So, its about a year since I first come up with this idea, and about 6 months since I started developing it properly, what have I learnt so far? Firstly, I have some really great and supportive friends, both animator and non animator. I have learnt that after reading the script everyone really likes the concept (and not just in a “lets keep Kev happy” kind of way). I have learnt that I really cant draw for toffee, but can still get functional storyboards that portray what Im trying to get across. Most of all though I’ve rediscovered my love of being creative, something that over the last few years had wained considerably. I love the problem solving, the occassional randomness of it, I just love using my brain for what its best at.
Well, the blog at this point starts again from present day, I gave up on posting after my blog got hacked, coz tbh with my old layout, etc I couldn’t be arsed to sort it out. Between then and now however alot of work has been done. Here’s a quick overview.
- Script: Done
- Shot List: All Scene’s done (though this is getting revised as I storyboard, these things should ALWAYS be “living documents”).
- Storyboards: Scene’s 1,2,3,5, and 7 are boarded
- Temp Track: God I hate the sound of my own voice, but who else is going to be daft enough to read through this script doing silly voices for the characters. Current state of the Temp track is Scene’s 1-3 have one, but need alot of work.
So thats where I’m at, between the last post and now life has been hectic, so I had about 4 months where I didnt even get chance to look at Minion, but its been good, I came back to it with fresh eyes, and can see where it needs tightening up, so hopefully the end product will be better for it. I hope you like the new site layout, and hope that I can keep up the momentum of production, I’m in this for the long haul, I know that this is going to be a few years in the making, but I think its worth it, in the end, I hope you do too.
Right, Shot lists now done for Scenes 1-4. Quite good looking at it all laid out, and actually being able to to attribute arbitary numbers to the pictures in my head, also good at getting it clearer up in the collection of neurons I loosely refer to as a brain. Need to keep going at this since I have been a little lax due to revising for and sitting my MCDST exams, yes Im a Tech geek as well as a creative one.
Done some more scene building. So I have a proxy set for each location now, so thats a start.
Have been talking to Chris about one part of the script that he doesnt think fits, and I can see what he’s on about in how it doesnt quite sit right with the rest of the world, but I really like the idea. The issue I have is now looking at it with fresh eyes is this…it doesnt really feel like a competence test as it is more an ass whooping for the sake of it. While I love the idea, and the concept of the test, on a second look its not really testing the applicants, and illustrating just how BAD they are at everything they do. I shall continue to ponder…
Well after a couple of nights work I have some really basic sets to help me work some idea’s out. I have a basic Job Centre, Interview Room, and Particle Accelerator. Thus far I have learnt that one of the shot I wanted to do quite catergorically crosses The Line*, and as such have rejigged things in my head.
…and yes I know im a bad, bad man for doing this before I have storyboards but it helps me get things straight in my head, since my artistic skills are only a few steps above that of a Year 7 kid, I can animate, just cant draw.
* The Camera Line between 2 characters
Well, its starting to look something like complete. Wanting feed back from a few other people before I declare it as such, but im pretty happy with it in its current form.
Next Stage is doing some set designs. I have all the locations planned in my head, just need to get them onto paper, might even throw together some low res models in Maya or Max after I get back from climbing tonight.
Locations are as follows…
Job Centre (Int + Ext)
Interview Room (Int)
Recovery Room (Int)
Dojo (Int)
Rifle Range (Int)
Steven’s House (Ext)
Particle Accelerator (Int)
Island (Ext)
That should keep me busy for a while…
Well, I popped into Higher Rhythm, a local recording studio last night. £174 inc VAT for an 8 hour session for recording. Sounds reasonable, looks to be a good Pro Tools suite, with lots of mics, and one room that is completely devoid of background noise, which is what im after for sound recording. I do believe I’ve found somewhere for the voicework to be done…now just need to find my actors…oh and finish the script.
Zaltorat Industries: Progress through Fear and Paranoia.
Are you someone looking for a challenge? Do you want to travel the world, and meet interesting new people? Are you looking for a valued position in a rapidly expanding organization? Do you feel the phrase “Live fast, die young” was coined just for you?
Due to rapid expansion in all territories we are looking for resourceful and dynamic individuals to fill the role of Minion within the organization.
The role:
* Provide support to the organization in many different guises
* Protecting the organizations interests both at home and internationally
* Aiding in the expansion into new territories and market
* Feeding, and cleaning any animals within the complex
* 37.5 hours per week minimum
* Excellent overtime rates, and hazard pay
* Excellent PAYE Pension scheme
* Onsite Gym, Pool, Firing Range, Experimental Weapons Lab, Hospital and Crematorium
* Child Care on request
The individual:
* No previous experience required
* Ability to follow instructions to the letter
* An ability to navigate “morally grey” areas
* Ability to push buttons, and pull levers
* Little sense of self worth
If you are interested in this position or any other listed by Zaltorat Industries please paint a large red Z on the roof of your house and we will be in touch. For more information visit www.zaltoratindustries.com/globaldomination/jobs
Posted in Minion, Script
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Well, the script is coming along nicely. It’s currently at 11 pages, and about 14 minutes when I play it out in my head. From a completely random idea whilst laying in bed listening to the radio, to what is now a 2nd draft in the space of a couple of weeks. I really do think im onto something here…either that or just plain on something. I’ve show what I have thus far to a good few people and had a good response from everyone, but they’re all my friends and so I wasnt really expecting a “Dude, thats shit”. I think I’ll spend another week of working on the script and then show it to a few neutrals, see what they think, make sure that it make sense to people that DONT already know how my mind works. Could use some criticism of the thing, things to improve, things to change, I cant have got it nailed already.
Posted in Minion, Script
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Well, this is the first real post of the new website, brought about in part by my old blog getting hacked, and secondly because Minion deserves a site all of its own. The first few posts are going to be reposts of old information, just to get all the info back on the blog, but then the rest will be as and when I can update you all. I hope you enjoy reading about the trials and tribulations, and also might even end up helping out (who knows).
Regards,
Kev
