News

Hello and welcome to some recent News, not only in my life, but also from around the world. Mostly, my world. But sometimes other parts of the world, too.

-I'm shooting 2 shorts in the next 2 weeks for Bluefish TV. I get to be an idiot boss in one and a monster insurance agent in the other. They're both being shot on the RED. I'm looking forward to both, very much so.

-Decided to ditch the ATV at the last second, sending it head over wheels into Deadman's Ravine, whose name didn't ring true that morning. Wait, what? OH. Right. I forgot that Jimmy flew into it shortly thereafter, so I guess it rang true moreso around lunch.

-Illustrating the characters for Studio Movie Grill's rebranding efforts. Working on gift cards this week. Did a 20 foot long banner illustration/design last week. I'll post the image as soon as I'm allowed.

-Gave bum a 5 instead of a 1 and noticing my miscue, I asked him for it's speedy return in exchange for the smaller bill I held. He said 'No' so I swung my door open fast and caught him flush in the chest. While he lay on his back, motionless save for breating, I took the 5, substituted with the 1 and then left smiling because I knew Taco Bell was still open.

-We did 10 interstitial designs for the Dallas Cowboys massive screens at Cowboys Stadium. Everything from 'Touchdown' to 'Interception'. Now the crowd will now when to cheer while they watch.

-Talked to a meathead in the gym whom told me that although he enjoys steroids, he prefers men. I had no answer for his revelation.

-Did the art and design for 2 new Gamestop spots airing right now. One is for 'falling wii' prices, and consists of our hero bunny getting pelted by falling wii boxes. The other one shows bunny growing massive after eating a carrot and then follows him on a baddie killing spree. Both were a delight to draw.

-Saw Fantastic Mr. Fox. No attempt at wit or cunning here, go see that movie. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

-Did the illustrations and limited frame by frame hand drawn animation for an upcoming video celebrating Firefox's 5 year anniversary. This pushed my already limited patience to the limit, as I've not hand animated since college. Luckily, I was bailed out by awesome AE folks. I'll post link when I can.

-Tomato basil soup is delicious and if you don't think so then get back in the bread line, you Commie.

That's all for me. Whaddabout you. Please.
Do tell.

Judge by the Cover

The saying 'Don't judge a book by it's cover' doesn't mean a damn thing. I mean, it really doesn't.
It's a metaphor for being superficial, and how not to look at people and judge them from their unkempt or too kempt appearances, so I think the saying should be changed to 'Don't judge a person by their face.'
Simple fix. Straight to the point.
There's just too many metaphors in life. Everyone's dancing around the issues.
But, for the sake of this blog, let's pretend the saying is just about books.
And if we pretend it's just about books, then I find this saying to be complete and utter garbage.
'Don't judge a book by it's cover.'
I find the cover of the book to be one of, if not the main, deciding factors in my purchasing of said book. The type. The layout. Colors. Texture.
I judge.
I judge the book by it's cover.
Constantly.
What? The cover is the only thing that attracts your attention, except for a recommendation from a friend, NY Times Bestseller List, Oprah or previous history of liking a particular writer/genre.
The cover GETS you to pick up the book. It's like a movie trailer. It's the COVER of the book.
The entire book's contents summed up in one image. THE PRESSURE for that designer. I love it.
And what are covers doing nowadays to get you to purchase the book?
Are they using the type to echo the title? Like, bending the type around in circles if the name of the book is 'Spin Spin Spin?' Is that good enough for you?
Whaddabout color treatment? Using black and white to grab the common onlooker's attention? Red and black? Whoa, contrast! That's always eye-catching.
Imagery, eh? Is it a photo? Is it an illustration? Is it centered? Cropped? Is the author's name bigger than the title? Or the title bigger than the author? Must be an unknown author.
These are things to think about. Eh, leave me be.
You like to watch every version of CSI crammed down your throat, so don't judge me.
Or my cover.
Save that for the books.

New Gamestop Commercial

Keep an eye out for this badboy, animated by one Mr. James Tobias and sound-designed by the Turkey J himself, TJ Calloway.

Barry is Coming. A Basik Teaser.

Barry is Coming. A Basik Teaser. from Basik Films on Vimeo.

Barry is Coming. Another Basik Teaser.

Barry is Coming. Another Teaser Trailer. from Basik Films on Vimeo.

New Slogans for Major Corporations

Companies love slogans. They NEED slogans. A company without a slogan is like a baby without a diaper. It's messy. Unfocused. Slogans give direction. They let the world know that company's philosophy.
The problem is, for me, that a lot of company's slogans aren't honest. And that's why I want to propose some new, more honest slogans right now. Here goes something.

Facebook: Stalkers welcome.
McDonald's: Only in a pinch.
WalMart: Feel like a minority. Come to WalMart.
Albertsons: Overpricing is fun.
MySpace: We're done.
Red Bull: Always tastes like a bad idea.
Victoria's Secret: We know it's not for your wife.
Chick-fil-a: This slogan only readable 6 days a week.
Apple: Helping people look artsy at Starbucks since 2002.
Abercrombie&Fitch: Put a moose on it.
Urban Outfitters: Our employees smell.
Jack Daniels: a Friday's not a Friday 'till you punch your spouse.

HOT ROUTE in 2 Fests in Nov.

Casey Gooden's HOT ROUTE is in 2 fests this november.
We shot it a year ago and seeing it on the big screen's gonna be a little bit of fun.