Jeff Scher's Studio

So long ago, I can't remember when I dropped filmmaker Jeff Scher a line, asking for some rotoscoping advice from the expert. To my surprise and delight, I was subsequently invited to stop by his studio in DUMBO for a tour.


I snapped some photos of his setup for reference, with the plan of sharing them here within the week. Then they got lost in the mess that is my personal computer.



Some spring cleaning turned up these.

I dream of the day when I can have a basement studio like this - I'll even take a loft or spare side room! Hopefully our somewhat listless apartment hunting will prove fruitful and serve up a 2BR for just this purpose.





Jeff's setup is ingenious and simple: digital or old fashion, nothing more than a projector mounted to a re-purposed stand or shelf complete with peg-bar, paints and whatever item he might need in the moment.



Some are purely decorative, perhaps inspirational.



And it's not only his setup I envy. It's the location too. Nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge, the surrounding area is just as warm and full of life as the artist himself.

Those were the days...

Found these last night while playing with my HP Touchscreen.


Here are some folks I use to work with at Asterisk Animation!


Elliot!


Christina!


Here is my desk, clattered with Christmas cards.


Close-up of said Christmas cards.

Cupcakes for whoever can tell me what the heck Brian is doing there in the first picture.

Moving Day

About two weeks ago, I said 'goodbye' to the gang at Asterisk Animation (hopefully not forever) and rejoined the troops back at Special Ops Media in DUMBO.

Then yesterday, I said 'goodbye' to DUMBO as our team of designers, animators and coders picked up shop and moved into new offices in Manhattan.


Goodbye Manhattan Bridge!


Hello Puck Building!



All in all it was the easiest move I've ever experienced (try moving two years worth of stuff across an ocean). The van even seemed a bit unnecessary. I'm sure we could have just lugged it all in one subway ride.


And while the office may seem a little lackluster (particularly since the lights weren't up and running yet), our 'Event Space' is far more impressive.




I'm actually kind of hoping it stays this empty for a while.


It's nice to sneak away for a few minutes and just hang out in here.


Not to mention the seventh floor view.

Busy, busy, busy...

Haven't written anything here for far too long. To be completely honest, though, I'm terrible at keeping up with blogs. But this time I actually have a decent excuse. I got a job! Yay! I'm currently employed as a freelance animator for an animation studio that is, surprisingly, a short drive from home! We've been pretty busy over the last three weeks working on a traditionally animated, but digitally colored and composited short. Fun, if tidious stuff!

In other more personal news, I'm getting started on a new short stop-motion film. I might be biting off a bit more than I can chew with this one, but we'll find out. It's in the early stages right now. I've been sketching character designs and doing some research on the... umm... costumes. Once I have a bit more done, I'll explain, but basically, the costumes kind of are the characters. I'm definitely excited... and possibly a bit nervous that this whole thing will unravel and fall apart before it can even get started. If it does, then at least I have a few back-up films in mind...