Dark Matter

2012 3D Animation Reel of James N Bowman

2012-01-24T21:28:00.001-05:00

If a Movie is created and not shown, does it exist.......

2012-01-20T17:01:00.000-05:00

I often think about the many hurdles, creative people have to jump, in order to make it. This comes to mind as I think about the excitement, and in some circles, controversey, revolving around the movie, Red Tails. It's not surprising (at least not to me), that it took a White, male, billionaire filmmaker to point out how difficult it is to fund, produce, and distribute a film by, starring, and about African Americans. This whole chapter brings to mind my own struggles as a filmmaker and animator. It also makes me think about those friends and acquaintances of African decent, who also strugglrein this cinema fraternity.

It's hard to believe that I have been in and around animation and film making for nearly twelve years. And at no time during this period have I ever felt that I've made it, or that I am secure where I am. Within the first year and a half after coming out of graduate school, my first film was in four film festivals, but I was sleeping on a air mattress on the floor of a friend in Harlem and then the home of a friend of a friend in Jersey City. Although during that time, I was only able to find work as a TA at NYU, I thought I was about to make the big time, by having my film seen in New York and LA.

Little did I know during my first year and a half out of school, that my education would continue, in a very real way. I was applying, in person to studios for 3D animation work, and not even given a chance. But I remember after a screening of my film at the Urbanworld Film Festival, I thought my fortune was about to change. I was approached by the owner of a distribution company, who was very interested in my film. This company will remain nameless, but it has been responsible for putting many African American films on TV.

I received the paperwork for an offer from this company, not too long after the film festival. This is where another class in film making was about to take place. I reviewed the offer/contract, and was shocked to see how much power I would have to give up, in return for so little money. The offer was a exclusive license of my film, for a period of five years, where I could not sell, could not exhibit, could not put my film online, and could not distribute this film for employment purposes. All of this for the grand, handsome price of $1000. My film would have been shown during Black History Month as a syndicated program of films, shown on Saturday afternoons on network TV.

I heavily pondered this offer, but could not get past how little I was offerred and how little control I had over my own work. I thought, one year of work for $1000. I couldn't even pay rent and eat off of that for one month in New York. I didn't respond for two weeks, when another offer of $2000, came to me. It was then, that I wrote back that I could not accept this offer. I though of this as a slap in the face, for one year of work, that I completed on my own. Another thing that rubbed me the wrong way, was that this was a White owned company, solely acquiring African Produced films.

Now, before anyone gets offended by the last sentence, understand where I, and many African Americans come from, in our suspicion and even anger. The goal of creating films is to have them seen, and hopefully to the largest audience possible. But just as important, is that we can make a living from all of the education and hard work that we have put into our creation. African Americans have very few outlets for financing and distribution. And most, if not all outlets to have our works seen, are through entities that are White owned.

It's difficult to explain to anyone, what racism and discrimination are to those who have never and will never experience it. Many African Americans complain, that their images are not seen, or even seen truthfully on mainstream television or on the big screen. I don't want my work relegated to 1pm on Saturday afternoon, with little marketing, and few people in front of the TV. If I had accepted that deal, few people still would have seen my work, and I would have only had $2000 to show for it, while the distribution company had full control over my work, without my say so.

I have seen so many great short and feature films by Black people from all over the world. The problem is that many millions more will never see these great works. It's sad to say, but until I became an animator, I never even though about going to film festivals where these great works are screened. And many of these great works are relegated further, to only being seen at African or African American film festivals. I witnessed sci-fi films, action, drama, and experimental film, most of which I have never seen again.

I hope that the publicity of Red Tails will open some doors for some of the great films I've seen and those yet made by African Americans. I want to see films by African Americans and all peoples on over 2000 screens like any other major or blockbuster film. I want to see creative people, from writers, crew members, directors, animators, actors, and the like, making a good living at entertaining and educating all of us. I don't want to see people of color having to accept being taken advantage of, in order to have their works seen.

I applaud George Lucas for enlightening the world, to the plight of the African American filmmaker. I challenge more Whites to confront the innequality that we as people of color face, not only in the film industry, but within American life in general. I challenge the African American community to pool our resources to create distribution companies, own movie theaters, and promote our films. All people have a right to create and have their voices heard and images seen. We all have stories to tell, and it is the responsibility of all of us, to make sure that these stories are told, and that the creators can make a good living by creating them.

James Bowman

Artist, 3D Animator, and Arts Educator

The ART of the Exodus Publishing Artists

2011-11-06T20:19:00.000-05:00

Please take time to view a sample of the works of Artists James N Bowman and A.M. Frasier.

Art of A.M. Frasier

Art of James N Bowman

Check out the review of our film "The Question" at The Independent Critic...

2011-07-21T00:56:00.002-04:00

http://theindependentcritic.com/question/

Childhood through the "Super 8" mind

2011-06-13T22:23:00.004-04:00

As I sat back in my chair, I could not help but return to a time of riding my BMX dirt bike, and being denied an opportunity to play Dungeons & Dragons with my older brothers. Super 8 hearkens back to a time where the imagination was not hindered by technology. This is a story of six middle school kids, making a horror flick within the backdrop of a small iron town in Ohio during the late seventies. The super 8 camera, these kids use to make their film, becomes the central character, that not only unites the kids, but captures the brooding antagonist, that eventually terrorizes this sleepy town.

Just watching this film, I could not help but to feel that I was a eight year old, transfixed as Elliot was whisked away with ET, or frightened as Carol Ann announced that "They're Here" in Poltergeist. The cinematography, acting, and pacing lets me know just how much of a protege of Steven Spielberg, JJ Abrams truly is. It is refreshing to see a Summer blockbuster movie concentrate more on story, characters, and suspense more than special effects. Don't get me wrong, as an animator, I enjoyed the animation and realism of the foreboding creature. But the monster and the effects became a secondary piece to the film as a whole.

I think it's a wonderful change to revert to a style of film making, and even a period of time, where the imagination and creativity were king. When people inevitably become older, we always say that times were better when we were kids. In my biased opinion, I believe that applies to the style and story of this film. I just hope that the younger generations could unplug for a little while, and find at least some inspiration from this film.

Reel of my former students at UAT

2011-03-29T00:57:00.002-04:00

2011 3D Animation reel of James N Bowman

2011-03-29T00:53:00.002-04:00

"The Question" is now completed

2011-03-29T00:39:00.005-04:00

"The Question" is a 3D animated short film, written by James N Bowman and Ajamu M Frasier, which entails a day in the life of a hopeful question mark. Please be on the look out for screenings, either at film festivals or through online venues. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1868079/

Please help us fund the completion of our film

2011-01-03T13:49:00.003-05:00

2011-01-03T13:49:00.001-05:00

Perpetual Downtrodden Portrayal

2010-11-02T02:57:00.003-04:00

Where do I start. I seem to be like a lost alien, wandering a strange world. A world where all of the stories told, are of the downtrodden and the collective pain that everyone experiences. Far too often when I see a title of a book or a poster for a movie, I see the reiteration of the hardships that African Americans have experienced for over 400 years.

I express this bewilderment because of the upcoming release of "For Colored Girls". This film, which is based on the play " For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf" by Ntozake Shange deals with love, abandonment, rape, and abortion. I personally wonder where the empowerment lies within a piece such as this. What about the sense of simple uplift and pride? I'm sure for some whom have read or even seen the play, there is something that may have responded to or connected with you. But for me, I'm tired of constantly seeing us go through pain and punishment. Why can't we be seen as just OK, without any torment or anguish?

I struggle everyday to understand how we, as African Americans truly view ourselves. To constantly see books, plays, films, and music created by us, that perpetually focuses on poverty, abuse, violence, and low esteem. It seems like we don't want to support, as a collective, works that show us as powerful, genius, insightful, creative, loving, and most of all, happy. We will support "American Gangsta" but not "The Great Debaters". Or buy a book like "Thug Lovin" by Wahida Clark, but not "My Soul To Keep" by Tananarive Due.

What's wrong with being engrossed by our history, mythology, or just stories of contentment. Sadly, as African Americans, we connect all too easily to the collective suffering that we have all experienced within our lives. The racism and the sense of being held back weigh heavily upon us as soon as we get out of bed. But we need to not be afraid to write about the sunshine. Our cryptonite should not be stories that show good, strong relationships between African American men and women. Having a good time among friends, also should not be a prerequisite for a fight scene.

I want to feel good about being African American. I want to feel good about being an African American man. I want African American women to feel good being who they are. So why don't we create and support more stories that make us feel good about being who we are?

Crazy House Dancin Blue Dude

2010-09-28T00:21:00.003-04:00

Pratt Institute CCPS Student Demo Reel 2007-2008

2010-08-30T12:52:00.002-04:00

UAT Student demo reel Spring 2010

2010-08-30T12:49:00.002-04:00

Wonderful work by Michel Gagne

2010-08-17T01:06:00.002-04:00

This is a very creative piece of artistic animation, that I hope more people will be inspired by.

Bone Deformer and Blend Shapes

2010-08-11T01:13:00.003-04:00

Examples of connecting polygon character parts

2010-08-09T15:21:00.004-04:00

Connecting NURBS character components

2010-08-09T15:17:00.002-04:00

Deformers, Influence Objects, and Character Sets

2010-07-27T01:48:00.003-04:00

Polygon Head

2010-07-26T21:24:00.003-04:00

NURBS Head

2010-07-21T02:17:00.004-04:00

Polygon Foot

2010-07-07T12:38:00.008-04:00

NURBS Foot

2010-07-07T12:33:00.003-04:00

Hand Controller

2010-07-06T01:59:00.003-04:00

Final Rig

2010-06-29T12:57:00.003-04:00

Polygon Pelvis and Legs

2010-06-21T17:42:00.003-04:00

NURBS Pelvis and Legs

2010-06-21T17:39:00.004-04:00

Rig Controllers

2010-06-21T17:36:00.005-04:00

If you are in Philadelphia this weekend

2010-06-14T22:11:00.001-04:00

Please take time to check out Our film, Monkkey Episode 2 at the Urban Suburban Film Festival.

Synopsis: http://www.urbansuburbanfilmfestival.com/films04.htm
Screening Schedule: http://www.urbansuburbanfilmfestival.com/screening_times.htm

Reverse Foot and Controller

2010-06-13T19:06:00.003-04:00

Smooth Binding and IK

2010-06-07T21:59:00.002-04:00

Skeleton Building Tutorial

2010-06-01T02:28:00.003-04:00

Polygon torso tutorial

2010-06-01T02:00:00.004-04:00

NURBS Torso Tutorial

2010-06-01T01:55:00.002-04:00

Polygon Hand Tutorial

2010-06-01T01:49:00.003-04:00

NURBS Hand Tutorial (Curve and Primitive)

2010-05-26T02:57:00.003-04:00

Flexor Tutorial

2010-05-24T12:40:00.003-04:00

EXpedition Status Report 9: Humor Clause

2010-05-12T03:25:00.000-04:00

Over the last week I came across Illtown215 A series of ill-gotten, ill-affected and ill-mannered comedic sketches that's from the mind of one of the Whaaaaaassup Guys Philly native Fred Thomas Jr. These sketches are satirical so they aren't just the senseless random type of comedic jib jab that pollutes the internet. The other piece that I appreciate is that Mr. Thomas is writing, producing, and directing these shorts himself!

Check it out!

Keep Sharp
A.M. Frasier

Illtown215: Using Your Resources - watch more funny videos

Polygon Arm Modeling

2010-05-12T01:53:00.003-04:00

NURBS Arm Modeling

2010-05-12T01:48:00.003-04:00

Poster for MonKKey

2010-04-28T09:06:00.004-04:00

There Will Be Blood.

EXpedition Status Report 8: Some new ARTifacts

2010-04-26T10:39:00.006-04:00

We haven't used it in awhile around here but the term ARTifacts (TM) is what we here on the EXpeditions (TM) call new artistic finds. Creation from artist big and small, old and new.

MonKKey is steadily growing in popularity. I'll be submitting episode two to film festivals this week. By the end of this week you'll see some cool art work from MonKKey up as well. And always remember "the MONKKEY tale !!!"

Meanwhile...
Checkout the latest additions to the Worm Hole. Links to some very talented artists...

MiddletonEmpire.blogspot.com - Brother Middleton will be helping me with the production of MonKKey chapter 3. He's a fellow comrade from the Animation Academy.

Tyree-dillihay.blogspot.com - Another very inspiring artist. Brother Dillihay is always busy doing something in the field check out his work. In fact the link to this video I got from his blog. It was so interesting I decided to put it on mine;)

Keep Sharp

Brocasso

2010-04-25T22:35:00.009-04:00

About two weeks ago, April 14th to be exact, I came across something that made me forget at the time why I originally walked into the comic store. The comic shop was Earth 2 and I originally entered the premises to peruse the many artist sketch books they keep on hand. However before I could turn the corner around the rack of manga and down the aisle there he was Todd Harris aka Brocasso sitting behind a table with a small stack of a comics called "Prodigal" , a laptop, and a Wacom tablet. There was another gentlemen there as well talking to Mr. Harris about the pros of using a Wacom. There discussion gave me time to look up close at the small stack of comics that I had been eyeing since I walked into the store. YES!!! The artwork was that good that I forgot why I came into the store. Someone may call it an ADD moment but I'm not ADD in fact my ability to stay focused is impeccable which is why I focused in on this comic.

There will be no spoilers here so when you go to pickup the book you'll have full satisfaction but here's the gist of it....

"Prodigal Egg of First Light" follows the exploits of a female genius Malaysian ex-criminal named Jacinto and a brawler named Lennox who could whoop Batman and Captain America's butt as a warm up on the way to the main fight (that would be both The Bats and Cap at the same time). If you've lost something or someone there is nobody in the world better at getting it back than J & L. They have one simple motto you want it, we get it, no question. A group of monks hire the duo to return the Egg of First Light and of course it's not that simple. Let just say by the end of book one you'll see why Lennox hates ninjas and you'll begin to see why he hates magic. The action is good and steady with witty dialogue to match. This is book one of two. It's a refreshing piece of work from an artist whose work is inspiring.

Todd will be at Earth 2 this Saturday signing books one and two for Free Comic Day. Todd Harris's website is http://www.brocasso.com/ go CHECK him OUT!!!

Slide_Edge_Bevel_ETC

2010-04-12T01:39:00.003-04:00

Ramp Tutorial

2010-04-05T13:55:00.000-04:00

Layered Texture

2010-04-05T13:54:00.000-04:00

Extrude/Edgeloop Tutorial

2010-04-05T11:19:00.003-04:00

Character Interaction

2010-04-01T01:59:00.004-04:00

Projected Fabric Textures

2010-03-31T01:10:00.002-04:00

Poly Modeling/Append and Combine 3

2010-03-23T00:42:00.004-04:00

Poly Modeling/Append and Combine 2

2010-03-23T00:42:00.002-04:00

Poly Modeling/Append and Combine 1

2010-03-23T00:40:00.001-04:00

Lip Sync 3

2010-03-23T00:39:00.001-04:00

Lip Sync 2

2010-03-23T00:38:00.001-04:00

Lip Sync 1

2010-03-23T00:37:00.001-04:00

Normal Mapped Fabric Texture 2

2010-03-23T00:36:00.000-04:00

Normal Mapped Fabric Texture 1

2010-03-23T00:34:00.002-04:00

Monkkey, Episode 2 is now ready

2010-03-20T15:19:00.000-04:00

Indeed it has been a long time since the last chapter. However it isworth the wait. Many obstacles bring fourth well inspired material.Thanks to all of those who enjoyed the last chapter and checked inwith me from time to time to see when the next chapter was coming out.Thanks to those w......ho simply enjoyed the last episode!This chapter is in stereo. So plug in your headphones or speakers and subwoofers so you don't miss the little nuances. The Monk's tale continues. Enjoy

Please take time to view it at http://www.monkkey.com/

A.M. Frasier

Animating Emotion

2010-03-11T01:29:00.002-05:00

Poly Apple Modeling Tutorial

2010-03-01T02:06:00.000-05:00

Creating Glass textured materials

2010-03-01T01:05:00.001-05:00

Grab Animation Tutorial

2010-03-01T01:03:00.001-05:00

Blinn and Phong Glass Shader Tutorial

2010-02-22T23:49:00.003-05:00

Where is the progressive thought in Black films

2010-02-21T15:26:00.009-05:00

I was just thinking how narrow the variety of thought is withing African American films. Al I tend to see are gangsta films, religious dramas, degrading comedies, or films that simply focus on racism. Where are the films that delve into multi-dimensions? Or the films that deal with the subconscious mind. I want to see films that explore African mythology and ancient mysticism. What about magic and immortality and their conflicts with humanity? Why can't I see a film dealing the spiritual thoughts, ideas, and conflicts of African Americans that go beyond just Christianity? To see stories from the African American perspective of how technology is either hindering or helping society. And what about the futuristic and mythic ideas that come out of Caribbean and African American folklore? Is the Black film making community so closed minded that science fiction and horror are beyond the realm of thinking? Or are Black filmmakers hindered by Hollywood in their efforts to express a wide ranging ideology.

I almost tend to believe the latter. After reading books from African American authors such as Octavia Butler, Tananarive Due, Samuel Delany, Walter Mosley and others, I know that there are a plethora of speculative ideas within the African American community. To know that the father of African American intellectual and civil rights thought, W.E.B. DuBois, wrote a science fiction short story entitled "The Comet" in 1920. Or to read Caribbean folklore about a Soucouyant, a type of vampire, in "Greedy Choke Puppy" by Nalo Hopkinson. Octavia Butler wrote of a world, after we destroyed it, where aliens became the only hope for us to find our humanity. Immortality became a question of humanity and superiority in Tananarive Due's series from "My Soul To Keep". And you also have to question whether the "Blue Light" is for our benefit, by Walter Mosley.

I wonder how these stories have been hiding from the silver screen. When "Avatar", the "Star Wars" saga, "Star Trek", "Clash of the Titans", "Excalibur", "Harry Potter", "Lord of The Rings" and so many more stories have made their way to the theater. Why can't we see the mythologies, magic, and sci-fi thought of African Americans, brought to the movies for all to enjoy and wonder. I want to be like a kid first watching "Star Wars", and brought into a new realm of imagination. I want others to be intrigued, amazed, enlightened, and entertained, by ideas and worlds created by those of the African Diaspora.

My partner and I at Exodus Publishing, LTD. are slowly adding our contributions. And I'll be happy to see others produce much more.