Thanksgiving and lots to be thankful for

I have tried to post some artwork, however, picasa has been giving me fits lately. I'll have to figure it out. (another techy nerd dilemma....
Thanksgiving has come and gone...but I have so much to be thankful for. We had a great holiday playing games, taking care of our animals, raking leaves, minor yardwork, movies, pie, and just being together. It was really nice.

I love the fall season. It is such a nice time to be outside in 40 degree weather with the sun shining on your face. I am so thankful for changing seasons. I don't miss the California weather because nothing ever changes. I'll take the beach weather when I'm at the beach. I'll take 4 seasons so that it feels like something is changing. Changing is good.
I have spent time reflecting on the things I am most thankful for....God, religion, freedom, family, healthy kids, a home, a great job, friends, and rasberry lemonades!
The list goes on and on and on........

I am starting an "unofficial" Disney story group at work. We will meet weekly with some amazing artists who also write stories. We will work on individual story development for our "personal projects" and share our frustrations, techniques and general feedback with each other. It should be fun.


What do I want for Christmas.....?

There are a few cd's and movies that I would love to have. But honestly, besides my Anatolian, there's not much I want. (I wouldn't refuse a new truck....ha)

I really am content with all I have, and should probably go through my stuff and simplify. I definately have tooo much.

Again, much to be thankful for.

-dev

Updates

It's November. I love the colors that change. I love the leaves that fall from the trees. I love the cooler weather. I am savoring this time of year. If only it would last for another 2 months....

Lots has happened.

I think I destroyed that stinkin alien virus that invaded my computer. I am crossing my fingers that the countless hours I spent gettig rid of those little boogers paid off. It is so frustrating that someone would could wreak such havoc on someone elses life. Mr. Virus man, I surely had better things to do with my time. You dink.

I went to Disneyland with my kids for a week. We had 5 full days of Disneyland, and 2 days at Crystal Cove near Laguna Beach. We had a fantastic time....tiring, but fun.
I need another week for my feet to recover. The fires didn't affect us at all.

If you go to Disneyland, I highly recommend the Desert Palms Hotel. They were great to us. I will surely spread the word at the office....since so many of my fellow co- workers are headed to Disneyland....and why not? It's free for us. (gotta love that Silver Pass....nummy!)

Our Halloween film debuted on television...(i'm not sure how many times)I have heard alot of positive comments about the film.

I am hoping to get my anatolian puppy by Christmas.....we'll see. The breeder isn't quite sure yet if her female is pregnant....

Check out this band
- www.sweeptheleg.com
.... They are called, "No More Kings". I have turned so many people onto these guys...it's crazy. They are super catchy, fun, clever, and dang good.
Now, I am a big Jellyfish fan. I love their creativity that shows through their music. "No More Kings" gives me that creative juice that I crave.....I love it.
Do yourself a favor and check out the video, "Sweep The Leg". It's so funny.
Long live the Karate Kid.

-dev

A wolf in sheeps clothing

Daily rant:

There is a new movie coming out in the next month called, "The Golden Compass". It stars Nicole Kidman. (bleaach!)
The show looks pretty good from the trailers. It appeals to children and adults alike. It reminds me of the recent Narnia series by C.S. Lewis......

However, I have done some research into the film and its author. I have also been to www.snopes.com to verify the truth of what I have been reading and sure enough....this film is a wolf in sheeps clothing. It is written by a man who is a proud athiest who hates C.S. Lewis. He is out to create a movie wherein the child heroes "kill god" in the final book. What? Am I reading this correctly? The children "kill god" in the final book? Yes....

read it for yourself....

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

Apparently, the first film is a hook to get kids interested in the trilogy....parents buy the books.....parents buy the movies....but each movie becomes darker, filled with increasing anti religion....until finally in the third movie, the children become adam and eve and "kill god". After which they can live and do as they please.

This film is hateful and wrong. I for one will do all I can to spread the word about the true intentions of this evil trilogy.
Just when I think that this world can't get any worse......

-dev

Hijacked!

My computer was hijacked by a malicious virus! I have had a few times when I had to rid my computer from spyware etc....but this last one was a doozy.
I spent nearly 12 hrs trying to solve it. This little booger disabled my anti-virus software, crippled my OS to the point that I couldn't do anything. Late last night I finally think I resolved it. I can't imagine where it came from....i do know that the last 2 times I got zapped was visiting music-lyric sites, and hairstyle sites. Stay away from those!!!! You can never be too careful.

I can't understand why someone would take their God-given talent and spend their time developing something so malicios...so invading....and so destructive. If these people spent their time combatting bad things, hey, the internet would be a decent place. Instead, the world wide web is full of pornography, hackers, and pirates seeking to harm anyone they come in contact with. If I only had addresses, I would visit them with my crowbar. I could have used those 12 hrs for something good.....sigh.

I would love to post some Disney stuff I have been working on, but can't. Maybe after the products are released next year. In the meantime, I am drawing alot....maybe I'll post some sketches.

dev-

Bye Bye Cafepress

I have had a shop on CafePress for a few years. I just haven't had time to really create and market some cool products. So now it's time to say goodbye. It's been real. It's been fun. But I don't want to shell out another annual fee for something I am not utilizing....so....Goodbye CafePress!

I wrote 2 stories over the weekend. One is called, "Two Foots is a Feet" (working title) which is along the vein of Dr. Suess. (although I don't read much he has written). The other is called, "Following the Leader:when sometimes we shouldn't" (another working title). I drew a bunch of rough sketches. I had alot of fun.

I also read through some other children's stories I have written. "Happy Stew", "Everyone's Gone Plumb Crazy!", and "Until I'm Not ...I am". I have to finish them soon. They are so cute and fun.
........at least my kids love them.

latest

The latest.
I am still working on a bunch of characters. (for 3 different projects) They have turned out really nice if I must say so myself. Just busier than busy.

I bought a fantastic dvd, "Surf's Up" . I LOVE this movie! If you haven't seen it....then you are crazy. This film has some of the best cg I have seen in a while.
Forget that penguins are overdone. That's a lame excuse. How many idiotic dog shows have been made? Go see this movie! The water/ waves are a work of art in itself. I loved this film. I wish there was more "behind the scenes" in the special features. Included on the film is the "Chub Chubs" short film. I wasn't impressed. Too fast paced for my liking.

I have been working on my children's show. I only have a couple hours in a day to do so. I try to spend time with my family after working at the "office". It's in the wee hours and odd times that I can find time to do my "dream" stuff. But I never give up. How can I? lIKE i ALWAYS SAY......"Until I'm not....I AM".

This month is MipCom. If you don't know what MipCom is.... find out. Especially if you are a content IP creator. I will make the show sometime in the future, but I have to figure out not only how to fund my properties, but also find funding to get me and my crew to France with a booth. That can be very expensive. I have no doubt that this is the "must attend" show for me. (mipcom junior too)

I am looking for an Anatolian Shepherd. (a beautiful dog from Turkey) I have been reading up on these dogs for the past 7 or 8 years. I would love to own one. I am talking to a breeder at the moment. (these dogs are not only pricey, but hard to get)

-dev

 

 

 

Update-0-Rama

It occured to me that I have been too occupied in my occupation to occupate my blogger.
So here am I.

I have been busy at work. In the last 4 months I have become a monkey grinding
fool working on the character assembly line.
I have seriously pumped out over 60 characters modeled, and textured. I am a good monkey. It has been fun, yet busy for a monkey.

Have you seen the cool ad for National Geographic Film, "Sea-Monsters"? It will be IMAX-alicious. I did most of the 3d modeling for the creatures, so yes, I will be there when it opens on Oct 5th 2007.

My second film, "Spookey Bats and Scaredy Cats" is now completed and headed toward a theater and outlet store near you.

I have been hum-hawing and digesting thoughts for a new screenplay.... I need to decide whether to move forward with my children's show, or concentrate on a new screenplay....decisions decisions...hmmmm.....

-dev

Latest

I now work for Disney as a character guy. What a great opportunity for me to stretch. I was feeling a bit stagnant at my last job. My heart just wasn't in it. I am so used to driving a project and putting my heart and soul into it....but when your heart isn't in it....your passion isn't either. Actually, I am so busy that it is nice to have a change of pace.

I will probably approach this blog as mostly artwork and minimal yappings. I talk too much and have too many rants and soapbox tangeants....and basically, no one reads this blog, so I might as well ignore the text and enjoy posting monsters, and wierdness from my cerebral carcass. Even if it is for my own enjoyment.

Wheres my pencil?...Wheres my brain?

later-

Slow Down

These past couple of weeks I have tried to slow things down a notch. I took my family to Wyoming for a week. It was a time for visiting and just taking it easy.

There isn't much to report. I have been tweeking some stories, and have been drawing more characters.

My computer is screaming for some upgrades. I'm thinking of getting a couple of new wide screen monitors. It's amazing to see where technology is taking us. I can't wait for the day when memory, and speed is a thing of the past. I can't wait for the day when the computer works as fast as a mind can think. No chugging, calculating, or choking. Man, I can't wait....and that time is probably within 5 years.

I watched the movie, "That Thing You Do" with Tom Hanks the other day. What a great film. One of my favorites. I also watched the old Disney classic, "The Parent Trap". (my girls love that show) I was suprised to finally see "Toby Tyler" on DVD. I snagged it and really enjoyed watching it with my family. These are great films that will stand the test of time. (isnt that what films should do?)

Political Rant: I was watching some of the presidential candidates get grilled for various issues. I was quite suprised to see americans bashing presidential hopeful Mit Romney over his religious beliefs. In an era of "anything goes", I would think most americans would want somebody to lead us who has a basic belief in Diety. Some might disagree with how that is defined, but the basic principles and values that come with someone who believes in God is really important..and should be an important factor....otherwise everything goes to crap. And we are definately headed there.

I for one, wouldn't want an athiest leading our country. I would vote for someone who has faith in God as did our forefathers. If they don't, then I ask where are they basing their principles and values? I am so sick of reading the crazy things that are going on in the world. Freedom is defined as doing whatever anyone wants, whenever they want to. Then we all ask, how did things get so bad?

I read the other day about a new trend called "Bum Bashing". It is where a group of teenagers find homeless people and beat them to death. I don't understand that kind of mentality. One of the boys said that he felt like he was in a video game and couldn't stop himself from beating an old defenseless homeless man with a bat. He said that it felt like a dream or a fantasy world.... Like he had done it before (which he had many times in certain video games). After the homeless man died, and the boys were sent to prison for 17 years, this kid still couldn't understand why he did it. He still thinks it was like a dream.

Are these the types of values we want for our kids? We need leaders who stand for good. We need leaders who have faith and hope in better things. If we elect bad people, it will only hurt the future of our children.

I for one want my children to live in a safe and peaceful world...

my 2 cents and the end of this rant......

January Update

Well, it's already a busy year.

I finally finished with our musical cd! I can't tell you how great that feels.
This is a major milestone in my life. It's only taken 10+ years!!!!
We actually have "some tweeking" to do (just a little) and then mastering the cd's. We will have 3 cd's (soundtrack, minus track, minus vox + underscores)featuring 17 songs, 17 songs in sheet music, and an updated script by the end of the month.
The next step is to produce it in a theater......cough cough.

I learned that our Christmas film aired 18 times before Christmas on most of the major channels. Very cool.
Halloween is just around the corner to start animation. I may post a pic or two.

I am going to finish up a couple of screenplays that I've been working on for some time.
First will be, "Auckland Island". It's a story about a Maori boy who tries to fit in among the Pakeha's (white people) that invaded his native island.
The next title I am keeping secret because it is so dang interesting. It's based on a true story in the 1920's and is so facinating that I need to keep it "top secret". But, I will say this...the film will be for families (total family friendly) and will be a very fun adventure.

I have also begun on my children's pilot. I am tweeking the brand and developing the characters. I can't wait until this get's in high gear. This should be a fun ride.

weeeeeeeee!!!!!

Christmas DVD

  

Merry Christmas!

Almost another year has flown by. I can't believe how fast time can pass you by. This year has really been tough, but I can look back and be proud of my accomplishments. I have been in writing and developing mode for kids ideas, shows, musicals, music, etc for so long. This past year I have accomplished so many things such as transcribing music to paper, publishing stories, written 2 films (one which has aired on television a handful of times on various stations), recorded a 17 song musical in 3 different cd formats, won some animation awards, started a new business and much more.

I am expecting wonderful things for 2007. I have a lifetime of work ahead of me. My biggest obstacle is time.

Merry Christmas to all.

See ya in 2007!

Updates

Some cool stuff is happening in my neck of the woods.
Our Christmas film will play on nearly every station at least 5 times
before Christmas. It has sold thousands of copies and has a presence on Amazon, and in many retail stores.

My musical soundtrack is nearly complete. We are making a couple of small changes and moving forward with mixing. It should all be completed within 3 weeks. There is alot of potentially good stuff happening here. Can't say much at the moment, but this project looks very promising.

I am switching into children's animation gear. By the first of the year, I will be actively developing my kids shows.

2006 has been great. We have accomplished alot! It has been very busy for me. But 2007 looks like even better. (hopefully not busier!)

I welcome a new year full of challenges. (and hopefully some small suceesses)

Happy Holidays to all!

Film Premiere

We had a mini film premiere last night in a mammoth theater. Kids and crew were invited. It was quite fun to see the film on the big screen in its almighty 28 minutes of animation glory.

It's quite an amazing feeling to see something you helped to create entertaining a theater full of people. I kept thinking about all the hard work involved in creating a project such as this, and how discouraging all the little details can be. It is really a monumentous task to have a dream, and see it fulfilled to the very end.
Not many make it, but some do....and when they do, it's an amazing feeling of accomplishment.

We will have our big premiere on the 28th of this month.

Television

Fox 13 and KJAZZ 14 will air our Christmas film 3 times before Christmas. This is great news! We are having 2 theater premieres in the next 3 weeks which promise to be a great evening. This Christmas project has turned into such a wonderful and worthwhile project. Hopefully, we can keep chugging along and get our Halloween film on television too.

Look for it!
Let me know what you think!

-dev

Latest

We are finishing vocalists for our CD project (musical) this week. I flew a guy in from L.A. to sing his heart out. We have a total of 8 singers singing 17 songs.
We will move to the mixing stage next week, and will finally be done! Whoo Hoo!
I'm holding off on doing a full stage production until I get a small mental break from the project. Seriously, this project has consumed all my energy the past 3 years. (hardcore)

I thought I would have more time to get my children's shows going this year, but I have put them on hold til I wrap up a few other projects. Next year will be the "year of the Dev" when it comes to my children's books, online stories, and children's pilot. ha. (we'll see huh)

I get to do a video presentation tonight of my month trip experience to Africa for a group of youth kids. It should be fun.

I need to get my site revamped.....but first I am getting my musical site ready. (before my much needed mental break)

Keep on keepin on.

-dev

My Web Site and other stuff

You know...I have really been itching to revamp my entire website. I want to redesign it, add new stuff (yes, there are lots of new goodies), and simplify it too.
It basically boils down to time. And right now, I am short on time.
I am trying to get some projects out of the way... and when things simmer down, I will hop on it. I hope.

I was able to watch our Christmas film in all it's finished glory. All the sound effects, music, computer fx.....everything was in there. I must say that I really enjoyed it...and I'm sure we will sell a million + + copies....
It really is a good film. It's great for children.

Look for it in the stores and online. Buy it as a Christmas present.
(how fitting)
It's called, "The Light Before Christmas".

rough sketch

 

This took me approx 20 minutes......I need to work on the hair and colors....maybe if I get time, I will xpend some time cleaning this up.
For now it is only for fun. 

Bizzy!

Oh man, I have been very busy these past few months.
I have been very involved in the Halloween film. I have revamped the script 3 times.
It has been extrememly draining. But hopefully, it will be worth the pain.
Production has begun. Now we move from Christmas mode to Halloween mode.
The Christmas film was actually completed today. (sound) It will be on the shelves in the next month. Look for it in Wal-Mart!

I have been very busy finalizing songs for our music cd. Producing is very time consuming. You have to really envision the "Big Picture" in all you do. Sometimes you make great decisions, and sometimes, you get caught off gaurd. So far so good.
We have extended offers to potential vocalists. I have heard from 3 (3 yes's out of 8). We will get the final word this week. We will start recording again next week.

I have been working on two screenplays. Both are very fun. Very family oriented and very clever. I'll give more info at a later time. I have also begun preliminary work (4-5 songs) on another musical. I'm not ready to jump full bore, but just getting it ready.

When will I get to my children's books and stories? Soon.......
It's all about time. I have years and years of work ahead of me.

I just bought the "Davey and Goliath" series. What a great show. I haven't seen that show since I was a kid (70's). I just got the series today, and I'm already enjoying them. Art Clokey was a genius in his time.

Children's content

I think back to my many influences as a child. I have had some major influences that have directed the course of my life and led me to where I am today. Some of those influences include shows such as . . .
- Twlight Zone
- Krofft Super Show
- Muppet Show
- Sesame Street
- Electric Company
- SchoolHouse Rock
- Munsters
- Pippi Longstocking
- anything Disney
- Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island

Some other influences have been . . .
- Mad magazine
- Awesome All Stars monster baseball cards
- King Kong, Godzilla, Rodan, and all those cheesy monster movies
- Universal Monsters such as Frankenstein, Wolman, Dracula, and the Mummy
- music from my moms old 45' collection (paul anka, elvis, neil sedaka, and others)
- Jim Hensen, Walt Disney, Tex Avery, Rod Serling, The Nine Old Men, Bob Dorough,
Sherwood Shwartz,

I grew up in the greatest age of entertainment and television. Nothing now can come close to what I watched every Saturday on the Saturday Morning cartoons. I worry about what my kids will watch. I worry that entertainment is corrupting our kids.

so I create.

For the past 15 years, I have been in creation mode. I have written story after story. I have individual binders for each idea, project, animated show, and storybook. I am now moving into a producing mode, where I am moving forward with the production of these ideas.

I am more than ready.

I want to provide good, clean and memorable entertainment for kids. The kind that I enjoyed growing up watching.

They deserve it!

My latest pitch

 


Here is one of my latest pitch projects. Whether I get any bites from co- production partners, it really doesn't matter. I think I have a fun/ clever show idea that is worth pursuing. So I am already moving forward. It is hand drawn in 2d, but since I have over 11 years of 3d experience, I am mixing the mediums. It will primarily be 3d with lots of 2d elements. If the ad doesn't comminicate that there will be plenty of fun and clever humor, than I just may catch a few off gaurd, because it is a fun show.  

and so it goes

I read an article today about a new clinic that is opening up to help people who are addicted to video games.
man......I just don't get it.
I mean, I like a good fun video game challenge once in a while...but to become addicted?

http://www.theparentreport.com/resources/ages/preteen/kids_culture/130.html

what is our world coming to?

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-03-01-no-sims-for-swedes_x.htm

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/health/14747219.html

Now, I am not anti games....however, just like anything......we should use things with control and with moderation. Kids need chores, rules, and time to develop talents. What is that kid going to offer the world when they are out on their own? What will he/she offer to their family when they get married?

A talent ay killing mutants? I don't think so.

Animation Nation

www.animationnation.com is my daily shot in the arm. I get the best animation url links, advice, exposure, etc from this wonderful web site.

Members of this site range from teens starting out in the animation to the major pros all over the world. Companies are represented such as Pixar, Dreamworks, Disney, Warner, Sony, Weta and many others. If you are looking to mingle with the best, then this is the place to start.

-dev

Twilight Zone Classic b/w and BBird

I was watching the Twilight Zone this weekend with Rod Serling. Wow.
I am not much of a sci-fi guy....but I do like a good story. These vintage episodes are absolutely amazing. Storytelling at its finest. Rod Serling is an absolute genius. If you get the chance to watch these, I have found the entire series at the library, or you could buy it for approx. $350 on Amazon or Ebay.

I bought a book this weekend called "The Wisdom Of Big Bird" by Carrol Spinney. I have quite enjoyed it. Since I am a huge fan of Jim Hensen, and children's television, this has been a great read.
I have found some amazing video archives of some very influential television people such as Fred Rogers, Sherwood Shwartz, and Carrol Spinney available on http://video.google.com . Just do a search for "archive of american television". There are alot of interviews full of wisdom.

enjoy.

Blurring life

You know, it seems like the weeks are flying by in my life.
I go to work, work on my side projects, spend as much time with my family.....Before I know it, another weeks is shelved and I'm moving onto another week.

It seems like life is moving way too fast and everyone is struggling to keep up.

Before you know it, the kids are grown, your hair is grey, and you find yourself relating to your life as, "Back when", or "In the olden days".....ha. (and Im only 36!)

I want life to be meaningful, ...not rushed. I want memories that aren't merely blurs in my life. Work is not that important. Is it?
Status, keeping up with the Jones', or prominance are simply a facad. It's catering and succumbing to "the world". I have been to Africa among people that have absolutely "NOTHING", yet are the happiest in the world.

Don't you think that we can learn something from people that are happy, yet have little material wealth?

Devourax' list-

- Life is meant to be enjoyed. (that doesn't mean in idleness, or doing whatever you want whenever you want)
- Relationships are to be strengthened.
- Living well is making lasting memories.
- It's about "time".
- Being passionate.
- True spirituality is overcoming the natural man.
- Gaining life experience. (you can't teach experience)
- Understanding who you are, why you are here, and where you are going.
- It's understanding the spiritual nature of things.
- Making a better you.
- Giving something back.

To Do Or Not To Do

Ya know......alot of people like to talk. and talk.......and talk. But there are the few who "walk the talk". There are those who not only dream, but act on those dreams.

Many know that in order to do something great, there is always some sort of risk involved that you have to take along your path. There is always sacrifices to be made. Anyone who is anyone will tell you that this is absolutely true.
When you have that deep down gut feel beckoning you to do that crazy thing that you feel is in your destiny, ...then you better do it.

Otherwise you will regret it. And you WILL regret it.

I have learned alot about "walking the talk" this past year. So often I ask myself, "Why in the heck am I doing this project?" So many times I have felt like I am adding unnecessary stress to my life that I don't need. However, I know all too well, that if I don't do something with my ideas, and dreams, then not only will someone else do it, but I will be sad if I don't.

There is an absolutely great euphoric feeling that comes with accomplishing a goal.
Once you get that feeling, it's hard not to keep going. You feel good about you, and what you can offer this world. You've just risen above countless of millions of hopefuls out there who dream, but will only get to those dreams after they conquer the 33rd level on Amped3, or after they finish their favorite television shows, or after they finish wasting countless hours in their chat rooms.......

The world needs dreamers who act upon their dreams.

so do it.

NOW.

5 min sketch

  

biz biz eeeee

I am very busy these days. When will I slow down? Maybe when I'm 70 or 80. As far as I can forcast my future, I have work that will last me a lifetime and beyond.
(maybe kids can further my ideas and stories)
I have been doing some freelance lately, not that I need the distraction......I am trying to farm some out....however, I have found that farming out too much work can really backfire. If anything goes wrong, your integrity is on the line and the client is not a happy client.

We are currently talking with a "very big studio" (can't disclose yet) who has been around long before my time. They are very interested in our Holiday series (7 films).
The talks are actually going really good.

I will be in the recording studio next week tackling 2 songs. I need to get a website going for that project asap.

Our team won a couple of awards for some animations this past year. We won a gold, silver and bronze in 2005. This year in 2006, we have won 3 awards again. I'm not sure which metals we won yet, (June), but we are excited.
Video ipods for everyone!


-dev

Happenings

I thought I'd give an update. I am still in the studio recording the soundtrack for my musical. I have hired a top notch producer, and studio musicians, so we haven't had too many bumps so far which is a good thing. I am anxious to record the vocal tracks just because I want to hear the finished song. However, right now, I have to settle for the music. Vocals will come at the very end.

I am still brushing up the Halloween script for the Halloween film. We are talking to many studios about this project. It is peaking alot of interest. Many investors are coming out of the woodwork. It's exciting.

As far as the 3d world, I am staying busy. I am working on a multi million (almost billion) court case. It will keep me busy for the next month. Working for lawyers is painful. You get first hand arrogance, cockiness, holier than thou, greedy, condescending attitudes all day. (It might be time to break out my crowbar)
Sure, they pay my bills, but it's not worth any money they can pay. I could use some choice words for them, but since I am trying to stay in the G-rated world, I'll leave it at that.

dev-

Monster Holiday

 


Hee is a rough drawing of some monsters for the Halloween script I am writing. 

So, Where's The Artwork Dood?

I know...I know......You like my site so much that your dying to see my artwork updated, slapped and posted, spanked and exploited etc....all over this blogspot....all 1 of you out there in bloggerland.

My plan is definately to post more artwork...Just because it isn't displayed for your viewing pleasure (I really should say "MY" viewing pleasure), doesn't mean I'm not drawing at the drawing table, or that I have a lack of art to post thereof.
I'm just really flippin- freekin busy.

So, since I am talking to myself, and making my own deadlines, .......I can slack a little teeny weeny bit.

- slack boy....

Current Projects

I just thought I would update the status on my personal projects.

The animated Christmas film I have been working on this past year will be finished by June and on the shelves by October/ November at your local Wal-Mart. It is called, "The Light Before Christmas". So check it out!

I am currently working on the next film (2 of 7). It's a wonderful Halloween film for kids.(adults will like it too) The script is really coming together and turning out really cute. (very Pixarish)

My musical project will also be recorded by June. This project has kept me very busy. I should have in my hot little hands a cd of 15 songs, a minus track cd complete with lyrics and even underscores for the die hards. I will have a website complete with songs samples, scripts, lyrics, images....the works. I am keeping it a bit hush at the moment....but I'm sure I will post more info at a later date.

My new animated project should pick up steam in the next month. I just got new $funding$ which should flow in my bank account by next week. I hope to have a finished animated short ready for film festivals by fall. I surely have my work cut out for me. Watch for my stuff!

I will post some new images soon.

2d or not 2d

2d or not 2d...that is the question.

For the record, I never questioned the 2d medium. We all love cartoons don't we? I think the issue really isn't between 2d vs. 3d....it has always boiled down to stories and the quality of the stories. 2d never died as an art form. The storytelling is what died.

When Jimmy Neutron came out, rumors were that Michael Eisner was screaming, "Where is MY Jimmy Neutron!" Thus with the success of that show, and the emerging new technology of 3d, Mr. Eisner declard that 2d is dead. This is coming from the same man who sanctioned cheap-quals, and low quality hack jobs from foreign countries. If anyone killed 2d, is was probably Disney.

I grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons. My brothers and I would wake up at 2am-3am and turn on the television. (we had no comprehension of time) We would stare at the snowy screen, or the color bar and wait and wait. One brother would stand guard and let us know when the cartoons came on, the others would sleep. We would take turns until finally, the cartoons fed us our morning bowl of a long awaited television fix. Mmmmmm...those were the good ol' days. That era has come and gone. Whatever happened to Saturday morning cartoons? Where did thy go wrong?

Now we get live action shows with teens and their teeny bopper problems. The shows are boring, unappealing, and idiotic. My kids will never understand that wonderful age of television.

Let's bring back that Saturday morning magic.......

somehow. somewhere.

baboon bootay's

Ok...So I love apes. I love monkeys. I have been ape crazy for primates since I was a wee lad. In fact, alot of my ideas will have at least an ape character, or reference to an ape. I guess that's what I get for wanting to be a primatologist as a child, then turning out to be a computer monkey. (ref to a primate)

My kids always crack (no pun intended) up at the baboons in the zoo and their big ripe blue bums full of rainbow colors. What a strange thing to have a beautiful rainbow butt.

I grew up watching apes in cartoons and movies. From King Kong, Curious George, Mighty Joe, Gargantua, Magilla Gorilla, Grape Ape, Bonzo, Tarzan, ...I loved them all. It seems lately that everyone is ape crazy since King Kong came out....and Curious George. This must be the year of the monkeys (apes).

After all, doesn't everyone like a monkey?

Competition and India

Competition. Yesss. The world thrives on competition. As consumers, we like competition. Why? Because it drives the prices down. It keeps business on their toes. It really is a good thing. There is surely enough pie for everyone.
But alas, what is happening in our world? This is the era of big business buying big business, thus making big businesses....gigantic businesses. Buying the competition.
What does that mean for us as consumers?

To me , it means as a consumer of product, I get to spend more money. To me, it means Corperate Monopolies. To me, it means less customer satisfaction.

Let's shift gears into a similar subject.

I am an animator. I animate. I feed my family by animating. I have over 10 years experience, and consider myself more than a novice in the industry.

Enter India.

The company I work for just bid out a large project the other day. It would end up being a $60 k job. The client took the same project to India. Their bid came back at $1500 ....Fifteen Hundred Dollars???????? There is absolutely no way that we could ever do the same job for that amount of money. So, the client took their project to 2 different India companies. The company paid them each approx $1500 and decided to go with the one that works the best for them. What could they lose for 3 k?

Man oh man.

I understand that cheap labor equals bigger profit margins. Somehow I think that between the communication gaps and the difference in cultures, that the India experience won't necessarily be all it's cracked up to be. I am a little concerned that this is a new competition where American companies will never be able to compete.

However, the work coming out of India is getting better and better. Most of the big well known animation houses are already using them. They are being trained by the best. (Disney etc)

To me this is very discouraging. I either compete with them, or hire them to work for me if I continue to stay in this industry.

Family Entertainment

What is considered "family entertainment" anymore?
The way I would describe family entertainment, is to sit down with kids of all ages and watch a show without any objectionable content. You can relax, and feel confident that the show you are watching will inspire, teach, uplift and entertain.

You have been there many times. The kids want a movie night...you cringe at what is out there. Whether you decide to watch television, or rent a new movie, you hope and pray is will be free from the crap stuff. The movie starts.....you can hardly enjoy it for fear of the borderline language, sexual innuendos, risque dress etc etc etc.
You finally decide, before it gets worse to turn it off.

It's not worth it.

Your children are what they eat. They are what they watch. It's a fact. Proven through the ages.
Why would we ever want our kids to act like Hollywierd? Or to be taught by them?

Absurd!

Do yourself a favor. Do your family a favor....Turn OFF the crap.... Get it out of your home.

One day.....sometime soon in the near future....Devourax will have an alternative to the garbage.

So stay tuned.

Pixney

Wow........big news......Pixar, the mecca for animation is bought out by Disney.

Am I really that suprised?

No.

Now, I know that Disney has ben floundering and grasping for a smash hit animation film for the past 10 years. They were pumping out crappy movie after crappy movie. I think the last Disney movie I bought was....was.....Tarzan. But then there was the cash cow, Pixar who was everything Disney wasn't. Disney was riding the coat-tails of Pixar with the 5 contracted films they partnered with them. And Disney was even so desperate for a hit that they threatened sequels and more sequels. Michael Eisner and his "cheapquel" legacy. Pixar basically edged them out. Hands down. It was artists against greedy executives. The artists mentality won. You can see it in the films.

Then Michael left the building amid cheers of "das boot". Everyone loved to see him go. And animation would hopefully get back on track after his departure.

Well, one could only dream.

Then steps in Bob Iger. What would he do to pick up the pieces left by Eisner?
First on the agenda....repair relationships with Pixar.

In comes Steve Jobs.

Now I understand Steve Jobs to be a bright man. I questioned whether he would sell to Disney. But as soon as I heard what he was being offered out of the deal, I knew he would take the bait. Call it a gut feel....or call it a great opportunity (wouldn't anyone leap at the change to own controlling shares in Disney stock...not to mention almost 4 billion dollars richer). And Apple possibilities under the Disney arm....hmmmmm.......expect big things in the Apple pipleline.

Now we have "Disnar", or "Pixney". Circle 7 (the cheapquel dept) is on shakey ground. Lasseter is head of Creative. Where would this take Disney now?

In my opinion, it couldn't get any worse for Disney. In fact, I think this move saved Disney (as time will surely tell) I am excited to see what lies ahead.

I wish Jobs, Lasseter, Catmull and Iger the best.

Bring back 2d while your at it. 2d was never dead. It was the stories that died....not the medium.

Congratulations Pixar and Disney! May this be a great chapter in animation history.

And to Eisner, .....may a thousand fleas infest your armpits....forever.

Story is "always" KING

You know it, I know it.......heck, we all know it.
So why is Hollywood cranking out the crappy films.
Ok...lets narrow it down a bit....

Valiant- Under the guise of Disney, Vangaurd managed to create a visually wonderful film. I liked the animation, renders, environments, lighting, colors etc. I think the character design lacked and was short of original memorable characters. Overall, it was a snoozer. The story was really really really boring. My kids were even begging me to turn it off. That says alot doesn't it? Aren't kids supposed to love anything animated? sheeesh

Madagascar- This is chalked up to the film that could have been. I love the designs, animation, characters etc. I am not a fan of pop culture, and especially pompous star power behind characters. (instead of paying 20 million to a movie star, put that 20 mil to the picture!!!!) The casting for voices was as lame as lame can get. Chris Rock, Focker???? oh man.....And the story.....oh, the story.....in a nutshell, it all sucked coconuts.

Hoodwinked- Do you even want to hear my rant here? I surely don't want to waste your time....and my time. One phrase describes how I felt about this film, "Sad Attempt at Polishing a Turd".

Willy Wonka- Why...oh why.....??????? The original reigns King. Sorry Johnny and Tim. You made it into a freak show.

And the list goes on and on.

I think the freshest film I have seen in recent years is "Napolean Dynamite".
It wasn't tainted by Hollywood. It was new and refreshing.

Even effects and CG wizardry nowadays can't replace a good story. Look at the effects in the Wizard of Oz. They were fantastic and revolutionary for the era, yet because the story was so strong, it has become the most successful films of all time.

Hollywood isn't creating new films. It's all redo's and sequels. They are chasing fast money.

Indies are on the rise....watch out Hollywood.

We know a secret.

Story is always "King".

Elle-Phant

 


Here is a pic I drew in about an hour the other day. I think it's fun. Not perfect by any means....any comments welcome. 

Wizard Of Oz

I have been quite intrigued this past month with the life of L. Frank Baum. I just bought the 3 disc box set of "The Wizard Of Oz" and have enoyed every minute of every interview, biography, documentary, and of course the film.
L. Frank Baum was a genius. The impact of his stories have affected generations and will affect generations to come.

I have asked myself, "Why isn't Hollywood making pictures like this anymore?"

Well, for one, I think Hollywood anxiously pumps out anything that will make a quick buck. They also want to entwine political and social agendas in all their pictures. They are trend followers instead of trend setters. They goop in gore, violence and sex where they don't belong. These are just some of the reasons. I am sure there are many more.

L. Frank Baum wrote a classic that will surely stand the test of time. It stands as one of the greatest films ever made.

ROBIN MITCHELL INTERVIEW

ROBIN MITCHELL INTERVIEW

Amazing Movies

So I finally got to see two movies this weekend that I have been drooling over since they were released. I am proud to say that I saw King Kong and Narnia.
Let me first say that the benchmark in CG has been set so high, that for any of us indies to compete is nearly impossible without those huge budgets.

I loved Narnia. I loved the story, the script, the characters, the actors.....especially Aslan. All I can say is, "Wow". It was very child friendly and will definately be in my dvd collection the moment it is released.

Kong was great too. I must say, I heard alot of hooplah surrounding the length of the film and the glutenous self promoting Peter Jackson chiseling a chunk of Kong for himself. I myself didn't think the film was too long. There were a few script flaws that I didn't care for, and I thought the jungle scene was cheated by being way too short....but I still enjoyed the film. It was chalked full of amazing ape action. The gorilla was supurb. I also enjoyed Ann Darrow. She was perfectly cast. The least favorite line was "It was beauty killed the beast." Lame!!!!!!!

Any, it was still great fun. I will be excited to see them again on dvd.

Happy New Year

I hope y'all have a great New Year!

A few things on my 2006 resolution list - (not in any particular order)

- continue excercising every day (going on for over two years now!)

- draw more

- post more drawings

- finish a few children's books! (they are so so so close!!!)

- increase spirituality

- build stronger relationships

- finish my musical cd / sheet music booklet

- motto "happiness is in the journey, not the destination."

Super Duper Blogs

I came across some wonderful artists here on Blogger.
wow.......
http://shawnscott.blogspot.com/
http://www.rajeshindulkar.blogspot.com/
http://bobbychiusubwaysketchgroup.blogspot.com/
http://amiga-team.blogspot.com/
http://andreiriabovitchev.blogspot.com/
http://ericsthomas.blogspot.com/
http://aurelieblardquintard.blogspot.com/
http://tanyalyon.blogspot.com/
http://alcornstudios.blogspot.com/
http://gogeckogirl.blogspot.com/
http://lionsong.blogspot.com/
http://lorrainealvarez.blogspot.com/
http://geenpool.blogspot.com/2005/11/huddle-and-gene.html
http://eddiepittman.blogspot.com/
http://bbinitials.blogspot.com/
http://hansranum.blogspot.com/
http://www.eddiepittman.com/
http://www.saltysugar.com/
http://hansranum.blogspot.com/
http://www.navone.org/
http://www.shaneglines.net/
http://stephensilver.blogspot.com/
http://markmcdonnell.blogspot.com/
http://www.andyice.com/
http://www.peterdeseve.com/
http://mad-t-party.blogspot.com/
http://ulimeyer1000.blogspot.com/
http://desoluz.blogspot.com/
http://reynoldsben.blogspot.com/
http://ryansmithsblogspot.blogspot.com/
http://brentgordon.blogspot.com/
http://john-nevarez.blogspot.com/

Christmas

This is a great season for Thanksgiving.
I have so many blessings to be thankful for.
This year has been a wonderful year celebrating many projects I have worked on.
(some have been years in the making)
I received a gold award for the MMA "In Awe" animation award. And a silver award too!
A script I wrote is in full production. (stop motion animation)
I was selected from 300+ plays to receive a special award. My musical was performed in a beautiful Assembly Hall for two nights. And if that wasn't enough, my musical may be performed in two theaters next year. And if that still wasn't enough, I am teaming up with a famous producer who has worked with Barbara Streisand, George Bush, Osmonds, Senator Hatch, and many more to help produce my cd.
My dinosaurs I worked on for National Geographic made the front cover, and filled the pages.
And so much more.

I am so appreciative of all the wonderful blessings given to me this year.

The nine old men....who are they?

Ok, if you really need to ask who the famous 9 Old Men are, um...then you must not be an animation enthusiast.

Walt Disney's most talented group of animators ever assembled were dubbed "The 9 Old Men". These men were extremely talented not only in the art medium, but also as directors. Their contribution to the animation world is incalculable. They have touched millions of lives. They were truly the pioneers of animation as we know it and emulate today.

There must have been a synergy when these men got together that pushed them and inspired them to excel. Will that ever be duplicated? So far, I haven't seen it in the films pumped out year after year.

Some of the best films that ever came out of Disney Studios were from under their direction during the memorable "Disney Years". Looking at the slough of so called Disney films to surface over the past 10 years makes you wonder, "Where did things go wrong?".

Walt will never be replaced. In my opinion, neither will the visions of the 9-old men who worked with Walt under his direction and continued his vision after his untimely death.

The nine old men are . . .
Les Clark
Marc Davis
Ollie Johnston
Milt Kahl
Ward Kimball
Eric Larsen
John Lounsberry
Wolfgang "Woolie" Reitherman
Frank Thomas

A book written by John Canemaker called, "Walt Disney's Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation" is available on Amazon and well worth getting.

Greatest Family Films according to Devourax

These are what I consider to be the finest family films to ever grace the screen . . .

Ok, most Disney films via the Nine Old Men are considered among the greatest...in fact, while Walt Disney was alive, I would say every picture under his direction was "family gold".
Here are some more...

- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Gene Wilder version)
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Chroncicles of Narnia
- Pippi Longstocking (dubbed versions)
- A Christmas Story
- Sound of Music
- Wizard of Oz

Family Film Criteria According To Devourax

The criteria for a great family film in my book is as follows . . .
- must stand the test of time
- avoids pop culture references
- is family friendly
- no cuss words including "Oh My G**"
- is G rated (maybe PG)
- easy on the "scary" factor
- isn't bound by demographics
- makes trends...not follows trends
- original and fun characters
- characters we can relate to
- endearing and sweet
- has a moral...but not in your face morals
- isn't afraid to reference God or religion
- the underdog always wins
- avoids agendas
- avoids violence
- portrays respect for people and elders
- avoids sex and risque content
- avoids cigarettes and drinking

So what films fall into these catagories?....hmmmm.....

What do You think?

I'll post my favorite family films soon.

Christmas list

So, with Christmas around the corner, I am going through my wish list.
I'll only mention a few...
- Frank and Ollie DVD (I have the vhs version)
- Chuck Amuck DVD (I have the vhs version)
- King Kong DVD (ape crazy)
- Twilight Zone Collection 4 and 5
- Rob Thomas solo cd
- Celtic Woman cd
- Flight issue 1 and 2
- Spectrum (any)
- Brady Bunch season 4 and 5
- Gilligan's Island (all)
- Land of the Lost (all)
- Took
- A rasberry lemonade, tunes, and a tan on a deserted island......

Sweet Bidness

Some great books and sites I came across recently in the animated / art world.....

How To Write For Animation
http://users.adelphia.net/~getjeffrey/HTWFA.htm

Digital Character Design and Painting
http://www.seegmillerart.com/

Mike Kunkel
http://www.animationartconservation.com/herobear.html

Spectrum Book
http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com

Nice tutorial
http://www.sofos.com/adi/

Must see DVD

If you are a fan of Walt Disney, like I am, you need to check out the dvd titled "Walt Disney: The Man Behind The Myth". It is so enthralling and informative, that I couln't even take my eyes off the screen.
Walt Disney is my hero. A man who was driven by his dreams. A man who overcame obstacles of all sorts and emerged as an icon and a legend.

Anyone who can take a mere $40, and turn it into a multi billion dollar dream is a story worth listening to. He was a man before his time....I only wonder what could have been had he not died so young.

Check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Stork Sketch

 

Here are some more creatures I modeled....

I modeled these creatures in MAYA....

and yet more.......

sweet.......

More National Geo

fun stuff!

National Geographic

The December issue of National Geographic is chalked full of the dinosaurs I worked on and modeled. The Dakosaurus or, "Godzilla", even made the cover!

It's a pretty sweet spread with a poster included. Above is my Kronosaurus.

neato.

Artwork

I will be posting some new stuff soon.

I will post caricatures and sketches.

So keep ypur eyes peeled..........

Toy collections

Yes. Most animators adorn their office space with toys galore. I am no exception.
Why?
Because I believe we are surrounding oursleves in a creative world. I personally love the disney maquettes. I also enjoy the cartoony looking toys.

Tonight I went through boxes and boxes of vintage toys I have collected since I was a kid. (30 years ago!) I am quite tempted to find new homes for all of it. It doesn't do me much good having the toys sitting in boxes. Plus, I could take the money and treat the family to Disneyland or something cool like that.

I am really talking boxes and boxes of stuff (20 boxes) ...opened and unopened. I have alot of Spawn, Bump in the Night, Star Wars, Johhny West, Playskool, Muppets, Planet of the Apes (70's stuff), Alien, Disney, Nightmare berfore Christmas, Dinosaurs, Jurassic Park, Toxic Avenger, Kiss, and more and more.......

Children's entertainment

I have been working on various forms of children's entertainment for over 15 years. I am now starting to test the concepts in the entertainment world. I will have some of my children's stories on my website. I am also moving forward with a television pilot.

This past year I received a big response from a musical I wrote. There are many doors that are opening for me because of that.

Overall, 2005 has been a year of many accomplishments. There have been a few highs, and a few lows. But I keep on keepin on.

Isn't that all we can do?

comments on 3d?

feel free to comment

My 3d work

Here is some 3d work I did for National Geographic....

http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0512/feature3/multimedia.html

have fun!

Bring back Cartoons with stories for all

What happened to the Cartoons we used to love?

I find myself buying many box sets of old cartoons I used to watch. Looney Tunes, Fat Albert, Schoolhouse Rock, Tex Avery, Walter Lantz, etc.

The Tex Avery collection was released on laser disc. I paid a pretty penny to have them transferred to dvd. They turned out awesome. The funny thing about these cartoons, is that the audience is so general. They are basically, great stories for all. Kids love them and so do adults. You don't get that anymore in cartoons. Writers and producers have target ages they seek after.

Why not go back to great stories for all?

Animation Inspirations

Lat night I was interviewed by a kid (animator) who I once taught in an art class when he was 9 yrs. old. It got me thinking about who inspired me when I was younger.

I remember being into animation since I was a kid waking up at 1am just to catch Saturday morning cartoons in the 70's. (Ahhhh...when cartoons used to be good)

My inspirations are across the board. From animators, to creative minds, children's television producers, puppeteers, etc.
There are a few key people that have really made an impact on me and what I do today.

Walt Disney - He is my hero. No one can compare. I have watched "The Man Behind The Myth"
many times. I am so inspired by him like no other.
9 old men - These men are the pioneers of animation. They have brought me so much joy.
Tex Avery - Edgy, yet fun. He took cartoons to a new level.
Fred Rogers - My television friend. Kindest, most sincere man on tv.
Jim Hensen - A gifted creator and dreamer.
Frank Oz - Wonderful director and talent.
Mort Drucker - The best caricaturist that ever lived in my opinion.
Sid & Marty Krofft - I watched these shows every day. Crazy, goofy, and fun.
Sherwood Shwartz - He produced some of the best family shows that have been on air for years.
Astrid Lindgren - Pippi is such a wonderful character. (english dubbed versions)
Rod Serling - I lived and breathed Twilight Zone as a kid. Great storytelling here!
Schoolhouse Rock - I love these mini cartoons....especially Bob Dorough's songs and voice.
Hal Roach - I have watched the Little Rascals over and over. Innocense never to be had in kid
actors nowadays.

Maybe one day, I can give something back like these inspired creators have done for me.

-dev

Intro

I'd like to introduce myself.
I am a 3d animator that has been in the 3d industry for over 10 years now.
My expertise is across the board from storyboards, concepting, story development, pitching, script writing, 2d, 3d, character design, 3d modeling, rigging, texturing, animating, post, sfx, jingles, music composition!
My passion is children's books and stories. I am currently developing some stories for my website and a children's television pilot.
I have written an award winning musical that may be performed in two theaters in 2006. So I am excited about that. (as well as keeping very busy)
My favorites places to visit are, Leo Carillo beach, London, Kenya, and Montana. (love Idaho too!)
My favorite websites I frequent are . . .
www.animationnation.com
www.cgtalk.com
www.animationmeat.com
www.devourax.com

I will be posting random pics here and there. Feel free to drop me an email or comment.

 

Devourax

a happy place.....