Making Open the Door - Vlog One (What is Open the Door?)

[itsmedezzidancewierd]

Good luck! I know you will do well!!!

[lirechka]

A very good luck to you Gary! Your project is going to be great!

[kathmandau]

Thanks for your work and for sharing your knowledge, Gary.

What software do you use, and would you suggest a beginners guide book to entering into the art?

blessings and continued inspiration,

CG

[smartbluecat]

@kathmandau Thanks so much.

:o)

I taught myself by randomly hitting stuff and reading the odd tutorial so I still feel a bit like a beginner myself. I model, texture, rig, animate and render all the 3D stuff in Maya, I composite the layers in After Effects, and I create the textures in Photoshop. My main advice would be get hold of Maya if you can and just play with it... a lot. Get stuck in and try a few tutorials but have fun. Thanks again.

:o)

Gary

[kathmandau]

@smartbluecat Thank you, Gary, for your insight.

Excellent work, teaching yourself...Bravo!

CG

[odetomy]

Looks like you're working on a cool animation. I can't wait to see it. I would really like to see more animations such as what you're doing and the whole spooky genre come to the big screen. A 2 hour, somewhat scary, autumn-ish animation with awesome backgrounds and settings would be right up my alley. I consider myself an artist and have created a few silly, little animations by hand and loaded them up on Youtube a few years ago. I just wish I could do this kind of stuff! You rock!!

[smartbluecat]

@odetomy Thanks very much! Yeah it's something I really want to see too... This is gonna take a while another year and a half at least. An update is coming soon.

:o)

So much work to be done. Better get back to it. Thanks for watching.

:o)

Gary

[11kingsmash1]

gary gary it's alistair

[smartbluecat]

Hey, man. Cheers for stopping by.

:o)

Have a great weekend.

Gary

[darren8822]

your so good with maya

[smartbluecat]

Cheers! I still have sooooo much to learn.

Thank you for stopping by.

:o)

Gary

[swagmantle]

what amazing talents you have...and what an incredible amount you put in to your Art.

just Genius.

[smartbluecat]

Thank you so much. I'm glad you got something from this.

:o)

Phew it's a big 'un.

G

[swagmantle]

you will be rewarded for all your hard work. i personally one day will endulge you with the biggest budget i can possibly muster, i hope your rewards match the quality you produce in the mean time.

you may have been aiming at the moon but you've landed amidst the stars.. the brightest and newest., too distant to kiss.

[smartbluecat]

What a lovely thing to say. Thank you very, very much. Your support means a great deal. Great comment. I hope it lives up to your budget. I'll do my best.

:o)

Gary

[smartbluecat]

Thank you very much! I just replied to your pm.

:o)

G

[belgasturiano]

Wow. It looks amazing. It's incredible that you are doing all this by yourself. Looking forward to seeing the final video. Keep up the great work.

[smartbluecat]

Thank you so very much!

:o)

G

[SanDiLee21]

Gary...this is simply amazing and I would for one have NO IDEA how you do this and wouldn't even know where to start. this is excellent for background info and I found it very interesting!!!!

You're terrified, I'm absolutely rivited to my chair...!!!! Good Luck...

[smartbluecat]

Thank you very much! That means a great deal. Helps to keep me going.

:o)

Watch part two for some acting outtakes and a teaser.

:o)

Gary

[andrewnorris1]

Ah, now it is becoming clearer. I missed this, first vlog. It looks tremendous, the graphics/animation fantastic. I really admire just how much heart and soul you are putting in this project. I really appreciate seeing something behind the finished project, one rarely has that kind of insight. This is a world about which I know nothing and that makes me even more in awe.

[smartbluecat]

Cheers man! Glad you're getting something from it. These vids are mostly for me, they're quite self indulgent. I doubt they're gonna be as popular as some of my other work but it's great to have the process on record. Thanks again.

:o)

Gary

[killa4weed4life]

not even jesus can do what you do!

i'm subscribing 5/5

[smartbluecat]

Yeah but I still can't turn comments into wine. I'm working on it.

:o)

Thanks very much. Very glad you liked it.

Cheers for stopping by.

:o)

Gary

[welshmuzhik]

Yes Gary it looks huge, and I'm sure there's a big payday at the end, however long it takes.

As a former art student, I have always found that time is the most valuable input. So take your time, and make it real good mate.

[smartbluecat]

Will do man. It's gonna be a slog and it's often hard to find the time this deserves. Life keeps getting in the way but I'll keep going and try my best. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a nice comment.

:o)

Gary

[johnperet]

I am amazed at your work ....you are a wizard

Can't wait to see the end result

[smartbluecat]

Cheers! It's gonna be a while I'm afraid but hopefully I'll get there.

:o)

Thanks for watching.

:o)

Gary

[tiffer68]

Great work Gary

[smartbluecat]

Thanks very much tiffer68.

Have a great day.

:o)

G

[marycigarettes]

wonderful viewing gary..just wonderful.

[smartbluecat]

Thank you kindly sir. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

:o)

Gary

[DisforDelight]

I think this question has not been asked as of yet... will you be writing the score ???

It will be an interesting piece to listen to, really.... The butterfly score was amazing !! (:

Thanks for the preview !

Pax et Lux,

DisforDelight

[smartbluecat]

Lol! Thank you! Yeah I've written the score already... by that I mean I have the four main themes recorded and all I need to do is massage them into the final thing. Thanks so much for your kind, kind words. Have a great week.

:o)

Gary

[jweinrub]

I'm curious, are you going to send this to film festivals?

[smartbluecat]

Hey J!

Yeah. If I can finish it, and it's as good as I can personally make it, then yeah, it'd be so cool to have it played at festivals. Do ya want to handle the Sun Dance people for me?

:o)

[jweinrub]

I don't know how I would go about doing that. :) I'm curious, how many seconds a day are you going to work on this? :)

[smartbluecat]

I don't know, mate. I'm just finishing shots as they come. Once all the modelling's done and I'm animating I'll have a better idea... I guess as many secs as I can muster is the most accurate answer.

:o)

[jweinrub]

That's how I basically go about when I do my animations. I don't have a set date when it comes to finishing my animations. Heck, I thought I was going to get done with Thief and the Fighter back in August and I ended up getting it done by July actually which was great cause I wanted to get to a new project as well.

[ChansDO18]

Incredible. Thank you for taking the time to give us some insight into your project. It's of special interest to me as someone who loves art but who has musical but little artistic talent. The best to you, my gifted friend.

[smartbluecat]

Thank you so much! This is an exercise in sheer bloody mindedness at the moment. Phew! It's great to be able let off some steam and write a song, even if it's for the score of this film... of the things I create, music is the most immediate and cathartic. It's the thread that holds me together.

Thanks for watching.

:o)

G

[cinderellalifestyle]

Gary----it is wonderful that you have shared this with us....I've a .whole new respect for your perserverence in your chosen art of animation..you must have patience, I can only imagine.....!!!!!!WOW......yes­, interested...a little kid of "I wonder how" lives inside this ole gal......:-)

Laurie

[CDmagz]

thank you for this..very entertaining and informative..love your voice..very appealing

YOur talents are obvious.

enjoyed this talk..

all stars

cheers love and light to all forever

CDm

M

[smartbluecat]

Cheers! You're very kind. I'm really just learning as I go. Thanks for a lovely comment and for taking the time to watch.

:o)

G

[AhBeer]

Hi Gary

I don't get the 2K Render? Why not HD?

The Ah-Beer didn't make money :( But didn't lose money either :)

Cinemas not really the way to go with out blockbuster budget/promotion.

Glad to hear you are chasing a "Deal" already!

I'm still waiting to hear from the BBC. (Not holding my breath)

I'm thinking of launching an online series. Need to get sponsership/advertising first though. Yeah, right, that will be a walk in the park! LOL.

Keep at it M8, don't let set backs grind you down!

Rgds.

Bob

[smartbluecat]

Yeah I hear you about the need for promotion reg cinema... must have been cool though.

:o)

2Kbecause it's gorgeous. Artistically the wider letter box and higher res offers so many more options, and it draws you deeper into the film ,it also means that at festivals it can be viewed

I'll scale it down to HD for upload and show reels though. I reckon Ah-Beer will still make you money. I hope the BBC get in contact with you with some good news sharpish .

:o)Thanks for the support mate.

[smartbluecat]

P.S - I meant to write -" ...viewed at full screen using all the canvas as it were." Doh.:o)

I don't see myself as a 3d animator (I'm not really driven by that side of it) it's just the best way for me to tell a story visually. My passion is story, written, music, visual... whatever. This project is all about that this time, more about the picture than the paints if that makes sense. As you well know doing something like this is a great way to flex though. Phew! Thanks again man. :o)

[AhBeer]

Good luck and all the best!

I think rendering as you go is a good idea. Also if it helps, a few other lessons i learnt when doing "Readings From The Ah-Beer"

Think about runtime! Example; does it fit a TV slot?

Try to get a funding/showing/distribution deal ASAP! never too soon for a deal to be struck!

Pacing yourself as you have said is good too!

I wish you all the best!

Rgds.

Bob

[smartbluecat]

Hey Bob. Cheers mate. Yeah - the runtime (without end credits) should be around 25min. It was gonna be 10min until I wrote the script - to be honest I could expand the story to feature length but I'd be dead before the renders where done. 25min is quite enough and it happens to be a good length for festivals and TV. :o) Good advice -I'm looking into funding now. I just hope I get to finish it before my hardware dies. Thanks for dropping by man. Have a great week.

:o)

Gary

[AhBeer]

Hi Gary

I would suggest you take time to look at the BBC/other TV web sites. There are fairly strict rules about runtime/credit time/Titles time. And a whole lot more for producers wishing to supply their channels. You may find that several edits/versions of a show may be needed to fit the differing demands. Also bare in mind it is a global market. With the USA being a major market. They require NTSC format. Other places have differring standards too! It's a real PAIN!

All the best.

Rgds.

Bob

[smartbluecat]

Yeah you're bang on there- swapping aspects and mainly fps - 25 to 29 you have to watch that interpolation - such a pain. Because I'm working at 2K it's not so much of an issue this time - I've done international jobs before, !!headache!! it's a happy coincidence that it's 25min since I'm really only making it for me and festivals :o) The BBC may or may not pick it up but they say it's the right length and are interested after hearing the pitch-it was never the plan but if it happens... :o)

[smartbluecat]

P.S - how did "Readings From The Ah-Beer" fair at the box office? It must have been so great seeing your work on the big screen! I'm jealous. That'd be enough for me. I once had a 3d spike I designed and animated for the princes trust played on some big screens at a fancy ball, that was very cool but it wasn't personal, you know? All the best with whatever you're working on now mate.

:o)

[Katied19]

I finally watched it as promised

and great job :-)

The only thing thats buggin me is that i will have to wait two years to see it finished WORK FASTER !!!!

[smartbluecat]

OK OK - I'll get back to it! Geesh! Thanks for watching. See you tomorrow down the pit.

:o)

[twohawksfucking]

Gary,

Wishing you well on the new work... what a terrific set of ideas. Love the images.

Your work has the same sort of gorgeously-identifiable "one-of-a-kindness" I've come to expect from my favorite filmmakers--like a Tim Burton...

Thanks!

Roy

[smartbluecat]

Cheers Roy! Very kind of you to say.

Thank you very much.

:o)

G

[tinySpectacle]

This video was fascinating to watch; I love how-to videos, especially when they have to do with art. The the world you are creating for this story is very compelling and original, and your struggle to articulate is inspiring.

[smartbluecat]

Yeah I'm always struggling to articulate. You should have heard the 30min version!

:o)

Thanks so much for the kind words, and for sitting through this. Cheers Lo!

:o)

G

[medicinesocks]

found this via eaglecrow owl. what a fantastic project. a lot of the fear and love you express when talking about the making of this piece really resonates with me even though my work as a novice video maker is far clumsier than your yours and certainly less developed. it's the spirit in which you've entered into this effort, learning, as you go, what you may be able to do, which resonates and inspires. really wonderful, thanks!

[smartbluecat]

Thank you so much. I feel like a complete novice too so your comment means a great deal. Thanks for taking the time to watch.

:o)

G

[owlphanumeric]

you've got a lovely, silky speaking voice...which has totally distracted me from the point of this video. Now I have to start from the beginning...

the project sounds lovely. I needed this creative inspiration. I have a song sitting here needing a video...and I just haven't felt very creative lately.

your voice was inspiring too. superfluous, i know;-)

[smartbluecat]

What a lovely comment! Thank you very much.

You're always so kind about my work it means alot.

I'm sure you'll get a video idea soon... if it's not flowing at the moment it often means it'll gush later - mostly when you least expect it.

Thanks again.

:o)

G

[DrChefPayatas]

hmm it sounds really interesting!i've read lots of books about fear and love,legal stories,and am fond of a bit thriller movie(countless)the way i see to it the sequencing clips here!aw!i may say it will be a boom!keep workin' on it but take a rest okay!say for a pee only or for a 5 minutes sleep at least hahaha!dont work hard okay!visit the kitchen for a while!

looking forward to it friend!

cheers1

dr.chef payatas :-d

[smartbluecat]

Hey! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Glad you got something from this. Yeah it's a big one. I'll keep my head down and push on don't worry.

:o)

Cheers for watching.

G

[tps607]

Gary...I am looking forward to it...get to work

[smartbluecat]

I'm working on it, I'm working on it!

:o)

Cheers for stopping by.

G

[tps607]

Gary...take your time...I have a few years left...lol

[thetubemeister]

Gary!!!! hahahha, I cut my animation teeth on stick men in the early 90's on the flip book medium, or what we often shorthand in the industry as "paper", you heard of it? You'll often hear us saying things like "hey, jack, pass the paper stat!" Once you setup the render its not too bad, keep up the great work!

[smartbluecat]

Hey man. I'll look into it. This "paper" stuff sounds interesting indeed.

:o)

[daneboe]

Wow...this looks like an amazing project. I can't wait to see it!

[smartbluecat]

Thanks man. Hopefully I'll get across that distant finishing line before my laptop explodes.

:o)

Cheers for taking the time to check this out.

Have a great week amigo.

G

[thegasworks]

I'm amazed at your creativity Gary. This looks like a brilliant project. Thanks for the glimpse behind the scenes. I realised that your work requires talent and dedication but I wasn't aware how much was involved and how time consuming it could be! So not only did I enjoy the video but I received an education too! 5*fav. ~ Frances

[smartbluecat]

Glad you found it interesting, Frances! Cheers to you.

There will be more coming. Thanks for watching.

:o)

G

[Jagamp]

I really admire your dedication to your work, it looks to me like it will be fantastic when it's finished.

Not many people are as passionate and would shun away or get frustrated from spending so much time on something as you seem to do and also learning as you go along.

I really look forward to seeing the finished project.

Great video Vlog :)

5*****

[smartbluecat]

I appreciate your appreciation very, very much. Yeah alot of this is shear bloody mindedness.

Thanks for watching!

:o)

[mullartist]

An artists answer. Artists do it for love and people expect free media a perfect match. Unsurprisingly it takes a heap of effort, time and some money to do this stuff so to be able to keep doing it seems to require some return. I paint and have been working on a film for a couple of years so am interested in how it works for you. Film making seems harder than painting when it comes to money with so much free stuff about. So this is a showcase - I hope it works as it rocks!

[smartbluecat]

Your so right. Yeah - To give myself the time to teach myself all this and do the work Im do I've had to make some big sacrifices - but it's what I love. A classic penniless artist.:o)

Best of luck with you film man. I hope we get to see it some time soon.

:o)

Thanks again.

G

[mullartist]

Hi Gary. Interesting Vlog mate and great work. A monster project. You seem to manage to turn a solitary project bubble into an advantage. You come up with cool ideas while working on the details. My question is when its done what do you do with it? Do you do festivals..telly..where is this for?

[smartbluecat]

Hey thanks for stopping by mate. I guess their are a few ways to answer that. If I make it to the end, festivals will certainly be hearing about this as will some contacts I've made in the BBC - two great films this year came from directors being picked up for their shorts - District 9 and the animation 9, so a film like this would be a nice pet to have to show off my story telling and direction. At the moment though those reasons are at the back.. Continued...

:o)

[smartbluecat]

...I love creating so it's for me. It's no different from when I paint or write music other than the time scale. If nothing happens with it that's OK - I know I'll have made an entire film, score and all on my lonesome and that's pretty cool.

:o)

Cheers for the great question - hope I answered it OK.

:o)

G

[fuckoffycus]

Gary, I'm so excited for you and just know that you're gonna pull an absolute blinder of a project! :0) I love all your work, and I admire your commitment and dedication throughout; you are a true star. Well done. Really looking forward to following your progression *****

[smartbluecat]

Thanks Trish! What a lovely comment.

:o)

[Mepamper]

Way to go Gary!! 223 views and 83 comments all in one day!! You rock ya know!! :)

[smartbluecat]

Cheers M. Yeah I have to say I'm surprised! You rock more than most!

Love that send by the way! Love Modest Mouse.

:o)

[babypandacat]

another wonderful idea from you

love watching your talent ( all natural and also alot of hardwork)

your mind and your vision continues to amaze me

waiting to watch this master piece 'on a computer near you'

good luck meow

[smartbluecat]

Thanks for the great comment. Glad it got through.

:o)

[brainspit]

Hard work for just one person...YES! But go on, this are beautiful ideas and visuals.

[smartbluecat]

Thank you very much.

:o)

I'll do my best.

[BirdOfParadise777]

55555*s!

Awsome Gary!

Thank you very much:)

Can't wait for it!!!

BOP

[smartbluecat]

No, thank you for watching.

:o)

[JudysMusic]

Go, Gary, Go!!!!!!!!!

[smartbluecat]

I'm going , Judy! Cheers for stopping by.

:o)

[roadbiketraveller]

Gary

Supporting you all the way.

I loved hearing you explain this.

Especially having perhaps more inside knowledge than some, which I thought was supposed to be a secret !

Remaining your earth/ground lead.....

This, without a doubt, is, a vast project, but YOU are am amazing man and we will see you at Cannes.x.

[smartbluecat]

Thanks J! Working through my mail... just back from work - I'll reply to your pm in a bit. You still have lots of inside info not released yet!

:o)

Have a great week.

G

[wigon]

Hey Gary, Miles here. Wow! That is a really ambitious project. I'm glad you posted this "Making of" documentary kinda video as most people have no idea how much work goes into something like this. Normally such films are team efforts with several animators, a script writer, an audio engineer, and a producer. So, that's an ambitious task you've set upon. But if you do it truly to your vision (as you always do) it will pay off as you gain knowledge and confidence in your abilities. Cheers!

[smartbluecat]

Hey man. Great to see you here. Thanks so much for watching. Yeah I've been told I'm mad for attempting such a thing by a few "professional" artists... maybe they're right - It's an irrelevance to me at the moment - the journeys the best part. Thanks so much for your support throughout all of this, it means alot.

:o)

[kentishbloke]

looking forward to it Gary :)

[smartbluecat]

Thank you... as long as you don't mind looking forward to it for a while. It's a big un.

:o)

Cheers for watching.

[Clobberbob55]

There's nothing like a humble genius.

This was completely fascinating, Gary. A marvelous share of your process. The enormity of this project is astounding to me. That a man can have so much talent, and harness his energy to make something like this happen, is almost beyond belief. Thank you for making me wonder, with that kind of commitment, what I might achieve. You are an inspiration, my friend.

[smartbluecat]

So glad you found it interesting. Thanks for the great compliment. You're right - commitment is very important. If I have a talent I reckon it's a bit of appreciation and a hell of alot of sheer bloody mindedness.

:o)

Cheers mate.

G

[kristshun]

This looks like it's going to be great-

Looking forward to more updates-

K-

[smartbluecat]

Thanks K!

I hope so.

:o)

[panthersocks]

What can I say? You are a true artist and clearly a lovely guy to boot. Best of luck with this. It's looking amazing so far and I love the attention you seem to have paid to the story and themes. The world if full of people who think they're great artists - you sir are the real deal.

:)

[smartbluecat]

Wow what a compliment. Thank you so much man. Yeah story is the keystone for me. I love telling a yarn - learning all this has been in aid of that.

:o)

Cheers

[13thDimension]

what software you use?

[smartbluecat]

Hey there. For this I use a 3D package called Maya for the modelling, animation and rendering. Compositing is handled in After Effects and I create my textures with Photoshop. I use Audition to record the score and audio elements. Hope that helps. Cheers for stopping by.

:o)

[stealurface1976]

that was great....you must be artistic to begin with right?...very cool regardless

[smartbluecat]

Cheers! Yeah, Digital art software is just a creative tool like a paint brush or a guitar, I come from a music and painting background and got my first pc about four years ago. It's been tough learning this stuff for me but it gives an artist infinite choice which is great.

Thanks for watching.

:o)

[thetubemeister]

the friend with the condensor mic checks in, 1 , 2....I'll give it my best to be the guy who secures some funding too :) keep on rockin' meown GX

[smartbluecat]

Hey man. Yeah, record those floorboards and get me that cash!

:o)

Skype?

[jweinrub]

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one that has trouble when it comes to painting weights and rigging when it comes to Maya or any other 3D program. Rigging a character is a nightmare, especially when it comes to looking at a tutorial. To me, the hard part when it comes to a character is modeling the head, mainly when it comes to the eyes actually.

[smartbluecat]

Yeah! It's so tough - I hate it because it's the least creative part of the process. I can't be bothered with it at all! I'm doing the heads a different way this time - relying heavily on blend shapes even on the eye lids. Because the models are all sub Ds they're as simple as can be to keep rendering times down. As long as they can express emotion and articulate that's what matters. Cheers for watching man.

:o)

[jweinrub]

I can't be bothered when it comes to rigging a character, I rather have a premade rig so I can work off with that. I use polygons for my models, I found it easier to create a character from that than anything else. I never messed around with SubDs before. I do agree that as long the characters can express motion and articulate, that's all that matters. By the way, are you using mental ray for your renderings?

[smartbluecat]

I hear you amigo! Polys are great. Here I start with very basic poly meshes then convert to sub ds - if you manage to pause the vid at the start of the blend shape test footage you can see how basic the heads really are. No, mental ray is way to expensive on render times... one day when I get my super computer it may be an option but for now the detail in the sets dictate software rendering unfortunately. Cheers for coming back man. All the best.

:o)

[jweinrub]

What graphics card do you have? I have used Mental Ray on my computer using an NVidia card. I don't know which version though, but it works wonders. Also, another one you could try is Raytracing, which is what I went for when I worked on The Blocks and The FaceOff.

[smartbluecat]

Oh yeah I've used mental ray no probs - but on a big scene it ups the render time by minutes. At the moment I'm using a Nvidia 8600GT, 3gig of Ram and a duel cor2ghz-your graphics card isn't used that much in rendering (outside of games) your Ram and processor takes most of the brunt. Raytracing is always being used on my renders(for reflections/refractions) but I've found that filtered d-mapped shadows are fine if you want to keep those pesky render times down. I used a mix in Robotterfly. :o)

[jweinrub]

Mine is a GeForce 6200 PCI and I believe one gig of RAM. I also used Mental Ray for a building that I did for my Capstone project a couple months ago which consisted of a building. I'll have to show that off in the near future. I don't care much for d-map shadows cause if you add in more stuff in your set, the shadows seem to disappear so I go with Raytracing. :)

[jweinrub]

One more thing if you decide to give 3D Studio Max a try, remember one thing, stay away from the Light Tracer plugin. I say that cause it takes way too long than Mental Ray itself. :)

[smartbluecat]

It's all in the settings man but I do agree it's a tightrope with d-map sometimes raytrace is the only way to go. In the end it's whatever works isn't it? I'll keep the light tracer info in mind.Sounds painful

:o)

[jweinrub]

You're right about that. I use Raytracing cause I can get the right shadows that I want. I remember working on The FaceOff, I wanted to have fill lights from the outside of the set to leak into the set, but I chose to concentrate on the animation more than the set. I don't know if I'll ever go back to the FaceOff, even though I have stated it in the past that I will.

[smartbluecat]

Sounds good get it posted!

:o)

[jweinrub]

No problem, I'll probably post it up later.

[BigLoveZone]

GREAT!!!! Very interesting and you have a fantastic start on it. You're doing solo what most companies farm out to a whole TEAM of animators.

Watching you work in your program reminds me of my days working in Maya...oh lord, I was incredibly bad and couldn't get past my badness to spend any quality time in it.

[smartbluecat]

Thank you B! Yeah Maya's tough - teaching myself all this has been quite a journey. I'm not naturally good with computers but I'm bloody minded and that seems to go a long way. lol.

:o)

[WavelengthRose]

Your accent definitely added intrigue to this video.

Hm...animation, singing, narrator, great voice, handsome, intelligent, extremely talented...phew, I'm exhausted...you are too much, GARY!!

Can't wait for 'Open the Door"...HURRY.

[smartbluecat]

Why thank you Rose. I could raise issue with most of those things you said about me but I wont. :o)

Thank you very, very much.

[withnailus]

Great insight into the actual work you do Gary.

[smartbluecat]

Hey! Thanks for watching.

:o)

[PhilosopherFresh]

Whoa this looks and sounds amazing!! Can't wait to see it!! the concept is great, look forward to seeing the final product!

[smartbluecat]

Thanks man. That means alot.

:o)

G

[eaglecrowowl]

Also, I really like your description of the project, a creature that lives on fear. That is the entry way to my own interest in horror. I don't enjoy gore or torture but I am endlessly curious about my fear of the dark and the way fear is such an all encompassing emotion. I am really looking forward to seeing your movie!

[smartbluecat]

Indeed! I feel the same. The fear you get from blood and cheep shocks only lasts as long as the shot - I'm aiming for something more unsettling. Also mixing that with believable love should heighten the sense of peril and empathy. Listen to me talk the talk... I hope I can walk the walk. Stay tuned.

:o)

[eaglecrowowl]

So much to say! First, Love love love the very end and I can not wait to see this final film. I found this whole video very engaging and helpful. You are honest in your struggles and hopes and I can relate to everything you say. I think it is terrific that you are taking on such a huge challenge. There really is no other way to learn. I hope you keep doing these behind the scene videos.

[smartbluecat]

Lol - I just posted a comment on your latest vid - we were writing at the same time. So glad you liked it, Caren. your comments always mean so much. Yup, there should be more of these vids. I'll keep you posted.

:o)

G

[Loreleila]

You're one of those rare people I think I may one day be able to say 'I knew him before he was famous'. I hope so, you deserve it. This comment would make me cringe if someone gave it to me, as well as pleased. lol I look forward to future developments. :)

[smartbluecat]

Thank you very much! No cringe... well just a small one. That's a lovely thing to say.

:o)

Love your new background by the way.

Cheers for dropping by.

G

[Loreleila]

Thanks Gary. :)

[loopyone73]

That's one hell of a bubble you are learning in Gary. Seriously man, you are right up there nudging that bar ever higher. I'm looking forward to this so much mate, thanks for sharing this insight with us, what you have shown us so far looks absolutely incredible.

[smartbluecat]

Cheers mate. I hope you don't mind waiting a while.

:o)

There should be a few more of these vlogs as the project progresses though. So much to do. I've played with the idea of quitting my job so I can work on this full time... but... I need the money darn it!

:o)

[loopyone73]

I'm positive that it'll be worth the wait Gary.  Great things lie ahead for you I am sure of it and the day job will soon be a thing of the past. I take it you've looked into getting a grant or something to fund your venture?

[smartbluecat]

yeah - looking into it now. This vlog was also created with that in mind - showing the project coming together and so on.

:o)

Thanks again man.

[czarwright]

Very cool Work , Can't wait to see what has sprung from your mind =)

[smartbluecat]

Thank you!

Glad it didn't send you to sleep.

:o)

[Mepamper]

Excellent! Fantastic! You're amazing and brave. Talk about taking the bull by the horns and getting the job done.. even when you don't know how to do something!! You blew me away with this Gary!! What do you mean it might be boring? NOT AT ALL!! :)

[smartbluecat]

Wow! I'm very glad you liked it M.

There will be more from time to time... if enough people want to see it. It's kinda nice for me to have this process recorded.

Thanks for your continued support.

:o)

G

[Mepamper]

I love your accent Gary.. ;)

[smartbluecat]

lol! Erm... thanks! It's an odd one - kinda pan Scottish. People here usually can't work out where I'm from. There are lots of very different accents here and mine is a bit of a mix.

:o)

[wolffenhaus]

another name for horror is romance. am I intrested, no. yes. angry more like it. You've been so busy...can you please make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwitch....(work, work, work. its all he thinks about......)

[smartbluecat]

I'm sorry I made you angry, wolffenhaus. lol

:o) It wasn't my intention. Believe me, if I thought about this as nothing more than work I wouldn't bother...my day job is quite enough "work" for me. I'm afraid you'll have to wait for that peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the kitchen isn't finished yet. Thanks for watching.

:o)

Gary

[AVDJ]

I admire the preparation that you put into your work, and the dedication you have toward making something as good as it can be. This video is a nice insight into your creative process, and I think you've made a nice vlog. Long-term projects are sometimes tough if you don't take breaks to do other smaller projects, so I think you are on the right track. Nice, Gary.

[smartbluecat]

Another wonderful comment from the amazing AVDJ.

Thank you very much! Yeah It's a big one.

Hopefully I'll drag my carcass across the finishing line in a year or two... phew!

:o)

[AVDJ]

I've been working on a long-term project myself, along with slippereal. He's got a concept album in the works, and when he visited me, we started to make it as a music video. The whole thing will end up being somewhere around 45 minutes in length, and I am having trouble with the very first bit. I need to work in order, so it's trying. I wish both you and myself luck, ha ha! :)

[smartbluecat]

Cheers to that! I'll double up that luck wishing. That sounds great! Sometimes the start is the hardest - once you build up some momentum it gets better... I hope.

:o)

[jakehanson123456789]

Looks amazing!

Keep it up!

[smartbluecat]

Thanks!

:o)

Cheers for watching.

G

[clayLavl]

behind the scenes footage/ making of is surreal. i love it. the artistic process never ceases to amaze me.

[smartbluecat]

Me too. Thanks for stopping by!

:o)

G

[MrRat]

looks like a fab project - all the best

[smartbluecat]

Hey! Long time no see! Cheers for watching man.

:o)

Hope all is well.

[JesiErin]

Smart to do this :) People need to know you are doing this completely on your own. I hope you're backing this up on a couple external hard drives!!

[smartbluecat]

I am... I just lost one drive the other day - the actuator lost it's zero point damn it so I'm gonna have to get a new one ASAP. Still have one that works though.Makes me nervous. Cheers for dropping by Jesi.

Hope you're stuff is going well.

:o)

G

[loopyone73]

Get some storage space on the net or something mate, at least you know it's safe then. Just a thought. =)

[smartbluecat]

Yeah It's a good idea. I have one working external drive (my other went west this week). I'm on it.

:o)

[Requier89]

Very interesting....Waiting "Open the door" as soon as you can...

[smartbluecat]

I'm glad you think so. Thanks for stopping by.

:o)

[DiegoDCvids]

Hi Gary,

awesome behind of the scenes production,

the personages are fantastic!!

greetings from your friend from Florianópolis in Brasil

[smartbluecat]

Why thank you man. Glad you made it through.

:o)

[iank240]

Nice mate. Love, fear are very basic raw emotions so should be very interesting.

[smartbluecat]

Yeah - that's the idea. Making them believable is tough though. Stay tuned. Cheers for stopping by.

:o)