-49599818233649065152012-11-10T13:51:00.000-08:002012-11-10T13:54:44.323-08:00SyFy's Hot SetA few months ago, I had the privilege of joining SyFy Channel on a new show called Hot Set. But, as a first, I wasn't behind the scenes this time, I was actually starring in the show! Well, at least an episode of the show.<br />
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Hot Set is from the minds that brought you the make-up effects based sensation Face Off, only this time the focus is on the art of production design for film and television. Each week, two designers go head to head to design their version of a set based on an excerpt from a script.<br />
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Each designer is allowed to bring two team members that they usually work with. I was joined by Red5 and Amish, and our set theme was "Alien Queen".<br />
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It was a very different experience, creating a set as "competitive sport". Probably the closest I will ever come to "live performance art!"<br />
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It was quite the challenge, but we had a great time doing it. Curious how it turned out? You can now watch it online thanks to SyFy.com.<br />
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It's so strange to see myself on television! Let me know what you think about how we did in the comments below.<br />
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Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-26520802558778470072012-09-24T01:47:00.001-07:002012-09-24T15:00:54.081-07:00Written By A Kid: Ginger Potato<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
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Have you seen this show yet? It's pretty amazing. The concept is that a kid tells a story, straight from their imagination, live on camera, and then filmmakers use that as a script and bring the story to life. There is currently a full season of 10 episodes up on Geek & Sundry, and they are definitely worth a watch!</div>
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I was first introduced to the show by Executive Producer Kim Evey, who asked if I would direct an episode. It sounded right up my alley, so I jumped on board immediately. The show was still in it's early stages, so filming was a few months off, but Kim asked if I would design the logo as they were gearing up for production. </div>
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I created multiple pages of sketches, some very sophisticated logo concepts, others strong title designs, but the thing that everyone responded to instantly was a doodle of a kid riding inside a pencil, drawn as if by a child's hand. It pretty much looked exactly like what you see above, with the exception that the final was refined in Adobe Illustrator to make it look a little slicker. Amish put together the opening title sequence in After Effects, and so began the BarnYard's journey into Written By A Kid!<br />
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Photo 1: The show works by pairing kids with directors that click with their stories. Kim and the gang chose the directors they wanted to work with, and everyone got to watch the interviews and pitch their take on the kid's story they were most drawn to. I chose three different stories, and pretty much found an angle on each one to bring puppets into the mix. Everyone was pretty excited about the concept of using puppetry, and while I was waiting to find out which story I would get, Kim called me and said, "If that's how you are going to do it, I really want you to do a story you haven't heard about yet! It's called Ginger Potato, and I think it's perfect for you." </div>
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So I designed and directed Ginger Potato. It's the story of a gingerbread man named Gumdrop who just can't catch a break. As with all the projects I direct, I start with dissecting the characters. Or, in this case, building them!</div>
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I began the gingerbread puppet process by cutting out the silhouette of Gumdrop from a sheet of sintra plastic. </div>
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Photo 2: Then I built up a thickness of roma plastilina #3 clay to give him shape and dimension. I only made this sculpt half as thick as I wanted the final puppet. I finalized the sculpt with a light texture to simulate cookie dough!</div>
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Photo 3: When the sculpture was complete, I hot glued it to a piece of foam core, and made foam core walls around it. I then poured silicone over it to make a negative box mold. This was to become the back side of Gumdrop.</div>
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Photo 4: I was able to pull the mold off without damaging the sculpt, so I reused it create Gumdrop's front half. I sculpted "frosting" in the shape of clothing, and made indents for his eyes. I thought about leaving his body blank and adding the frosting later with silicone or slip latex, but I knew I would need multiple puppets, which would mean making exact duplicates of the hand applied clothing, plus the worry of it peeling, popping, and cracking. </div>
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I didn't take any pictures of the front half for some reason, but you can see the sculpted frosting in the negative mold above. </div>
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Photo 5: Mark Viniello ran the foam latex for me, and he tinted it to such a perfect gingerbread color, I didn't even bother painting a base coat! Here you see two assembled puppets, consisting of a front and back foam glued together, and the side seam coated in prosaide. The upper puppet is getting his gumdrop "shoes", which I made from chunks of mattress foam, scissor cut to shape, stippled with PAX paint, and coated with clear glitter.</div>
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Photo 6: I ended up making a total of three puppets for this shoot. The one on the left is the "bottom puppet", named so because of the permanent rod protruding from his bottom. The rod goes all the way through the body and attaches to a styrene disc inside Gumdrop's head. When I turn the rod, the puppets head turns. This puppet was mostly used for close-ups where you couldn't see him from the waist down. </div>
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The middle puppet was used for shooting the sequence when Gumdrop first wakes up, and before he is dressed. I made this version using two back halves. When you see him before he puts his eyes on, you are looking at the back of this same puppet. After he has eyes, I just flipped him around. </div>
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The last puppet is the most used of all. He is a fully rod puppet, meaning that I operated him completely with external rods. He has no armature whatsoever, the foam he is made of was just the right density to allow him to move in all the right places. </div>
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Photo 6: I embedded small sleeves of brass square tube stock into each hand, the bottom of each foot, and the top of his head. I could move each limb by manipulating long rods of solid brass square stock that fit perfectly into these sleeves.</div>
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Photo 7: I am the first one to argue the advantages of practical effects in this digital age, but I firmly believe that the best results are achieved when you use all the best tools at your disposal. So I decided that I would keep my puppets simple, but give Gumdrop lifelike expressions by adding a CG mouth in post. In order to do that, we had to add red tracking dots onto his face so that Mazin Dazani would always know where the mouth needed to be as the head turned and moved around in the frame. Here's his explanation of how all that compacted stuff works:</div>
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Photo 8: Now that Gumdrop is a fully realized character, I needed to give him a home. Ima, who crated the story, was very descriptive about where Gumdrop lived. She mentioned that his house was pretty normal looking, but smaller. And of course, made of candy and gingerbread! This house is actually made of sintra, stippled with bondo, and painted with acrylics. But it still looks tasty!</div>
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Photo 9: The next step was to tile the roof. I went with vanilla wafers. And a lot of them, too! If you live in the Los Angeles area and noticed a shortage of cookies at your local grocery store, now you know why! We bought out several stores multiple times over! It may not look like tons of cookies, but each side of the roof took about 8 boxes, and we made two houses!</div>
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Photo 10: The first house was the "hero" house, that always needed to look pristine and perfect. I wanted it to last a while, so I decided to do all the frosting using white silicone tiling caulk. It worked really well, but the second "stunt" version of the house needed to be edible, as the actor playing Potato would be bitting chucks off of it. So I made a simple frosting from powdered sugar. Again, simple enough, with the exception that we used about 10 pounds of powdered sugar before we were done!</div>
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Photo 11: I really wanted the hero house to be a permanent part of the BarnYard collection, so my original idea was to mold, cast, and fabricate ALL of the candy decorations. I figured if it was all artificial, it would last forever. unfortunately, there wasn't the time or budget, so we went with real sweets. </div>
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Photo 12: And again, A LOT of them!!! This 3.75 pound bag of Jolly Ranchers is one of 5 we used to make the candy brick work for this episode. I don't think I've eaten that many in my life. </div>
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Photo 13: Here is edible version of the chimney being made. It was laid up like real brick and mortar. just stickier. A second hero version was made using silicon caulk between the Jolly Ranchers. </div>
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Photo 14: Oreos, Lifesavers, ribbon candy, candy canes, sour patch ribbons as curtains, you name it, we used it. And ate it. I can honestly say that working with this much candy was one of the hardest things in my career. The difficulty of building with it was only matched by the stomach aches from eating every other piece! </div>
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Photo 15: Gumdrop wasn't the only one who needed a home. I decided right away that I would build Potato's house, too, instead of finding a location. I would have more control over the design and the lighting, and Chris Darnell and I could create a more stylized look because of that. Web budgets being tight, I had to carefully chose how much of the house I wanted to see, and create the environment around it accordingly. </div>
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Photo 16: We shot on a sound stage, and I thought having a tall, solid fence would make it easier to sell that we were outdoors, especially since most of the shots would be from a low puppet level. I went with bright, cheerful colors, because that's what i saw in my mind as Ima told her story. </div>
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Photo 17: We essentially had a "3 walled set" for the shoot, consisting of the side of the house, and a corner of fence. </div>
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Photo 18: For those few shots were we did look up, James O'Connor painted the walls behind the set blue to represent sky. The work light up in the corner makes it look like we already had a sun!</div>
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Photo 19: The whole story revolves around an apple tree in the back yard, so I went to Jackson Shrubs in North Hollywood to see if they had anything that worked. There was something about this particular tree that appealed to me, but it was lacking a low hanging branch where I could puppeteer Gumdrop. The greensman were happy to add one on for me, so i lucked out with the perfect tree. I only needed to add the apples!</div>
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Photo 20: Once everything was built and ready to shoot, I did a quick pass of storyboards to show everyone HOW we were going to shoot it. Ordinarily, I like to have very polished boards with clean drawings, but with so much to do in so little time, I felt that my chicken scratch first pass doodles were sufficient enough to get us through the shoot. The most important thing is that they show composition and movement through the frame, so that all the visual departments can be on the same page. </div>
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Above is an example of a sequence, comparing the original board to the final frame below it. You can see how close they match, with the few exceptions of adjustments made during filming to work better with the set. </div>
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Photo 21: Finally, we were filming! I had a small crew, but everything was very localized, so setting up the lighting and camera equipment went very quickly. Chris decided to shoot on the RED, which helped a lot in the post, giving us the highest resolution to work with on the FX plates. </div>
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Photo 25: If you have watched Ginger Potato already, you certainly recognized the amazing Bonnie Friedericy as Potato's mom. I'm a huge fan, and I love her as the General on Chuck. It meant a lot to me that she came out to do the role, and it was really fun working with her. Hopefully we'll do it again some time soon!</div>
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Photo 26: If you are unfamiliar with how movie sets work, here's a basic break down: The director watches the actors on a monitor. </div>
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Photo 27: The DP, or Director of Photography, watches the lighting and the movement in the frame through the camera.</div>
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Photo 28: And the producer watches everything and everybody! Kim Evey stayed on set with me the whole time, making sure everybody had what they needed, supervising all of the paperwork, business and legal stuff, and provided a second pair of eyes to help keep me on track with actor performances, schedule, and storyboard matching. Kim is one of my best friends, and we work on lots of stuff together, and I can honestly say I rarely see her away from that computer!!! Even a potential shark attack cannot break her cyber concentration!</div>
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Photo 29: Caption this photo as you will...</div>
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Photo 30: I was originally thinking about a kid for Potato, but the second Kim introduced me to Michael Busch, I knew he had to play the part. He has very youthful features, and his talent enabled him to capture the spirit of the tyrannical neighbor kid we all had to grow up next to. His acting convinced you he was a child, but he is so clearly an adult, it really just help solidify the surreal quality I was looking for in the show. </div>
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I love this photo of Michael relaxing as we set up for the interior night shot because it shows how little set we actually had! The bedroom "interior" was literally the back of the exterior wall painted blue, and it was hardly longer than the bed. </div>
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You can also see Lindse, one of my model makers, standing in front of the New York hallway set. Keeping in mind that the backyard and fence is right outside of Michael's window, you can get a sense of how small our shooting area was!</div>
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Photo 31: Speaking of the New York hallway set, one of my favorite parts of Ginger Potato was the gingerbread Brownstone. Ima mentions in her story that Gumdrop "buys a house" when he gets to New York. I may have jumped to my own assumption, but it seemed to me that by New York, she meant NYC. I thought it would be fun, and less repetitious, if instead of Gumdrop's new home being in the yard again, or even on the street, it was a miniature Brownstone in the hall of a full size duplex. </div>
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Red 5 took my drawing and the instructions that "everything had to be brown" and crafted this awesome (and truthfully the most delicious smelling model I have ever come across) facade from graham crackers, cinnamon sticks, caramel cubes, Hershey's frosting, Milky Way stairs, and a Nestle Crunch door. </div>
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Photo 32: It's kind of an inside joke, probably only funny to me, that I based the design for the Brownstone on a similar one in Manhattan that housed Jim Henson's company. For years, the muppets were made there, so it seemed only fitting that a puppet would want that style for himself. </div>
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I went with a darker, dingier wallpaper for the hall, since most of my memories growing up on the East Coast reflect that. Not in a creepy way, just more in an older building due for some maintenance sort of way. It just felt more natural to me than a Uptown, modern building type condo.<br />
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Photo 33: Every once in a while, when dropping off a foam run, Mark will bring his kids to the BarnYard. They love to play with Art and Print, and his daughters, not surprisingly, are very well versed in the art of special effects even at their young age. His entire family is very photogenic and jovial, and he mentioned once that Ava often talked about being an actress. I wasn't sure if she would want to do it at first, but it was only a few hours after I asked Mark if Ava would be interested in playing Potato 2 when I received this drawing of us on set with Gumdrop. </div>
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Mark brought Ava and her sisters to the set, and they seriously were like a flock of angels. They helped decorate the set, and even took turns calling "Action!" Ava took direction like a seasoned pro, and she is so adorable in the end sequence I wish we could do a sequel. I told Felicia that there needs to be a Guild flashback were Ava plays the young Codex. To see what I'm talking about, watch this behind the scenes clip:<br />
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Photo 34: We wrapped photography on the stage, but only half of the storyboards were x'd out. A big chunk of the show takes place inside Gumdrop's house, and that was going to be a second day of shooting on a miniature set at the BarnYard. But first, I had to build the set! I hate repeating myself, so i wanted the interior design to include all new and diverse candy from the exterior. Influenced by the original Willy Wonka, I decided to go with the idea of edible wallpaper. It took several trips around town to buy up all the available candy buttons. The people at Rocket Fizz in Burbank thought I was crazy! </div>
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Photo 35: The interior house was a three walled set, the basic structure made from sintra. I spray painted the walls a light blue base, then spray mounted the candy button strips to look like 50's style stripped wall paper. The "home sweet home" sign (America Young smiles knowingly) is actually made of stacked layers of sintra painted brown, although I did write the words in cake decorating gel!</div>
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Photo 36: Another huge bag of Jolly Ranchers was cracked open for the fireplace. I kind of had to repeat this idea for bricks, so it tied into the chimney. But I can't complain, it worked really well! One thing I can complain about: Those damn Jolly Rancher wrappers!!! Why are they so hard to get off! I swear it took longer to unwrap all the candy than it did to assemble the final prop.</div>
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Photo 37: In a effort to save time, Red5 came up with the plan to hot glue all the Jolly Ranchers in place, perfectly spaced, and then pipe in the icing around them, rather than build it up layer by layer like the chimney. </div>
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Photo 38: Sadly, any time saved there was lost unwrapping the HUNDREDS of Starburst Fruit Chews we needed to tile the floor. Who's brilliant idea was that? Regrettably, mine. Well, regrettably at the time as it took days to assemble, especially since the floor had to have hidden trap doors in it for puppeteering, but now that I watch the final film, I wouldn't change a single tile. I would, however, eat less Starburst! I bet this is my dentist's favorite thing I ever filmed...</div>
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Photo 39: Each Starburst was glued in and had to be gently shaped by hand, as they are all not perfect squares. The toughest part was making sure that no two tiles of the same color ever came into contact with each other. We mixed the traditional flavors with bags of the tropical flavors for more variety, but it was enough floor space that it got tricky to avoid color collisions!</div>
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Photo 40: I created Wayne's coating out of Kit Kats. A word of advice: Don't use Kit Kats for model building. They taste great, but the melt so easily, and they're impossible to glue! I had my fingers crossed during the entire shoot, hoping they weren't going to just crumble onto the Starburst floor!</div>
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Photo 41: Gumdrop is quite the interior decorator! Lollipop throw rugs, fruit roll-up carpet, candy cane chairs, pop-tart table, marshmallow nightstand, rock candy chandelier. He has all the sweet furniture. The bed is the only thing in his home NOT made of candy. I toyed around with the idea of different kinds of candy beds, but I knew I wanted him to be "baking", so in the end, the idea of heater coils and candy didn't really mesh. It made more sense that he would have an "easy bake oven" type of set up, and since this was more of equipment than furniture, I was ok with sugar not being the main construction material. </div>
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Another early idea was to use miniature neon to create the "hot coil" effect. It proved to be too costly, so it bumped to an After Effects plate. But on the day, Chris lit it so well, it ended up being a simple practical lighting gag in the final film. Maz was very happy.</div>
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Photo 42: Another view of Gumdrop's home, as he sleeps under the oven coils. None of that was part of Ima's story, but it just seemed like the right way to introduce the character. I figured she was telling a "day in the life of a gingerbread man" story, so I wanted to show how a typical day starts for him. The piece is very short, and since he's our hero, the concept of watching him wake up and prep for a good day in the yard endeared him to me, and hopefully you, which makes Potato all that more menacing. </div>
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I think its funny that I didn't even bother finishing the top of the oven canopy. This photo shows an angle I never intended to shoot for the film, so I just didn't put any detail into anything outside the lens. Obviously, the danger in doing so is it limits your ability to make radical changes to the camera placement, but since the director and the designer are the same person, there wasn't a lot of finger pointing! </div>
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Photo 43: I hope you enjoyed the tour of Gumdrop Potato! I just realized that there wasn't much explanation about the puppeteering aspect of the show, but I guess we can save that for another blog! I have a few more awesome puppet projects coming up soon, so be sure to come back for more information. Oh, and don't forget to wish Kenny Mittleider a happy birthday in the comments below! This blog wouldn't exist without him!!!</div>
Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-59405044731010356442012-09-11T12:02:00.001-07:002012-09-11T15:42:26.513-07:00Borderlands 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Early this summer, I was contacted by my friends at gNet about doing some prototype mask work for a test shoot they were planning for a live action commercial to promote GearBox's new release of Borderlands 2.<br />
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Photo 1: I created a version of the bandit. It's a hand painted fiberglass mask with real stitching and a rubber outer gasket.<br />
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Photo 2: The shoot was a series of still images composited into backgrounds, with digital effects added. The final look was very convincing, and the mask, the make-up, and the wardrobe all helped assure the client that the commercial was possible. </div>
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Photo 3: Right before San Diego Comicon, I got the call that there was an official greenlight on the full blown spot. Except this time, they would need more masks. A lot of them!</div>
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Photo 4: Luckily, with the week long SDCC creating quite the time crunch for me, I had left my original Psycho mask sculpture in tact (I had to turn the project around so fast, I only made a quick alginate mold for the one-off prototype. This peeled off easily, so the clay was unharmed). I made some refinements to it, including sculpting the individual stitching onto it, as the hand stitching through pre-drilled holes in the fiberglass took forever on the original. </div>
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I created a <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2010/01/guild-xmas-blog-2-clara-mommy-and-me.html" target="_blank">silicone matrix mold with a fiberglass jacket</a> so I had a sturdy negative to mass produce positive pulls from. </div>
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Photo 5: Once the mold was finished, <a href="https://twitter.com/Red5Iam" target="_blank">Red 5</a> led the team on a multi-day fiberglass excursion while I started sculpting the other characters. </div>
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Photo 6: Each mask had to be done in multiple layers, dried, then trimmed with a cut-off disc on a dremel. The eyes needed to be hollowed out, and the entire interior mask had to be sanded smooth for actor comfort. </div>
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Photo 7: Next the masks were primed and base coated. An entire day was spend painting the fiberglass to look like leather on each mask. Intern Samantha tediously hand painted every sculpted stitch to look like woolen twine. Then the masks were washed in thinned out acrylic paint in several tones of brown and black, which were blotted away with paper towel to create a grunge, weathered effect. </div>
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The last painting procedure was applying the chrome metal trim to the goggles and the filter. The masks were finalized with the black L-200 gasket and a series of leather straps. The hero mask got black scrim in the eyes, and a set of LEDS with a micro switch and tiny hidden battery, wired up by <a href="https://twitter.com/trix8687" target="_blank">Anthony Thompson</a></div>
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Photo 8: I started roughing out the Marauder helmet, which originally we thought was just a bandana and goggles. But closer inspection of the 3D game assets (which I'd love to show you, but I don't think GearBox would want that out there before the game release!) revealed that there is actually a metal helmet under the cloth. I decided to go with vacuformed plastic shells that held some of the wrinkle shapes, so the end result would be as stylized as this screenshot from the game. </div>
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Photo 9: I kept it subtle, as I didn't want every wrinkle on every helmet to match exactly. But the overall structure of the mask would help me achieve the extreme shape of the in-game character. You can see how sharp the nose is in the profile screen cap behind the sculpt.<br />
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In the end, we had 4 days to create 13 helmets and masks, which is pretty tight even for us nutjobs at the BarnYard. So I decided to call in some help, and went right for the big guns. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0574237/" target="_blank">Jim McPherson</a> joined in and finished this sculpt. If you think I have an impressive resume, check out what Jim has worked on!<br />
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Photo 10: For the sake of time, Jim shimmed the finished roma plastilina clay sculpt and made two halves of a mold in alginate, with plaster bandage casings. These days, aliginate is almost as expensive as silicone, so there is not a lot of saving on this single use mold. But, the dental impression material does dry within minutes, so we did save a lot of time. Once Jim had the sculpture prepped, he made the mold and had plaster positives ready to be vacuformed within the hour!</div>
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Photo 11: The positives had to be poured solid, as vacuforming buts hundreds of pounds of pressure on the "buck", which is what the positive is called for vacumforming. Any low spots had to be vented to the bottom, so suction can still pull on the plastic even after it contacts the surface of the buck. I usually drill them out, but Jim did this neat trick where he greased up some brass rods and stuck them into the alginate mold, pouring the plaster around them. When the plaster cured, we pulled them out, and had perfect vents with minimal effort!</div>
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Photo 12: Another thing that has to be taken into consideration when vacuforming is the thickness of the plastic. And for multiple reasons. The first is that when pulling plastic over a positive, your final outer surface will them be the thickness of the plastic larger than the original. So if you are trying to achieve an exact measurement, you need to create the original at a size less the thickness of the plastic. Make sense? Just in case, since I think I am even confusing myself, here is a clear example: if you want to create a vacumformed shell of a square at a final outer dimension of 6 inches on all sides, and you plan on pulling it from a .125" plastic sheet, you need to create your original square buck at 5.75" per side. See, simple...</div>
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The next thing to consider is "draft". The term has multiple meanings in the process of vacuforming, one being the angle of which the buck hits the vacuum table. But in terms of the plastic, it means how much "stretch" the sheet has to undergo to reach the table. The higher your buck extends from the table, the bigger the draft. If there is too much draft, the plastic will split, the suction of the vacuum will be lost, and the pull ruined. This is prevented by calculating the proper thickness of the plastic used, so it stretches down to the desired end measurement. For example, you may want to use .080 plastic over a steep draft to end up with a .060 thick part after its pulled. We went with .100 to get an .80 result based on a 24"x24" table. Oh, yeah, you need to factor that in, too. Ugh, so much math...</div>
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Photo 13: And after all that calculating, we covered it up with a bandana! Expertly crafted, though, by Lauren of <a href="http://www.castlecorsetry.com/" target="_blank">Castle Corsetry</a>.</div>
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Photo 14: I used 3M 77 to adhere the bandanas, starting at the nose so I could line up the white arch perfectly. Then I gathered and folded the rest of the fabric to look like the art, tying it off in the back and stitching it together. Then I hacked it all up with scissors, and used watered down acrylics to age it up.<br />
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Photo 15: The final step was to attached the leather goggle straps with brass buckles, and glue in brass nose bridge. </div>
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Photo 16: But wait! There's more! The production company asked me to build the masks, and the next day they told me they were having trouble locating a costume designer that could handle bringing the rest of the characters to life. I recommended <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0495348/" target="_blank">Shawna Trpcic</a>, who you know from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EN71CW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001EN71CW&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Firefly</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001EN71CW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024FAR66/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0024FAR66&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">Dollhouse</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0024FAR66" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008G33O0G/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008G33O0G&linkCode=as2&tag=bafx0b-20">The Cabin In The Woods </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008G33O0G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and everything else cool. We had collaborated together on projects such as Dragon Age: redemption and Husbands, and I love working with her. She took the job, and production piled on the characters! At the top of the new list was the assassin Zer0, and I begged Shawna to let me make the helmet. Which she did. She's awesome!<br />
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Photo 17: Coincidently, I sculpted Zer0 on the bust of Doug Jones, who was the villain in DA:R. This was the hardest character to do, since the game art makes him so spindly, and much more robot than human. I had to take certain liberties to even make the design fit around a human head.<br />
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Photo 18: The finished Zer0 sculpt. The spot called for 2 versions, so I didn't go crazy with the battle damage in the clay original. I figured I would dremel some into the final fiberglass castings, so they could be unique.<br />
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Photo 19: In the wee hours of the night, the Zer0 helmet was clayed and shimmed for a silicone matrix mold.<br />
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Photo 20: We were desperately short on time, so McPherson convinced me that we could pull off a single silicone pour, as opposed to the traditional multi-part pour. This is usually done so that the rubber would separate with each piece of fiberglass jacket, making it easier to remove from the positive, and also allowing more control of the airflow in pouring the liquid rubber, so the chances of capturing air against the sculpture are minimized. It was a risky proposition, but Jim's a pro, so I knew he would pull it off. And in exchange, we each got 3 hours sleep that night since we shaved so much time off the workload!<br />
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Photo 21: The mold cured perfectly, and Jim and Red5 began working on the fiberglass positives. </div>
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Photo 22: Once they were ready, I started doing the finish work to the hero helmets. This is where I carved unique nicks and dings into each helmet.<br />
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Photo 23: Obviously, the actors needed a way to see, so I vacuformed clear lexan into a plaster negative of the Zer0 visor, and fused it into a hole I dremeled out of the helmet.<br />
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Photo 24: The trick was to not make it LOOK like there was a clear plastic viewscreen in the supposedly solid visor. I feathered gray primer as far over the clear as I could while still making sure it was possible to see out. Then I taped off the window and sprayed the helmets black. I did a series of washes over that, tape removed, so I could model the aging around and over the clear window.<br />
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Photo 25: Once I was done, the clear section was almost invisible to the naked eye, and there was still 90% visibility from inside. It was the equivalent of looking through dirty sunglasses.<br />
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Photo 26: To help insure that light didn't reflect off the actor's face and illuminate the clear window, I hung a small curtain of sheer black tool behind it. The final stage for Zer0 was aging with paint, and using chrome model paint to accent battle damage. </div>
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Photo 27: It was super late, or super early, depending on how you look at it, and I was getting delirious painting all of the chrome streaks and spots to look like metal exposed through sword chipped paint. I decided to hide a few tiny Easter eggs in the scuff patterns, a tribute to my favorite geeks. One helmet has The Knights of Good shield on it, the other sports the Team Unicorn logo!</div>
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Photo 28: Had enough? Well, we're not done yet. You don't seriously think I'd just do a mere 13 helmets for an awesome production like this, do you!?! I mean, once you've been awake for 4 days straight, what's another sleepless night! Let's build some props!<br />
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gNet decided that they really wanted to have a loot box in the commercial, but didn't realize that one wasn't commissioned until the first day of shooting when it wasn't there. They called me up and asked if I had one more piece in me, and well, it was cool looking, so I couldn't say no. It was scheduled to shoot the very next day, so there was no time to lose. Amish scaled up the 3D model we got from the game developers, and we started building the finishing details before we even started the main structure!<br />
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Photo 29: The end result was pretty cool, though. We finished around 4am, and it was going to shoot just outside of Palm Springs at 8 that morning. So, if the delivery truck drove really fast, it would be right on time!<br />
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Photo 30: Based on the proportional dimensions from the game asset, this prop was NOT small!<br />
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Photo 31: Despite the fact that we had less than 20 hours to build this thing, we still tried to match every detail from the game. And the style. I absolutely love the painterly style GearBox gave Borderlands, and it was a thrill to try and capture that in real life. Red5 made these stencils based on the game renderings, and we matched the exact placement.<br />
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Photo 32: this one is dedicated to Red5's dad!<br />
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Photo 33: And just to round the night off perfectly, the "delivery truck" ended up being a mid-sized SUV. It took a while to squeeze the giant loot box into the back, but it made to set unscathed, and you can see it early on in the commercial. The rest is pretty hazy, but I think I actually got to sleep after that. Poor Amish had to go get ready for an early morning photo shoot for his wedding invitations! I just got mine in the mail. He channeled a week of no sleep into a total rock star aura! Which is a good thing, since I'd be lost if the future Mrs. Amish made him stop racing the daylight at the BarnYard! Everybody congratulate Amish in the comments below! </div>
Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-1670743630078760672012-07-23T22:51:00.000-07:002012-07-23T23:00:44.040-07:00San Diego Comicon 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Photo 1: It's the biggest and the best, and this year, San Diego Comicon one again lived up to it's reputation as the largest and most exciting comic convention in the world. </div>
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Photo 2: And I came fully prepared! Red 5 and I drove a truck full of merchandise, promos, posters, props, supplies, and a metric ton of Star Wars t-shirts so we could spread the word about all of the shows we did this year, and promote my new company, Floppets!</div>
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Photo 3: Floppets had lots of new items to promote, but we were also excited to bring one of our original products to the con for the first time this year. The Guild Floppets are a fan favorite, and we could barely keep full sets in stock once all the Guildies found us!</div>
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Photo 4: Our big announcement this con was the premier of Star Trek Floppets! They are so new, even the first time my partner Rich saw them was at the booth! We made these exclusively for Roddenberry Entertainment, so we were honored to be able to promote them at the Roddenberry booth, which has been a staple of Comicon for years. </div>
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Photo 5: I know there is a ton of Trek merchandise for you to chose from, so I thought I would sweeten the deal with a show special! I designed this blue command symbol as a premium only available at the conventions, and only as a bonus if you buy a full set of the standard nine designs. We sold a ton on Preview Night, which was a good sign of what was to come for the weekend ahead.</div>
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Photo 6: Thursday morning started early for me, but not as early as it did for Rod Roddenberry! He was up, at the beach, and prepping to dive by 5:30! Luckily, I got to meet up with him around 7:30. I did some press for our film, White Room: 02B3, which premiered later that evening, then supervised a small beach cleanup in conjunction with the Roddenberry Art Project I am doing. Rod's dive team is sponsoring a contest called Trashy Diver, which promotes waterway cleanups and awards prizes to participants. I gather up all the trash, and am turning it into a sculpture to create awareness for the damage we do to our water sources. thank you to everyone that came to help out on the beach!</div>
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Photo 7: After the cleanup, I went with the Roddenberry Dive Team to the Birch Aquarium, where Rod was the guest diver in kelp tank. It was quite the sight to see, and Rod's underwater speech about how the ocean was as alien to us as outer space was so moving it teared me up! </div>
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Photo 8: I couldn't stay for the whole event, as Comicon had already opened and I needed to get back there, but I did manage to sneak in a private behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium, including the usually off limits seahorse nursery! Spending a few moments with those adorable baby creatures only fortified my passion for using my art to inspire people to help save the seas. </div>
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Photo 9: I made it back onto the floor just in time for my first signing with the stars of my film, White Room: 02B3. It was shot in 360 degrees, and at the Roddenberry panel, we officially announced that not only will you be able to watch the film at a dome theater near you, but also on your iphone or ipad, where you can move the screen around to view anywhere in the room. That way you can watch Milynn Sarley as she paces the room, ready to strike at any moment! (photo courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/BeauRyan" target="_blank">Beau Ryan</a>)</div>
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Photo 10: After a full day of comicon, I headed to the Birch Theater to watch the director's cut of WR:02B3, and Rod's documentary about his father, Trek Nation. It was awesome to see both films on the big screen, and afterwards writer Tory Mell, actors Milynn, Tony Janning, and myself Joined Rod on stage for a Q&A.</div>
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Photo 11: Friday started out with a live version of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUSKVLLbaXQ&list=PL8D3EFFBB747B9769&index=18&feature=plpp_video" target="_blank">Felicia Day's Flog</a>, filmed on the YouTube stage. I was thrilled that Felicia asked me to appear with her in the segment, and even more so with the turnout! We came up with the crazy idea of making masks so that Felicia can move about Comicon more freely, as it is hard for her to get from place to place without being bombarded with fans. By all means, that's a good thing, but because her schedule is so tight, she ends up feeling bad that she has to deny people autographs and photos in order to not be late to appearances. I thought it might be easier for her if she was in Comiconito!<br />
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Photo 11: Felicia and I met up with the rest of the Guild cast for a signing at the Roddenberry booth. It was only an hour, as the whole gang had a packed schedule, but it was the ONLY signing on the convention floor for the whole weekend, so we had a huge turnout. It was awesome seeing celebrities from other huge shows wait in line to say hi, and express their love for THE GUILD and how much of an inspiration it was to them.<br />
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Photo 12: It was also great to see so many custom made Avatar weapons! I always love seeing Codex with her staff, but I am constantly blown away by all of the other characters that show up, like this Tink. The detail and accuracy of her costume and bow prove how much she loves the show. Great job!<br />
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Photo 13: Friday night ended with the Roddenberry/Geek Nation party. It was a blast. So many Sci-Fi faces. Of course, Claire Kramer's face stands out in any crowd! You loved her on Buffy, now follow her as she leads Geek Nation on a never dull journey through all things geek. A stellar example would be her podcast, <a href="http://www.geeknation.com/blog/podcasts/five-by-five-w/" target="_blank">5x5, which I guest starred on last week</a>! She got me to tell stories I have never told a soul before...<br />
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Photo 14: You know a Star trek party is a success when face huggers start impregnating assimilated federation officers! This is what I love the most about Comicon. It has opened up to so many genres, it literally is it's OWN genre! It has become a melting pot of everything that everybody loves, and it is the one place you can go where you are not judged for your specific allegiance. Star Wars and Star Trek fans share equal admiration for each other's universes, DC and Marvel diehards help each other in line for panels, Twilight and True Blood fans camp together all night to share the best seats in the house. It's its own universe, where everything we think is cool, is actually cool!<br />
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Photo 15: Saturday was very surreal for me. When I was 10 years old, fighting to stay awake late enough to watch re-runs of Star Trek, I never imagined I would be a guest at the world's largest comic convention, hanging out in the back of the official Roddenberry booth, applying Vulcan ears to a beautiful unicorn while being interviewed by a sci-fi magazine, while Brent Spiner, star of Star Trek: Next Generation, checks in on me to see if I'm ready to sit in with him for a signing promoting a new Star Trek product I created. It was a little chaotic, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I dream of the day when every moment of my life could be as magical as that opening to the biggest day of Comicon.<br />
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Photo 16: Brent and I have crossed paths many times, including the approval sessions for this Legends in 3 Dimensions bust I sculpted years ago. Most recently, I designed Brent's web-series, <a href="http://freshhellseries.com/" target="_blank">Fresh Hell</a>, and we thought it would be a good idea to do a joint push for the show, and my new Star Trek Floppets.<br />
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Photo 17: If you haven't seen the show, definitely check it out. It's hilarious, and the cast is amazing. That's the lovely Kat Steel sitting next to me. She co-stars as Dakota, Brent's neighbor who helps him on his journey to restore his Hollywood career. Brent was kind enough to join me for free signatures to anyone who bought Trek Floppets, and if you bought a full set, he gave away Fresh Hell t-shirts that exclaimed, "At least I'm not Brent Spiner!". Trek fans know it's rare to access the main cast for free, so we had a massive crowd. I can't thank Brent enough for helping me spread the word on Floppets.<br />
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Photo 18: Brent wasn't the only Next Gen alum to get Floppetized! Luvar Burton dropped by to say hi and the fans went crazy. After I talked to him for a few minutes, the girl who was next in line burst into tears and said, "that was the most amazing thing to ever happen in my life!" It's amazing how much these guys have affected us all. Even after all these years, Star Trek still inspires.</div>
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Photo 19: After a while, we had a few members of White Room: 02B3 join in to sign some posters to promote the film. I've had a crush on Tamlyn Tomita since I saw Karate Kid II, and her kindness and beauty never let that die. We first met on the pilot of Babylon 5, and although we have been friends ever since, WR:02B3 was the first project I ever directed Tamlyn in. It was great to have her at Comicon. Especially for the Glee fans! David Blue also sat in to sign for a while, and gave some awesome interviews about the 360 experience. I'm very proud to have worked with such a stellar cast, and I think you will be blown away when you finally see the new form of entertainment we created!<br />
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Photo 20: Wait...is that...? Yeah, I think it is! I think that's a Figment from Epcot that she's holding...<br />
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Photo 21: Saturday was full of signing, panels, interviews, and pitching Floppets, but when the show floor finally closed at 7pm, it seemed like the day had only just begun! All the big parties are on Saturday night, and we hopped from one to the other, ultimately ending up at Zack Levi's private Nerd HQ till around 4:30am!<br />
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Photo 22: It used to be the rule of thumb that Sunday was the quite day. And this was always a good thing, usually having been out till all hours of the night, and often being trapped in a booth or a table, the slower day allowed you to get out and see the floor. But now that the show is so popular, tickets sell out so fast that Sunday is the only day available for many hardcore fans. So this year, Sunday felt as energetic and packed as Friday and Saturday. Luckily, we still had plent of events to share with the crowd. Sandeep Parikh and the gang joined me for a combo Legend of Neil/ Save the Supers signing. We gave away a bunch of the LON DVD cover posters that I illustrated, as well as more WR:02B3 posters!<br />
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Photo 23: For the final signing of the weekend, we went out with a bang! Team Unicorn took over the booth to sign posters and give out the last of the TU logo floppets. The crowd was so dissapointed when the ran out, we decided to let them give away a bunch of Pets and Munchin monsters! Michele Boyd started a frenzy by tossing dozens of Floppets into the crowd, and so many people gathered around to get some, the rest of the girls had to join in to keep up with the demand!<br />
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Photo 24: It was perfect wrapping up the con with team Unicorn, especially since these girls got the whole thing started this year! They were some of the first runners in Chris Hardwick's Course of the Force, and they promoted the Star Wars themed event by appearing in full costume as The Night Sisters from the Clone Wars. They got a lot of attention from the press, and it was exciting to see them wielding the weapons i made for them last year.<br />
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Photo 25: Actually, many of the costumes I helped make last year got massive attention THIS year! Brian Kameoka's Nien Nunb ended up on <a href="http://starwarsblog.starwars.com/index.php/2012/07/16/best-star-wars-costumes-at-san-diego-comic-con-2012/" target="_blank">StarWars.com</a>'s best Star Wars cosplay list, and Kenny Mittleider's Hobbit was featured on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WetaWorkshop" target="_blank">Weta homepage</a>! Honors like rthat were worth the 12 month wait!<br />
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Photo 26: When I finally got to walk around for a bit, I ran into a few people who knew who i was! mostly because they studied the "Making Codex's Staff" video I did with Felicia. I had to stop for a picture, because nothing makes me happier than to see everybody's interpretation of the work.<br />
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Photo 27: And the more of them I see, the happier I am! If you cosplayed as Codex and made your own staff, but I didn't run into you at the con, send me a picture! I want to make a coffee table book or something to show all of your great work!<br />
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Photo 28: There is so much great cosplay at Comicon, but there is no simpler joy for me than seeing actual StormTroopers cruising around. I may be bias, but there is something about the design that just seems so real. More so than any other character costume, they just never seem out of place in our real world. Even when they join in to help San Diego's finest with crown control!<br />
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Photo 29: I'll admit, though, it was refreshing to finally see some Cylons join the mix. Having only trailed Star Wars by a year in the 70's, it was about time a legion of these sword wielding robots infiltrated the con circuit!<br />
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Photo 30: I'm certain there were a million other things that happened over the week that I have neglected to mention, but hopefully you get the idea of what Comicon was like for me this year. I'm already planning and scheming for new things to premier next year, so stay tuned! Too soon, you say? Not really! Even with a whole year ahead, Comicon has a way of sneaking up on you, despite it's massive size!</div>
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<br />Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-35053516644870440022012-07-04T22:50:00.000-07:002012-07-10T16:57:04.511-07:00San Diego Comicon 2012 ScheduleIt's that time of year again! Comicon is a week away, and I have a full schedule this year. I thought I'd post the events I will be part of so you can join me and we can celebrate our love of all things geek together!<br />
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Comicon is starting early this year, and it's starting with a bang! The Nerdist Chris Hardwick with helming a relay race from the Santa Monica pier to the San Diego Convention center to officially open this year's festivities. And he's doing it Star Wars style! The Course of the Force starts Saturday, July 7th, but Chris has already started his journey. I gave him a hand, literally, to help him on his way. Check it out...<br />
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Learn more about this exciting charity event <a href="http://courseoftheforce.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Check out more of my blog for the other events I will be part of at this year's Comicon. I'll be updating this list as things are added and shifted, so keep an eye on it. Hope to see you in San Diego!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">THURSDAY, JULY 12TH:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am creating a sculpture from all of the trash the Roddenberry dive team pulls from the beaches and ocean in order to help create awareness for the conditions of our sea life. I would really appreciate if you could join us on the clean-up. Every bag of trash collected helps so much!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>“Come Boldly Explore the Underwater Universe at La Jolla Shores!”</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>WHERE:</b> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=san+diego&sll=32.855743,-117.254741&sspn=0.0115,0.014784&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=San+Diego,+California&ll=32.856996,-117.256887&spn=0.00575,0.007392&t=h&z=17" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">La Jolla Shores</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>DATE:</b> July 12th, 2012 (First Day of <a href="http://www.comic-con.org/cci/index.php" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Comic-Con</span></a>) </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b style="color: #454545;">TIME:</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;"> 5:30am Early Bird Gathering. 7:30am & 9am Dives. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">9am-10:45am</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;"> Beach Cleanup.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>NOTE:</b> <b>A Comic-Con Pass is not required to attend this event.</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>COST: FREE</b> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>RSVP REQUIRED:</b> <a href="http://roddenberrydiveteam.com/events/rsvp.html&EID=110" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Click Here to RSVP!</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">To all Scuba divers, ocean lovers and Comic-Con attendees, come join Rod Roddenberry and the Roddenberry Dive Team for a morning of adventure as we dive La Jolla’s Underwater Ecological Preserve and cleanup the beach. We have joined forces to provide our out-of-town aquatic brethren an unforgettable dive and beach cleanup opportunity. Prizes will be awarded for our above and below water “Trashy Diver” winners. <b>Divers and non-divers are welcome! </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Special effects and art director <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2600ac; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Greg Aronowitz</span></a> will be on hand to oversee the cleanup for the “Roddenberry Art Project”, and an Aquarist from the world famous <a href="http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2600ac; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Birch Aquarium at Scripps</span></a>to talk about the local marine life. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For the early birds; a few of us will be arriving at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=san+diego&sll=32.855743,-117.254741&sspn=0.0115,0.014784&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=San+Diego,+California&ll=32.856996,-117.256887&spn=0.00575,0.007392&t=h&z=17" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">La Jolla Shores</span></a> (next to “<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=san+diego&sll=32.855743,-117.254741&sspn=0.0115,0.014784&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=San+Diego,+California&ll=32.856996,-117.256887&spn=0.00575,0.007392&t=h&z=17" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Kellog Park</span></a>”) around 5:30am to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean as the sun pours onto the pacific (Sunrise = 5:50 am). Coffee, juice, yogurt, donuts and muffins will be available to the first 50 (approx) people that arrive. We plan on gathering at one of the beach-side fire-pits for a bit of warmth and camaraderie. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Diving & Discovery:</b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Around 7:00/7:30 am Scuba divers will begin suiting up for our adventure to the La Jolla Underwater Canyon. Another group of divers will go out around 9:00am. Once geared-up and ready, we’ll do a surface-swim out about 100 yards to where the depth is approximately 40+ feet. After a final buddy/gear check, we’ll descend to bottom where we’ll continue west to a maximum depth of 100’. From there, each buddy team, while monitoring their depth, time and air, will explore this magnificent underwater realm and gradually work their way east back to the shore. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Trashy Diver Underwater & Beach Cleanup:</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">We encourage you to be a "Trashy Diver" and join us for an underwater cleanup and a shore cleanup to keep our beach and ocean healthy and safe. The Beach Cleanup will take place from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> 9:00am - 10:45am</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">. Comic Con Trashy Diver Awards will be given for trash </span><b style="color: #454545;">"Most likely found on the USS Enterprise" </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">and the </span><b style="color: #454545;">"Most Amount of Trash"</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;"> for both the underwater and shore cleanups. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">RDT has commissioned famed special effects and art director <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2600ac; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Greg Aronowitz</span></a> to create a life-sized sculpture made from trash collected by RDT members and volunteers at underwater, beach and river cleanup events. Greg will be on hand to coordinate the cleanup. The trash collected will be used in the “Roddenberry Art Project” sculpture.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>La Jolla Shores Parking:</b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">La Jolla Shores has an extremely convenient parking lot located next to the beach and only a few yards from where we’ll be gathering and doing our dives. The cross-streets are “Calle Frescota” & “Camino del Oro”. <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=la+jolla+shores&sll=32.737454,-117.227533&sspn=0.012111,0.017445&ie=UTF8&ll=32.857455,-117.257928&spn=0.007192,0.010096&t=h&z=17" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Click HERE to see a map of the dive site and parking lot.</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: -2px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://roddenberrydiveteam.com/events/rsvp.html&EID=110" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE TO RSVP!</b></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">11:45-12:45</span> The most action packed hour of the weekend, Stan Lee's World of Heroes announces a new line up of shows, and lets you meet legendary talent like Mark Hamill of Star Wars, Adrianne Curry of America's Next Top Model, My favorite craftsperson, Bonnie Burton, and Monster High's America Young. Jeff Lewis and Sean Becker of The Guild will be in attendance to debut a trailer for a brand new show I helped them put together, filmed right here at the BarnYard. you won't want to miss it!</span><div style="color: #454545; font-size: 12px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I will be at booth <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">#2543</span>, promoting my new company, Floppets. I will be having all of my coolest friends joining me throughout the weekend so you can meet them, get autographs, and of course, get a hold of all the new Floppets! We will be premiering tons of new product, like our Munchkin Monsters, so make sure you come by!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Thursday, July 12th:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">2:00-3:00</span> Meet the cast of White Room:02B3, including Tony Janning and Milynn Sarley.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">3:15-5:00</span> Meet the cast of Legend of Neil, with director/co-creator Sandeep Parikh. Get your hands on an exclusive poster featuring the new DVD cover art I created!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I directed a film for Roddenberry Entertainment called White Room: 02B3. It is making it's US premiere at Comicon this year. Please come see the film, and meet the amazing cast. Plus learn all about the new and exciting 360 technology we used to film it!</span></div>
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<span class="yiv890166765Apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">WHERE:</span></b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> The Birch Theater in North Park, San Diego, CA</span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv890166765Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> 2891 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101</span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv890166765Apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">DATE:</span></b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> Thursday, July 12, 2012 </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv890166765Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Friday, July 13th:</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="yiv890166765Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">10:00-Noon</span> Geek and Sundry hosts duel panels for two shows I designed, The Jeff Lewis 5-minute Comedy Hour, and Save the Supers. This is sure to be the most halirious panel of the entire weekend!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Noon-1:00</span> I will be on stage with Felicia Day, crafting something entertaining during her live Flog broadcast for YouTube Live! Come be part of the fun!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We have Guild Floppets, and I will be signing Team Cawkes posters and Dark Horse covers along with Felicia, Sandeep, Jeff, Amy, Robin, and Vince.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">12:00-2:00</span> Brent Spiner is signing with me at booth #2543. Come talk to us about Star Trek Floppets and Fresh Hell!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">3:00-4:00</span> The Roddenberry Panel in room 7AB. I will be joining Rod to talk about White Room:02B3, Trek Floppets, the Dive Team Trash Sculpture, and we will see some awesome behind the scenes footage and learn more about amazing Roddenberry projects like Trek Nation. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">4:30-5:30</span> Save The Supers panel at YouTube. Come meet the heroes from Super Force, stars of the new web-series, "Save the Supers." I Executive Produced and designed the show with creator/director/genius Sandeep Parikh. Find out more about this incredible show on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SuperForceHQ" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Be sure to like us, and definitely follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/superforcehq" target="_blank">Twitter</a> to get all the minute by minute details as these Supers take over Comicon!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sunday, July 15th:</b></span></span><br />
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</div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-21028357800095920792012-04-26T10:09:00.000-07:002012-05-11T13:31:48.144-07:00C2E2 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you to everyone who came out to the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo this year! Your support of Floppets and <a href="http://www.watchtheguild.com/" target="_blank">The Guild</a> has super charged our engines, and we have taken the inspiration you gave us last weekend focused it into new projects and products we will be sharing with you soon!</div>
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Photo 1: If you didn't make it to C2E2, and were curious as to the end result of my Copic Marker process to create <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2012/04/think-tink.html" target="_blank">Think Tink</a>, this is what the final prints looked like. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/amyokuda" target="_blank">Amy Okuda</a> and I were overjoyed by the fact that they sold out within the first few hours, but it may make you sad to know that I will hold true to my C2E2 promise, and never issue that print again.</div>
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Photo 2: Right now you may be making this same face! Turns out Amy is not a big fan of flying! Luckily, Chicago is only a...5...hour..flight... Well, look on the bright side! It's closer than New Zealand!<br />
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Photo 3: The flight flew by, uh, literally, and before we knew it, we had arrived! The show was huge, and very cosplay oriented. Everywhere we looked, there were super heroes, villains, monsters, and living cartoon characters. At one point, somebody pointed at Amy as we passed by and said, "That girl is dressed as Tink!"<br />
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Photo 4: Floppets! scored with a booth right across from Marvel, in the main center isle. Here's a shot of it being set up in the early morning calm before the storm. Our main goal for the show, as you can see, was to promote Guild Floppets.<br />
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Photo 5: It didn't take long for the crowd to gather. We had a consistent line of fans for over 5 hours on Saturday! Amy signed headshots, comics, and dvds, and I offered the exclusive print free with the purchase of a full set of Guild Floppets. We both signed every print, and Amy personalized them, being sure to get the proper spelling of every name, since we came across so many unusual versions! It kept us on our toes. All in all, it was around 1,000 autographs for the weekend! That is a lot of awesome fans!<br />
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Photo 6: And so many of them in cosplay. My favorite, hands down, was Zaboo! I've seen lots of Guild costumes, but this was a first for me. Seeing this guy dressed as the "real world" Zaboo made me realize the impact <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/feliciaday" target="_blank">Felicia Day</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/sandeepparikh" target="_blank">Sandeep Parikh</a>, and the cast have on fans. It's the dream all entertainers dream...<br />
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Photo 7: Another super impressive fan proudly showed off his <a href="http://tabletop.geekandsundry.com/" target="_blank">Table Top</a> shirt! The new Geek & Sundry show, created and starring Guild alum <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/wilw" target="_blank">Wil Wheaton</a>, had only premiered the previous week. How did this guy get a shirt already!!! It's fans like this that keep us in the game!<br />
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Photo 8: And no con is complete without an Adam West Batman. Although, after listening to his conversation with Amy, I'm not certain that this is NOT Adam West himself!!!<br />
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Photo 9: Geedom has changed so much since the days when I was a lonely outcast! These ARE the droids I'm looking for!!!<br />
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Photo 10: Best of Show has to go to Godzilla, though. This costume was incredibly impressive, and, having done some suit performing myself, I have to give full credit to anyone who can endure wearing a giant foam costume around a con all day!<br />
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Photo 11: After the show closed on Saturday, the Floppets Gang took us out for a fancy dinner on the river. My Floppets partners are Chicago locals, so they were able to show us some great sights in our limited time in the Windy City. This photo was our view during dinner. I took several of my own pics, but I decided to use this one that Amy took because when she posted it on Twitter, someone commented that they thought they saw an Ewok in the lower right corner. I can't argue otherwise...<br />
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Photo 12: I scratched up a handful of Think Tink prints for the show on Sunday. We reserved a stack for our Floppets employees and biggest costumers, not realizing they would be so popular at the show. But fans come first, so the whole run went to people at C2E2. We signed for 4 hours before we had to head off to O'hare to catch our flight back to LA. It was a short trip, but it was nice to have some time hanging out with Amy.<br />
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Photo 13: Before leaving the con, I made some time to do a few things: First, I did a quick interview with Pixeldom, who were conducting a live stream from the con. We talked about Floppets, the Guild, and the entertainment industry in general. They asked me for advice for young filmmakers, and I said...well, this: <a href="https://www.pixeldom.com/user/episode/215" target="_blank">pixeldom.com</a><br />
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Photo 14: And lastly, it is impossible for me to escape my number one addiction at a con: shopping! And what better person to shop with than Amy. She makes no secret of the fact that not everything geek interests her, so in a sea of SpiderMan t-shirts and Star Wars plush, it was refreshing to find a meld of fashion and nerd. I got this pink angel-winged raincoat for Amy as a thank you gift for her support of my new company. She loved it because it was pink. I loved it because it reminded me of Zhora's coat in Blade Runner. This photo is Amy saying, "Uh, yeah, sure. AND its PINK!"<br />
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Photo 15: On the way to the airport, there was just enough time for some Chicago style pizza. We went to a renowned joint called Gino's. Of course, we had to get the traditional Chicago deep dish pizza. After a full day of comiconning, we were STARVING!<br />
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Photo 16: Since the one common factory in all my travels seems to be pizza, I might as well stay consistent and explain the differences in case you have never had the opportunity to partake in Chicago deep dish pizza. First, it is cooked in pans, not on trays. The pans are about 2" deep, so the crust ends up standing pretty high, and the toppings are layered in much thicker. The real difference from New York style pizza is that the cheese goes on FIRST, with the sauce on top. The theory is that the hot sauce blanket keeps the pizza warmer longer. Believe it or not, half of this pie has pepperoni! Yes, even the "toppings" go in the middle! Does that still make them toppings!?!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkiVpqn1eQY/T61HFznvMXI/AAAAAAAADH0/VrGbYeDbT1g/s1600/C2E2+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkiVpqn1eQY/T61HFznvMXI/AAAAAAAADH0/VrGbYeDbT1g/s400/C2E2+17.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 17: So that was C2E2! It was a great show, with a great turnout. Floppets were met with an overwhelmingly positive response all weekend, and we had the added bonus of discovering that Sunday was "Kids Day", which gave us a whole new audience. I met lots of Labou fans, and almost every kid was sporting swag from their favorite franchise. This Pokemon fan is the real deal, and my dream for Floppets is that someday we can have legions of loyal fans like this! You can help me make that happen by commenting below, tweeting about your favorite Floppets, liking our facebook page, and wearing your Floppets proudly! We appreciate your support and promise to keep making more things you love!<br />
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<br />Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-76605800396566391752012-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:002012-05-11T10:15:52.990-07:00Legends in 3 Dimensions: Star Wars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I’m currently in London, and with so much history and
grandeur to explore, I am still most excited about a quick trip to Elstree studios. Only because this is where Star Wars was filmed!</div>
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Coincidentally, it is once again May the Fourth, so I have
yet another excuse to share my love of Star Wars with you! It doesn’t seem like
an entire year has past since I first let you in on my personal secret hobby of
making <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/may-fourth-be-with-you-smurf-wars.html" target="_blank">Star Wars Smurfs</a>. It’s been a busy year, so I’ve only been able to
create a few more. So many characters still to go! I thought about showing you
some new ones, but that would be so redundant! I’ll save those for later.
Instead, I wanted to share my first major licensing partnership with Lucasfilm:
a series of collectible busts I created for Legends in 3 Dimensions.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9qDE4d6UXs/T6MZ7XW6JJI/AAAAAAAADDs/39MsBBOs2nY/s1600/SW+L3D+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9qDE4d6UXs/T6MZ7XW6JJI/AAAAAAAADDs/39MsBBOs2nY/s400/SW+L3D+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 1: When I first started L3D in 1994, my partner Henry
Unger asked me to create a list of the licenses I wanted the most. Of course,
Star Wars was at the top of the list. But I felt it was there more as a goal
than a reality. I figured it was beyond my reach, and too large of a franchise
for my fledgling company. </div>
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Well, Henry worked his magic and got us a meeting up at
Skywalker Ranch almost immediately. So fast in fact, that I hardly had any
examples of product to show. At this point, we had only secured two other
properties, and those sculptures were both in the works. Henry had sent Lucas a
copy of my General Urko bust from Planet of the Apes, and that got them
interested in meeting with me. But I felt I needed something really special to
seal the deal. So I picked one of my favorite characters and sculpted my first
Star Wars bust to show the caliber of product I wished to deliver. </div>
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Sadly, although Admiral Ackbar is probably still my favorite
L3D bust, this prototype is the only one in existence. The approval department
at Lucasfilm requested some changes, which put the piece on the back burner,
and he never made it into the fold again. The saddest part, thinking back, is
that the only major alteration was an alternate version of the nameplate, which
they felt was too “retro”, which I guess is was, as I based it on the original
Kenner action figure card backs. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-3pE4Zgwwc/T6MZ9yrudDI/AAAAAAAADD0/t0zK-k68dxM/s1600/SW+L3D+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-3pE4Zgwwc/T6MZ9yrudDI/AAAAAAAADD0/t0zK-k68dxM/s400/SW+L3D+2.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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Photo 2: My original presentation for the L3D Star Wars
lineup included mostly obscure characters. With Star Wars being at the height
of its popularity today, it may be hard to remember a time when the brand only
focused on main characters such as Luke, Han, Darth, R2, and 3PO. You may even
be too young to know that pre-prequel background characters didn’t even have
names so much as “descriptions” we only knew of from the Kenner action figure card
backs. But we still loved them all, and in the late 80’s and early 90’s, when
new merchandise was scarce, I spend most of my money tracking down rare gems I
couldn’t obtain in my childhood, such as the elusive vinyl capped Jawa, or the
European released Yak Face. My vision with L3D was to bring those creatures
that only got a few seconds of screen time to endear themselves to us into the
spot light and immortalize them as busts. I figure if I would pay $950 for a 3
¾ used Yak Face, someone would love to have him as a brand new bust for $99!</div>
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The reps at the ranch didn’t quite seem to grasp what I was
talking about, although it seems I was just too ahead of the curve! Now,
companies like SideShow create collectibles of every frame of film in as many
various formats as we can consume. It is truly a fan’s paradise these days, but
at the time I got a lot of head scratching and questions like, “Do you think
anyone would really be interested in a Greedo bust? Han kills him in less than
a minute!” (Yes, these meetings were PRE special addition, too!!! )</div>
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The compromise was that I would do a rarer main character
that also supported the franchise’s most recent effort to provide fresh
content, the multi-platformed “Shadows of the Empire”. So I sculpted my first
OFFICIAL Star Wars bust, Emperor Palpatine. </div>
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I wanted to give each character a base that connected them
to their environment, and while creating this “throne room” pedestal, I decided
to forgo the nameplates, which then followed through for the majority of L3D
busts.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQlWTjvFqY0/T6MaEMGBivI/AAAAAAAADD8/xI-yTUwOyz4/s1600/SW+L3D+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQlWTjvFqY0/T6MaEMGBivI/AAAAAAAADD8/xI-yTUwOyz4/s400/SW+L3D+3.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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Photo 3: The natural follow up to the Emperor was a bust of
Boba Fett. The notorious bounty hunter was deeply integrated in the Dark Horse
comics version of Shadows, and had been a fan favorite since he first appeared
in animated form in the Star Wars Christmas Special way back in 1978. Once
again, up until the late 90’s, there was very little merchandise surrounding
this supporting character, so it was a great opportunity to satisfy a growing
hunger for Fett fans.</div>
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Photo 4: When I start to write these blogs, I always worry
that there won’t be enough to talk about on any given subject. But as I start
to pull the images, tons of stories flood back into my mind. One specific thing I remember about
creating this bust was controversy over the paint scheme. I presented my
prototype based on the Jedi version of Boba, who is commonly known as the
“carnival version” due to the bright primary colors on his jet pack. The approval department rejected it,
stating that Boba Fett was always all olive drab, and provided photos from
Empire Strikes Back. I was
determined to keep the vibrant colors, so I took my SW laserdisc box set and
“stepped” frame by frame through both movies, capturing the slo-mo on VHS to
bring to the ranch for proof. Like I said, this was a long time ago. </div>
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The staff was shocked to realize there were differences in
the character between movies, and granted me permission to run the carnival
version. Since it became so glaringly apparent after this process that there
were TWO different Boba Fetts, I decided to do a limited edition variant of the
ESB version. We only made 500, and they are so rare, I don’t even have one!
This photo is of my original paint masters, which were destroyed in China after
the manufacturing run.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RrCafyHNEvM/T6MaQvmwLrI/AAAAAAAADEM/TSEHAX1H_nk/s1600/SW+L3D+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RrCafyHNEvM/T6MaQvmwLrI/AAAAAAAADEM/TSEHAX1H_nk/s400/SW+L3D+5.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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Photo 5: Having the Star Wars license brought the company a
lot of attention, and the Boba Fett variant got a lot of press. Some of my
favorite articles are printed in magazines I can’t even read, like this full
page in HOBBY JAPAN. You can see a
shot of me working on the Emperor in the lower right corner. Notice the
reference book I’m looking at. It’s the Japanese version of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/185227641X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=185227641X">Star Wars Chronicles</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=185227641X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. The book has highly detailed photos of almost every prop, model, and
costume used in the original trilogy. It was originally released in Japan, and
later there was an American version available. If you don’t own it, you should!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqg2lNLZWJY/T6Mas9eOzwI/AAAAAAAADEU/J_mpGioKyxs/s1600/SW+L3D+5a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqg2lNLZWJY/T6Mas9eOzwI/AAAAAAAADEU/J_mpGioKyxs/s400/SW+L3D+5a.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 5a: You may have also noticed the Cantina diorama at
the bottom of the page. I’m gonna save that one for a future blog, because it’s
a long story, but you can read more about it in Steve Sansweet’s book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810972913/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0810972913">Star Wars: 1,000 Collectibles: Memorabilia and Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0810972913" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Photo 6: Of the L3D Star Wars busts actually released,
Greedo is my favorite. I tried to capture his blank expression, subtle head
tilt, and groovy 70’s ski jacket. His base is, well, based on the set itself, drawing from the tiled archway tiles and the stucco earthen walls with faded stripes.<br />
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Photo 7: This became the first manufacturing challenge
for L3D, since I decided to have the Bounty Hunter’s mohawk of spines laid in
with individual brass rods. There are about 100 spines per head, all hand glued
in place. </div>
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I also built the miniature sets for the product shots. Mos
Eisley was probably the most fun to build, and with minor modifications, I was
able to use it for several of the other bust, as the cantina was a huge source
of inspiration for the L3D lineup.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-liXmcjhX-BY/T6Ma163tmDI/AAAAAAAADEk/c6GfGw88Qbg/s1600/SW+L3D+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-liXmcjhX-BY/T6Ma163tmDI/AAAAAAAADEk/c6GfGw88Qbg/s400/SW+L3D+7.JPG" width="331" /></a></div>
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Photo 8: So, it goes without saying that there would be a
Cantina Band Member. I know they all have individual names now, but when I was
a kid, they were simply known as the Cantina Band. </div>
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What makes the band member bust special is that it was my
only use of hands in an L3D SW bust. I wanted to keep the pieces as close to
the classical form as possible, but I felt that it was the instruments that
really connected these aliens to the band, and most of them were woodwind style
props. I went with the one that resembles a flute, as it was compact enough to
keep the bust proportionate to the others.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ci5AAtSz_GY/T6Ma8n0IeAI/AAAAAAAADEs/rxKXsJ3mua4/s1600/SW+L3D+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ci5AAtSz_GY/T6Ma8n0IeAI/AAAAAAAADEs/rxKXsJ3mua4/s400/SW+L3D+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 9: Another unique quality was my use of airbrushing on
the piece. I usually tried to avoid this technique, as it often ended up being
overly done in production and giving the end product a cheesier, cheaper look.
But the color scheme on these creatures was so subtle, standard brush processes
were even more risky. In the end, the factories nailed it, and the Cantina Band
Member sold out almost instantly.</div>
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Photo 10: Putting this blog together, I suddenly realized
that majority of the L3D Star Wars line are inhabitants of Tatooine. I guess I was
drawn to all of the rustic textures, especially on the Sandpeople, or Tusken
Raiders. Wrapped head to toe in protective bandages to shield them from the
double suns, the Raiders viewed the world through aluminum tubes breathed
through heavy leather sand filters.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3K_xCxpjPz8/T6nDmZIiHtI/AAAAAAAADFo/NwAKrSdCP_A/s1600/Tusken+parts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3K_xCxpjPz8/T6nDmZIiHtI/AAAAAAAADFo/NwAKrSdCP_A/s400/Tusken+parts.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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Photo 11: This bust involved as much machining as it
did sculpting.</div>
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The base is designed to represent the head of the Raider’s
Gaffi stick, and I tied him to it by continuing the bandolier straps past the
bust cut off. In order to ensure that these thin straps would last on your
shelves, I tooled them to be cast separately out of pewter. I needed to
engineer deep pegs into the backs of the straps to lock into the cold cast porcelain
bust to make sure they held on securely, since even the strongest epoxy has
trouble binding the metal.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYzujTdElPE/T6nDlCCM-_I/AAAAAAAADFg/yM_bMAJgXeY/s1600/greedo+ears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYzujTdElPE/T6nDlCCM-_I/AAAAAAAADFg/yM_bMAJgXeY/s400/greedo+ears.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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Photo 12: But not all of my over-engineering makes it to the final product! I was very concerned that Greedo's large, pointy ears and suction cup like antenna would not survive in polystone, so I initially opted to make them as separate white metal pieces. The ears turned out to be too heavy, and we had more issues with them falling off in the drop tests then we had breakage with the cold cast ones. I believe the pewter antenna stayed, although it has been 16 some-odd years since I reviewed these things on the assembly line, so I could be wrong!!!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-OogaZ4L1Q/T6MbIOPalBI/AAAAAAAADE8/AKT4RsIsLng/s1600/SW+L3D+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-OogaZ4L1Q/T6MbIOPalBI/AAAAAAAADE8/AKT4RsIsLng/s400/SW+L3D+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo 13: Many of the Star Wars bust had complicated
elements like the straps and ears, so I came up with the idea of showing random steps of
the process on the certificate of authenticity. I love Star Wars for many
reasons, but perhaps most of all for introducing me to “behind the scenes” at
such an early age. Lucas never had any reservations about pulling back the
curtain and revealing exactly how he made the magic, and who the artist were
that helped him make it happen. Even in the original Topps trading card sets,
images of models in progress, concept art, and sets under construction found
their way between the final film frames and character glamour shots. In my
mind, “the making of” is just part of the Star Wars esthetic, so I tried to
include as much of that in my product as possible. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WX05dspu9q8/T6MbOSlRkSI/AAAAAAAADFE/hoDg7av6pHA/s1600/SW+L3D+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WX05dspu9q8/T6MbOSlRkSI/AAAAAAAADFE/hoDg7av6pHA/s400/SW+L3D+11.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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Photo 14: Speaking of the Star Wars aesthetic, there is one
man whose art is synonymous with the franchise: <a href="http://www.drewstruzan.com/" target="_blank">Drew Struzan</a>. Drew has
illustrated some of the most famous Star Wars posters. He also gave us a wide
collection of book covers and promotional art since the galaxy far, far away
was first brought to our attention. When it came time to create the box art, it
was the only logical choice for me to ask Drew to do it. I had been creating
the most of the L3D box art myself up to this time, but in no know universe
could I even dream of bringing the Star Wars characters to life the way that
Drew does.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5HVJMsuHHg/T6MbaJuSwAI/AAAAAAAADFM/DXhEKEz1rlU/s1600/SW+L3D+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5HVJMsuHHg/T6MbaJuSwAI/AAAAAAAADFM/DXhEKEz1rlU/s400/SW+L3D+12.JPG" width="327" /></a></div>
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Photo 15: Drew created 4 unique panels for the box: two
sides, the back, and the lid. He designed a “space port” border to connect all
the paintings as the wrap around the box, and I cut out the character art from
one of the panels to create the border for the box front window. </div>
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Each panel is so beautiful, I couldn’t begin to pick a
favorite. But being as R2 and 3PO are my favorite characters, it was a dream
come true to have this piece of art created exclusively to house my sculptures.</div>
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Photo 16: The opposite side of the box featured a squad of
Stormtroopers charging at us, with TIE fighters blasting something into smithereens
in the background.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCYF4yvSPi4/T6MZIFLfrYI/AAAAAAAADDc/YmkhV9NEJ_k/s1600/SW+L3D+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCYF4yvSPi4/T6MZIFLfrYI/AAAAAAAADDc/YmkhV9NEJ_k/s400/SW+L3D+14.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Photo 17: But without a doubt, the greatest Star Wars moment
in my life came from seeing this piece of art. It was customary to include a
photo of the artists involved in the sculpture on the back of the L3D box, and
Drew asked me if I planned to do the same for Star Wars. I was going to be the
only sculptor, so Drew asked if I wanted him to draw my portrait instead of
using a photo. Drew is most famous for his portrait work, immortalizing the
likenesses of Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly,
and Dustin Hoffman as Hook, just to name a few, so it was a great honor to have
him do an illustration of me.</div>
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Photo 18: While designing the box layout, Drew decided that
I needed to integrate into the Star Wars theme rather than just be a floating
head on the back of the box. So he put my head on Luke Skywalker’s flight
suited body from Empire Strikes Back. He gave me this black and white comp to
submit to Lucasfilm, and I nearly passed out! It was the coolest thing I had
ever seen, but I was pretty sure that there was no way that George was going to
approve it! </div>
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I went to San Fran to present it to Lucas, and he laughed
heartily. It turns out that by this time, he had become a big fan of my work,
and was very pleased with the L3D prototypes. He gave me permission to use
Drew’s art on the box under one condition: remove the lightsaber. His exact
quote, “You are not a Jedi yet!”</div>
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That moment will forever be the highlight of my geek life.
Drew removed the lightsaber, and the finished art made it onto the box. I guess
this made me the first person not in the original films to be represented as a
Star Wars character on official merchandise!</div>
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Photo 19: The Star Wars line was very successful, and I was invited
to Skywalker Ranch a lot to talk about new product and to show my progress on
new pieces. During one trip, I was in the president of Lucasfilm’s office when
I noticed that he had my 1/6<sup>th</sup> scale sculpture of the Gamorean Guard
on his desk. When I mentioned that I had created it, the room went very quiet.
It turns out that the sculpture had a lot of history with the company, and as
much as they loved the art, it came in their possession in what was viewed as a
very negative way. </div>
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I had sculpted the pieces years earlier to be a resin garage
kit when that was a popular hobby. I never actually finished it, but a friend
who owned a specialty model shop saw pictures of the work in progress and asked
if I could finish a prototype for him to present to Lucasfilm in hopes of
getting an official license. When the company got the statue, it came with
rumors that they were already available on the underground kit market. They
sent my friend a cease and desist letter, but kept the Gamorean Guard. </div>
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I had only heard that the license had not been approved, and
I thought my friend kept the original. I explained that the piece Lucasfilm had
been the only one in existence, and that I had the original molds locked safely
away. We were able to work out a deal that let me finally release the sculpt as
an official product, but the president still kept the original prototype! </div>
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Photo 20: I had big plans to continue the L3D Star Wars
line, and hopefully someday I will get to continue that vision. I got to do
some cool interactive promotions with Lucasfilm in the meanwhile, like this
full size Jabba the Hutt photo-op for Star Wars Celebration 1. Over the course
of the 3-day weekend, we ended up shooting hundreds of digital photos with
excited fans. It was great to be able to share my love for Star Wars with so
many people in person, and learn that I had made so many of them happy with my
sculptures. Hopefully you are one of them!</div>
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May the Fourth be with you!!!!</div>
</div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-38506487781146116462012-03-30T11:48:00.006-07:002012-04-17T10:56:42.124-07:00Machinima.com<div>If you are a huge fan of gaming, you are no doubt already familiar with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/machinima?ob=4&feature=results_main">MACHINIMA.COM</a>, the internet's number one destination for up to the minute information on all things video game related. </div><div><br /></div><div>And if you have been watching all of their informative gaming news segments on the YouTube channel for a while, you may have noticed that these guys talk about all of these technological breakthroughs, and amazing fantasy environments while sitting in front of backdrops such as a park, a parking lot, and even, er...the office bathroom stall. Well, the powers that be noticed the same thing, and decided to level up on their production value. I was thrilled that they decided to call me to help them do it!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_p3nR3is0Ho/T3YA4H5YOUI/AAAAAAAAC5M/GeaZ8FPtfyQ/s1600/Machinima%2B1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_p3nR3is0Ho/T3YA4H5YOUI/AAAAAAAAC5M/GeaZ8FPtfyQ/s400/Machinima%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725764940440549698" border="0" /></a>Photo 1: We started with INSIDE GAMING DAILY, hosted by Adam Kovic. The show is formatted like a late night talk show, so we decided to create a set along that theme. Adam wanted it slick and modern, yet not distracting from the guests or the monitor, which would most often be the focus point of the segments. <div><br /></div><div>I wanted to give the channel some bold color, so I presented this layout, using the black and red of the Machinima logo. I thought that emblazing the walls with the giant M would keep the show branded, while being subtle due to most of the camera angles never revealing the entire letter.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9HRvN-wLQs/T3YA4METumI/AAAAAAAAC48/IRFRx5aN67M/s1600/Machinima%2B2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9HRvN-wLQs/T3YA4METumI/AAAAAAAAC48/IRFRx5aN67M/s400/Machinima%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725764941560134242" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Photo 2: This is the final set. Adam decided to add some chairs, so guests could sit during the interviews. The greatest challenge of the Machinima sets was getting maximized shootablity in very compact spaces. These sets re located right in their offices, and even though they have quite the impressive spread, it was still pretty hard to get "late night talk show" style sets into standard size corporate offices!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9KKVr82_d1M" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But it all worked out, as you can see in this episode. It's a relatively simple set, but I definitely think it changes the whole vibe of the show. Maybe you've already seen this episode, and that's how you ended up here! they give my blog a shout out at 4:50!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-yPkZWyNEo/T3YA39sUiTI/AAAAAAAAC4w/zI41H_d38Uo/s1600/Machinima%2B3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-yPkZWyNEo/T3YA39sUiTI/AAAAAAAAC4w/zI41H_d38Uo/s400/Machinima%2B3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725764937701427506" border="0" /></a>Photo 3: Next up was RESPAWN, a series of segments hosted by Scott Robison. We started with INBOX, where Machinima responds to fan mail. Scott, know to the gaming community as MR. SARK, wanted to go old school on this one. He pulled his inspiration from the classic <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000ING2/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00000ING2">The Hudsucker Proxy</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00000ING2" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, focusing on the 1930's style mail room. He wanted clutter, earth tones, and a sense of good ol' basement dust.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqWBQSIoOFw/T3YA3qU-lCI/AAAAAAAAC4k/pL1khVPxgi0/s1600/Machinima%2B4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqWBQSIoOFw/T3YA3qU-lCI/AAAAAAAAC4k/pL1khVPxgi0/s400/Machinima%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725764932503245858" border="0" /></a>Photo 4: Luckily, the designated space fore this permanent set already had a "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DJLD1W/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001DJLD1W">Freddy Krueger</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001DJLD1W" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> was here" vibe. The very back corner of the office was straight brick and mortar, and decades of exposure had it aged down pretty well. I didn't plan on showing off much of the brick work in the final set, but it was comforting to know that if the guys ever decided to go for a really wide shot, the news room would look out of place surrounded by brick. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLu_HLr1yWU/T3YA3WwphiI/AAAAAAAAC4c/xbNstgM0H7I/s1600/Machinima%2B5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLu_HLr1yWU/T3YA3WwphiI/AAAAAAAAC4c/xbNstgM0H7I/s400/Machinima%2B5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725764927250597410" border="0" /></a>Photo 5: One of the main features Sark wanted on the set was a functioning vaccum tube. Well, semi-functioning, at least! I inspected the working models used at Home Depot to get rid of large wads of cash at the registers, and decided that making an airtight seal to get the proper suction was just a little out of our reach time and budget wise. Luckily, mail DROPPING IN was more important that mail flying out, and everyone can afford gravity!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_fExJCQ7O6o" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I ultimately ended up going with all clear acrylic for the tubes, because I felt that most of the fun was in seeing the canister arrive. There are lots of little details in this set, and I'm sure it will grow and expand even more as the guys settle in and riff off the environment. I'm certain you are already a Machinima fan, but I hope my contribution makes your daily video game news fix even more enjoyable. Oh, and stay tuned! There's more to come!</div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-5636914449090701942012-04-11T23:48:00.022-07:002012-04-16T23:41:16.325-07:00Think Tink<div style="text-align: left;">This weekend is <a href="http://www.c2e2.com/">C2E2</a>, or Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, if you didn't know! It's a huge show, and I am excited to attend, representing <a href="http://www.floppets.com/">Floppets</a>!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlSEOlCa-qQ/T4aDpwk0B6I/AAAAAAAADCs/HehcsQqPgZg/s1600/41WOqTyuuuL._SX270_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 375px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlSEOlCa-qQ/T4aDpwk0B6I/AAAAAAAADCs/HehcsQqPgZg/s400/41WOqTyuuuL._SX270_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730412329312716706" /></a><br /><div>We will be doing a big push for <a href="http://floppets.hostedbyamazon.com/Guild/b/3485845011?ie=UTF8&title=The%20%20Guild">The Guild Floppets</a>, and I am thrilled that <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/amyokuda">Amy Okuda</a> will be joining me to promote them.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHuJssJKsBQ/T4aDptNBgoI/AAAAAAAADCk/myFSVC8zkhM/s1600/CM%2BCapture%2B20.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHuJssJKsBQ/T4aDptNBgoI/AAAAAAAADCk/myFSVC8zkhM/s400/CM%2BCapture%2B20.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730412328407630466" /></a>Since we will both be at the show, I thought it would be fun to do an exclusive piece of art that we can sign for fans when they come for their Guild Floppets. And what better subject matter to draw than Amy as Tink...<br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rC4ar6STZoQ/T4Z-vr_Eg1I/AAAAAAAADCY/k0KpU_AKCk8/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rC4ar6STZoQ/T4Z-vr_Eg1I/AAAAAAAADCY/k0KpU_AKCk8/s400/Think%2BTink%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406933601747794" /></a>Photo 1: I know, another blog about a <a href="http://www.watchtheguild.com/">Guild</a> project. Shocking! Well, it's an awesome show, and they are my friends, and I have yet to hear anyone say to me that they are sick of Guild projects! And guys, c'mon! AMY OKUDA!</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zE1ni7vThow/T4Z-vUQU5NI/AAAAAAAADCM/tE0Upr9T6pY/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zE1ni7vThow/T4Z-vUQU5NI/AAAAAAAADCM/tE0Upr9T6pY/s400/Think%2BTink%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406927231673554" /></a>Photo 2: I picked my favorite photo from the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urNyg1ftMIU">DATE MY AVATAR</a> photoshoot, and did a quick pencil sketch of it. I thought it would be cool to put the words THINK TINK behind her, hence the name of this blog. I did them in classic college font, like the Victoria's Secrets Think Pink campaign. The drawing is a rough guideline, so I wasn't worried about keeping it too clean and straight. I also didn't do any shading, since I planned on doing it in <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/copicmarker">Copic Markers</a> and didn't want the pencil to dictate any tone.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy0gcO5YXs4/T4Z-vKsa8WI/AAAAAAAADCA/aULyTVyRGC0/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy0gcO5YXs4/T4Z-vKsa8WI/AAAAAAAADCA/aULyTVyRGC0/s400/Think%2BTink%2B3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406924665155938" /></a>Photo 3: Even though I am old school and actually still use things like markers and paint, I have found a few life saving advantages of the digital age. One useful technique is scanning the original pencil and markering on a printout. That way, if I really mess it up (it happens!) I don't have to completely redraw it. I usually lighten the pencils in photoshop, too, so that they are just ghost lines on the paper. This helps them disappear in the final art. I print it on standard bond, because I like how the markers react to it best. </div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytr3lfwZmag/T4Z-u0vc0TI/AAAAAAAADB0/sDsMsbeM4qw/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytr3lfwZmag/T4Z-u0vc0TI/AAAAAAAADB0/sDsMsbeM4qw/s400/Think%2BTink%2B4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406918772281650" /></a>Photo 4: When I am doing a painting in acrylic or oil, I ALWAYS start with the furthest plain back and work forward. With marker, it doesn't really matter. So, I usually start with the face, because if you are going to botch up a piece of art anywhere, it's usually going to be on the face of the subject. My philosophy is that, if I get the face correct, the rest will be smooth sailing. Tonite, I was pretty tired getting started, and felt like I needed some warm up before I dove that deep, so the elbow seemed appealing!</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVLzfTXL7HE/T4Z-fEt_PlI/AAAAAAAADBo/I_WKeLXFZkU/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVLzfTXL7HE/T4Z-fEt_PlI/AAAAAAAADBo/I_WKeLXFZkU/s400/Think%2BTink%2B5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406648183209554" /></a>Photo 5: And then I stalled a little more with the neck. But ultimately I had to get to the face. Markers work a lot like watercolor, and the Copics have beautiful blending properties. I usually start with a middle tone base color. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv5zDaUbquA/T4Z-ej8D6OI/AAAAAAAADBY/ZBP5Tcyb1sE/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv5zDaUbquA/T4Z-ej8D6OI/AAAAAAAADBY/ZBP5Tcyb1sE/s400/Think%2BTink%2B6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406639383865570" /></a>Photo 6: Then I build up some shadows, hitting the whole area with the base color again to blend the shadows in a bit. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UudYImlffg0/T4Z-eX6oI2I/AAAAAAAADBM/fVOXpqwXAco/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UudYImlffg0/T4Z-eX6oI2I/AAAAAAAADBM/fVOXpqwXAco/s400/Think%2BTink%2B7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406636156625762" /></a>Photo 7: And then I take advantage of the Copic's ability to "erase" by using a lighter tone, or sometimes the colorless blender, and draw out some of the color to create highlights.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXEW0P1lU-4/T4Z-eL2Sa7I/AAAAAAAADBA/6jhmJQDN7v0/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXEW0P1lU-4/T4Z-eL2Sa7I/AAAAAAAADBA/6jhmJQDN7v0/s400/Think%2BTink%2B8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406632917199794" /></a>Photo 7: I was moving pretty quick on this, and kept forgetting to take comprehensive photos of every step, so hopefully this torso section will explain what I mean better. Step one, middle tone base color.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfl9hClyBk8/T4Z-d3lbOjI/AAAAAAAADA4/NSscWx3qgis/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfl9hClyBk8/T4Z-d3lbOjI/AAAAAAAADA4/NSscWx3qgis/s400/Think%2BTink%2B9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406627477764658" /></a>Photo 8: Step two, shadows. You can see the various degrees of shading I've added. At this point, I don't even worry about soft edges or blending, just blocking in the tones.</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WP8aSbwrUg/T4Z-LN6dDwI/AAAAAAAADAs/hnGEI9-XIBw/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WP8aSbwrUg/T4Z-LN6dDwI/AAAAAAAADAs/hnGEI9-XIBw/s400/Think%2BTink%2B10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406307054030594" /></a>Photo 9: Step three, blending. Here I used the lightest skin tone I had. I find that using lighter tones often provides better results than the colorless blender, especially when you want to keep the area saturated. You can control how much of the shadow color stays by how much or how little you work the lighter marker over it. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnW6RvMTpbI/T4Z-KjuixWI/AAAAAAAADAg/traZky0sAPY/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnW6RvMTpbI/T4Z-KjuixWI/AAAAAAAADAg/traZky0sAPY/s400/Think%2BTink%2B11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406295729784162" /></a>Photo 10: Here is Amy with all her skin tones blocked in. Is it me, or am I saying "tones" a lot!?!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QfPzlzP6FPo/T4Z-KYUhvkI/AAAAAAAADAQ/XYxQLM223zI/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QfPzlzP6FPo/T4Z-KYUhvkI/AAAAAAAADAQ/XYxQLM223zI/s400/Think%2BTink%2B12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406292667874882" /></a>Photo 11: The blending and color lifting abilities of these markers are the greatest things ever, but you do need to be careful. You are essentially flooding your paper with excess ink, and it needs to go somewhere! If you are working directly on the surface of your desk, it will most likely collect, and cause bleeding, or smear and bleed through your art as you move it. I work on a stack of blank paper, and every couple areas I color, I pull the top sheet out to keep a clean working surface. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqS6mrBWCkU/T4Z-KBu8mgI/AAAAAAAADAE/MhehD-J1DQw/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B13.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqS6mrBWCkU/T4Z-KBu8mgI/AAAAAAAADAE/MhehD-J1DQw/s400/Think%2BTink%2B13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406286604671490" /></a>Photo 12: Next is the purple! Same process, middle base, shadows, highlight blending. </div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyH9FbNb61o/T4Z-J8VnyCI/AAAAAAAAC_8/S3btsVtyYuw/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyH9FbNb61o/T4Z-J8VnyCI/AAAAAAAAC_8/S3btsVtyYuw/s400/Think%2BTink%2B14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730406285156272162" /></a>Photo 13: The regular household printing paper really absorbs the marker color, and also freely lets it go with the blending and erasing techniques, unlike illustration board or hot press bristol. But it is that same paper property that allows the ink to bleed so easily. I try to control it as much as possible, but often you just have to let it go. I'll show you what I do about it in a few. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cn1mTOQYrqA/T4Z9fHn9TdI/AAAAAAAAC-w/6HsrWWcN0BU/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cn1mTOQYrqA/T4Z9fHn9TdI/AAAAAAAAC-w/6HsrWWcN0BU/s400/Think%2BTink%2B15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730405549451595218" /></a>Photo 14: If you've never used alcohol based markers before, definitely experiment some before working on an important piece. Different combinations actually provide different results. For instance, light tones (tones!) over dark will often create a grainy texture, while building up shadows over highlights will lay down smooth. Both are interesting and effective, you just need to plan what you want where ahead of time. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0We8Ruon9UQ/T4Z9e33yJ3I/AAAAAAAAC-k/hcrekrYfof8/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B16.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0We8Ruon9UQ/T4Z9e33yJ3I/AAAAAAAAC-k/hcrekrYfof8/s400/Think%2BTink%2B16.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730405545223006066" /></a>Photo 15: Here's what the light lilac did going over the darker blue berry. I focused the stroke in the middle, so the edges stayed darker. Notice the grain I mentioned.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BXN_AHN5w6E/T4aeQpp8lNI/AAAAAAAADC8/2LvGMSADF8c/s400/Think%2BTink%2B17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730441584772420818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Photo 16: And I'm sure you noticed the excessive bleed! Trying to pull back on a really dark color takes a lot of lighter ink, so it's important to remember to shift the paper under your art so the excess being drawn out doesn't pool and absorb back up into your art! And, I know it's a waste of paper, but throw that layer out after this. The same way that these markers lift and blend colors on your art sheet, they can revive and lift colors up from the work surface underneath back into your art. You don't want to forget that the dark purple stain is under there, start working on the face, and have it bleed through!</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kszaBzq9pFA/T4Z9ePtxkcI/AAAAAAAAC-M/w_vg-vQhJfs/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kszaBzq9pFA/T4Z9ePtxkcI/AAAAAAAAC-M/w_vg-vQhJfs/s400/Think%2BTink%2B18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730405534443606466" /></a>Photo 17: Back to Amy. So the bow was dark to light, here I am going light to dark, to get a softer blend for the hair. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiBcedFvHWI/T4Z9d66duFI/AAAAAAAAC-E/uzsYFUMRjI8/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B19.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiBcedFvHWI/T4Z9d66duFI/AAAAAAAAC-E/uzsYFUMRjI8/s400/Think%2BTink%2B19.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730405528859686994" /></a>Photo 18: Middle tone (TONE!!!) </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqAF7Oz_Z9s/T4Z9G_LF89I/AAAAAAAAC90/q7p9XX_kBNA/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B20.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqAF7Oz_Z9s/T4Z9G_LF89I/AAAAAAAAC90/q7p9XX_kBNA/s400/Think%2BTink%2B20.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730405134866183122" /></a>Photo 19: And then the darkest. Still missing something, you say? I'm going to finish the piece in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E23RSQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000E23RSQ">Prismacolor Pencils</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000E23RSQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />! The markers are just the base.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMMA5BeXePE/T4Z9GvydzFI/AAAAAAAAC9s/QZD-BF2aVKU/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMMA5BeXePE/T4Z9GvydzFI/AAAAAAAAC9s/QZD-BF2aVKU/s400/Think%2BTink%2B21.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730405130736356434" /></a>Photo 20: So...about that bleed...</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH4Ltdia9rI/T4Z9GW2PO0I/AAAAAAAAC9g/ruwSNTE5Ugg/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH4Ltdia9rI/T4Z9GW2PO0I/AAAAAAAAC9g/ruwSNTE5Ugg/s400/Think%2BTink%2B22.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730405124041292610" /></a>Photo 21: I used some neutral grays, blended with some cool blue to "eat" the bleed away. Normally I would try to leave some white surface, but these areas are too small, so I'll deal with that later. Be careful not to over saturate the area when fighting back the bleed, because you will end up reversing the situation and bleed back into the previous color.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pF7SNfSRJo/T4Z9F8kRKlI/AAAAAAAAC9U/1qL5ZgrYLSo/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B23.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pF7SNfSRJo/T4Z9F8kRKlI/AAAAAAAAC9U/1qL5ZgrYLSo/s400/Think%2BTink%2B23.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730405116986600018" /></a>Photo 22: With all of the marker laid in, it was time to move onto pencils. I started again with the flesh tones (dammit). As I am forever a slave in attempting to emulate my most favorite artist in the history of art, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0857685570/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0857685570">Drew Struzan</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0857685570" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, I chose to outline Amy with darker pencil lines. I didn't blend them into the shadows, they just stay as stylized pencil lines. I used burnt sienna around her flesh t.... I give up.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nvBjiqzMhM/T4Z9FnbULbI/AAAAAAAAC9I/z-oihKW_d28/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B24.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nvBjiqzMhM/T4Z9FnbULbI/AAAAAAAAC9I/z-oihKW_d28/s400/Think%2BTink%2B24.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730405111311904178" /></a>Photo 23: The same process for the rest of Amy, finding a suiting outline color to correspond with each area.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7YPLYzTEFU/T4Z8tIWSD1I/AAAAAAAAC84/2BIhWr0SGyI/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B25.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7YPLYzTEFU/T4Z8tIWSD1I/AAAAAAAAC84/2BIhWr0SGyI/s400/Think%2BTink%2B25.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730404690652434258" /></a>Photo 24: Some of the areas needed more pop, so I went in with a secondary, darker, outline. I also started adding highlights with a white pencil.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKvII-U-jqA/T4Z8s-WERiI/AAAAAAAAC8s/vVZmm2ElGX0/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B26.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKvII-U-jqA/T4Z8s-WERiI/AAAAAAAAC8s/vVZmm2ElGX0/s400/Think%2BTink%2B26.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730404687967176226" /></a>Photo 25: Highlights in the hair. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNUjf9oHyWA/T4Z8sg02vWI/AAAAAAAAC8k/dDp29rLrhiQ/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B27.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNUjf9oHyWA/T4Z8sg02vWI/AAAAAAAAC8k/dDp29rLrhiQ/s400/Think%2BTink%2B27.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730404680043248994" /></a>Photo 26: OK, all of the outlining is done, and I've procrastinated enough. And, I'm not getting any not tireder. See!?! Time for the face.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aRIJCYDEJQ/T4Z8rl18cRI/AAAAAAAAC8c/vjCiS3C15Cw/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aRIJCYDEJQ/T4Z8rl18cRI/AAAAAAAAC8c/vjCiS3C15Cw/s400/Think%2BTink%2B28.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730404664210125074" /></a>Photo 27: I always start with the eyes, as they are the "make or break" feature. I don't know why I am showing you THIS picture. Right now, we are leaning towards the "break" side of things. I need more pencil movement...</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFUwnE8Vri0/T4Z8rZ-LR7I/AAAAAAAAC8M/89eONbbjLGk/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFUwnE8Vri0/T4Z8rZ-LR7I/AAAAAAAAC8M/89eONbbjLGk/s400/Think%2BTink%2B29.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730404661023426482" /></a>Photo 28: Alright, that's better. Looks much more like Amy. Or, Tink, at least.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gs4zSpjuyM/T4Z8CaLmb8I/AAAAAAAAC8A/uEsMVCzfhrU/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B30.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gs4zSpjuyM/T4Z8CaLmb8I/AAAAAAAAC8A/uEsMVCzfhrU/s400/Think%2BTink%2B30.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403956705095618" /></a>Photo 29: Using white acrylic, I put back some of the highlights that got markered over earlier.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm1_w0eB4h8/T4Z8BGDwdCI/AAAAAAAAC74/8GTKqImYjUE/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B31.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm1_w0eB4h8/T4Z8BGDwdCI/AAAAAAAAC74/8GTKqImYjUE/s400/Think%2BTink%2B31.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403934123619362" /></a>Photo 30: I also use the acrylic to brighten the whites of her eyes, and pop in a few more highlights.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOpvStzG3Z8/T4Z8AlnqB8I/AAAAAAAAC7o/0YY09FZ596w/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B32.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOpvStzG3Z8/T4Z8AlnqB8I/AAAAAAAAC7o/0YY09FZ596w/s400/Think%2BTink%2B32.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403925415823298" /></a>Photo 31: Add in the arrow and the bow string, and Tink is finished. Now all I have to do tonite is color the background. And write this blog...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JECs6Jl6yx4/T4Z8Aelud6I/AAAAAAAAC7c/rWuJzkoyiAA/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B33.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JECs6Jl6yx4/T4Z8Aelud6I/AAAAAAAAC7c/rWuJzkoyiAA/s400/Think%2BTink%2B33.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403923528677282" /></a>Photo 32: Ordinarily, I like to keep my art "live", meaning, as one whole, continous piece so the final art is a complete original. Looks better in a frame that way. But it was right after I finished Tink that I decided I wanted to blog about this art BEFORE I got to C2E2, which meant I had to do it tonite (or last night, probably, by the time you read this) because I have a few other projects due before I leave on Friday. So knowing that it would take a few hours to blog, I had to decide on the best way to get the art done quickly. Coloring the lettering around the figure is totally possible, but I would have to take my time to not mess it up! So, despite my instincts, I chose to go digital once again. Well, digitally assisted, any way. I printed out another line art, and based out the letters on a second sheet.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BWHLU1uGGo/T4Z7_5j1gTI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/S_p9QpFO6Qo/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B34.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BWHLU1uGGo/T4Z7_5j1gTI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/S_p9QpFO6Qo/s400/Think%2BTink%2B34.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403913588638002" /></a>Photo 33: I used a few different shades to create a gradation. At this point you are probably wondering why I did just do the whole background in photoshop, right? Well, I still wanted it to be a hand drawn illustration, and in my mind, comping two hand drawn elements to make a finished product is an acceptable cheat. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PJJGDnkPVw/T4Z7fVTYs7I/AAAAAAAAC7E/QLAvzrO7Y00/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B35.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PJJGDnkPVw/T4Z7fVTYs7I/AAAAAAAAC7E/QLAvzrO7Y00/s400/Think%2BTink%2B35.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403354100151218" /></a>Photo 34: Same principles as with the figure: Middle t...shade.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hno8EGPudHo/T4Z7fDGoXuI/AAAAAAAAC64/r-bS00LjTBo/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B36.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hno8EGPudHo/T4Z7fDGoXuI/AAAAAAAAC64/r-bS00LjTBo/s400/Think%2BTink%2B36.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403349214813922" /></a>Photo 35: Darker...color.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6D73lEKtCEU/T4Z7e55BMaI/AAAAAAAAC6s/SDOpp-_m5co/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B37.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6D73lEKtCEU/T4Z7e55BMaI/AAAAAAAAC6s/SDOpp-_m5co/s400/Think%2BTink%2B37.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403346741801378" /></a>Photo 36: Then blended with a lighter... hue.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOoDqvN9gz0/T4Z7eVXTcXI/AAAAAAAAC6g/0sxxz6w3Ra0/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B38.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOoDqvN9gz0/T4Z7eVXTcXI/AAAAAAAAC6g/0sxxz6w3Ra0/s400/Think%2BTink%2B38.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403336936714610" /></a>Photo 37: I repeated the same for the font outline. With the nerve wrecking concern of having to work around Tink gone, I was able to marker these letters fast and loose. I didn't have to worry about bleed, which gave me better, and more importantly, faster, blends.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdygh-2zTfY/T4Z7eIZKUTI/AAAAAAAAC6U/sUzDGVFHWfQ/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B39.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdygh-2zTfY/T4Z7eIZKUTI/AAAAAAAAC6U/sUzDGVFHWfQ/s400/Think%2BTink%2B39.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403333454844210" /></a>Photo 38: Back to the pencil. When I was a kid painting signs in Manhattan, I would strive to make my hand lettering look like a machine. Now, with every font available to eveybody at a click of a button, I actually try to make sure the lettering in my art reads as hand done. Hand done? Can you say that? Am I sounding ignorant by trying to save a single word and not saying "done by hand"??? But you know what I meant. </div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDXjlDazTkE/T4Z7KCyKylI/AAAAAAAAC6E/VoHGkh_vsk0/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B40.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDXjlDazTkE/T4Z7KCyKylI/AAAAAAAAC6E/VoHGkh_vsk0/s400/Think%2BTink%2B40.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730402988351736402" /></a>Photo 39: Everything is outlined, some with a ruler, some freehand. Now to clean up that bleed.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lejJa3CWZrE/T4Z7JyIL4FI/AAAAAAAAC54/Kn3pr-FrYcI/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B41.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lejJa3CWZrE/T4Z7JyIL4FI/AAAAAAAAC54/Kn3pr-FrYcI/s400/Think%2BTink%2B41.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730402983880679506" /></a>Photo 40: Really, I don't hate the computer. I just like to keep my digital art and my "analog" art separate. I know I could select and delete the bleed from the digital file after I scan this, but it just seemed more natural to me to clean it up with some acrylic and a brush. </div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UTd2VuCXok/T4Z7JjWcj8I/AAAAAAAAC5s/3pmxPrBpUug/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B42.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UTd2VuCXok/T4Z7JjWcj8I/AAAAAAAAC5s/3pmxPrBpUug/s400/Think%2BTink%2B42.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730402979913961410" /></a>Photo 41: Think Tink is ready to be scanned, comped, and printed for C2E2! You'll have to wait till the show to see what the final looks like! Don't worry, that's only like 30 some odd hours away! Come check it out and say hi to Amy and I at booth #530.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMG3e2aFb9k/T4Z7JUCjU3I/AAAAAAAAC5g/8ek2NH0IZKE/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B43.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMG3e2aFb9k/T4Z7JUCjU3I/AAAAAAAAC5g/8ek2NH0IZKE/s400/Think%2BTink%2B43.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730402975803986802" /></a>Photo 42: And if you can't make it to Chicago, don't despair. Tink wasn't the only piece of art I did this week that you can get your hands on. I've been messing around with some Mac skins as a "decompressing" ritual from the massive new show I just filmed with <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/sandeepparikh">Sandeep Parikh</a>. Hopefully I can talk about that soon. In the mean time, if you are a fan of the Doctor, check out my Ood...</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Se8RiJf7Os/T4Z7I2Gh3lI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/K5RRQLMMZhw/s1600/Think%2BTink%2B44.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Se8RiJf7Os/T4Z7I2Gh3lI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/K5RRQLMMZhw/s400/Think%2BTink%2B44.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730402967767604818" /></a>Photo 43: And, because I can't go a single day without thinking about Star Wars, here's a Boushh. You can find both of these designs at my <a href="http://etsy.me/byardfx">etsy shop</a>! Check back often, I'll be posting more designs as I get them done between projects. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#234786;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-63345422616771427542012-02-28T20:46:00.018-08:002012-03-06T08:42:48.129-08:002012 New York Toy Fair<div>If you are like me, then you understand that the concept of toys is not something that was dismissed when our birthday candles started hitting double digits. Toys help us learn and grow as children, introduce us to sharing, and the understanding of ownership and value. Some people decide to put their toys away at a certain age, while others embrace them all their lives. I am one of the lucky, even spoiled, few who get to have toys be part of their everyday job.<br /><br />In addition to the film work I do, I often have a side project that involves the designing and manufacturing of toys and collectibles. It is these projects that bring me to the <a href="http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=tf_Home">New York Toy Fair</a> each year. The annual convention is trade show for manufactures, developers, buyers, and press to meet and exhibit their wares. It is the largest toy industry trade show in the world, lasting for 5 days during the second week of February.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3tZu7qaTjw/T02zZVz_8wI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/dCDBWl36ioY/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3tZu7qaTjw/T02zZVz_8wI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/dCDBWl36ioY/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420750136374018" border="0" /></a>Photo 1: I am originally from New Jersey. I grew up on the opposite side of the Hudson River from New York, so close I could see the Statue of Liberty every day. But I left for California to pursue my dreams, and now I've lived in LA for majority of my life. There are many differences between the East and West coasts, but as I landed in JFK, I was suddenly reminded of the most obvious: weather! It had been a long time since I'd seen snow, and worse, since I had to wander around in temperatures lower than 56 degrees! It was 24 and snowing when I got in, and of course, you can't forget that wind chill factor. Damn you, Hudson Hawk! This is how my East coast trips go: land. Hey, it's New York!... What time's the flight back to LA?</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vB8MiOcMsF8/T02zZDFMVlI/AAAAAAAAC3E/yVuKFFR1-5s/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vB8MiOcMsF8/T02zZDFMVlI/AAAAAAAAC3E/yVuKFFR1-5s/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420745108215378" border="0" /></a>Photo 2: I don't hate New York, I just don't belong there. I think cities are like flavors or music or anything else. Some people love chocolate, some people swear by vanilla. There is no reason why, or maybe there IS a reason that is so scientific that I would never be explaining it in my art blog, but everyone has a yes/no checklist, and cities are on it! I grew up in the Tri-State Area always feeling like an outsider, and it wasn't until I got to LA that I really felt like I belonged. I always hear people saying they were born in the wrong time period. I believe I was born on the wrong coast!</div><div><br /></div><div>NYC is fun to visit, though. Where else in the world can you see Disney films and 80's classics reinvented as live theater!?!</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZtmDzlhShQ/T02zY45-G2I/AAAAAAAAC24/ESje9lU7Al4/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZtmDzlhShQ/T02zY45-G2I/AAAAAAAAC24/ESje9lU7Al4/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420742376790882" border="0" /></a>Photo 3: It was finally time to go to Toy Fair to set up. In past years, the different companies I attended with introduced their products in different ways. My sculpture house, <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2010/09/legends-in-3-dimensions.html">Legends in 3 Dimensions</a>, used to have a private suite at a fancy hotel where I would set up a gallery, and offer wine and cheese to potential buyers. The economy was better back then! Art Asylum had a showroom in the Toy Building on 5th Ave, a skyscraper actually dedicated to toy manufacturer showrooms year round. One year I converted the space into the deck of the Enterprise to display the new line of Star Trek figures Digger created, and another year I made it into the Bat Cave. Need I say why?</div><div><br /></div><div>This year marks the first time I officially set up camp on the floor at the Javits Center. Imagine San Diego Comic Con where every booth was represented by someone's favorite toy store in the world! As far as the eye can see, if there is a toy that will be available next Christmas, orders were being taken for it at Toy Fair!</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iawc3yZtiiE/T02zYwyS90I/AAAAAAAAC2w/IEtoeL4w1SE/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iawc3yZtiiE/T02zYwyS90I/AAAAAAAAC2w/IEtoeL4w1SE/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420740197119810" border="0" /></a>Photo 4: Of course, I snuck away from the booth a few times to see as much as I could. There was no way you could see EVERYTHING unless you were a buyer or press, and even then, people were telling me they had to plan an exact route or they would miss whole sections in the time they were allotted. It was like a city of toys. Even the space above our heads was filled with spectacle, like this fifteen foot plush dragon! </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ni-czZJCZcY/T02zI_WyW8I/AAAAAAAAC2g/uKAkMCaLHaw/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ni-czZJCZcY/T02zI_WyW8I/AAAAAAAAC2g/uKAkMCaLHaw/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420469230361538" border="0" /></a>Photo 5: Dinosaurs may not have ruled the Earth since million of years ago, but they sure ruled Toy Fair! There were dinosaur toys on display everywhere. </div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPLcYMUyFfk/T02zIhNVt5I/AAAAAAAAC2Y/ZR6uvAX66Ts/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPLcYMUyFfk/T02zIhNVt5I/AAAAAAAAC2Y/ZR6uvAX66Ts/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420461137672082" border="0" /></a>Photo 6: No, really, everywhere! I think as a kid I had the basic t-rex, stego, bronto, pterodactyl combo available. Now there are insanely accurate representations of every species know to have existed! Tiny die cast versions, giant PVC versions, plush, kits, full size wooden skeletons, animatronic versions, dig site recreations, even the newest Sea-Monkey craze that lets you hatch your own Trilobite, so you can have a real prehistoric creature as a pet! </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXNHB3HRu1c/T02zIfqgknI/AAAAAAAAC2I/Y0aeNkbugro/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXNHB3HRu1c/T02zIfqgknI/AAAAAAAAC2I/Y0aeNkbugro/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420460723147378" border="0" /></a>Photo 7: Not all the giant lizard toys were based on science fact. The King of Science Fiction himself was well represented! As always, I took a fair share of pix to show my producing partner Sheri Bryant all of the new Godzilla stuff she will HAVE to have in the upcoming year!</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsLU6odT3WU/T02zIdbT-XI/AAAAAAAAC18/Ps-OhssKwW8/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsLU6odT3WU/T02zIdbT-XI/AAAAAAAAC18/Ps-OhssKwW8/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420460122536306" border="0" /></a>Photo 8: The range of toys is fascinating, especially when you see everything in one space. There are toys for everyone, and then there is the competition between designers to capture the boys and girls markets. Some manufactures that tend to skew towards one group have branched out to appeal to the other. I believe Lego may have captured the <a href="http://feliciaday.com/">Felicia Day</a> demographic with this "bake set".</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NV6rGJyK2LM/T02zIITBG5I/AAAAAAAAC10/VFbFexCZDkg/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NV6rGJyK2LM/T02zIITBG5I/AAAAAAAAC10/VFbFexCZDkg/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420454450600850" border="0" /></a>Photo 9: If you have no interest in building cup cakes that you can't eat, there is always things that shoot things! These bow and arrow sets by ZING! are super safe and super fun. Many of the manufacturers had working demos that buyers and press could play to get a feel for the toy. Getting people to try it isn't a problem. But when a toy is this cool, getting them to stop is!</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9HINoVJCS0/T02y2mOCnSI/AAAAAAAAC1k/MFL9LAy9zIM/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNbmtpCWpIA/T02y2fWIprI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/Gul4QDg0Gx0/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNbmtpCWpIA/T02y2fWIprI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/Gul4QDg0Gx0/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420151400048306" border="0" /></a><br />Photo 10: Some designers decided to try and split the difference, putting things girls love into categories usually reserved for boys. By introducing us to the DAUGHTERS of the classic movie monsters, Mattel hit a home run with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062DMB4M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0062DMB4M">Monster High</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0062DMB4M" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />. I was particularly thrilled to see this modern "Groovey Ghoulies" type twist have such a presence at Toy Fair, because my good friend <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/America_Young">America Young</a> does many of the voices on the show the dolls are based on. I was there the day she did her voice over audition recording for what she thought was "a little internet cartoon". It might have been at the time, but now the girls from Monster High have Barbie scared to death that she may no longer be the toy Queen!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9HINoVJCS0/T02y2mOCnSI/AAAAAAAAC1k/MFL9LAy9zIM/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9HINoVJCS0/T02y2mOCnSI/AAAAAAAAC1k/MFL9LAy9zIM/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420153245146402" border="0" /></a>Photo 11: Really, Spawn!?! 20 YEARS!?!?! That brings back memories. The very first Toy Fair I attended was with McFarlane Toys. I worked on the YoungBlood line, and Todd brought Rob Liefeld and I out to do press stuff for the launch. I made the giant BadRock walk-around suit and painted up an actor to look like Chapel. We walked the streets of NY and handed out McFarlane Toys promos, because nobody knew anything about it! Man, have times changed!<br /><br />The big question is, and Rob, this ones for you, when are we doing the YoungBlood anniversary statue!?!? Those characters have always been favorites of mine. The designs were cool, the story was groundbreaking, and it will always have a nostalgic feeling for me since Extreme Studios was my first major parlay into comics. When I decided to start Legends in 3 Dimensions, Rob was also kind enough to give me YoungBlood as my first official license. That BadRock statue is still a favorite. Which begs the question again...Anniversary statue, anyone? Comment below if you think its a good idea!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LYLNS-DWWk/T02y1_WvEiI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/FsT9C2C5Py8/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LYLNS-DWWk/T02y1_WvEiI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/FsT9C2C5Py8/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420142812631586" border="0" /></a>Photo 12: Another big stir at this year's Toy Fair was the 20th anniversary of Power Rangers. Now that Saban has the franchise back, it's bigger and better than ever. (Although we all know it will never be BIGGER or BETTER than <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007RT9N0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007RT9N0">Power Rangers SPD</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007RT9N0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />!!!) Seriously.<br /><br />Saban made a huge announcement about the future of the Power Rangers that week. My twitter feed was abuzz with rumors that I was at Toy Fair to be part of that announcement, but alas, it was not true.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-du3WffPbjcY/T02y1jNMytI/AAAAAAAAC1A/794fe5h6QGE/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.13.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-du3WffPbjcY/T02y1jNMytI/AAAAAAAAC1A/794fe5h6QGE/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420135256443602" border="0" /></a>Photo 13: I don't even know who these guys are! No, this year, I was at Toy Fair to introduce the new collectible company I started with my partners in Chicago.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmBHeNJevqE/T02y1qk83NI/AAAAAAAAC04/wA-82bzB5G8/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmBHeNJevqE/T02y1qk83NI/AAAAAAAAC04/wA-82bzB5G8/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714420137235111122" border="0" /></a>Photo 14: And here it is! No, not Lego. In the back. to the right. Yeah, that's us! <a href="http://www.floppets.com/">FLOPPETS</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3RkJoaDumo/T02yi-WnXyI/AAAAAAAAC0o/uGmKjJyHFAM/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3RkJoaDumo/T02yi-WnXyI/AAAAAAAAC0o/uGmKjJyHFAM/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419816126177058" border="0" /></a>Photo 15: I joke, but our little back aisle space actually worked out really well. We were at a major cross roads, so if you were cruising the floor from any direction, you HAD to pass us.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UorztGCNBzo/T02yioSrd9I/AAAAAAAAC0g/J-QknNJ499Q/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.16.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UorztGCNBzo/T02yioSrd9I/AAAAAAAAC0g/J-QknNJ499Q/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419810204088274" border="0" /></a>Photo 16: The trick was how to get people to stop as they passed by! Our method was simple: SWAG! I designed this commemorative 2012 Toy Fair Floppet specifically to give away at the show. We did a one time run of 1,500, and with the exception of the handful I had in my pocket when I got back to LA, we gave them all away!<br /><br />The reaction was great, although it was not uncommon for people to reject the offer for a Toy Fair Floppet. Much to our joy, 9 out of 10 people turned back around and decided they wanted it. After hearing our pitch, many of those same buyers became our biggest customers!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object id="flashObj" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="412" width="486"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=1450434661001&playerID=34762914001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAB_wnNRk~,WN9MweAQd_tBaI99JKgDAcW3bUx7peWv&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true"><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com"><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=1450434661001&playerID=34762914001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAB_wnNRk~,WN9MweAQd_tBaI99JKgDAcW3bUx7peWv&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" swliveconnect="true" allowscriptaccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" height="412" width="486"></embed></object><br /></div><br />We were just a small start up company buried in the midst of huge industry icons, but a lot of love and care went into our product, and our efforts were not overlooked. Even as a designer of Floppets, I couldn't tell you why people are so attracted to them, adults and kids alike, but people love them! We were chosen as one of the Top Ten Hottest New Toys at Toy Fair, and we were called the next craze in kid's toys on the national news!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqitjWsEf_U/T02yiWvnrJI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/QX19P2ogtv0/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqitjWsEf_U/T02yiWvnrJI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/QX19P2ogtv0/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419805493636242" border="0" /></a>Photo 17: The show days were long, and Team Floppets talk to hundreds of people per day, so when the floor closed, we were all anxious to explore the city and excitedly discuss all of the amazingly positive feedback we were getting for our product. Above, me, Gilly, Ron, Ilyse, and Rich warm up and get ready to eat non-convention center food!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XH_8SucaPyk/T02yiBjgLGI/AAAAAAAAC0I/WPjUcHYmNpY/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XH_8SucaPyk/T02yiBjgLGI/AAAAAAAAC0I/WPjUcHYmNpY/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419799805668450" border="0" /></a>Photo 18: If you know me well, you are aware that I am NOT a foodie. I dream of the day when meals will come in pill form so I can down them with a Pepsi and keep on working. But, despite the fact that I'm a California lifer, there are certain East coast foods that I miss on a daily basis. The first is probably the most cliche, but believe me, it's the truth! There is no better pizza than in New York. Granted, there are a few killer places in Jersey, and the best I've had in years is specifically in Brooklyn, but stray too far down the turnpike and it's all downhill from there.<br /><br />I saw a line of people outside this pizza parlor on 47th street, so I figured it was worth a try as I made a supply run on my lunch break. I was shocked to find that they were only charging a dollar a slice! It also made me smile to see that the counter was lined with only cheese pizzas, and toppings needed to be requested. Anything other than pepperoni or mushroom would get you a weird look, too. As it should be!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seHBaeYBJ2E/T02yiHqzqYI/AAAAAAAACz8/cv8yQA97J9M/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.19.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seHBaeYBJ2E/T02yiHqzqYI/AAAAAAAACz8/cv8yQA97J9M/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419801446918530" border="0" /></a>Photo 19: Another favorite is Carvel Ice Cream. It's just one of those chains that, despite it's popularity, just never made it all the way across the country. Growing up, a birthday didn't count if you didn't get a Carvel ice cream cake. Luckily, a few stores actually carry Carvel cakes here in LA now, so that's one less thing to cringe about when my birthday rolls around. It still gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling to see actual Carvel shops, though.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8bhvl1H7LU/T02yPZjVs4I/AAAAAAAACzw/_ifJS1dOV3M/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.20.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8bhvl1H7LU/T02yPZjVs4I/AAAAAAAACzw/_ifJS1dOV3M/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419479829918594" border="0" /></a>Photo 20: I'm certain this is listed amongst the greatest mystery of the modern world, but why Dunkin' Donuts isn't on the West coast confounds me. I would not have survived my high school years with them. If anyone could get the corporate offices to open a few shops in LA, I would be eternally grateful!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hULIl-hSVDA/T02yPOjROTI/AAAAAAAACzc/rkJIelz2tVg/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hULIl-hSVDA/T02yPOjROTI/AAAAAAAACzc/rkJIelz2tVg/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419476876835122" border="0" /></a>Photo 21: New Yorkers may take this for granted, but being in LA for so long, I forget how tall everything is in Manhattan! I mean, like fall over backwards trying to see the top of the building tall. It really is spectacular.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huctMlXGKtE/T02yOwQTv6I/AAAAAAAACzU/8jwjHMZ1aXo/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huctMlXGKtE/T02yOwQTv6I/AAAAAAAACzU/8jwjHMZ1aXo/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419468744245154" border="0" /></a>Photo 22: On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, with all the looking up I did, I forgot about one of my childhood paranoia. The streets of New York are lined with grates, vents, subway entrances, and trap doors that lead to basements below the stores that are always left wide open for deliveries. I get knots in my stomach when I walk on them. I've never actually seen anyone fall down one of these, but I certainly don't want to be the first to do it! I'll just walk around that hundred year old rusty grating suspended twenty feet above an active subway track, thank you.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b200N8AOyYM/T02yO6tlCwI/AAAAAAAACzI/Zack0GbQa1Q/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.23.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b200N8AOyYM/T02yO6tlCwI/AAAAAAAACzI/Zack0GbQa1Q/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419471551367938" border="0" /></a>Photo 23: The beauty of New York is that everywhere you look, there is something to see. If you look around enough, you are guaranteed to see something weird. I've been a city boy all my life, so while a man washing his horse may not be unusual to most, it was totally bizarre to me. Especially on the west side!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARpyQ14h0sg/T02yOqYvg_I/AAAAAAAACzA/WDlL_zHdk_k/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.24.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARpyQ14h0sg/T02yOqYvg_I/AAAAAAAACzA/WDlL_zHdk_k/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419467169006578" border="0" /></a>Photo 24: Speaking of West Side, Manhattan is famous for that story along with countless other phenomenal musicals. It is an absolute must to take in a show while visiting the city. And what better hit for a group of geeks to see than Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark.<br /><br />(crickets)<br /><br />This blog is my forum for showing art techniques and sharing my adventures, and I tend to avoid any criticisms or opinions that may alienate my readers, because everyone has the right to an opinion, but you don't necessarily need to be subjugated to mine. I'll make an exception this time, because I just can't not warn everyone. No doubt you are also a Spiderman fan, and it would just be impossible to not go see this for yourself. But if you are expecting to be wowed by Broadway's finest musical theater, or can't wait to have Bono and the Edge's catchy songs hooked in your brain, well, honestly...you won't.<br /><br />Having done all kinds of film work involving stunts, I have to give props for the utterly jaw dropping aerial work that takes place right above (and actually IN) the audience during the last 30 minutes of the play, but I'd be lying if I said that getting there was an enjoyable ride. There is no shame in a true comic book fan having this show on their bucket list, but I must implore you to reserve a second night out on Broadway to experience actual theater. West Side Story has to be on stage somewhere!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bYoANG2J14/T02x7WyFdBI/AAAAAAAACyw/fQzlno70bEo/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.25.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bYoANG2J14/T02x7WyFdBI/AAAAAAAACyw/fQzlno70bEo/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.25.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419135489078290" border="0" /></a>Photo 25: My partners and I were only in New York for 5 days, so there really was only so much ground we could cover. For selfish reasons, I dragged everyone out to what locals would consider "a tourist trap". But, it's a tourist trap I helped deign, so I wanted to see how the place was holding up! <a href="http://www.jekyllandhydeclub.com/">Jekyll & Hyde's</a>, right across from Central Park, is a haunted theme restaurant where the dusty antiques come to life and talk to the patrons. There are live shows that happen every half hour, and the maze like venue has interesting artifacts to discover at every turn. I made a bunch of them, including sculpting parts of this giant Egyptian head that hangs in the main parlor.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icU1C432Ln8/T02x7S1xmaI/AAAAAAAACyk/VyGIxXyVhyU/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.26.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vBLmALTHnbM/T02x6-yNNxI/AAAAAAAACyc/UgD5oSrY2II/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.27.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vBLmALTHnbM/T02x6-yNNxI/AAAAAAAACyc/UgD5oSrY2II/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419129047136018" border="0" /></a>Photo 26: After dinner, we cruised through Times Square. It's just like in the movies. It really is like no place else. You see things here you would never see in any other part of the world.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JDZ99rRYWM/T02x63T6NZI/AAAAAAAACyM/AZ7Bbwpek4U/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JDZ99rRYWM/T02x63T6NZI/AAAAAAAACyM/AZ7Bbwpek4U/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.28.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419127041013138" border="0" /></a>Photo 27: Like this guy. And they say LA is weird!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWKF9Lt0EbU/T02x6tR0kZI/AAAAAAAACyE/0vEnGbW01TA/s1600/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWKF9Lt0EbU/T02x6tR0kZI/AAAAAAAACyE/0vEnGbW01TA/s400/Toy%2BFair%2B2012.29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714419124347900306" border="0" /></a>Photo 28: Toy Fair ended, and I was off to Newark to catch a plane home. The show was a huge success for us, and I am so excited about how much Floppets will grow in the next year. I'll keep you up to date as to where you can find them, and what new designs and licenses we will be shipping out. But do me a favor if you can: if your local stores aren't carrying them, ask if they could! Most retailers that don't have them just don't know about them, or aren't sure if anyone would be interested. Your interest could make the difference, and having product in those store will help us grow. The more we grow, the cooler the products we will be able to make. It will be worth it, I promise!<br /><br />I have to go feed my Trilobite now, so, until next time...<br /></div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-74023748104125539142012-01-14T12:41:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:20:14.497-08:002012 IAWTV Awards in Vegas (alt. title: Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner! )<div style="text-align: left;">If you have read any of my <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/09/felicia-days-tallis-costume.html">Dragon Age: Redemption blogs</a>, you know that the show was a challenge, and getting to the finish line was very trying. I am so honored to be able to write this entry now knowing that the effort was worth while, and people embraced and enjoyed the work we did.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the end of last year, I was nominated for two <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/IAWTV%20awards">International Academy of Web Television Awards</a>: Best Production Design, and Best Make-up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FX</span> for Dragon Age: Redemption. I was invited to the ceremony in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Las</span> Vegas last week, along with friends, co-workers, and fellow nominees from DA:R and <a href="http://watchtheguild.com/">The Guild</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The awards were being held during <a href="http://www.cesweb.org/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CES</span></a>, the largest consumer electronics show of the year. People were traveling into Vegas from all over the world for the event, which made it even that more exciting.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8yJUsv71n0/TxHz8U1pgYI/AAAAAAAACxc/NdBDAYVtxeg/s1600/IAWTV%2B24.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPWEyt4kGQg/TxHyNG9CecI/AAAAAAAACxM/iXX4bP22ov0/s1600/IAWTV%2B1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPWEyt4kGQg/TxHyNG9CecI/AAAAAAAACxM/iXX4bP22ov0/s400/IAWTV%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697601310619236802" border="0" /></a>Photo 1: As usual, I am in the middle of a heavy work load, so I could only afford to spend a single day in Vegas. It was unfortunate, because so many of my friends were there for the awards AND the trade show, and there were parties and events happening all week. But all was not lost, as the 24 hours I spent there were WELL packed with adventure and excitement. I know that what happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas, but I don't think any mobsters will take me out if I share the experience with you...<div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIfcIrupu8s/TxHyM4tvZhI/AAAAAAAACxE/0lcIppRGR6I/s1600/IAWTV%2B2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIfcIrupu8s/TxHyM4tvZhI/AAAAAAAACxE/0lcIppRGR6I/s400/IAWTV%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697601306796975634" border="0" /></a>Photo 2: I hitched a ride with Knights of Good associate <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/lkoens">Lindsey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Koens</span></a>. The awards didn't start until evening, but people got Lindsey paranoid that we would get stuck in massive traffic and miss the fun if we left too late, so she convinced me that we needed to leave by 6:30am! I talked her into 7:30, since I knew that it was going to be the longest day ever! Needless to say, the hour difference was irrelevant, as we arrived in Vegas around 11:30am, hours earlier than we needed to be! It was about this time we realized that our hotels wouldn't even let us check in until 2pm, so it was off to lunch!</div><div><br /></div><div>We ate in the Venetian, at a restaurant that overlooked the canals. If you have never been to Vegas, it is both cheesy and miraculous at the same time. The above photo was taken inside the hotel. Like, literally INDOORS! Everything is a fake replica of Venice, including the sky!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NkHzSD0wVo/TxHx9LKDheI/AAAAAAAACws/Eu2YdqXs_Vc/s400/IAWTV%2B5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697601036869666274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">Photo 3: I don't drink or gamble, so I am not drawn to the obvious appeals of Vegas. But I have to say, every time I arrive there, I am in awe of the scope and grandeur that the city provides. I know it pales in comparison to all of the real structures they are emulating, but the effort is astounding. If you want to see hints of all the wonders of the world in a single weekend, Vegas is worth the trip. Plus, they have all you can eat prime rib for $15.99!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuBR28yQ5zA/TxHyMkOxhlI/AAAAAAAACw4/BT7FbBcTfWE/s1600/IAWTV%2B4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuBR28yQ5zA/TxHyMkOxhlI/AAAAAAAACw4/BT7FbBcTfWE/s400/IAWTV%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697601301298382418" border="0" /></a>Photo 4: I guess some of the casino bosses started to finally take note of the rising geek culture! I was surprised to see the huge quantity of genre themed slot machines as I walked across the floor to get to my room. It was like <a href="http://goldenapplecomics.com/">Golden Apple Comics</a> opened a casino! I saw Star Wars, BatMan, Terminator, James Bond, everywhere I looked was one of my favorite franchises begging me to drop quarters. I might have done it, too, if the jackpot yielded M<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">icromachines</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Legos</span>! But I needed to get dressed for the show, so I only paused long enough to take this photo for my best friend, Sheri Bryant. She is a huge Godzilla fan, and someday she needs to have this one-armed bandit in her collection!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NkHzSD0wVo/TxHx9LKDheI/AAAAAAAACws/Eu2YdqXs_Vc/s1600/IAWTV%2B5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X91WS-L3sHA/TxHx8_VIuhI/AAAAAAAACwg/7zB1YGHsCLk/s1600/IAWTV%2B6.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X91WS-L3sHA/TxHx8_VIuhI/AAAAAAAACwg/7zB1YGHsCLk/s400/IAWTV%2B6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697601033694919186" border="0" /></a>Photo 5: Believe it or not, even with 2 nominations looming that night, the most nerve wrecking part of the whole event was getting dressed! The invitation asked for "cocktail attire", which I assumed meant a suit. I am not a suit person, but I felt the occasion commanded it. I wore a tie, which was highly uncomfortable to someone who spends every day in a Star Wars <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tshirt</span>! I figured I didn't want to be too far out of character, so I accented with this T.I.E. clip. Get it!?! Cause it's a twin ion engine fighter clipped on my.... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">alllrighty</span>, then.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NH3FIB9e2E4/TxHx8Ly7eRI/AAAAAAAACwU/sT2tek2vtxA/s1600/IAWTV%2B7.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NH3FIB9e2E4/TxHx8Ly7eRI/AAAAAAAACwU/sT2tek2vtxA/s400/IAWTV%2B7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697601019861235986" border="0" /></a>Photo 6: Award ceremonies are funny things. When you get nominated, you're like, "That's cool." The day gets closer, and people ask you about it, and you tend to not think about it much more than that. At least I try not to. Then you arrive, and with each passing moment, as you see stars on the red carpet, and tons of news reporters and photographers, it starts to sink in. And your stomach twists into knots. The possibility of winning becomes as terrifying as the more likely reality of losing. I definitely started getting nervous. </div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily, my wardrobe fears were put to rest when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">IAWTV</span> award nominated Guild costume designer <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1627019/">Kristen Ingram</a> was impressed with my jacket. This photo may be the very moment she was saying it! Kristen is the best, and the costumes she created for The Guild season 5 blew me away!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OqoR0KqSqdQ/TxHx7kC95mI/AAAAAAAACwI/zsESp_qZw9s/s1600/IAWTV%2B7a.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OqoR0KqSqdQ/TxHx7kC95mI/AAAAAAAACwI/zsESp_qZw9s/s400/IAWTV%2B7a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697601009191085666" border="0" /></a>Photo 7: Another comforting factor was that so many friends were there. I got to hang out and catch up with everyone as we waited in line to be interviewed on the red carpet. Technically, it was a BLUE carpet, so if I start calling it that, you will know what I mean!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/vubui"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Vu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bui</span> </a>and I reminisced about how it had only been a few short months since our last Vegas adventure, putting <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/11/minecon-or-bust.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">MineCon</span></a> together. We were excited to both be wide awake this time around! Actually, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Vu</span> took all of the pictures with me in them that I am posting in this blog. Except of course, for this one, since he's in it!</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkS1QbhdYXM/TxHx7S1V91I/AAAAAAAACv8/XxMYA79Bd0E/s1600/IAWTV%2B7b.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkS1QbhdYXM/TxHx7S1V91I/AAAAAAAACv8/XxMYA79Bd0E/s400/IAWTV%2B7b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697601004570539858" border="0" /></a>Photo 8: His brother, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/lanbui"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Lan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bui</span></a>, took that one! But now <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Vu</span> is taking this picture since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Lan</span> is in it. And so am I. Get how this is working?</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rV1CKIs4fc8/TxHxeQ4xleI/AAAAAAAACv0/r_ubwQZs2fI/s1600/IAWTV%2B8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rV1CKIs4fc8/TxHxeQ4xleI/AAAAAAAACv0/r_ubwQZs2fI/s400/IAWTV%2B8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697600505831855586" border="0" /></a>Photo 9: After the Blue carpet run, we all went inside the theater to be seated. I sat next to <a href="http://feliciaday.com/">Felicia Day</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/jeffylew">Jeff Lewis</a>, which was a highlight of the evening. Jeff asked me if I had an acceptance speech prepared, and, honestly, I didn't! I'm always afraid that the more I focus on winning, the more it will hurt if I lose. It's not like sports, where winning or losing is based on your performance in that moment. I put all my effort into the show back when we were filming, and what's written in that envelope is based on peoples reaction to what I did at that time, and nothing I do at this current moment can change that. Oh, I think I'm gonna puke. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry, that was a tangent on what was running through my head after Jeff asked that question. Thanks, Jeff!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmIHLLG-cpc/TxHxeN67uvI/AAAAAAAACvg/56QnKCPWD2g/s1600/IAWTV%2B9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmIHLLG-cpc/TxHxeN67uvI/AAAAAAAACvg/56QnKCPWD2g/s400/IAWTV%2B9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697600505035602674" border="0" /></a>Photo 10: The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">IAWTV</span> Awards are new, and this was the inaugural ceremony. The Chairman of the Academy took the stage to present the brand new, never before seen award. He warned us that it was extremely heavy, and should only be held by the bottom. The relevance of this was not understood until you actually attempted to hold one! Even with the warning, recipients were shocked at the weight all night as they pulled it from the podium. </div><div><br /></div><div>He also informed us that the award currently had no name. In hopes that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">IAWTV</span> awards some day join the ranks of the Oscars, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Emmys</span>, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Tonys</span>, the Golden Globes, and so many other prestigious statues, he encouraged us to tweet suggestions. I'm not sure if this is still open, but if you have a good idea, send it there way!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8iW089VMsc/TxHxdpvZ_gI/AAAAAAAACvY/SVK6k6rWlJg/s1600/IAWTV%2B10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8iW089VMsc/TxHxdpvZ_gI/AAAAAAAACvY/SVK6k6rWlJg/s400/IAWTV%2B10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697600495323577858" border="0" /></a>Photo 11: The awards ceremony went very smoothly, and they kept things moving at a very fast pace. The live audience was shown an introduction video that asked winners to keep their acceptance speech as brief as possible. No one is as much of a pro as Felicia as she accepted her first award for Best Writing. She makes it look so effortless! </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1xRaWDSZoE/TxHxdXy4T3I/AAAAAAAACvI/4HjBdJGkDrI/s1600/iawtv%2B11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1xRaWDSZoE/TxHxdXy4T3I/AAAAAAAACvI/4HjBdJGkDrI/s400/iawtv%2B11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697600490506309490" border="0" /></a>Photo 12: Of course, she gets a lot of practice! Here, Felicia accepts her second award, this one for best Female Performance in a Comedy Series.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJeOIgz7VC8/TxHxdVOq8xI/AAAAAAAACvA/ITUuXq_yDEE/s1600/IAWTV%2B12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJeOIgz7VC8/TxHxdVOq8xI/AAAAAAAACvA/ITUuXq_yDEE/s400/IAWTV%2B12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697600489817568018" border="0" /></a>Photo 13: And...her third acceptance speech. This time it was for the Guild's web design. At one point, Felicia actually got played off mid-speech! The show technicians raised the music as a cue for her to wrap it up as she thanked everyone involved, and she joked about it. She also joked that everyone was probably sick of her by the third award, but apparently, the Internet cannot get enough Felicia Day! </div><div><br /></div><div>I am very lucky to be involved in the work of such an amazing and talented person as Felicia. I'm sure many feel that she has won so often based on popularity, but I cannot stress enough how authentic Felicia is. Her ideas have transformed the industry, her scripts are the rock solid basis for the show loved by millions, her work ethic is uncompromising, and the team she has assembled is made of the most talented, most kind hearted people I have ever worked with. When I see Felicia accepting awards, I don't view it as accolades for a single accomplishment, but rather for what she is doing for entertainment as a whole. All my life, I have dreamed of "a better way", and I feel like she is paving the road towards it.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UILpUQmD7c4/TxNHKYALcII/AAAAAAAACxo/5T9ZyUzj4dc/s400/IAWTV%2B13.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697976197121273986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color:#ffffff;">Photo 14: Finally, the block of categories came up that included Best Production design. As they showed clips from all the nominated shows, the butterflies in my stomach got more and more chaotic. It was like the battle around the second Death Star in there. I just kept reminding myself that, win or lose, all that matters is that I was there. But then they announced Dragon Age: Redemption as the winner, and my head spun. Jeff Lewis gave me a hearty pat on the back, and Felicia gave me a big hug. As I approached the stage, the realization that I had NOT prepared any kind of a speech really hit home. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F66Bhg5C5ig/TxNHKpQOSJI/AAAAAAAACxw/S6dLm3Im_nU/s400/IAWTV%2B13a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697976201751971986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">Photo 15: It's amazing how many thoughts can run through your mind in a few short seconds. it felt like I was standing in front of that podium for an eternity before I could even speak. My biggest fear was rambling and getting played off, so I made the conscious decision to keep it short. But what to say in my "short" speech!?! I had to pick through all the topics in my head, and try to link them together in a way that made sense. As I was speaking, it didn't sound very coherent to me, but I must have been on autopilot, because I was later assured that it made perfect sense!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">There were so many things that I wanted to talk about. Things that made winning the awards so important to me. I wanted to talk about the hardships of trying to create what we created for the little time and money we had. I wanted to give examples of the intense commitment my crew gave to the project. I wanted to site all the times people said that what we were trying to do was "impossible", and how I felt that this award proved that wrong. But it all seemed like too many words, and things that every nominee in the theater had also experienced. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">I wish I could have said something profound, but, I choked! The single most focused thought I had was how grateful I was to have this opportunity, and it made perfect sense to thank the people who gave it to me. I thanked Felicia and <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/KimEvey">Kim Evey</a> for letting me helm the project, and even more so for letting me do what pretty much freaked everyone else out: take control of multiple departments, and be responsible for almost all of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">show's</span> physical visual aspects. In essence, Kim and Felicia took the risk of putting all of their eggs into MY basket! It was a task I waited a lifetime to achieve, and I am forever in their debt for allowing me to go for it. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">I thanked <a href="http://www.bioware.com/">BioWare</a> for giving me such amazing source material. I wanted to talk about the concept of being a designer for a project based on an franchise like Dragon Age. I've mentioned this before, that as Production Designer, my goal was more to honor the existing designs than to reinvent them. The challenge, in my mind, was that there was no flexibility. A Templar sword in the show had to look exactly like a Templar sword in the game, with no exceptions. The work they did at BioWare was so perfect, we needed to bring it to life in its perfect form. So the term design is very interpretive in this instance.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">I also thanked my crew. I started naming them, but realized that the list was way too long. I also realized that thinking about all the tireless hours they put into the project to get me up on that stage was about to make me cry. I accepted the award, but the reality of it is THEY are all the winners. Be sure to see the <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/10/dragon-age-redemption-episode-1.html">Dragon Age: Redemption</a> blog posts to see how much work everyone did. I wish I had taken the chance to thank <a href="http://briankameoka.com/">Brian Kameoka</a>, who created a network to find all the volunteers who made up the DA:R art department. So many of them had never worked on a film project before, but their passion and dedication broke all limitations of experience and helped form a team that could accomplish anything. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf5iK7c_UkY/TxHw89i70zI/AAAAAAAACu0/vP7iE6-PNJQ/s1600/IAWTV%2B14.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf5iK7c_UkY/TxHw89i70zI/AAAAAAAACu0/vP7iE6-PNJQ/s400/IAWTV%2B14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697599933704295218" border="0" /></a>Photo 16: After I recieved the award (which was REALLY very heavy!!!) I exited the stage, and was taken back to the blue carpet for photos and an interview. I have to say, it felt very different to be on the carpet this time. After that, I was brought back into the theater. It was a total relief to sit down, and Felicia was smiling ear to ear, which made me very happy. But then I remembered that I had another nomination, and this time, the pressure doubled. What were the chances that I would win again? And what did that say about my skills if I didn't? Would losing validate everyone that said I shouldn't helm multiple departments? Why I'm telling you all this is beyond me, I'm just being honest. I assure you it wasn't ego whispering in my ear, it was shear terror! </div><div><br /></div><div>Another factor that made me nervous was the other nominees, of course! There was so much talent represented at the show, and ironically, my Make-up FX nomination for DA:R was shared by one of the competeing nominees! <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2167729/">Kim Graczyk</a> was nominated twice in the same category: for DA:R MUFX with me, and her own nomination for <a href="http://www.watchtheguild.com/">The Guild</a> Make-up. If you haven't seen the Guild season 5, check it out and pay close attention to Kim's work. Zaboo's butterfly make-up alone had me nervous that I could lose the award to my own teammate. It plays tricks on the mind!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, Kim and I both won for DA:R, and it was very exciting to get to go back on stage. I will admit that I felt a little more relaxed this time, with anticipation removed from the equation. It also helped that my friends, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/teamunicornftw">Team Unicorn</a>'s <a href="http://micheleboyd.com/">Michelle Boyd</a> and <a href="http://www.claregrant.com/">Clare Grant</a>, looking gorgeous as ever, presented us with the award. I was still worried about the speech time allowed, so I thought it was only fair to give the stage to Kim. It was moving to see her fight back tears as she thanked everyone. I was so glad that we won together. In all honesty, I thought Kim hated me by the time we were done with DA:R! Like I said, it was a very ambitious, stressful show. But being on that stage together put everything in perspective, and made it all worth it! </div><div><br /></div><div>I did take a moment to thank actor <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/actordougjones">Doug Jones</a>. His portrayal of the Qunari mage Saaribas really brought my make-up to life. When working on projects like DA:R, it's important to keep in mind that the FX we are creating are merely a tool, and it will always be the story and the characters that the audience connects with. The best make-up FX ever made will still not be convincing if the actor wearing it does not deliver a believable performance. I was honored and privileged to have Doug as my canvas, and I truly believe that when the Academy was voting for this make-up, it was Doug they were awarding! Thank you again, Doug Jones! You are the BEST!!!</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwn51JupW-s/TxHw8EUF8LI/AAAAAAAACuo/4UCAysd8HIs/s1600/IAWTV%2B15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwn51JupW-s/TxHw8EUF8LI/AAAAAAAACuo/4UCAysd8HIs/s400/IAWTV%2B15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697599918341222578" border="0" /></a>Photo 17: The rest of the night was very exciting, now that I was on cloud 9! I was the academy's first repeat winner (Felicia's multi-wins were after, but I blogged out of order for dramatic effect. Oh, Hollywood!!!) and so many of the other winners were my dearest, closest friends. It made the night very special. And entertaining. Felicia and I noticed that Jeff Lewis had been missing from his seat since he accepted his award for Best Male Comedy Performance. He was gone way longer than everyone else had been. But then he appeared on stage to present with <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TarynSouthern">Taryn Southern</a>, and hilarity ensued.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj2rLU68ajY/TxHw75CcZ8I/AAAAAAAACuY/fjG0arMbu64/s1600/IAWTV%2B16.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj2rLU68ajY/TxHw75CcZ8I/AAAAAAAACuY/fjG0arMbu64/s400/IAWTV%2B16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697599915314407362" border="0" /></a>Photo 18: For me, the most moving acceptance speech of the night was by<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/seanbecker"> Sean Becker</a>, for his Best Director win. Sean had been nominated twice in the same category: Best Directory for a comedy series, for both The Guild and <a href="http://5minutehour.com/">The Jeff Lewis 5 Minute Comedy Hour</a>. He snagged the award for The Guild, and in addition to thanking everyone involved with the project, he appealed to members of the audience, and home viewers via the live stream, to support his fellow nominees in their goal of making the internet the next evolution of entertainment. He stated that pursuing this career meant that there were endless hours, unscheduled work flow, and often little or no pay that usually put strains on relationships, family, friends, and loved ones alike. He asked for everyone's patience and understanding as we all work our way through the uncharted labyrinth that is web television, and he thanked everyone for helping him, and all of us, get this far. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AG6shy5iqA/TxHw7tNPQYI/AAAAAAAACuQ/t6ji0zV22fQ/s1600/IAWTV%2B17.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AG6shy5iqA/TxHw7tNPQYI/AAAAAAAACuQ/t6ji0zV22fQ/s400/IAWTV%2B17.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697599912138457474" border="0" /></a>Photo 19: The ceremony ended with the final block of awards, Best Drama and Best Comedy series on the web. It was not a surprise to me that The Guild won, but it WAS very surprising that my hand was grabbed and I was whisked up on the stage to join in on accepting the award. Kim and Felicia thanked as many people as possible for their help in keeping The Guild going, and there are SOOOOO many of them. Felicia always says that internet entertainment is like a family, and we need to stick together and support each other. Standing up on that stage, it did indeed feel like family. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VDCk0XmoL4/TxHw7YWh4tI/AAAAAAAACuE/S7STfqSYZus/s1600/IAWTV%2B18.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VDCk0XmoL4/TxHw7YWh4tI/AAAAAAAACuE/S7STfqSYZus/s400/IAWTV%2B18.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697599906540282578" border="0" /></a>Photo 20: Another big win for <a href="http://knightsofgood.com/">The Knights of Good</a> was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0495348/">Shawna Trpcic</a>'s Best Costume Design for Dragon Age: Redemption. Shawna is awesome, and I can't wait to work with her again!</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8G6qxW6xcY/TxHwSjOiL6I/AAAAAAAACt4/_yOZkGwtvlc/s1600/IAWTV%2B19.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8G6qxW6xcY/TxHwSjOiL6I/AAAAAAAACt4/_yOZkGwtvlc/s400/IAWTV%2B19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697599205084901282" border="0" /></a>Photo 21: The best part of the night was getting to celebrate with my favorite people in the whole world. There is no greater reward that having friends believe in you, and I am glad that their trust in me paid off! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nM8AaGbi7vc/TxHwSRe54UI/AAAAAAAACto/rARTQX1stS4/s1600/IAWTV%2B21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nM8AaGbi7vc/TxHwSRe54UI/AAAAAAAACto/rARTQX1stS4/s400/IAWTV%2B21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697599200321724738" border="0" /></a>Photo 22: I cannot express the awe and respect I have for these guys. I hope they know that I will always be willing to help out with anything they do, as their vision and style make very thing we do together a joy. There was no doubt that they deserve these awards, and the fact that they BOTH were nominated twice in their respective categories says a lot about their influence on the internet.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fu8moLRkxO4/TxHwSPQsZQI/AAAAAAAACtg/yFt2tOd16tM/s1600/IAWTV%2B22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fu8moLRkxO4/TxHwSPQsZQI/AAAAAAAACtg/yFt2tOd16tM/s400/IAWTV%2B22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697599199725249794" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">Photo 23: Think of any names for the award yet? Here's a closer look at mine and Shawna's design awards. Collectively, Team Knights of Good won 8 out of 13 category nominations, and Jeff Lewis's adds a 9th. Sean Becker joked that we should connect all our awards to build a Fortress of Solitude!</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0w_s8gNZ5A/TxHpcX-J8AI/AAAAAAAACsA/BF93q_PcrTI/s400/IAWTV%2B26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697591677280710658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " border="0" /></span></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">Photo 24: After the ceremony, there was a cocktail party in the adjacent ball room. We all socialized and networked for a while, but then people split up into multiple dinner parties. I went to a fancy dinner with Vu and Lan Bui at some restaurant that had Ferraris and Lamborghinis in it! Then I met up with Kim, Felicia, Brian, and the gang at Wolfgang Pucks in the Venetian Hotel. Later, a smaller group of us broke off to go to the club Tao. I joined Sean, Becca, Lan, Kristin, and pictured, Michelle, Clare, and yes, that is super agent <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/georgeruiz">George Ruiz</a> photo bombing in the background. George represents the winners of 12 IAWTV awards!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSI0PsBSx1U/TxHwRx-EWKI/AAAAAAAACtQ/cyoms5Uutns/s1600/IAWTV%2B23.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSI0PsBSx1U/TxHwRx-EWKI/AAAAAAAACtQ/cyoms5Uutns/s400/IAWTV%2B23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697599191862499490" border="0" /></a>Photo 25: The club was packed! Even for a Thursday night! It was huge and glamorous, like all things Las Vegas. They told me I couldn't wear my Knights of Good baseball cap. But apparently you could wear a fedora. The reason? Baseball caps are gang related! But smooth criminals are ok?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Fa_NLgWBww/TxHwRqb9xkI/AAAAAAAACtI/nNuSyQyuq5s/s1600/IAWTV%2B24.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8yJUsv71n0/TxHz8U1pgYI/AAAAAAAACxc/NdBDAYVtxeg/s400/IAWTV%2B24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697603221311816066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Photo 26: We made our way to the dance floor, which was shoulder to shoulder. It was fun for a while, but keep in mind that I had my 20 pound award with me the entire time!!! I wasn't trying to be a show-off, I just really had no place to put it! After toting it around for 6 hours, I could barely feel my arms!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1N7kvniBF04/TxHp4SMbYtI/AAAAAAAACsM/n0Id8ZqPfoI/s1600/IAWTV%2B25.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1N7kvniBF04/TxHp4SMbYtI/AAAAAAAACsM/n0Id8ZqPfoI/s400/IAWTV%2B25.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697592156766298834" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Photo 27: Sean tweeted this photo with the caption, "Tonite on OUT OF OUR ELEMENT!" No truer words, my friend! And yes, that is again super agent George Ruiz photo bombing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZRHBUcF_A4/TxHpbltDlWI/AAAAAAAACr0/2SEoACjqdU4/s1600/IAWTV%2B27.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZRHBUcF_A4/TxHpbltDlWI/AAAAAAAACr0/2SEoACjqdU4/s400/IAWTV%2B27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697591663787218274" border="0" /></a>Photo 28: After a few hours of elbows to the spine, we decided to call it a night. Apparently we closed the place down, as the hotel was pretty empty on the walk out. With the amazing architecture uncrowded, it was much more obvious that Michelle was almost as tall as the columns! All in all, it was the perfect night. The biggest downside was everyone who WASN"T there!<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/sandeepparikh"> Sandeep Parikh</a>, <a href="http://www.amyokuda.com/">Amy Okuda</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/robinthorsen">Robin Thorsen</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/vincecaso">Vince Caso</a>, <a href="http://www.rileahvanderbilt.com/">Rileah Vanderbilt</a>, and <a href="http://www.milynnsarley.com/">Milynn Sarley</a> were seriously missed throughout the event.</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtLbd_SyE7I/TxHpbBQu4JI/AAAAAAAACrk/rTt_e2Kfqgs/s1600/IAWTV%2B28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtLbd_SyE7I/TxHpbBQu4JI/AAAAAAAACrk/rTt_e2Kfqgs/s400/IAWTV%2B28.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697591654004744338" border="0" /></a>Photo 29: I woke up in the morning, and would have thought the whole thing was a dream if it wasn't for the award sitting on my nightstand. It felt good to put on a Marvel tshirt and just be my normal self again as I packed everything up to head back to LA. The celebration was over, and it was time to get back to work. I was sad to have to say goodbye so soon...</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2DsEi0G_Co/TxHpa3gAb_I/AAAAAAAACrY/kUMo0cDS4Ao/s1600/IAWTV%2B29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2DsEi0G_Co/TxHpa3gAb_I/AAAAAAAACrY/kUMo0cDS4Ao/s400/IAWTV%2B29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697591651384455154" border="0" /></a>Photo 30: But I think we left off on a pretty good note. Congratulations to all of my fellow Knights of Good, The Guild, Dragon Age: Redemption and IAWTV award winners and nominees. And thank you for an amazing night.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2zRL6m0sVQ/TxHparffp_I/AAAAAAAACrQ/5Z1jC92VoFs/s1600/IAWTV%2B30.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2zRL6m0sVQ/TxHparffp_I/AAAAAAAACrQ/5Z1jC92VoFs/s400/IAWTV%2B30.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697591648161081330" border="0" /></a>The first thing I did when I got back to LA was make space for my awards on the mantle of the fireplace in my display room. Standing back to view them, it became strikingly clear that said mantle was packed to the hilt with props and mementos from ONLY internet shows I have worked on. This shrine includes <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Guild-Seasons-1-2/dp/B002C68WNC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326756804&sr=8-1">The Guild</a>, <a href="http://effinfunny.com/legend-of-neil">Legend of Neil</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/show/dragonageredemption">Dragon Age: Redemption</a>, and other web based trophies. Traditionally, the house mantle is home to the most treasured of showpieces. It was interesting to me that these props have found their way there over ones I have created for such Hollywood staples as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Terminator-Judgment-Day-Skynet-Blu-ray/dp/B001RIY4WE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326757023&sr=8-1">Terminator 2</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jurassic-Ultimate-Trilogy-Blu-ray-Digital/dp/B0057R5XRG/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1326757052&sr=1-1">Jurassic Park: Lost World</a>. I think it is because, as hugely successful as the blockbuster movies are, I have found my participation in these interweb shows, to me, the most satisfying experiences of my career. I think this is because the web offers a direct conduit from us to you. It is pure. And it is ours. </div><div><br /></div><div>Duh. I probably should have said that while I was at the podium!</div></div></div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-28699664194072138782012-01-01T20:44:00.000-08:002012-01-09T20:00:50.367-08:002011: A Year in Review<div style="text-align: left;">Happy New Year! I hope everyone had fun and exciting holidays. I can't believe how quickly 2011 went by! I've run into so many people I haven't seen in a while over the past few weeks, and everyone asks, "So, what have you been up to?" Well, here is a quick review of exactly what went down at the BarnYard last year...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895706898996882" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMkett1YNO0/TwE6e7EPnpI/AAAAAAAACpw/x4LS0z_CfZA/s400/2011.3.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">Photo 1: A year ago, everybody here was working 7 days a week, pulling an inhuman number of all-nighters getting ready for our upcoming productions. We needed a break.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff99ff;"><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/MarissaCuevas">Marissa </a><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/MarissaCuevas">Cuevas</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">'s </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">18th birthday was the perfect excuse to have the party of the century! You only get to turn 18 once, so I tried to make it a party worth remembering. And, trust me, no one will soon forget! We had rollerskating, laser tag, Disney princess. We also had broken bones and concussions! It was legendary. </span><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/ginny%20mcqueen"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff99ff;">Ginny McQueen</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">made these pterodactyl PJs for Marissa though, so birthday wishes were a success.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"></span></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaGJjzuGvtM/TwE6rbm8X6I/AAAAAAAACqE/me_FYYcNmJk/s1600/2011.1.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895921792901026" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaGJjzuGvtM/TwE6rbm8X6I/AAAAAAAACqE/me_FYYcNmJk/s400/2011.1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 2: Since neither Marissa nor I actually broke any bones at the party, we spent Christmas in London.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl03NjjyGIs/TwE6rTt1uAI/AAAAAAAACp8/Zj4SohhMreU/s1600/2011.2.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895919674341378" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl03NjjyGIs/TwE6rTt1uAI/AAAAAAAACp8/Zj4SohhMreU/s400/2011.2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 3: And New Years in Paris!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMkett1YNO0/TwE6e7EPnpI/AAAAAAAACpw/x4LS0z_CfZA/s1600/2011.3.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COca4gVQXX4/TwE6esn0r3I/AAAAAAAACpc/dIxeD5aRfvY/s1600/2011.4.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895703021694834" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COca4gVQXX4/TwE6esn0r3I/AAAAAAAACpc/dIxeD5aRfvY/s400/2011.4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 4: It was a great holiday, but I had to get back to work straight away! <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/10/dragon-age-redemption-episode-1.html">Dragon Age: Redemption</a>, filmed under the code name "DAGGERS", was only a week from shooting, and there was still lots to be done.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JV-Lwpdp37E/TwE6eUb3P-I/AAAAAAAACpU/n3fun9eFur4/s1600/2011.5.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895696529080290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JV-Lwpdp37E/TwE6eUb3P-I/AAAAAAAACpU/n3fun9eFur4/s400/2011.5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 379px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 5: <a href="http://feliciaday.com/">Felicia Day</a> came to me with a bare bones outline of the project when she first began writing so I could start figuring out how to bring <a href="http://bioware.com/">BioWare</a>'s fantasy world to reality. It was a dream project, and I begged her to let me helm all of the physical visual aspects. I designed the sets, props, make-up effects, and Felicia's Tallis costume. I am honored to have been nominated for two <a href="http://iawtvawards.org/nominations">IAWTV Awards</a> for DA:R, Best Production Design, and Best Make-up Effects.<br /><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbxPMr05Ozw/TwE6ePWbamI/AAAAAAAACpM/VbKgyQuxmw4/s1600/2011.6.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895695164107362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbxPMr05Ozw/TwE6ePWbamI/AAAAAAAACpM/VbKgyQuxmw4/s400/2011.6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 6: I worked with <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/sandeepparikh">Sandeep Parikh</a> on a Super Bowl commercial. I built this dinosaur puppet, and he directed the sequence. If you watched the game, you saw the commercial, but not the dino! The additional sequence was ultimately cut from the spot.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qB4bFRInAz4/TwE6eIrI-xI/AAAAAAAACpA/tBZd0nRyJlc/s1600/2011.7.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895693371931410" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qB4bFRInAz4/TwE6eIrI-xI/AAAAAAAACpA/tBZd0nRyJlc/s400/2011.7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 7: I made a bunch of random small hand props last year, too. For some reason I always get the snow globe jobs, like this prop for an episode of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UD7J62/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003UD7J62">Happy Endings</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003UD7J62" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />.</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-taRwtTZzZu8/TwE6OeuNXKI/AAAAAAAACo0/rKmhvQfGkmA/s1600/2011.8.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895424412474530" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-taRwtTZzZu8/TwE6OeuNXKI/AAAAAAAACo0/rKmhvQfGkmA/s400/2011.8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 8: And because no year is complete without an 8-bit project, I painted the <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/04/tempest-freerunning-academy.html">Tempest Free Running Academy</a> to look like Mario World.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcey2Wtepu4/TwE6N2dNQvI/AAAAAAAACoo/kXsfEhMgW2A/s1600/2011.9.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895413603746546" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcey2Wtepu4/TwE6N2dNQvI/AAAAAAAACoo/kXsfEhMgW2A/s400/2011.9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 9: The thing I love the most about my job is the diversity. One minute I'm painting a gym for real life Spider-men, and the next I building a full size tree for a permanent installation in a Melrose store window.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BLsBSIPhfw/TwE6N2ZV0gI/AAAAAAAACoc/9VVAiW-3Etk/s1600/2011.10.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895413587530242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BLsBSIPhfw/TwE6N2ZV0gI/AAAAAAAACoc/9VVAiW-3Etk/s400/2011.10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 10: I LOVED <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FUTV64/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FUTV64">Voltron - Defender of the Universe</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FUTV64" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> as a kid. Apparently, so did <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/alexalbrecht">Alex Albrecht</a>. I designed Alex's directing debut in 2010, and I was ecstatic when he asked me to realize the interior cockpit of the Red Lion for his second film.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1g6QJ5TfA7w" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9JBYW8622Y/TwE6NbIpBrI/AAAAAAAACoU/9ERFQviisLM/s1600/2011.11.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895406269728434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9JBYW8622Y/TwE6NbIpBrI/AAAAAAAACoU/9ERFQviisLM/s400/2011.11.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 11: After we filmed the live action interior, I created a miniature of the exterior Red Lion with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2403226/">Kevin "Amish" Ivers</a>. I'm ready to build the other four lions any time you are, Alex!</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GU3MdIc8wUY/TwE6NC1ohyI/AAAAAAAACoE/ZmQhPypK_q4/s1600/2011.12.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692895399747553058" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GU3MdIc8wUY/TwE6NC1ohyI/AAAAAAAACoE/ZmQhPypK_q4/s400/2011.12.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 12: There was only about two weeks time between wrapping DA:R and going into full prep on <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/RockJocksMovie">Rock Jocks</a>, a sci-fi comedy I produced with my Dog & Rooster Productions partner, Sheri Bryant. I did the production design and make-up effects on this one, too. Yeah, I'm a glutton for punishment. As is my friend Felicia Day! She came along for the ride, joining cast members <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DRDBE/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0002DRDBE">Jason Mewes</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0002DRDBE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0100793/">Andrew Bowen</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CW7ZV2/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001CW7ZV2">Jerry Bedknob</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001CW7ZV2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031613290X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=031613290X">Justin Chon</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=031613290X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/kevjumba">KevJumba</a>.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xX-0olRDeM/TwE51m4elxI/AAAAAAAACn4/I6j0o94an5U/s1600/2011.13.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894997106300690" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xX-0olRDeM/TwE51m4elxI/AAAAAAAACn4/I6j0o94an5U/s400/2011.13.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 13: Random Rock Jocks prop: Space Shuttle bong! If it makes you laugh now, wait till you see the movie!</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zSz7SxRCuU/TwE51suwyUI/AAAAAAAACns/qTALEg9JG7E/s1600/2011.14.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894998676162882" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zSz7SxRCuU/TwE51suwyUI/AAAAAAAACns/qTALEg9JG7E/s400/2011.14.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 14: This is kind of a secret, but <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0427964/">Doug Jones</a> joined the cast, making this the second project we worked on together for 2011. And it was only March!</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1b0kl204QL4/TwE50y0D4sI/AAAAAAAACnk/bwc5uYlgxFc/s1600/2011.15.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894983129129666" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1b0kl204QL4/TwE50y0D4sI/AAAAAAAACnk/bwc5uYlgxFc/s400/2011.15.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 15: I don't get a lot of time to paint for fun, but when things are stressful, painting sooths me. I had just finished the first milestone of a HUGE project, as lead designer on a Michael Jackson MMO, and I needed a break. It was director <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/seanbecker">Sean Becker</a>'s birthday, so I decided to paint him a Boba Fett jacket. The gift was a big hit. The MJ MMO ultimately shut down, and sadly I cannot show any of the great stuff we created. Maybe next time!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692947699364437554" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq7Rz4dNzy0/TwFpxSF-njI/AAAAAAAACqU/Ton9ZdiIp28/s400/2011.16a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">Photo 16: I am an artist. This statement might not surprise you, but it is something I used to be uncomfortable saying! Maybe it was my Jersey upbringing, were I was always told I that if I wanted to "be an artist", I needed a "serious back-up plan" so I could actually have a career. It's safe to say, now, that I don't really have any other place in society but to be an artist. But in my mind there were still certain landmarks I need to achieve to be a "real" artist. 2011 brought me to achieve one of those goals with my very first museum exhibition.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fv6E_kc1ANc/TwE50jW_FXI/AAAAAAAACnQ/JYNNt1PHiI4/s1600/2011.16.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894978980648306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fv6E_kc1ANc/TwE50jW_FXI/AAAAAAAACnQ/JYNNt1PHiI4/s400/2011.16.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 248px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 17: The exhibit is called, "They Can't Protect Themselves." It's a collection of pieces I designed and created to support the <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/Surfrider">SurfRider Foundation</a>. I made suits of armor for endangered marine animals. The idea is that, for every environmental hazard that man creates, we devise a way to protect ourselves from it. Imagine a world where animals could do the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>The collection is travelling around the country to help raise awareness for the need to protect our ocean environments. They printed these giant posters of each of my sculptures to post around the cities on the tour, and seeing those was the first time I actually felt, well, like an artist!</div><div><br /></div><div>The show is prepping for a full run, and you can find out were it is going at <a href="http://oceanarmor.org/">oceanarmor.org</a> if you would like to see them in person!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVmP5fs2CEg/TwE50QdmUVI/AAAAAAAACnI/CslsYy1f-50/s1600/2011.16a.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2Vthz7D9UM/TwE5lY55_2I/AAAAAAAACnA/h177q2jLeEs/s1600/2011.17.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894718476287842" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2Vthz7D9UM/TwE5lY55_2I/AAAAAAAACnA/h177q2jLeEs/s400/2011.17.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 18: It took months to create all of the armored animals, but not every project has the luxury of time! My team had to finish this giant football in 2 days for the "Hall of Game" awards show on Cartoon Network. <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/red5Iam">Red 5</a> swore that she never wanted to see Bondo again!</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsohN9MIIqU/TwE5lQeczoI/AAAAAAAACms/q21RleBHulw/s1600/2011.18.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894716213644930" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsohN9MIIqU/TwE5lQeczoI/AAAAAAAACms/q21RleBHulw/s400/2011.18.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 19: Felicia is always on the move, and I'm so glad that I got to join in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006C6ERIM/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006C6ERIM">The Guild: Season Five</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006C6ERIM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />. Honestly, I think it's her best work yet! For the whole team, actually. The script was amazing, the directing and cinematography were on par with ANY network television show, the acting was at an all time high, and the sheer volume of what we created was astounding. You completely forget that <a href="http://www.watchtheguild.com/">The Guild</a> is a web show...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692955209683726050" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WNWeHeNduXs/TwFwmcNobuI/AAAAAAAACqk/3hS1jou2IVs/s400/photo-5.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">Photo 20: And the Season 5 cameos!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AQS0F/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000AQS0F">Nathan Fillion</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000AQS0F" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />,<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/grantimahara"> Grant Imahara</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345511166/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0345511166">Bonnie Burton</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0345511166" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024FAR6G/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0024FAR6G">Dichen Lachman</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0024FAR6G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001292/">Erin Gray</a>, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">Doug Jones (of course! Project #3), too many favorites to mention them all. It was a thrill to work with each of them, but without a doubt, the highlight for me was filming</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff99ff;"> <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TheRealStanLee">Stan Lee</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">'s cameo AT the BarnYard. My art career started by studying the drawings in</span><b> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff99ff;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671530771/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0671530771">How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way</a><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0671530771" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">before I could even read, so to have the man himself standing in my studio was beyond words. Stan even signed my original sculpture for the Legends in 3D Spiderman, which he had once called his "favorite sculpture of the web-crawler!" </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894710437319026" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8alActjJuw/TwE5k69REXI/AAAAAAAACmY/8QmiUsMGHJY/s400/2011.20.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 222px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">Photo 21: Other iconic personalities I worked with last year included Fabio for his Old Spice commercial series. I carved the mountain that he climbs out of!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4W4J13NPMug/TwE5lCrX-fI/AAAAAAAACmk/IEIg7LaeIWQ/s1600/2011.19.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894712509757938" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4W4J13NPMug/TwE5lCrX-fI/AAAAAAAACmk/IEIg7LaeIWQ/s400/2011.19.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 22: You barely see it in the commercial, but the art director had requested a ten foot tall mountain! 41 Sets built a steel frame and covered it in rigid foam. I was brought in to carve it into a realistic rock. The scale changed a few times in the process, from being a whole mountain that Fabio would pop out of like a giant, to merely being an actual sized rock he was hiding in. The rigid foam ended up being TOO rigid, and I had to recruit the use of a chainsaw in order to carve in enough texture fast enough to get the finished product to set.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8alActjJuw/TwE5k69REXI/AAAAAAAACmY/8QmiUsMGHJY/s1600/2011.20.jpg"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rr3u04x9Fe8/TwE5kp36kLI/AAAAAAAACmM/HHXcxlUY438/s1600/2011.21.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894705851470002" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rr3u04x9Fe8/TwE5kp36kLI/AAAAAAAACmM/HHXcxlUY438/s400/2011.21.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 23: I'm kind of going in order of the year, so this brings us to about May. Happy Cinco de Mayo! Greg Benson of <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/mediocrefilms">Mediocre Films</a> made a few movie parody commecials to celebrate the holiday, and asked me to help out. We put together this New York alley set at the BarnYard, and I got to make this awesome Stay Puft Marshmellow Man pinata, which ranks up there as one of my favorite props ever!</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cclWCx0ZWY8/TwE5NgniwoI/AAAAAAAACmA/J3W4-ZQtcxc/s1600/2011.22.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894308229890690" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cclWCx0ZWY8/TwE5NgniwoI/AAAAAAAACmA/J3W4-ZQtcxc/s400/2011.22.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 24: The other spot was inspired by Back to the Future, where Marty gets the Delorean up to 88MPH to send a pinata, well, back to the future! Naturally, it was a perfect excuse for me to drive my car as fast as possible. Unfortunately, I had to act, too. Put it this way: if you had to chose between having me act or making a pinata, you would want the pinata!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894302401530674" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3lXIulyX-w/TwE5NK59CzI/AAAAAAAACls/9G97Q7dpN7I/s400/2011.24.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 298px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Photo 25: Of course, there are certain occasions where bad acting is acceptable, like my portrayal of the cheesy 50's alien for <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/teamunicornftw">Team Unicorn</a>'s "Alien Beach Crashers!" I made this mask as a tribute to all the crazy creatures I love from the silver age of Hollywood Sci-Fi.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZYtMYYGyOg/TwE5NVs5sbI/AAAAAAAACl0/ppShzSNqHek/s1600/2011.23.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894305299575218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZYtMYYGyOg/TwE5NVs5sbI/AAAAAAAACl0/ppShzSNqHek/s400/2011.23.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 26: The Unicorns mashed up the 50s and 60s for ABC. The sci-fi factor was very <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G7PWYU/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001G7PWYU">The Day the Earth Stood Still </a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001G7PWYU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, and the summer aspect was very "Beach Blanket Bingo". The first order of business, of course, was to find a filmable beach! We were self-funded, so the state and private beaches were way too pricey. I proposed building a beach!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QvkpBNOnpYo" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What you see in this video is actually Clare Grant's under-construction house in the Hollywood hills that I painted and decorated to look like a beach house. We got a few tons of construction grade sand dumped onto the driveway, and after a day of weeding and raking, we had a beach!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF8RNzQKP9o/TwE5M6S02bI/AAAAAAAAClc/BHsfbjBw11Y/s1600/2011.25.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894297942448562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF8RNzQKP9o/TwE5M6S02bI/AAAAAAAAClc/BHsfbjBw11Y/s400/2011.25.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 27: This piece only took a few hours, so I don't really consider it a "project". But as I went through my photos, it jumped out at me, so I thought I would share. My buddy Zack Ward made his directing debut last year, and he needed an oversized chicken embryo for the opening titles. I had no choice but to do it in fear of Zack sticking my tongue to a frozen metal pole!</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDUps6uPWiU/TwE5Mo7r2wI/AAAAAAAAClQ/mW8_AQYdMb0/s1600/2011.26.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692894293281987330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDUps6uPWiU/TwE5Mo7r2wI/AAAAAAAAClQ/mW8_AQYdMb0/s400/2011.26.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a></div><div>Photo 28: On a much more pleasant note, things were much more cheery on the set of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMskTDjtx2U">HUSBANDS</a>. This wonderful web series was created by Cheeks and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0260870/">Jane Espenson</a>, who is one of my writing idols. It was great to be on set and watch her process. It was also a refreshing to dress existing places with surreal items, but not have to really build anything crazy! If you haven't seen this show, go watch it now. It's really just perfect. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892592109415250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQrvyHlnb18/TwE3pnkia1I/AAAAAAAACic/EbDyzS2AcUs/s400/2011.40.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">Photo 29: I wanted the steampunk booth in The Guild Season 5 to be spectacular, but, as usual, we were extreamely short on time AND funds. Luckily, Shawn Stryder and the gang from Labrynth of Jareth costume ball had plenty of incredible steampunk fixtures to loan me as a favor. In return, I repaid them with my sculpting services and created this rather large dragon head for one of the stage shows during the annual ball. Hopefully they will let me elaborate on the creature this year! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ya8vgfzPti4/TwE4vIgEhPI/AAAAAAAAClE/EARN9a0ngUU/s1600/2011.27.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893786360022258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ya8vgfzPti4/TwE4vIgEhPI/AAAAAAAAClE/EARN9a0ngUU/s400/2011.27.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 30: The most amazing costumes at LOJ were those of Team Unicorn! Rileah Vanderbilt, Milynn Sarley, Michelle Boyd, and Clare Grant are cosplay aficionados. I helped them out with a few projects last year, including their appearance as the Night Sisters for the Lucasfilm Clone Wars panel at San Diego Comicon. I made the laser bows and blades based off of top secret drawings from Skywalker Ranch. It kind of made my comicon!</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdQBrk7cP8o/TwE4uSZ8e2I/AAAAAAAACk8/TogrEE7G4lg/s1600/2011.28.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893771838815074" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdQBrk7cP8o/TwE4uSZ8e2I/AAAAAAAACk8/TogrEE7G4lg/s400/2011.28.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 31: That wasn't the only Star Wars cosplay I helped with for that con. I made <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/briankameoka">Brian Kameoka</a>'s Nien Nunb head. It's a fiberglass shell with a foam latex lower lip, and tinted eyes. Bryan loved it so much he never broke character for the entire weekend. Give the man respect, he DID blow up a Death Star, after all! </div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uXEIgBLaoQ/TwE4uNjYxAI/AAAAAAAACko/ht7Ht88gjVE/s1600/2011.28a.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893770536240130" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uXEIgBLaoQ/TwE4uNjYxAI/AAAAAAAACko/ht7Ht88gjVE/s400/2011.28a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color:black;"><div style="color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo 32: The cosplay list was long for San Diego last year. I ordinarily never have time to help people with costumes, but so many of my friends had great ideas last summer, and they all do so much for me, I was happy to squeeze the projects in.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/Geekyfanboy"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kenny Mittleider</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> is a perfect example. This blog wouldn't exist without him! Making him Hobbit feet for his dream cosplay was the least I could do! </span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893190962262674" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2VUUw41YK9w/TwE4MeeLspI/AAAAAAAACj4/uyLN-MOOsd0/s400/2011.32.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></span></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Photo 33: Combining the multiple projects I had going for work with all the side projects for comicon had me pretty worn out by the time I got to San Diego. But once I got there, the party mode kicked in! I went crazy with Justin and Kev. We drank caffeinated colas and stayed out till like 10:30pm!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQgIq6Qf8hM/TwE4t7vifKI/AAAAAAAACkc/OdYtVv162_k/s1600/2011.29.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893765755370658" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQgIq6Qf8hM/TwE4t7vifKI/AAAAAAAACkc/OdYtVv162_k/s400/2011.29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 34: After comicon, things got serious. I was finally back in the director's chair, which is my favorite place to be. I helmed the experimental pilot, <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/08/white-room-20b3.html">WHITE ROOM: 02B3</a> for Roddenberry Entertainment.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jtc4HkhM-0/TwE4txHmS9I/AAAAAAAACkU/UlbjezxP7Y8/s1600/2011.30.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893762903493586" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jtc4HkhM-0/TwE4txHmS9I/AAAAAAAACkU/UlbjezxP7Y8/s400/2011.30.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 35: What made the project so unique was that we shot it in 360. This crazy Probe Droid looking device is actually an array of nine 4K cameras that shoot in sync to create a full wrap around image. One version of the film has no edits, my all star cast, including Breckin Meyer, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000674/">Tamlyn Tomita</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/DavidBlue">David Blue</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0874086/">Rachel True</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/tonyjanning">Tony Janning</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/milynnsarley">Milynn Sarley</a>, had to perform as if they were on a live stage! The project also stars...you guessed it...Mr. Doug Jones! That's number 4!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H26xHa7zzu4/TwE4MwcIJUI/AAAAAAAACkI/dyUCMO19DCI/s1600/2011.31.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893195785479490" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H26xHa7zzu4/TwE4MwcIJUI/AAAAAAAACkI/dyUCMO19DCI/s400/2011.31.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 36: Last year almost had the sense of working in an office, in that every project somehow included people from all of the other projects I did during the year. It made things very fun, and very easy, since everyone knew each other and how to get the most out of every day. The Geek of the Week trading card kick starter video was one of those projects. I loaned them my Jabba the Hutt, and made the shocker collars out of velcro and spray painted water bottle twist spouts! I couldn't stay for filming, but they sent me this photo. If I was going to be locked up in a house, that would be the group I'd want to be trapped with! The "original trilogy vs. prequels" argument could go on so long we would never even know we were prisoners!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2VUUw41YK9w/TwE4MeeLspI/AAAAAAAACj4/uyLN-MOOsd0/s1600/2011.32.JPG"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_CEPwf8SX8/TwE4MTOvY8I/AAAAAAAACjo/nvQxYr5SQAs/s1600/2011.33.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893187944702914" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_CEPwf8SX8/TwE4MTOvY8I/AAAAAAAACjo/nvQxYr5SQAs/s400/2011.33.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 298px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 37: Grant may be the robot master, but I bet he never built a lady magnet like this one! I pulled an all-nighter to create this tin parody of a robot for my friend Ilya's Blue cigarette commercial. It was a love story. Pro tip: DO NOT stay up all night and then wear a metal suit all day in mid summer. </div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QG7XYKt9jK0/TwE4MMFwqfI/AAAAAAAACjg/Lpd7l28nlrM/s1600/2011.34.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893186027989490" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QG7XYKt9jK0/TwE4MMFwqfI/AAAAAAAACjg/Lpd7l28nlrM/s400/2011.34.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a></div><div>Photo 38: I got to get some more Guild street cred by painting the cover for the Dark Horse Clara one-shot. I chose to show Clara's Frost Mage skills with a collection of her guildies sculpted in ice.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FFekL_WS84/TwE4MBWlO2I/AAAAAAAACjY/VgK6Ksmef_o/s1600/2011.35.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692893183145753442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FFekL_WS84/TwE4MBWlO2I/AAAAAAAACjY/VgK6Ksmef_o/s400/2011.35.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 39: There is a long list of personal projects that I attempt to chip away at in my spare time, and there is usually never any of that! But in the wee hours of the night, or while I'm on conference calls, I whittle away at little things that make my inner geek smile. Always at the top of the list: Star Wars! I am helplessly addicted. I could be working on an original prop for a Spielberg movie, but completely daydreaming about recreating ANY prop from Star Wars. I try to at least make original pieces of art that are SW influenced. I have been dreaming about a full collection of <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-fourth-be-with-you-smurf-wars.html">Star Wars Smurfs</a> since I was a kid, and this year I finally started started showing pictures of what I've created. There will be many more to come, plus a few other Star Wars inspired projects in 2012. If I can find the time...</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RIYN3LwVTzk/TwE3qmiRzWI/AAAAAAAACjM/wCO4VhUTcSY/s1600/2011.36.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892609011371362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RIYN3LwVTzk/TwE3qmiRzWI/AAAAAAAACjM/wCO4VhUTcSY/s400/2011.36.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 40: I didn't get to travel too much mid year, but the few trips I made were very entertaining. I went to Wizard World Chicago, were Felicia and I premiered the trailer for <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/08/rock-jocks-premieres-at-wizard-world.html">Rock Jocks during a panel</a>. I was happily surprised that people actually had a few questions for me during the Q&A. Felicia could be on a panel with the President of the United States, and people would still address all their questions to her!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aK0YfPHq5lw/TwE3qeu2klI/AAAAAAAACjA/HzaiP83qwoU/s1600/2011.37.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892606916629074" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aK0YfPHq5lw/TwE3qeu2klI/AAAAAAAACjA/HzaiP83qwoU/s400/2011.37.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 41: Of course, you don't need to travel much when you have friends like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1645304/">James Kyson Lee</a>. He brings a world of excitement right to your home. He asked if he could film a "quick video" at the BarnYard, and the next thing I knew I had a houseful of burlesque dancers and muscle cars. James loves my Delorean, so it still got center stage. Note Team Unicorn's life guard stand. Everything gets recycled around here!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ael5lDMxkmo" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12cAqURaTXs/TwE3p58xRgI/AAAAAAAACi4/6G_4g14sqXU/s1600/2011.38.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892597042890242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12cAqURaTXs/TwE3p58xRgI/AAAAAAAACi4/6G_4g14sqXU/s400/2011.38.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 42: Like Star Wars, there were several movies that triggered my imagination as a child and helped define who I am today. Even with a Delorean, it's impossible to go back in time to be involved with them, and it is very rare that you ever get an opportunity to re-create your favorite elements from them as part of your job. Last year, I got to bring one of my favorites back to life from scratch. I created a full size, fully articulated E.T. for a new project that comes out this year. I can't say what it is yet, but I got permission to show my favorite extra-terrestrial.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_sSOhVpXuS8/TwE3poNn03I/AAAAAAAACik/yRYoePT69lA/s1600/2011.39.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892592281736050" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_sSOhVpXuS8/TwE3poNn03I/AAAAAAAACik/yRYoePT69lA/s400/2011.39.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 43: This was not a project, but definitely a major highlight of my year! I got to have dinner at the infamous Club 33 at Disneyland. It's a members only club hidden in the middle of New Orleans Square, and all of the furnishings were personally hand picked by Walt Disney and his wife. Kim Evey, Greg Benson, Sean Becker, and myself were all guest for this once in a lifetime meal.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQrvyHlnb18/TwE3pnkia1I/AAAAAAAACic/EbDyzS2AcUs/s1600/2011.40.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCgVNwSVSVE/TwE3WNpq_iI/AAAAAAAACiQ/7trtRvsqMj0/s1600/2011.41.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892258734112290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCgVNwSVSVE/TwE3WNpq_iI/AAAAAAAACiQ/7trtRvsqMj0/s400/2011.41.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a></div><div>Photo 44: Always the curse of blogging, so many projects I did last year are still in production, so I can't actually disclose any information about them. I can, however, mention that I did three pilots with one of my comedy heroes,<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0644022/"> Bob Odenkirk</a>. What does Bob think is funny? My dog, Art!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycB8bfzG84Y/TwE3VkqLT_I/AAAAAAAACiE/IxvfHr6UAP4/s1600/2011.42.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892247730376690" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycB8bfzG84Y/TwE3VkqLT_I/AAAAAAAACiE/IxvfHr6UAP4/s400/2011.42.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 45: I'll tell you what's not funny: working on a crime reenactment show. My friend needed some help on set, and I had a few light days. Usually I can separate script from reality, but knowing that all of these scenes were 100% accurate representations of actual crimes made for a really depressing week. At one point, as the actress was screaming for help as an actor was fake stabbing her, even the director had to yell, "Please, stop. We have enough."</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySjRH4Zkw_4/TwE3VB-cWyI/AAAAAAAACh4/X8R3rcfnYM4/s1600/2011.43.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892238420138786" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySjRH4Zkw_4/TwE3VB-cWyI/AAAAAAAACh4/X8R3rcfnYM4/s400/2011.43.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" border="0" /></a></div><div>Photo 46: On the completely opposite side of the spectrum, I took over Production Design duties for the second round of <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/BrentSpiner">Brent Spiner's</a> Fresh Hell. Again, I can't talk about what we did, but I can say that we made some pretty cool sets and props, and there are some amazing cameos. We shot about a third of the season at the BarnYard, so the pups got lots of celebrity attention.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19oGBrDDo6g/TwE3VIIwdtI/AAAAAAAACho/wNFHvAS_FEA/s1600/2011.44.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892240074012370" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19oGBrDDo6g/TwE3VIIwdtI/AAAAAAAACho/wNFHvAS_FEA/s400/2011.44.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 47: We did a few trade shows along the way, too. I got to work with famed photographers, the <a href="http://thebuibrothers.com/">Bui Brothers</a>, to create the .TV booth for BlogWorld. We made it like a talk show set, and the Buis filmed a live stream of the booth activity all weekend. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKjPlFvOo5g/TwE3VDoGd4I/AAAAAAAAChg/F-AUH4C-RBA/s1600/2011.45.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692892238863300482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKjPlFvOo5g/TwE3VDoGd4I/AAAAAAAAChg/F-AUH4C-RBA/s400/2011.45.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a></div><div>Photo 48: <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/vubui">Vu Bui</a> and I put our heads together a few weeks later to create a real world version of MineCraft for <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/MojangTeam">Mojang's</a> <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/11/minecon-or-bust.html">Las Vegas convention to officially launch the game</a>. We created over 40 pieces in 12 days, including a 40' EnderDragon and a photo op cave complete with a Creeper and cave spider!</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPFQuzV7f4E/TwE3BeNRo7I/AAAAAAAAChQ/xLHlqr8QQrk/s1600/2011.46.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692891902401160114" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPFQuzV7f4E/TwE3BeNRo7I/AAAAAAAAChQ/xLHlqr8QQrk/s400/2011.46.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 49: I'm not really in jail, but I AM at the scene of a crime! <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0614151/">Charlie Murphy</a> was filming a pilot for his new comedy show, and the production was having some art department trouble. A good friend of mine recommended me to take over and get everything back on track. I brought my crew and a truck load of sets and props. We worked around the clock to get everything on schedule for the first day of filming, building a warehouse full of sets, including this jail cell. Unfortunately, the production had to shut down after the first week of filming, and before I was even notified, someone swept in and took all of my property!</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IuOLW4B_jE/TwE3A92a62I/AAAAAAAAChI/jTqTFYlnPLU/s1600/2011.47.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692891893715364706" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IuOLW4B_jE/TwE3A92a62I/AAAAAAAAChI/jTqTFYlnPLU/s400/2011.47.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 50: I lost tens of thousands of dollars worth of stuff, but what hurt the most is this painting of my dog, Print. Guild fans might recognize it: I painted this overnite during the season 5 shoot, after Sean Becker asked my to bring the most random painting I could think of to hang in the hotel room set. People seemed to love the painting, and I decided to make it a thing to see how many sets I could hang it in. You may catch a glimpse of it in a few others, including Husbands. Charlie loved the idea of having the painting featured in an office set, so I loaned it out. Now it is gone with the rest of my stuff. I usually don't "dish dirt" like this on my blog, but I am desperate to get this original piece of art back If anyone has any information on its whereabouts, it would mean the world to me!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLwJB59kzIk/Twu3mj0WflI/AAAAAAAACrE/Y9tDAzNGXlg/s400/2011.48.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695848026817855058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Photo 51: One pilot I designed that turned to a full series was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxp83CimT0w">The Tommy Wi-Show</a>. With Brock LaBorde producing, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/PaymanBenz">Payman Benz</a> directing, and Chris Darnell shooting, I knew this show was destined to be special. We shot the first half of the season on my soundstage, but I had another production in there for the second round, so we recreated the set at the BarnYard to shoot.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zrrOMUe8F8/TwE3AtLDPeI/AAAAAAAACgw/OgxzIb8UULM/s1600/2011.49.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692891889238490594" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zrrOMUe8F8/TwE3AtLDPeI/AAAAAAAACgw/OgxzIb8UULM/s400/2011.49.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" border="0" /></a>Photo 52: As the year started coming to a close, hockey season started up. The LA Kings had some new people in charge, and they wanted to change things up a bit. They asked me to repaint the King's Castle I made a few seasons ago to match the new jerseys. Huh, I said New Jersey.</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7S1pFEqEm5Q/TwE3Abo1ZVI/AAAAAAAACgk/VctfQ5VtMcQ/s1600/2011.50.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692891884531574098" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7S1pFEqEm5Q/TwE3Abo1ZVI/AAAAAAAACgk/VctfQ5VtMcQ/s400/2011.50.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 362px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Photo 53: And finally, I closed the year with the official launch of my new collectible company, Floppets. Tiny PVC characters clasped onto velcro tethers so you can attach them anywhere you want! I started the venture with two dear friends, Rich and Ilyse, and we have our sights set on making our collectible pets the next big thing! Help us out and grab some for you and your friends at <a href="http://floppets.com/">floppets.com</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693244513437370194" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzF_QJN2aHs/TwJ3uIrgR1I/AAAAAAAACqs/UzVRtDjY8pE/s400/Dino.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:white;">Photo 53: So that is a brief paddle through my 2011 workflow! Of course, there were several other major projects that I couldn't even hint at, but at least I will have something to blog about this year once those things go public! Although, the next few months are already booked up, so I'm not worried about new things to show you. As you can see from the above photo, we have a few "big" things in the works here at the BarnYard!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></div><div>Make sure to follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/gregaronowitz">@gregaronowitz</a> and become a member of this blog to get more posts about future projects. Or past projects! There were a bunch of things in this review that I didn't get to blog about over the course of the year. Anything you would like to see an expanded post about? Let me know in the comments below, and please tell your friends to come check out my blog!</div><div><br /></div><div>And so we begin 2012...</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-39949846769466621102011-12-25T13:40:00.000-08:002011-12-27T11:29:19.258-08:00Some Holiday Cheer!<div style="text-align: left;">Merry Christmas! Hope you are having a great day with family and friends! The last thing anybody wants to do today is surf the web, but somehow I have the feeling you will end up here anyway... So I put together a collection of some festive videos I worked on so you have an excuse to pull out the iPad during the family dinner!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O3_PDrJO8Zc" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br />In 2009, I was telling <a href="http://www.feliciaday.com/">Felicia Day</a> about an idea I had for a scene in a show I was developing, and that it might play well for the Guild. She thought it could be a stand alone bit, and I ran with the idea, morphing it into that year's Guild Christmas special. The XBox Live deal was in full effect, and the internet was abuzz with comments about Felicia and the Guild "selling out". So a line of insane merchandise was spawned...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5Oyin2PoOk/Tve8g-pROLI/AAAAAAAACgY/lCJuM5boDXA/s400/IMG_0293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690223928963840178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><br />I wrote, designed, and directed all seven videos. This series was shot at the BarnYard. Felicia and <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/KimEvey">Kim Evey</a> decorated the tree. Pretty much the best geek Christmas ever! The only thing that could top it is if R2 and 3PO were to drop by to decorate. Aw, who am I kidding! It can't get better than Codex and Kiko!<br /><br /></div><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/n0gzL-3_CAg" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />This is my driveway! All of the kids were from a play that <a href="http://www.americayoung.com/">America Young</a> had just directed in the fall. America is does the voice over for this spot. And the hands at the end are Kim Evey's!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iex6dDFBoek/Tve8S0T0YPI/AAAAAAAACf0/JwoMQyYA2rs/s400/05233215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690223685671346418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><div><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PRE6nJMAWsg" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0860385/">Kevin Thompson</a> and I worked together on one of my first film projects, over 20 years ago! He has acted in countless shows since then for me, but my favorite credits of his are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FQVX78/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FQVX78">Return of the Jedi</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FQVX78" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UBMWG4/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000UBMWG4">Blade Runner</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000UBMWG4" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />!<br /><br />Alley Bagget is PlayBoy's Lingerie Model of the Millennium!!! We did a comic book together, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JPQE9C/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005JPQE9C">AlleyCat</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005JPQE9C" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, in the late 90s. It was a pleasure to have her in this video.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9pXMT-VBzI/Tve8T7-4p1I/AAAAAAAACgI/ue5GdaeNfC8/s400/06033013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690223704910899026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">I posted this one cause, well, er...wouldn't you!?!</span></div><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sMcm7Se-KpY" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />One of my favorite props ever. I have copies of the Vork Unbreakable bank all over my house! You can see how I made it <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2009/12/guild-xmas-blog-1-vork-unbreakable-bank.html">here</a>.<br /><br />I thought it would be even funnier as "sell-out" videos if there were lots of cameos. I asked my buddy <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1645304/">James Kyson Lee</a> if he would stop by to get filmed. He asked. "Can I drive your Delorean!?!"<br /><br />And you guessed it: That's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/mediocrefilms?blend=1&ob=4">Greg Benson from Mediocre Films</a> doing the closing announcement!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MOMffR3h4Fg" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />This is my favorite of the series. <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/amyokuda">Amy Okuda</a> was such a good sport. This was also the only video NOT shot at the BarnYard. We filmed at my favorite hobby store, <a href="http://www.kitkraft.biz/">Kit Kraft</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/DavidBlue">David Blue</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/breagrant">Brea Grant</a> were hilarious. And pay close attention to the line waiting to buy life-sized Tink dolls. As always, Kenny is first in line! And Guild director <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/seanbecker">Sean Becker</a> scopes out the competition.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_6Nc63RDRzc" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />I had the idea for this Clara cookie jar that also had a keg tap, but it was Sean Becker who dubbed it the "Mommy and Me" cookie jar! Yellow <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007RT9N0/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007RT9N0">SPD Power Ranger</a> <img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007RT9N0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1648663/">Monica May</a> dropped in to play the hot mom. She also is a crazy talented make-up artist. She stuck around all day to do everyone's make-up and hair, including Amy's prosthetic elf ears!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wAl8b8IWd_g/Tve8STuCFuI/AAAAAAAACfc/rrJONSAs1xk/s400/05202946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690223676922926818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/juCvu9cbLJ8" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Everyone says this is the funniest video.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zot7BNP-H5A/Tve8ThodZRI/AAAAAAAACgA/LQgucwelMPY/s400/05235606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690223697837516050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " border="0" /></div><div> Although Sean was traumatized by the beheading of the bear!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4a23rHhMMvs/Tve8Sp178OI/AAAAAAAACfo/vU91t_wvHRk/s400/05223103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690223682861658338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " border="0" /></span></div><div>Also shot in my driveway, all of the snow is fake! <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/alexalbrecht">Alex Albrecht</a> killed it as the dad. this was the first time we worked together, but we did some amazing projects together over the next few years...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6ZnxWz3NAY4" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />My friends America and <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TealSherer">Teal Sherer</a> made this video for Christmas this year. I put together the prop weapons for them. Nothing brings holiday cheer like women battling with lightsabers!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0UqEhUm2B_8" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />And we end with the Zombie Apocalypse! I only helped peripherally on this one, loaning some props and printing some graphics. But I want you to see it because Sean Becker directed this perfect <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TeamUnicornFTW">Team Unicorn</a> video, and anything <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/milynnsarley">Milynn Sarley</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/claregrant">Clare Grant</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/micheleboyd">Michelle Boyd</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/Rileah">Rileah Vanderbilt</a> do is golden!<br /><br />Hope that made you holiday a little merrier!<br /><br />See you in the new year. Best wishes,<br /><br />Greg</div></div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-14577621746229435662011-12-21T16:09:00.000-08:002011-12-21T21:31:01.373-08:00Floppets!<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgcPhOQs1j0/TvKtZUW2FLI/AAAAAAAACfQ/qDYXD-OVkWs/s1600/Picture%2B1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqeCwVoqRiQ/TvJ5xy2MFFI/AAAAAAAACfE/AMuIx8Y16OA/s1600/Floppets%2B1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 113px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqeCwVoqRiQ/TvJ5xy2MFFI/AAAAAAAACfE/AMuIx8Y16OA/s400/Floppets%2B1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688743175691965522" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnaRsSFJClc/TvJ5xcWPNTI/AAAAAAAACe4/WlDAw6lUGP8/s1600/Floppets%2B1a.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnaRsSFJClc/TvJ5xcWPNTI/AAAAAAAACe4/WlDAw6lUGP8/s400/Floppets%2B1a.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688743169652372786" /></a>If you follow me on Twitter (if not, please follow me on Twitter! <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/gregaronowitz">@gregaronowitz</a>! Thnx!) you may have noticed a barrage of tweets about <a href="http://floppets.com/">Floppets</a>. Your first thought was probably "Why is he cluttering my timeline with toy endorsements!?!?!" I apologize, I usually refrain from multiple plugs, but I'm going to explain why I did it this time within this blog. Hopefully I will also answer the question that was most likely your second thought, "What IS a Floppet!?!"<div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avL5tFVTrYQ/TvJ5xO7hH6I/AAAAAAAACes/M0HvoV2utEw/s1600/Floppets%2B2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avL5tFVTrYQ/TvJ5xO7hH6I/AAAAAAAACes/M0HvoV2utEw/s400/Floppets%2B2.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688743166050639778" /></a>Photo 1: A FLOPPET is a collectible, wearable "pet". Each character is a small PVC shape with a patented post on the back, which hooks into a velcro tether. The tether can wrap around anything you can think to attach it to! </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGY2b8-f-lA/TvJ5i0VBKlI/AAAAAAAACeg/G9f2IPyoKkg/s1600/Floppets%2B3.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGY2b8-f-lA/TvJ5i0VBKlI/AAAAAAAACeg/G9f2IPyoKkg/s400/Floppets%2B3.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742918391671378" /></a>Photo 2: Originally conceived by Ilyse Brainin, a teacher well known for her work with reading impaired children, Floppets were intended for kids to use as decoration on their flip-flops at the beach. Once they ended up in children's hands, it didn't take long to find tons of other uses for them: rings, hair-ties, pencil toppers, locker markers, book bag tags, and as you see here, I am using them as holiday ornaments! Obviously, any adult with the collecting bug will love them, too. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42WZ7f00rYo/TvJ5ioOnUfI/AAAAAAAACeQ/vr1ynsg2hZw/s1600/Floppets%2B4.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42WZ7f00rYo/TvJ5ioOnUfI/AAAAAAAACeQ/vr1ynsg2hZw/s400/Floppets%2B4.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742915143586290" /></a>Photo 3: Why am I promoting them so much? Ilyse has been a friend of mine for a long time, and we have worked together on multiple amazing projects. She took her inspiration for <a href="http://www.floppets.com/">Floptopia and the Petlets</a> and formed the Zydeco company with another great friend, Rich Goodman. He handles all of the operations, and keeps the company functioning! They asked me to partner with them on this new adventure, and help create characters and concepts that would take the company in new directions. The second I saw what they were doing, I knew I had to be involved. </div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IA7KWHZUq10/TvJ5iv4BwfI/AAAAAAAACeI/eHWM3TGmo8A/s1600/Floppets%2B5.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IA7KWHZUq10/TvJ5iv4BwfI/AAAAAAAACeI/eHWM3TGmo8A/s400/Floppets%2B5.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742917196333554" /></a>Photo 4: I think all the designs are amazing, but I particularly love using the skunk to tie my power cable, and ward would-be borrowers away...</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJZqH-KCb-M/TvJ5iBAU-PI/AAAAAAAACeA/ioLcO4HHtgI/s1600/Floppets%2B6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJZqH-KCb-M/TvJ5iBAU-PI/AAAAAAAACeA/ioLcO4HHtgI/s400/Floppets%2B6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742904614680818" /></a>Photo 5: No matter how many project companies I start, I always forget how much work goes into them. It's not a bad thing, it's actually my favorite part. It is really just A LOT of work. Once the physical Floppets were done, they needed tags. An outside needed to be designed...</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtNDC_eVwUE/TvJ5hzAaw7I/AAAAAAAACdw/70OPqYMmRdc/s1600/Floppets%2B7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtNDC_eVwUE/TvJ5hzAaw7I/AAAAAAAACdw/70OPqYMmRdc/s400/Floppets%2B7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742900856964018" /></a>Photo 6: And then an inside! There are so many details to keep the product functional. If Rich never has to see another barcode again, he would be thrilled. Unfortunately, that will not be the case, as there are going to be hundreds, if not THOUSANDS, more Floppets to come!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDR3OILPbmM/TvJ5KjbAhsI/AAAAAAAACdk/FRtOSDl7_aQ/s1600/Floppets%2B8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDR3OILPbmM/TvJ5KjbAhsI/AAAAAAAACdk/FRtOSDl7_aQ/s400/Floppets%2B8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742501536532162" /></a>Photo 7: The response to the original Floppet designs was overwhelming, and I felt there was a huge potential for the brand to grow even larger. I wanted to move the company into licensed properties, but my partners agreed that we also wanted to keep the company "grass-roots" for a while longer, so we could have a stronger grasp on operating the business before branching out too far.</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought a good test would be to make some characters from some of my other projects, so we could show other franchise owners what the product could do, while still keeping it close to home. We started with one of my favorites, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VFM0XS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001VFM0XS">Labou</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001VFM0XS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Y7GtgUajc/TvJ5KTi0MDI/AAAAAAAACdY/4xLtPmO1DvA/s1600/Floppets%2B9.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Y7GtgUajc/TvJ5KTi0MDI/AAAAAAAACdY/4xLtPmO1DvA/s400/Floppets%2B9.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742497274310706" /></a>Photo 8: We were all very happy with the end results. This mythical creature seems to make everyone smile, including other mythical creatures such as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/TeamUnicornFTW">Team Unicorn</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/milynnsarley">Milynn Sarley</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgcPhOQs1j0/TvKtZUW2FLI/AAAAAAAACfQ/qDYXD-OVkWs/s400/Picture%2B1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688799929795220658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">Photo 9: The trick with designing marketing support for licensing is finding the balance between promoting the Floppets brand, and featuring the franchise. Labou allowed me to test options without upsetting the licensed property owner. You know, cause, that's me!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ffffff;">Above is the layout for the Labou Floppets double sided tag. The blue lines are guides for the die-cutting, and aren't printed on the final tag. Lesson learned here: Any art between the tether scores will be covered by the product. Poor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2125367/">Marissa Cuevas</a>!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K02yMAil11E/TvJ5Jl0PVlI/AAAAAAAACdM/j4C2FW8wJFg/s1600/Floppets%2B10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K02yMAil11E/TvJ5Jl0PVlI/AAAAAAAACdM/j4C2FW8wJFg/s400/Floppets%2B10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742484999362130" /></a>Photo 10: Taking another step forward, Floppets is thrilled to announce series one of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006C6ERIM/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006C6ERIM">The Guild</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006C6ERIM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> collection!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlqbqzdGKx8/TvJ5JXoFhHI/AAAAAAAACc8/3K8LqlhTVdw/s1600/Floppets%2B11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlqbqzdGKx8/TvJ5JXoFhHI/AAAAAAAACc8/3K8LqlhTVdw/s400/Floppets%2B11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742481190290546" /></a>Photo 11: I introduced <a href="http://feliciaday.com/">Felicia Day</a> to Rich while we where at <a href="http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/2011/08/rock-jocks-premieres-at-wizard-world.html">Wizard World in Chicago</a>, and he gave her a kitten Floppet. Of course, she loved it! A collaboration seemed obvious, and I started laying out the plan straight away. It is so exciting to have Codex, Vork, Zaboo, Tink, Clara, and Bladezz join our line-up.</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43pzyDmDq78/TvJ5JDspE0I/AAAAAAAACc0/JVOcJahJHwo/s1600/Floppets%2B12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43pzyDmDq78/TvJ5JDspE0I/AAAAAAAACc0/JVOcJahJHwo/s400/Floppets%2B12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742475840688962" /></a>Photo 12: All of our Guild Floppets are personally approved by the actors...</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7nDKdO5j7c/TvJ42lEbjCI/AAAAAAAACco/m2LYDXnvOyk/s1600/Floppets%2B13.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 354px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7nDKdO5j7c/TvJ42lEbjCI/AAAAAAAACco/m2LYDXnvOyk/s400/Floppets%2B13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742158381321250" /></a>Photo 13: Their pets...</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7h_Ck7opq0/TvJ42QqtCzI/AAAAAAAACcc/_bvy2N_85tk/s1600/Floppets%2B14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y7h_Ck7opq0/TvJ42QqtCzI/AAAAAAAACcc/_bvy2N_85tk/s400/Floppets%2B14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742152904706866" /></a>Photo 14: And their director! Guild helmer <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/seanbecker">Sean Becker</a> models the choker version...</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VxWou5GSVw/TvJ415uqWGI/AAAAAAAACcQ/stWED8K4wjs/s1600/Floppets%2B15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VxWou5GSVw/TvJ415uqWGI/AAAAAAAACcQ/stWED8K4wjs/s400/Floppets%2B15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742146747291746" /></a>Photo 15: The main challenge The Guild offered was the level of detail that needed to be achieved. This series has really helped set the bar as far as the quality you will get with the Floppets brand. Series one is based on the animated avatars from <a href="http://watchtheguild.com/">the show's opening titles</a>, and I really didn't want to do it unless we could recreate the look exactly. It took a little bit of work, but I am very happy with the end result. I hope you are, too!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDanKPl59OU/TvJ418nH5nI/AAAAAAAACcA/0_oXJHVR7bU/s1600/Floppets%2B16.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDanKPl59OU/TvJ418nH5nI/AAAAAAAACcA/0_oXJHVR7bU/s400/Floppets%2B16.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742147520980594" /></a>Photo 16: The art of PVC inlay is not new, but it is the level of detail we are pushing to achieve that makes our product special. Especially since most Floppets are no bigger than 1 1/2 inches! Above is an example of an average mass produced PVC inlay product.</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiBxh-ds0QM/TvJ41vVDUiI/AAAAAAAACb4/GDdb_LW4ozo/s1600/Floppets%2B17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiBxh-ds0QM/TvJ41vVDUiI/AAAAAAAACb4/GDdb_LW4ozo/s400/Floppets%2B17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688742143955522082" /></a>Photo 17: When you buy a PVC key chain or charm, they are made by hand layering liquid plastic into metal gang molds. The shapes are usually broad and simple, to help speed up production. This is an example of a typical character mold.</div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBxUCowoW5c/TvJ4Na4w6kI/AAAAAAAACbw/DZyQ-ORFqsk/s1600/Floppets%2B18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBxUCowoW5c/TvJ4Na4w6kI/AAAAAAAACbw/DZyQ-ORFqsk/s400/Floppets%2B18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688741451273398850" /></a>Photo 18: Here is one of our molds for the Zaboo Floppet. You can see the elevated amount of detail. All of those lines will be hand painted in the various colors...</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agV1GcZ8Omk/TvJ4M3Q1grI/AAAAAAAACbg/616vDbzPWkI/s1600/Floppets%2B19.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agV1GcZ8Omk/TvJ4M3Q1grI/AAAAAAAACbg/616vDbzPWkI/s400/Floppets%2B19.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688741441710686898" /></a></div> Photo 19: Then the rest of the cavity is filled solid with the main color. The material dries, the individual pieces are pulled and trimmed, and then the post is adhered to the back with a special glue that makes it almost impossible to remove!<div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aT15b9evZJg/TvJ4M61C1gI/AAAAAAAACbU/BIz0rJa3774/s1600/Floppets%2B20.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aT15b9evZJg/TvJ4M61C1gI/AAAAAAAACbU/BIz0rJa3774/s400/Floppets%2B20.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688741442667861506" /></a>Photo 20: The Codex Floppets in process. This is why I love doing projects like this. I love making stuff, and I love seeing stuff I've made being duplicated so everyone can have some! The production process is as fascinating to me as the actual act of designing the original.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9rb83wmuyk/TvJ4MJjQ2PI/AAAAAAAACbM/iQ3PL-KFDks/s1600/Floppets%2B21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9rb83wmuyk/TvJ4MJjQ2PI/AAAAAAAACbM/iQ3PL-KFDks/s400/Floppets%2B21.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688741429439944946" /></a>Photo 21: The finished Codex. There were several versions of Codex in the design stage. I originally thought she might have more of a presence with a black outline, but filling her with solid black dulled down the other colors. Ultimately, we went with a white border, which helps give her a unique identity when lined up with the rest of the gang.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqIEfXZqL8Y/TvJ4MCsOWEI/AAAAAAAACa8/k1jne3A9vfI/s1600/Floppets%2B22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqIEfXZqL8Y/TvJ4MCsOWEI/AAAAAAAACa8/k1jne3A9vfI/s400/Floppets%2B22.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688741427598481474" /></a>Photo 22: And... more tags! We got all the Guild Floppets shipped in time for the holidays, but the tags were delayed. In order to make sure that fans could get them in time, I hand cut a bunch of tags to keep the orders flowing. I don't know, would that be considered a collectible variant!?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully that answered some questions about Floppets. I am really excited about this new project. I love my partners and I adore what we are creating. Check back here often, as I will blog about all of the new exciting products we are going to be adding to the line. We have so many amazing things to announce in 2012, it's hard not to blurt it all out right now! Leave a comment below if there is anything you would like to see as a Floppet, and go to <a href="http://www.floppets.com">Floppets.com</a> to buy some! Thanks!</div></span></div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8614659190361922901.post-86305046984036144012011-12-11T12:14:00.000-08:002011-12-17T12:10:33.382-08:00Dragon Age: Redemption Episode 6 Part 2<div>At long last we come to the final blog for Dragon Age: Redemption. If you've been following along, you've seen the magnitude of the project we set out to do, and the uphill battle we fought along the way to do it! The BarnYard took on the lion's share of the visual aspects of prepping the film, including the sets, props, and make-up effects. Any one of those departments should have had the budget of the entire project, and my crew should have been 10 times the size. but it wasn't, and the people involved worked that much harder to make everything amazing. You may wonder how many unseen dozens of craftsman helped in bringing the DA:R art department's task to fruition, but the truth is everyone involved has been mentioned and/or pictured in these blogs. We were a rag tag team of believers in what <a href="http://feliciaday.com/projects">Felicia Day</a> had planned, and despite the odds that were against us, I think things turned out pretty well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every episode has it's own behind the scenes story, and I hope I covered most of them on these pages. The final episode brought us to a place of magic and mayhem, Sundermount, the ancient burial shrine of Elves.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TsNFH43N0Q/TuURlWJbc0I/AAAAAAAACaw/_vZuzi1p6Pc/s1600/DA%2B12.1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TsNFH43N0Q/TuURlWJbc0I/AAAAAAAACaw/_vZuzi1p6Pc/s400/DA%2B12.1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684969437923078978" border="0" /></a>Photo 1: When we last left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sundermount</span>, it was being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ravaged</span> by the incredible winds ripping through the mountains above the San Fernando Valley. I got a crew up there as early as possible in the morning so we could get the set back together and in perfect shape before filming began. <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3GXJIdUrIU/TuURkxKAE_I/AAAAAAAACao/4VrF3iiatWk/s1600/DA%2B12.2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3GXJIdUrIU/TuURkxKAE_I/AAAAAAAACao/4VrF3iiatWk/s400/DA%2B12.2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684969427993367538" border="0" /></a>Photo 2: We were going to be on the location for several more days, so the trick was not only to get the set standing again, but to make sure it stayed that way for the rest of filming! We quadrupled the number of stakes, sandbags, and ropes we used to secure the walls down on the backside, and we fortified them with jack stands on the front side when the set wasn't being filmed.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHrHFrgeomI/TuURkpYZp0I/AAAAAAAACaY/wIFOzpKNYfY/s1600/DA%2B12.3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHrHFrgeomI/TuURkpYZp0I/AAAAAAAACaY/wIFOzpKNYfY/s400/DA%2B12.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684969425906280258" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Photo 3: Sundermount</span> stands again! Very little of the set can actually be seen in the show, which is disappointing, since I think it is the only real setting that directly connects our world to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><a href="http://www.bioware.com/">Bioware</a>'s</span> virtual world.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuPNiEqNLmk/TuURV4WFnnI/AAAAAAAACaQ/ubBgGlnqWuc/s1600/DA%2B12.4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuPNiEqNLmk/TuURV4WFnnI/AAAAAAAACaQ/ubBgGlnqWuc/s400/DA%2B12.4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684969172225072754" border="0" /></a>Photo 4: The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sundermount</span> shoot spanned over a few "splits". This is when the 10 to 12 hour work day is pushed later in the day, or way early in the morning, to split the time between the dark of night and the light of day. We needed daylight for the travel shots to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sundermount</span>, and for the morning after the main battle. Of course, that battle all took place in the dead of night.<br /><br />There was a lot to shoot, so even though most of episode 6 all took place in one location, it was heavy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">divided</span> up over those several nights. Many things needed to be reset, including the blood ritual. Here, the maze of runes is being redressed for a second night of sacrifice!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syqEZ7Ts1ko/TuURVZInLkI/AAAAAAAACaA/cMhEoe2ub-w/s1600/DA%2B12.5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syqEZ7Ts1ko/TuURVZInLkI/AAAAAAAACaA/cMhEoe2ub-w/s400/DA%2B12.5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684969163847052866" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Photo 5: Moviestar</span> drinking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rockstar</span>! (I gave <a href="http://marissacuevas.com/">Marissa Cuevas</a> the nickname "Moviestar" on Labou, our first project together, a long, long time ago! Her birthday is this week, so send her well wishes!) The hardest part about working splits or night shoots is staying awake! No matter how many nights of a shoot I work, I never seem to fully adjust and find myself still <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">waking</span> up during the day to do stuff, which makes it more difficult to jump into a 12 hour <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">work shift</span>. Marissa had a very emotional scene during the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sundermount</span> night shoots, so energy drinks became her best friend. Felicia and Kim gave their love to the crew in the form of a coffee truck, which kept us warm and awake on those long. cold nights!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaUhobmzVGE/TuURVHE4snI/AAAAAAAACZw/bFc4Y5q8khU/s1600/DA%2B12.6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaUhobmzVGE/TuURVHE4snI/AAAAAAAACZw/bFc4Y5q8khU/s400/DA%2B12.6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684969158999585394" border="0" /></a>Photo 6: One thing Marissa learned is that it is hard to keep warm when you are spending long hours playing dead! The saddest part of Dragon Age: Redemption for me was the fact that Marissa's character, Fina, dies in the end. (Sorry if that was a spoiler!!! But I hope everyone has seen DA:R by now!!!) The only <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">bright side</span> was that I got to participate in the dramatic scene by crafting the jawbone sacrificial dagger that does the deed. I know I showed this to you before, but I couldn't reveal all the versions of it to avoid the above mentioned spoiler!<br /><br />Here is the final hero dagger, the bloody stunt dagger, and the half dagger rig that attached to a harness under Marissa's costume for the initial stabbing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEXhhPFbGhg/TuURVKnMglI/AAAAAAAACZk/ozEeypunAtw/s1600/DA%2B12.7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEXhhPFbGhg/TuURVKnMglI/AAAAAAAACZk/ozEeypunAtw/s400/DA%2B12.7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684969159948796498" border="0" /></a>Photo 7: In the make-up trailer, make up artist <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1594189/">John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Wrightson</span></a> begins <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0427964/">Doug </a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0427964/">Jones</a>'s</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">transformation</span> into the corrupt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">mage</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Saarebas</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1Ei8d6uTs/TuURU3QrK_I/AAAAAAAACZc/sYiYdoIEeAY/s1600/DA%2B12.8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1Ei8d6uTs/TuURU3QrK_I/AAAAAAAACZc/sYiYdoIEeAY/s400/DA%2B12.8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684969154754063346" border="0" /></a>Photo 8: Originally, I planned on sculpting hand appliances for Doug, but his movement and physique are so perfect already, a paint job and some custom-made creepy finger nails were all that was necessary. This helped out the budget <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">immensely</span>, as hand appliances would have needed to be remade for every day of filming and added expense to our already taxed budget!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZusJFRGpAY/TuUQwy-ZZfI/AAAAAAAACZU/0iueNP8cdCQ/s1600/DA%2B12.9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZusJFRGpAY/TuUQwy-ZZfI/AAAAAAAACZU/0iueNP8cdCQ/s400/DA%2B12.9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968535128368626" border="0" /></a>Photo 9: Our first round of zombies didn't get shot due to time <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">restrictions</span>, so I hobbled together a few more for the next night of shooting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aO0Hd0Y66zA/TuUQwh_FoEI/AAAAAAAACZE/ZG0Bh_WLLWA/s1600/DA%2B12.10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aO0Hd0Y66zA/TuUQwh_FoEI/AAAAAAAACZE/ZG0Bh_WLLWA/s400/DA%2B12.10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968530567864386" border="0" /></a>Photo 10: We have a saying around the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">BarnYard</span> make-up effects shop that has never been proven wrong, and it goes a little something like this: "It takes a while to apply our creature make-up, but when we're done, it's time for lunch!" No matter how much we try to work with the A.D. department, it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">inevitable</span> that they will schedule the lead creature actor to have his make-up applied BEFORE lunch, and then go on to set with a monster face covered in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">spaghetti</span> or pizza grease. Luckily, Doug is the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">consummate</span> professional, and has mastered the art of preserving his rubber face no matter how restrictive it is. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Unfortunately</span>, the finger nails prevented him from enjoying the corn on the cob!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBJKwD9QGus/TuUQwYl56sI/AAAAAAAACY4/15wRyHipeYg/s1600/DA%2B12.11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBJKwD9QGus/TuUQwYl56sI/AAAAAAAACY4/15wRyHipeYg/s400/DA%2B12.11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968528046320322" border="0" /></a>Photo 11: After lunch, I did a quick retouching, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Saarebas</span> was good to go. Looking at this shot mostly makes me think of how awesome the costumes were that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0495348/">Shawna <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Trpcic</span></a> put together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds2WEBH18Yw/TuUQwKb1W2I/AAAAAAAACYs/9VMeEcDKaFU/s1600/DA%2B12.12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds2WEBH18Yw/TuUQwKb1W2I/AAAAAAAACYs/9VMeEcDKaFU/s400/DA%2B12.12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968524245982050" border="0" /></a>Photo 12: The same winds that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">plagued</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Sundermount</span> set wreaked havoc on the cast and crew during filming. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">FX</span> m<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">ake</span>-up supervisor Erika <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Ladd</span> had to keep <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Saarebas's</span> hair tied up between takes to prevent the wind from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">destroying</span> the wig. Note Marissa playing dead in the background, bundled up for rehearsals.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MgcseghGhcs/TuUQvyjOSJI/AAAAAAAACYg/mniIwdxRXiQ/s1600/DA%2B12.13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MgcseghGhcs/TuUQvyjOSJI/AAAAAAAACYg/mniIwdxRXiQ/s400/DA%2B12.13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968517834524818" border="0" /></a>Photo 13: No one had it so bad on those nights as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Felicia</span> herself. When I was designing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Tallis</span> costume, many key words floated around in my head: Sexy, Strong, Functional, Authentic, Organic, and did I mention Sexy!?! Words like "Warm" and "Cozy" never really made the cut. You will never feel so wimpy as when you are standing on a mountaintop in mid January, wearing multiple layers of Down, electric thermal gloves, scarves, wool <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">face mask</span> and fur lined hat, and complaining about the cold as the star/writer/producer stands next to you in skin tight leather pants and revealing corset of your purposeful design.<br /><br />But Felicia is a trooper, and wardrobe had giant warm coats to bundle her up in between takes. Once the scene got going, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Tallis</span> was very active, and Felicia channeled her struggle against the cold into fierce <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">assassin</span> energy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32LL4pzzkZc/TuUQWB2phgI/AAAAAAAACYU/ArVwYRhXEcM/s1600/DA%2B12.14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32LL4pzzkZc/TuUQWB2phgI/AAAAAAAACYU/ArVwYRhXEcM/s400/DA%2B12.14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968075265934850" border="0" /></a>Photo 14: The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Sundermount</span> battle climaxes with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Tallis</span> making the choice to execute <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Saarebas</span> (Again, sorry if that's a spoiler. But really? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">C'mon</span>!!!) In the original script, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Tallis</span> delivers a final blow that severs the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Qunari</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">mage's</span> head from his shoulders. In the last scene, as the remaining heroes bury their dead, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Tallis</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">walks</span> off toward the horizon carrying the head as her prize.<br /><br />Ultimately, it was decided in the final version of the show that keeping the head was out of character for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Tallis</span>, and the imagery changed the message <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Felicia</span> wanted for the message of the show. Although I completely agree with the way the finale plays out, I was bummed that one of my favorite DA:R props found it's final resting place on the cutting room floor.<br /><br />None the less, I made it, and here's how! I did a fiberglass cast of the cowl and horns from the silicone matrix mold used to create the make-up, as seen above.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sqSWxNnvqE/TuUQVdnC7kI/AAAAAAAACYM/dC1t62Ra7z4/s1600/DA%2B12.15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sqSWxNnvqE/TuUQVdnC7kI/AAAAAAAACYM/dC1t62Ra7z4/s400/DA%2B12.15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968065536814658" border="0" /></a>Photo 15: Then I did a 1630 urethane cast of the face appliance, backed with fiberglass. Because the action in the script was very specific, and the head would only ever be seen held by the hair as a trophy, I decided to create it as a rigid version from the original molds. Ordinarily, if it needed to roll or be held by the face, or move in any way, we would have made a foam or soft silicone version. However, this would require additional molds, an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">underskull</span>, possibly simple mechanics. Doing it as a rigid "looks only" prop saved us days of work and thousands of dollars.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmCSPJTm9QQ/TuUQVF1p7cI/AAAAAAAACX4/VJBr3bJGTH4/s1600/DA%2B12.16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmCSPJTm9QQ/TuUQVF1p7cI/AAAAAAAACX4/VJBr3bJGTH4/s400/DA%2B12.16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968059155639746" border="0" /></a>Photo 16: I wanted to add a "dead" expression to the head, as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">apposed</span> to the neutral look on Doug's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">lifecast</span>, so I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">dremeled</span> off the lower lip and chin, and removed the closed eyes. I glued in some glass eyes that were pretty close to Doug's color, then used <a href="http://www.kitkraft.biz/home.php?cat=1149">Magic Sculpt 2 part epoxy resin</a> to sculpt in the eyelids. I tried to make them look relaxed and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">asymmetrical</span>, since the muscles would have loosened up after death.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FciugXhvJqo/TuUQUzuH3vI/AAAAAAAACXw/R2L_lrZlUL4/s1600/DA%2B12.17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FciugXhvJqo/TuUQUzuH3vI/AAAAAAAACXw/R2L_lrZlUL4/s400/DA%2B12.17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968054292209394" border="0" /></a>Photo 17: Next, I fused the face to the cowl. I glued the lower jaw back on, but repositioned it so it was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">little</span> slack, and slightly twisted to one side. I used more Magic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Sculpt</span> to bridge the spaces created by the cuts, and rebuilt the lower lip to sag from it's own weight. Then I added castings of the secondary horns. I was also careful to not secure the top of the forehead, so the wig could be tucked under after the head was painted.<br /><br />I used the hole in the bottom of the neck to put a set of teeth in, since the open lips revealed them. I believe those are a spare casting of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CC7PKS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001CC7PKS">Ben Affleck</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001CC7PKS" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />'s teeth that were laying around! Once those were set, I capped the severed neck off with a circle of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">sintra</span> plastic, then smeared some B<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">ondo</span> over it roughly to simulate meaty, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">sinewy</span> bits!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQrwqdGTYck/TuUQUlyuAGI/AAAAAAAACXk/PJ7WaMDQEKI/s1600/DA%2B12.18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQrwqdGTYck/TuUQUlyuAGI/AAAAAAAACXk/PJ7WaMDQEKI/s400/DA%2B12.18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684968050553389154" border="0" /></a>Photo 18: This is the head after I finished painting it. I matched the paint scheme I did on the hero appliances, but added more purple veins along the wound, the jawline, and eye sockets, to represent settled, clotted blood.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7i22721-lc/TuUP_-y7aaI/AAAAAAAACXM/0yBTnyO4CRQ/s1600/DA%2B12.19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7i22721-lc/TuUP_-y7aaI/AAAAAAAACXM/0yBTnyO4CRQ/s400/DA%2B12.19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684967696487901602" border="0" /></a>Photo 19: This is the head after it was splattered with blood on set. I also did a light spray of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Krylon</span> Crystal Clear to give the skin a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">dewy</span> sheen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBmDgDekFMg/TuUP_svEQzI/AAAAAAAACXA/6vhQI9o-nVM/s1600/DA%2B12.20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBmDgDekFMg/TuUP_svEQzI/AAAAAAAACXA/6vhQI9o-nVM/s400/DA%2B12.20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684967691639866162" border="0" /></a>Photo 20: Because you can't blog about a severed head and not make the joke...WHAT"S IN THE BOX!?!?! (If the reference is lost on you, click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BPQT8A/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001BPQT8A">here</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001BPQT8A" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />) The sad truth is, the head IS boxed up now, waiting for a future open space on my display shelf. As for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Tallis's</span> trophy, it was digitally removed from the final show.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBmLWT08Q5Q/TuUP_PngL2I/AAAAAAAACW0/jE6m6BCZ6PU/s1600/DA%2B12.21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBmLWT08Q5Q/TuUP_PngL2I/AAAAAAAACW0/jE6m6BCZ6PU/s400/DA%2B12.21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684967683823513442" border="0" /></a>Photo 21: There were many moving parts to the series finale, and the restrictive time schedule put more things at risk of ending up on the chopping block than just my prop head. There were several key moments that main unit just couldn't fit into the schedule, so Felicia called The Guild director <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/seanbecker">Sean Becker</a> to step in and helm 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">nd</span> unit. <div><br /></div><div>Sean was in charge of capturing all of the insert shots and pick-up shots from various scenes that would help stitch the sequences together seamlessly. Most of this was done towards the end of the schedule, when we were back on the stage, so my team needed to recreate small chunks of the various locations in corners of our warehouse. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MITUmoK3UpE/TuUP-3nhueI/AAAAAAAACWo/X8GuNo1GfOw/s1600/DA%2B12.22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MITUmoK3UpE/TuUP-3nhueI/AAAAAAAACWo/X8GuNo1GfOw/s400/DA%2B12.22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684967677381163490" border="0" /></a>Photo 22: The Guild's director of photography, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2300676/">Chris Darnell</a>, joined Sean to film each shot. We all studied the footage together to make sure that the right environment was created, and Chris very carefully recreated John Bartley's lighting. Inserts and pick-up shots are more difficult than they look, as you are trying to match another team's footage exactly while being in a completely different place, with completely different resources. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here, Chris lines up an over the shoulder close up of the mask of Fen'Heral as Saarebas prepares it for the ceremony.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN5UIu-NC1Q/TuUPtmhFEII/AAAAAAAACWc/3FgTLbYkcWg/s1600/DA%2B12.23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN5UIu-NC1Q/TuUPtmhFEII/AAAAAAAACWc/3FgTLbYkcWg/s400/DA%2B12.23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684967380732940418" border="0" /></a>Photo 23: The mask and dagger await their close-up insert shots by 2nd unit.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CatIHMysQag/TuUPswnK6xI/AAAAAAAACWU/3r_UBT8bhUg/s1600/DA%2B12.24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CatIHMysQag/TuUPswnK6xI/AAAAAAAACWU/3r_UBT8bhUg/s400/DA%2B12.24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684967366262975250" border="0" /></a>Photo 24: The biggest challenge for the 2nd unit art team was piecing together environments for the fight scenes. We needed pick-ups for both the cave fight and the Sundermount fight, which were both heavily location dependent sets. Here, Chris rigged a large backdrop out of a black fabric called Duvetyne to simulate the night sky above Nyree as she deals her death blow.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOY91DMteto/TuUPsgy5gSI/AAAAAAAACWA/zv83HIXa0BY/s1600/DA%2B12.25.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOY91DMteto/TuUPsgy5gSI/AAAAAAAACWA/zv83HIXa0BY/s400/DA%2B12.25.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684967362017198370" border="0" /></a><br />Photo 25: Lune is at the receiving end of that rock! Pooja and Red 5 helped Sean and Chris painstakingly recreate a small section of the Topanga mountains in order to complete this scene. I think that grass is from my lawn!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGZ1CAa2cks/TuUPsY6gedI/AAAAAAAACV0/kcTXfCFRBGw/s1600/DA%2B12.26.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGZ1CAa2cks/TuUPsY6gedI/AAAAAAAACV0/kcTXfCFRBGw/s400/DA%2B12.26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684967359901628882" border="0" /></a>Photo 26: When filming was done, we spent the next week striking the sets and wrapping out the show. I tried to hang on to as much as possible for use in future projects, but there really was just too much! We ended up filling three 40 yard dumpsters with set walls and broken props. It's always a little heart breaking to work on something so hard for so long, and see it end up in a trash pile. Here, the remains of Sundermount await their fate.</div><div><br /></div><div>But don't be too dismayed! I made sure all of the hero props, weapons, and set dressing was carefully packed away. And there was a lot of it! Imagine the final shot in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014Z4OMU/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0014Z4OMU">Raiders of the Lost Ark</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0014Z4OMU" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, that giant warehouse of wooden crates containing all the known secrets of the universe. Just know that there is a version of that storing everything you love from Dragon Age: Redemption, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YFGIWK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005YFGIWK">The Guild</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005YFGIWK" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, Legend of Neil, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VFM0XS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001VFM0XS">Labou</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001VFM0XS" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DUJ9Q6/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bafx0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002DUJ9Q6">Babylon 5</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bafx0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002DUJ9Q6" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, Speilberg's AI, Lost World, and everything else I ever worked on, just waiting for a reason to be put on public display. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQwHeqC10GM/TuUPsV0h-CI/AAAAAAAACVs/FhffSZ0r-O4/s1600/DA%2B12.27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQwHeqC10GM/TuUPsV0h-CI/AAAAAAAACVs/FhffSZ0r-O4/s400/DA%2B12.27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684967359071254562" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Photo 27: All of those things will not be forgotten, much as DA:R will not be forgotten even though the series has come to an end. Tallis vanished over the horizon, but everything that Felicia accomplished by bringing Dragon Age to life has paved the way for so many more adventures to come. Hopefully some of them will be yours! I know I would love to see them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z1-S_iOAWtE" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the genius of digital media is that the entertainment doesn't need to end when the show is over. I'm certain this is not my last blog ever about DA:R, as I remember new stories every day about the journey we had to create it. Felicia has also created an episode by episode commentary so you can get more of her insight on the making of the show. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, for now, that has been my experience on the making of Dragon Age: Redemption. I hope you have enjoyed my public logging of the memories! It was an amazing project to work on, and I must thank Felicia for involving me, and especially for letting me take on so much of the responsibility, even when everyone else thought I was crazy for wanting to do so. Everyone else except Kim Evey, who I am eternily greatful for, as she suported my artistic insanity to the very end. Huge thanks to BioWare for letting me play so freely in their abundant and detailed world. I also need to thank my tireless crew again for their undying dedication during the endless hours and often unbarable weather! I hope this blog allowed you to know more about them and their incredible talents, without which the show could never have been made. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I want to thank you for reading this. The response to my blog has been overwhelming, and honestly, surprising to me, and I am honored that so many are interested in what I do. It means the world to me that I get to ineract with you about the work done at the BarnYard, and your comments and sharing have really insired me to do more. Thanks again!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With Dragon Age:Redemption complete, it's time to move on to other things. But now that you have seen EVERYTHING, definitely let me know what your favorite set, prop, make-up, or any part of DA:R was! And I feel like I covered pretty much everything, but was there something I missed that you really wanted to know about? Leave a comment below and let me know. Oh, and don't forget about that DLC! As of right now, Talis is pretty much my favorite video came character ever. I think Felicia might agree...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3DxsVzYUle0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></div></div>Greg Aronowitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224225407367581530noreply@blogger.com4