Publishing Book Two

Notwithstanding what I said in my last post and the work that is proceeding with the Industry Review Package, I've decided to move forward to publish Book Two of the set.

As you may have read elsewhere, there are Three Volumes consisting of Seven Books in the hard copy edition of Zach & Zebby's Grand Adventure.

The Digital Edition is finished (sans missing illustration panels), so I can publish at least two more books before I run into missing artwork. So, while I am waiting to aquire capital influx sufficient for completion of the artwork, I might as well publish whatever is finished. That does not mean I will release the books, that means we will be set-up for production and capable of delivering the goods.

In regard to the artwork; I simply do not want to advance without enough funding in place to assure completion of the work - before enter into the process again. Part of that is because my time and attention is required to such a degree that resources must be in place. That became clear the last time we were working on that end of things.

Now, however, the process of illustrating the story must take a new turn. As I have said before, the next approach to illustrating will involve animation. Not animation as in producing an animated film, for that is a separate effort, but animation in that the artwork will not be static individual illustration panels. Rather, the characters will be designed as composite elements, giving the flexibility to alter the positions as needed while assembling the illustrations in the context of the book layout.

This will result in giving us the resources to create active animations for numerous uses, including assisting in developing 3D renderings.

Now in that regard; I am exploring 3D printing and striving to set-up a 3D work-station. This will be applied to puppetry, figurines, and animatronics. So these elements are a prime concern and a portion of existing resources need to be so applied, rather than being used for the labor expenses of the art department.

So "in a Gnutshell" my primary concern is the studio equipment and facilities and assuring that we are postured for advancing with production in numerous arenas that are critical for expanding on parallel fronts simultaneously, without getting drawn into one market prematurely. It is a question of amortizing the risk and taking a broad sweep across the available markets to create the most effective active public  awareness, one that engages the audience to a degree that gives the project sustainability.

The direction of this posting is moving in toward the interests of our Producing Partners, so I will shift to that blog.

That's all for now. AG

Industry Review Package, Fund Raising and Creative Activity

You may have read elsewhere that the Industry Review Package is being constructed as a digital document. It contains what I call "The Core Creative Materials". At this point, it only contains enough of those materials as may be required to raise working-capital. There are discussions on that subject on IMS Producing Partners.

In brief, the package currently consists of the e-Storybook, Libretto, portions of the Business Plan and a Biographical Essay pertaining to myself as the creator of this project.

Engagement of other personnel is wholely contingent upon fully capitalizing the project, based on the Core Creative Materials.

("fully capitalizing" means; capitalizing stages of operations based on a budget that consists of sub-categories that function as self-contained "ancillaries" within the overall production management scheme. Full Capitalization of the entire project cannot occur until the assorted budgets are crafted and refined for each of the sub-categories and achieving that is contingent upon sufficient capital, Front Money or other means ie: Options, not bank loans.)

The portions of The Business Plan which are not included in the package are those elements which are of such a nature as to constitute the Operations Manual and the in-depth contract materials. I expect that I may include enough of the organizational structure to provide an overview, but that will have to be an abridged version, as the terms connecting operations and the hierarchical production management structure becomes rather complex. So those aspects are, by necessity, reserved for internal operations, leaving refinement and implementation for the functions of The Board of Directors.

Well, these discussions are really for IMS Producing Partners, but I wanted to post something on The Gnomes of New Hope.

So in terms of Creative Activity; I'm very interested in acquiring the capabilities for 3D printing. I think that would be most advantageous in a number of ways. Principly, I feel that the work of puppetry, figurines and animation will benefit most. But also production capabilities will gain advantage as well. In particular, I am thinking about "Gnomes in a Gnutshell". Producing the Acorn for that product line may be one use. Another valuable use for that capability is tool & die.

I have machinery in the studio's shop which would benefit from that capability. It is exciting to realize how 3D rendering will also advance our cause in Animation & Puppetry.

That's all for now.  AG

Business Plan and Contracts

With the Storybook and Libretto now integrated as a companion set, so a comparison can be made as to how the story interprets on the stage, certain contracts are under review and refinement. Most specifically, the Front Money Agreement. My immediate goal with Front Money is to raise 150k. We need to finish the artwork for illustration and I want to upgrade some equipment.

Although these producing activities are critical to advancement, I have concluded that my focus of attention needs to be on refining the studio environment. The Studio is the foundation of our producing activities and the assorted work areas and resource management elements need to be as refined and functional as possible to meet any demand that we generate. So rather than push for external production activities, I am focusing on internal activities. I expect to employ, or partner with, other producers who will supervise the assorted external production in accordance with the range of venues that we will be approaching.

From my point of view, there are a few primary areas of attention in regard to internal activities; 1) product development/prototyping of animatronics 2) little theatre production, which may utilize puppetry and animatronics 3) preparations for a parade presentation, also utilizing puppetry & animatronics 4) animation/claymation and puppetry for cinema. 5) redesign of the larger show for smaller venues and a Premiere at the Bucks County Playhouse leading into a tryout tour.

There are casting issues with the show as a whole. I have always been concerned with how to convey the Gnomes using live actors. Besides a very delicate casting in terms of size and shape, it is difficult to add the performance abilities required in terms of musical theatre. So that being the case, I believe that a film production should be mounted simultaneous with the stage presentation. In this way we will be able to capture the performances for film, when we do find a suitable cast, before the ultimate and inevitable decay of the production activities will occur.

In this way we can capture the freshness and enthusiasim of the first (fully balanced) production company. It is possible that waiting on the film might produce better results, but I am leery about that. I'd like to avoid having it become stale or loosing momentum.

In my mind, the full range of production activities benefits from interacting on a synchronious basis, if for no other reason than that the risk is amortized, but also because the marketing elements are not only shared, but also retain their effectiveness and support multiple markets.

So to address the Business Plan; the plan calls for four organizations. Presuming this project isn't sold outright, the organizations are as follows; 1) Image of the Mind Studios; development/manufacturing 2) The Elder Gnomes Joint Venture; finance/management supervision/implementation 3) IMS Management, Incorporated; logistical support across the board 4) The Gnomes of New Hope Productions; theatrical/cinema/television/media production implementation.

The details of all these activities and review of the Core Creative Materials requires a signed Restrictive Covenant Agreement, which I believe is posted on IMS Producing Partners blog. I always invite serious investors or producers to visit the studio to discuss this, as I expect this will be the only way to engage, since I am up to my ears in work to do there and I am not planning on doing much road work for the foreseeable future.

I'll try to post more definitive information on IMS Producing Partners, but for now I am building an internal server which is required for improved management of that blog site as a tool for communicating with our investors and principle personnel. So more detailed information will most likely, if not certainly, wait until that server is up and running.

AG

A Quick Note

Busy composing and reviewing The Business Plan in regard to Production Management, Finance, and Contract Materials. All discussion on these matters will take place out of my studio location in Southampton. Until that brings about major changes, I will be continuing to prepare the production materials and refine the studio space to accommodate production. All this activity is non-union. When it comes to Union activity I will be jobbing that out when the time is right, but for now we have a lot of Development and pre-production work that needs to be done. The focus of attention will be on fund raising and I am reviewing the Front Money Agreement to assure that all the terms & conditions are properly represented. Anyone who has already invested  using the Front Money Agreement will not be in any way adversely affected by the updated agreement, in fact the new Revision is better. The basic terms remain the same, the only additions are benefits that tie into the other production agreements for a quicker and more secure payback.

Anyone interested in providing Front Money can contact me. The minimum investment is 10K and it is a phenomenal 300% return. I am looking to raise at lease 150K to complete the Core Creative Materials and set up for production of the published goods. I am looking to put a printing press in the shop, so that cost is not included in the 150. Check out IMS Producing Partners for other discussions about investment. I do not have an extensive selection of postings there because I'm also too busy to manage these pages right now. but those discussions and details need to take place personally at the Studio. That includes discussions with theatrical agents and producers, so if anyone sees the potential and wants to consider availing themselves of it, you will need to come to me. I know I said that before, but I am reiterating it, because I keep getting more and more busy and simply cannot get away from the studio, there is too much to be done. AG

Industry Review Package

  Well, as you can see from recent postings, I've been concentrating on the functionality of the e-Storybook. There are issues of DRM and file size, which have frustrated me, even as I have been advancing toward completion.

   Today I had an epiphany. Rather than concerning myself with the Retail aspect of the e-Storybook, I now believe that integrating the e-Storybook with the Libretto and the Score as an overall production tool is the best approach.

   In order for the e-Storybook to be ready for public release, there is a significant amount of artwork that needs to be finished, anyway. Although relatively speaking; there is much less than has already been done.

   So, in this context, I will be shifting the e-Storybook into a reference document for the stage and film productions. This seems most appropriate, since the timing of the release of all product lines needs to be intricately linked. My intention is for Licensing and Options to pay for the support of facilities and the production costs (of both the published products and further advancement the media products).

   I do intend on putting a printing press in the studio, since that seems to me to be advisable for on-demand printing and control over the design elements. This will also allow us to maintain (at least) minimual capabilities to meet demand, while retaining control over inventory and distribution. For the most part, that will keep billing and such idiosyncracies down to a minimum, and also simplify contracts in terms of outside vendors.

    Of course, for the right price & terms, I would be willing to sell the publishing rights, but nonetheless I am putting a press in the shop, since there are another five stories attached to The Gnomes of New Hope as The Gnomic Tales, in addition to at least a half a dozen other scripts/projects which would avail themselves of that capability, not to mention other publishing product lines, which exist in the files of Image of the Mind Studios.

   So the composite of the Industry Review Package will be more specifically oriented toward funding the overall project without the presumption that income from retail will be directed towards production.

    It is true that the e-Storybook is designed to support the other products at a foundational level and I have designed the book products (both digital and hard copy) to be fully refined for the marketplace, but there is an issue with file size of the digital product. It is heavily laden with artwork and that increases the file size, even after compression. So until I can figure out how to surmount that problem, for the sake of efficiency and expediency, I need to focus the energy to the most productive use of resources.

I am pleased with this (somewhat) new perspective, so long as it produces the desired results. Even if it does not produce the immediate result of funding operations, it is required to bring to production activities the most efficient tools for advancement.

That all folks!  AG

October Update

Work this month has been entirely focused on two primary aspects of the e-Storybook.

The initial effort was to assure the technical functioning of the digital book. Since this is an illustrated book, it is very heavily laden with artwork. That fact has made the total size of the digital files quite large, at least that was the initial situation, until I compressed the files. Well, before I discovered that I could reduce the file size, there was a a problem with buffering when the file was loaded into an e-pad or smartphone. So my solution to that problem was to divide the files into smaller segments. This meant that the files needed to be linked so that they function seamlessly. Other than the requirement that one must click on the link to keep moving forward or backward between sections, that works wonderfully.

   But this brought another issue to light. The background page design.

(I'm posting from my phone, so graphic examples do not post easily. I will add them when I am at a desktop computer)

   Well, I added a design element to the cover pages and it looked so good that I added it to the preface and appendix pages, which amounted to maybe a total of thirty or so pages for the three volumes. But the, unfortunately, the body of the book, nearly eight hundred pages, looked unfinished. So I basically had no choice but to add the new background to the entire e-Storybook. There were alignment issues as well, so I basically had to redo the entire book as it pertains to the background page. There are still some minor alignment issues, because I added the new background to each individual file separately. Now that I think about it, I should merge the book into one file, change the background, and split the file up again, that will eliminate the alignment issues.

   So there are also DRM issues. DRM is Digital Rights Management. I have designed the e-Storybook so that any attempts to copy it will destroy the files. I did not spend the last 27 years (and a huge amount of time & money) developing this project to have it given away over the internet or copied by people for free.

   I wish I could give it away, but this happens to be an investment in my "retirement" (a concept which, to my mind, occurs when a person becomes old enough that their mind and body begins to want and they need to have sufficient resources to take them to the end of the parade).

   So, there are a number of factors contributing to the functionality of the e-Storybook. But as it stands now, it looks and works great. I'm beginning to think that I can merge some of the files back together, since, as an example, when I compressed a file that was close to 500 meg, it dropped to around 10 meg! After I test a few various files for buffering delays I'll know better in that regard.

   Another ongoing issue is proof-reading. Even after proofing this thing, literally hundreds of times, I have still found mistakes that need to be corrected. It's crazy! And now that it is in the final stages of assembly, corrections are more difficult and complex, involving multiple applications, versions files, imbedded information and operating protocols. Yikes!

  As I said before, we have more artwork to do. But since the layout and technical structure for The Industry Review Edition is essentially finished, other than assembling the package to include the Business Plan, it's time to focus on the art department.

I'll address those activities on the IMS Virtual Studio blog; www.imagemindag.blogspot.com

That's all for now. Still kick'in. AG

A Quick Note

The Industry Review Package is almost ready for release. I require a signed Restrictive Covenant Agreement before I will release this Intellectual Property to anyone for review. If you would like to receive a copy of that Agreement via email send me a request (image.of.the.mind.studios@gmail.com)  or look on IMS Producing Partners to see a copy.

The next version of the e-Storybook will be an edition formatted for HDTV and that edition will eventually include videos of each scene, but for starters will have music videos for each song. All of this will take time, but that is the direction we are going, so if you are an investor, that is what we will be raising money for. If I release the e-Storybook to the public, then it is my hope that book sales will fund the CG Animation and puppetry for film.

Once the Industry Review Edition is released and begins to be distributed to potential partners, Licensing and Options are on the table for funding purposes.

Check out IMS Producing Partners and the Facebook pages for both Image of the Mind Studios and The Gnomes of New Hope, since I also post there from time to time. As it stands now, I intend to keep production activities limited to my resources and the studio space in Southampton. If someone has other ideas, let me know. I am open to all possibilities, but I am not holding my breath for someone else to do much of anything in terms of production. One thing I will not do is to go out begging. Been there done that. The extent of the development in this project is such that I can only handle managing the affairs from my studio at this point, since the bulk of the materials reside in the studio and we need to start off by working out of my location.

AG

September update

The major focus of attention has been on the e-Storybook for some time. Proofreading is driving me crazy! Since the e-book is based on a PDF format, whenever a correction is required, there are a number of other programs within which those corrections must be made. It all becomes rather complex. I've needed to restructure the book numerous times because of page numbering issues or errors. The most recent issue is file size. This e-Storybook is designed to function on your phone or e-pad. That means that I need to keep the file size at a level that will function rapidly when it loads into the memory of the devise. That sounds simple enough, but when the product incorporates artwork, complex artwork on every page, the file sizes increase substantially. So now that the functionality, in general, is working pretty well, I am reviewing the scenes to be certain that they load easily and do not jam up the devise.

Now an ongoing issue, that has delayed the release of the product to the public, has been DRM. Oddly enough, there are digital distribution outlets who have stated specifically that they will remove any DRM or Copyright information from the files they distribute. I find that appalling! I've worked on this project for 27 years! I'll be damned if I'm going to release this under any condition where people can copy it and/or distribute it for free over the internet. So one of the things I am working on is to assure that if any attempt to copy the material is made, the files will be erased. As it stands now, attempts to copy the files will destroy it's functionality and all the links which control the e-book will no longer work. But what I really want is for any attempt to "save as" to result in the complete erasure of all files. Unfortunately, I feel as though these measures are necessary because people do not respect the copyrights of authors and others who need to be paid for their work.

So that's where things stand with the project. As always, I am continuing to seek funding and participation from industry partners and others who are interested in taking advantage of the opportunity. I continue to preserve and protect the product line for the sake of it's overall value, but I do invite inquiries from professionals. As stated elsewhere, the Restrictive Covenant is required and that is posted on IMS Producing Partners blog.

It's tough that this is taking so long, but nothing good is quick and dirty.

AG

Other Pages

I've attempted to place the links to the right, but so far they haven't shown up.

So I will the post the assorted links here for the time being;

Arthur Greisiger on Facebook:

The Gnomes of New Hope on Facebook:
       
Image of the Mind Studios on Facebook:
       

I tend to post on these pages as well as the others on Blogger.

Image of the Mind Studios on Blogger:

IMS Producing Partners on Blogger:
     
The Gnomes of New Hope on Blogger:
       

 I do not often post on Linked-in, so these pages are the best for review purposes.
         

IMS Producing Partners

I'm working more on production facilities and I am posting more thoughts on IMS Producing Partners. We need to be raising production funds, so I'm focusing more on that page, which deals more with management issues.

Also the Industry Review Package is almost ready so since that is directed towards build our team of vested partners, those discussions will be there.

I'm posting more from my phone, but that doesn't always work, so my posting dates and the order of what I am posting is somewhat out-of-whack.

AG

Preparing the e-Storybook

  Doesn't that sound simple? Well it's not! There are so many issues that it is mind boggling. After weeks of prep, I now have to go back and redo the page backgound. Issues of alignment and color management between the linked files are driving me nuts. I think I have a grip on it, but now I am faced with needing to upgrade all my equipment and programs, so that the product goes through the final prep with the absolutely latest operating protocols. I keep going with the resources available to me, but I sure could use a substantial influx of capital. The dilemma is that util this e-Storybook is functioning properly and is "flawlessly consistent" there's not much I can do about it. I simply cannot release a flawed Product, even if it is only the Industry Review Package.

I know some folks have been waiting and watching, wanting to see this. The best I can do right now is to invite you to visit me at the studio, if you need to see more than I've already posted.

On another front, Contract activity is beginning to pick up. If you are interested in Licensing or Options, that is a good way for me to fund the finishing development and other work required for finishing the Illustrations. I will be addressing those issues on IMS Producing Partners. If you have a contract scenerio which you've found works for your operation, let me know, or submit those contracts, as I will be composing specific contracts in the near future, after the e-Storybook is finished for the Review Package.

I'm thinking that selling an Option for distribution might be a good way to go. Of course that option needs to be substantial enough to support a good chunk of production in that specific arena.

As it stands now, I have not signed with an agency, so all your inquiries will need to be direct. It may stay that way, simply because my concentration will remain in the non-union arenas. I expect to job out the union operations, since I don't want to deal with that.

That's all for now.

AG

Mobile Update​

As I mentioned elsewhere, I seem to have trouble with mobile postings. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. That results in a somewhat choppy account of activities. I apologize for that.

So the most recent activities have been in regard to preparing the full set of books to go to press. Even though more artwork is needed, the mechanical layout work still needs to happen for the remaining volumes. Book One of the set ran through a series of prototypes and I thought the layout was finished. Well I have found out otherwise.

Bacically, I changed the layout while printing the Book One prototypes and those changes did not get carried over into the balance of the books. They were small graphics changes to improve the end product. So I need to cross reference those changes and implement them in the remaining material, the layout for the remaining books.

There was another issue that ended up consuming a fair amount of time. For those of you preparing your own layouts, let me give you this advise - number your preface and appendix separately from the body of your text, especially if the body takes up more than one volume, or is marketed in numerous formats. That way you can change your preface to match the edition/market without effecting the numbering system in the body of the text. I just learned this the hard way and spent a good amount of time renumbering the pages, more than once!

So, in terms of publishing, I am focused on making the entire set press-up, even though I still need to insert the artwork into the layout, basically replacing descriptive panels with the actual art they describe.  As I'll mentioned elsewhere, I need to raise the funds to finish the artwork. A possible release of the first three books may achieve that, but I'd prefer to withhold release until all seven books are fully illustrated. As I've also pointed out elsewhere, that means 348 more illustrations. So not only will that cost over $50k, but that will take time as well.

That's all for now.

AG

Preface to Book One

I wanted to post the Preface to Book One, but so far I haven't figured out how to post a PDF.  I embedded a song in the file, but that doesn't seem to work once I upload it. I've got to figure these things out. I'll post this on Facebook too so we can talk about it there.

Here's a link. The file seems to be too large to function properly, which is one of my concerns about providing the e-storybook via the internet. I will try to rectify this problem. This is only the 7 page Preface. You can imagine how difficult 800 pages (with more extensive artwork) would be. Hopefully it will open for you. AG

Preface to Book One

I seem to be having problems with posting the e-Storybook PDF Files. It seems I will need to convert them to JEPGs. Too bad, that rather complicates matters. So as you can see, I need to develop an IT department to implement distribution of the product via the internet. The one thing I do know, is that this Gnomes of New Hope e-Storybook is illustrated on every page and that complicates delivery via the internet, being that the files are very large. I may need to consider dividing the collection into manageable downloads. We'll see. AG

IMS Publishing

The focus of attention in this regard is to confirm the final layout for printing. There have been a few snags, but they seem to be worked out. So now the files are being confirmed as ready to print. The first book in the series has been produced, but now the remaining six books need to be conformed to the layout. This is in process. I am now looking at putting printing presses in the studio, as I want to have full capabilities in house. Anyone who wants to provide printing services should contact me. To my way of thinking, having printing capabilities in-house is preferable. SO that is the direction I am moving. If the funding becomes available or  cut a deal with a major publishing house, who can guarantee deep saturation in the international markets, then that may change.   AG

7/6/17 update

The publishing materials are being conformed so that the entire set of books will be ready for press.  I spent the last week or so trying to find the layout files, only to discover that the primary layout accidentally got saved as a PDF. So after an extensive search I relocated the components and rebuilt the Master File. So now the entire collection needs to be conformed to the latest mechanical layout, which should not be too difficult... but I've said that before. Oh well, upward and onward.

I'm beginning to get more deeply into theme park activities and I'm trying to figure out how to make a presentation of The Gnomes of New Hope in that context. I can't present Zach & Zebby's Grand Adventure in that medium, so I think it will end up being Gnome Fest, taking place in the center of Gnomeville.

That's all for now. AG

Most Recent Thoughts

As I may have mentioned, my concentration has been on gathering all the appropriate files into a collection of four DVDs. The last part of gathering those files is the Storybook. This has been a long and difficult job, primarily because I made so many back-up files and spread them out over numerous discs. While we were working on numerous aspects of this project, the music, the art and the storybooks, I have more than one hard disc fail, which set me back more than once. So I started saving different revisions of all the files and spread out duplicate across the many discs I use for file storage. Well, even though this seemed like a good idea to protect the material, it is challenging to make sure that the files are actually the latest. So for the past month or so (more like a few months) I have been cross referencing the files and saving all the latest revision under a new heading. One of the things that has been frustrating has been correcting the page numbers. I've had to do that at least four times over. I won't explain. But now that the Storybook disc is almost finished, I've discovered that I my print files are many different versions of the first book. This was a result of numerous set-up files to accommodate the variations of the printing presses. Unfortunately I did not address the first book before the remaining books, because I assumed that was correctly finished. Well it is, but the remaining collection of six books are different, since they have not been set-up for hard copy printing yet. The interesting, although somewhat distressing fact is that I included the Preface as part of the numbering of the pages. I discovered too late that it would have been advisable to number the preface and the appendix with separate page numbers than the body of the book. Well I have done that for the remaining books, but the preface in the first book takes up numbers I'd rather they didn't. I may change that, but that is not as easy as it sounds with the way I produce the mechanicals for the layout.

So with all this attention on the Storybooks, I think that my focus will shift to locating a large publishing house or distributor to pick up the project. I will however continue to publish all the books that are ready and finish the print layout on the full collection, including the ones that still need artwork. My objective here is to raise the 50-100K that will be required for completion of all the illustrations. I know I've discussed this elsewhere, so I won't reiterate. I will say that I expect to be making more effort to locate the right literary agent. I guess it's about time for that.

In terms of production activity, I remain concentrated on refining the studio space and making sure we are prepared to initiate set construction in the shop, but also experimental film-making with a green-screen and motion control. I still need to set up the array and Final Cut Studio, so I'll be working on that too. In terms of set-design, I'm beginning to redesign the show to fit into the Bucks County Playhouse and other smaller theaters in the anticipated touring circuit.

I've had a number of people expressing their desire to work on this project, but I need to develop both the methodology and budget for HR. So Producing Partners will need to understand the magnitude of the resources which need to be gathered for that purpose.

All these things are progressing slowly, but that may change, depending on who ends up joining the effort. Some discussions are taking place, but nothing definitive... not yet.

I'm releasing the first book to people who visit the studio and proved to be on board with the project. If you are one of those folks I'm there 9-5 M-F.

That's all for now.  AG

Differences

  Strangely enough, there appears to be a difference between the posts that show up on my phone and those that show up on the laptop. I can't quite figure out why yet. Here I am thinking I'm making posts from my phone, only to discover they are not making it to the blog. One more thing to figure out!

June 7th update

For the past two weeks I have been working on a puppetry job and needed to put down the work on The Gnomes for awhile. But for the last day or two, I have been revisiting the "Gnomes in a Gnutshell" e-storybook and the Business Plan. It seems as though there may be one or more opportunities lingering on the edge of moving forward and I decided that the electronic packaging needed to be reviewed as a tool for that advancement.

I am making the electronic package the priority in this regard. Although there are still 348 illustration panels required for the entire book set to be completed, I am assembling the preview package to be a representative of the finished product, even though there is more work to be done on that end of things. To my way of thinking, this will not prevent us building a board of directors or locating investors.

As I have said, the Libretto is finished, which means the sets, costuming and other designs can advance. Most of the music has a draft score and I am continuing with the piano adaptations and the divisi/lead sheets, so recording can begin to take place with live performers, even if they are only studio musicians who are doing it for samples. Obviously, we will want the stage performers to record their renditions, but for the purpose of filming the show with puppets, the music will be studio versions anyway. So, in that regard, I am working toward setting up a RAID Array, particularly for use with Final Cut Studio for the film and Digital Performer for the music, and then, of course integrating the two.

So other than refining the digital package for Industry Review, I am working on the design and implementation of the parade float. Presenting the material in a parade will need to take place prior to opening the show in a theatre, so that needs to be done first... for publicity purposes. The parade float is part of a stage design that I have been wanting to implement for years, and although I did have buyers for the stages, now I have a good excuse to do it for our own use. So I am looking into gathering the hardware to build the float. One nice thing about this approach is that the supplies which we will use on the float can also be used in little theatre, street fairs and Gnome-Fest. So all that work is taking priority over mounting the show in a first class or LORT house. I an not inclined to pursue academia, because we need to build a committed crew, but that might be worth doing for samples and possibly the concert presentation. In terms of the concert presentation, that show could be set up so that it requires less commitment and expense by eliminating sets and a crew. Cast requirements for that would be closer to a few principles as in an operatic concert, and that could be done script-in-hand.

So that's the general direction of the thinking right now. In terms of investment which will show a return, the focus has to be on publishing and refinement of a few ancillary markets. The timing of the release of these items, however, need to be subject to the schedule for the stage production, although some release of cinema could happen prior to the stage show, basically serving as promotion. The larger film, whether it is CG animation, classic animation (which is preferable), a combination of both, possibly integrating puppetry, or  live performance, the larger film needs to be reserved for release until after the stage show hits Broadway. That means there will be numerous try-outs before we get to that point, including the parade.

So I gotta go, so that's all for now. AG

Scoring the Music

Well, what sounds like just another day at the office is more like - let's build the Theatrical Development Centre starting with 100 acres of raw land.  Of course that's my intention, but if you know what I mean, then you know that publishing this score is not as easy as it sounds.

Each of the songs requires an assortment of sheet music to convey all the facts to the singers, musicians, conductor, technical director, production assistants & stage technicians, music director, stage director, producers, financiers, agents, publishers, and ultimately distributors and end users - the patrons and audience. Now all these people, some of which represent a group of people, do not need all the information at the same time. Nor do they require the composite of the material, but sections of different materials are distributed to this array of people at the appropriate time and in the appropriate degree. That means that all the bugs need to be worked out so that all the materials are consistent and agree with each other.

In terms of the score alone, this means thousands of pages containing intricate arrangements for a variety of instrumental and vocal circumstances. So it goes on... and on... and on!  I am very pleased with the progress and excited to see that the score is approaching the end of having the entire body of work (for 70 songs) published, if not in the final form, then in an acceptable and workable draft form.

Today I was working on a song which I thought was finished. HA!  I discovered that the Divisi Score diverged from the Piano Adaptation. While, building the Piano Adaptation, I decided to go ahead and do the Time signatures. It worked out just great, but the Divisi did not have those changes, that basically means that neither did the Orchestral Score. No real problem, I can pretty easily transfer the time signature by copying the Conductor Track... except that the notes are different in each Print Layout and if I copy the one track, then the note adjustment (for Lyrics and stage notes) does not match the specific score. I'm working all that out, but basically it means I can't print the Orchestral score out before the Piano Adaptation, but the Piano Adaptation is derived from the Orchestral Arrangement.  My solution at this point is to publish the score components as drafts, but that gets rather expensive. They have nerve charging that kind of money for ink. Oh well.

SO I am selectively finishing off my favorite songs first, while making sure that each scene has all the drafts published for the music. I'd like to say it is almost done, and it seems that way at times, but usually when I think I am finished with something, the next degree becomes apparent. It's like a big trap! You get so far and you have to keep going no matter what is thrown at you. Gadzooks!

Well in addition to publishing the hard copy, I am doing the PDF version also. Then each of these scores needs to be recorded, which I am doing with MIDI. Interestingly enough, while setting up the Divisi, I created a vocal rack which assigned instruments to each of the eight voice parts. I experimented with using Combi patches for the duets/trios/quartets. I was happy with that and it was interesting to find that I could create a good Divisi by assigning a Combi that had instruments that had dfifferent ranges. Like a C2 & a C4  (although the range is usually closer than that) But interestingly enough a Melody Line that covered a wide range would automatically provide the Divisi. Of course there is other work to do in assigning the notes to a particular voice part, but running down the middle effectively (generally speaking) splits the male and female voices. I say this based on using a melody line that has not been assigned to particular voice parts or has had the counter-points/harmony developed yet. It's just a good starting point.

The way I have approached shaping the voice parts is not easy to explain. Most of the time I assign the lyrics according to the character relationships, but then within a group of performers, I decide what kind of flavor needs to be conveyed. Sometimes that works just fine, but in a Choral setting it's more like what voice parts are available. I presume the shape of the sound will take place in auditions based on the numerous factors under which a performer is selected for a particular role. It certainly is a tricky process if the tonal relationship across the board are the primary criteria, but the external traits of the character must also be balanced to the highest degree possible.

You know with theatre, particularly with a piece that is intended and designed to have legs, your crew needs to be dedicated to the long term goals. I know there must be a balance with that, in other words, to achieve that.  But my approach to doing that lies in the cinema. I think it will be easier to hold performers to a film shoot than to a sustained theatrical run. It is unfortunate but that seems to be the case. I suppose the best approach to that is to have three companies, maybe two, but three sounds like a better idea. The first string players, the backup second string, and the apprentice troupe. That way if a player drops out or fails to perform, then other players can move up. Also, the other troupes can play the second run, regional and festival shows while waiting for an opportunity at the first run show. Well that's all for another discussion.

I thought I'd better post something so there you go.  That's all for now. AG

Music Score & Parade Float

Music

    Work is continuing on the score. This is a massive endeavor and it will take time to perfect the numerous songs. But in the meanwhile, I am printing out a complete collection of Orchestral Drafts, Lead Sheets, Divisi Score and Piano Adaptations. Once the draft versions are fully published, then we will advance to review the materials for Time Signatures, Note Values and Dynamics. Once these aspects are finished for the Orchestral applications, then we will reevaluate the Dynamics of the MIDI files to assure that the expressions are correct for using those MIDI files in the smaller productions, such as little theatre and community theatre. It is anticipated that the smaller theatres will not be able to afford a full orchestra, so the MIDI files will be made available for those productions.

   Also, planning for the concert presentation is advancing as well. Once the Draft Score is complete the focus of attention will be on the Concert Presentation, which will include some degree of Puppetry. The reason for this is that we will be striving to have some of the music performed by an orchestra. This has been discussed with a number of orchestras, but ultimately, will need to take place with an organization that can help to advance the overall goals in a number of ways. Discussion on that subject will take place at another time, when it is more practical and appropriate.

Overall, I can say that this effort overwhelms some of the other activities which have been discussed.

Parade Float

    Recently, I bought a 4 wheel drive Dodge Ram 150. I bought it for the snow plow, but now it seems as though it might be worth considering using the chassis and power-plant as part of the Parade Float. That seems like a lot of work and diverges from my previous plan to use a Covair Truck as a donor for the drive components. I do think the Corvair would be a better choice, simply because it has a better design that would be easier to work with and offer more flexibility in terms of staging option, With the Corvair, there is no driveshaft to interfere with the center section of the parade float, which would make up the bulk of the staging area.  I may have just talked myself out of using the 4 wheel drive chassis. So that chassis is up for sale, probably less the power-train, as I have a pending deal for those components.

Puppetry

    Puppetry is on hold until the score is finished, but the few primary characters are in process and we will pick that up with the focus on the concert presentations as mentioned. The entire show is up for licensing to another production company, particularly as it applies to puppetry. Drop me an email.

That's all for now. AG

Image of the Mind Studios on Facebook

Just a note to let you know that I am trying to build the Facebook page by posting there occasionally. There is a link to that page on the IMS Virtual Studio Page. and here is a link to the Facebook page -
Image of the Mind Studios on Facebook. Check that page once in a while, because it is easier for me to post there.

Most recent focus

Work has been proceeding on coagulating the files into a four DVD set which will be available for review by our Producing Partners and other participants. This includes persons employed to fulfill specific roles where this information is required. The documentation on this project is simply immense, so creating a digital presentation is clearly the best approach. Not only because it is cost effective, but it is easier to distribute and the files can be used as master files, which are more easily updated.

The current focus is on the music score, which involves many hundreds of pages. I am reviewing all the materials and printing to PDF the Orchestral Drafts. There are other pertinent files for each song as well. Lead sheets and piano adaptations/reductions as well as SATB Divisi scores.

The Industry Review Package, the Libretto and the Illustrated Storybook discs are finished, although the Illustrated Storybook requires more artwork before it can be published. That subject has been discussed previously so I won't repeat myself.

In the context of completing these materials, my primary focus of attention is setting up and refining the studio space so that it is prepared to meet demand, once we move into active production. Up until now, all activities have been and are considered developmental. I am beginning to move into preproduction to an appropriate degree, although there are aspects that still fall under development. Some degree of manufacturing is ready to proceed in terms of the Ancillary Markets, pretty much only to the degree that can meet the demands that may come into play with walk-ins to the showroom and some expectation of retail sales. This is not a primary objective at this point, but some activity can take place in this regard. The main objective for manufacturing is to meet the demand for product which may accompany the try-out run of the show when it gets mounted. That level of manufacturing is primarily Limited Edition runs. Mass production is an entirely different issue. But anyway you look at it,  manufacturing cannot distract from more significant preproduction activities which look toward toward limited production that is used for marketing the product lines to  industry and working toward evaluation previews in a number of arenas.

That's all for now. AG

Music Samples (repost)

Samples of music posted on SonicBids

Years ago I signed up for SonicBids, but I found it to be more oriented toward bands that were touring and performing, not exactly what we are doing with The Gnomes of New Hope,

so I discontinued belonging to the service. However the music I posted 

is still there and you might like to hear some of the earlier samples.

So here's a link.

"Completely" was recorded using two excellent vocalists

Nathan Odhner & Justine Buss

I expect we will pick up with recording the music 

after the Industry Review Package starts making the rounds 

and we gather more working capital. 

AG

Navigating the Posts

   The Posts regarding The Gnomes of New Hope discuss an assortment of subjects at various stages of development. Because of the wide range of activities that are taking place, almost simultaneously, it is not always possible to update each arena being worked on.

   So if you are interested in exploring the areas that have been worked on, you can use the Blog Archive to the left and lower down on the page. If you would like to know what has happened in a particular area, since the last posting, you are welcome to inquire, which may inspire me to post an update on that subject.

   Even though the most recent posting may be on one subject, that does not mean that advancement in other areas has not been progressing, it just may not have been reported.

AG

Career History of Arthur Greisiger

Here is a link to the Career History

of 

Arthur Greisiger

Creator of

The Gnomes of New Hope

 Zach & Zebby's Grand Adventure

and

The Gnomic Tales

Work Progress on the Business Plan

All of the materials are being prepared for distribution on DVD and I am considering developing a PowerPoint presentation. I suppose that will have to happen, but for now I am focusing on components of the contract structure that are being presented in the Business Plan.

I am setting up the Film/Video editing bench again for various reasons. I have around eight films laying around which need editing, but I also need to get going for the Animated Version of  "The Gnomes of New Hope; Zach & Zebby's Grand Adventure".  So that will also lead to more work on Stage One at Studio 1325 to set up the green screen.

I am also preparing the Garden Gnomes for a Limited Edition Release of Book One of the Storybook to our Vested Partners. With the completion of the Industry Review Package and assorted registrations, the Storybook can be released and that is moving forward.

For the past few weeks I have been working on Licensing and Options and as that work has progressed in such a way that it has become more detailed. I was intent on simply addressing the issues in a somewhat cursory way, but that turned into a more detailed document, primarily addressing Setup, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Inspection, Billing and Distribution aspects of the Ancillary/Merchandising markets. Of course that pertains to Licensing.

Options has an entirely different set of issues to be dealt with. So I've addressed some of those issues as well. That has led me into the stock issue. So today I was dealing with stocks, since I am selling 50% of the shares to The Elder Gnomes Joint Venture. Of course those shares are sold to the twelve member Board of Governing Executive Directors. So, in essence, there are twelve million shares assigned to the Elder Gnomes, one million for each board position. Each board position is a vested position at one dollar per share. This is just a heads up for anyone who is in a position to consider being a board member, but the twelve positions are specific to the twelve divisions of responsibility required for supervision of the domestic and international markets. All of this is contingent upon establishing the four organizations required to implement the overall plan. Without providing details, those organizations are as follows; Image of the Mind Studios - Development, Artistic Direction, The Elder Gnomes Joint Venture - Finance, Executive Producing, IMS Management, Inc. Logistics across the board, above the line and The Gnomes of New Hope Productions - Production Management, below the line. That's it... in a Gnutshell. (Gnomes in a Gnutshell, get it?)

In the meanwhile, the subject of building the sets has cropped up. I'm considering that aspect of things, while focusing on rebuilding the primary work vehicles of IMS.  I put that maintenance off while working on the Core Creative Materials and now that most of that is sufficiently finished in order to move into production (mind you, not finished enough for release to the public, but enough for the Industry Review and finance activities). So bringing the vehicles back up to speed is a priority. I need the small truck for gathering small supplies and the big truck for moving sets and pulling the parade float. The other domestic vehicles need attention too, so for the time being they have to be my priorities.

I often post on Facebook, and I am developing a Fan Page for the Gnomes of New Hope. When I get that working right I'll put a link in the header. If you search for my name Arthur Greisiger in Facebook you can see some of those posts and some other stuff, like my poetry and photography, which I am beginning to post, simply because I am getting older and that stuff does no good sitting in my drawer. I might as well post it.

So the business Plan is coming along nicely. It is certainly sufficient for serious review to any professional organizations who may request it, but I also realize that as a process it will just continue, since I need to design the Operations Manuals for each of those organizations. So on my end of it I will just continue moving forward. But on the investors and Producing Partners end of it, if you are one of those persons who fit into that category, and I mean fitting into that category by Securities Exchange Commission standards, then it will be on you to contact me to discuss matters.

I, on the other hand, have literally thousands of things to do, in every aspect of this show, other shows that are on the boards, and refinement of the studio. So do not expect me to be spending too much time with direct solicitations. I expect to locate representation for this show on multiple levels, so that is part of my goals and frankly I am looking for self-starters, people who have reviewed the materials I have posted and can tell me how they fit in. That may not work, but for now that the only way I can proceed.

I refuse to play that Hollywood game. Been there, Done that. I'll let the agents do that.

So if you are a Hollywood, New York, or London type and you see the potential, it's on you to bring that up. There are dozens of other cities in the Primary Markets where we can initiate activity so I am open to all that as well.

I'm too busy and too intolerant to jump thru any hoops, especially the ones that lead to wasting my time and being taken for a sucker. Not to be rude, but I've seen it before, all too many times.

Basically there are two ways to go; build IMS into a major operation around The Gnomes or sell the whole project outright to a major player. There are other variations to that theme, but I do have my preferences. Let's see what happens.

So... that's all for now. AG

Sample of the Libretto

Here is 

Act One, Scene One

of

The Gnomes of New Hope 

Zach & Zebby's Grand Adventure

Act One, Scene One

 copyright 2016 Image of the Mind Studios/Arthur Greisiger

1325 Industrial Boulevard, Southampton, Pennsylvania 18966

Sudden Distraction

 My post just got erased! What A drag.

The sudden requirement that focus on Vehicle Maintenance has taken away from the progress for the last month or two. But I put it off in order to finish the Core Creative Materials and contracts required for The Gnomes.

Because of recent discussions with investors, I realized that those contract materials needed review. So, after building The Business Plan, a revisiting of the Foundational Finance contracts was appropriate. All told, these materials are critical for the release of The Industry Review Package and they are almost ready for release. References to the Production Management modus operandi allow for movement into pre-production in some arenas. The management plan for this project is largely based on the implementation of sub-categories in the overall budget. The details of this are reserved for our Vested Producing Partners and are available at the studio after discussion on the subject. I will not be posting that information on the web. Later, The Producing Partners web site, a member only site, will have all that information and much more posted.

That's all for now, AG

Shift of Attention

Work on The Gnomes spans a wide range of activities, so other non related activities must take place to support that range of activities as well. One arena which has been pushed aside in lieu of the Core Creative Materials for the Gnomes has been the maintenance of assorted vehicles belonging to IMS. So because forward momentum is expected in the assorted production arenas, it is critical that the trucks be reviewed and serviced. With that in mind, the primary focus of attention is replacing the engines and transmissions of the work vehicles. The need has been growing and this service now needs to be addressed.

In terms of actual production activities, the stop-action puppetry is the primary focus of attention, even though work is still proceeding on publishing. I've evaluated the equipment needs for the animation work we are planning and I am impressed with the Sony still cameras for our particular application. I am anticipating building a three camera set-up on our model sets, but first I will be doing tests using a green screen as a backdrop for the model stop-action puppets. Along those lines, creating the proper sized sculptures for the puppet heads will be a priority. I think the first level in this regard will be heads that are not animated.

Since our family business is a machine shop, I am inclined toward robotics as a focus. The larger Puppets have been constructed taking animatronics into account. Of course they are far from finished, in part because I am trying to devise a design that will emulate muscular movement. I won't get into that right now, but I have a conceptual design for an artificial muscle. I may like to continue to pursue that, but that is a complicated endeavor which will be too distracting from the primary direction we need to proceed in. But I do think producing the sample of a stop-action film is important, so I am proceeding with the basic puppet design for that, figuring on the green screen being the factor that will integrate the puppetry into the existing art work we have of Gnomeville. I have been planning the set construction. Computer issues so I will continue this later. AG

Newest acitivity

The work on contracts and production management continues but the most recent effort is to confirm the e-book functionality. I finally gave in and got a smart phone, so I thought I'd test it out on the phone. So far so good, but that made, me realize that hadn't finished making the Digital Proposal Materials work entirely the way I want them to be. When I finally hand over the materials to other Industry Professionals and other participants, I want the materials to be very comprehensive and sufficiently complete to advance the production. Ultimately these materials will be part of the e-storybook release to the public, but for now it is only for our Producing Partners, Investors, and Creative/Production Staff. That's all for no.w AG