(Upfront, this is not a paid gig. I wish it was. It really should be. I simply couldn’t afford to pay you what you are worth. I know animation is expensive and takes a long time to accomplish. This plea is only for those “wanabes” just like me, and even the paid animator that only gets to do bumpers or commercials when they originally got into the biz because of the cartoons and animated features that inspired them to begin with. I totally respect other talented artists and I am a fan of this media. I’ve done a lot of pre-production on this project. I’m just not an animator. So, please disregard further reading if you were looking for compensation, aren’t interested or just have issues with it.)
Hello,
My name is Shane Wheeler. I have written a completed script with intentions of developing it into either an animated feature or TV series (even webisodes would be nice). This is, basically, an attempt to find good Flash character animators and a digital background artist or an animation studio looking for an awesome animation project for either, portfolio purposes or expanding into something larger.
image copyright of Shane Wheeler (Background by Kevin Lee)
To further explain my vision for pitching. I wanted to develop some example 3-5 minute shorts. Currently, my pitch bible includes the minimum requirements: character bios, designs and other concept renders. I’ve also started storyboarding a scene I’ll later develop into an animatic. I just need the right interested party to see this project to fruition.
The project would be for a PG to PG-13 audience (depending on depiction). It would have a dark serious tone (with sarcastic and dark humor), occurring action, but be more character driven. I believe children, as well as adults will appreciate it. It’s not sexual or vulgar in nature, but due to its medieval time period there may be some questionable scary sequences, demonic creatures terrorizing villagers, decapitations and burning at the stake.
Here is a link to an animation I felt had a “similar” drawing style and edge to my own, and the quality I am looking for: the lip sync, effects, backgrounds, and character movement. Although, it contains explicit content; my story absolutely dose not), (Episode 3 of a series called “Akumi”By Primal Instinct Productions) using Flash and AfterEffects. (Censored due to explicit content this animation is not for the easily offended.) http://coldhardflash.com/2007/08/akumi-team-conspires-to-create-third.html
Lastly, I also foresee the lip-sync exaggerated as done in the videos of the animated rock group “The Gorillaz”. (Using shape tweening and some frame by frame, opposed to just symbol swapping)
Here is a link to one of their videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpDer9wdUEw
Without giving too much away, here is the basic pitch for my animation project…
“Imps” are like demonic fairies.
Image copyright of Shane M. Wheeler
“Imps” is a medieval action/adventure series targeted to ages 13 and up. Initially, a good wizard accidently creates an evil demonic imp named Xac (Zack} to help his daughter with her chores around their farm. Through trial and error Xac eventually is taught right from wrong by his master. Later, unforeseen events cause the death of Xac’s master and a horde of evil demonic imps were created and run ramped throughout the kingdom. Now, alone and orphaned Xac struggles to gather the other dark imps and change their immoral ways before they destroy the kingdom and eat the humans.
So, if you are a Flash animator, background artist or actual studio that is looking for an animation project, and like what you have seen/read, please contact me at shane@shanewheeler.com and include a link to your portfolio. More detail can be given. Also, please view my portfolio at www.shanewheeler.com to see my 2d concepts and other works.
Thank you for your time,
Shane Wheeler
