Picnic under a gibbet (2021)
Director: Richard Corso
A dark comedy fantasy, Picnic Under a Gibbet was an opportunity for me to storyboard out a short film and contribute to the pre-production process to help develop the look of the film. I coordinated with many different departments, including collaboration with the costume and prop designers to develop the overall look.
Concept Art
A single piece of keyframe art helped define the look of the primary set piece: the gibbet. I imagined a stage-like platform to the structure, one that would add some dimension to each shot and provide a theatrical platform for the actors. This keyframe was done after visiting actual shoot locations with the director.
Storyboards
With the “stage” in mind, the director, cinematographer, and I walked each location for the shoot. Collaborative brainstorming drew out what the director wanted, and how the cinematographer imagined the shoot happening and I put the ideas to paper (or screen). The storyboards also provided a basis for an animatic to use as a fundraising tool.
Outcome
In the midst of COVID, the shoot happened on time (and safely) and was an immense collaboration of two-dozen talented people during the two-day shoot. The film is currently in post-production and is on track for release in early 2021.
From left to right: Behind the scenes photos from on-set, keyframe concept art during pre-production and a selection of storyboards.
The Painting (2020)
Director: Rob Shearer
My role on The Painting was two fold. I provided original set-dec paintings and storyboards for the entire short film, shot-by-shot.
Storyboards
Working with the director and cinematographer, we brainstormed and blocked each shot. I brought my experience of visual storytelling and composition to the table. They talked, I sketched. The result was a complete vision of the film that was animated, with VO, to get an overall feel for the final production.
Set-Dec
The film centered around an abstract painter at his wits’ end. I worked with the production designer to develop a palette and produced a series of abstract works to decorate the studio set. The final element were four in-process paintings of the final grisly painting (finished in the characters’ blood) to be used in sequence.
Outcome
As of 2020, the production was put on hold due to financial reasons.
Three to cairo (2019)
Director: Richard Corso
My role on Three to Cairo, a surrealist comedy set in the desert, was conceptual artist during the pre-production phase. Using traditional media to adhere to the film’s vintage quality, I developed this key art for some character ideas, and as part of an investor pitch book.