Mini-Update: Evening in Harlem

Although I learned last time that "Mini-Update" results in "Mini-Interest," there hasn't been a lot of progress this weekend other than additional casting and artwork, (exciting, but more of the same). Eagle-eyed viewers might have noticed some Christmas signage within the previously posted butcher shop background, but been confused by the lack of Christmas weather. This update remedies that baffling conundrum, and showcases the versatility of these backgrounds. Not only is the winter setting more clear, but it's also nighttime!

Because we wanted to make the sight gags harder to spot.

Admittedly, this is a baby-step. I won't be posting every single tiny bit of artwork associated with Axes in the future, but these backgrounds are the brunt of production right now. I'm also learning a lot about both Photoshop and After Effects, so hooray for career-related skill development!

Friendship, Love, and Meat

  Amazingly enough, we actually got some responses to our casting call, and it looks like we may be on track to record within the next two weeks. Don't let that discourage you or your thespian comrades from e-mailing us, though, as there are still some choice parts remaining. There's still a chance to join our talented cast.

  Speaking of our talented cast, (segue alert!), our very own Nate Chapman has just unleashed his own project into an unsuspecting world. Since he's been working so darn hard, and it's turning out really incredible, here's a link to Dateocracy! As the host, Nate explains the concept pretty succinctly, so I won't overdo it here, but it's a more-than-nifty online dating show with a bunch of fun, interactive twists. Go support Nate and Dateocracy with your participation!

  Back to Axes, though, because that's really why we're all here, (unless you are one of the many who got here by mistake). All you media-lovers may now sink your teeth into this freeze-frame worthy background, unless you're a vegetarian, in which case you may silently disapprove.

  Don't forget to click the picture in order to get a full-size view. There are a lot of mediocre sight gags and details, and five seconds of eventual screentime won't justify the thought and work put into them. Okay, that's all for now. You have our permission to have a good weekend.

Make a Choice: Contribute Your Voice

   The script should be completely finished by the end of this week, so we are about to enter a new phase of production: VOICEOVER RECORDING. We already have a talented handful of performers confirmed, but there are still a few parts, both major and minor, that still need to be cast. We have super-professional recording facilities available as well, so it won't be long before we have an aurally transcendent vocal track. In the meantime, we've got this blog space, so why not use it to extend a casting call to our biggest fans!?

   If you or anyone you know, (based in either the New York or Los Angeles areas), are interested in participating, please send an email expressing enthusiasm to axesofevilofficial@gmail.com, subject line: CASTING. We've got characters of all ages, genders, and nationalities, so even if there's no place for you in the pilot, who knows who we'll need down the line. Résumés and links to reels are encouraged, but not necessary. Headshots... significantly less necessary, but who doesn't like pictures?

   Speaking of pictures, what would these updates be without some sort of visual stimulation? Thus, here is a forest floor background, which will be integrated into the previously posted Canadian vista shot. In fact, it already has! We'll be sure to post it once some additional elements have been added.

(Our) First Animation Test Video Ever!!!

   This past week has seen quite a bit of action for us, production-wise. We've had an acceptably productive pair of script meetings, begun to solidify our marketing (i.e. awareness) strategy out west, and even managed to churn out the following animation test, featuring the Slumberjack's home turf.

   So behold, as we start with this masterful sketch:

which leads to this delightful rendering:


and then, finally, this video composite:

  Once again, this is just a test, so there are a couple of rough edges to iron out. The pink void that takes up the entire second half will be replaced with a background of the forest floor, followed by fighting and frolicking, we promise. Keep those modems running, there's more to come.

Character Introduction #5: The Electrocutioner

Your wait is over, eager readers, as the final member of the team is revealed!

The Electrocutioner (Anonymous Finch)

Age: 36

Plucked from: London, England, 1240 AD

   During the height of his career, Anonymous was a living legend as a killing machine, having essentially picked up where the plague left off. He was so well-respected that all future executioners would take on his moniker as a tribute. In short, life was good for Anonymous, until one fateful night, when he was struck by lightning during a routine execution. Interpreting it as an act of God, a newly-recovered Anonymous adopted the attitude that it was not his place to take lives. Not only was he guilt-ridden over beating out smallpox in London's death poll, but he was also out of a job, so he left.

   Next came a pilgrimage, the discovery of his electric powers, me revealing the plot of the second episode, and Solomon. As part of the team, Anonymous is thankful to have a noble purpose in life, but his attempts at pacifism are tragic failures. Here's a tip: Don't let this man walk your dog.

   And that's it for the team, but that doesn't mean the fun's over. There's been plenty going on behind-the-scenes, so check back real soon.

Mini-Update: It's Good to be the King (We Assume)

   Oh, goodie! The crew just had a pleasant and productive bicoastal meeting. More on that later, but I was just so darn excited I thought we could all use a nice little update. Below is simply a test, combining the soon-to-be animated characters and backgrounds within Adobe Flash. Eventually, we'll get AfterEffects involved and there will be some really cool shading and textures and movement and sound and PASSION AND ENERGY AND FIRE!!...

   ... but this actually looks pretty decent for now.

Clearly ecstatic to be involved.

Soon, we shall introduce the final member of the team, but try not to let the anticipation keep you awake.

Character Introduction #4: Slaughterhouse Jive

Now this is where things get weird. Again.

Slaughterhouse Jive (Finian "Finn" Mathers)

Age: 19

Plucked from: New York, United States, 1982 AD

   Born a poor white child in Harlem, NYC, young Finn grew up enamored with African American culture, a longing outsider within his own neighborhood. Actually, he was more enamored with African American pop culture, forming his perception not from his surrounding reality, but instead from blaxploitation classics, early hip-hop, and stage acts. Stereotypes were increasingly enforced and accepted with everything he saw, from early minstrel shows to cutting-edge stand-up.

   By age thirteen, Finn was a good-natured, but wildly misinformed "afrophile." Alienated by both his schoolmates and his sexaholic single mother, Finn was able to secure a job at a butcher shop. Then, after eating a radioactive Christmas ham given to him by his boss, his melanin output increased tenfold and he became, in a word, black. Also, he got some superpowers or something.

   So yes, we agree that Finn is a bizarre, somewhat controversial character, but bear with us here. Finn isn't simply a misguided twist on the "token black" teammate so prevalent in today's entertainment. We of course plan to use him as a vessel in which to explore a number of other sociopolitical themes, an axe-wielding John Howard Griffin, if you will. Or maybe our pilot will get picked up by a wary network, and we'll be forced to change Finn into a genuinely African political activist named Malcolm Axe. Sigh... one can dream.