Halloween 2011 - The Captain is still absent...

Hey Kids,

Believe me when I tell you that no one is more mortified than me that we are not posting a Halloween Special this year. It is extremely disappointing. A script was written, props were made, but unfortunately, we could pull all of our resources together so get something in front of camera.

We dropped the ball. Okay, I dropped the ball.

Halloween is such a unique time of year and as I've told my family, this is the time of year when the creative well is filled. Although Autumn is traditionally the time of harvest, for me it is the time of planting. A time of renewal and inspiration. This year has been no exception.

Call it inspiration, afflatus, the eureka response, however you want to refer to it, know that it has permeated my creative soul and I'm ready to go back to work. Yes, much has suffered this month: my first person monster blog, my weekly column on film school rejects and my dear, dear Phantom Harbor. However on the other side of the scales: I've been writing a draft of Rick Baker's book that is due out next yeair, I sold two paintings in the October Shadows art show (the one pictured here is entitled "Shrumpkin Heads"), and I have made two new Pumpkin Peek-A-Boos! Hopefully, I'll get them licensed before the end of 2011 and they'll be on shelves in 2012.



So, now that things are quieting down, and I need to find a real (reel) job, perhaps now I'll be able to fulfill my obligations to Phantom Harbor and all of you.

Again, I appreciate your patience, interest and support. AND...I'll try to make a Halloween Special NEXT year that will be amazing. Anyone who thinks that they may want to play a monster, and lives in Los Angeles, NOW is the time to speak up!

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

Shannon Shea

Geckoniki Puppet Sculpture is Done!!!

Hey Kids,

You'll be pleased to know that the close up, insert Geckoniki hand puppet sculpt is complete!
Time to mold, cast, blah blah blah...and then FILM!!!! Take a look!

Also, check the VIMEO channel to see the Cap'n's return with a birthday greeting to a young man named Bill Bacarella!

Your patience will be rewarded, soon! With the Geckoniki finished, that is the most complicated, most labor intensive piece for the show yet!

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

Shannon Shea

Where the F*** are YOU?

Hey Kids -

I know that's what you are asking and yes, I've been very neglectful, but recently, I've had to step up, finish the cargo hold, and shoot it because, frankly, I need the room to build a new miniature (or two...).

So, I threw together some props (including a couple of discarded miniature palettes from Mike Deak, and an ancient Grecian head sculpt by Javier). The barrels were banks, and one was a construction made from apple sauce containers -

Basically, I threw the entire thing together in an afternoon and shot as many lighting set ups and angles and I could think of.

What will I do with it? I really don't know, but if we ever need to visit the cargo hold for any reason, it will just be a day of green screen element shooting.

In any case, as Phantom Harbor moves slowly to 10,000 views world wide, we know that more content is needed and will be coming soon.

Still working on the big Geckoniki puppet head, but hopefully will be finished that in the next couple of weeks.

In any case, the Captain may make an appearance soon, so check back on the site when you can, because he's a sneaky sort of a guy.

I've attached one of the shots of the cargo hold for you to enjoy, and until next time...

I'll see you at the harbor!

Shannon Shea

Geckoniki Hand Puppet Sculpt Progress

Hey Kids -

Just wanted to assure everyone that the one-man-band marches on. This is a quick post to show the latest progress on the Geckoniki Hand Puppet Sculpt. I posted a photo of the rough sculpt last year. As you can see it is coming along, but still has a long way to go. After all, I'm just showing you the right side, the left is still rough and the teeth are just temporary and there is no inner mouth...blah, blah, blah...

The good news is that I hope to finish the sculpt by the end of next month (God willing) and then we'll mold, cast, seam, paint - well, you know, finish and film the sucker!

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

Shannon Shea

Log Bridge Test

Hey Kids!

Just wanted to post the latest test shot. This is a matte painting of a log bridge that leads to the mysterious Geckoniki Temple.

The final elements aren't all there: The live action shot is just something I had lying around. It needs some clouds and birds and blurring and other tricks to heighten the effect. Oh, and it would be great if I finished the painting itself...

Anyway, check it out and until next time, I'll see you at the Harbor...no, I will, truly....seriously...soon, I promise...

Shannon Shea

A Little Something to Tide You Over

Hey Kids!

I'm sure that it would be easy for you all to think that I'm lounging around, taking it easy, enjoying my gifts from Santa. Yes, that would be easy, but nothing is further from the truth. Work continues building, testing, writing, etc.

And here's the proof: A little video test of the illustrious Geckonikis! Thanks to my talented daughter Molly for helping with the puppeteering! Again, this isn't a finished shot - it's just a test.

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

Shannon Shea