Everything Happens at Once

Zaptoons is all about unique books for kids, and animation, and that's just what we're busying ourselves with as usual. I've got a full plate- editing two books for release, and getting ready to start writing yet another. And on top of all this, I've got a very hectic schedule at Fox Television Animation on a new animated prime time series.

I'm loving every minute of it though, there's so much cool stuff on the horizon, both personally and professionally. I can't wait for the next Ribeye book to come out, and for folks to finally see what we've been working on. Also, I can't wait to show you more of the new children's book, Badhat. Currently I've been working on the interior illustrations for it. And I'm excited to start writing a brand new project that I'm just now starting to outline.

Meanwhile, Mike has been busy pitching short cartoons to various networks, and is plugging away on the Ribeye 3D short, which is progressing nicely.

More later! For me, it's off to work!

More Ribeye 3D Coolness!

Mike has been hard at work on a 3D version of Ribeye the Bullbarian lately, using the program Maya. Click here to see a preview clip of the Ribeye 3D movie! It's just a few seconds, but you should get an idea exactly how cool this is going to look when it's all finished!

Note: Even though it's just a few seconds, the movie is a bit large, so it may take some time to load depending on your internet connection speed. Please be patient while it loads.

The Next Book from Zaptoons!

Here it is, the cover of the new book I've recently finished writing. It's a western adventure with a twist, starring a prairie dog named Badhat. I'm hoping to have it to press and on sale by this summer.

Ever since I moved out here to the west coast in 1990, I've wanted to write a western adventure story, so this book was very much of a labor of love for me.

Ribeye 3D short!

Well, I've been really busy practicing with Maya lately and with a bit of time on my hands right now being between jobs, I have begun animting the first Ribeye the Bullbarian 3D cartoon! Granted it's no Incredibles but it will be pretty cool if I do say so myself.

Today we recorded the dialog and my daughter Melissa played the part of Cubesteak. With a little bit of pitching down of the voice she sounds just like a 10 year old boy! Have a listen!


Also here's a render from one of the scenes. We'd love to hear your comments!

This was rendered in a program called Maya which is the premiere program used for 3D films today. great studios such as Pixar and Dreamworks have used this software to create such hits as Shrek, the Incredibles, Shark's Tale and Finding Nemo.

Granted I must admit I did not do the modeling for this scene; that was done by Trentity DeWitt. I only did the animation for this one scene which Harry will post in the next few days. I have plans do do an entire short film of Ribeye telling Cubesteak a story around the fire just like on the back cover of the first book, Ribeye and the Jewel of Baloni.

I have to say I have not been so excited about anything in quite some time as the thought of having two books of ours out! Awesome! I'm also loving animating again as I haven't done that in a while either. Ahhh well, God works in strange ways doesn't He? Out of work and happy! Imagine!