Creative Freedom

Why does lemonade taste better enjoyed outside? It's amazing how the senses come alive when the environment is changed. Since stepping out of my regular work routine for the summer, it's interesting how things have taken on a new look.

I'm not as rushed, or, overly concerned about what I used to be overly concerned about, that is, all my life's plans. Just the act of creating something big or small has taken on a deeper meaning. Lately, I've been into dance. Not because I'm a great dancer, but because of the sheer nerve it takes to try, to learn something new. Stumbling in front of a crowd is not as bad as being afraid to stumble. Now, that's creative freedom.

A Story With A Twist

A few weeks ago, I began the work on the next storyboard for a film to develop. Wanting a wide range of stories, ranging from simple, silly, and serious, I did a sketch of a 'serious' story inspired by some events in my life.

Keep in mind. There is a difference. "Based on a true story," means, verbatim, this is what happened. "Inspired by," means the story is inspired by some true events, but made into a movie. My sketch, "The Diary Of A Preacher's Kid," takes the jist of my early teen years and my experience living with a preacher and his wife, for a short time, before being reconciled with my parents.

It's also a story where grief is shown as normal, but the reactions to it need to be closely monitored to make sure the way back to the 'real normal' is clear. I grieve the loss of my sister. Will she be found? Or, was she found? Ahh.....

Like many writers, we occasionaly delve into our personal lives. It's sort of a way of saying, as I reveal the lives of characters with ease, I can include myself, too, as keeping it real on the homefront.

Needless to say, as I show, I had some issues with anger, that led to a rebellious 'can't-tell-me-nothing' attitude. Thinking having some 'near-death' experiences to teach me, it was rather something quite simple that saved my life. So, the story has an unexpected twist.

My future animation/creative team will have their hands full with projects. Yeah, my sleeves will be rolled high, too.

Scene From "The Hope Chaser"

This scene adds a much needed backstory to a previous scene of Donovan Dane's near-miss by a speeding car. Kendall Blair, his teacher offers him a ride home. Kendall Blair has a flashback moment. This film clip clairifies that Donovan didn't get into a car with a stranger, or psycho....

Recolorizing Film Clip

I recently posted the latest film clip to "To Chase The Heart." I didn't realize, the background poster in the scene was too blue, invoking the memory of Avatar. So, I'm in the process of either reanimating the scene or recolorizing it.

Writer's Thoughts: When Men Cry

I wrote before about my desire to encourage more women to get into the arena of animated film. I cannot state that enough. Stories are going untold. Perspectives are going 'un-perspected.'

When the idea of Peppermint Village came to me, I knew it was in line with my passion of oneness, cultures appreciating each other. Also, about how women feel and react to the world around them. In writing, we add our emotions and 'wishes' to our lines of thought. For example, how often do men show emotion? In my previous film clip, Kendall Blair is caught up with emotion. His moment of toughness gives way to the 'reality' of his losing someone he cares about.

How would this scene have been written from a guy's perspective? Perhaps, Kendall Blair would have stormed into Dino Vintalli's office and punched him in the face. Surely, Kendall wanted to do that. But I've seen times when a strong man broke down. It happens, but usually behind closed doors. Notice that Kendall is behind closed doors, and thinks no one is watching....But we see him. We learn that men can be tender-hearted, and that does not make them wimps. I've seen my father's tears and I can't explain why that was such a moving thing....God cried for us....

Film Clip

In this scene, Donovan is a bit shook up from his near miss by a speeding car. Parker Vintalli is trying to convince him to cut ties with Kendall Blair. Also, Dino Vintalli flexes his gangster-like muscle at a popular music store. Meanwhile, Selena Mercedes struggles to be 'perfect.'

Battle Dancin'

In this scene Kendall Blair stops by Maybelle's Jazz On Cue barbecue eatery to try to work of some stress. Maybelle challenges him to try to dethrone her from her self-proclaimed "Dancin' Queen" status.