Storyboards, Eyes, and Hammers
about 10 years ago – Mon, Jan 11, 2016 at 10:26:22 AM

Hello Zed-ites!

We have been down deep in the filmmaking trenches...pre-production!

This part is a lot of fun but it is also grueling. They say that,'Writing is re-writing,' well, in our case,'Writing is re-storyboarding,' and then storyboarding again. 

Below is a quick snap of what I have worked on everyday except for Christmas for the last month. It's 320 new panels of action, drama, and suspense! 

We also started work on the Double-Headed Warhammer which is the new Krampus Weapon that battled its way to the top of the first Community Brainstorm. 

And, here are the eyes of some of our backers! Completely handmade, these eyes will be in the heads of a couple of our baddies. The next time you see them will be in their character reveals. 

Now, the biggest news by far is that we have found the new Puppetcore Studio. (We just got the keys on Friday.) 

In some ways, not having a space has been great as it has forced us to really hunker down and focus on the writing which is so important. But now, we get back to the fun stuff of building our world. 

Thanks again for all your support, 

Jesse & Team Puppetcore

Extra Bits:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-JqH1M4Ya8

Two Weeks Already?
over 10 years ago – Thu, Dec 10, 2015 at 01:42:57 PM

Hello Zed-ites!

I realized today that it had been two weeks since the campaign ended and most of you have not heard from us. My apologies.

We have been hard at work but we haven't shared much as it has been half boring (locating the new Puppetcore Studio, where or where can it be?) and the other half is pure spoilers as we flesh out the Double-Battle and all other goodies you have brought to life.

Above is a peak at the early notes as we start to figure out how this origami, puppet gore-fest will fold up together and give you all the film you deserve!

We will have MUCH more cool stuff to share soon. For instance, we have started sculpting the Double-Headed Warhammer and I'm excited to share it with you. 

Other Notes:
Krampus Ornaments & Cards - Should ship Monday the 14th.

Face in the film backers - We have already gathered photos for all the new puppet characters, however, I would like to wait to get photos of Face in the Film backers for a couple weeks as a bit of fun motivation to carry us through the writing and revisions. (I have already started a list of fun places for you to appear despite myself :)

Thanks again! Feel free to contact us with any questions,

Jesse & Team Puppetcore

Congratulations and Thank You!
over 10 years ago – Thu, Nov 19, 2015 at 09:19:05 PM

You've done it! Frank & Zed are alive! They're aliiiive! 

We've funded the Double Battle... and then some! We're going to power down for a couple of weeks* and give our very patient families some time with us. But fear not! For soon we shall return with plenty of updates and behind-the-scenes peeks into the making of the film you helped create!

Thank you again. It can't be said enough. 

- Jesse and Team Puppetcore

*By "power down," of course, we mean get those Krampus gift packs together and sent off to you.

OMG. The Double-Battle is coming your way, the Tale of Stubby the Squirrel
over 10 years ago – Thu, Nov 19, 2015 at 04:17:25 PM

The Double Battle is happening!! Thank you everybody for upping the scale of Frank & Zed to truly epic proportions. Our bucket list for puppet mayhem is going to be butchered by the time we are done bringing you the finale. 

Let's take a second and think about what's coming....

...now, let's dive back in!

Many of you asked if we had stretch goals after we hit the $30k mark. We've been cagey because we didn't dare hope we would come this far - but now we are here. 

In crafting our original stretch goals, we had a number of things we desperately wanted to see but didn't make the first cut. Now, let's bring them back from death's door. They are:

For every $1,000 we make past $30,000, we will incorporate one of these ideas. (Exact order is TBD. We will look at everything with fresh eyes now that the Double Battle is a reality and pick the best bits based on maximum impact in the story.)

Should we manage to hit them all, we’ll give you the extended tale of Stubby the Squirrel. How’s that sound?

There are only hours left. But we can dream, can't we?

Also, there's a new Mayor in town who goes by "Shadowbooth" and just kicked this whole project across the 30k mark.  

Jesse

Final Reward Upgrade revealed, $1,293 till we hit Double Battle!
over 10 years ago – Thu, Nov 19, 2015 at 11:54:36 AM

Well, here we are Zed-Ites,

$1,293 to go before the Double Battle! 10 Hours Left

With 10 hours to go, we're well within striking distance of bringing you the Double Battle! It may take up to 5 puppeteers to bring one of our characters to life, but it's taken all of you to bring this whole film to life! 

I can't help myself, I want to reveal one of our two final upgrades. If we can hit the $30k for the Double Battle, we are going to give you a bonus short film. It will tell the hilarious and tragic final days of one of our villagers. It will be a ridiculous amount of fun to take one of these guys and dive deeper into their life. 

Who will it be? What is their story? Help us close this final gap so we can tell you! (The second brain will also be for every backer. It's not quite as sweet as a bonus short film but several of you have asked for it and we aim to please!)

How you can help today:

1. An easy way to help is sharing this banner on your Social Sites (I'd love to see this on MySpace!)

2. Word of Mouth is by far our most effective campaign tool. If you know someone who could use a little blood-drenched felt in their lives, let them know today!

3. Whatever you do, don't forget to include this link:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jesseblanchard/frank-and-zed-an-all-puppet-monster-movie 

4. Upgrade your pledge: The HUGE difference in support between yesterday and today is from people upgrading their pledges. Thank you everyone for digging deep. If you have any questions about upgrading, please let us know.

Blacksmith & Krampus Priest Cast:

We are excited to announce the casting of two of our Lead Villagers! Can't wait to bring you both to life. This leaves just two remaining leads. (Note - You do NOT need to be a white male to cast yourself as one of these characters! Murder Village is a welcoming & diverse town despite its moniker.)

Sneak Peak: How Frank met Zed

Here's our last video update before the campaign ends today at 9pm PST. (Don't worry, we will give you loads more during production!)

This will not be the last time I say, "Thank you." I wish I could say it to each and everyone of you in person. 

Regardless of where we are in 9 hours, this film WILL be made and it is because of you.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,

Jesse & Team Puppetcore