A couple of cool animations

Work has definitely been busy, but a lot of fun.  For years I have been talking about using animation for media, and for years it would get shut down one way or another.  It was quite a mountain to climb, but the view has been breathtaking. 

The Book of Mormon piece was a blast to work on.  Maybe had it's fair share of sleepless nights, but I think it was worth it.   (Well, unless you blame it for causing the Palsy, but my theory is that it was strictly coincidental.)  It was a great group to work with, and I think it turned out excellent.  A huge plus for the animation effort.

And of course the Coat story is a bit closer to the heart for me.  After multiple rejections of animated ideas being pitched, I knew we needed to just create something, something simple something short and to the point to show how animation can be used.  So a couple of friends from work who also wanted to work on animation formed the Animation Underground.  Our goal was to create an animation, as our own personal project, outside of work to show the benefits of animation.  We would meet during lunch, discuss script, make assignments, and it was extremely slow going, but eventually we had a solid script, a decent animatic, and even some music, testing the waters the whole time to see if any organization would want an animated piece.  After about a year of this, finally there was a need within the Mormon Channel, they wanted to fund the project.  Of course timing could not be any worse.

Mid October:
Mormon Channel: "This would be the perfect piece for a Christmas Message, can we have it Dec 1st?"
My voice: "Yes! Definitely!  We can make this happen!"
My thoughts: 6 weeks???? 2 minute animation????? are you insane!!!!!!

Apparently my voice and thought process do not collaborate much.  It was a whirlwind, but I loved every bit of it.  Once again, had an amazing team of artists that did an amazing job, and worked so smoothly together.  I couldn't be happier.   It was rather satisfying to see your work go from idea, all the way to completion.  Of course as an artist, I could pick apart my work with never ending changes, fixes, or spotted flaws, but honestly, it has been a great way to finish up this year.   

(P.S. please share the Coat story with anyone and everyone.  The more views it gets the greater the possibility that I get to do more.)

Fall Shenanigans

Here are just a few pics of some of the happenings the last few months.  Some cute faces, some temper tantrums, some odd outdoor napping behaviors, and a couple of birthdays.  Party on.

Halloween 2011

Halloween once again.  Here are a few highlights.  Had the task of taking photos at the Trunk or Treat event, had a great deal of help from Lowell Harris (thanks a bunch), had a lot of fun running the spooky treatment though.  Went out for Tricks or treats, and came back with loot (thought it was funny dressing like demons, and maimed grotesque zombies and all manners of evil creatures, and the American Fork Temple was in the background).  Plus I liked how Allie wasn't just a skeleton, but a skeleton princess.  Genius.

Trip up the Canyon

The kids took a trip up the Canyon a few months ago with their Grandpa Harris, and he got some great shots.  Of course Sloane was a real treat, not even a decent shot to photoshop in later.

1st day back to school

Sunday Afternoon

Just Dew it

Sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up!

Camping Trip

We went camping.  What more can I say than cozy tents, upstream exploration, hammocks, sneaking cookies, bacon, bacon and bacon, with a side of delish greasy eggs.  We had fun.