It’s been a while since the site was updated, but I just wanted to let you all know that Deadland Chronicles is STILL in the works. This is a huge process, it’s not unlike doing a movie. We have many things ready such as many props, shoot location, programs and a script for Chapter One. Story boards are still in the works but what I’ve seen they look great! I’m excited to get this rolling!

In the mean time, I’ve (Tadd) been working on a side story called “The Adventure of Tony Laen” which is an online novel of sorts. Please feel free to read what is currently up at tonylaen.studio646.com – it’s also a work in progress but it’s going great! I have much in store for that story!

Until next time!

Deadland Chronicles is now on Twitter.

www.twitter.com/deadlandtweets

Why?

Because, this is where secrets will be told. Soon there will be some contests in which special downloads will be given - but you have to find them to get them!

What kind of downloads?

You’ll see. You shall see.

While Todd has the script for Chapter One I figured I could get started on the next chapter. No harm in pushing myself, right?

So I’ve written the synopsis first in order to get the juices flowing and get the flow of this chapter down. It has worked well so far. I emailed this to Todd since he’s my acting assistant director. He’ll help me flesh it out a bit better with ideas, questions and critique.

Moving and moving. I can’t wait to get this REALLY rolling!

Oh, side note: Brett from Esoteric Cinema is planning on making a trip out when we do the photo shoot to video document the process and interview us and such. This will be awesome! We are planning on doing a ‘behind the scenes’ of Deadland Chronicles! Awesome!

Well, the script is done for the first chapter. Todd Morris now has it for suggestions and for story boarding! So that’s exciting!

Just wanted to give a quick update so that this site doesn’t go stale.

The Deadland Chronicles script is going very very well! It’s moving along, I’m introducing characters, heads are about to fly …

I’m getting more and more excited as I go. Also, very nervous. I have a long road ahead of me before I release any official pages, but I figured I’d add the page one for you all to get .. excited over.

I am way behind schedule here - but things are starting to move. I have started official scripting for Deadland! And it’s going great. I’ve even done some story boards for each page. Let it be known that I can not draw to save my life. Thank God for 3D programs and Photoshop.

I came across a wonderful program yesterday called ‘celtx’. It’s a scripting program that helps you to write your script in a professional, effective and really easy manner. I’ve adapted this program for my projects and really think people everywhere can benefit from it.

www.celtx.com

It’s awesome.

And it’s free.

So, while I’ll not be doing  the photo shoot this month, if I keep up the progress I’m at now I may be looking at a March photo session with pmStudios and the actors of DLC!

There are three kinds of people. The heroes, the villains and the helpless. In order to be free, people need to chose not to be helpless, but to be a hero. To take a stand for what is right, regardless of personal gain or harm. The world is full of villains.

In great turmoil, heroes are born. Villains are exposed. And the helpless need saved.

Who will answer their plea?

-Donovan Crow

Who is Donovan Crow?

You’ll find out.

Todd Morris over at LostGorilla.com is working on a really sweet looking crest for the Validus Union. He sent me a sample of what it looks like so far and I have to say .. wow. It looks amazing. I’m excited to show it to everyone and start implementing it.

What is the Validus Union? Well, you’ll just have to stay tuned for more information on that, won’t you!

Note: Todd is also one of the actors in this project - Samuel Hall.

As this project continues its course, I’m forced to consider an issue.

Props verse Computer Generated

Props
When I say props, I’m referring to things such as weapons that can be bought and the models can use in the photos. Like movie props. They can aim down them, move with them - and the weapons will always be the same size and scale.

The upside is obvious - things will look more real, the weapons will never look cheesy and the actors can easily pretend they are real rifles and pistols.

The downside may also be obvious - cost. The best weapons for these are air soft guns. They look realistic, are often times heavy like a real gun and feel real. However, one gun can cost $50 or more, and that will add up fast considering the characters have weapons for themselves.

Computer Generated (CG)
The other option can be to use computer generated weapons that have been modeled out in programs like Nevercenter’s Silo and imported to Photoshop. The actors will hold something that has the rough side of the handles and the weapon is superimposed in the image.

The upside is that it’s cheap and looks more surreal. You can have space age weapons without any problems.

The downside is that it takes more work and may not always be the same size. It’s also easier to get lighting and positioning wrong which can really flub a good panel.

Personally I’m voting for props. Faster, nicer and more realistic.

Opinions?

Crisis - A crucial or decisive point or situation; a turning point.

As things for Deadland Chronicles started to take shape in my head I had to start making a few decisions. Software was one area I had to look at since a lot of programs cost an arm and a leg, neither of which I can easily part with. Then there where other things.

Since [DLC] uses live models for the main characters it was decided early on to use props. I was going to use CG for guns and such, but after a few trials it turned out to be more work and hassle than it was worth. So I started looking for prop guns and found a good amount in the airsoft industry.

This small article is about setting budgets, particularly for large projects like this. Sit down with a pen and paper and write down everything you’ll need. For instance, [DLC] needs guns, costumes, food for the models during the photo shoot, DVDs for the photos themselves (or an external hard drive) … and I’m sure more will come up as things progress. For a standard comic you’ll need art paper, good pencils, ink pens and maybe special coloring markers. Good erasers and a scanner also is needed. If you go all digital you still need the software (Inkscape is a great Illustrator alternative) and probably a graphic tablet (Wacom is the industry standard).

Set your budget and do all you can to stay within that budget! It’s like any production. You have your budget, you need to stay within so as to keep things moving smoothly. If you ignore the funds you’ll over shoot and over reach.