Christmas Image 2010

Hey Kids!

Just a short post to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday Season!

We had a great year and of course, we couldn't do it without you!

We promise that in 2011 we'll finish off our Captain Keller story arc as well as bring you new episodes, features, messages and appearances.

So from all of us here at Phantom Harbor, have a Merry Christmas (or whatever you chose to celebrate), and a Happy New Year!

And until next time, I'll see you at THE HARBOR!

Shannon Shea

Halloween Special Announcement and Apologies

Hey Kids!

So, we managed to post our Halloween Special this week and although we LOVE the show, the quality is a bit less than we usually accept.

Why is this?

This is based on a couple of reasons and I'll try to spell them out for you. The first is THE CAMERA.

Lately we've been shooting 720dpi "Hi-Rez" 25 fps video using the Kodak Zi6. Now, as some of you may already know, I DO love that camera. But, I bet the folks at Kodak would agree that it has limitations due to a fixed, small lens and storage compression.

I was looking at old footage that we had shot using our Mini DV camera and there was richer quality to the video. True, it isn't HD quality, but the lens is better and the format seemed sound. I made the decision to shoot the live action DV, and the visual effects HD.

Now this isn't uncommon even in the analog world. For years, Douglas Trumbull, VFX Artist of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, would shoot his VFX elements on 70mm vs. the traditional 35mm of most traditional motion pictures. When you "shrink" the 70mm image down to 35 you get a better product just by the nature of the reduction.

The second reason is my image conversion philosophy.

So here's where I messed up. Instead of shrinking the HD to DV, I tried to blow up the DV elements to fit the final HD upload and it had the same effect of blowing up Super 8mm or 16mm film to 35. The colors are washed out and the image is soft.

Even though I think the show still works, I can't let it sit. I'm going to go back...reduce the HD elements import them in the DV timeline and then RE-POST the show on Halloween so it can be seen in its FULL GLORY!

Thanks for being such patient fans of the show. We keep trying to introduce new stuff and make it fun!

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

Shannon Shea

News Update Number 1

Hey Kids!

So much time has gone by since I've posted any news, and the reason why is very simple: we've been VERY busy preparing big things for Phantom Harbor. There is SO much new news that I'm going to split this post into smaller posts to let you in on all of the exciting developments at the Harbor!

A few months ago, I joined SINISTER SPACE which is like FACEBOOK for Halloween fans. I set up a Phantom Harbor fan page and was contacted by the author of horror site named MR. FRIGHTS.

We communicated via e-mails and he ended up interviewing me about Phantom Harbor. The interview can be found here: http://www.mrfrights.com/phantomharbor.html

The interview portion is found via a link on that page.

I'd like to thank Mr. Frights again on this forum and say what a great job he did.

More news throughout the week!

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

Shannon Shea

HEY! More Chando, More Harborscopes!

Hey Kids!

Don't forget to go to Phantom Harbor or Vimeo and check out this month's Harbor-scope Forecast for September.

I'll bring you all up to date more tomorrow with ALL SORTS of exciting things that are happening around here.

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

Shannon

Phantom Harbor Blog EXCLUSIVE!

Hey Kids,

So I won't be posting this ANYWHERE else! We appreciate your patience while we continue working on the second half of our riveting "Captain Keller" story line and again, I apologize at the wait you have all endured. That said, I want to share with you why it is taking so long to finish the darned thing.

Here is a test for a matte painting I did last night (there are at least TWO more that I have to do). I don't have the necessary elements to complete the final shot, however I put this together to get an IDEA how it will all come together in the end.

Instead of the Captain entering the mysterious Geckoniki temple, I used an existing green screen shot of the Goblin; so technically he has entered the building first.

The final shot will have foreground elements (including bubbling lava pits!) and matched lighting on the Captain element. But you can see how effective this simple painting is going to be within the context of the story!

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

Shannon Shea

Chando's Harbor-Scopes are HERE!

Hey Kids!

So late last night (or early this morning) Phantom Harbor premiered its latest feature: Chando's Harbor-scopes!

Chando, the genie that the Captain released for Sam Park's Birthday video has RETURNED! He's not here to grant any more disastrous wishes. No, he's here to read YOU your monthly Astrological forecast!

Here's how to get to the forecast:

1) Sign on to www.phantomharbor.com
2) Click on "Captain's Quarters"
3) Click on "Messages" and you'll see a button for Chando's Harbor-scopes!
4) Enjoy and prepare yourself for what August has in store for YOU!

It's just that easy! And so...

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

Shannon Shea

Web Site Update

Hey Kids!

So, things are heating up again here at the Harbor. This week should bring you what we are calling "Harbor-scopes" brought to you by our genie-buddy, Chando!

Yes, he was irritating granting our Captain's wishes, but in divining your future, he is as accurate as any other astrologer out there!

Here's how it works: Every month, Chando will gaze at the stars and then record a video report for that month. August's forecast will be available later this week.

I know, I know, you're excited as heck! How can you find this precious information?

In the "Message" center of www.phantomharbor.com

But, Shannon, I've looked and I don't know where to find the "Message" section.

The Message center is in the Captain's Quarters for the time being. Soon, it will more obvious as we continue to overhaul the site.

You'll notice that also, in the Message section there are icons for "Announcements", "Birthday Greetings" and the new "McAllister Interview" section, where in the coming weeks, The Captain hopes to interview guests that should be interesting to our audience so stand by!

It's all happening at Phantom Harbor, so don't be shy. Visit the site, recommend it to your friends and we will continue to produce more fun and adventure for you all!

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

Shannon Shea

New Vids, New Sculpts!

Hey Kids!

So what a busy few weeks we've had here at the Harbor!

First of all, let's talk about the two great new videos that are now on the Vimeo Channel.

One is a new Phantom Harbor Promotional Video set to the tune of the theme from MANNIX! Something about the great sounds of Lalo Schiffrin really blended with the lunacy of Phantom Harbor. It's a great combination.

Second is parody of the trailer for a recent French film entitled "Mademoiselle Chambon." Tracy Shea, our live action director and my wife, and yours truly saw the trailer this weekend whilst trying to find SOMETHING to watch in the movie theaters.

The trailer was so pretentious that we HAD to lampoon it and did we ever. The resident Goblin was all too happy to assist us with our efforts.

So again, make sure you check out the vimeo channel here: www.vimeo.com/channels/phantomharbor

Today, work began on the Geckoniki hand puppet. Working strictly from scratch, I had to build the armature from the ground up (proudly with pieces I had just lying around here). I managed to get SOME clay on it after a couple of hours. It's rough, but you can see the direction it's heading (no pun intended).

Take a look at the videos, photos, etc. and do NOT forget that starting next week, you'll be able to get your "Harbor-scope" from the great Chando! More on that soon!

Until next time, see you at the Harbor.

Shannon

More Birthday Fun!

Hey Kids!

Along with the Summer heat, July brought with it, another birthday video request. As discussed in an earlier blog entry (see Slow Motion Sail), this video was made for Donna Moore, who is running for Town Council in Port Norris, New Jersey.

Donna's husband, animator Steve Moore, wrote the Captain (at TheCaptain@phantomharbor.com) and gave him the particulars of Donna's upcoming election - hoping this could be worked into the greeting.

Never one to disappoint, our ol' Cap'n came through again, not just having the resident Goblin raise a sail with Donna's election logo on it, but also making an "in" joke about her opponent.

Seems that the opponent in question openly referred to his fellow Town Council members as "idiots" on his Facebook page. Doesn't he know that nearly anyone can read those posts?

All in all, everything worked out for Donna's birthday and it has turned out to be one of the most watched birthday videos on our vimeo channel here: www.vimeo.com/channels/phantomharbor
Though you're watching it here instead ;-)

Keep those birthday requests coming! The ol' Cap'n loves a good birthday message!

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

Shannon Shea

Phantom Harbor and the SDCC

Hey Kids!

So, needless to say, I've been invited to join many of my friends to attend the San Diego Comic Con. The last time I attended the convention was 2004 (?) when Sandy Collora premiered his BATMAN: DEAD END movie. I had gone in previous years and, yes, had a fairly good time but like Mardi Gras in New Orleans - it has just gotten too big and dangerously out of control for my taste.

When G4 does "live broadcasts" from the convention floor, I know that it is time to stay home. Of course, if there was going to be a PHANTOM HARBOR booth and I was safely in my little cubicle, that might be different, but to be among the costumed rabble being pushed past an Ironman display - well, let's just say I'm sure I would feel my age then.

The San Diego Comic Con is a necessary gathering. It is the closest thing that genre entertainment has to American Idol. It is a direct connection between would-be creators and their public. Would it do me and Phantom Harbor any good to go down there and peddle the show? Of course it would. I, personally, am not equipped to do it. I can barely do Monsterpalooza, which I guarantee is 1/1000th of the turn out and only three days.

It is bittersweet for me. I feel like Chuck Yaeger standing on the tarmac watching my fellow pilots fly off to become astronauts all the time thinking "spam in a can."

But - no regrets! I have things to do: characters to sculpt/complete, storyboards, miniatures to design and build...all in my new art room! Yay!

So for all of you at the Comic Con, I wish you the best! Hope you sell past your quotas, meet your idols, sell your screenplay/comic/novel/art and when it is over I hope you find your way safely home with a little money still left in your wallets/purses.

May the Force Be with You/Live Long and Prosper/Avengers Assemble!/Up, Up and Away!

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

Shannon Shea

Original Sail Test

Hey Kids -

I forgot to post this yesterday. This is the original video test where you can see how nice the sail moves with a good breeze and shot in slow motion!

So now you can feel my disappointment. Not that I don't like how the message turned out - quite the contrary - It just kills me that it could have been BETTER!

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

Shannon Shea

New Birthday Video

Hey Kids!

By the time most of you will read this it will be July 15th and Donna Moore, the latest recipient of a Phantom Harbor Birthday Greeting will have watched and re-watched her video enough times to be sick of it. First of all, Happy Birthday Donna! We certainly had a great time making your video.

Because we try to keep certain elements of our videos secret (oh yes - it is SO important what is going on at Phantom Harbor ;-) ) I try not to reveal what we're building so that you won't be caught up in the process but will instead (we hope) just be entertained.

The "big ticket item" this time was a miniature mast and sail. This was something I've been wanting to build for a long time but just never had the opportunity or need. So, with an investment of about $6 I built what you see to the left (as Beyonce would say).

True, my pack rat nature had provided me with plenty of the building blocks: (pvc pipe, muslin fabric, twine, spray paint, etc.) Tracy sewed the sail (which was outside of her comfort zone) and I can't thank her enough. I built the mast with wooden dowels I assembled with hot glue.

On the day it was completed, I shot a really cool test of the wind billowing the sail in slow motion and it really had weight and drama, so you can imagine how excited I was the next day to shoot it for real.

There was a slight breeze coming in from the South/West and in order to shoot the mast free from my suburban location, it was important to elevate it as high as possible and shoot up at it. This was accomplished by setting the piece up on a ladder but because the wind was blowing and the base was 2 feet x 3 feet, I needed something ballast. A weight to counteract the wind.

I grabbed a gallon of paint.

Yes.

It did exactly what you think it would do. The wind filled the sail and pulled the entire base, with the paint onto the ground. Like a true artist, I grabbed the mast before it hit the ground and got ruined but not before the paint can hit the ground and exploded like a cannon...barely missing my neighbors WHITE JAGUAR CAR!

After a multitude of apologies and my high-powered hose, the driveway where I was shooting was cleaned and the sail was again on the ladder, this time weighted with a 25 pound bag of wet clay, with Tracy and my neighbor watching to make sure it didn't crash down again.

Magic hour (sunset) was approaching and I was trying to get a good shot of the sail when it happened - nothing. No wind. No breeze. Barely a God-fart disturbed the air and I had to shoot. I set up the shot, rolled camera to no avail.

In the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter. The video message stands on its own and in some ways is better because you can read Donna Moore's campaign sign (which was printed and affixed to the sail) clearly. In the future, I will re-film the sail to be used in other episodes (for dramatic effect!)

Alls well that ends well, and I certainly hope that Donna Moore had a great birthday and has great success this November during the Port Norris, New Jersey election!

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

Shannon Shea

Meeting with John Criswell

Hey Kids -

On Friday, I was visited by John Criswell who revealed his animatronics for our special surprise next episode. What can I say besides, GENIUS!?

With any luck, this character will be finished next week and filming can commence/wrap so we can complete our story for you!

You have no idea how difficult it is NOT sharing the particulars with you. But, I'm thinking that once the show debuts, I'll post some new behind the scenes pictures on my Facebook page.

Before I sign off, I'll bother you again to go to www.vimeo.com/channels/phantomharbor and subscribe. If you love the show, encourage your friends to subscribe! Thanks and...

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

Shannon

UPDATE!

Hey Kids!

So this week saw the completion of the mold begun on Monday. It has been "cored" which means a carefully designed form to displace the liquid foam rubber and create a skin, has been completed.
That core has been molded and turned over to master mechanic:

John Criswell! of Henson's Associates.

John is an extremely talented animatronic designer and puppeteer. His specialty is to do the impossible, so when I contacted him and presented him with the challenge he got excited!

The foam skins will be run this week and I'll work on the cosmetic finishing while John works on the mechanics. With any luck this new character will be finished in a few weeks!

But oh, my few but dear fans, that isn't the end...There are still miniature sets, and two more sculpts of very necessary characters before pick up shooting can commence on this episode but the momentum is there!

Our live action director (and my talented wife) Tracy, said that we had missed our June goal, but we hope to get it done for July!

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

Shannon Shea

Hey, what's in the mold, goose?

Hey Kids!

So here's a photo that is just mysterious enough for you to wonder just what is coming your way in the new episode.

It's tough for me to predict EXACTLY when the next episode will be completed because it is so ambitious!

Plus, we have a new camera to play with!!!

Anyway, for those of you too young or not weird enough to get the "T-Bones" reference - Here is a mold of something special for RESCUE FROM GECKONIKI ISLAND!

It's JUNE, where's PART 2?!

Hey Kids,

That's a fair question. Here's the answer: I'm still building. That's the bad news. The good news is this: 90% of the episode is already cut! But I can't short you all on an adventure on Geckoniki Island. Sure, I could write some B.S. bit of comedy that could get our Captain on and off the island with nary a brush with the headhunters there, but what fun would that be?

No, no, no! I'm working to ensure that you will have a great time and feel rewarded for your patience. So, worry not! We haven't just STOPPED! Oh no....I will say this in all confidence:

Expect big things.

And know this: I can't wait either! It's going to be a BLAST!

Until then, see you at the HARBOR!

Shannon Shea

More Inspired Silliness

Hey Kids,

So, this morning we thanked everyone with this video:

First "Thank You Video"

Hey Kids -

So Friday we offered a challenge. We wanted to hit 34 members by dawn on Saturday and as an incentive, The Captain offered to sing a song. No, REALLY!

Well, as luck would have it, we hit the magic number of 36 and we posted this in thanks:

Subscriber Web-A-Thon

Hey Kids!

So this weekend, the weekend AFTER Memorial Day, we decided to have an impromptu Subscription Drive for our Vimeo Channel. Friday Night, Saturday, and Sunday we bombarded various social forums begging everyone to join our Facebook Group and Subscribe to the vimeo channel, which incidentally is found here:

www.vimeo.com/channels/phantomharbor

Go there, join vimeo (it's free) and then subscribe to Phantom Harbor! What's in it for you? Besides my undying gratitude? Well, you get a place to upload YOUR original video content, you can establish your own channel and you know you have at least ONE built in subscriber - Me.

So, I'm going to post some of the better parts of the Web-A-Thon, before it gets yanked from Facebook this evening. We had such a blast doing it, I'm sure we'll do it again next year.

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

Shannon Shea

Yet ANOTHER Birthday Message!

Hey Kids,

So, my cousin, Aimee Kraschinsky, wrote the Captain and asked for a birthday message. As is his custom, he sprang into action and produced this:

Birthday Message for Aimee from Shannon Shea on Vimeo.

Do I have to remind you all how to get your own? I DO?! Okay, all you need do is to write him at TheCaptain@phantomharbor.com - give him a month's notice or so - and he'll send you a greeting...No charge...Just because he cares... ;-)

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

Shannon Shea

It's Coming Soon: Monsterpalooza 2010 Report

Hey Kids,

I've seen it! I've seen what The Captain has put together to give those of you who missed MONSTERPALOOZA 2010: a taste of what you can see if you attend one of these gatherings.

Mind you, it is a taste. There is so much to see and do at Monsterpalooza and if you are a fan of monster makers, you won't find a larger collection of artists in attendance than this event.

Eliot Brodsky is the organizer and he works tirelessly to insure that attendees have TONS of eye candy to see, cool stuff to buy, and lots of guests to meet during their visit. And, I can say that The Captain had a lot of fun meeting his fans live in person:

So with a little luck and a strong tail-wind, The Captain should have his report posted in the Messages section of The Captain's Quarters at phantomharbor.com very soon!

Until Next Time, I'll see YOU at the Harbor.

Shannon Shea

BLOG PIRATES!

Hey Kids!

Sorry for the delay, and be prepared because there will be a MONSTERPALOOZA 2010 report soon, but first let us talk about BLOG PIRATES!

After I post this, I'm sure I'll regret it, but I have to express my complete dissatisfaction with the opportunity that was offered me from godaddy.com to switch this blog from Google's blogger to wordpress.org.

Now, I'm sure that wordpress.org is a great place to create and keep a blog. I've also been told it is the more "professional" place to host a blog, but if that is the case, you won't see me posting professional blogs any time soon.

I went into my godaddy account, loaded the software and tried to create this fantastic blog I was promised. What I got was a bland looking foundation that it was my understanding that I would be able to customize to my tastes.

Upon trying the Username and Password provided to me via e-mail I was unable to access the account. Upon entering the username and password I had chosen while setting up the account, that too, got me nothing.

I wrote Wordpress and received very complicated instructions (most of which did not work btw) to try to force a password change to gain access. Not so good.

What this means is that I am not going to attempt to set up my wordpress account and I'm staying HERE at BLOGGER! You know, I'm not a rabid blogger and I'm not followed by that many folks. The fantastic, rare individuals that actually READ this blog are getting the information as I'm writing it so why change now?

This blog is linked in my web site so if someone REALLY wants to read what's up at Phantom Harbor behind the scenes, this is the place. AND if The Captain decides he wants to write a blog account of his old adventures, he, too will begin a BLOGGER account and we'll figure out a way for you generous folks to read it.

So we have repelled the blog pirates for now! Blogger we are here to stay!

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

Shannon Shea

Work is Underway for the Next Episode!

Hey Kids!

WOW! So I've tipped my hand about the fate of Geckoniki Island, but honestly what did you think? That's like saying that you're going to make a Western without any horses! Tropical Island locales DEMAND volcanoes! It's just that simple.

So for those of you who love "Making Of" type stuff, let me explain: I shot a sort of a cloud tank shot for the plume of smoke. Now I've NEVER attempted something like this before in my life, so it was pretty exciting. I made a base for clear Tygon tubing that could be weighted at the bottom of an aquarium and hooked two syringes to the tubing with connectors.

I used white paint that Alex Diaz and Carey Jones, of KNB, pumped for me while I filmed on my trusty Zi-6! All of this against a lit green screen. Next time, I would use milk instead of paint which was heavy. My guess is that milk, which contains fat, would float rather than sink making a more impressive cloud.

What we got was really cool. Not perfect by any means, but really cool. The video here is a test. Once I have more elements to combine, it should be cooler.

So, back to work. More puppets to make, miniatures to construct and art to generate.

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

Shannon Shea

Conversation With Phantom Harbor Composer, Andy Schoneberg

Hey Kids!

So as some of you may have noticed, Phantom Harbor received a new musical theme. This was thanks to Andy Schoneberg, who is not just a very talented sculptor and make up artist, but turns out to be a talented composer as well.

Andy has worked in Special Effects Make Up for over 20 years and has contributed his incredible talents to films like EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, TERMINATOR 2, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS just to name a few.

I spoke with him recently to ask about his involvement with Phantom Harbor*

Shannon Shea: How did your first get involved with Phantom Harbor?

Andy Schoneberg: I've been wanting to be involved with Phantom Harbor for a long time; it's a cool project. So when I overheard Garrett (Immell) and Kevin (Wasner) talking about your difficulties with YouTube*, I thought to myself, I wonder if I could come up with something.

SS: How did you put it together:

AS: I do a lot of work with GARAGE BAND (music composing program) and I listened to the opening music from your pilot episode to get a feel for what you were looking for.

SS: Did you have any idea that it was the theme from the film THE HAUNTED PALACE?

AS: No, I just listened to it for the different musical cues it contained and then started figuring it out. I began with the violin staccato beat and then composed the violin melody that is picked up by the bass. Once that foundation was done, I added the other instruments then finally the timpani which is kind of like the spice of the piece.

SS: So is the theme composed of "loops" or was it written using individual notes?

AS: I have a little keyboard (USB) that hooks directly into the computer and "jam packs" which are "instruments" that I compose with. I play the guitar, but when I work with GARAGE BAND, I'm more interested in Orchestral Compositions and this was a great opportunity.

SS: You know I love it. Did you have any idea that I would time the gong crash with the blowing out of the match?

AS: No, but it matched perfectly!

Music is such an integral part of any show and to have Andy on board now is an honor and a RELIEF! He hopes to widen his influence by composing more incidental music for the show as well as a theme for our resident Goblin! So what's he sitting around talking to me for?! He's got music to compose!

Until next time, see you at the Harbor!

Shannon Shea

*BTW - YouTube doesn't take kindly to any filmmaker (profit or nonprofit) using unlicensed music to accompany their films. I made the mistake of attempting to promote the pilot episode on YouTube and nearly had my channel shut down so BEWARE!

Part 2 gets a Title!

Hey Kids!

"Rescue from Geckoniki Island" is the working title of the next episode of Phantom Harbor! The action will pick up right where "A Cry From Captain Keller" left off as Captain McAllister lands on the shore of Geckoniki Island.

As for the Geckoniki's and Captain Keller, I'll post some photos as things are made. I don't want to tip the hat too far.

Most of the live action shooting was completed in December 2009 but there are still some key scenes that need to be shot (and written for that matter) but we hope to be up by June.

Those of you who are avid fans will "feel the wait" but I'm desperately trying to increase our viewing base so that by June, we have a nice community all joining the Captain on his journey to this tropical hell!

As usual, I encourage letters to the Captain. Stories, drawings, poems, etc. Send them along with questions to: TheCaptain@phantomharbor.com

Until next time, see you around the Harbor.

Shannon Shea

A CRY FROM CAPTAIN KELLER

Hello Kids!

So, as many of you already have seen, A CRY FROM CAPTAIN KELLER was posted on the Phantom Harbor Site, YouTube, and Vimeo simultaneously this Saturday, March 27th.

This episode finally takes the beloved Captain off of the Sofia Maria and transports him to locations exotic. The next episode will more full exploit the island and I'm sure that you won't be disappointed.

Yes, I know there are sound issues but thanks to Tracy Shea, my wife and live action director, we hope to sort those out before the next episode airs in June.

Now, for me, this was the biggest news: The reading of our first "fan written" poem on the show. Lucia Fasano, on her own accord, wrote the short poem at the Fasano Family table at Monsterpalooza last year. Upon receiving it, Tracy and I knew we HAD to do SOMETHING with it other than post her drawing in the gallery.

So, after getting her permission, I set out animating short segments to reflect her tentacled beastie to include it on the show and her father, John, wrote and told me that she LOVED it.
Mission accomplished!

This should be the START of this kind of audience participation. We ENCOURAGE you to send in your photos, drawings, writings, letters, questions, whatever....We want YOU to be as excited as we are to put the show on.

Send your submissions to : TheCaptain@phantomharbor.com - yes, he answers e-mails. Or, if you have a technical question about the show or want to buy a T-Shirt via snail mail, write: info@phantomharbor.com and I'll be sure to get to you ASAP.

Don't despair! Most of the live action for the next show is already shot! Gotta hit the studio to create some new puppets and miniatures and then shoot, shoot, shoot! We're hoping to post in early to Mid-June! You have time! Send your submission in TODAY!

Until next time, see you at the Harbor!

Shannon Shea

Goblin HD Shoot!

Ahoy Boys and Girls!

So big news...well, big for us here. Today was the first time we've shot the Goblin puppet on High Definition. We are now shooting on the Kodak Zi-6 (hopefully, the Zi-8 soon!) and getting much cleaner composites because of the higher pixel count!

Let this be a lesson to all of you garage filmmakers. Hi-def is now just $150.00 away! And by the way, check out this incredibly practical home set up! Ridiculous! But anyway, this gets all of us closer to the new episode, so stay tuned!

Until next time, see you at the harbor!

Shannon

Viewer Poem to be Featured in Next Episode!

Ahoy Boys and Girls!

Just wanted to let you know that on the next episode of Phantom Harbor, the Captain will read a short poem submitted by a viewer! Lucia Fasano wrote a short rhyme to accompany the drawing she did on her "Draw Your Own Monster" sheet! She turned it in at MONSTERPALOOZA last year and impressed everyone at the table with her creativity!

Who's next? Why not YOU?!

Sharpen your pencils, exercise your gray matter and write the Captain to request another "Draw Your Own Monster" sheet or forgo the formalities and just send a drawing and poem in and who knows? Maybe the Captain will read YOUR creation on the show!!! Write him now at: TheCaptain@phantomharbor.com

Until next time, see you at the Harbor!
Shannon Shea



LEGAL CRAP: Submission to Phantom Harbor implies permission for any creations to be posted on the show. No payment will be made for the use of any materials. All rights to the materials remain the property of the creators and Phantom Harbor does not claim or keep any exclusivity to the use of the submissions. Should Phantom Harbor want to purchase a design, musical composition, or written piece, the artist will be contacted so that exclusivity and ownership can be determined and agreed upon by both parties. Let's keep it simple, folks!

New Title Music (WDYT?)

Ahoy!

Thanks to our friends at youtube, I have changed the music for the opening titles to an original assembly. Like many of you, I loved the HAUNTED PALACE theme (having animated to it) but seeing that this music is for a very popular* movie and my use of it for a free web series undermines tons of royalties it should be generating, I am complying and discontinuing the use of it.

I'm no musician, sadly, and I don't wish to lean on any of my super-talented musician friends to step up and compose something for me for free - ugh, no way. So, I submit this to you all and await your feedback. If it sucks, so be it - I'll figure something else out before the next episode airs later this month.

Until next time, see you at the Harbor.
Shannon


* I'm being a bit sarcastic. Although I LOVE "The Haunted Palace", I'd dare say that nearly no one under the age of 30 has ever heard of it unless they love Uncle Vinny.

Happy New Year!

Ahoy there, friends!

I know, I know, I know, I know...no new Christmas Message this year and of that I'm as disappointed as you. Unfortunately my paying job on PREDATORS required my complete attention up until Christmas Eve.

The good news is that during my one day off a week, a group of friends and I have been shooting footage for not one but TWO episodes concurrently! Gino Crognale, long time friend and Special Make Up Effects artist has been driving production in Austin, Texas. Dave Wogh, miniature maker and animatronics expert has been providing special props and his keen eye and experience to the specialized shooting.

So what can I tell you about what is coming up? Well, since the set is in California and we're in Texas, prepare for the Captain to be out and about in the world more. Prepare for new creatures and animation. Phantom Harbor is getting kicked up a notch for the new decade.

Happy New Year, and until next time, I'll see you around the harbor!
Shannon Shea