This week’s peek is of Shot TP-018, where The Black Cat, having decided to stay awhile, takes-up his vigilant post on the front porch:
As quite a few of the scenes take place here, I had spent many hours trying to visualize this particular location while creating the animatic for The Price. I had found a few reference images online of Neil’s home, and was so completely enamored of it, decided that my version of the story would reflect the actual location which inspired it. A rather crude 3D model of the porch was constructed from these photos (along with plenty of guesswork), then images of it were rendered for the storyboard shots.
Fast-forward a few years to a surreal afternoon in October of 2011, and I am somehow standing there in front of the real thing…does it seem strange to say that I felt a twinge of nervousness as I walked up those steps? I was already thrown far off-center by just being there at Castle Gaiman in the first place, but something about that porch…
I was alone, and it was quiet except for the gentle sound of several wind chimes that hung there, swaying in the autumn breeze. To say it felt magical sounds trite and even a little melodramatic, and yet…there was a sensation that lay about the place that was both peaceful and mysterious at the same time.
Checking to make sure Cat Mihos (or Neil himself, perish the thought) hadn’t suddenly come around the side of the house looking for me, I heeded an impulse to lie flat on my back, right there on that porch.
Resting on the surprisingly rich-hued wood of the decking, I relaxed and spent a few minutes to take in the whole of the experience, paying close attention to each of my senses. I don’t know why I wanted to do that, but in that moment it felt as though I should. (I am an artist, right? Sometimes you just go with the flow & don’t ask why. Luckily, no one did come across me and assume I had been overcome by the sheer geek-magnitude of it all.)
My hope is to somehow catch a little of that afternoon’s magic in the film; if I can transport you there as you watch it — even for just a brief moment — I’ll be very happy.
Have a wonderful week!
I am as enchanted today with this beautiful vision as I was the day I first laid eyes on the vibrant graphic for your Kickstarter campaign. I had never read the short story at that point in time, but it has since become a favorite. Thank you for allowing us to share this journey. In many ways, that itself is part of the reward. <3
I am so pleased at your reactions to both the story itself and my interpretation. I am also thankful that you and so many others have expressed interest and enjoyment in following along with me on this (protracted) journey!
Strangely enough, I have done this too on one of my visits (most likely the second one as it was during summer). Not sure why I did it either, I have always blamed this on a foreigner’s fascination for porches but maybe there is something else in it?
There’s got to be more to it then (although I myself am technically a foreigner as well); regardless, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one, Nathalie!
This absolutely takes my breath away… and I would have done the same thing…. Honestly can’t wait to see the entire thing – labor of love that you have created.
Thanks Jill — great response!
And I’m sure you would have done the same thing…I can’t wait to add/hear the sounds of the breeze and the soft, tinkling of the chimes…
I’ve been avoiding leaving comments because I felt like the fans of your project might be a strange kind of pressure. I honestly can’t imagine what it’s like to be at the helm of this ship. But I do want you to know that we still share your vision, and your love for Mr. Gaiman’s story has a kind of aching echo in all of us. In the end, you will have done something that needed to be done. Thank you.
I’m glad you decided to share your thoughtful comments — they certainly haven’t added even an ounce of negative pressure, rather they just reinforce a wonderful sense of support and community I’ve felt from the beginning of this project. My sincere thanks, Julia.