When I was doing pre-production on my animation short, I was frantically trying to find a storyboard artist who could whip up a visual from my script and what was in my head.

In the past, I had purchased Storyboard Quick by Power Production. Expensive and rather clunky to used for my tastes. Very “non-Macintosh” feel to it. I’ve tried it, but it just wasn’t fast enough for me.

THEN, it dawned on me that what I needed were slides depicting the story. And that Apple’s iWork Keynote presentation program could print out multiple presentation slides and notes on one page, thus simulating the effect of a storyboard. Though not in the landscape traditional format, the vertical style would work just fine!

Because I am very adept at using Apple’s iWork suite, particularly Pages and Keynote which both have similar interfaces, before I knew it, in 3-4 hours, I was able to whip up a storyboard! Apple to the rescue!

This week ends with an 11-minute animation short in my pocket.

UNBELIEVABLE.

I just first want to publicly THANK all the people who were involved. Without them, none of it would have been possible.

This project has been a testament to me of God’s favor and blessings. I haven’t experienced His hand in such a profound, tangible and real way for a while, but I have been moved, touched and inspired by Him. I am brought to worship and to give thanks.

I am a firm believer that when we create, when we are artistic, when we express ourselves fully, we are indeed reflecting the image of our Creator. In a sense, artistry is being “like” God, for He is the great Architech, the Great Artist. And when we add LOVE to all that, you have the essence of what it means to be a child of God in this world.

Top 5 things I learned this week:

1. If I believe something is impossible, then it is impossible (for me), indeed. If I am focused on a vision of what can be, then the seemingly impossible will become a reality with effort. If I entertain a thought of negativity, then I’ve lost already. The first battle is that of attitude and steadfast vision.
2. Graciousness outweighs being right. As a producer, one may sometimes (more often than not) run into “difficulties” with your workers/staff, and it may be very easy in a high pressure situation to want to lash out and give people what they deserve. “Being like Christ” is a undesirable prospect when it feels so much better to put someone in their place and have my ego feel so very powerful. Truth without grace and love is damaging and hurtful. Feeling powerful at the expense of others is not a good thing.
3. People are always so much more important than the project. Yes, the project needs to be done. Yes, there is a deadline. But in the end, being a Christian as a producer also means to be pastoral in how you care for those who offer their talents and services to you. I’m not always going to be perfect with everyone, but the commitment to do so and the actions from that commitment as best one can should always be at the forefront of my mind, and demonstrated in what I say and do.
4. People first, then money. Yes, I know, words from the financial guru, Suze Orman. But she’s on to something there. Money is made to work for people, not the other way around. Life gets really screwed up when we understand this distinction in reverse.
5. Invest in people. A corollary of #4 is that money can be invested in a bank or it can be invested in people. As a producer I was constantly struggling with money and finances regarding the project, namely, “everything’s so freakin’ costly”. Remembering this while decision-making helps puts things into perspective. True value lies outside of mere monetary measurements.

Stay tuned for information about the world premiere of “To Be or Not LB” at the end of March/early April in Los Angeles, CA. You don’t want to miss it.

2/21 UPDATE: New links for websites: Facebook, Official Website

I have my PRODUCER HAT on… so this is to let you know that I am currently producing an ANIMATION SHORT for the Christian 168-hour film festival again this year (168project.com). Production week is Feb 10 to 17, one week. VERY HIGH PRESSURE.

I am looking for the following:

• Sound designer
• Music composer to create score/theme support
• Voice actors
• Editor
• Artists (those who can draw from scratch)
• Animators

The project is very low (practically, no) budget (meaning out of my pocket) and must be completed within 168 hours; hence, the name of the festival project. There is no pay. However, it will be guaranteed a world premiere at the annual film festival in Hollywood, CA, if and when completed according to the rules. You will also receive IMDB recognition. Participants will also receive a copy of the completed project.

SOUND DESIGNER & MUSICAL COMPOSER

Must be able to do the work via the internet, as I am based in Tokyo. Must be reliable, quick and creative. This is a very high pressure production schedule (one week). Please send your bio, resume, and links to samples of your work to 168@kingdomcitizen.com

VOICE ACTORS

The voice audition details are as follows. Please read carefully.

- Interested in male & female, all age ranges, all ethnicities.
- Talent must be available to record in Tokyo between Feb 11-17.
- MP3 auditions will be used as first-round auditions.
- MP3s due by THURS, FEB 10, 2011 by 5pm. ASAP!!!

TO SUBMIT:
Be sure to email ALL the information requested below, no later than 5pm on THURS, FEB 10, 2011 by 5pm to casting@kingdomcitizen.com.

Be sure to include:
1. Your name (first and last)
2. Contact phone number If talent is under 18, please include name and contact info for parent or representative.
3. Attach your MP3 audition file (see instructions below).

TO RECORD YOUR AUDITION MP3:
Please slate your recording with, “Hi, this is (your first and last name) with VoiceCasting.” As you do your reads, state which one you are doing on the MP3. Exampe: “This is my angry read” or “This is my royal read,” etc.

Your mp3 file MUST BE NAMED: VoiceCasting_FirstLastname.mp3

DIRECTIONS FOR YOUR READ:
There are six different ways the client wants the lines read. Do ALL six different versions of the script, including them ALL in ONE mp3 file. Be sure to identify each read as instructed above. Keep it short and sweet!

Use the lines and directions below regardless of your age range, male and female, or ethnicity.

It is very important to slate and name these as above or they will not be accepted.

What we’re looking for in the first-round of auditions is range. We’d like to hear the following sentence read in each of the six ways listed below:

“If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.”

We would like to hear it:
1) Kindly/sweetly
2) Sinister/menacing
3) Angry
4) Regally/royally
5) Pleading/weakly
6) Sexy/seductively/sensual
7) As old as you can sound without sounding too cartoony

Thank you so much! For the glory of Him who gives us life, yours,