Charles Bastien
Co-pilot,
Grettum/Nelson Crew 714
492nd Bomb Group
Donation made by
daughter Anne B Petersen
Blogs  (Updates, insights and ramblings from Alejandro Mena and his Team) . . .
Posted Thursday, August 12, 2010 by Alejandro Mena    

Storyboards and Animation Pieces

In a previous blog, I had mentioned that I wanted "CREW 713" to stand out from the slew of WWII documentaries that have been produced. One of the ways in which I want the film to stand apart is with some animation pieces that I want to use in the film. These pieces would be used to recreate several key battles that O'Sullivan's men encountered and also some battles that they missed but that figured prominently in the history of the 492nd Bomb Group.

But TALKING about it and SHOWING it are two different things. I like the current film teaser trailer. Nothing wrong with it. great camera work, great audio, editing, sound design, I like it all. BUT it doesn't stand out from the crowd. That's where these animation pieces will make the difference.

To that end, I am looking for a storyboard artist who would work on 2-3 short 10 second "teaser" animation boards. I have a potential "in" with a local animation company which has produced work for MAJOR films. I don't want to spoil it and certainly don't want to show my hand prematurely either. They, the animation company, are also willing to do the work on spec. Meaning no money from me upfront. Which is good, since I don't HAVE any money! It's all about relationships. I'm glad to have a lot of connections and friends who work in this crazy film business.

So the idea is; we add the short animation pieces to the trailer, (which will require a re-edit). When finished, we would have a more "closer to what I'm trying to produce" taste of this film.

For those of you out there reading this, you're probably going...'He's still working on the trailer?'. The answer is yes. Cuz that's the only way I'll be able to entice investors and donors and distribution companies.

This IS a business, and my goal is to be able to finish this film in a timely manner. I'm only 2 years into this, that may seem like a long time, but it's still under the average for most documentaries to be made. I figure I can get one or two serious donors or investors because of the animation pieces, it will have been well worth it.

I realize that time is NOT on my side. Especially as these veterans get even older. I can't work on this film for 10 years. I want the veterans themselves to see this film. THAT is vitally important to me. We'll get there. "Baby Steps" the Dad-Alien said to Jody Foster's character in "Contact". Baby Steps.

Talk to you again very soon. Be Well,

Be well,

Alejandro Mena
Comment on this blog

First-time commenters will experience an e-mail address verification process before their comment will be made public. An e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address entered above with a link to complete the process.

The optional "Website" field above will cause your comment name to be displayed as a clickable link to that website URL, which will open in a new tab or window.

Make this comment private (hidden from public view)
Checking this box will make your comment viewable only by Alejandro Mena.