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Brother Thomas Film

20

Jul
2016

6 Comments

In Brother Thomas

By Steve Leeper

2016 Brother Thomas Teaser!

On 20, Jul 2016 | 6 Comments | In Brother Thomas | By Steve Leeper

Introducing the 2016 promotional teaser for the Br. Thomas project!  This teaser showcases the best of what we’ve accomplished over the last couple of years and gives a glimpse of the what’s in store.

I may be a little biased but I get goosebumps just watching it. . . I hope you do too!

Special thanks to all the folks who worked to make this happen and to everyone who have patiently been moving the Br. Thomas project forward.

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13

May
2015

No Comments

In CG Layout

By Steve Leeper

CG Layout: Scriptorium Part 1-Modeling

On 13, May 2015 | No Comments | In CG Layout | By Steve Leeper

I’m finally getting around to posting on CG Layout!  I’ve been wanting to get this post up for a while but explaining the process can be a tad complicated.

CG SCRIPTORIUM_07

CG SCRIPTORIUM_09

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15

Mar
2015

No Comments

In Concept Art

By Steve Leeper

Scriptorium Design: The Grand Mural

On 15, Mar 2015 | No Comments | In Concept Art | By Steve Leeper

A major design element in the film is the “Grand Mural” that is eventually unveiled in the final scene.  It is the major source of light in the scriptorium and central to the look and feel of the room.

GRAND MURAL01-400w

This first image is my original drawing of the Madonna, the Christ child and the stained glass saints as Br. Thomas encounters them in his daily routine.

GRAND MURAL03-400w

This second image is concept art by my friend Michael Spooner.  Not only does Michael’s drawing open up the space cinematically but it also gives us an idea of how the final unveiling will eventually effect the interior space of the scriptorium.  Read more…

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11

Sep
2012

4 Comments

In Animation
Brother Thomas

By Steve Leeper

Promo Teaser w/Phil Vischer

On 11, Sep 2012 | 4 Comments | In Animation, Brother Thomas | By Steve Leeper

After weeks of creating animatics and shooting interview footage we finally cut together a teaser that gives a great taste of the film we’re trying to make.

Special thanks to my old boss and friend Phil Vischer for setting up the teaser and for providing the commentary throughout.  I initially pitched the bare-bones concept of Brother Thomas to Phil over ten years ago while working on VeggieTales.  I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to have Phil’s full support for the Brother Thomas project.

The animation in the teaser is still at the storyboard stage and at this point the drawings are only sketches.  But something happens when you cut them together with a good sound mix.  It almost feels like a movie!

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18

Jan
2012

No Comments

In Concept Art

By Steve Leeper

Three by Spooner

On 18, Jan 2012 | No Comments | In Concept Art | By Steve Leeper

A special thanks to Natalie Lombard and Cathy Strokosch for hosting two separate “Get to Know Br. Thomas” evenings in the Chicago area.  Besides the great food and warm company I was able to pitch the story-so-far to two groups of people who’s insight on art, film, and faith I highly respect.  I came away from both evenings exhilarated, encouraged and challenged.  Who could have asked for more!

One highlight of the first evening was that  Michael Spooner brought some concept sketches of the cathedral that I had not seen before.  I can’t tell you how exciting it is to see elements of this story come alive in the hands of someone like Michael.  The fact that he does these drawings with such apparent ease only makes them that much more brilliant!

Here are three that stand out.  You can click on the details to see the full image.

Church Father01_Detail-300wSTAIRWELL_Detail-300w
STAIRWELL02_Detail-300w

1. One of the 8 to 10 statues of the Church Fathers whose gaze Thomas passes under everyday on his way to work.  They are not animated in the film but the shadows they cast weigh heavily on Thomas as he slips by them, usually late, on his way to the scriptorium.  The lighting and scale that Michael introduces in this drawing sets the tone perfectly!

2. This is Thomas running up the stairs.  This angle didn’t exist in the boards previously but you can be sure that it will in the future.

3. This is the doorway that Thomas goes through to enter the stairwell.  Kind of a service entrance to the scriptorium

 

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