Hey Everyone! Last night my latest short "Fit To Be Squared" premiered live at the 5th Annual Midsummer Night Toons. Needless to say, this year's films were top notch. There was alot of energy, laughter, and good times shared by all. As promised, the film has gone public on youtube. I was really happy with how this year's film came out. I wanted to make something that was bit more adult themed, but still have a child-like playfulness to it. Before you watch "Fit To Be Squared" I wanted to share a little on how it all came together. Or you can check it out afterwards. suit yourself, I'm easy!
Veest Winri was loosely based after the late Steve Irwin. That's actually how I came up with his name. It's Steve Irwin, but the letters are scambled! Designing Veest was a really tough challenge. I didn't want him to look like a generic big-headed alien with big black eyes, but something more exotic and surreal. Here are some early sketches of the intergalactic explorer before his final design.
When my girlfriend Melissa and I were visiting her folks up in Rochester, I decided to take my iPad along and start drawing up the storyboards. I drew extra boards in flash later on. I didn't really get the narrative down until after the boards were completed. I wanted to draw up the visuals first than punch up the dialouge second .The boards were alot more loose than last year's film. Here are some boards and final comp comparisons
Animating this film was alot tougher than "Life By a Thread". Veest and the other characters were a bit more detailed, but I wanted to challenge myself this year. Here is the process on how I approached the animation.
I hoped you all enjoyed "Fit To Be Squared". I couldn't have done it without the love and support of Melissa, my parents, my sisters Lauren and Taylor, My brother in law Michael, my niece Zoe, and all my wonderful friends and coworkers at Titmouse. I also couldn't have done it without the dedication of my sound designer Kerry Pompeo of 440 Sound Studio, and musicians Arvin Ajamiana and Aaron Hannon. I also want to thank Matt Lee, the curator of Midsummer Night Toons for showcasing my work, and Christy Karacas, the creator of Superjail, for suggesting this wild idea to me. I hope to make another film for next year, but until then, Keep reaching for the stars, mates!!!
