I didn’t really realize how long it has been since the last blog update. Blogging motivation is really hard to come by lately. Between work, family, and play, it hasn’t been the first thing I think of every morning. I’ll try to come up with something worthwhile to say soon. Promise!

Just wanted to share some lighting and texturing for “Cinna-Mon” (a piece originally created for Pepper Films).  I animated/rigged this several months ago. And just recently, I re-did the lighting/texturing.

The still above is a frame from that animation. 

The last several months has seen an upturn in work.  Maybe this recession is finally starting to turn around.  Currently, we are in production on three commercials.  At the same time, the number of bids have increased substantially.  Hopefully, this is not a short lived phenomenon.

I’m also in the midst of editing a new directors reel for Toonstruck that will be placed online and shipped to those that have asked for it.  Finding time to do it has been difficult.  However, it is very close to being finished.

I’m pretty anal about file and project organization.  In fact, many years ago, I wrote my own software called Toontrack to help organize the project management side of things.   When it comes to the file/data pipeline, I’m no different.  I want exacting naming conventions and files put in the right place – everytime!

A while ago, I stumbled across  Open Pipeline for Maya.  It is an incredible set of Mel scripts to help keep your assets in order.  These open source tools are nothing short of awesome.  If you are a one-man operation, or part of a small team, I encourage you to start using this software.  You won’t regret it.  Even for larger teams or studios, it is a great starting place.  You can modify it to your exacting needs.

It makes swapping between assets, shots, sequences, and even projects very easy.  It creates the directories and puts everything in the right place.  It will even publish files to be used as references.

I’ve freelanced for dozens of studios over the years, and this software is better than what 90% of those guys have in place.  This is such a huge part of any project, I just don’t understand why so many people take it so lightly.  Now you have no excuse.

I’m happy to announce that just recently, the paperwork was signed to have my short film, Till Death Do Us Part, distributed by Ouat Media.  Their sales team will be making efforts to get the film shown on television, cable, airlines, the internet, and more.

This is pretty exciting.  The more people that see it, the better!  The bad news is that I won’t know ahead of time when it will be on!  If for some reason I do get fair warning, I’ll be sure to let it be known here.

If you see it, be sure to let me know!