Something Shiny…

I know it’s been yet another long season of silence, but instead of me stumbling around an apology for not posting, let’s just get right to it: I am thrilled to share the following teaser trailer below, featuring the opening shot of the movie! (Some friendly advice: play it full-screen & crank the sound up!)

I wanted to show this for a number of reasons, but mostly because it fills me with hope and anticipation every time I watch it, and I think it will do the same for you. The opening of a film can set the tone for the rest of the story, and helps guide the audience into the experience. The idea of coming up out of the darkness and into a colorful, inviting world really appealed to me, and I felt it would connect viewers to this place that is the home of our story’s narrator, and imbue a sense of its value to him (it is called “The Price” after all).

As I mentioned in a previous blog, re-visualizing this scene was aesthetically challenging, but from a technical standpoint, this shot was a real beast! It represents the culmination of months of effort and experimentation to arrive at a solution that yielded the results I was striving for. Initially, the plan was to use the beautifully designed and created  3D models my team had developed to generate still images or poses that I could blend between, similar to the technique I had used for the animatic, but refined and unified visually. However, the more time I spent with these models and saw the enhanced possibilities of how much more could be achieved with them, I began to re-think my process and started looking for alternative methods I might employ.

Not unlike attempting to build a car from scratch, I had most of the parts I would need and examples of how others had built their vehicles; now I had to determine the construction process for my own unique creation, and see if I could get the thing to run.

Many times I have come to a dead-end, or had a piece not work the way I had thought it would. Sometimes I have had to stop and take things apart and rebuild them another way. And often, after hours spent working for someone else in their “garage,” it would be difficult to find the time and creative energy to crawl back underneath my own project and try to figure out, “Now … where did that piece go again?”

But when the pieces do come together, and you catch a promising glimpse of something shiny and bright, you feel that spark of genuine excitement flare-up and everything seems right again in the world.

I’ll end this with two favorite quotes:

“Never, ever give up.” – Sir Winston Churchill

“Shiny…”  – Malcom Reynolds

More on the way…

PS: Here’s a link in case you missed Mr. Gaiman’s delightful interview last week on NPR’s The Diane Rehm Show (two of my all-time favorite voices).

About Xtopher

Director of The Price, and Owner/Creative Director of Silver Fish Creative, LLC.
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62 Responses to Something Shiny…

  1. WOOOOHOOOO!! It’s really, really coming together! SHIIIIIIINY is right!

  2. Lynne Taylor says:

    Yippee! BTW my golden retriever’s name is Captain Malcolm Reynolds.

  3. Ira Pearson says:

    Christopher, this is awesome and beautiful. And I love Neil’s narrator voice. Thank you for never giving up.

    • Xtopher says:

      Thanks Ira, I truly appreciate your support. You know, even if Neil hadn’t written this story, I would have wanted him to get him for the part!

  4. Ben says:

    My first thoughts were, “Oh, nice, interesting to see the wallpaper and the promo images he’s been sending us move, it makes a real differ…” and then the music swelled and the logo blazed across the tramp mark and Neil’s familiar voice filled my speakers and I wanted nothing more than MORE. I joined Kickstarter to back this project. I am blown away by how elegant and evocative that teaser was. And, based on the 52 updates since the beginning, how much work went into something that looks deceptively simple. Well done, sir, well done indeed. I patiently look forward to what’s next.

    • Xtopher says:

      Wow Ben — you just made my day (sincerely)!!! “Leaving you wanting more” is exactly the response I was hoping for, and I’m so grateful you took the time to share your impressions with me!

  5. Jerry Gennaria says:

    Fantastic! Definitely looking forward to the finished film, but I’m thrilled that you’re taking the time to do it right. It looks amazing.

  6. Dave R says:

    Chris, that was incredible. I know it’s got to be very hard, frustrating, and all-consuming at times, but just please know that what you have done so far is unbelievably beautiful and exciting! I (and many, many others) are awaiting–patiently as Ben pointed out–the next piece of the film, and of course the finished version. The house and lawn and trees evoke such a warm and cozy feeling that I can’t wait to feel those inevitable chills when the story turns darker :).

    Keep up the excellent work, well done sir, and I look forward to seeing what’s next!

    Sincerely, Dave

    • Xtopher says:

      My day just keeps getting better and better — thank you Dave for your generous words! You know, actually getting the opportunity to visit the his home really helped give me an emotional target to aim for; it has a genuinely magical “vibe” (for lack of a better word) that I desperately hope translates to viewers of the finished film.

  7. Antonius Morrillius Esq. VIII says:

    VERY NICE!! Looking good brother!

  8. Kym Lindsey says:

    Oh, well done! The shock when the clip ended is a testament to how well and quickly you’ve immersed us into the story. I can’t help but think that the completed project will be ama-a-azing!

  9. Carole says:

    Ohmigosh it looks so beautiful! It’s really coming together! Thanks for the update!

  10. kate says:

    Nothing to say here but another loyal fan who is impressed by great work — these production blogs really make me understand how much more i can be spirited away by a project of such intense emotional commitment

    Thank you as always

    • Xtopher says:

      I appreciate that, Kate. This has been a much longer journey than I had ever anticipated taking, but I don’t regret a minute of it. More to come…

  11. Jon says:

    Looks absolutely bloody fantastic, I got chills! Can’t wait to see the finished product!

  12. L.W. Brown says:

    Many, many blessings.

  13. doskoi says:

    it looks great. I remain deeply concerned that this is all that’s ready after 6-7 years, and would like a more solid idea of when this project will be completed. Timeline, please.

    • Xtopher says:

      Well, give me a moment to find my Crystal Ball (I know it’s lying around here somewhere), and I’ll see what it says. I’m not trying to be flippant, friend, but if you’ve been following along, you’ll know that despite my efforts to get this film to the finish line, it doesn’t seem to understand the concept of timelines. Please know I will continue to do my best, and I’ll thank you for your continued patience.

  14. Chris Yaroch says:

    Christopher,

    What can I say?? “WOW!!!” comes to mind, but that is so cliche. Such beautiful artwork and renderings. The way the sunlight points us to the Star of the show is wonderful. What skills you have my friend! And thanks for the updates. By the way, did I mention “WOW!!!!!!!!!” – and that’s from my heart!

    Chris

  15. Summer says:

    It is amazing to see this scene come together and to life on my phone!! My excitement for this has only grown since I first saw it on kickstarter. Thanks again for believing!

  16. Nicolas says:

    Thats’s really beautiful Christopher !

  17. Wendi says:

    Bloody awesome! Appetite well & truly whetted, looking forward to seeing more!

    Very shiny!

  18. Heather says:

    Oh wow, that looks AMAZING!!! Really impressive. =)

  19. sandra getgood says:

    Oh, I love it. And hated it to end so soon! This is clearly going to be worth waiting for….very exciting!

  20. Liz M says:

    Just absolutely gorgeous. My immediate reaction was that I want to live in that house. (I know, it’s based on Neil’s house. Maybe he needs a live-in dog walker?) Between your visuals and Neil’s narration, I was instantly pulled into the story, and like others have said already, it was a surprise when the teaser was done and the credits came up.

    While I’m impatient to see the rest, I’d rather you took your time with it so it’s all as brilliant as this bit. :-)

    • Xtopher says:

      That’s a terrific reaction Liz, and precisely what I was aiming for! Thank you for being so patient (along with everyone else), and for sharing your thoughts and impressions along the way.

  21. Ruko says:

    It’s wonderful to see how this project is progressing, and the amount of support it has. It looks beautifully rendered and detailed, yet I still feel there could be room for constructive criticism.

    We’ll go through this in order; first thing seeing being the logo, can’t fault it. It caught me off guard as the fish is launched into the viewer’s face and has wonderful colouring.

    Then we open straight up into the film, where the text is already there, yet very hard to see. This can be distracting to the audience as I know I was squinting to see what it said before it appeared, meaning I missed a lot of the background detail. I was too focused on this tiny element rather than letting myself settle down into this grand film.

    We also clearly see twigs moving past the screen, this gives the impression it is a forest or something similar, but then it suddenly transitions into a cut away view of underground. This doesn’t make sense, it also shows you can see very subtly where the flat square shape the image is imposed onto as the camera pans up, making it seem too far away from the cutaway to be an effective cutaway. I’d recommend moving the camera closer.
    The camera then stops, still being able to see the dirt cutaway at the bottom of the screen. This lingering gives the audience more time to contemplate on what just happened, and ruins the illusion of rising out of the ground. A way to get around this is to have the grass much larger close to the camera, so that the blades of grass frame the shot instead.

    The pan forward is slightly awkward being on a direct diagonal. Try sweeping the camera, turning it with the motion to make it more smooth.

    Then the voice cuts in, instantly all I hear is the recording studio. You can hear the echo of the room. This is highly unprofessional and I hope this isn’t your final take.

    Camera zooms right up to tree, font fades in, but it’s rising towards the last few seconds, meaning when it fades out, the alignment with the tree is now gone. This isn’t a major point, but something to think about.

    The camera then abruptly changes direction, now panning to the right. These motions still seem in keyframe stages. I’d recommend smoothing them out, keep it sweeping and moving constantly, only slowing and speeding up when necessary. Rotate the camera as opposed to panning it, it mimics a human’s head movements of turning and feels more natural.

    Now, last scene. That cat was not there before. I can understand if this is not the final cut of the cat, as it’s not moving, and makes it seem unnatural. Maybe have it walking in, prowling before striking it’s pose. Cat’s tails do not usually fall to be in line with their back, have it curiously flicking near the top, again, keep the motions fluid and elegant.
    Though, I can understand if these motions are pure basics as it seems that way.

    The meow is stock, I can hear the static from the recording ending as it finishes playing.

    That’s about all I can say to help keep the basics looking good, as the way the light is rendered and most of the framing is spot on. All the particles, light beams etc are all gorgeous, but polish can not hide up these points from everyone.

    I wish you all the best of luck, and that my words are read.
    Thank you for your time.

    • Xtopher says:

      Wow, I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts and ideas, Ruko. Just to clarify, the initial rise of the camera isn’t supposed to suggest passing through a cut-away view of the ground, but up the side of an eroded bank of earth, festooned with roots, rocks and other detritus. Yes, much of the audio is temporary and will be replaced (good ear by the way), including Mr. Gaiman’s vocal (see The Recording of Neil). The camera work was painstakingly designed to evoke a slightly askew, dream-like feeling, drifting and pausing. I tried to have if move in sync with the ebb and flow of the music, and am pleased with the results (but I respect your own opinions and suggestions). Thanks again for providing such a thoughtful commentary!

      • Ruko says:

        Hello again,

        I did consider keeping my opinions to myself, just incase they weren’t well received, but I’m glad you took the time to read my views.
        I’m sorry for mistaking the opening, but I would say it’s because it seems slightly flat near the top, it’s also a very sudden change to the grass. Having some blending with the foliage might help keep the round bank-like shape. The fact that I ‘was’ mistaken about it being a notable point in it’s self.
        Watching it again with what you have said about the camera movements in mind, and taking more notice to the music I can see now how it matches. Though a point may be to think when the camera should follow the music, and when it should not. Music should act as the emotions behind a scene, and should often barely be noticeable if it blends in well enough, which this did! So well I forgot to even take notice of it in my critique. It’s truly beautiful and fits in flawlessly.
        With repeated views I’m starting to see a little more the logic behind the camera movements, and can say it looks better with repeated viewing.
        What I said in my first comment being how I felt upon my very first watching – a view that can sometimes be lost after the hundredth time playing through it while working on it.

        My words are only the voice of one, but something to consider, the final decisions always lie with you.

  22. Miki says:

    Wow, this is beautiful, amazing!!! Congratulations, great work! Shiny indeed!!!! I’m ever more excited about this project!

  23. Trevor says:

    Holy mythos, Chris, that trailer left me joystruck!

  24. Kieran says:

    Many years later, especially being servant to a ferociously protective black cat myself, your visualisation of Neil’s story still gives me goosebumps.

    I, obviously like many others, are certainly in it for the long haul – thank you for sharing your progress.

    Good luck and happy travels.

  25. Ann Winsper says:

    I’m completely torn now – I’m so happy to see this, it’s beautiful and wonderful. But the downside is……NOW I WANT TO SEE THE REST! Lol! You can tell this project is a real labour of love (meant in a positive way), now I’ll just have to put my patience-pants back on!

    • Xtopher says:

      Happy to provide you with that particular dilemma, Ann! 😉 I can’t tell you how thankful I am for those “patience-pants” that so many seem willing to keep wearing for this project. (I’ve had to replace my own several times as they keep wearing-out!)

  26. Court says:

    This post is making me want to be bad guys….

    Lovely opening sequence, every update gets me more and more excited for this film! The music is gorgeous too. Keep being shiny!

    • Xtopher says:

      Hah! You always make me laugh, Court; glad you’re liking what you’re seeing! BTW, last year I took my kids to the Salt Lake City FanX/Comicon and we got to see/hear Nathan Fillion & Adam Baldwin — how crazy-cool is that??!! :)

  27. Sherezada says:

    Shiny, indeed! This is too cool for words to see come to life! It’s a beautiful beginning, and I really like what you did with the coming from the darkness into light (love how you’re thinking of symbolism and theme right from the get-go). I can’t wait to see more. You, sir, are truly an inspiration. Keep up the good work!

    • Xtopher says:

      Thanks for noticing Sherezada, and wonderful comments like yours certainly help to keep the inspiration flowing! :)

  28. Jeremy says:

    Thanks so much for the update! I have been checking your site and FB page every week or so, hoping for good news. I was worried that maybe something bad had happened to you and the project was over! It looks great. I love this story and can’t wait for your visuals to help tell the story.

  29. susan says:

    This is a beautiful little teaser. I am just glad you are taking the time to do this correctly. At some point we’ll get the finished film and it will all be worth the wait. I think you’ll do justice to Neil’s story.

    • Xtopher says:

      Thank you so much, Susan; I am aiming as high as I can, and despite how frustrating things get, that goal keeps me going.

  30. John F. says:

    I got some serious chills watching this. The music, the visuals, and the reading… it’s amazing. It’s been such a pleasure getting to see this project unfold since its Kickstarter days. What a journey. Great, great work.

    • Xtopher says:

      Comments like yours always seem to arrive on the perfect day; thank you John! Your kind words gave me a much-needed boost!

      • John Funderburg says:

        My pleasure! I’m so glad I could be an encouragement. Creating art can be a lonely, isolating process, and sometimes it can feel like the wheels are spinning and we’re going nowhere (which is actually never, ever true). A word of affirmation can mean the world in these times.

        Keep up the awesome work :)

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