Big in Japan

In the last month, I've watched The Cove and Ponyo - two vastly different movies, but both with a focus on the plight of sea life in Japan. 

I wonder which will make a bigger impact on the world - the animated fantasy or the grim documentary? Or is it too late already?

Big in Japan

And now for something completely different

Pixar continues to impress and inspire me - this video was a great reminder of why I'm telling the story of Khumba. Some differences are on the outside, some on the inside, but whatever it is that makes you different, it is often the very thing that sets you apart... and to steal a line from an old draft of my screenplay: our differences, together, make us stronger. It sure works for Pixar - let's hope the same is true for Triggerfish!

And now for something completely different

Zambezia takes off - Go Team!!

Last week, we released the Zambezia promo which we completed for the American Film Market and it immediately started flying around online (I know, I know, it's just so hard not to use those bird puns!).

I'm so impressed with what the team at Triggerfish have pulled off with a tiny fraction of the budgets of most other animated films out there and it makes me so excited to see what we'll be able to do with Khumba now that we've learned so much. 

It was a big push from the whole team to get the trailer ready in time but it's been great for everyone to finally be able to show family and friends what we've all been working on for so long. Some longer than others.... It's strange to think that I've been involved in this project for 5 years of my life!

But as I'm learning, it's less about the work, and more about the people that you work with and I'm glad to be surrounded by an incredible team of people.

Zambezia takes off - Go Team!!

Karoo Moons

Last month the Khumba pre-production team went on a mini-research trip up to Prince Albert. The vast spaces of the Great Karoo were a welcome change to the computer screen.

Considering the theme of drought (linked to the waning moon) in Khumba's story, it was an auspicious trip with both full moon and rain!

Karoo Moons

Bo-kaap lights

SunsetSunrise

I spent a few nights in the Bo-kaap recently while I renovate my house. The views of the city are incredible and the changing light on Lions Head gave me a taste of what our 3rd feature film could look like. Inspiring. 

Bo-kaap lights

Greenlight!

I'm a happy chappy, need I say more?

Greenlight!

7-year itch

OK, it's only been 5 years that I've been working on Zambezia (only), but this week, exactly a year since we started full production, the IDC committee meets to decide whether to fund our second feature, Khumba. It will be an unprecedented deal, and obviously a huge amount rides on it, so I wait with bated breath... because I'm feeling the itch.

We had to do a self-portrait awhile back at work and as you might tell, my experience working on Zambezia has mostly been one of re-writing and re-writing. But I have also had an invaluable opportunity to prepare for directing my own feature film. If all goes well, next year this time, it will be in full swing.

7-year itch