SDCC - Pre Con Blog 2012

When I first attended the San Diego Comic Convention, I couldn't believe there would be that many people interested in comic books and get together in one location. That year there was this shocking number of over 5000 people in attendance.

This year the Convention Center has capped the attendance at 130,000 people.

That's quite a bit of a difference, and that's a whole lot of years in-between.

Through those years my goal has been work in the industry; first as a comic book artist, then as a writer both in comics and in animation, and pursuing a career in production as both.

As Image Comics is celebrating a major anniversary in its existence I remember how it was through them I got my first professional credits (though my name only appears in one of the books I worked on), that year I got to sit in the company booth and I even signed my autographs on a few items.

I've only missed one year over all these year.  And though I have never completely gotten over all my nerves each year I get better and better at talking with the professionals as I am one of them. I am.

So once again, I am heading down to San Diego to schmooze with my fellow script writers, authors, artists, editors, actors and producers. And Mission 818 is going with me.

This is the third year that I am taking the train down and riding it back home each night. It's a relaxing trip, and it is a whole lot cheaper than any hotel you'll find (or not find) in the entire city this weekend.

Can't promise that I'll be blogging all through the weekend, but check out my twitter feed  at @Kevinpsb00 I'm sure I'll have something to say.

Kevin Paul Shaw Broden

Four Names of Professional Creativity

What is #Mission818?

UPDATE - Sept 17. 2012 - See bottom of post.

What is #MISSION 818?

The name of my blog is "Four Names of Professional Creativity" and I have posted about my writing, about my artwork, about comic books and movies. I've also given suggestions and guidance to new writers on how to find ideas out of the world around them. I've promoted my novels, and written reviews of the novels of others. This week I'm writing about employment and my continued long-term career search and what I call Mission 818.

For over a year I have been in a part-time job with the Fullerton College Foundation where I design, assemble, and write content for newsletters, event programs, and advertisements that have increased the Foundation and it's scholarship programs. They tell me I do a good job.

I am blessed by this job, and glad to help to the Foundation and my alumni of Fullerton College, however I know it is time I turn my focus towards the future.

I am engaged to one of the most – no, make that the most – wonderful woman in the world. We've been together for years and we share so much including a lifelong passion for television animation. It is time we get married and I become the best husband she deserves.

To make that happen, I need to find a full time job and join her in the 818.

With that intent, I can't continue the way I have. Whether it be at an animation studio or not, I must find employment now and it must be near her in the Burbank area, hence the 818.

So, what is Mission 818?

It is my quest to find employment, be married, and live in the 818 area code.

As I've mentioned before, since heaven knows when I have wanted to work in comic books and animation. My goal was patricianly achieved in comics, but I still intend to do more with it and I keep my hand in with the webcomic "Flying Glory and the Hounds of Glory" (now in it's eleventh year). As for animation I got my first script writing credits on several episodes of a show called "Midnight Horror School" in Japan. Unfortunately it has never aired in the U.S. I have also professionally written and developed series.

Additionally I have worked with numerous studio executives and producers as a contracted assistant from time to time over the years (read temp.) With every job, no matter how small, I have gained experience, which I bring to the next one.

Though my dream is to be a scriptwriter on a long running animated television series, or better yet, create my own show that runs for multiple seasons with fantastic rating numbers (I really am dreaming), for now that's not what Mission 818 is about.

I will not to give up that dream (even those ratings) and will keep fighting for it. Yet, right now, I need a concrete foundation to build that dream upon. I am seeking a "day job," a secure position in the production offices of an animation studio or prod co. Yes, I know there is no such thing as a long-term secure position in our industry, especially now, but that's what I'm after. Receiving a regular paycheck while helping produce the best animated television series.

So what type of position am I looking for? It would be so easy to say, I want to get my foot in the door. Well, that's not enough any more; I need to get my entire body in the door and down the hall. A Production Assistant or Coordinator on a show would be great start, and wouldn't turn it down, but with my experience and skills I'm looking for something more.

The assistant position I am seeking is in the Television Animation Series Development department of a major studio. A few years ago, I had a temp job in the development department of one such studio, and even though I was there for a short time, it was an extremely thrilling experience as new and potential shows passed across my desk. I fell in love with those offices and am looking to return and be part of that work on a long-term basis.

Additionally, working in a studio's development department may have a whole lot more stability than in the production of a show.

As much as I would like the above jobs and working in animation, I won't say no to other positions in or out of the entertainment industry. My only requirement is that should be in the 818, preferably Burbank/Glendale area.

So Mission 818 has begun, seeking employment, and planning for marriage.

Part of this is asking my friends in the industry if they know of or could keep an eye out for any job opening inside or outside of television animation.

All help is appreciated. Know that this isn't just for me but for the woman I love.

Who knows, one of the studios might need someone to work on their newsletters. I've been told I'm pretty good at them.

UPDATE - Sept 17. 2012 - I'm still pursuing employing with in the 818 Area code and the studios. This coming Friday I will be visiting the offices of an Animation Production Company and have the opportunity to pitch a television series. I've prepared a pitch bible for a action adventure series, and a pitch for a short, and have also have a back up in case the producers ask "What else you got?"  This is very important.

I've had the opportunity to pitch before, and even if the shows are bought or turned into successful series, the experience is always good. A little scary, a little fun. It's a great learning experience.

Hope to write a blog about the experience next weekend.

My #Mission818 continues.

Thanks for the support.

“Hey, Red! Forget about the Wolf, you’ve got bigger problems at home.”

This weekend marks the opening of the movie RED RIDING HOOD.

I won’t be seeing it. Wait, wait. I have nothing against the film. I’m sure that the writer worked very hard on the story, a crew worked very hard to make the sets and special effects look just right. That they cast the perfect actors and actresses.

Each and everyone who had a hand in the movie all deserve a round of applause even if there are no awards accompanying it.

As mentioned, I have nothing against the movie, other than the obvious fact that they’re trying to grab the TWIGHLIGHT audience. If they succeed, good for them, but I think they’re trying too hard.

Okay, that’s the last of my opinion of the movie. Now I want to talk a little bit about the original LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD.

We all know the basic story. Girl who loves wearing her new Red Hood, is told by her mother to take a basket full of goods to her Grandma who lives way out in the woods. Along the way she meets a wolf, hungry and intrigued by the girl. She travels on to Grandma’s house. Only to discover the wolf has disguised himself as Grandma. She is later rescued by the Woodsman.

In some of the more gruesome tellings of the story, the Wolf ate Grandma before putting on her clothes. Ooo, yuck.

And for the life of me I can’t remember where the Woodsman comes into the story before saving the day at the end.

But all that, the Woodman and even the Wolf, aren’t all that important. There’s a greater problem going here that needs to be dealt with.

Why is Grandma living so far out in the woods, by herself?

Our main character is a girl with an interesting fashion sense, who lives with her single mother. We have never seen a father, have we? He probably died at some point (let’s make him heroic, and helped the King defend the land).

[Side note. This is why Red would never fit in with the Disney Princess’. In most of those classic tales, the girls don’t have they’re own mothers. PRINCESS AND THE FROG is the odd one out.]

Back to my nonsense. Red lives with her mom, who every so often remembers about poor old Grandma and sends the girl off with a basket full of goodies.

Who is Grandma? This little old later who looks forward to seeing her grandchild visit. Is she’s the mom’s own mother, or her mother-in-law? How independent is she? Able to take care of herself?

When was the last time the two women spoke to one another and didn’t use poor Red as a go between? Then to send the girl out into the woods knowing that there were dangerous wild animals out there?

Why hasn’t Grandma moved in with the rest of the family to be taken care of like she should be?

That last question is rather serious in our present day world where Grandmas are put into homes all by themselves, and every so often we remember them and go for a visit.

So, who’s the real bad guy in this story?

Ya, I probably thought too much about this. This is how I see stories sometimes, looking at the characters and what goes on beneath the main action.

I don’t think my story would make a very good movie, do you?

Banned Book Week

It’s Thursday already, and though its time to write this blog again, I can’t believe that this week has nearly slipped by and only now did I realize that it was BANNED BOOK WEEK.

This week unfortunately slips under the radar most years. It hardly gets any mention on the news programs, unless they need filler for the last minute of the program and there’s no cat stuck up a tree.

Back when I was in college (all those years ago), the campus library had a window display each year to show the books that some people didn’t want them to have available to the students. I was pleased to see the Library was supporting the week.

Check out the American Library Association’s website for lists of books that have been banned this year.

One year, when BBW came around and working on the college newspaper, I got the opportunity to write an Opinion piece for the Op-Ed page. I wrote it about Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and did an illustration to go with it.

Am certain I don’t need to remind any of you the story is about a not so distant future where a Fireman’s job is to burn, to burn books, to burn thought. Anything that might offend or up set someone, not just the state, or someone’s religion, or race, or corporate employer. Why have something that could cause conflict between two people. Get rid of it all, burn it.

Sounds frighteningly familiar to something that nearly happened recently, doesn’t it?

As a Christian I am horrified that anyone would think of doing such a thing was the Will of God, or want to do it for any other reason.

No need to run that in to a rant, everyone has his or her own opinion, just don’t let it be forgotten.

Here are a few books that are on this year’s list that one or more people found offensive:

Anne Frank, the Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
The Cartoonns That Shook the World by Jytte Klausen
ttyl by Lauren Myracle
Twilight by Stephenie H. Meyer
Dragon Ball: The Monkey King by Akira Toriyama

The rest of the list can be found at the link above. It is, unfortunately, much longer than this.

Here’s another list to check out: Because my first creative passion is comic books, check out this link on Huffington Post of the Top Ten Graphic Novels that have ended up on the Banned Book list.

There are a lot of books I don’t like, a lot of TV shows, a lot of Movies. Some I’ve seen and read, others I have chosen not to. I may not like them, but the writer deserves to have his creation exist and to be read. Heck, he deserves to have it liked or disliked, because that’s what makes it alive. People reading it, and discussing it.

Oh, and to my brother and sister fundamentalist Christians; the book that we believe to be the greatest book in the world… The Holy Bible. It ends up the BANNED BOOK list each year as well.

I don’t intent to make this blog political, and I don’t think censorship is political. It simply prevents us to speak, to write, to read, to learn.

If you’ve found my blog, you’re probably a writer, artist, or someone in related entertainment industry, or plan to be. We all don’t want our work blocked, but even if people don’t like it I remind you to make it the best art and story you can make.

Thank you for reading.

Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
Four Names of Professional Creativity

San Diego Comic Con - A Blog, Finally

San Diego Comic Con Internation

I’ve let over a week slip by before actually beginning this blog about San Diego Comic Con. Sorry about that, guys. Of course, now I actually have to think about something to write about.

First off, I only attended 2 Panel/Events for the entire three days I was there. The big one was for Ray Bradbury. My fiancée and I haven’t missed him for the last 15 years. It would have felt wrong if we had skipped.
The other panel was the Boom! Studios panel on IRREDEMABLE/INCORRUPTABLE. It was great to hear about Peter Kraus and how his comic artist career began and continued. It lets me know that it’s not too late for me either, and if his wife can put up with it, I am certain my fiancée can as well. (Actually, she’s told me as much. Thank God.)
And even more importantly (avoiding being hit by fiancée), am glad to know that writer Mark Waid and I have something major in common. Both of us have a terrible time coming up with names for our characters. It means I’m not lost.

I did miss one other panel I intended to be at. The WGA Animation Writer’s Caucus panel on Feature Animation. My Fiancée said that a young girl asked the most intelligent of questions. (Did anyone blog about that?) I missed it because I had to get over from the train station. When I finally got there the room was full and no one else was let in. I waited in the hall for half an hour.
As any of you who follow my Twitter (@kevinpsb00) know, I trained it down to San Diego each and back home again. It was a nice relaxing way to get down and comic home each night. It also cost lest then one night at a hotel during con season.

Also, I completely avoided Hall H at all cost, and that was before anyone thought to use pens as a weapon to save seats. As much as I love Hollywood, it’s far more important for me to meet with people that watch a bunch of promos.

So exactly what did I do for the three days of Con and not attending any panels, you might ask? Actually, I know you’re not going to ask… moving on.

This was my year for networking and meeting people, or at least as many people as I could. Know I could have done better. And if there is anyone out there that I missed, drop me line. I still have several follow up e-mails to send off.

Had a great time meetings people at different publishing companies, and got introduced to new editors. Some of which have already allowed me to pitch to their books. We can only pray that more show an interest, and that I get hired.

Had a good evening at the WGA’s Reception with my fellow animation writers.

After the Reception I got to see how much comics and entertainment have changed social standings for people. There was a guy in a very bad cosplay out but he had sexy girls hanging off him as he got out of a limo. I don’t know what was gone over there, but know that only a few years ago those same girls would have shunned him.

I didn’t need no fancy cosplay costume to get the girls. I have the most wonderful fiancée who is as much a nerd as I am. And I’m glad she has been with me at Con for so many years.
(No we are not going to have our wedding in costume. Don’t even dare show up in your Stormtrooper uniform.)

Did anyone spot my little animated Name Tag I had on? Let me know. Good thing I had it on because the text on the Con badge was so small no one could read it (when I got home Thursday night I printed up larger text of my name and stuck it on there. They also got my Twitter name wrong). Everyone who said something about my animated Name Tag got one of my handouts, which I was giving to publishers and editors. One side of the card was my bio and contact information; the other side is a pitch for a comic book/animated series I’d like to do. I may post it soon, but can’t promise it right now. I’ll let you know.

Walking the convention floor killed my legs and feet by the end of each day, so I was glad to relax on the train home each night.

The crowds on the floor did seem a little larger then in the past. At times even Thursday felt like a Saturday. But I only had one bad experience with the crowds. I was hoping to meet with someone at Warner Bros. But for reason, and no one ever could explain it, the crowds were so packed around the large booth that it was impossible to get in and be able to make contact let alone have a business conversation. It wasn’t even that busy for the Big Bang Theory gang and the Evil Will Weaton.

All and all, this was really a good convention.

Oh and if you noticed a continuous thread here, that my fiancée is always there. Well she is. And one of these day’s I’m going to stop calling her fiancée, and make her my wife. But I gotta have a job first, so how about one of you wonder comic book publishers or animation production companies hire me. Much appreciated, she’s been very patient with you.

Thanks for reading.
(Oh, and I have no idea why I chose to go humorous route for this blog. It’s not like me. Really.)
(Anyone need a comedic writer, who’s not so certain he’s a comedic writer?)

To 2008 I thank you.

I sit here with only hours to go before 2008 comes to an end, and want to summarize the last 365 days (and 1 second) of my life. But I don't want to look backwards, because when I do it feels like absolutely nothing happened. This isn't true, but it certainly can feel that way when I couldn't find a job. So I refuse to look back with that mind set.

Instead I would like to take a moment to thank people who have helped me in one way or another, no matter how small. As you all know by now, I've been pursuing a career as a writer in animation and comic books for a very long time, and it certainly hasn't been easy, and one of my greatest problems I have is networking.

So I want to thank all the people who have talked with me over the last months, either in person, on the phone, or across the internet.

To the veteran animation and comic book writers who took the time to give me advice. I thank you.

To the president of a publishing company who though isn't in a position to hire writers, was willing to give advice and point me towards editors who might be able to hire me. I thank you.

To those editors who did response to my e-mails, asking what I had done and was seeking to do. I thank you.

To the editor who not only is willing to consider me to write for him in the future, but also willing to read my series pitch. I thank you.

To the comic book writer and animation story editor who took the time to read my spec scripts. Even though your current series is fully staffed, you were willing to consider me and remember me for future projects. I thank you.

To the studio executives and production staffs that have spent time to talk with me about working with them even though there is no work to be had. I thank you.

To the Human Resource Manager at a TV network who called me for a job I had not applied to, and was very impressed with my resume in ways no one else had ever commented on before. That I was one of only four people in consideration for the position. I thank you. And who was very apologetic when a company wide hiring freeze came down. I still thank you.

To my representative at an employment agency, who was willing to take my angry phone call when they didn't seem to be doing anything, and explained things more clearly to me. I thank you.

To the animation and film producers from other countries who sought me out through the internet. I thank you.

To everyone at the Writers Guild of America and the Animation Writers Caucus who have always been a great support to me, because they've all been the same place I am. I thank you all.

To all my new friends in the comic book and animation industries that I am getting to know through facebook and twitter, I say hello and thank you.

To those of you who have begun to check out my website and web comic. I thank you.

To my family who has supported me through this crazy pursuit. Thank you and and God Bless.

And lastly to Shannon Muir, my writing partner, my love and fiancée, and most importantly my best friend who walks with me hand in hand through this life. I can not thank you enough. We will be married soon!

I may not have gotten a job, or written a comic book or animated episode, or sold a television series, but I have gotten to know a lot of very wonderful people. To you all I thank you, and may 2009 be filled with more opportunities to meet one another and give thanks.


Kevin Paul Shaw Broden
December 31st, 2008

My website, thanks for looking...

The traffic through my website/resume has been dead since soon after I put it up.  There were a few people that looked at the beginning, but for weeks and weeks now there hasn't been anyone.

I was surprised when someone looked at it this past Sunday, and then again yesterday.

So who ever you are, I just wanted to say thank you.

(Oh apparently you're in Argentina.) 

Now if only there was someone who'd look at it and hired me.  

(Not certain I am willing to move to Argentina, but can tele-commute and be your company U.S. representative.  I can always writer scripts here and send them to you.)

For the rest of you, check out the site and consider me.  http://www.duelingmodem.com/~kevinpsb/index.html

Kevin

I realized today that there is only a week and a half before the Comic Con down in San Diego.  I'm going to try and complete an animation pitch package before then. Use the con as a working deadline. 

Am still drawing pages of Flying Glory and the Hounds of Glory, should be able to do two pages before the Con. Check them out at www.flying-glory.com.

I also would like to get a job interview or two in, so that I'll be able to start work the Monday after the con.  Anyone know of any animation production positions?  

Grand Reopening

Announcing the opening of the new website of:

Kevin Paul Shaw Broden

"Four Names of Professional Creativity"

www.duelingmodems.com/~kevinpsb/index.html

With fifteen years of providing creative content as both writer and artist, Kevin is ready to do the same for you.

Having worked in both domestic and international animation markets, Kevin has written episodic scripts and developed full series, and has pitched to major studios.

With an artistic background he has provided conceptual drawings and character designs for animated projects, and continues to draw the weekly online comic book Flying Glory and the Hounds of Glory.

As a Creative Consultant, Kevin provided guidance towards various story and artistic approaches, researches demographics, and meeting with creative staffs and potential financial partners and co-producers.

Kevin seeks a position to use his experience to coordinate between the writers and artists on your next production.

Check out his website, and drop Kevin a message. He's ready to work for you.

www.duelingmodems.com/~kevinpsb/index.html