I have said before that there has been a lengthy proof-reading process and because of the way the artwork is integrated into the layout (and other components) the pages have needed to be assembled using multiple smaller files. File size was a big issue and the layout went through numerous stages to keep the ability to work with higher resolution in doing the layout. I wanted to avoid destructive editing. In some cases that was not possible, so there are a few illustrations that will eventually get replaced, but for now, they are fine for printing. I imagine that the majority of the illustrations will be turned into animations anyway.
It is when the e-Storybook is viewed on a very large high resolution HDTV that some of the imagery worries me. Not so much the quality of the images, although that is a concern, but the color balance, as that tends to change from screen to screen. I have done that layout (the e-Storybook) on a high definition 32" screen, but kicking the image up to the newer 4k and larger screens, is a concern. Well, it is what it is and it is great on an e-pad and a reasonably sized HDTV.
So, now that the entire 900 pages of the hard copy collection has been fully proof-read (for the thousandth time) and adjusted (again) to perfectly match the e-Storybook, I am moving in to the Music. I already did the e-Storybook and narrated it up to a point. It was when I was narrating it that I discovered the mistakes. Typos and sentence structure errors, plus a few GFX mistakes, mostly alignment issues. The alignment shifts when converting the pages to say, PDF or JPG. So I will be leaving the Publishing layout in lieu of working on music. We may kick up again with illustrations, but not until I refurbish the coffers with enough funds to pay for the artwork. In the meanwhile I am concentration on the studio space and getting a number of workstations properly set up for production.
The workstation used to compose the music had numerous failures, both hardware and software. I have been collecting what we need to redress the music with new programming and improved processing capabilities. We were using a Mac Quicksilver to write the music. I built that machine up and it worked great, but it died. So I bought a G4 Mirror Door to replace the Quicksilver. I am setting that workstation up again. Even though is is an older machine, it will serve well for certain functions and the hardware from the Quicksilver will transfer over. When we started, we were using ADAT, but then it became obvious that we didn't need that and the hard drive was sufficient. When last we worked on the music, Shawn was running the Quicksilver and I was running a single processor G5. Now I run three Macs at my workstation and numerous other workstations of various types, performing various functions. My workstation consists of a G4, a G5 Quad, and a Mac Pro, plus two xServe units and a number of other storage options. I am setting up the Digital Performer 9 with Mach Five 3 on the Mac Pro, with DP5 and Reason in the G4. The G4 setup is what we used, the DP9/Mach 5 is what we need to transition to. All this is also leading to setting up the sound stage, so we can bring in the pit orchestra and singers to rehearse and record both the instrumental and vocal numbers. That needs to take place before we can consider mounting the show on the stage.
Further than that, my concentration is also on building the Parade Float/Mobile Stage. It may be that the design of the parade float will turn out to include a staging scenario for remote performances. I do not want to be wholly dependent on theatre rentals for a performance space. I'm keen on doing performances outdoors in assorted locations. I think that gives us a better chance of survival, overall. I do not want the longevity of the show to be contingent upon it's "legs" in a theatre. That also involves the increased cost of Union personnel. I am inclined to seek to license the Union level out to another Producer, as well as the film rights for a live performance, and even an animated feature film.
Oh, and by the way, I have changed my perspective on this show. Rather than referring to it as a musical, I am not thinking of it as an Operetta, because that surely is what it is.
That's all for now. AG
