Story 0 is 75% Done! (Patreon)

Hi Patrons, here's the first update of the new year!

The new animation is about 75% done overall! We completed a solid dozen or so scenes over the holiday and we're back on pace for a February/March release. 

I'm currently working on Chorus III, aka, the climax. It's fulfilling to see a scene I've had in my head for years, come alive on the computer screen. I hope you guys are moved by this segment of the animation, emotionally and philosophically. 

I was concerned that I'd have to rush some segments of the finale, or push the release date, but I think we're safe this time. Still, I'll be working diligently so that we get a good trailer and merch ready for release day.

MERCH??

Hell yeah! Kero has been helping us again with merch design and manufacturing, and I think you guys are gonna be really impressed with the keychains this time around. I plan to do a similar deal to previous projects, so many of you Patrons who are already pledged for the Name Credit Tier, will receive a charm at no extra cost. Have a sneak peak at our design process!

Primary charm ideas

Trio charm design

Glitter charm - some of the elements float around in the middle, like a snow globe w/o the liquid.

Last time I was overwhelmed with merch orders, resulting in delays. This time around, I'm ordering supplies ahead of time and getting some help this time with shipping. I'll keep you guys updated on how the new charms come along.

Animator Guild 2021 Film Festival

Like last year, I've signed up for Animator Guild's online film festival, and plan to enter Gildedguy Story #0. The April 1st submission deadline will give me even more incentive to finish the animation on time. There's no big cash prize, but I do enjoy Howard Wimshurst's content and I love participating in creative contests. The available award categories are going to be:

• Winner - Best Overall Film​
• 2nd place overall
• 3rd place overall
• Best Use of Animation
• Best Artwork
• Most Original Film
• Most Entertaining Film​
• Best sound design (I ain't winnin this one..)

If you have an animation that you started & finished since May 1st 2020, you should consider submitting your piece! It's free, you can get exposure, and still retain all the rights. And you might win! Only 19 projects were successfully completed in last year's festival, so the odds look pretty good!

Annual Membership

As mentioned in the previous update, the Patreon page is now accepting annual pledges, which can save on processing fees. The 16% (2 months off) discount is expired, but I've decided to keep up an 8% discount for anyone who's still interested in supporting my art on a yearly basis.

Only a few more weeks..

I'm learning so much about project management, and how collaboration, money and art can better fit together. It truly is a balancing act, a lot different from pure-solo animation. We're only an update or two away from a release date, and eventually release itself! 

I've got many surprises in store for you guys. 

Thank you for sticking around throughout this project!