 |
|
 |
 |
One of my favorite artists Diana Nock has re-launched her website. Diana's art is the kind I really connect with. If you haven't noticed, I love working with people who are more "cartoony" in their approach. And yet, it's great when these artists take that sensibility and push the emotive aspects. Diana does this very well. I'm convinced she can draw anything. Diana has a solid career ahead of her.
Lately, I've been listening to the ON THE PAGE podcast by Pilar Alessandra. It deals with the craft and business of screenwriting. I enjoy the podcast, and about 80% transfers nicely to scriptwriting for comics. In contrast, a few weeks earlier, I listened to a podcast on prose writing and found it wasn't helpful at all. Nope, I'm hooked on Pilar.
She keeps coming back to one bit of advice: You should take time to read scripts. I don't do that as much as I used to. I'm especially bad about reading comic book scripts, when people email them to me and want an opinion. It's odd considering when I first decided to write comics; I immediately bought the POWERS SCRIPTBOOK by Brian Bendis. Read it cover to cover in one afternoon. In fact, I have a whole shelf dedicated to scriptbooks. I've read the entire FREAKS & GEEKS series, THE OFFICE (BBC), BUFFY Seasons 1-3, ROYAL TENENBAUMS, AMERICAN BEAUTY, FARGO, QUEEN & COUNTRY vol 1, and FOUR FILMS OF WOODY ALLEN. I enjoy scripts, but recently I've been dragging my feet. In particular, comic book scripts. I need to break that habit. But many of them are so poorly written (sorry), it's near impossible to visualize what the writer had in mind or get a sense for the story. I realize I'm opening myself up to all sorts of criticism. My scripts are available on this website. You are free to read them, and let me have it. I'm not trying to step on toes. Since a comic book script is an isolated correspondence between writer and artist, and there isn't much formal training for comic book scriptwriting, I think we've gotten lazy. A script should be so good it can stand on its own merit. And instead, we depend on the artists to carry our sloppy writing. That's a shame. Once again, I apologize for the inclusive "we". I'm writing this post mostly to challenge myself to fine tune my craft -- read more scripts, read more books on writing, attend seminars and workshops, teach a seminar or workshop, get some consultation or find a script coach, challenge people to challenge me. A year or two ago, I asked Nunzio and Christina to read my ASTRONAUT DAD script in exchange for designing their website. (Updates coming soon, N&C!) The feedback was helpful. The mentorship was invaluable. I need more of that. At the same time, acknowledge that these things can sometimes become deceptive distractions from actual writing. A subscription to CREATIVE SCREENWRITING does not equal an improved sense of voice and style.
In a previous post, I responded to Robert Kirkman's "call to arms" video for mainstream creators to attempt more creator-owned projects. This panel discussion between Kirkman and Brian Bendis at Baltimore Con does a much better job of covering the issue. I have a ton of respect for both writers, and I think they bring up some important points. It's worth a read.
April is designing an Antihero Comics poster, which John Gonzales has offered to screen print. Thanks guys! It will be available for sale at Wizard World Texas. Expect it to look lovely.
In other good news, I have become a huge fan of Michael Shelfer, the artist for Private School (TokyoPop), Ghostbusters (TokyoPop), and Dead Already (Seven Seas).  I've always been a supporter of OEL Manga. To me, any form that takes Japanese comic art through an American perspective is interesting. There's a lot of talent and potential for growth. To leave Japan as the sole provider of manga, would be like saying only Americans are allowed to create rock'n'roll. Granted a comic book is a comic book, but the Japanese tradition is decidedly unique. As such, I've wanted to tell a story with a "manga" approach/sensibility, for lack of a better term. Thanks to Michael Shelfer that looks like a very real possibility. We're still at the early stages with everything, but expect more news on a collaborative project tentatively called FRONTIER. In the meantime, check out some of his work on Deviant Art.
I helped co-host Fanboy Radio #488 last Sunday. It's available online (check it out).
The censored All-Star Batman book, new comic shout-outs, Will Smith as Captain America, Iron Man 2 news, Invincible’s animated comic, Brad Meltzer was in town, more LOST DUIs, touching TVs, Stephen King Comics, tons of callers, and, yes, Sobe tea are all tackled by Scott Hinze & David Hopkins.Open lines can get a little weird. At one point, we suggested that comic book writers are mailing their hair to Alan Moore, so he can glue it onto his own head. I don't know where that was going. We were getting ominous messages from a bottle of SOBE Green Tea. "Mmm. Sobe. That's good stuff." Also, I'm rather proud of my burn on All-Star Batman.
Last Saturday, I was listening to This American Life and I heard a really great story, "Hanging In Chad."
Three guys who go by the names Professor So and So, Jojobean and YeaWhatever spend part of each day running elaborate cons on Internet scammers. They consider themselves enforcers of justice, even after they send a man 1400 miles from home, to the least safe place they can bait him: the border of Darfur.I'm fascinated by con artists. And of course, a story about conning a con is even more interesting, especially when it actually happened. Maybe I'm fascinated because I don't know if I'd ever have the audacity to pull off anything like this? In the genre, con artists must maintain the falsehood even though evidence against them is mounting. At a certain point, they crumble under the weight of truth. You have to admire their quixotic efforts to avoid the inevitable. Four movies based on true stories about con artists and cases of fraud: The Hoax, Catch Me If You Can, Shattered Glass, and My Kid Could Paint That. All great movies.
Here's some good news for fans of Dallas indie filmmaker Amy Talkington:
THE NIGHT OF THE WHITE PANTS (official website) is finally coming out on DVD, October 14, 2008. The title is available for pre-orders. Pre-order on Amazon -or- put it in your Blockbuster queue Also, according to her website, she should start filming her next project DEEPLY SHALLOW AND REALLY FAKE in 2009. I have absolutely no qualifications, but I want to help out. Somehow. Get me on board as cast/crew/extra. I'll work for free. It'd be a cool experience.
Sketch86 has Karma Incorporated t-shirts available (click here). Tom Kurzanski designed these shirts a few years ago, and I didn't know there were any left. Small, large, and 2x-large are the only sizes remaining.
 Sketch86's other comic book shirts include Daisy Kutter, Dead@17, Random Encounter, The Lost Books of Eve, and You'll Have That. Show some indie love, buy a t-shirt.
Occasionally, I look at my website and think: "I need to post something." And when I can't think of anything to write, I do a random listing of all the stuff I have coming in next month or so. I'm about to do that, right now. Apologies if it's boring. More interesting news and commentary coming soon-ish.
* This Saturday, September 13th, April, Kennedy, and I are going to some very cool art gallery openings: Cartoon Apocalypse at Kettle Art Gallery, Designer Toys at Avenue Arts Venue, and The Whitney Gallery grand opening in Deep Ellum. We'll see how long Kennedy lasts. It may be an early evening. David DeGrand is featured in the Cartoon Apocalypse, John Gonzales in Designer Toys. These two guys are among my favorite local artists. * I'm particularly excited about Wednesday, September 24. Because of my involvement with La Reunion, I've been invited to be a special guest for an event honoring the organization. It's hosted by Weber Shandwick (world's largest PR firm) at their new downtown offices in Comerica tower as an open house for their clients, including American Airlines and Wal-Mart among others. They're showing the short Karma Incorporated documentary that Luke Hawkins made and footage from my presentation at the scriptwriter's workshop I organized. They also want me to have my graphic novels available for sale. Score. * A few days later on Saturday, September 27, there's a new show at the F6 Gallery in Arlington. I've heard lots of great stuff about this place, but I've never been. * As per usual, ArtLoveMagic is doing something hip. I'm not quite sure about the specifics, but it's on October 3rd at Saxby's in Farmer's Branch and I'm going to be there with my books. I just do whatever Mike Lagocki tells me to do. * Local artists be warned. October 4th: Dr. Sketchy's makes its debut in Dallas. Now you've been warned. * The (unofficial "patron saint" band of Antihero Comics) Happy Bullets will be playing at (the official bar for the Dallas comic book creator's meet up) Lee Harvey's on Saturday, October 11th. It's two very awesome forces, combined in awesomeness. * For awhile, I wasn't certain if I'd still be on the guest list, but it looks I am. I think. The pdf says: "featuring graphic novelist David Hopkins," yeah? The Writer's Garret is hosting an event at Mesquite library, north branch -- "Inspired by Bradbury: Presentation & Panel Discussion Fahrenheit 451". Bring the kerosene. * I will be in Artist Alley for Wizard World Texas, November 7th - 9th. I'm sharing a table with Paul Milligan. April and I are working on a cool poster. Paul should have new art for our upcoming project. * December 6th is Art Conspiracy. And done.
Your result for The Director Who Films Your Life Test...
Sofia Coppola Your film will be 71% romantic, 21% comedy, 34% complex plot, and a $32 million budget.  "With few films under her belt (The Virgin Suicides, Lost In Translation, Marie Antoinette) as a writer/director, she's already highly respected and connected -- her dad, Francis, directed all The Godfather movies and Apocolypse Now. Sofia's good at making the romantic drama that is your life with poignant sullen moments of introspection. You saw how she stylishly handled Marie Antoinette's life, no? And who didn't have at least a lump in the throat at the end of Lost In Translation? She's already won one Academy Award for her writing, now she'll be the first woman to receive one for directing -- YOUR FILM!" Take The Director Who Films Your Life Test at HelloQuizzy
|
|||||
