Emotional Draining from both sides

I have been unable to write anything since last time. I have been working as part of the crew on an independent film. I don't feel like its my place to discuss any details of the film, and its bad enough I'm not getting immediate payment for it. But I can definitely say the experience is emotionally draining, and if there's anything I'm getting out of it, its possible inspiration for something of my own.

Recently, I got chewed out (to a lesser extent) for putting down the Academy Awards in the comments section of Michael Sporn's blog. Sporn had listed all the animated shorts submitted for consideration, and they of course included all the major studios as well as independents. I've only given attention to the Academy the last few years, but I got the feeling that the Academy was going to nominate Disney, Pixar and Blue Sky, no matter what, because they were the bigger names on the list. I said it, and opened up a can of worms from Sporn and a couple other readers. I immediately apologized when I saw it, but I think I made myself look bad. I didn't mean to cause any grief, but I still believe there is a certain bias in the Academy's selection. Of course, many independent films have won Best Animated Short, which I am fully aware of. But being nominated gains you just as much credibility as winning. And not every Disney short is an outstanding piece. But since I am still relatively new in this industry, I don't have an seasoned experience like some others.

WALL-E, which I think is one of Pixar's most unique works, won the LA Film Critics Circle's Best Picture award. I understand this is the first time an animated feature has won best picture for the LA Film Critics Circle. That's a big achievement, as far as I am concerned.

I currently have a couple of jobs coming up, both unpaid. Though I am very interested in their possibilities, I still yearn for some paying work. Unfortunately, the economy hasn't been on mine or anyone Else's side lately.

Happy New Year 2008.

Happy New Year!


I wish it to my friends, family, and to anyone out there reading this blog.

This blog is also a year old. The anniversary is not exact, but what the hell.
This past year, I really caught the blog bug. I wanted to be a part of it, because these blogs really give individual artists many opportunities. It allows for artistic exposure, artistic insight, free lessons in animation, hidden treasures, and of course, the chance to show off your favorite animation and inspirations.







My blog is not as detailed as those of the pros (John Kricfalusi, Michael Sporn, Patrick Smith), as I cannot call myself one yet. I don’t have enough finished artwork to present excessive amounts of (Kali Fontecchio, Dan Pinto, many of John K’s readers). What I do have, as a student struggling to learn the language of a beloved artform, is a place to ask questions, show what inspires me, and open up about what I can’t seem to find anything on.

For me, the high point of this blog, so far, occured this past summer. I posted images from David T. Nethery’s web page of animator photos. Among the images I posted was one of animator Mark Kausler. I learned later on that a scandalous comment was made on my blog, accusing Mr. Kausler of being a pedophile. David Nethery contacted me, and said that some anonymous blogger had been making these false accusations. I quickly removed the comment. I took a screen grab of it, just in case any evidence was needed.


I have to say I was flattered. Because not only did it show that people other than my friends noticed my blog, but that I may have, in a very small way, helped out Mr. Kausler.



This past year, I finished my film, Ivan's Act, and submitted to a handful of festivals. It was accepted into the Animation Block Party back in July.



My new year’s resolution is complete another film. I look forward to finishing Parasite’s Delight this coming summer.

Happy New Year again.