Laid - The Moonchicken Chronicles

Moochicken - promo leica!!

2009-10-09T18:05:00.001-07:00

Missing music and most sfx, but here's the first pass of the promo leica. Find it HERE!

Moonchicken - 1st board & Leica

2009-10-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

So, MIPCOM just took place & for the first time, Moonchicken was pitched at a major market!

Haven't gotten the full lowdown yet, but from what I understand the response was fairly positive....but there were a few questions raised that we need to answer (we being myself and Miss Chantal Ling...my partner in crime!). It's ok though...there's always a fair bit of fine tuning needed with these things. I'm just happy people didn't run away screaming. Yet.

Time to focus and whip this puppy into shape!!

Part of the MIPCOM pitch included a leica provided by the ever so talented Mr Nick Cross . The leica was 1 minute in length and was the first time I've been able to see this nugget of an idea come to life! The leica was definitely the best part of the creative, Nick`s talent always shines through. A big thanks to Nick for fitting this in between his commercial gigs AND his latest independent film Yellow Cake...this film is brilliant!

Here's a few images from the leica...

I also wanted to mention and thank Mike Valiquette for helping set this up with Nick. Aside from helping me out on development projects, Mike started up a great site for those in the Canadian animation industry; check it out here!

And last but far from least a HUGE thanks to Ling. She went to MIP with our little chicken under her arm, studying her buns off to understand the property inside and out. I know she stresses to no end when she's getting ready to pitch it, not wanting to let me down. You never do Linger, you never do! Pitching is one of those things...probably THE thing that makes me want to shit my pants. ...that and McDonalds. Sooo glad I have someone to do it for me...pitch that is. Chantal has supported and helped develop this idea since I first brought it to Amberwood...while everyone else was just staring blankly at me. ...I get that a lot :)

Blues Fest Ottawa

2009-07-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

Saw The Black Keys this Wed. AMAZING!!! I'm still freaking out...I can't believe they were THAT good.

Thursday (today)I went with a few of my bestest friends to see Ben Harper. My back (disk thing) wouldn't allow me to enjoy the show though and I had to cut out early from the concert.

Now I just want to cry and break stuff.

...will eat waffles instead.

The Pitch!

2009-05-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Welp, first two "offical" pitches for Moonchicken went out last week (Friday May 19th) to two respected Canadian broadcasters. Now it's just a waiting game to see what they think!

-..eeeesh. I hate waiting, maybe I'll post two things my parents used to distract me with as a child.

1st was this book...I don't know why, but I loved this book:

The other was the coolest toy ever made...at least back in 1975. Steve Austin, The Six Million Dollar Man (not to be confused with Stone Cold)

Who Inspires you?

2009-05-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

I think most producers and production execs are stereotyped as being non-creative, uptight, dumb asses that talk out of their poo poo spot when it comes to art and animation. I often wonder if my friends and colleagues look at me in such a negative light? God knows I've talked out of my ass with the best of them, but I have to admit it miffs me when people react in surprise when I discuss my passion for the arts or show them some of my old drawings.

It upsets me because while I love my job, and enjoy the relative security that comes along with it...I envy the life of an artist. I miss staying up all hours of the night drawing, learning a new technique, and envy what it must feel like to complete your own animated short. Nothing on this earth (OK there's one thing..and she knows who she is) makes me happier than being inside an artists studio, going to a great art show, or doing anyting that stimulates creative energy.

I understand there's producers out there that haven't helped the negative stigma that's out there, but I do believe there's a lot of great people in our industry who are energized by and admire the artists around them. I think you can find a few of these people in all of the top companies. Studios that are still thriving despite our economic climate because they hold true admiration for the art that IS their business. They're excited by discovering great characters, creating new worlds, and weaving wonderful stories. It's their passion...and success follows passion.

Anyway, I'm ALWAYS curious to learn what and who inspires other people. What comic book artist did you try to copy when you were little? Who made you rethink your style as a teenager...or into your later years? Who kept you going in the business when you were hit by a layoff, or were being overly criticized by a harsh director?

I wanted to share a few artists past and present who have inspired me. Each and every person listed below either made me laugh, inspired me to draw, or helped me through a difficult time. Thanks goes out to each and every one of you!

Milt Kahl

Jack Kirby

Bob Clampet

Arthur Adams

Jean Michele Basquiat

Jean Michele Basquiat

Robert Crumb

Les Clark

Maurice Noble

Mary Blair

Alan Davis

Will Eisner

Sergio Aragones

Bill Wray

Curt Swan

Dave Cooper

Dave Cooper

Dave Cooper

Graham Falk

Graham Falk

Tod McFarlane

Troy Little

Troy Little

Mike Zeck

John K

John K

Jessica Borutski

Kristy Gordon

Hayo Miyazaki

J. Scott Campbell

Mike Mignola

Tavis Silbernagel

Nick Cross

Nick Cross

Rollbots

2009-04-03T07:01:00.001-07:00

The main reason (although I have a million excuses) I haven't had much time to do anything with Moonchicken over the past few years is due to Rollbots. It's a new series currently airing on YTV that I've been helping out on. I had a blast working on this show, despite it's challenges...and believe me, there were a lot of them!

We're wrapping up delivery of episodes 23-26 as I write this. It's been a long haul, but I'm very excited about the prospect of a second season. There's a lot we can improve upon, and I'd love to have another crack at it!!

Humble Beginings

2009-04-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Some of my original drawings from about 7 years ago. I wanted a Dave Cooper style to them originally...and tried to copy some of his techniques. As you can see I did so...Poorly.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Dave here at the studio (Amberwood) this week...brought back some great memories. Some of the best experiences of my career were spent just talking shop with Dave, and visiting him at his studio. Nothing like spending the day looking at great art!

Funny, I've always so admired painters but never had the balls to pick up a brush myself and learn. sigh....

Inside the Egg

2009-03-27T14:05:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I work for an animation studio in Ottawa Ontario Canada...i know, weird.

Also weird...they've agreed to option a series idea I pitched to them some months back. It will most likely be a LONG road ahead, but with any luck someone, somewhere might look at it. It's an animated show titled "Moonchicken".

It's about a messed up little guy called..yup...Moonchicken. It should be noted moonchickens look nothing like Earth chickens....they're featherless, have sexy fat lips, and...well I guess you can just look at the pictures.

Anyway...Moonchicken escapes from his male infested lunar home and crash lands on earth. His mission - to find that one true love he's always dreamed of. And he does....just happens she's a pickle.

Not one of those gay, dancing and talking pickles either. We're talking about a dead cucumber.

Moonchicken however sees past her shy exterior. He knew from the moment he saw her that inside, she was everything he’d ever dreamt of; she possessed every quality he himself aspired to have. It was clear upon first sight, Moonchicken would spend the rest of his days basking in the love of his one and only.

Unfortunately for MC, his fellow Moon Brood and all of earth's creatures also seem to be jonesing for a taste.

...I'll stop there.

Chantal Ling whom I work with has really been supportive and instrumental in pushing me on this (although I'm not certain what that says for her). I have to say, if it wasn't for Ling I most likely never would have had the grapes to develop it into anything more than a doodle. Thanks Ling!

Another HUGE thanks to Nick Cross who has designed all the early conceptuals thus far. Now if I can just trick him into directing it, we'll be all set!

Last but not least Tavis Silbernagel, Troy Little, and Sue Marsden. All three were messed up enough to encourage me early on and listen to my blathering. Good friends encourage stupidity.