Where the HELL is the Phantom Harbor Halloween Special?

Hey Kids!

Happy Halloween! So, if you have stumbled across this blog WITHOUT going to www.phantomharbor.com, then you should definitely find your way to the STORIES page and watch the new Halloween Special. Everyone who participated is so proud of what we have made for your holiday enjoyment!

Or

If you REALLY don't want to watch the show distracted by old-fashioned (so I've been told) frames, then go to http://www.vimeo.com/7093976 and you can watch it on the ALL NEW vimeo Phantom Harbor channel.

In the next few weeks, I'll be posting all of the original postings that have appeared on YOUTUBE.

Now why the heck would I do that?

Well, I like Vimeo so far. Less busy than YouTube. Less advertising. Simpler and with none of the annoying time constraints of YouTube.

The show is 12 minutes long and that is on purpose. It is a Halloween SPECIAL, in the vein of an old Andy Williams Christmas Special (yes, I'm showing my age). That said, I wouldn't cut a minute. We've all worked dilligently to give you as many Halloween Treats as we were able to, so INDULGE!

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor!

Shannon

Plans Underway for PHANTOM HARBOR special!

Hey Kids!

So, I know that you have all been patient while I worked out some personal distastrophes but since the season is nearly upon us, it stands to reason that a new PHANTOM HARBOR HALLOWEEN SPECIAL should be produced.

Now I know that you are already rolling your eyes.

Where's the second episode already?! Yes, yes, it is coming, but until I can complete the animation, you'll just have to be happy with a new seasonal show full of Halloween Tricks and Treats! The fellow in the video above is receiving some choreography for his musical number.

So stay tuned! Just as soon as the episode is completed, there will be a big announcement. Oh, and by the way, here is a frame from the animation (limited animation mind you so don't get all crazy on me) from episode 2:




So until next time:

WELCOME BACK TO THE HARBOR!

Shannon

For My Father

As you will all understand, the production of PHANTOM HARBOR has halted due to my father's unexpected turn of health a few months ago.

Initially, the doctors thought the cancer was localized in his bladder and after two unsuccessful operations, the decision was made to remove the entire bladder.

Tracy, Molly and I flew to New Orleans a week before his scheduled surgery and spent as much time with him as we could. As usual he was gracious, but it was obvious that he was being gregarious through a great deal of pain.

While we were there, they pushed the surgery to August 4th (yesterday).

During the procedure, it was discovered that my father's abdomen was fraught with cancer and there was nothing they could do but sew him back up.

At this writing, my father has been transferred out of ICU and is going into a room. In a day or so, he'll be transferred to a hospice. His physician informed me that with "aggressive" life saving techniques, the best they would hope for is 2 weeks.

This decision will be handled by him and my siblings.

I'm just thankful that we got to spend some precious time with him before this unfortunate turn of events.

So...barring any legal action...this is for my Dad.

We love you Pop...

More Monsterpalooza Photos

Hey Kids!

Erin Haggerty recently sent these images from the convention to share with all of you. From the top we have Brett Dewey of Humerus Designs with our Cap'n. In the center is my wife, and live action director of the series, Tracy Shea. At the bottom is Brett's business partner and Erin's husband, Mark Tavares (a talented artist in his own right and a good friend!).

Keep those photos coming in folks! And make sure you check out the gallery because I'm still posting images the Captain has received on the Internet! The latest is from Marc Tyler of Animal Firm.

Animal Firm is a company in Texas that makes the most realistic animal stand-ins and puppets, not to mention mascots and suits. Take a look at their site sometime: www.animalfirm.com.

Until next time, I'll see you at the harbor!

Shannon Shea

Where are the Rest of Your Drawings/Coloring Sheets?

Hey Kids!

Not to worry! I've scanned in MORE artwork and have been receiving new pieces via e-mail, daily! The response has been terrific and I should have everything posted by the end of the weekend!

I'll be honest. I couldn't be prouder of our loyal fans who have turned in such an entertaining variety of images. And...

It's not TOO late! E-mail the Cap'n and request your own sheet, or dispense with the sheet, scan or create artwork on your computer and send it to TheCaptain@phantomharbor.com and your proud image will go up in our ever-growing gallery!

So, sharpen your pencils, break out your brushes, wipe off your wacom tablets and get goin'!

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor!

Shannon Shea

Shadows over Innsmouth

Hey Kids!

Uber-fan, Dirk Rogers found an old photo of he and the Captain when their travels took them to Innsmouth. Even though Dirk had a little to drink, he still managed to drive off a fair amount of Fishmen!

Thanks Dirk, for sending this along. The Captain thought this was lost forever.

Until next time, see you at the Harbor.

Shannon Shea

The Gallery is now open for YOUR art!

Hey Kids!

Next time you visit the ole Harbor, check out the newly installed GALLERY section! So darned exciting that I don't know what I'll do!

So here's how it works: WRITE THE CAP'N! You know how to do THAT! Ask him for a coloring or drawing sheet and he'll send them to you to fill out, scan, and send back to him!

There are three sections: Minnows, for young kids. Sharks, for older kids. And Mariners for young adults and adults. That way, if you don't want your youngins to see anything too scary, you can just navigate through the shallows.

So send your art and I'll post it. That is, as long as it is appropriate. No graphic stuff, please! I'm trying to run a family site here folks!

Pick up your pencils, crayons, markers, paints (sculpt and take a photo!) but whatever you do - send it in!!!!

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor!

Shannon Shea

Now, what is THAT?

Hey Kids!

Well, that looks like a big basket of crayons to me...

What is it for?

MONSTERPALOOZA , of course.

Now why would there be a big basket of crayons at the PHANTOM HARBOR table?

What do you think?

Because there will be Phantom Harbor coloring sheets available. If you have a kid, are a kid, or a kid at heart be sure to pick up a coloring sheet. Color it. Hand it back to us at the table or scan it and e-mail it later and it will appear in the PHANTOM HARBOR GALLERY SECTION!!! Wait! You say you're not GOING to MONSTERPALOOZA? No problem. E-mail the Captain at TheCaptain@phantomharbor.com and request one. There are also "DRAW YOUR OWN MONSTER" pages available as well. Draw your own monster and it will get posted in the gallery. Write a description or a short paragraph about your creature and the Captain may feature it in the MESSAGES section of THE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS!!!!

TIME TO GET CREATIVE!

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor.

Shannon Shea

Carving the new Lighthouse Base

Hey Kids!

So with the big MONSTERPALOOZA event looming on the horizon, I decided that the Spooky Lighthouse needed a new base. The old one, though functional and cool, is only wood and aluminum foil painted with a little sawdust and plants to dress it. It would never survive the convention and I want to make sure I have the model on display.

Using a piece of scrap gold foam, I've begun carving a special display base.

Friends I've NEVER carved gold foam before in my life and although it is messy as hell, it is extremely rewarding and effective. So, only after about 2 hours I managed to do this:

The flat spot in front is where I will add the PHANTOM HARBOR logo!
Crazy cool folks! Just one of the little surprises that you'll see at the table when you drop by at the convention!

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor.

Shannon Shea

Guess Who's Back On Board????

Hey Kids!

Another birthday request, and a special friend showed up to help the Captain relay his birthday wishes! After not being around for a few videos and getting a hold of the new "Goblin-Free" script for Episode 2 (illegally I may add), The Goblin begged to be back on the show. What could we do? He was, after all, our first monster so we brought him back for this special, quickly turned-around birthday greeting.

We're not going to tell him, but we ALWAYS intended to bring him back when the time was right and he can always find a child's bed to lurk under in the meantime. He'll still getcha if you don't watch out!

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor.

Shannon Shea

Guess What This Is?

Hey Kids!

So what is it? Trash? Recyclables? NOOOO! It is raw T-Shirts. Raw T-Shirts that will soon have the new design screen printed on it! Okay, so it has been a long, long time since I announced I was going to offer shirts, but now...look! Look upon the assets and giggle along with me.

Just trying to keep you up with developments as they happen! Off to the silk screeners and then I'll have a DATE....YES! A DATE that the Phantom Harbor shirts will be available!

Until then....I'll see you around the Harbor!

Shannon Shea

Nick Jonas Guest Stars on Phantom Harbor...sort of...

Hey Kids!

So the Captain received a new birthday greeting request for a young woman who is a big fan of the Jonas Brothers and especially, Nick Jonas.

During the shooting of the video, an unexpected visitor made a cameo and The Captain sprang into action! Take a look!

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor!

Shannon Shea

Cargo Hold Set Painted!

Hey Kids!

I know you are tired of seeing incomplete set construction; I am too. However, in the spirit of taking you step-by-step through "the process" I finished constructing the Cargo Hold set and painted it today so I felt that after completing something this profound, you all would like to take a little walk in it with me.

Now, it needs to be dressed with...well...cargo (you know, crates and barrels - hey, maybe I should just go to Crate & Barrel to dress the set? Nah, I doubt they have what I need). In any case, you know what this means???? It means it is nearly time to film the live action portion of Episode 2! Just need to get EELKA all squared away and then we go, go, GO!

Thanks again for your patience. It is a long process, but believe me it will be worth it!

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor!

Shannon Shea

Live Blog Radio Interview TONIGHT!

Hey Kids!

I've never done this before: I'll be on a LIVE BLOG radio show called The Worst Show on the Web where I'll be discussing....what else.....PHANTOM HARBOR!

So, if you're bored why not tune in at 8:00 p.m. P.S.T. on www.worstshowontheweb.com and hopefully, I won't embarrass myself too much. I've been told that I'll have the ability to I.M. audience members WHILE I'm talking on the phone....eeek! Who knows how that will turn out?

In any case, until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor.

Shannon Shea

Pilot Episode Breaks 1000 Views!

Hey Kids!

I know that number doesn't seem like a lot, especially when you consider that a dog having a nightmare can do 300 times the views (hell, I lost count of how many times I watched him run into the wall), but it is a symbolic victory for "the little horror show that could."

Thanks to you and your unending support and patience, I now know that we CAN! We will endure despite the time lag between episodes and all of the work that I do personally to produce one 10 minute video.

I always said that when the time was right, that great things would come raining down and now over the past few weeks I can safely say that a generous amount of accomplishments have come to pass:

1.) The Monsterpalooza Announcement was finished - Trust me, this was a biggie. All of that animation was drawn by yours truly and then assembled and then RE-assembled once there was a chain of venue! Then it got posted a bunch of places (including AOL TV and here, of course)

2.) The T-Shirt Design was FINALLY finished. Again, a lot of agonizing went into producing this relatively simple design. Over this past weekend, I mocked up one using transfer paper and I will say this: It totally rocks! I believe everyone will be satisfied.

3.) Two birthday videos were completed. No small task, let me tell you. New props, new footage, all fun and sent ON TIME! Wowwee!

So now, it is back to Episode 2 and Monsterpalooza preparation. There's much activity in Phantom Harbor and I thank you , thank you for your continued support.

Oh, and this didn't hurt either....scroll down to the second photo of Sam Raimi and read the paragraph above and below his head: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40702

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor!

Shannon Shea

FINAL Phantom Harbor T-Shirt Design!

Hey Kids!

I know, I know, I know, I know...the web site has been up since October (6 months, YAY!) and the first episode has just reached 1000 hits and I've been promising T-Shirts for a LONG time.

Without going into a labored history, let's just say that I couldn't make up my mind as to what image I thought would best illustrate what we're trying to do with the show and the site.

There were some early ideas that were artistically interesting but somehow didn't capture the fun I hope Phantom Harbor offers its fans. I had even enlisted the help of a talented graphic designer from Great Britain, Steve Noden, to give it a shot, and he did an awesome job, but something just wasn't right.

Finally, it hit me and I drew it up, colored it very specifically, and everyone that I've showed it to is THRILLED. So without further ado, here is the front:

And here is the back:



Don't know if you can see that clearly - here is a detail -

As soon as they come back from the silk screeners, I'll make a big announcement and we'll talk boring details (price, etc) but until then -

I'll see you at the Harbor.

Shannon Shea

What? ANOTHER birthday video?

Hey Kids!

Yes, the Captain received another request for a birthday video for Ms. Tamsyn Hunnewell.
And of course, EELKA was there to furnish another cake!

So remember, if you want a video message from the Captain sent to a loved on, write him at TheCaptain@phantomharbor.com and do it early so he has time to get a cake from the resident sea witch.

Until next time, see you at the Harbor!

Shannon Shea

MONSTERPALOOZA ANNOUNCEMENT

Hey Kids!

It's on YOUTUBE; it's on AOL TV, now I've posted it here for you to check out!

Monsterpalooza is a Monster Convention happening in May, 2009. The brainchild of Eliot Brodsky, the event boasts an impressive display of Hollywood Monsters, special guests, demonstrations, a dealer's room and yours truly.

Come on by if you are in Burbank, CA the last weekend of May. I'll have the official PHANTOM HARBOR T-Shirts for sale and with a little luck, a preview of the highly anticipated 2nd episode.

Until then, check out the video announcement below.

See you around the Harbor.

Shannon Shea

NEW BIRTHDAY VIDEO!

Hey Kids!

So Molly Jo Shea turned 20 on April 9th and the Ole Cap'n had to acknowledge this special event with a cake baked by EELKA, the Sea Witch. I suppose we won't see any of her handiwork on the Food Network any time soon!

Until next time, see you around the Harbor!

Shannon

Hold Set Progress Report

Hey Kids!

So as you can see above, the set is getting close to being done! Two more walls to finish, paint, and then we start to dress it for filming! Exciting stuff, time consuming, but ultimately very rewarding!

With a bit of luck, plate photography will happen next weekend. Next order of business is prosthetic manufacturing which hopefully will commence early this week.

Stay tuned for more progress reports!

Until next time, see you at the harbor.

Shannon Shea

RONDO AWARDS

Hey Kids!

Just wanted to thank everyone for voting for the ole Cap'n.
Unfortunately, neither PHANTOM HARBOR nor The Cap'n were recognized this year, but not to worry. It's nice to get the word out there and hopefully
NEXT year we will appear on the actual ballot.

Work continues on the new episode. Will have new photos to share soon!

Thank you all for your support and until next time, I'll see you around
the harbor.

Shannon Shea

RONDO AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT!

Ahoy There!

Please take a minute to visit www.rondoaward.com and write in Captain McAllister's name for favorite Horror Show Host of 2008! It isn't necessary that you vote in all categories (unless you want to, of course). If you feel so moved, why not write in www.phantomharbor.com in categories number 14 (best horror web site) and number 19 (best web audio horror program) while you're at it. Voting ends March 21st, so get going and spread the word!

In the meantime, work continues on Episode 2, and until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor!

Shannon

Another Lucky Viewer hears from THE CAPTAIN!

Hey Kids,

Dirk Rogers, lead singer of BAD ACID TRIP and a fervent fan of PHANTOM HARBOR, read the announcement on the blog and wrote the Captain, asking for a greeting. It took some time (what, with all of the bad weather Phantom Harbor has been experiencing these days) but soon, young Dirk received his message which I am sharing with you below!

Don't forget! Send those birthday and greeting requests to Captain McAllister at: TheCaptain@PhantomHarbor.com

Until Next time, I'll see you at the Harbor!

Shannon

Miniature Set Tour!

Hey Kids,

I know, I know, I know....it's been far too long since you've received an update and believe it or not, there has been a very good reason. I'm building, drawing, recording, and calling in favors to get this next episode done! I've included above a very brief tour of the miniature set of the hold where the action between EELKA and The Captain will take place. It isn't much to see right now, but once the slats are in place and it is painted, dressed and lit, it should be VERY effective.

Who is EELKA? She is the Sea Witch that has cursed our poor Captain for reasons that will become evident as the show progresses. Here is a charcoal sketch of the make-up design:



On a sour note, my trusty laptop took a dump and now I have to get the harddrive out of it, retrieve all of my precious data and continue with a new computer. TECHNOLOGY! UGH! Still, without it, you might NEVER see an episode of PHANTOM HARBOR.

Lastly, a talented Britain-based artist, Steve Noden, is finishing up a design for the Phantom Harbor T-Shirts. Hopefully, we'll get that sorted out before the end of the month.

Until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor!

Shannon

Progress Report - February 1, 2009

Hey Kids!

So by the look of the photo on the right, you can see that building has begun for the next episode of PHANTOM HARBOR - "If At First You Chase a Ghost." This is going to be the port hold of the Sofia Maria.

It is a foam-core, cardboard construct and the scale is bigger than an old fashioned G.I. Joe Doll. As you can see the depth of field is going to work out fine. The live action elements will be shot green screen and composited into this environment.

The goal is to expand the locations of this episode so that it does not have the same confined feel as the first episode. What this translates into is much more prep work that has to get done before the episode is filmed.

The animation audio has been taped and the performances are fantastic. The artwork for the animation should begin this week. If you are hankering for more behind-the-scenes photos, check out my FACEBOOK page. If you're not a friend, send a request and you can access all of the making of materials that I post. Until then, I have to get back to work!

See you around the harbor,

Shannon Shea

Production has BEGUN!

Hey Kids!

So we're back at it full force at Phantom Harbor producing the second episode that I'm sure all of you will LOVE more than the pilot.

As you can see by the image, we'll be moving out of the one Captain's Quarters and venturing to new locations and introducing all sorts of new characters.

Recording of the actors for the animated story begins next week which means that the art work will commence next week and there are even MORE surprises....Can you stand it?

I've contacted the good folks at CHROMATEK and will be producing a portion of the next animated show in Chromatek 3-D! You heard right: 3-D! As soon as I get the glasses, I'll be advertising so that you can order your glasses in the mail! Of course, the show can be viewed without the glasses but I can assure you that it won't be as much fun!

So until then, I'm going back to the Harbor and hope to see you all soon!

Shannon

Happy 2009!

Hey Kids -

So after a brief sabbatical, I've returned to the Harbor to continue this blog and production of Phantom Harbor.

The script for episode 2 is nearly complete, just a few minor adjustments and we're on our way. Creature designs are progressing nicely and with some luck, we'll get it all going presently.

Unfortunately, because of the lull toward the end of 2008 in Motion Picture production, January has turned out to be a busy month. The industry is still fearing a Screen Actors' Guild strike (which, unfortunately SHOULD happen) so everyone is pushing their projects quickly to avoid shut down. What that means to Phantom Harbor fans is that my attention is split between the demands of my day job, and those of Phantom Harbor.

I'm going to produce some personal messages to individuals who have expressed interest. I might cut together a promo for MONSTERPALOOZA (which I'll be attending with some props from the show). But the long range goal is still there - get episodes completed and posted.

Finally, my friend, Kevin McTurk, shot some awesome photos of The Captain that will be appearing on the site soon.

That's all for now. Let's all hope that this year brings not only more Phantom Harbor episodes, but happiness and success for all.

Until next time, see you at the Harbor.

Shannon