Shivers

Venture Bros Auctions to End TODAY!!

2010-12-13T17:42:00.004-05:00

Get some awesome Venture Bros merchandise while you still can!

Link here... good luck!

x Shivers

VENTURE BROS AUCTIONS UP AND RUNNING!!!

2010-12-07T14:40:00.008-05:00

We're up and running again, folks!

And any fans of the Venture Bros can bid on storyboard pages and cool VB Crew clothing!

Starting right here... right NOW!!

SUPER-AWESOME, VENTURE BROS ITEMS LIKE THESE...

AND EVEN PUNK ROCK BOOTS LIKE THESE...

So don't miss out!

Get yourself or your buddy (boy or girl) a super awesome Christmas present!!

HAPPY BIDDING!

That is all!

Shivers

VENTURE BROS SEASON 4.2 FINALE!

2010-11-23T09:07:00.011-05:00

I've no real idea how this episode of Venture Bros turned out as we've no cable TV but I do know how tough this show was to produce.

Mid-way thru the original final episode, Mr Publick told us that he'd actually got the green light for a one hour finale... WHOO HOO!!! We were beyond thrilled. I've always felt that this show needed more minutes and and hour seemed like a perfect starting point (actually, what I'd really love is something more along the lines of 90 mins!).

Anyway, production on the original season closer had to stop to allow for Doc and Jackson to write the new ending. Five weeks later, we're back cranking out the revisions like there's no tomorrow. We had three weeks to complete everything, which I always knew was going to be an impossible task (normally on a half hour show we have two weeks for revision). This was an hour long episode and we only had three weeks, did I mention it was also the season finale?!

And it was impossible, for the storyboard revision team anyway. Due to going well over the original three weeks schedule and what with the subsequent budget restrictions, we weren't even allowed to finish the episode. So poor Jackson Publick had the momentous task of completing any unfinished notes (and I can tell you there were many) on the last few scenes from the prom and whatever else popped up.

And fair play to him... from the few clips I've been watching online, he did a mighty fine job. He's definitely the most hard working, dedicated creator/directors I've ever worked with.

So I'd just thought I'd post the following sequence. This was before heading back for the three weeks revision. JP asked if I could help out by cleaning up his thumbnail drawings. And the following is just one tiny sequence I did for him. I haven't seen this sequence online anywhere but I presume it's still in the final episode. I may post some of the others in the days to come.

Huge thanks goes out to my revision team. Tom Connor, who was also heavily involved in storyboarding an episode or two of this season and Abigail Nesbitt. And from the design team, Danny Hynes who gave s a massive dig out. And from the awesome Robotomy crew, assistant director, Todd Myers.

That is all!

x Shivers

MORE AUCTIONS!!!

2010-11-20T06:23:00.007-05:00

Not by me this time but by my cousin, Veronica who is an amazing artist and her main focus is sketch cards (you'll find her auction here).

As is her boyfriend, Trev (his auction is here).

And their mighty friend, Sean (you'll find his auction here!).

They also do commissions, so if you Venture Bros fans would like some sketch cards of your cartoon heroes or of their creators, of you non Venture Bros fans who would like sketches of your other heroes, you should definitely email them!

And as soon as eBay will let me upload more awesome Venture Bros items...

I'll let you all know asap!

That is all!

x Shivers

We said goodbye to Lola...

2010-11-17T09:19:00.003-05:00

For all of you out there who loved Lola as much as we we did and donated to her cause, with or without knowing her, we said goodbye to her yesterday.

I won't lie, there were many tears and still some.

Lola never really recovered from the exploratory operation and, at the end of the day, she was never really going to. But it did seem to speed up the process and if we knew then what we know now, we would never have put her thru it.

But we really want to give a heart felt thanks to all of you who supported her over the last month... you've been beyond generous. It's just a shame the outcome wasn't a positive one.

But I really want to celebrate her today, so... I'm re-posting this video we did of her back in 2009 as a little tribute to one of the most beautiful cats I've ever known.

Goodbye little Lola. We loved you dearly! xxx

It's a sad day in our house...

2010-11-15T13:13:00.006-05:00

She has FIP (not to be confused with FIV).

"FIP is a viral disease of cats that can affect many systems of the body. It is a progressive disease and almost always fatal. It is found worldwide and affects not only domestic cats, but many wild ones as well.

There is no cure for FIP. A survivor of FIP is very rare".

Thank you all for your unbelievable support. You are all truly wonderful human beings. We will give Lola kisses for you all.

If you'd like to read more about it... see here.

After losing two other cats earlier this year and one last year, it's really is a sad day in our house...

Stephen's Graphic Novel.

2010-11-11T18:35:00.005-05:00

Hi all,

So just thought I'd post a link to my website where you can now buy some framed pages from Stephen's graphic novel. All prices include shipping within the USA.

Just click "LOLA'S STORE". And all proceeds go will towards Lola's bill.

And there's an update to our eBay auctions... because we're newbies to eBay, they've limited the amount we can post. So what we have up there is all we can put up for this month.

We do have some more choice Venture Bros merchandise and artwork so please keep checking back and I'll let you know when we can upload some more items.

Thanks so much, everyone.

x Shivers

It's for Lola!

2010-11-11T08:02:00.006-05:00

We understand that some people have asked about making a donation towards Lola's medical bills. This is extremely kind of you, so we've set up this page for any of you who would like to contribute.

Lola sends you kisses!

The update on Lola that she is now out of the hospital, after being in the Intensive Care Unit at NYC Veterinary Hospital from Friday, November 5th til Monday, November 8th. Although it had been suggested that she might have cancer, results of the biopsies from her operation have returned as negative. We are, of course, grateful for these results. However, it's clear Lola is still suffering from a mystery malady, and her doctors have narrowed it down to one of three things, the first of which is potentially extremely serious. We are still waiting for her final results.

Until then, Lola's showing great signs of recovering from her operation. She's giving us the stink eye up and down for keeping her in her kitty cone.

It's been a trying and intense month, so once again, we are extremely grateful for your support and concern!

Siobhan and Stephen DeStefano

UNBELIEVABLE VENTURE BROS ART FOR SALE!

2010-11-09T12:32:00.005-05:00

From "storyboard guru", Stephen DeStefano's private collection comes one hell of a sequence!

This is a rare, one of a kind, storyboard sequence from season 3, The "ORB" where Brock visits Hunter Gathers, who is working as an exotic dancer after his sex change.

Stephen bumped up this sequence with 34 original Post-it drawings.

It's sexy hot, don't ya think?! Man, I just love Hunter :D

Anyway, its up now on eBay, please take a look and place a bid if you can. All funds will go towards our Lola's vet bills which are getting higher and higher by the day.

So, many many thanks if you can bid. x

That is all!

x Shivers

MORE VENTURE STORYBOARDS FOR SALE!

2010-11-09T11:46:00.007-05:00

To continue our benefit for Lola, our kitty cat, we're offering up more Venture Bros storyboard pages from our collection (see preview above).

In this season 3 sequence, Dean Venture is being seduced by the Quymn twins while Dr Quymn seduces Dr Venture.

A total of 9, 11 x 8.5in xeroxed storyboard pages and 29 ORIGINAL, beautifully drawn Post-it notes by "storyboard guru", Stephen DeStefano!!

Link to auction can be found here!

Please bid and know that your money is going to help our Lola recover.

That is all!

x Shivers

Venture Bros art for sale for Lola

2010-11-08T20:41:00.006-05:00

Our poor little Lola is in the hospital at the moment with what looks like pancreatic cancer :(

The fees for which are becoming enormous and we're not sure what to do other than sell what art work we own. Maybe it will generate some extra income that we badly need right now so if you are interested in some Venture Bros merch, please take a look. We'll be posting more in the days to come.

This one in particular is a Venture Bros Crew Poster that Jackson Publick/Christopher McCulloch kindly gave me upon completion of season 2. I hate to part with it but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

That is all.

x Shivers

LUCKY IN LOVE

2010-08-30T13:25:00.007-04:00

Well, here it is folks... the hubby's new book, LUCKY IN LOVE.

And for anyone who would like to meet Stephen and George Chiffet, they'll both be at Stephen's retrospective 'Black/White' on Thursday, September 16 at 7pm, mdh Fine Arts Gallery.

Details on the flyer below.

Hope to see you there!

x Shivers

Meet our latest addition...

2010-08-21T07:36:00.008-04:00

Ole

We found him thru Petfinder & Zani's Furry Friends in NYC.

He originally came from a house with over 25 cats which were discovered when the owner had to be admitted to hospital with dementia. From what I gather, the apartment was in pretty bad shape so its great to be able to rescue a kitty from a situation like that.

And there's so many kitties, puppies, pigs, rabbits, birds, reptiles and even barnyard animals out there to be adopted that there is absolutely no reason to buy from pet stores and especially not super pet stores. And you can find pure breeds like Ole who are literally just crying out to be adopted. Here's another we were thinking of adopting before we found Ole.

So please check out these links if you're interested in adopting or even fostering a pet...

Liberty Humane Society

I think we really lucked out with our little fella, he's just the sweetest cat from day 1.

That is all.

x Shivers

New website...

2010-06-30T21:54:00.003-04:00

Now up and running :)

Will be adding much more to the photography section in the days to come.

Hope you like it.

That is all!

x Shivers

Doggie Daycare

2010-06-20T08:28:00.005-04:00

I'm in between animation jobs at the moment so I decided to do something completely different... doggie daycare. I adore these little fellas and lassies, they're just too cute at times.

That is all.

x Shivers

VENTURE BROS Animation Auction, UP NOW!!

2010-06-13T07:41:00.004-04:00

Get your bids in, folks!

There's some really interesting Venture Bros related stuff!

That is all.

x Shivers

Original Venture Bros artwork for sale...

2010-06-11T11:39:00.005-04:00

At bargain prices for a great cause!

Check out Tom Bayne's page for the last remaining, absolutely awesome, completely original, actually seen in the show, animation key poses and inbteweens from Venture Bros TV series.

That is all.

x Shivers

Last Day on Venture Bros...

2010-05-06T10:09:00.007-04:00

And I steal a rather voluptuous Jackson Publick doodle from the

back of a storyboard revision note, drawn while waiting for me to return to my desk.

So I told him I was going to blog it and "BOOM!" here it is.

I'm sure he didn't think I would but I have no shame and that he definitely knows.

Now off to Ireland with me & Mr DeStefano :D

That is all.

x Shivers

BUDDY!! :D

2010-02-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

That is all.

x Shivers

Venture Bros Season Finale

2010-02-08T20:07:00.013-05:00

Well, its that time of year again, folks. The end of another season of Venture Bros and possibly the end of an entire show. I do hope not but that's up to the big guys, isn't it?

Anyway, I'm usually busy in the revision department but for some reason, known only God... and Jackson Publick... oh and our producer Rachel Simon and possibly the cleaning lady, I've been asked to help finish the storyboard for the season finale. Luckily I won't be storyboarding from scratch but rather storyboarding from Mr. Publick's thumbnail drawings. This is a huge bonus, let me tell you. And even so, I'll have to brush up on my storyboarding skills because as much as I adore these characters, they can be a bitch to draw sometimes.

So onto the reason for this blog. Well, it's to thank GOD, for our season 3 storyboard guru, Mr Stephen DeStefano. He left us with some beautiful characterizations to work from and not only did I use them religiously throughout season 4.2 but I shall also be relying heavily on them for the coming weeks.

As nothing like this previously existed, I pieced these together from the storyboards of season 3 and 4.1 episodes that Stephen worked on to help us in the revision department for 4.2. This is also my first draft of the character sheets and each have grown considerably since.

Now I know that every artist who has worked on this show brings life to these characters in their own special way and that is very much appreciated by all of us, believe me.

And I also know that these specific pages that I'm posting here are not the be all and end all of Venture Bros characterization but there is just something about them that I really adore.

And I also know that I'm married to the man but God dammit stop judging me and just take a look at 'em!

Jeeze!

(I especially love the Billy and Treister expression sheets).

That is all!

x Shivers

If you have 3 minutes...

2010-01-02T10:30:00.004-05:00

This is a trailer for the 25th Anniversary Edition DVD of THE ANIMALS FILM.
Shockingly relevant to today, the controversial classic film about the exploitation of animals in modern society, narrated by Academy Award Winner Julie Christie.

And a podcast from the BBC...

"It was 28 years ago that the documentary maker Victor Schonfeld produced The Animals Film about the way humans exploit other species. He returns to the subject in a two-part documentary to give a very personal view on what, if anything, has changed since then.

In the first programme he looks at the use of animals for food and turns to experts in fields such as psychology, history, language and neurology to find out why humans seem so attracted to eating meat.

Next week, he focuses on the scientific establishment's attachment to using animals, and considers the future. Might social justice for other species actually benefit humans?

Mike and the usual One Planet team are currently on a short break to prepare for the next series. But they will be back the end of January. You can keep up to date with developments at One Planet HQ by joining in the conversation on Facebook - the link's below. Or alternatively, email the team at Oneplanet@bbc.com."

That is all.

x Shivers

Venture Bros Episode 40

2009-11-20T10:51:00.004-05:00

For all those interested,
here's another section of storyboards that I revised for episode 40, with one of my favourite characters from season 4.1, Captain Sunshine.
I really enjoyed drawing this section.

That is all!
x Shivers

Venture Bros Season 4 storyboard.

2009-10-21T22:25:00.011-04:00

Well, now that The Venture Bros season 4.1 is off and running...
here is a sample of the latest episode's storyboard that went through our
revision process and spit out the other side.

While your here, please check out Ian Jones-Quartey's blog for
info on this scene and more, from an animation director's point of view.

That is all!
x Shivers

I GOT MARRIED!!!!

2009-10-02T21:18:00.005-04:00

One of my favourite photos from the night.
Taken by Miguel-Martinez-Joffre.
And incredibly creepy when you look closely at it!

Lt to Rt: Me, Stephen DeStefano, the very Rev. Jackson Publick (who kindly agreed to marry us).
Thomas Bayne and, as always, the uber creepy Peedee Shindell.
LOVE YOU GUYS!!

That is all!
x Shivers (DeStefano)

The Pogues

2009-08-12T22:18:00.000-04:00

Wow... its been quite a while since I've blogged.

So, for my latest post, I've decided to upload some photo's from a Pogues gig that happened at Roseland Ballroom back in March of this year... the 14th to be precise.

This is the first gig I've ever been too where I had an official photo pass.
This came to me through one of my best friend's, Ava Rave and the very wonderful, Louise Stacy.
Much love to you both and thank you, Louise for an amazing night that I won't soon forget!

The Pogues

Shane MacGowan

Spider Stacy

Louise (love that helmet) and myself backstage.

That is all!
x Shivers

Lily Maase

2009-03-30T18:26:00.002-04:00

Live @ Club Poisson Rouge
Bleeker
NYC

That is all.
x Shivers

Pennsylvania Blue

2009-01-29T15:21:00.005-05:00

Tom Bayne.

(Venture Bros. editor)
on Nov 5th. 2008.
Fishtown, Philadeliphia.
One of the most exciting times of my life.
Thanks Tom!

That is all.
x Shivers

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, FOLKS!

2008-12-24T17:34:00.002-05:00

And here's to a fabulous 2009.

(drawn by the uber sexy Mr Stephen DeStefano).

That is all!
x Shivers

Too Art for TV 3

2008-11-28T20:41:00.005-05:00

New York's 3rd Annual Fine Art Exhibit for the Animation Industry

And this year, folks, I'm lucky enough to be in it and
will be exhibiting three of my photographs.
So if you're in town Friday night and feel like joining and supporting me/us, please do.

Opening reception - Friday, December 5th 2008,
6pm-9pm December 5th through December 15th, 2008
at Erebuni 158 Roebling St. Williamsburg, NY 11211

"Erebuni is pleased to present Too Art for TV 3, the third annual group exhibition showcasing the fine art expressions of the animation industry. Twice before, this show has drawn in excited, elbow-to-elbow crowds of artists, illustrators, filmmakers, animators, and fans of animation. This year’s exhibit, now the biggest one in Too Art for TV’s history, features 36 artists who- by way of toys, prints, paintings, sculptures, and experimental film- will set free their skills otherwise "owned" by television networks bosses."

And its curated by the absolutely adorable and extremely hardworking...

LIZ ARTINIAN

Liz Artinian is a Brooklyn based painter and has worked in animation since graduating with a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. Currently Liz is the color supervisor for "The Venture Bros.", an animated series on Adult Swim.

That is all.
x Shivers

Venture Bros. Season 4

2008-11-25T09:55:00.006-05:00

The madness has begun!

Jackson Publick revision notes...

And we're only in week two of storyboard revision.
Eeeek!

That is all.
x Shivers

The Voxys @ Le Royale, NYC

2008-11-23T17:37:00.005-05:00

Thought I'd try something a little different this time...

That is all.
x Shivers

PRESIDENT OBAMA... now that sounds good!!!!!

2008-11-06T08:25:00.004-05:00

WHOO HOO!!!!

That is all!
x Shivers

Happy Samhain!

2008-10-31T10:49:00.006-04:00

Happy Samhain to anyone who checks my blog!

I've always loved Halloween and especially love it in
New York whereyou're encouraged to dress up
and be creative and gross as possible.
Actually, now that I think about it,
its just like every other day in NYC :D

Anyway, here's a photo of me from two years ago.

To complete the effect of me having just crawled out of a grave, I remember rolling around in the bushes of Bryant Park on 5th Ave. I also remember Rachel Simon, my lovely producer, being absolutely horrified and reminded me that rats and pigeons more than likely rolled around there too on a regular basis.... eeeek! I'd never thought of that.

Oh well, I survived.

But I was part of a team effort with Rachel Simon and Venture Bros
animation director, Jen Batinich.
We called ourselves... Zombie Bananarama!

Not sure what I'm going as this year but I have an idea...
it might just have to be political! :)

That is all.
x Shivers

A Quick Biography of Barack Obama by Jeffrey Lewis

2008-10-21T11:51:00.003-04:00

New York City comic book artist and antifolk songwriter/performer Jeffrey Lewis performs his "low budget video" about presidential candidate Barack Obama

With a father from Kenya and a mother from Kansas,
Barack was born in the storms of our Honolulu Island.

From Jakarta to Hawaii to Columbia U. in New York,
where he studied International Relations and Political Science.

In the '80s, in his 20s, in Chicago, he did plenty,
working as director of Developing Communities.

He started job training programs and tenants' rights organizations,
where folks needed hope he helped at all opportunities.

After doing so much good for Chicago's poor neighborhoods,
Barack saw Europe and Kenya and learned the world is one home.

At Harvard Law School he was elected head of the Law Review,
and as its first black president he first became nationally known.

He kept fightin' for ya as a civil rights lawyer,
and at Chicago U. he taught Constitutional Law.

In the state legislature he worked on welfare and healthcare,
and he was elected to the US Senate in 2004.

As Senator, Barack opposed the wasteful war in Iraq,
he knows people need help more than big corporations.

What happens next is a guess, but I'm hoping that yes,
Barack Obama will become a great president of our nation.

GO OBAMA!
That is all.
x Shivers

The Voxys @ Union Pool 10/09/2008

2008-10-12T20:50:00.007-04:00

Another wonderful gig by The Voxys.

The lads were on top form and dare I say, the best form I've seen them to date.
And Union Pool in Williamsburg might have hipsters that are a pain in the ass but it sure is a cool venue to photograph.
Here's a few samples from that night...

That is all.
x Shivers

The Cloisters.

2008-10-12T20:17:00.009-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I travelled on the A train to north Manhattan to visit the truly breathtaking Cloisters Museum & Gardens. This is a unique architectural amalgam museum made up of five medieval French monasteries set in the beautiful Fort Tryon Park.

The West Terrace provides magnificent views of the Hudson River unlike
any other vantage point in Manhattan. Its so peaceful.

And its filled with stunning art and artifacts. Here's just a few examples...

If you have never been, I urge you to go. You will not be disappointed, I promise you.
In fact, I lost myself so completely in my surroundings that I actually found it difficult to convince myself that I really hadn't been transported to South of France.

That is all.
x Shivers

Bang Out of Order!

2008-09-08T15:07:00.002-04:00

A little something I made earlier...

Thanks goes to Julian for the live footage.

That is all.
x Shivers

The Voxys, Live @ Club 205 on the LES

2008-09-06T13:32:00.016-04:00

Man, what a great night!

The lads were on fine form and they certainly looked the part but woe was me...
the lighting in this venue well and truly sucked.
There was only one spotlight in the whole place so it pretty much ended up being the
Julian Colin Sylvester show, as he was the one member of the band
in the one poxy spotlight!

Oh well. I worked with it and got a few interesting shots but none that I could say
I'm completely 100% happy with.

But here are a few that come close...

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the entire venue was painted with aluminium paint, so my flash was constantly being reflected back at me.

You can also check my Myspace account for these and more.

That is all.
x Shivers

Calling All New Yorkers...

2008-08-29T17:23:00.004-04:00

The Voxys are playing The 205 Club NYC
Friday September 5th at 9PM

DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!

I know I'm going!

That is all.
x Shivers

RIP 24

2008-08-25T03:38:00.010-04:00

In Loving Memory
It was fun working with you, dude!

Anyway, enough of that. I wonder where we are with season 4.
*note to self*... email Jackson.

That is all!
x Shivers

The Voxys

2008-08-24T09:19:00.009-04:00

Oh what joy.
I spent all of yesterday evening, photographing one of my favourite
New York City bands at the moment called,

The Voxys

Left to right: Chad Flewwelling (drums), Julian Colin Sylvester (guitars and vocals), William McCormack (bass) & Trevor Murphy (guitars and vocals).

Formed in New York City in 2008, The Voxys' sound has been described as upbeat jangly '60s-inspired melodic garage pop. And if you get a chance to catch these guys live,
you'll not be disappointed, I promise you.

I just love the dude urinating in the background.
NYC... I love ya!

That is all!
x Shivers

World Leaders, Chili-Makin' & Chili-Eatin' Contest.

2008-08-16T11:53:00.022-04:00

The CHILI-MAKIN' CONTEST

So towards the end of season 3, Venture Bros production manager, Peedee Shindell and Venture Bros editor, Tom Bayne decided it would be a good idea if the studio had a chili-making contest. The story of how this all came about is a long one, which was formed with untruths and challenges to ones manhood, and shall remain within the walls of World Leaders... to be honest, I just can't be arsed telling it!

Anyway, I must say that the whole studio took this competition very seriously.
There was secrecy, dirty tactics, name calling and hurt feelings for the 2 or 3 weeks run up to the competition. Spies were everywhere, resulting in fights breaking out in the W.L. kitchen.
Tensions were running high. So much so, that the night before the competition, there was a serious altercation between two different teams (who shall remain nameless), in Wholefoods supermarket... ahhhh, it was wonderful to see us all getting along so well.

So anyway, the chili had to be made at home and brought to the studio the next day to be re-heated and judged by a panel of chili experts. No cheese was allowed; it was strictly chili tasting only. Cheese was only added after the competition was over.

The Contestants
Standing left to right: Mike Foran, Rachel Simon, Alex Kwan, Carly Monardo, Lauren Monardo , Tom Bayne, Justin Offner, team Liz Artinian & Jackson Publick, Alexandra Andrew, Nick DeMayo.
And posing down in front... the uber sexy, Mr. Peedee Shindell.

First off...

The Re-Heat

Yuuuummmmmmmmm.....

The Judging

And Judges

Left to right: Head Chili Judge, Stephen DeStefano (one of the reasons we had the competition), Jennifer Batinich, Peedee Shindell (one of the organisers/competitors and NOT a judge so shouldn't even be there but I think he's explaining to all how the voting system works), Charlie Miller (President of W.L.), Joe Croson, Ben Stein.

The Wait

Which, now that I see this photo, was also the day we got our crew jackets, courtesy of Jackson Publick. Worn here so fetchingly by Tom Bayne.

While we wait for the votes to be tallied, a heated discussion about cheese...

And the Winner is...
(well, joint winners)

Team Liz Artinian & Jackson Publick (honest to God, it wasn't a fix at all) and Alex Andrews.
Funny thing was, they both used the same online recipe, which used dark chocolate, and yet they both tasted so different.

************************************************************************

The CHILI-EATIN' CONTEST

So to the Chili-Eating contest (oh God, it still makes my stomach turn to think of it), which was a last minute decision undertaken by two of the studio's finest gormandizers, Danny Hynes and Joe Cappabianca.

The Preparation

From left-over chili, scooped so lovingly into paper cups by Alex Andrews and Peedee Shindell.

The Competitors

Danny Hynes and Joe Cappabianca.

The Chili

Ugggggggh!!!!

Let's get ready to rumble...

And we're off...

I love the look on Danny's face here... it says it all.

Both men had very different styles. Danny just went for it, refusing to even stop and taste the chili. Whereas Joe had a much more relaxed approach, as seen here, and was pacing himself much better. Which didn't mean to say he was necessarily enjoying it.

The crowd looks on with baited breath and upset stomachs.

2 hours later...

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Joe Cappabianca ladies & gents.
And the poor runner up, threw it all back up, right after the bell went.

That is all!
x Shivers

Fionn O'Lochlainn

2008-07-27T20:33:00.007-04:00

Joe's Pub, NYC, 7/26/08

That is all.
x Shivers

The Invisible Hand of Fate

2008-07-21T17:53:00.010-04:00

Well, now that this season of Venture Bros is well under way and especially since "The Invisible Hand of Fate" has already aired, I can now post some work that I've done on the show.

Even though this wasn't the first episode to be aired, this was the first episode to be written and storyboarded. Reasons being, you'll find on Mr Jackson Publick's blog.

Anyway, it is unusual for us not to have some sort of problem with our first episode of the season, especially if we're working with a new storyboard artist. The problem with this episode is that time ran out for this storyboard artist so as great as the rest of his work was we were left with an unfinished board. This is where I had to step in and brush off my own artistic cobwebs and complete the final sequence.

I have to say I wasn't looking forward to it too much as there was more than a few perspective shots to work out, some with camera moves and some without but I had a lot of fun doing it and was happy with the end result.

Storyboard Guru, Stephen DeStefano also added some beautiful expressions to Billy and Professor Fantomas and are marked with a red asterisk where relevant.

Oh and yellow post-its are from the direction team, who get the storyboard after I'm done with it. They add any extra poses that they feel are needed for acting purposes.

Hope you like them!

That is all.
x Shivers

Jackson Publick Storyboard Notes

2008-07-14T14:04:00.032-04:00

Just thought I'd post a set of
Jackson 'the hardest working man in animation' Publick
revision notes.

My job on The Venture Bros is to supervise an in-house storyboard revision team*.
We get the storyboard. We make notes**.

During this time we're allocated 2 weeks to complete revisions for each episode.
Act 1, the first week and act 2, the second.
Notes for an episode can be extremely heavy and tough on the revision team so we, more often than not, will spill over onto the following week.
This actual information we desperately try to keep from our lovely producer, Rachel Simon. Alas, we usually fail and she eventually busts my imaginary and Jackson Publick's actual set of balls when she finds out.

Moving swiftly on... at the end of each week I have to conform the revised act to a final animatic provided by our genius editor, Mr Tom Bayne AKA T-Bone.
What this really means that I have to watch the animatic closely and make final revisions from any last minute Jackson Publick notes.
I also have to listen closely to the dialogue track and paste dialogue and include direction notes to match the picture.
I then print off a copy of the storyboard so as to write in scene numbers, panel numbers and to make sure the final storyboard is clearly labeled when there's a cut or hook up (H.U.) between each scene.

Still with me? Good.

All in all it can be a pain in the ass but I truly love it and wouldn't change my job for the world.

So anyway, this is one of Mr Publick's notes from the season opener and is one of many, many notes that I get during the course of a season.

And I don't think this one has aired yet but this was my favourite note of season 3 from Mr Publick. And not because of the front side of the storyboard page...

but because of the back, where he sometimes doodles. This one is particularly cool, methinks!

BROCK F***ING SAMSON indeed!

That is all.
x Shivers

*The talented revision team for season 3 was Jon Roscetti,
Danny Hynes, (who's now a character designer on season 4) Rick Lacy, who left us half way through season 3 and was replaced by Lauren Monardo.

**By 'We' here, I really mean its mainly Jackson Publick who makes changes and provides us with notes. During those two weeks I'll spot other technical problems and draw extra panels, whilst also adding all of the amazing panels that our storyboard guru, Stephen DeStefano kindly provides. It can get especially tasking when conforming at the end of each week.

LÜLÜ

2008-07-06T11:41:00.006-04:00

On Her East Village Rooftop 07/04/08

For The Fireworks

That is all.

x Shivers

And God Created Man...

2008-07-05T23:04:00.005-04:00

CRANKCASE
Lafayette, NYC. 07/03/08

That is all.

x Shivers

The Met Life Annex & Brooklyn Bridge

2008-07-04T11:10:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, I spent the whole afternoon strolling around the glorious city of New York and ended my day with, not just a few photo's but a tan to boot.

The Met Life Annex, on 25th & Madison.

Built in 1919, the Annex was originally designed to be a 100 story telescopic tower
but after the economic crisis of 1929 the only thing erected was what was previous considered the base.

All in all, this is a complex, geometric wonder of a building and one of my favourites.

And who doesn't love the Brooklyn Bridge.
This is New York to me.

These were taken with my lovely fish-eye lens,
while scouting out a position for tonight's 4th of July fireworks celebration,
under the FDR.

And with my regular lens.

And a closer look at one of the four 90-120ft waterfalls that are now on the East River.
This one installation is under the far upright of the Brooklyn Bridge and will be there until mid-October.

That is all.

x Shivers

Venture Bros Wheelie Photo of Dooooooom!

2008-06-26T12:57:00.003-04:00

Top moving clockwise: Me, Rachel Simon, Doc Hammer, Liz Artinian, Jackson Publick.

That is all.
x Shivers

Stormy Weather (just cant get my poorself together)

2008-06-21T10:42:00.007-04:00

Last Wednesday, just before the Stevie Wonder gig out on Long Island... these ominous looking clouds came rolling in! :S
I've tried to merge some photo's together to give you a sense of how dramatic they were... not sure if I've really succeeded but I've pasted them anyway.

And just because it was he we were there for, here's a couple of Stevie Wonder shots and a video clip I took from where we were sitting... which, funnily enough, didn't seem as far as the photo's suggest.

That is all.

x Shivers

Coney Island Cowboy!

2008-06-03T20:57:00.007-04:00

In Coney Island today.

"Set 'em up, Joe!"

Ahem... a bit of a pathetic attempt, eh Partner?

Bless his cotton socks, or in this case... his rather saggy balloon.

x Shivers

Cat (not) On A Hot Tin Roof!

2008-06-03T20:51:00.004-04:00

LOLA
The Cat In a Bag!

Just look at those eyes!
x Shivers

Sit On MySpace And Tell Me That You Love Me!

2008-05-23T12:59:00.007-04:00

Howdy do, folks!
I have a new myspace space... tis http://www.myspace.com/shiversphotography
Its got all sorts of photo's like this...

Please take a look and if you have your own account and feel like you wanna do something rash, please add me as a friend.
I promise I won't bite... unless you want me to!

x Shivers

Blair Witch Cat!

2008-05-05T14:20:00.005-04:00

I thought the light was so wonderful the evening I took these photo's.
It was streaming in through two rooms from the front of the apartment into this middle room, which is my office.

Not sure what Oscar was waiting for... as there was no one on the other side of the door.

He's weird!

But then again, I would never have taken the shot without him in it.

OSCAR!!

Good boy!

x Shivers

Amsterdam Arm In Arm

2008-04-14T21:06:00.019-04:00

Well I'm rather chuffed with myself, tonight!

I've just received three copies of Amsterdam's Arm In Arm from Al Hale @ Crusin' Music Managment.
Thanks Al!

And I'm chuffed because the photographs that were used for AMSTERDAM's brand new album, were taken by me back in Oct '06 on Asbury Park's boardwalk in New Jersey.

It wasn't even an official photo session. I was just in the right place at the right time trying to capture Mr Ian Prowse, (a Bruce Springsteen fanatic) when he wasn't acting the maggot, on the rather barren boardwalk during an overcast, miserable day.

It wasn't the most fun I've ever had on a Saturday afternoon but it certainly turned out to be something special.

The 2nd photo (from the back of the album) is actually made up of two photo's that I pieced together.

Ian isn't even in the original shot of the feather. I added him from another photo that I took. Which I blurred and flopped so it looks like he's walking towards the ocean in a rather melancholy way, which actually suits him.

Original Ian Shot:

Original feather shot (which was just there and not planted by me):

Orignal feather shot, adjusted for contrast:

Merged photo's:

And hey presto! The album shot (you can see that Ian's been moved slightly to the left to allow for track titles):

It turned out OK, methinks but it's great to have the final product here in my hands after so long.

And hey, the music's not too bad either so pick up a copy if ya can! :)

xxx Shivers

"IN... YOUR... FACE, MULLEN!"

2008-03-10T07:58:00.007-04:00

...said he.
And it was... thanks, Stephen.

Happy now?

:) Shivers

DAFT (as a brush) PUNK!

2008-02-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

Myself and Stephen recently travelled to Niagara Falls. I was mightily impressed with the Falls themselves but the rest of the place fell very short of what I was expecting. It was all casino's and haunted houses! Pfffffffffffft!

Anyway, this was my one of favourite shots from that trip. Close Encounters of the Stephen Kind!

x Shivers

CCTV

2008-02-12T12:16:00.003-05:00

Well, now that I have some downtime I can start posting again!

And so, to continue on with a Venture Bros theme... I give you some grainy shots of our leaders, Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer, sitting outside the studio on a warm summer's evening.

And no I wasn't spying on them... we, the crew, had finished for the evening and were drinking in the hotel bar across the street.

Happy Days!!! :)

Venture Bros

2007-12-13T18:30:00.002-05:00

Well, I thought I do my own bit of self promotion for Season 3 of The Venture Bros.

So here's a couple of panels I did earlier this week that were influenced by classic Film Noir.

x Shivers

Toffee Toff!

2007-11-29T10:47:00.001-05:00

OK... I break my own rules yet again but Jon kinda convinced me to put this one up... I'm only doing it cos I like chest hair. Ehhh the character's not Jon's... just wanna get that straight! :)

x Shivers

People are strange...

2007-11-12T10:08:00.002-05:00

Well... not so sure if anyone on here remembers one of my first posts about a sketch I had done of my friends in The Stranglers that had made it onto the back of a mad fan as a tattoo.... ahem... well... here it is.....!!!!!!

I do in fact know this guy but I still think its hilarious/completely bonkers that he did this but if you knew him and his wife this is one of the many Strangler tattoos that they share between them so its not really that odd!

Madness! :D

xx Shivers

Photo's courtesy of Ava Rave... thanks Ava!

Home

2007-11-10T01:45:00.001-05:00

Home is the new single from a wonderful band called Amsterdam who hail from Liverpool, England.

Why am I telling you this? Well... not only are they jolly good friends of mine and need a bit of promoting this side of the pond but the photo you see here is by me! Weeeeeeeeeeeeee.... :D

This was taken on the Brooklyn Bridge ("obviously" says you) while walking home from work (this time last year, I think?!) but I have to say, as thrilled and excited as I am, I'm also gobsmacked that they used a photo of mine.

The single (released on 10 December in the UK) is the first track on Amsterdam's new album Arm In Arm which will be out early next year and I'm so pleased to say that they are using another photo of mine for the cover of that!

Oh I'm all excited... !!!!!

x Shivers

Thought I'd give drawing a go...

2007-11-06T16:10:00.000-05:00

For a change like...

Slideshow

2007-11-06T11:46:00.000-05:00

Taken over the last year or so...

Times Sq Madness thru a Fisheye Lens

2007-10-27T17:17:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday night saw myself and an old college friend, Andrew Kavanagh (who's actually staying with me at the mo), descend upon Times Sq after a night in the Edison Hotel bar.

We went there with the sole purpose of seeing Dominic Chianese, aka Uncle Junior from The Sopranos, sing some jazz... and excited we were... (awww, just look at 'im!)

Alas, he doesn't even perform on Thursday nights but does indeed perform every Monday night so I shall be going back and with a number of people in tow I imagine.

T'was a pity really but sure, we had fun all the same watching the over 60 regulars hitting on each other.

So, to Times Square with my beautiful new Nikon camera and fisheye lens.
We stumbled out onto the streets of Manhattan after midnight and proceeded to wreak havoc on inanimate objects much to the amusement of unsuspecting tourists.

I'm quite surprised Andrew didn't get a ticket, never mind arrested!

I love the guy at the bottom of this next shot...

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...........

Andrew singing his heart out...

Hmmm... does my bum look big with this fisheye lens?! :)

Thanks Andrew, for a fun night (and week)... I haven't been that silly in ages!!

NOW GO HOME, YA FECKER!!!! hahaha

xx Shivers

The Boss @ Madison Square Garden

2007-10-18T20:55:00.003-04:00

Well, well well... after trying unsuccessfully to purchase tickets for this concert, Stephen managed to get his hands on 2 freebies via a God sent friend of his by the name of Frank Caruso (many thanks, Frank... I shall name my first child after you... even if its a girl!).

What a wonderful night! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole concert, even if we were in the nosebleed section and didn't actually know half the songs played but I do pride myself on knowing all of his new album, which, for the most part I love, esp Long Walk Home, Gypsy Biker and the title track Magic.

Here's Long Walk Home...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwcgoUYpBF8&feature=related

Some of the album can be a little too early 80's for me though. Its got that classic E Street Band feel, namely, in my rather honest opinion, 'corny' sax solos. I only say that because I'm such a huge fan of his 2005 album Devils & Dust which has a completely different feel musically.

Devils & Dust...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xokeiep6yHU

With that said, I'm pretty sure hardcore fans love those sax solo's and there was a lot of that going on last night too but it made me smile from ear to ear.
One thing I do have to say is that the main reasons I like this album so much, as with Devils & Dust, is that Bruce has got a lot to say... and most of it is against Bush and the Iraq war and I admire him for that. He's not afraid to speak out against this Government and to me that's only a good thing.

All in all it was a wonderful night... esp Stephen's dancing during the uber cheesy Dancing In The Dark... I was sure he'd, not only take someone's eye out but be beaten up by drunk, absolutely fanatical Springsteen fans!!!
Funny thing is, I actually thought he was exaggerating Bruce's cheesy white man dance moves but to my utter amusement, as you'll see below... he was playing it down!

So I shall leave you with THAT video... I defy you, first off not to laugh your head off and secondly, to not do that dance! :)

xx Shivers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk8VZgJkpeg

sde

2007-09-20T20:48:00.000-04:00

Sorry to anyone out there who's been checking my blogs for updates... I've just been far too busy lately to really get a chance to upload any photo's. Venture Bros takes up most of my time these days as does this guy...

I know Stephen's not too keen on this photo (then again, he's never keen on any photo I take of him) but I think its a wonderful shot of Stephen.
I really love the silhouette, the warm tones, the light and the darkness and the lines of perspective... oh, and the man himself of course!

xx Shivers

Legs 11

2007-08-30T05:22:00.001-04:00

The subject in this photo shall remain nameless cos she (or he LOL) doesn't really like this photo but I have to say that I just I adore it... its just so bizarre and beautiful at the same time!
(Heyyyyyyyyyyy! and that kinda looks like cocaine on the ground??!!!! Hmmmm)

Take it easy out there, folks!

x

Barney v's Rosie the Rhodesian Ridgeback

2007-08-19T20:39:00.000-04:00

St. Mark's Place Nov 2005.
Hmmm not quite sure who won this fight but I'm pretty sure that Barney was full of the worst kinda germs NYC could throw at it! Ewwwwwww

2007-07-30T17:20:00.001-04:00

My mood today, so lovingly captured (hmmm...at least I think lovingly) by the ever delightful Carly Monardo!

Thanx luv!

xx Shivers

Tom Connor

2007-07-29T17:32:00.000-04:00

Awwww I just found these... they're of Tom Connor (& Maurice Fontenot) in the kitchen of my place telling a story like only Tom Connor can tell a story.... wonderful!

KAWS!

2007-07-29T16:53:00.000-04:00

So... is this an original Kaws Michelin Man stencil?!!
I suppose it could be a stenciled homage?! Either way, its pretty cool!
I know KAWS (Brian Donnelly) lives in Brooklyn and this was taken out in Williamsburg last summer so I've always wondered.
Interesting guy from what I can remember of him. Very quiet. Its great that he made such a huge name for himself with this type of art and good on him, I say!

Now where's me spraycan... I'm sure I can make this leprechaun stencil work the same way....

1 min Doodle

2007-07-23T17:45:00.001-04:00

SHE-RAH!

2007-07-12T18:15:00.001-04:00

The is one of my favourite shots of Jessica, a.k.a. SHE-RAH, my room mate and not because she has her back to me :D
It was captured at a Gnarls Barkley gig in Central Park the summer of '06.

On Brooklyn Bridge

2007-07-12T10:03:00.001-04:00

These four photo's were taken after an attempted journey home, by train, from a Summer Stage event in Central Park, June 16th '07. All the trains back to Brooklyn had mysteriously been suspended so I decided to make the trek home over the Brooklyn Bridge by foot instead of catching a cab.

Walking the bridge is something I've always loved doing but the light on that particular evening was just wonderful.

More Rock & Roll!

2007-07-11T13:58:00.001-04:00

Hmmm... the best shots of my musical buddies always seem to be down in the subway system. It does seem to make a rather good backdrop.

First one here is of an old college buddy of mine, Shane Ó Fearghail, who joined me for St. Patrick's Day 2007. If my memory serves me right, this was taken on the number 6 train.

And Sir Ian Prowse of Amsterdam...

I quite like this 2nd shot... I love the way everyone but Ian in this photo is calm and/or still. Even the train... that's pretty unusual for New York City, especially West 4th.

But the look of the guy sitting on the train makes this shot for me.

For Lauren

2007-07-11T13:29:00.000-04:00

OK... here's another... This one's for Lauren.

Flock of Seagulls?!

2007-07-11T08:28:00.000-04:00

This was taken at a Kasabian gig in NYC, Sept/20/2006.

I love that he let me take his photo but I think his girlfriend wasn't all that pleased... you can just about see her in the backround... I love her expression.

You can't really tell from this angle but his hair curled forward... he obviously spent hours on it before leaving the house!

I actually saw them again about 2 weeks ago on Smith St in Brooklyn and was rather disappointed to see that his hair was in a very ordinary, nay boring style... boo! He must save all his hair gel up for special occasions!

Double Trouble

2007-07-11T08:25:00.000-04:00

The Roscetti boys... Jon & Matt. Taken at Katz Diner NYC November 2005.

More Stranglers

2007-07-11T08:13:00.001-04:00

A few more of the boys...

The top 3 photo's of Baz Warne were taken in NYC, November 2005 and the last one is of Jean Jacques Burnel. Taken at Guilfest, Guilford in the UK, July 2006.

As was this one, from the hot and sweaty section of the crowd...

Greetings from Asbury Park

2007-07-10T21:28:00.001-04:00

Honest to God, I didn't plant this feather in the boardwalk of Asbury Park, New Jersey! It was just there all on its owny own! So down on me belly I got to snap this shot.

This may in fact be used for a CD cover (I seriously doubt it though) for a band called Amsterdam, who are also good friend's of mine from the UK.
Anyway, here's the mock up that I made for them... you'll have to excuse the fake album title... it is only a mock up after all!

2007-07-10T21:26:00.001-04:00

I managed to snap this fella at one of NYC's Summer Stage events (the gig was hopeless and I can't even remember who was on stage at the time).

I love his fro comb!

Oh Lord, what next?!

2007-07-10T21:23:00.000-04:00

Houston St, NYC, summer 2005. One for my mum... NOT!

The Stranglers

2007-07-10T20:55:00.001-04:00

This will more than likely be the only drawings that I'll put on here. They're of my good friends The Stranglers. From left to right, JJ Burnel, Jet Black, Baz Warne and Dave Greenfield. The top one is the last drawing I did of the four, Baz Warne who a few of you managed to meet when he was over here in 2005.

Anyway... the design for the four of them actually made it onto the back of a mad fan as a tattoo... I was pretty chuffed at that. I must see if I can actually get a photo of it to include here too.

Hope you like 'em!

2007-07-10T18:16:00.001-04:00

One of my favourite photo's that I've ever taken... I love candid shots and this guy was completely unaware of me snapping away (actually I think this was my one and only shot of him). But I was really pleased with the foreground elements for this one too, especially as I managed to frame both of his feet between the man sitting on the left and the Ho King Broccoli on the right while bouncing around on the subway!

2007-07-10T18:11:00.001-04:00

Now this handsome fella (who would probably like nothing more than to take my head off) was staring at me from a 5th floor apartment building opposite my bedroom in Brooklyn!

Hmmm I must have a look for the long shot as you don't really get a sense of where he actually is...

FOUND IT!!!

Mickey Metropolis

2007-07-10T18:03:00.001-04:00

Here's T-Bone (Tom Bayne) with his Mickey Mouse ears in what I call... Mickey Metropolis. Interesting use of light for this one that I just happened to notice when he was posing for another shot.

Toy Tokyo

2007-07-10T17:56:00.001-04:00

This photo was taken in that Japanese comic/model store that's above Love Saves The Day in the East Village around July 2005... for the life of me I can't think of its name (Danny Hynes has just informed me its Toy Tokyo... ta luv!).

A pretty easy photo to capture as nothing was moving but I just loved the colours.

Shivers

Venture Bros Auctions to End TODAY!!

VENTURE BROS AUCTIONS UP AND RUNNING!!!

VENTURE BROS SEASON 4.2 FINALE!

MORE AUCTIONS!!!

We said goodbye to Lola...

It's a sad day in our house...

Stephen's Graphic Novel.

It's for Lola!

We understand that some people have asked about making a donation towards Lola's medical bills. This is extremely kind of you, so we've set up this page for any of you who would like to contribute.

UNBELIEVABLE VENTURE BROS ART FOR SALE!

MORE VENTURE STORYBOARDS FOR SALE!

Venture Bros art for sale for Lola

LUCKY IN LOVE

Meet our latest addition...

New website...

Doggie Daycare

VENTURE BROS Animation Auction, UP NOW!!

Original Venture Bros artwork for sale...

Last Day on Venture Bros...

BUDDY!! :D

Venture Bros Season Finale

If you have 3 minutes...

Venture Bros Episode 40

Venture Bros Season 4 storyboard.

I GOT MARRIED!!!!

The Pogues

Lily Maase

Pennsylvania Blue

More JP postit note revisions from Season 4

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, FOLKS!

Too Art for TV 3

Venture Bros. Season 4

The Voxys @ Le Royale, NYC

PRESIDENT OBAMA... now that sounds good!!!!!

Happy Samhain!

A Quick Biography of Barack Obama by Jeffrey Lewis

The Voxys @ Union Pool 10/09/2008

The Cloisters.

Bang Out of Order!

The Voxys, Live @ Club 205 on the LES

Calling All New Yorkers...

RIP 24

The Voxys

World Leaders, Chili-Makin' & Chili-Eatin' Contest.

Fionn O'Lochlainn

The Invisible Hand of Fate

Jackson Publick Storyboard Notes

LÜLÜ

And God Created Man...

The Met Life Annex & Brooklyn Bridge

Venture Bros Wheelie Photo of Dooooooom!

Stormy Weather (just cant get my poorself together)

Coney Island Cowboy!

Cat (not) On A Hot Tin Roof!

Sit On MySpace And Tell Me That You Love Me!

Blair Witch Cat!

Amsterdam Arm In Arm

"IN... YOUR... FACE, MULLEN!"

DAFT (as a brush) PUNK!

CCTV

Venture Bros

Toffee Toff!

People are strange...

Home

Thought I'd give drawing a go...

Slideshow

Times Sq Madness thru a Fisheye Lens

The Boss @ Madison Square Garden

sde

Legs 11

Barney v's Rosie the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Tom Connor

KAWS!

1 min Doodle

SHE-RAH!

On Brooklyn Bridge

More Rock & Roll!

For Lauren

Flock of Seagulls?!