Giantkiller Cover Reveal

My designer Mike Wykowski worked diligently over the weekend and came up with a real winner. The framing of the giant's face makes him look both mysterious and menacing and I love it. Thanks for your great work, Mike, and thanks for the feedback, folks! It really helped!

Here now, the cover for Giantkiller: Leonard the Great, Book Two.

Woo hoo!

Time for the 7D!

The 7D, a fun little show I wrote for last year, premieres this coming Monday (7/7) on Disney XD.

Here's the deal:

"The series takes place in the whimsical world of Jollywood, where Queen Delightful relies on the 7D – Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy and Doc – to keep the kingdom in order. Standing in their way are two laughably evil villains, Grim and Hildy Gloom, who plot to take over the kingdom by stealing the magical jewels in the 7D’s mine. With seven very distinct personalities, the 7D always manage to save the day and send Grim and Hildy running back to their evil lair to try another day."

Check it out!

Help Me Pick My Cover

My most excellent designer, Mike Wykowski, just sent me the two cover finalists for Giantkiller and now I'd like to get your opinion.  The subtle but significant difference is in the framing of the giant's face, everything else is the same. Here they are:

Cover #1

 Followed by...

Cover #2

What do you think? Have a preference? Let me know which cover you like better in the comments.

Thanks!

Saturday Question: Pimping Your Animation Idea

From Jojo: 

Q: Hallo there I am sorry to bother you but I kinda need a little help and gaudiness. I have an idea for an animation film but I can't really show it to anybody without having a manager or an agent first and I have no idea how to do that. Can you please help me? Thanks very much.

A: Just like the studios and production companies you'd eventually like to reach, most reputable agents or managers are uninterested in "ideas," especially from unknowns (I assume you're an unknown, if not, what the heck are you doing asking a question like this to an unknown like me?). They're much more likely to respond positively to a well-written query in which you very briefly describe your idea and then offer to send YOUR SCRIPT. That's right, I said script. Aside from claiming a recommendation from J.J. Abrams (don't do this unless you really have one), writing a script is the only way I know of that you, currently an unknown, will get a legitimate agent or manager interested in your "idea." 

As far as your needing a little gaudiness (assuming that wasn't an autocorrect error), I'd suggest checking out Mardis Gras or carnivale footage on YouTube and seeing if you can crib some tips from there. ;)

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Got a question for a self/traditionally published author and TV animation writer (who'd be perfect for that show you're staffing)? I thought so. Leave it here in the comments and I'll try to answer it on the following Saturday.

Littlest Pet Shop Episode: 'War of the Weirds'

My first episode of LPS Season 3 aired this morning. You can check out 'War of the Weirds' on the Hub site for a limited time.

LPS Season Two Finale

Parts one and two of The Expo Factor, the Little Pet Shop season two finale are available HERE. I wrote the teleplay for part one and the talented Adam Beechen wrote part two. Not sure how long they're going to keep the full episodes up on the Hub site so check them out while you still have the chance!

New Feature: Saturday Question

Got a question for a self and traditionally published, TV animation writing, Emmy Award nominated low-level showbiz type, and sometime actor (who'd be perfect for that series or commercial you're casting)? I thought so. Send it this way and I'll try to answer it on the following Saturday.

(Side Note: This feature was inspired by (copied from) comedy great Ken Levine's excellent blog - definitely check it out for more showbiz-y/author-y goodness.)

This week's question comes from Marie:

Q: I am a writer and I've got an idea for an animated feature. I just have the idea and couple of different endings. I have two contacts through my sister in LA who are producers for big animated companies. I spoke to one and she definitely believes it is definitely a full-length feature film,  that no one has done, yet. She told me that I needed to own it as long as I can, write the treatment, screenplay. I have no experience in writing scripts. Do you have any advice or can suggest any materials that someone like me could follow? I get very frustrated when I write. So far I am just watching as many films as I can and reading other scripts. --Marie

A: I would recommend three things. First, even though "no one has done" a script like yours yet, determine an animated feature that your idea most closely resembles, then hunt around on the web for a copy of that script (there are many resources, some free) and use it as a model/template for your own idea. I'm not telling you to copy it, just to use it to see how professionals execute an idea similar to your own.

Next, you may want to pick up a copy of Syd Field's classic how-to book, "Screenplay." It's considered the industry standard in how to structure a screenplay.

Finally, you may want to invest in some screenwriting software to help you make sure your script looks right. I, and most other pros use Final Draft or Movie Magic. Each of these is a little pricey but I think well worth the investment if you plan on writing professionally. I have no doubt that there a few free script formatting programs out there, too. Hunt around and see what you can come up with. Good luck!

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If you have a question for me, please leave it in the comment section. Thanks!