G7 Blog

Boy, did “Gang of 7” have fun down at the “Comicon” in San Diego on the gloriously long weekend of July 20th. Our Producer, Tom Tataranowicz sat on a panel for the fan favorite Filmation cartoon series, “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” "She-Ra - Princess of Power" and “Dungeons and Dragons,” with an emphasis on “He-Man”. That annoying "He-Man" lyric is something... by the way, Tom “T.” has been known to sing it when he thinks no one is looking. Good thing we don’t have a shower at our Studio.

The Panel consisted of our G7 Associate, Lou Scheimer,as well as Brooks Wachtel, Mark Evanier, Larry DiTillio, Erica Scheimer, and Michael Reaves. This panel was also promoting the DVD’s coming out for all of the aforementioned series. Our Director, Rich Arons, was also there signing away with Lou and Tom T.

When Tom Tataranowicz worked at Filmation, he and Writer, Bob Forward, tried to come up with an episode that included the death of a main character. They figured that, based on the history of the Emmys, someone dying in a significant, meaningful death in a children's program was a sure way for them to win an Emmy. So Tom and Bob concocted a She-Ra script called "The Silaxian Wars" in which they were utilizing every Stock or Same As bit of animation that they could. Unfortunately, Filmation's Psychologist "killed" (who's the real murderer in this picture?) the Episode stating the obvious... too much action for the younger audience: "There's a difference between giving a child an ice cream cone and giving them the keys to Baskin Robins." What do "Shrinks" know anyway? We don’t see them chasing down any Emmy's!!

Oh well, they tried.

During film clips which were run during the Panel, Tom T. was busy absently doodling characters like “Orko” on his name plate. See, even Directors and Producers can draw! No sooner was the Panel complete with their words of wisdom than the fans of these fun shows came, and with good humor, pilfered anything drawn by these guys that wasn’t nailed to the table. Glad they enjoyed it as much as we did. Who knows when we'll see that great artwork on Ebay!

When Rich and Tom T. got home they got in big trouble from the wife and girlfriend wondering why they didn’t try and make some big bucks off of their many talents!

Then there were the riveting adventures of our illustrious Art Director, Dennis Venizelos. When asked if he did anything interesting, he responded in his even, droll humor, “No, did lots of walking back and forth.”

And last but not least, our Business Development Partner and AACC President, Dave Armstrong was busy at the “Comicon” too. He hosted two panels. The first was on Carmine Infantino (no not a character on the “Sopranos”). Carmine’s panel talked about the Golden and Silver Ages of Comics. Among many other noteworthy achievments, Carmine re-envisoned the Flash, gave Batman a "new look" and redesigned Batgirl. Ultimately, he was the Publisher of DC Comics and brought many key artists in as editors. A real talent.

Dave also headed a wonderful panel in memory of Alex Toth, who was a real innovator in both Comics and the World of Animation. For years, Alex was a Character designer at Hanna-Barbera. Alex also mentored more well known artists than you can shake a crayon at. Dave also put together an exhibit of Alex's artwork across the street at the Omni Hotel for all to enjoy. Sadly, we lost Alex in May and he will be sorely missed. Thank you, Dave Armstrong for caring.

One of our "G7" Associates, Bernie Wrightson, was also there drawing away. Bernie is always a pleasure to see work and we are proud to have him as part of our group. Actually, it was a real delight to have all of our G7 partners and Associates there. Fun was had by all!

Wait until next year when, if all goes right, there may be a Panel on the new "Biker Mice From Mars" series.

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Director Rich Arons, Associate Lou Scheimer,Producer/Director Tom Tataranowicz taking a quick "love" break from their panel!

Dave Armstrong moderating tribute to Alex Toth!

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Bernie Wrightson workin' it in Artist's Alley.

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Tom Tataranowicz autographing dvds for fans!

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Lou Scheimer, Tom Tataranowicz and Dennis Venizelos posing for the paparazzi.

Once upon a time there was an animation studio... oh, the heck with that fairy tale stuff. We'll leave that jive for our cartoons.

Actually, let me tell you how this company started. In 1999, Tom Tataranowicz, our Producer and Director set out and opened his own studio, "Tom T Animation Inc" in order to work with Sun Woo on their "Milo's Bug Quest" series. This was the beginning of a fantastic Animation Company... a diamond in the rough.

A true blue Union man, Tom Tataranowicz had always pledged that if he ever opened his own shop, he would only open a Union Shop. With time that is exactly what he did. Other than working on "Milo's Bug Quest," he worked with other studios developing projects like "Secret of Panda Mountain" and many others which were and continue to be in production and development.

In the year 2000 this company produced Thirteen episodes of "Baldo", a Prime Time series done for Univision. The first truly bilingual series ever done, and with all the Pre-Production being done in house, the studio was hopping, busy, noisy, and fun. Then we were working with Director Rich Arons, Storyboard Artist Mark Zoeller, Background Designer and now Art Director, Dennis Venizelos and Designer Chris Aquirre, amongst others. With "Baldo" pre-production completed and then in Post Production, Chris, Dennis and Tom T. decided to pull a few top notch talents together, themselves included, to form an Association. Then, in early 2002, this select group of highly regarded and seasoned animation professionals, with much deliberation, came up with the name "Gang of Seven Animation."

Our studio subsequently worked on projects like "Disney's Happy Animal Friends," the "Son of the Mask" Feature, "Legend of the Dragon" series, the "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," Direct To DVD Feature, Opening Titles for "Never Say Macbeth," animated sequences for "Flock of Dodos" and numerous other projects. We are currently in the midst of Post Production on 26 Episodes of "Biker Mice From Mars"

At this time, as you can see by our web site, that we now are a formidable group of talent bursting at the seams. Boy, are we having fun producing Features, Television Series, Commercials with lots of new projects in constant development!

Now, we can proudly say that the rough stone of an idea that was G-7 Animation is now in the advanced stages of becoming a brilliant diamond. So, please check our Web Site and get to know which hard working artists are part of our fantastic group!
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"Baldo" Crew having some fun!

BOB SCHAEFER is another incredibly diversified and talented artist. He’s designed TV titles, album covers, logos, and worked gorgeous background paintings for numerous animation projects.

Bob has worked in Animation both on TV series and Specials as well as on Films like “Fritz the Cat”. Bob also worked at Disney’s on both series and videos, as well as numerous movies.

Bob is a phenomenal traditionalist but is also equally fluent in digital painting as well. Even the United States Air Force Art Program used Bob’s talents.

We’re proud and delighted to have Bob join Gang of 7 Animation as an Associate.
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Bob Schaefer Transformed!

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Carnival painting by Bob Schaefer. (Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios)

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Cinderella painting by Bob Schaefer. (Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios)

BOB KLINE is a thirty three year veteran in the Animation Business. He is a multi-talented Key Designer and is considered to be one of the very top Storyboard Artists in the Industry.

Bob is also a gifted Producer and Director. This talented artist has worked with Disney as well as a multitude of other studios over the span of his celebrated career. Let it also be said the Air Force took full advantage of his talent for four years.

He is most definitely a Power House and we’re thrilled to have Bob Kline joining Gang of 7 as an Associate.

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Bob Kline's Looking Good!
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"Marco Polo" presentation art work by Bob Kline
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"The Forbidden Pwanet" by Bob Kline (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio)

ED WEXLER is a highly gifted, multi-talented Artist who has illustrated the Annual Oscar and Emmy Covers for Hollywood Reporter Magazine. He is highly published……boy can he draw!

Considered throughout the Artistic World as the Master of Caricature and Illustration, Ed is also an accomplished Director. We at Gang of 7 consider ourselves honored to have Ed join us as an Associate.
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ED WEXLER looking fine!
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57th Emmy cover for Hollywood Reporter by you guessed it, Ed Wexler!

We have a new addition to Gang of Seven that we’re all really excited about. Remember Lou Scheimer, the King of Filmation? We are so honored to have Lou, who contributed so much to this field, become a thriving part of G7.

Over the years Lou's trained so many of our seasoned Animators, Designers, Directors, and Storyboard Artists. We’re all grateful that we were once lucky enough to have the opportunity to work in his studio.

Our Producer, Tom Tataranowicz (Tom T.) was a Storyboard Artist, Storyboard Supervisor, Director and eventually a Producer at Filmation. He even got the chance at a young age to direct a feature film called "The Legend of BraveStarr".

Our other director, Rich Arons, started out when he was just a wee mouse and refined his skills on the animation disk. There he worked hard, learned his craft and is now an incredible Director.

Filmation really trained these guys in every aspect of animation. Too bad most studios don’t do that today. Our industry would be in a better place today if there were still studios like Filmation taking the time to train new, young artists. We’re excited and proud to have our new Associate Lou aboard.

Just a second thought… as Lou Scheimer was unique to our field of animation, so is Gang of 7. As a matter of fact, we can’t think of one studio out there that is totally Artist run. We are.

Our entire group, from the Producer to the Production Manager are all Artists. That’s right, this is an Artist run studio that has the sensitivity to work on projects from the Artist’s view point. No “suits” making our decisions.

So, again, we’re totally thrilled to have Lou Scheimer graciously accept a position in our budding company. He's a gem and a gifted artist and we know his knowledge and experience and love of this company will make us all shine just that much more!

We look forward to telling you about more gifted artists joining Gang of 7 Animation in next week's Blog so stay tuned!

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Lou Scheimer enjoying a Production Meeting!
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Lou having a pensive moment
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Lou having a doubting moment
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Lou working with Producer Tom Tataranowicz and Production Manager Deborah Zak, always having fun!

Boy, are we “Rocking and Riding” on our end of things! We just finished our 26th episode of “Biker Mice from Mars” and this one is particularly fun.

Why? We’re doing a Rock Opera for our last episode, something unique and totally out there...like way out on Mars perhaps? With twenty two minutes of original songs and music, this is most definitely a cinematic, once in a lifetime, magical half hour Mini-Feature that's going to make Biker Mice Fans everywhere all whippin' tail!

So, move over “Westside Story”, because the Biker Mice are back in town!!!

One more thing... stay tuned for next week's story about an INDUSTRY GIANT that has just joined G7 Animation!

Dorian Harewood playing "Modo"

Jess Harnell playing "Rump"

Rob Paulsen playing Throttle,Hairball, etc.

Lisa Zane as the "zaney" Charley!

Producer/Voice Director Tom Tataranowicz directing!

Ian Ziering playing "Vinnie"

More good news! We have happily added Bernie Wrightson to our Gang of 7 as an Associate to our company.

Wow, what a talented artist! Remember the horror comics we used to read when we were kids….classics like "Swamp Thing?" That was Bernie’s work. He’s remained prolific throughout his lifetime, continuing to create one visual wonder after another.

By the way, he was our Character Designer for "Biker Mice from Mars" and is also in cahoots with us on developing some incredible Features. Shhh….it’s a secret. You’ll see soon enough.

Welcome aboard Bernie!

Bernie Wrightson!

Bernie and Tom Tataranowicz talking "Art"

Dave Armstrong Business Management,Art Director Dennis Venizelos, Bernie Wrightson,Director Rich Arons,Producer Tom Tataranowicz,Artist Leticia Lichtwardt

Dennis, Bernie, Rich and Tom T.

Did Bernie chose a Producer or Director as model reference for this cover?
Bernie and Production Manager Deb Zak having lunch!

Making a half hour episode for animation is unbelievably detail oriented. Most people think it’s easy to do but in reality it takes a long time to do a single twenty two minute show.

First, we have to write a good Script. When that’s approved, the Production Manager has to break the Script down. What does that mean? It is a process where every Prop, every Background, every Character, every Effect is listed so that we know exactly what we have to design before the actual cartoon is staged.

All Black and White designed Props, Effects, and Characters are given to a Color Stylist along with the painted Backgrounds as it all has to mesh. Our Art Director, Dennis Venizelos colors the most beautiful backgrounds you can imagine. That’s a visual treat onto itself.

Intermittently, the Voice Director, in this case our Producer,Tom Tataranowicz (Tom T.) directs the Actors in a recording studio to get the right acting for the Storyboard Artists.

And, while that’s going on all of this art work is being compiled, so that we can get these art packs to the Storyboard Artists. The Storyboard Process takes another three weeks or more to do just one Act of the Board.

The Storyboard Designers also get a Directors Script (that’s a script where the Director writes notes, ideas, staging… basically their vision on a show so that the Storyboard Artists can reenact and help the Director achieve that vision). There are always Three Acts for each Script. A lot of work don’t you think?

Once the Storyboard is finished and numbered and totally ready to go, a person called a Slugging Director has to time out all of the action to the show, communicate with the Animators who can eventually use this information.

Once this is complete, the Director has to make sure the Storyboard has the correct footage and correct amount of Scenes. Then the Storyboard goes to our Sound Editor who has to put the voices, to Timing Sheets.

The Sheets come back to us and our Lip Sync person again takes the finished Storyboard and Timing Sheets and writes where the Characters speak, sing, scream, whatever!

Then our Timing Directors actually time the almost finished sheets and eventually after all is checked and ok’d, our sound Editor does what we call Final Conforming with the sheets to make sure all of the sound matches all of the board timing just completed.

Whew, I’m tired just thinking about this. Once this process is complete, it goes to animation where it takes a full eighteen weeks to totally complete the film with constant communication with our Directors, checking errors, “retakes,” etc.

After the cartoon has been animated it goes to Editing, and Music, Sound Effects, and Mixing. A long process but fun!

Basically, a cartoon takes from Script to ready for TV about nine months. When it’s done it’s most definitely our Baby. It’s all worth it because we love making Television Cartoons and Feature Films!

"Art Director Dennis Venizelos painting away!"

"Director Rich Arons working on Animation Artwork"

"Background Designer Jeff Purves at work!"

"Producer Tom Tataranowicz (Tom T.) reviewing Artwork"

We are currently redesigning the G7 Blog.

Thanks

Work proceeds on CINDY BC, our G7 original animated series featuring the lovely supermodel, CINDY MARGOLIS.
www.cindymargolis.com

New Lines' film SON OF THE MASK opened in theaters. Congratulations to director Lawrence Guterman and his brilliant effects teams at ILM and Phil Tippett Studios. Be sure and look for G7's critically acclaimed animation inserts throughout the picture. G7 produced a traditional 2D animation sequence when Otis the dog dreams of shooting the baby out of a cannon; a 2-D animated "flip book" sequence of Jamie Kennedy romancing his wife; a FLASH animation sequence in which Otis the dog designs a blueprint for creating an elaborate Rube-Goldberg device for ridding himself of the troublesome toddler; and we also produced a 3D Maya rendered CGI/Toonshader sequence which is seen in Jamie Kennedy's TV set as the finale of the film.