Raccoon and Moose in Smoking Hearts

Here's what I've been up to for the past week! A new short clip for AnimWatch challenge 005 :





I entered rather late in the process so I didn't get any feedback, but that's ok. I like the way it turned out, even if it is a little bittersweet.

Update: My friend Jean Theberge gave me a bit of feedback on the camera positions, so I've made a few revisions on the character closeup shots and have updated the video on YouTube. Thanks to Jean for the feedback.

Solargraphy image has been processed

Wow. What a pleasant surprise to see the image that is the result of a 3 month exposure from a pinhole camera that had been taped to my balcony (between June 21st and September 23rd). Here is the image that Tarja sent:













For more information about Solargraphy, visit Tarja's website www.solargraphy.com.

For reference, here is the image from my digital camera of what I thought the camera would capture:

DVD compilation testing

I've started getting help testing the DVD compilation master. My good friend Rick is testing it and hasn't found any technical issues. I was having one on my DVD set top player -- that the French subtitles were appearing by default, despite not having set them to appear for the disc. Simulation mode didn't have this problem, nor did playing the DVD on computers. I've since found a way around it by moving the French subtitles to track 2 and setting the disc subtitle to the empty track 1. I'm so happy when issues can be easily fixed. I've burned a new master and am waiting for the next tester I've asked to accept the challenge!

DVD compilation ready for testing

whoo hooo. The DVD master is ready for testing. If you're in Montreal and want to test it for me please email tiger at smokingmoose dot com. There's about 30 minutes of material on it (not including the different language options). After it passes the testing phase I'll be sending it to CreateSpace.com -- but it will still take a few weeks for it to appear for sale on that site as well as on Amazon.

DVD is almost ready to release

I'm so close to closing the DVD compilation of my shorts. I'm really happy with the way it's turning out. I'm only doing NTSC for now. I'll have to see about PAL and what the easiest way to do it would be. I created all the artwork at 720x540, so it shouldn't be too big a deal.

I've been recording the Commentary, which I mistakenly thought would be easy. HA! I've got lots of stories to tell about each film, so it's not the content that's the problem, it's making it sound intelligent... recording it at the same time as watching the film is really hard. In fact, there were so many "uhms" and "ahhhs" the first time I recorded it, I laughed out loud. Maybe I should put 2 Commentary tracks -- the "improved" version and the funnier first take. Hmmm I don't think so.

If I have your email address, I will send a mooseletter soon to announce the availability of the DVD. And yes, to those of you in Montreal, I will have a screening soon. If you don't think I have your email and if you want to know about the DVD release or be invited to a screening in Montreal, send me an email (tiger at smokingmoose dot com).