badablingthing

Press Release: Puffin sign up for two more WEREWORLD novels

2012-02-02T19:36:00.002Z

THIRD TWO-BOOK DEAL FOR PUFFIN FANTASY NOVELIST

John Jarrold Literary Agency is excited to announce Puffin’s acquisition of two further fantasy novels in the 11+ Wereworld series by British author and artist Curtis Jobling. Shannon Park, Editorial Director at Puffin secured world rights for the books from the John Jarrold Literary Agency, for an undisclosed five-figure sum. The novels are both due for publication in 2013.

The first volume in the series was published in January 2011 and shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize. Its immediate success has led to Puffin moving the second volume from early 2012 to the summer of 2011, with two further volumes following in 2012. Curtis has just completed a UK publicity tour for book three, Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk, in which he spoke to 2,500 students.

Curtis Jobling designed the Bafta winning BOB THE BUILDER and is also the creator of FRANKENSTEIN’S CAT, the BBC's hit children’s animation series based upon his book of the same name. In addition he has numerous shows in development with Disney, the BBC and others. His website is at: http://www.curtisjobling.com.

For further details, please contact John Jarrold or Jayde Lynch on:
John Jarrold - email: j.jarrold@btinternet.com phone: 01522 510544
Jayde Lynch - email: Jayde.Lynch@uk.penguingroup.com phone: 020 7010 3072
Rights: Zosia Knopp – email: Zosia.Knopp@uk.penguingroup.com phone 020 7010 3113

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As you might imagine, I'm pretty thrilled to know that Puffin have picked up what will be the final two books in young werewolf Drew Ferran's epic adventure. The Shadow of the Hawk tour was a tremendous success, as mentioned above, and a huge debt of thanks goes out to Jayde, Julia and Rachel, my chaperones from Puffin who looked after me on my travels.

February looks like it's going to be a very busy month. Lots of school visits and talks sandwiched either side of the kids' half term holidays, plus my annual pilgrimage to the Animex Animation Festival, where I'll be holding a talk on breaking into animation from the ground up.

It's also worth my mentioning that finally the splendid folk at Penguin have released the RAA RAA THE NOISY LION books into the wild. They look glorious, great work all round. Perhaps folk will stop asking me at Wereworld signings where they can get their Raa Raa books now! ;-)

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD: Shadow of the Hawk UK Tour

2012-01-16T14:20:00.003Z

It only seems like yesterday that I was touring with RAGE OF LIONS, but this month saw the release of SHADOW OF THE HAWK into the wild, the third in the Wereworld series of fantasy horror novels.

We've already seen a "Seven Realms Seven Beasts" Blog Tour for the book this month, but now we're taking the Hawklords out onto the road. The full itinerary of the tour is as follows:

Monday 23rd Jan - Bulwell St Mary's Primary, Nottingham and Sinfin Community School, Derby - plus special evening event with Derby School Library Service.

Tuesday 24th Jan - Birmingham Central Library and Caldon Castle School, Coventry.

Wednesday 25th Jan - Greystones Primary, Sheffield and The Armthorpe School, Doncaster.

Thursday 26th Jan - Scissett Middle School, Huddersfield and David Young Community Academy, Leeds - plus special evening public event at Waterstone's, Arndale Centre, Manchester.

Friday 27th Jan - Zion Arts Centre, Manchester and Manchester Grammar School.

I also seem to have a HUGE number of school talks and visits coming up. If you're interested in a short, hairy northern blighter calling by your school to enthuse about working in the Creative Industries, do please get in touch.

I've also managed to secure a splendid business and pleasure arrangement with the Warrington Wolves Foundation, whereby I shall be acting as patron of their Children's University. I'll be carrying out a series of workshops with students of all ages, outside of regular school time, and shall also be looking to take this scheme further afield. Students will have passports which they can have stamped whenever they attend an event that falls under the national Children's University programme - consequently, if any schools book me to come and talk to their children in future, I'll be able to stamp the passports of children taking part in the scheme.

I'll be acting in my CU capacity when I speak the Animex Animation Festival next month, particularly looking forward to hosting an event at the Cineworld in Middlesbrough, open to schoolchildren from across the town.

Bada Bling!

2011-12-12T09:53:00.005Z

I've come up for air. The last couple of months have been pretty hectic, firstly with the official Puffin book tour for Rage of Lions, and then getting back to writing NEST OF SERPENTS, the fourth novel in the Wereworld series. I've just finished writing the 1st Draft this last week, and now have to edit the beast. This shall take some time with plenty of tinkering to be done, but the manuscript will probably be delivered early in the new year, certainly after the tinsel's been pulled down.

Below is the artwork for the cover, done by awesome tagteam of designer Patrick Knowles and artist Andrew Farley once again. I was delighted to see the cover art for SHADOW OF THE HAWK win the final of this years Book Cover Wars on the Enchanted Books site. Vincent Ripley runs the competition each year, and there were some tremendous books on show this time round, making for a very exciting final. I spend all year telling people not to judge a book by its cover, and then two weeks saying the exact opposite. It's very true to say one shouldn't dismiss a book because the jacket art doesn't inspire, but the work designers and illustrators do in this field really is invaluable to authors. Without an eye-catching cover, many books DO fall by the wayside, and in a crowded market-place a spiffy bit of jacket art can really make the difference in the survival chances of any particular book. Well done to all involved, and hope those who participated, both authors and voters, enjoyed themselves. Huge thanks to Mr Ripley for hosting the shindig too!
January 5th sees the release of the third volume in the UK, SHADOW OF THE HAWK, which I'm thrilled about. There's a fresh host of fascinating and horrific therianthropes who join the cast of heroes and villains in book three, with the canvas really rolled out to uncover the world beyond Lyssia's Seven Realms. In addition, we've also had the incredible cover through from Viking/Penguin US for their version of book two, RAGE OF LIONS, with the artwork once again supplied by the super-talented Nekro - you can find him on twitter @NekroXIII and he's well worth a follow. I love the look of this alongside the first US edition of Rise of the Wolf. Very different to UK volumes but refreshingly so. Can't pick between them!

It's also worth visiting the updated official Puffin WEREWORLD WEBSITE too, with a new book trailer on there, as well as downloadable extracts from Shadow of the Hawk and other new goodies and character spotlights. The clever folk at Qurios have been working on the trailer again, and a smashing job they've done too!

I've also been down to That Birmingham this last week, to visit the Institute of Art & Design, where the final year fashion students have been doing their Performance Design project on... WEREWORLD! Couldn't believe what awaited me there, an incredible collection of pieces designed and hand-made by the girls on the course. The photos below are (C) Joe Miles Photography, and I'm sure you'll admit the work is stunning. You'll see that prosthetics were used with each costume in some way, shape or form, be it a full head of latex/silicone or small details on hands and faces. A tricky thing for students to come to cold, and while some found it difficult they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Gretchen, from RAGE OF LIONS, after she's tried to escape the clutches of Prince Lucas.

Drew Ferran, hairy-faced hero of the Wereworld series.

Duke Manfred, the Staglord of Stormdale.

Gretchen, letting rip with a primal scream!

Count Kesslar, the Goatlord, dealer in blood, flesh and bone and all-round bad egg.

Gretchen (she was popular, wasn't she?)

Lord Frost, the albino Catlord.

Drew, wearing the woodland Greencloak gifted to him by Duke Bergan.

Wow! Queen Amelie, the White Wolf, Drew (and Lucas') mother.

Opal, sister of Onyx, the Beast of Bast, and thoroughly naughty lady.

Whitley (huzzah!), tough old tomboy and daughter of the Bearlord, Duke Bergan.

Really brave this one - Count Vega, the buccaneer, swashbuckling pirate prince of the Cluster Isles. Going for a full prosthetic head was ambitious, and with a different shape might have been more successful, but top marks have to go to this particular one. The costume was wonderful also.

Another fab Queen Amelie.

Drew Ferran, on the run, hence bare chest and bare feet.

Hector, the Boarlord - friend, magister, and easily led off the straight and narrow, alas...

Gretchen rearing her foxy face again!

Congratulations to all the students for their incredible work again - last year was the Spooks books by Joe Delaney, so I was sincerely chuffed to be chosen in such esteemed company.

That's me signing off until Christmas, have a great holiday season and a splendid New Year!

Bada Bling!

Wereworld Rage of Lions book tour

2011-11-08T21:34:00.002Z

Almost halfway through the Wereworld Book Tour with Puffin, and all going rather spiffy, darn sarf.

Here's fat-head-ginger-burners at Park Hill School in Stanmore, London. Great event there yesterday with the kids, lots of great questions and support from the splendid Martin from The Childrens Book Shop, Pinner.

Monday morning was spent at John Warner School in Hoddeston, where myself and the boys practiced our indirect freekicks. Books @ Hoddeston were on the bench, providing invaluable coaching and a large supply of books for the students.

I know this looks a bit like I'm having a game of darts at the pub, but nothing could have been further from the truth. Paid a visit to Martin & Judy, terrific indie booksellers at the Children's Book Shop, where they promptly asked me to deface their wall. Always one to indulge in a spot of mindless graffiti, I was glad to oblige, adding my name (and doodles) to such luminaries of kids lit as Cathy Cassidy and Darren Shan.

Me entertaining the troops in north London. Not sure what happened with your young man in the middle there. Can only imagine he caught sight of Jayde, the publicist from Puffin, chowing down on a pain-au-chocolat whizzed from the hotel. She's like that.

And here's the wall of clocks from Hotel du Vin in Brighton - the tourist in me couldn't resist taking a snapshot of this, a lovely slap in the chops for all those hotels who insist on having the timezones of farflung countries writ large on their walls at reception.

Had a grand time in Worthing today, with more updates sure to follow. Staying in the Beaulieu Hotel in the New Forest tonight, which reminds me a touch of the Slaughtered Lamb, only with more chintz. Off to wander around in the pitch dark outside the hotel before bed, hope to catch me some werewolf action, or at the very least the bleatings of an irritated sheep.

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD Rage of Lions Book Tour, November 7th - 11th

2011-10-27T11:07:00.006+01:00

A week on Monday sees a new WEREWORLD Book Tour, centering around the release of RAGE OF LIONS this summer. There'll be another tour in January, 2012, to celebrate the release of SHADOW OF THE HAWK. If you're around for any of these dates, do give us a shout and I'm sure we can arrange some kind of signing on the fly ;-)

MONDAY 7th

AM: JOHN WARNER SCHOOL, London

PM: THE CHILDRENS BOOK SHOP, Pinner

TUESDAY 8th

AM: WORTHING HIGH SCHOOL, West Sussex

PM: DURRINGTON SCHOOL, West Sussex

WEDNESDAY 9th

AM: APPLEMORE TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE, Southampton

PM: TEST VALLEY SCHOOL, Stockbridge, Hants

THURSDAY 10th

AM: MATTHEW ARNOLD SCHOOL, Oxford

PM: BANBURY HIGH SCHOOL, Banbury

FRIDAY 11th

AM: BROMSGROVE SCHOOL, Worcestershire

PM: BRADFORD ANIMATION FESTIVAL, West Yorkshire

The BAF appearance on the friday afternoon isn't officially part of the book tour, although the awesome Jayde Lynch from Puffin has been able to work this into the schedule. I'll be doing a talk on the development of Frankenstein's Cat from book to screen, in addition to signing Wereworld novels at the event.

Bada Bling!

SCAREFEST and other groovy stuff

2011-10-23T15:57:00.004+01:00

A hectic week in the life of the crayonboy culminated in an appearance at the Sefton Scarefest, the brainchild of awesome bookseller Tony Higginson of Formby Books. But not before I hooked up with the groovy chaps from Soap Creative to be interviewed by them for their True Character Series of mini-documentaries. We hooked up at Factory Transmedia and my old chums Mackinnon & Saunders, where the gangs at each studio were super-supportive and helped the Soap boys get plenty of footage for the interview. I'm pictured below with my good chums Brad Eldridge from Soap, and a wee helmeted fellow that you may recognise. You can see all kinds of other characters in the background, including the gang from Raa Raa the Noisy Lion.

Then it was on to Crosby on Merseyside for the author event of Halloween. It was a tremendous pleasure to attend, as I was in the company of the great of feared of young adult horror literature. In addition to the wee hairy fella, there was Joe Delaney (Spooks Apprentice), Phil Caveney (Sebastian Darke), and my muckers from the realms of the tinterweb who I've been chatting to for ages now - Tommy Donbavand (Scream Street) and Barry Hutchison (Invisible Fiends). Of course, no northwest horror event would be complete without Mr Mayhem himself, Jon Mayhew (Mortlock) and we all got to do our sinister stuff on stage.

I'm on the above photograph, although it's hard to tell. That's me going up in flames on the far right, such were the diabolic depths I plunged to in my talk. WHOOSH!
Ah... you can't beat a nice bit of audience participation. There was plenty to go round on the night, with Tommy ensuring the kids came up on stage dressed as monsters, Jon getting them to scream and holler, and myself making them shout out Scarecrow appendages. I know, that doesn't sound scary, but a well-placed parsnip can cause a good deal of discomfort, you know?

As many of you who may have met me will know, I'm the shy and retiring type. But occasionally one needs to grab the attention of an audience, especially when you're trying to get them to jump on board your tale of fantasy and horror. In this instance, we're talking WEREWORLD, which was the centrepiece of my talk.
Occasionally, simply roaring and snarling at an audience isn't enough to encourage them to part with their pennies and buy one's novels. I find a handy alternative the threat of physical violence, dealt out with said books, preferably to the cranium.

Ever the gracious host, Tony made sure we were well fed with the best paninis Formby could muster. Phil, Joe, Tom, Barry and I all held school talks in the afternoon - don't know where Mayhem was - I suspect he was having his nails done. He's so showbiz...

And here's the motley crew, with our ringmaster Tony Higginson watching over us. A tiptop tickety boo night and day which I hope was enjoyed by all and sundry who attended. I also got to meet the rather splendid Bookwitch, who I must thank for some of these photos - pop along to her most excellent blog to hear an impartial, rational review of the festivities. And cheers to Brad from Soap and the lovely Spider and Jenni for the use of their pictures too!
Of course, what better way to end this blogpost than with a snapshot of Jon and I - that's my Dr Evil, by the way. I'm not squeezing out a tommy squeaker, I promise! Both Jon and I have also found ourselves in competition this week - "dust jackets at dawn" - as we both made the shortlist of the Cheshire Book Award, which I launched with the Education Library Services on Wednesday evening in Winsford. It was an honour to be asked along to talk about creative writing with the ELS and enthuse about libraries in general, and I'm sure whoever the kids vote for shall be a worthy winner.

Bada Bling!

THE WOLF DEN

2011-10-21T09:59:00.002+01:00

Very happy to be working alongside the Warrington Wolves Foundation as they extend their work with children and adults into their new Wolf Den within the club. I'll be patron of the Children's University, and over the course of the year shall be providing workshops into illustration, creative writing and character design. Expect to see players along for the ride too!

PRESS RELEASE:

The Wolves Charitable Foundation and Gladstone Brookes are proud to announce the opening of The Wolf Den. The Wolf Den is based on the community floor in the North Stand of the Stadium. It offers a unique learning environment for all.

The Wolf Den will offer a variety of educational opportunities for the people of Warrington. It will be the flagship for Children’s University, plus the home of a Radio and Media Training Suite.

As part of the opening, Curtis Jobling - local writer and illustrator - will be running a validated Children’s University session, with local school children, Wolfie and Wolves player Paul Wood.

The Big Draw - university and school shenanigans

2011-10-06T09:44:00.004+01:00

Back from a busy few days Darn Sarf, visiting schools and libraries in Maidstone and Horsham. The above pic was taken in Maidstone with the delightfully bonkers kids from Brunswick House school - you can see more from my visit here! They also very kindly created a little ditty, modifying the theme song of a character we're all probably familiar with, giving it a hairy twist!

I also visited the University for Creative Arts in Maidstone, as a guest of fab lecturer Jim Walker, tied into the events with local schools and the Big Draw. Speaking with illustration students (and a few animators who'd sneaked in) I covered all my work in publishing and toons, concentrating on the career path I'd taken. Quite simply, there really isn't a prescriptive path one takes in any of the careers I've pursued - dedication, practice, perseverence and a liberal dollop of good luck all play their parts. Hopefully what the students will have come away with (in addition to signed doodles) is the notion that one can make their own luck: there's being in the right place at the right time, but you can put yourself in the right place at the right time.

Bada Bling!

PRESS RELEASE – SECOND MAJOR US DEAL FOR CURTIS JOBLING

2011-09-30T12:56:00.001+01:00

Kendra Levin at Penguin has acquired US rights to Curtis Jobling's WEREWORLD books 3 & 4 from Zosia Knopp, Rights Director at Puffin UK in a major deal.

Puffin acquired World rights from John Jarrold at John Jarrold Literary Agency.

‘Curtis and I are both delighted about this deal,’ said John Jarrold. ‘Considering that Penguin US only published the first volume this month and still have the second awaiting publication, to acquire the third and fourth books in the series in a major deal this early shows huge enthusiasm and commitment.’

WEREWORLD follows the story of Drew, a shepherd’s son, as he comes of age and discovers he’s the last of the long line of Werewolves, and rightful (yet reluctant) ruler of the land of Lyssia, where shape-shifting ‘Werelords’ reign. Drew is chased across the Seven Realms by the agents of the king, encountering an ever-expanding cast of both benign and fearsome Werelords along the way. The first two volumes in the epic fantasy series are already published by Puffin UK, with two more to follow in 2012.

Curtis Jobling designed the Bafta winning BOB THE BUILDER and is also the creator of FRANKENSTEIN’S CAT, the BBC's hit children’s animation series based upon his book of the same name. His latest animated creation, RAA RAA THE NOISY LION, can be seen on CBeebies presently. In addition he has numerous shows in development with Disney, the BBC and others.

His website is at: http://www.curtisjobling.com.

Contact John Jarrold for further details.

John Jarrold - e-mail: j.jarrold@btinternet.com phone: 01522 510 544

26th September 2011

Books and cartoons a-go-go

2011-08-26T11:02:00.006+01:00

I know. I'm slacker than a pair of Bruce Banner's purple pants post-Hulk-out. But I've been busy, honestly, as the below misadventures should explain!
RAGE OF LIONS released
The second book in the WEREWORLD series was published by Puffin in July to a very warm reception. Lots of great reviews (which I know we're not supposed to look at as you can't please everybody) but the consensus opinion appears to be that things have been well and truly ramped up a ear after Drew's tumultuous time in Rise of the Wolf. Which brings me directly to...
SHADOW OF THE HAWK, Book Three in the WEREWORLD SERIES
I completed my first draft of SHADOW a month ago and have been working on the edit since then alongside my splendid editors at Puffin in the UK and Viking in the US. I'm also about 30,000 words into writing Book Four, although that's on-hold presently as I tweak and polish SHADOW. Yet again, some stellar artwork for the cover provided by artist Andrew Farley. The cover proofs came in the post yesterday, embossed and shiny like a groovy embossed, shiny thing. Very happy chappy here.

RISE OF THE WOLF, US edition, released next month!

Here's the Viking/Penguin US edition of RISE OF THE WOLF in all it's 3D, comin'atcha glory. Unlike the UK edition of the book, this is a hardback beast, and I think the guys at Viking have done an incredible job. The book was premiered at San Diego Comic-Con where it was tremendously well received, the preview copies getting swiftly snaffled and an all-round good vibe for the title. Apparently, during the Penguin Panel, when the book was described as "Game of Thrones for Middle Graders with Werewolves" their were whoops from the assembled audience. Viking are really ramping up plans for WEREWORLD ahead of the September released, and there'll be some juicy press releases coming out next month. Watch this space and all that...

RIBBIT, RABBIT ROBOT and SUPER SCHOOL at CARTOON FORUM in Poland

Two of my new preschool shows in development will be making their first appearance next month in Sopot, Poland, where they'll be hosting this year's Cartoon Forum.

RIBBIT RABBIT ROBOT has been produced and developed alongside the fab creative gang at Factory Transmedia in Manchester. Following the exploits of three very different flatmates who share a treehouse in a picturesque woodland, the concept touches upon the notion of love thy neighbour, how differences should be celebrated and not feared. Deep within the DNA of the show is the idea that we're looking at autism, with each of the characters displaying different aspects from the spectrum.

SUPER SCHOOL has been produced and developed by HIT Entertainment, with the clever chaps at Studio Liddell providing the animation talent for the trailer. Centering on the adventures of a gang of primary school super kids, this is a dynamic action show for preschoolers, providing a sense of aspiration that is missing from many shows for younger audiences. Working together and being the best you can are the touchstones for this delightful programme.

Both shows will be at Cartoon Forum looking for broadcasters to come on board and join in the fun, as well as welcoming potential collaborators and investors into the mix. Listen to me, I almost sound like I know what I'm on about, don't I?

All work and no play makes Bling a crankypants...

And lastly, it's not all writing. Not sure who this reprobate is who was spotted swigging mucky beer in Perpignan, watching the mighty Warrington Wolves defeat the Catalans Dragons, but I'm sure you'll agree he's a handsome devil.

The trip out to Perpignan came after an appearance at the Edinburgh Book Festival, which was my first time. Terrific set-up and a great chance to meet the audience and answer questions about WEREWORLD. I've got a bunch of other events coming up in the coming months, as listed below:

August 27th - WEREWORLD signing at Trafford Centre Waterstone's, 1pm-3pm

October 3rd - THE BIG DRAW in Kent - workshops and talk

October 14th - OFF THE SHELF literary festival in Sheffield - workshops and talk

October 19th - CHESHIRE BOOK PRIZE launch - Winsford

October 20th - TERROR IN A TENT - Wereworld talk and signing, Formby

November 7th-11th - WEREWORLD SCHOOL TOUR with Puffin promoting RISE and RAGE

November 12th - SEFTON WRITING FESTIVAL - cartoon/illustration workshop

If you're nearby any of these events, do come along. There'll be more info on the Wereworld/Puffin tour once the schools are finalised.

Bada Bling!

Rage of Lions - publication day!

2011-07-07T19:59:00.004+01:00

Well that came round quickly!

It only seems like yesterday that RISE OF THE WOLF was published, and now the second Wereworld novel is officially available in bookstores and online. To celebrate, I spent the afternoon speaking with children at Westbrook Old Hall School in Warrington, where they hosted my talk and invited kids from St Stephens (Warrington) and St Aidans (St Helens) along. Had a smashing time, and its a school I've got an awful lot of time for.

Piccies below are from my visit to St John Bosco school in Liverpool the other week, the school Colleen Rooney attended no less. Yes, that's a caricature I did of myself prior to getting the girls to caricature one another. I left the school content in the knowledge that I'd destroyed some friendships there.

Anyway, dashing off with this brief blog today - am up to my double chins in the edit of Wereworld Book Three - no, I won't give away the title yet. But as soon as I can this will be the first place that hears.

Bada Bling!

Wereworld: Rage of Lions, July 7th...

2011-06-16T09:18:00.003+01:00

It's three weeks away now until the release of Wereworld: Rage of Lions so do take a look at the wonderful trailer the clever blokes at Qurios Entertainment have produced for the series of novels. I've been busy writing book three (as yet untitled although, fair's fair, I've a good idea of what it's called) in the last few months, while working on the final edit of RAGE with the wonderful team at Puffin. Have to admit I have a different kind of nervousness building as we approach publication day (7th July) - I'm very aware that with this being the sequel to "Rise of the Wolf", I need to raise my game, make sure the stakes are higher for Drew and his companions. Only hope I've acheived that, as the story certainly gets darker for all Wereworld's lead characters.

Raa Raa the Noisy Lion will have hit your tellyboxes by now too, certainly if you live in the UK. It's on weekday afternoons, CBeebies, at 3:30, and it's been really well received. The extensive work we did with speech and language therapists throughout the show's development has really helped to bootstrap the educational/developmental angle seamlessly into what's a fun and entertaining show for preschoolers. I'll be heading out to Cartoon Forum in Poland later this year with two other preschool shows to present. Fingers crossed that they're as well received as Raa Raa was! My four year old is currently marching around the living room shouting/chanting/singing/yodelling the "Raa Raa Beat" - apologies to parents everywhere if the earworm themetune has wormed it's way into your noggin ;-D

Been so swamped with the writing lately that I've not been "putting myself about" as much as usual, although that's about to change. I've got a number of secondary school visits coming up over the next few weeks, and will be doing my first public signings for Wereworld: Rage of Lions at Waterstone's Golden Square, Warrington, on 9th July, 1pm. If you're around, nearby, and want to meet a fat-faced author, do come along. I don't bite. Much.

Bada Bling!

You wait all day for a lion to turn up, then two arrive at once!

2011-04-28T13:45:00.004+01:00

Please can I assure you that I don't have a fixation with all things leonine. It might look that way with the two lion-related titles coming to the fore this year, but that was utterly unintentional. On a completely different note, look out for my new picture book, "Lying Lionel, the Linedancing Lion". Out at all (not very) good bookshops now!
Here's the cover art for "Wereworld: Rage of Lions", designed by super clever Patrick Knowles and illustrated by the fabulous Andrew Farley. Both Patrick and Andrew worked on the cover of the first book, "Rise of the Wolf", so it was great that Puffin were able to secure their services once again on the follow-up. The book is available on preorder from most online booksellers, including Amazon so do snaffle your copy now. I've been very busy this last month completing the black and white chapterhead illustrations for the interior of the novel, as well as working on Book Three. Progressing very nicely, am around 44,000 words into the first draft.

And who's this little chap? It's RAA RAA of course! He'll be hitting the tellyboxes on CBeebies very shortly, May 9th I'm led to believe. And if you want to get a sneaky preview of my new preschool show, pop onto Facebook and have a look at the Official Raa Raa fanpage there - there's a teaser of the show you can see, featuring Raa Raa and all his friends in the Jingly Jangly Jungle. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Bada Bling!

Writing writing writing...

2011-04-10T20:56:00.004+01:00

I haven't been up for air recently with the blog posts - I've been working on the edit of the second Wereworld novel, "Rage of Lions," which will be published in the UK on July 7th. The edit for this came smack-bang in the middle of writing book three, which has been a big fat bunch of fun. With the editing complete (on my part) I'm back to bk3 tomorrow and really rather looking forward to it.

Being spoiled rotten on the idiot lantern lately with some quality telly finding it's way into my head. Have been hearting "Treme" in a very big way - sends me back to my visits to Louisiana as a guest speaker of the Red Stick Animation Festival in Baton Rouge. Although this is New Orleans and not BR, it's somewhere I was lucky enough to visit. My literary agent, John Jarrold, is a convert to that beautiful city, getting out there frequently to unwind. This only ever makes me envious as I'd love to get back there with Mrs Bling some day. In short, Treme is brilliant storytelling that delivers at a slow-burning pace. It's in no hurry, appropriately as it's New Orleans, and what else would you expect from the creators of The Wire?

"Boardwalk Empire" finale was last night. Yes please, sign me up for season two. Another show that's not worried about a sprint finish, it takes it's time building the characters and stories. Comparisons to The Sopranos are only to be expected, and that's no bad thing in my eyes. And "True Blood" season three came to a bloody conclusion last week too. I know! Who'd have thought a show about Louisiana, vampires and werewolves would be top of my telly list? Busy week's writing ahead of me.

The lovely Mrs Bling is taking my darling daughters camping for the week and leaving me free to write, with no distractions. This'll be a weird one. I'm used to spending the odd period of time away from home and family, but I'm not used to being left to rattle around alone for anything longer than a day. God knows what she'll return to - by friday I'll have probably pooped on the carpets, whizzed on the curtains, eaten the cat litter and thrown up on the sofa. I hope she's arranged for someone to call round and check on me each day...

Bada Bling!

Puffin commission 2 more novels, and the Boy Bling goes yomping round the UK...

2011-02-14T16:30:00.004Z

First off, a Press Release for the news on a further TWO novels in the WEREWORLD series!

Due to the instant success of Rise of the Wolf published on 6th January 2011, the first volume in the Wereworld series by British author and artist Curtis Jobling, Puffin is very excited to announce that they have moved fast and acquired a further two titles in the fantasy YA series.

As a result of the fantastic initial performance of the first book, shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, Puffin is moving the second volume from an early 2012 publication date to the summer of 2011. The two new novels will follow in 2012.

Following on from the initial two-book deal early in 2010, Shannon Park, Executive Editor at Puffin secured world rights for books three and four in the series from the John Jarrold Literary Agency, for a five figure sum.

Curtis Jobling says: ‘I am absolutely thrilled at the support and the belief Puffin has in Wereworld and am delighted to see how well received the first book has been. With book two already written and book three plotted, I’m looking forward to the busy adventure that lies ahead!’

‘I was delighted to hear so early in the game from Shannon with another two-book offer,’ said John Jarrold. ‘Having been a publisher for fifteen years before setting up the agency, I know all too well how unusual that is. Congratulations to her and the team at Puffin who have got behind Curtis so strongly.’

Shannon Park, Executive Editor, says: ‘From the first moment I read Wereworld I was completely bowled over by the inventiveness of the world Curtis has created. To know that we have another two opportunities to explore it is an editor’s dream come true. I can’t wait!’

Curtis Jobling designed the Bafta winning BOB THE BUILDER and is also the creator of FRANKENSTEIN’S CAT, the BBC’s hit children’s animation series based upon his book of the same name. In addition he has numerous shows in development with Disney, the BBC and others.

Please visit the Wereworld website at: http://www.wereworldbooks.com/site/home.php

Suffice to say everyone at Casa Bling is tremendously happy with this news. It means I'll have my nose in my laptop for the next 18months, but at least the first draft of the second novel (now due for release in July) is complete.

Back home from a rare spot of jaunting around the British Isles last week.

Wednesday I was down in London for the Waterstone's Book Prize, where the terrific "Artichoke Hearts" by Sita Brahmachari grabbed the top prize. Was a wonderful opportunity to meet the other authors such as the hilarious Candy Gourlay (who I've pinched a couple of these pics from - thnx CG!), the chortlesome Jon Mayhew and the rest of the shortlistees.

Me and Mr Mayhew, getting silly in our blouses...

The incredible team of young adults from Spinebreakers, Puffin's go-to folk with all Young Adult property!

Then it was off up to the Animex International Festival of Animation in Teesside for my usual pilgrimage to what I consider is one of the greatest festivals around. Superb turnout by attendees with a stellar cast of speakers again. Particularly touching was the festival's new affiliation with Dreamflights, a charity that flies severely and terminally ill children over to Florida each year. All the speakers brought along items for auction and the event raised well over the target of £1000. My own contribution of a signed and drawn-in copy of Wereworld (I illustrated a werewolf inside the jacket) went for around £40 apparently. Bravo to everyone concerned!

Old and dear friend Professor Stuart Sumida, anatomy advisor on COUNTLESS feature films for Disney, Pixar and many more. He digs up dinosaur bones for a living, the movies are just a side-thing - how cool is that???

Tony West, awesome animator and FX bod and co-creator of the award winning Dream On Silly Dreamer documentary that opened the lid on behind-the-scenes Disney. Note my face - this is what happens when an eminent professor grabs a fistful of your ass!

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD: Book Tour pictures part two

2011-01-26T13:42:00.006Z

"And for my next trick..."
(Moreton High School, Wolverhampton)

Note the coloured pens - I was colouring in and everything!
(Moreton High School, Wolverhampton))

Me, Benny Westwood, my stunt double and the Challenge Cup. Note the sad faced boy in front of me. Judging by his expression and the look of longing he's throwing the trophy I'm guessing he's a Widnes fan...
(Waterstone's, Warrington)

This has nothing to do with the book tour whatsoever. This is what happens when Niel Bushnell lands at Casa Bling on New Years Eve with gorgeous family and lashings of fizzy beverages in tow. Please note that it's a torn cocktail sausage stuffed up my nostrils. No, I don't know why. Also, the tears are on account that, to my surprise, I discovered they were hot and spicy as opposed to plain!

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD Book Tour in pictures...

2011-01-24T19:44:00.003Z

Defacing books. What a bad man...
(Moreton High School, Wolverhampton)

That queue was for Bob The Builder. It dispersed quicker than a fart in a hurricane when they realised it was me at the end...

(Our Lady's Catholic High School, Preston)

Hairy man and Wolfman. And so natural too. We look like conjoined twins, the only way you can tell us apart is the ginger burners. Me and Super League's greatest mascot, Wolfie...

(Waterstone's, Warrington)

Did I ever tell you about the time I won the Challenge Cup?
(Waterstone's, Warrington)

You'll often find me crouching down when I read, surrounded by my homies from the 'hood.

(Penketh High School, Warrington)

Fat bloke posing in front of books shocker!

(St Anne's RC High School, Stockport)

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR: Days Four & Five

2011-01-22T10:36:00.002Z

Thursday was an early start down to Wolverhampton ("It's great down 'ere, innit?") Visited Moreton High in the morning and Deansfield High in the afternoon. Debbie Haynes chaperoned myself and Jayde from Puffin around for the day, representing Wolverhampton Childrens Book Group, a great organisation who do some terrific work bringing books to a wide audience. Thanks to Faye from Waterstone's for being present with her cashbox!

After Wolvo it was down to London where Jayde passed the Jobling baton over to Vanessa who handled the last leg. Spent the evening in Ipswich and visited Copleston High in the morning, speaking to an audience of 300. Then it was on the train north to local rivals Norwich, speaking at Catton Grove Primary to various primary schools. Thanks to Rob Welton and Tasha from Jarrold's for organising the event - another awesome independent bookseller.

The train journey home was memorable - 5 hours with no buffet car or trolley. Thank goodness I had the (admittedly rare) foresight to pick up a fat pasty and bottle of water from Norwich.

Highlight of Friday was a little girl asking me to write down my favourite line from Rise Of The Wolf alongside her dedication. Took me completely by surprise, excellent stuff!

"They're chanting for their king."

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR: Day Three

2011-01-19T19:08:00.003Z

Felt awful leaving home this morning, not at the prospect of talks and enthusing about Werewolves, but because I'd left dear Mrs Bling spinning all kinds of plates. The office ceiling sprang a leak last night from a burst pipe in the bathroom and the chaos that ensued was utterly miserable. Think we'll be moving the location of the office asap!

Met up with Shannon, my wunder-editor from Puffin, in Liverpool first thing and together we travelled the brief distance to Bebington to visit Wirral Grammar School for Boys. A great event run by the expert Tony from Pritchard Books in Formby and Julia, the school librarian. Kids were wonderful and just the right side of excited. Again, hairy man or wolfman went down a treat - really think there's a future in that quiz. Thanks to the staff and boys for making us so welcome, hope to be back there in the near future.

In the afternoon it was over to Manchester to the East Manchester Academy. Incredible modern venue with a theatre/hall to run the event from. Local primary school Yr 6's joined the senior Yr 7's for a fun event, expertly organised by my old chum Debra Conroy and her team from Manchester Library Services. Was nice to catch up with Debra and hear how amazed she was by my jump from picture books to novels! She's a big Wereworld fan - makes me chuffed to bits.

Tired and ready for another early night. Plumber left after sorting the leaky pipes earlier, an old schoolmate who has been a lifesaver. Recommendations are worth their weight in gold when it comes to tradesmen, and I can't give Penketh Plumbing a bigger thumbs-up! Cheers Rob!

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR: Day Two

2011-01-18T20:33:00.002Z

Spent the day in deepest, darkest Lancashire today, being buzzed around by the awesome ladies from Silverdell Books in Kirkham, possibly the greatest independent bookstore I've ever seen. They were Indie Bookstore of the year in 2010, and for good reason too. Elaine and Sue were great chaperones for both events, really looking after myself and Jayde from Puffin in between shovelling ice cream down my neck. I won't forget today in a long while!

First up was a trip to Our Lady's Catholic High School in Preston, coincidentally Nick Park's old school. Top turnout and a queue of kids circling the assembly hall as they snaffled their copies of Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf. Also got to see an awesome little animation that one of the budding filmmaker/students had produced featuring his lego Batman. Inspired, and only hope that young man can go on to bigger and better things. Thanks to Lisa for helping to arrange the event so brilliantly with Silverdell.

In the afternoon we visited Stonyhurst School near Clitheroe, which was quite breathtaking. Made Hogwarts look like Grange Hill. Mrs Robinson, the school's head of English, had got the kids really fired up - a chorus of Bob The Builder greeting my fat ears upon arrival. A group of younger pupils, aged 7, entered the hall midway through my reading from Wereworld, quickly about-turning when they realised it was too scary and horrific for them. Sorry! Thanks to all the boys and girls who attended the event.

Home again now, pooped again now, and getting ready for an early night. The Wirral and Manchester await me tomorrow, plus the chance to catch up with my groovy editor from Puffin, Shannon...

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR: Day One

2011-01-17T19:33:00.002Z

I'm hoping to be able to post an update each evening this week after my adventures on the book tour conclude each day, but it's wishful thinking the way I feel currently. Thoroughly pooped after a hectic day. We started off the tour at St Anne's RC High School in Stockport, my guinea pigs for a new talk. Covered the animation work in the beginning before moving on to a "Hairy Man or Wolfman" pop quiz which went down a treat. Ended on a reading of Part One, Chapter Three from Rise Of The Wolf: "The Visitor." Signed a bunch of books, the staff and pupils were lovely and then it was back to Warrington.

The afternoon was spent at my childhood school, Penketh High, and I was convinced the kids had been prompted to cheer wildly upon my entrance, only to be told it was impromptu and unexpected. Returning as I was as the conquering hero, the rest of the talk went terrific. Very sparky and engaged, with some great questions from the kids although too many centering around my apparent love of JLS...

The evening involved a trip to Waterstone's in Warrington where we held an open public signing session, including a bit of doodling followed by the reading. The kids were younger here, mainly primary school level - just hope I haven't given any of them nightmares. Was also delighted to see Warrington Wolves present, including Wolfie, the Challenge Cup, Ben Westwood and Ben Harrison. Top chaps all of them and many thanks for turning up. Cheers to chums Pip, Sarah, Danny and their kids for turning up, as well as all the children who came tonight outside of school and before bed!

Preston tomorrow. Watch this space.

Bada Bling!

Rise of the Wolf on Waterstone's Prize shortlist

2011-01-11T12:42:00.003Z

Great news yesterday, when Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf was named on the shortlist for the 2011 Waterstone's Book Prize. The ceremony will be in a month's time at the flagship store in London Picadilly, so looking forward to a jaunt to the capital at the beginning of February. I know it sounds corny but it really is the taking part that matters - I'm tremendously flattered that the book has been chosen on the shortlist and simply being involved is a huge buzz.

Popped into Waterstone's in the Trafford Centre yesterday as Mrs Bling and I were having lunch over there and couldn't resist popping in to see them on display. I possibly speak on behalf of all the nominees when I say it makes such a difference seeing your novel on a stand-alone display, front-of-store. Hopefully the interest in the books sees them all go on to be big successes.

Just to clarify, by the way, no, I know, I'm not an animator as quoted in most of the news articles - its a job in animation that I only briefly flirted with at art college many full moons ago - I don't think I'd have the patience to actually animate, let alone the skill. It's the designing of Bob that I have to hold my hand up and accept responsibility for.

Speaking of which, I'm off down to Birmingham this Thursday to talk to the Animation Forum West Midlands about my work in animation as both a designer and creator of content, concentrating specifically on being a freelancer in a competitive creative industry. I'll be doing a little retrospective of my own work as well as highlighting the things one has to do to not only get a foothold in the industry but also to climb the ladder.

Lastly, once the excitement of next week's Wereworld Book Tour (details here) I'll be looking forward to Animex International Festival of Animation at the beginning of February. Ordinarily I'd be doing a workshop on the Wednesday but as this clashes with the Waterstone's Book Prize bash I won't be able to run one. I shall, however, be present from the Thursday and will be appearing on any panels Festival Director Chris Williams wants me on. Get along, it's a fantastic affair!

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD LET LOOSE!

2011-01-07T10:07:00.003Z

Well, it's out there. My wolf has left the cave and entered the wider forest. "Rise of the Wolf" was officially released yesterday into the wild and is now snaffleable by anyone who wants it. You can find it at any good bookseller on the high street or online so do let me know how you get on with it.

Yesterday was a splendidly surreal day, starting with champagne breakfast. Three glasses of bubbly in my tummy and I had to take my girls to school. We got there in the end, although I don't think they appreciated me stumbling through bushes and hedgerows and turning up at the school gates with nests in their hair. By 9:30 I was fit for no purpose and quietly sat down at the kitchen table to regather my thoughts and coordination. I was in fine fettle by the afternoon and Mrs Bling and I spent the evening having a splendid meal at TOM @ 101 in Stockton Heath, ending in a chocolate orange creme brulee which was indecently marvellous.

Thick head is subsiding this morning as I get back to work.

You can also get WEREWORLD on Kindle too - thanks to Chris Taylor-Davies @CTD on Twitter for sending me this piccy of his "first edition!" Its the Dark Arts to me, all smoke and mirrors!

Also, visit the Official Puffin Wereworld Website for all kinds of interactive goodies and exclusive articles. You can also become a fan on Facebook too on the Official Facebook Wereworld Page.

Currently preparing for the book tour, as mentioned in my previous post, where I'll be making whistlestop visits to schools and libraries across England in the middle of January. If you're interested in contacting me regarding availability to come to your school, college or festival please do get in touch either on here or via email to frankscat@hotmail.com and I'm sure we can sort something out - talks usually cover my work in animation as well as publishing.

Right, enough jollity - back to work for me. This is the first Christmas period I've taken off for years and, wonderful as its been, I'm itching to get writing again.

Bada Bling!

"SANTA? OH MY GOD I KNOW HIM!"

2010-12-17T19:16:00.002Z

Tis the season to watch my favourite Will Ferrell film, sorry.

3 weeks away from publication date for "WEREWORLD: Rise of the Wolf" - 6th January - and it's all getting very exciting.

SPINEBREAKERS - Win Yourself Were-d
If you're a budding illustrator or you just like the idea of doodling a werewolf, check out the exclusive competition that Spinebreakers are running, whereby you send your own drawings of Drew, the lycanthrope hero of Wereworld, in to be considered. Be warned though, if you win you get a doodle sent back by me featuring your good self hairified!

WEREWORLD BLOG TOUR
All a bit thrilling and new to me, a BLOG TOUR where I'll be starting off a mob drawing of a werewolf and sending it on to a number of participating Young Adult/Fantasy bloggers. Check out the folk taking part on Once Upon A Bookcase's blog and you can chart the drawing's progression. This could be hilarious!

WEREWORLD BOOK TOUR
I'll be spending a week on the road in the middle of January promoting the novel all over the shop.
17th Jan AM - St Anne's RC High School, Stockport
17th Jan PM - Penketh High School, Warrington
17th Jan EVE - Waterstone's bookshop, Warrington
18th Jan AM - Our Lady's RC High School, Preston
18th Jan PM - St Mary's Hall, Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe
19th Jan AM - Wirral Boys Grammar School
19th Jan PM - East Manchester Academy
20th Jan AM - Moreton High School, Wolverhampton
20th Jan PM - Deansfield High School, Wolverhampton
21st Jan AM - Copleston High School, Ipswich
21st Jan PM - Catton Grove Primary, Norwich

Each event will feature a wee retrospective of my work in animation, a powerpoint quiz about werewolves (!), readings from the novel, therianthrope drawing and booksignings. Should be a hoot!

Putting my hairy hobbit feet up over Christmas having delivered the first draft manuscript of the sequel to Puffin this week too. Time to hit the Chocolate Oranges methinks!

Bada Bling!

Wereworlding

2010-12-02T09:08:00.002Z

COUNTDOWN TO PUBLICATION: 36 days. Zoinks!

It's been a busy few weeks in Casa Bling as the whole family has been paid a visit by that delightful seasonal scamp, the Winter Vomiting Bug. Cue two weeks of every one of us catching the lurgy in turn, ending on me being the last to fall. All just about back to normal on the health front.

The second Wereworld books is written! Well, it's written but not yet edited. I need to go at it with a flymo to get the wordcount down - currently its sitting around the 130k mark which is at the limit of where it should be. When you consider book one, Rise Of The Wolf, was 85k then it seems very obvious that I have to hack it back. It's taken a lot of time to go back through the story firstly and make sure everything ties together properly. I've been advised that the best way of getting the wordcount down is to remove those words that aren't really helping the plot move along - "and," "they", "he", "she", that kind of thing. Should have it down to a manageable size in no time.

I've also been working on the WEREWORLD WEBSITE which is looking great. There's a LOT more to be added there yet, including interactive maps, quizzes, Q&A's and even a test to discover what kind of Werelord you'd be. Follow the link and take a look at the great trailer that was produced by QURIOS ENTERTAINMENT and you can also take a look at an extract from the novel, a complete chapter, "The Visitor".

I'll also be linking my blog, yes, this, badablingthing, to the official Wereworld Website, and I'll be updating it more frequently as an author diary, just so people can keep up to date with my movements at festivals, tours and the like, as well as any illnesses that I'm mopping up at home...

I've also been doing a lot of Tweeting and getting to meet some great bloggers who have a vast knowledge of Young Adult, Fantasy, Scifi and Horror literature. It's terrific to be able to reach out and start hooking up with these folk, albeit in a virtual way for the time being. Must recommend a few of them:

Dave Brendon - great blogger, bookseller and writer who is based in South Africa and has his finger on the pulse of all that is Scifi, Horror and Fantasy. If you follow the link you'll see a lovely review Dave did for Wereworld (squeaky bum time from Mr Bling after reading that, I can tell you).

My Favourite Books - a UK trio of avid literati, Liz, Mark and Essjay run this site which is about as comprehensive as you'll find online. Jump in and follow them and enjoy the banter - just don't get them started on Warhammer 40K!

Mr Ripleys Enchanted Books - UK based again, run by the talented Mr Ripley and covering all modern childrens books. You'll also find his awesome Book Cover Wars there too - do take a look and make sure you vote for the one with the hairy-bummed Werewolf on the cover! ;-)

There are more that I've come across on Twitter but I'll mention them on here as I remember. Do sign up, log in and follow all my developments on Twitter as we near the publication of the novel.

Bada Bling!

Closing in on Release Date

2010-11-09T09:30:00.002Z

It's been a funny couple of months as the momentum builds on Wereworld. In one breath I'm working hard on the manuscript for book two (more on that later) and with the next I'm doing my bit as we ready ourselves for the launch of Rise Of The Wolf on January 6th. There's been a lot of to-ing and fro-ing on the manuscript but that's all been put to bed now - expecting the finished version of the novel to be ready in the warehouse in December when I should hopefully receive an advance copy. The one I've had up until now has been a bound proof, not the finished novel, with plenty of typos, errors and the odd name mistake. The finished version now has these areas cleaned up in addition to black and white chapterhead illustrations added.

The other thing I've been working hard with Puffin on is the marketing side as we arrange not only a book tour for schools, libraries and booksellers in January but also develop a Wereworld website, which shall go live soon. This will be an interactive affair, ensuring that the most avid fans will be able to dig even deeper into Drew Ferran's world and unearth all manner of secrets.

Book Two is, well, almost done. The first draft, anyway. I've one chapter to write now, the epilogue "Fractured Family" and then I need to work back through it, editing it back pretty heavily. It currently runs to around 130,000 words which is right at the top end of the expected word limit suggested by Puffin. Can shave a bit off that and then hand it over to my editor Shannon to hear her thoughts. Squeaky bum time, though, handing over such a big body of work to someone, regardless of her being a chum. Emma, my wife, will have a butchers too and give me her thoughts on it. I just hope it has a similair impact to the first book.

I've also had my eyes opened recently to the book bloggers out there, specifically the ones who tweet on Twitter - have a look, you'll find me there. If you tweet be sure to check out the very excellent @Enchantedbooks @LizUK and @DavesFandSFW and many more. A great way to keep in touch with what's happening in the world of both YA and science fiction, fantasy and horror. The last chap, Dave, has published the first review of Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf. Read it here.

Bada Bling!

Shenanigans...

2010-09-04T21:25:00.002+01:00

Late update on the goings on of the Bling but here goes.

WEREWORLD - although I've been working on the first draft of Book Two in the last few months, that's been put on hold by the developments with the first book. "Rise of the Wolf" is getting picked up by a couple of other territories in addition to the UK, including the US - due to this I'm trying to incorporate the comments from across the pond into the finished manuscript, which although time-consuming will make for a better book, and ensure that the UK and US editions are the same, bar the obvious spelling diffs (colour vs color, realise vs realize etc) It's all tremendously exciting and is totally new territory for me. I'm starting over, regardless of previous publications in picture books. So the additional edit is now complete and my m/s is with Puffin. Back to writing Book Two...

RAA RAA - rumbling on like an afro-headed monster, the preschool show is looking, quite simply, beautiful. The animators, set builders and modelmakers have done a stellar job and the air date is creeping up bit by bit. Spring next year - zoinks! I've written a couple of scripts myself and have put my hand up for a few more too. No werewolves in this mind....

AOB - development is continuing on a few of my other shows but, as you may imagine, WEREWORLD and RAA RAA are demanding an awful lot of my attention, in between the regular day job of being dad. Last six weeks have been chaotic as we had the kids on their school summer break and they go back on Monday (can I hear a WOOP!) Bad dad that I am I was smuggling my sketchbook and laptop with us as we went camping here and there.

Bada Bling!

WEREWORLD jacket art

2010-07-13T14:34:00.003+01:00

OK, so it has been a while since I posted any news on here but, as I mentioned in the last post, the lure of Twitter is a powerful one. If you're looking for updates of what I'm working on that's the best place to check - follow me as curtisjobling

In my defence it's been pretty hectic here, with pace picking up on WEREWORLD. Went down to meet with the Puffin Sales and Marketing team last month, expecting to meet with 4 or 5 people around the table, and it was more like the Imperial Senate from Star Wars. There must have been 30 folk from various international territories around the table, which was thrilling to see as they're all right behind WEREWORLD. Book One is pretty much edited and am now 27,000 words into Book Two. If I could write these stories all day and all night I would be a happy man.

Here's the cover art, above, for you to have a sneaky peek at. Love to hear thoughts!

RAA RAA is rolling into production finally - first five weeks shooting completed now and it's looking rather luscious. Lovely to see animators working with smiles on their faces while they get to know a new cast of characters. The sets and puppets look awesome, thanks to the modelmakers at Chapman Studio and the puppetmakers at Mackinnon & Saunders. And yes, the name did change from RAH RAH to RAA RAA - on account of that original name being taken by a certain international pop mogul.

Bada Bling!

Developments left, right and centre...

2010-04-27T07:35:00.005+01:00

First up - you can follow my work and other goings-on on TWITTER from now on. Have a butchers!

I've been missing from the blog for a couple of months as we've had an eventful time in Casa Crayon. Mrs Crayon gave birth to a new shaving last month, Constance, who (6 weeks old today) is doing marvellously well. Older siblings are all very much in love with her so let's hope things stay that way!

On the work front I've been wrapping up on the preproduction design work for my new CBeebies preschool show RAH RAH:

Background artwork all delivered now so my role on continued production is all designwork and general input on the creative direction of the show with the team. Its looking pretty special I have to say - off to Chester Zoo next week for an introduction of the show to the wider team (publishing and merchandise partners) so there's a real momentum. It'll be airing in Spring 2011.

Other animation work has been the development on a new HIT animated preschool show, which I've been collaborating on with Ian Carney (superscribe) and Studio Liddell (superstudio) - that's looking great too and I'll be able to talk shortly about it on here after a few press releases start to appear.

In publishing I'm about to start work on my first picture book in a few years, working with UK publishers Tick Tock Books - very excited about this as it's a story that is also an animated series concept. Be great to get it out there as it was first envisaged, a pop-up book!

And with "Wereworld", the team at Puffin have started sending through some rough ideas for cover art and the like (I won't be doing this - I don't for a minute want to be accused of Dennis Waterman-syndrome). Very eye-catching and is going to really brand the whole series of books in the long run.

Bada Bling!

PRESS RELEASE - "Wereworld" novels picked up by Puffin!

2010-02-16T16:05:00.003Z

TWO-BOOK DEAL FOR YA FANTASY NOVELIST

Puffin are very excited to announce that we have acquired two fantasy novels in a new series entitled Wereworld by British author and artist Curtis Jobling. Shannon Park, Executive Editor at Puffin secured world rights for the series from the John Jarrold Literary Agency, for an undisclosed five-figure sum. The Wereworld novels are due for publication in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

WEREWORLD follows the story of fifteen-year-old Drew, a shepherd’s son, as he comes of age and discovers he’s the last of the long line of Werewolves, and rightful (yet reluctant) ruler of the land of Lyssia, where lycanthrope ‘Werelords’ reign. Before long he’s hurtling headlong into an epic journey of fantasy and horror, from one deadly encounter to the next, meeting exotic Werelords at every turn as he’s drawn inexorably towards his destiny.

‘When Curtis approached me with the first volume of this series, I could immediately see the strength of his imagination and invention,’ said John Jarrold. ‘Much respect to Shannon for seeing how wonderful the idea was and getting it through the system at Puffin, including giving editorial guidance even before she could formally present it in-house.’

Shannon Park says, ‘I am so thrilled to sign up this series, which blends themes of traditional fantasy and contemporary horror within an action-packed story. Werewolves are hot property right now, and this series has huge appeal for the 10+ fantasy market.’

Curtis Jobling designed the Bafta winning BOB THE BUILDER and is also the creator of FRANKENSTEIN’S CAT, the BBC's hit children’s animation series based upon his book of the same name. In addition he has numerous shows in development with Disney, the BBC and others. His website is at: http://www.curtisjobling.com.

The first novels in the Wereworld series are due for publication in 2011 and 2012.

For further details, please contact John Jarrold or Jayde Lynch on:
John Jarrold - email: j.jarrold@btinternet.com phone: 01522 510544
Jayde Lynch - email: Jayde.Lynch@uk.penguingroup.com phone: 020 7010 3072

PS: Yes, I know, it's a Rick Baker Werewolf image. But then, he is the King.

New show in development

2009-12-04T14:01:00.002Z

It was exciting to hear one of my new shows in development get a mention in Animation Magazine - Max Helsing: Monster Hunter. I've been working with the team at Disney XD for a while on this show - indeed most of my spare time is currently being taken up working on the bible - so it's a thrill to see it get a mention by Disney in the Press. It's very much a "watch this space" as we progress, but it's been a pleasure working with their development team thus far.

Off down to London on Monday to have a writers' meeting @ Chapman Entertainment for my new CBeebies show Rah Rah. That's also now well under way as we march into preproduction proper. It's been a long time coming, this show, but it's got so much heart we're really excited to be making it now.

Had a great visit to Middleton Technology School in Manchester yesterday to help their Year 8's with a project on Witchcraft. A great example of cross-media creative projects, they've incorporated their English, History and Art Departments as well as crayonboy here, a storyteller and a herbalist (!) as they create their own spellbooks. I don't often visit secondary schools - I'm usually an obvious choice for primary school visits - so it's a great buzz to go along to work with older students and see them engaged and enjoying art. Thanks to everyone there for making me feel so welcome!

Bada Bling!

New EdgyCute book

2009-12-01T09:38:00.002Z

I'm very pleased to announce that I've been asked to include work in the new EdgyCute book from Mark Batty publishers, available in shops now from the seller or Amazon, or your local bookstore. The book covers what tends to be referred to as "lowbrow" art and pop surrealism, and features a fearsome list of artists and their work. I have a few of the Biteneck Beatniks paintings popping up in there - the book is compiled and edited by Harry Saylor, owner of the Orbit Gallery in the States and longtime chum and champion of my work.

List of contributors: Ana Bagayan, Gary Baseman, Becca, Mike Bell, Jeff Burnette, Robbie Busch, Michael Caines, Nicoletta Ciccoli, Alexis Covato, CRASH (John Matos), Chris Crites, Gerd Dagne, Kirsten Easthope, Jarrod Eastman, Greg Gossell, Rodney Alan Greenblat, Ryan Heshka, Brian Holderman, Angelique Houltkamp, Curtis Jobling, Jeremiah Ketner, Travis Lampe, Lex, Todd Marrone, Angie Mason, Hal Mayforth, Elizabeth McGrath, Brandi Milne, Motomichi Nakamura, Mitch O’Connell, Kathie Olivas, Emma Overman, Daron Parton, Brandt Peters, Lisa Petrucci, Mark Atomos Pilon, Judy Ragagli, Kevin Scalzo, Joe Scarano, Shag, Matte Stephens, Vivienne Strauss, Gary Taxali, Brian Taylor, Chris Uminga, Brian Viveros, Keith Weesner, Donald Roller Wilson, Derek Yaniger

Bada Bling!

THE GOOD FAERIES

2009-11-02T10:53:00.002Z

Available for the first time as a strictly limited series of giclee prints comes Curtis Jobling’s personal homage to “Sleeping Beauty”; "Flora", "Fauna" and "Merryweather".

The triptych of paintings has been reproduced on radiant white watercolour paper, ensuring that they capture every magical detail of the originals. Brought to life on A3 sheets, each piece of artwork is 10” x 14”. The faeries are priced at £75 each or a bargainous £200 for the full set of three prints. The edition is limited to just 50 of each piece, with buyers to pay postage and packaging.

Ideal for homes, hallways, boardrooms and playrooms, "The Good Faeries" are the perfect gift for lovers of art, animation and alchemical aunties!

Please don’t hesitate in getting in touch for further details.

Bada Bling!

Curtis Jobling

frankscat@hotmail.com

Happy Birthday Bob the Builder!

2009-09-15T21:26:00.003+01:00

It's been a funny old week on Planet Bling. Last week the BBC and HIT Entertainment celebrated 10 years of Bob being broadcast on the channel. That's quite an acheivement for any show, and one for which I and many other who helped to make the show are very proud. I was asked to appear on a Breakfast show to talk about the initial design of the character which although horrifically nerveracking still proved to be a lot of fun. Not least because I got to meet celebrity chef Brian Turner in the green room who, while the studio manager was walking us through what would happen, managed to shove a homemade scotch egg into my hand. Cheers Brian! :-D

Then it was on to a party at the Charlotte St Hotel where the new CGI version of Bob was screened/previewed. My personal tastes are still that you can't beat the original stop motion show (but then I'm biased as it's the medium of animation that I've always loved) although the CGI does I suppose breathe new life into the property. It's not like back in the days of Mr Benn when you'd make a dozen shows and that was your lot! Pictured above is the lovely Jackie Edwards, my old producer from Frankenstein's Cat and now VIP at CBeebies!

Off to MIPCOM in Cannes next month with Niel Bushnell from Qurios Entertainment. Great place to meet broadcasters, production companies and distributors, and generally get networky. Of course, with Mr Bushnell in tow, I'm suspecting it's going to be more like Morecambe & Wise in That Riviera Touch!

Bada Bling!

Ginges of the world unite

2009-09-05T18:51:00.003+01:00

So, it's amazing what name-dropping Bob The Builder can get you. Emma and I went to see the rather fabulous Tim Minchin last night and much chortling occured when he started shouting out profanities during one of his songs about said-builder. On our way out my dear wife couldn't resist mentioning at the stage door to a chap (who turned out to be John, his tour manager) that the guy who DESIGNED that show was in the audience. "Hold on there, one minute," says John, disappearing. As a crowd of fans gather at the stage door he reappears to say "Bob The Builder's got you in!"

Admittedly he looks like he's going to kill us both, but in our defence he was talking at the time. At least when it's him and Em and I'm out of the picture he's grinning. Top chaps the pair of them and a terrific night topped off in the most unusual fashion :-D

And from divine comedy to crappy musings, here's a link to a podcast of myself and Qurios Entertainments Niel Bushnell, waxing unlyrical after a few too many shandies. Enjoy, or don't!

http://bushnellbling.jellycast.com/podcast/feed/2

Bada Bling! xx

Inside Bob's Belly

2009-07-14T19:36:00.003+01:00

He doesn't post anything for three months then it's two in two days! Like a bus that Jobling fella...

TA-DAAAAA!!!!!!

Much weirdness. Cleaning out the garage and I found a box of old floppys (and no, that's not back issues of some kind of specialist geriatric magazine). This was a box from my days at HOT Animation designing BOB THE BUILDER. Checked the properties on these photos and it says the files are from February 2000. FEBRUARY 2000??? HOW OLD DO I LOOK ON THESE?!?!?! Anyway, crashing past the fact that I look like a forty year old tramp in these pictures (when in truth I was about 28 years of age) they're still an interesting flashback into my past and my 'umble days kicking off on Bob.

I've still got that Bazooka Joe tshirt upstairs. Heirloom, that. Heirloom........

Spinning plates

2009-07-13T09:49:00.002+01:00

Developing original ideas isn't an easy business. Sure, an idea that might work for a book or a show can pop into one's head at the most unexpected moment, but to see that through into a finished, published book or broadcast animated series is another matter altogether. The majority of my time in the last few months has been spent keeping up the momentum on a number of new properties, as well as seeing others up to a level where they can be presented. This would be the spinning plates, for that's how it often feels, keeping the energy alive on one idea while picking the speed up on another. I suppose a better analogy for a short fat northern lad would be having his fingers in lots of pies.

Visited the Showcomotion Childrens Media Conference in Sheffield the other week which was terrific - a great place to catch up with writers, artists, creatives, producers and broadcasters. If you're in the business of developing ideas for television, in particular kids TV, I can't recommend your attending Showcomotion enough. It's the perfect sounding ground for potential collaborators as well as a great place to hear the ideas, first-hand, from broadcasters re: what they're looking for.

Just waiting for proofs back on the FLORA, FAUNA & MERRYWEATHER limited edition art prints. As soon as they're in I'll be opening up for orders.

Novel manuscript? Argh! Wish I could say more on that front, but we've got specific interest from one wonderful editor from a well established publishing house. Have to sit tight while we wait for a response. In the meantime I'm looking to crack on with my next attempt at a novel, this one a fantasy novel for girls as well as boys.

Bada Bling!

Flora, Fauna & Merryweather

2009-04-29T13:48:00.003+01:00

A new series of paintings based upon my favourite Disney Movie, SLEEPING BEAUTY. Flora, Fauna and Merryweather (for those are their names) are the three fairies in the movie. Been wanting to do this triptych for ages now, and am expecting the originals to be going to an art gallery in the US in the very near future. These are also available as limited edition fine art prints - if you're interested just contact me directly, post on here with your details or drop me a line at frankscat@hotmail.com and I can fill you in with the details.

FLORA - the Green Fairy

FAUNA - the Red Fairy

MERRYWEATHER - the Blue Fairy

The High School Of Doctor Moreau

2009-03-25T19:45:00.002Z

Here's a first sneaky peek at the new show I have in development, "THE HIGH SCHOOL OF DOCTOR MOREAU". I've collaborated with good chum and Spongebob Squarepants scribe Eric Shaw on the development of this, and the article shown above is from this month's Kidscreen magazine, a trade publication that features what's happening in the world of childrens television. Next week is the MIPTV trade fair in Cannes, which I won't be attending, but the lovely folk at Kidscreen asked if they could feature Moreau in the magazine in their "Cool New Shows" feature.

We're already getting a good deal of interest in the property and will hopefully be able to announce a deal with a production company in the very near future. It's a show that I feel is really read to run, packed with ridiculous characters and a world of nonsensical experiments. In a line, it's Weird Science crashing headlong into High School Musical...

Bada Bling!

Blowing off the cobwebs!

2009-03-17T19:15:00.004Z

If there is such a thing in the worldwide tinterweb of an organisation that protects against the misuse and neglect of sorry, sad blogs, then I suspect I should be looking over the shoulder right now, waiting for a booted foot to come crashing through the front door as the blog police come and liberate the poor Badablingthing blogspot. I have, of course, been a bit busy - which is grand - but that's a feeble excuse for not keeping up to date on here with my happenings and goings on.

Big news on the business front is that I now have a new literary agent, John Jarrold. I met up with him for the first time a couple of weeks ago in Lincoln and enjoyed a tremendously pleasant evening in his company, as we outgeeked one another over all things fanboy. John is best known in the literary world as uber-editor of all things fantasy, scifi and horror. It's quite a departure from Laura Cecil, my previous literary agent who specialised purely in childrens literature. John is a dedicated adult fiction editor/agent, but he's been very happy to take me under his grown up wing. Which sounds rude. But isn't. Do check out his website for more about the fellow and the staggering list of famous authors he's edited, not least Iain Banks, Tad Williams and Terry Brooks.

The Animex Festival in February was fantastic as always, this time round the speakers' highlight was dinner at the Dun Cow Inn in Sedgefield, the infamous pub where Tony Blair took George W Bush for a meal of fish and chips towards the end of his tenure as prime minister. I was the only Brit in a party of fourteen, most of who were liberal Americans and staunch anit-Bush types. We asked the owner if we could purchase the chair that "Dubya" sat in for his meal, but he declined. Then we asked for just a wee stool, and still he said no but seemed to waver. When questioned we admitted that we planned to burn it in the street. This put an end to the prospects of us acquiring any furniture from the Dun Cow that evening...

I'm about to embark upon a trio of paintings based upon the fairies from Sleeping Beauty: Flora, Fauna and Merryweather. If you're liking the look of these and are interested in the originals, let me know. It's the Biteneck Beatniks hurtling headlong into the Grimm Faerie Tales. They're red, green and blue respectively. Or at least will be when I'm finished!

My Art Show is now in full effect in that there London. If you're in the capital, be sure to visit the Animation Art Gallery in County Hall, next to the London Eye. The original Frankenstein's Cat paintings and the Biteneck Beatniks show will be hung together there for the next month until mid-April. There are also limited edition giclee prints available of the nine Cat paintings.

New properties in development include a show that Jetix are just about to option, plus HIT Entertainment have picked up a preschool show from me directly and are optioning another exciting property too - more on this in the coming weeks!

Belated New Year to all

2009-01-22T17:17:00.004Z

I've been asked by my better half to put a post on the blog as it's our homepage for the home PC - whenever we connect to the tinterweb we get SNOWFALL blaring full volume from our speakers and it's driving her a bit loopy, especially as Christmas was four weeks ago now.

Been busy already this year with a lot of school projects kicking off, principally an ongoing arts project with English Martyrs School in Hartlepool. I'm booked up until the beginning of April with schools which is pretty splendid stuff. The kids at English Martyrs have been great, and it's doubley a pleasure to be working up there as I get to stay with Niel Bushnell of Qurios Entertainment, and generally goof around a lot like a big gullah. We met up for a quiet night's suppage with Chris Williams, director of the Animex Festival of Animation, on Tuesday and what started out gentle enough ended with me leaving the drinking den with a shadow firmly cast over my reputation. Tarnished, I'd go so far as to say. I apologise to the Barmaid, just in case she's reading this!

Will be up in Teesside for Animex next month holding workshop and talks (4th to 6th Feb) - if you've never been along, get yourself down there. Better still log onto the website to view Qurios's rather brilliant sting for this, the festivals TENTH year:

Bada Bling!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-18T10:00:00.002Z

(Removed for the sake of the family Bling's sanity)

Jobling out and about

2008-11-27T11:02:00.007Z

OK, let's get this out of the way with first - me meeting SANTA!!!! :-D See as I struggle to keep my excitement in check! This was at Farlington School btw...

Thought I'd next show you all a delightful picture of the delightful Alan Gilbey, the delightful script editor and lead writer of Frankenstein's Cat the animated series, holding aloft the delightful BAF Award for Best TV Series. I believe he's pawned it for filthy cash already... Couldn't be there myself but glad Al got to grab the gong on behalf of everyone from the production team.

Below is a picture of Mr Josh Lewis's left kneecap in Australia. Josh's wife, Felise, got in touch with me on Facebook and let me know that the family love the show so much that Josh felt obliged to get a Nine tattoo added to his tats. This is work in progress, and mighty fine it is too - as Josh sends me the finished tattoo I'll put it up on here. But this is tremendously flattering - I've never seen a Bob tattoo but then I think Nine lends himself to the art form more...

Just back from a whirlwind few days in West Sussex, opening the Farlington Christmas Fair as well as a new nursery hall at Burgess Hill School for Girls. Had a lovely time at both events, in no small part thanks to the hospitality of the pupils, parents and staff at the schools. Particularly have to thank Joy, Casie and Lucia at Farlington for enduring me, Emma and the girls, and also Fen, Georgina, Yudi and the gang at Burgess Hill for supplying me with hot cups of tea in the freezing weather. Here are some pictures from the event at Burgess Hill. Note the small army of Bob the Builders who were present. They're mid-shout there yelling out the word "PARSNIP" - I guess you'd need to have been there to understand the ramifications of this exultation...
And lastly, but by no means least, below is a picture of Frankenstein's Cat as done by Maria Chance (aged 6) of Stratford Upon Avon. Clever cookie that Maria is she's used the fridge magnet from the DVD box as a stencil and drawn around the titular moggie that way - great stuff Maria and many many thanks for sending this through to us!

Frankenstein's Cat wins at BAF '08

2008-11-17T21:18:00.002Z

Just got the news through the televisual grapevine that we won Best TV Series at the Bradford Animation Festival! Great news for everyone who worked on the show - I'd have been there for gong collecting myself if it hadn't coincided with my son's 8th birthday party and I wasn't going to miss that :-) Bradford's a great festival, and Alan Gilbey gave a great acceptance speech by all accounts, saying that as neither myself nor Jackie or Sara, the show's producers, were present he was going to keep it for himself.

Very encouraging to see so many animation festivals in the UK now - as well as Animex and BAF, we have Showcomotion, Exeter which I visited at the beginning of the year, and my most recent new addition was Canterbury Anifest which I attended for the first time a couple of weeks ago. All the festivals are run by a bunch of terrific, enthusiastic and super-passionate people. If you haven't been a long to one yet... what are you waiting for?!?!

Off to Cinemagic in Belfast tomorrow evening to hold some workshops in schools over there, and really looking forward to it. Lots of school appearances lately also, including the rather splendid Barnard's Castle Prep School in Co Durham. I stayed in a reputedly haunted Bed & Breakfast the night before my workshops and although I didn't encounter a ghost my filling fell out of one of my incisors. Paranormal or dodgy dentistry? You decide!

Off to open the Farlington School Christmas Fair in Horsham this weekend and then down to Burgess Hill School a couple of days later to open their new hall. If you're in that neck of the woods, be sure to come along, especially to the Farlington Fair on Saturday 22nd - I'll be holding talks and workshops as well as signings.

Just finished writing a second draft of my (name under wraps) novel manuscript. Clocks out at 105,000 words currently, 33 chapters averaging 10 pages to each. And no, the font isn't 48! I'm really pleased with it and just hope the publishers who I'm presenting it to get it as well. I'll always love working in picture books and animation, but there's been something tremendously exciting about working alone on a book of this size. Ideally it's part of a series of books but I'll just be happy to get this first one off the ground. It's gothic horror fantasy. No. No more. I've already said to much. You have to die, now, you do realise?

Bada Bling!

The Frankenstein's Cat Art Show & Biteneck Beatnik Halloween Extravaganza (..... and breathe!)

2008-10-20T19:36:00.004+01:00

It's here at last! The new art show kicks off this coming Saturday, 25th October, at the Richard Goodall Gallery in Manchester. There'll be all the Biteneck Beatniks paintings on show and for sale, as well as the new original works based upon the Frankenstein's Cat animated series. There'll (hopefully) be books for sale, signings and Ron Go Bongo Biteneck Beatniks vinyl toys from TOY2R for sale.

Also, today (20th) marks the launch of the Frankenstein's Cat animated series on DVD (available in all good high street and online stores), featuring 8 episodes from Season One of the show. The timing is terrific as the BBC have just asked us for a second season of the show! We shall also have copies of this DVD for sale and signing too. If you're about, bring along the kids, grannies, frankenpets and whatever. It kicks off at 2pm:

Richard Goodall Gallery
59 Thomas St
Manchester
M4 1NA
UK
http://www.richardgoodallgallery.com/

Opening times: Tuesday – Friday 10am-6pm. Saturdays 11am-5pm Admission Free

I got back from a great week in Cannes last week, where I was peddling my wares (read pitching new show concepts) at MIPCOM. Plenty of the new shows were met with approval by various production companies and broadcasters so I'm hopeful that very shortly we'll get a few of them off the ground and into development proper. Highlight, besides catching up with my producer Jackie Edwards who has been snapped up by the BBC (huzzah!), was meeting Richard Taylor of WETA and Lord Of The Rings fame. Lovely bloke and nice that we shared a few common chums too, namely Ian Mackinnon and groovetastic concept artist Richie Dolan (The Frighteners)

Bada Bling!

Frankenstein's Cat Art Show (completed)

2008-09-18T20:38:00.003+01:00

Well, these are the last three paintings in the series of nine Frankenstein's Cat pieces. I've actually had to go back through the others and tweak them a touch. It only occured to me while painting "Halloween" that I'd missed Nine's flies out on all the other paintings. Back I went and added them to each picture. I'll let you know when the prints of these paintings are available, if you're interested, but we're looking to hold an art show mid October at the Richard Goodall Gallery in Manchester, where the originals, the prints, and the Biteneck Beatniks artwork will all be available for sale. Furthermore the art show will be moving to London and the Animation Art Gallery in December.

I've been a bit slack on the old blog lately as lots of work has come in all at once. In addition to trying to wrap up the art show we've been working hard on "RAH RAH", a new preschool stopmotion show that just this week was unveiled at Cartoon Forum in Ludwigsburg. Again, it's with my good chums who produced Frankenstein's Cat, Mackinnon & Saunders, and it promises to be achingly cute and ridiculously good fun for little ones all over. Roar if you're ready!

Furthermore I'm off to MIPCOM in Cannes next month to meet broadcasters and production companies about various new projects, specifically Biteneck Beatniks, which has now changed it's moniker to the more rounded and inclusive: "CHILLVILLE!"

Bada Bling!

Frankenstein's Cat Art Show (continued)

2008-07-30T08:49:00.005+01:00

It's been a while since I posted on the blog, but real world distractions such as workloads and family fun have prevented my yakking. Recently managed to complete three more paintings from the forthcoming Frankenstein's Cat Art Show, as shown below:

Three more paintings to complete for the show, now, and am already up to my paint-smeared thumbs in each of those. I'm actively on the look-out for any galleries who might be interested in showing the Frankenstein's Cat art show, in addition to the Biteneck Beatniks. If you're interested or indeed have any recommendations of cool, groovy galleries who you reckon may be interested in this and it's worth my contacting them, please do leave the details here. I didn't realise when I embarked upon the show just how long it was going to take me - possibly this is because when I did the bulk of my Biteneck Beatniks art show I wasn't looking after the kids, but for the last 12 months or so I've had lots of daddy time with my girls, which is brilliant. The only downside is that it doesn't make painting any easier to get stuck into. Swings and roundabouts as my old history teacher Mr Bullough would say.

And talking of old teachers, I was at a booksigning in Waterstones in Ormskirk last Saturday when who should come in but TWO of my old high school teachers to surprise me, Miss Crompton and Mrs Hartley. I've now been advised that it is perfectly acceptable to refer to them as Janet and Rosemary, possibly due to the fact that having a 36 year old refer to them as "Miss" in a childrens bookshop can indeed come across as a little awkward. It was lovely to see them and a huge thrill for me - I remember each of them very well, although it appears that my photographic-memory-armed idiot savant elder brother was the one who really stuck in their minds! Cheers Mark! ;-D Thanks for coming Janet and Rosemary!

Been out and about doing lots of school visits and workshops in the last few weeks too, including a spot at the Showcomotion festival in Sheffield, which was great fun. I've been to two tremendous independent schools, Farlington nr Horsham and Giggleswick in North Yorkshire, to hold talks as well as give away prizes on their end of year awards days. Thank you SOOOO much to Joy Baggs and her staff at Farlington and Mark Brotherton and his staff at Giggleswick for making me feel so at home.

Below are the original roughs for the art show, before I got jiggy with the paints!

FILM REVIEW

And new to Badablingthing....

DIARY OF THE DEAD - a fine addition to Romero's pantheon of zombie tales. Following the POV of a team of college filmmakers who happen to have cameras on a shoot, they end up documenting the events that unfold as the zombies start to eat their way through America. Not up there with the FX budget of Land Of The Dead, but still splendid nonetheless

CLOVERFIELD - I really rather enjoyed this, and it had the same wobbly-cam effect as DIARY, what with being a "home movie" of a giant Cthulhu-esque monster romping it's way through New York. There was plenty there to give you the 9-11 tingles, plus big enjoyment when one of the characters you think is a lead gets smited early on! Bleak ending? Nonsense, for bleak endings look no further than...

THE MIST - I absolutely loved this movie, although it did bum Emma and I out with the ending. But then again, it's a horror movie, and you want a shock at the end. Doesn't come much bigger in my eyes. FX were OK but you can excuse that to a degree as the direction and acting really is top notch from an ensemble who are really on top of their game. What is it with Cthulhu-esque monsters all of a sudden?

What, they're all horror movies? And I work in kids books? Go figure...

Bada Bling!

Annecy and signings

2008-06-04T09:31:00.003+01:00

It's that time of year when Annecy awaits the arrival of the short, ginger crayonboy. I'll be travelling out to the Animation Festival next Wednesday, in the company of Qurios Entertainment director Niel Bushnell. Got a bunch of meetings set up with various industry bods to look forward to.

I'll also be doing some signings while out there at the Bonlieu Centre - we'll have Frankenstein's Cat picture books, limited edition art prints as well as my Ron Go Bongo Biteneck Beatniks vinyls. If you're at the festival, come along to the signing at 3pm on Friday 13th (zoinks!)

I'm also going to be judging a Create Your Own Frankenstein's Pet competition with the Warrington Guardian, as part of the Year Of Reading initiative. It's open to any schoolchildren in the Borough so do contact the Guardian for more details if interested - winners will receive a visit to their school from yours truly (fools!) where I'll do some storytelling and animation screenings for everyone.

Red Stick Festival in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

2008-04-23T21:37:00.004+01:00

Here's Jackie Edwards and I picking up the Pulcinella in Salerno the other week. Note the Lobot-esque headphones that I've handily dropped around my throar like a bit of cyber-bling. Jackie, on the other hand, went for the full on John Motson commentator look, and by jove, i think she cracked it. Haven't got any snaps of the actual award yet, but once I do I'll update it onto here.

Left to right, here's Professor Stuart Sumida, Red Stick Director Stacey Simmons, Dougie Pincott, myself, and Pete "Pedro Diablo" Draper. This was on my first night getting over to Baton Rouge last week for the festival, and it was lovely to spend some quality time with a bunch of old friends. Stuart digs up dinosaur bones for a living, as well as consulting on numerous motion pictures re: anthropology, paleantology, anatomy and physical motion. He has the best job in the world. Official. But you just try bringing up Jurassic Park with him, saying "Could happen..." and watch the fur fly!
Genuinely, I hadn't really been drinking. I'd got off the plane after an extremely long flight. The same, however, can not be said for Dougie...
Graham and Badger in addition on this one - these chaps are the drivers from the Animex Festival, and such is the friendly, familiar nature of both festivals, the two were invited out by Stacey this year. Top blokes.
And the last roll call here - Cliff Cohen from Animaction, Tom Martinek from Industrial Light & Magic, the rest of us as before and on the far right a lovely lady who by all accounts appeared to be a preschool nazi. By her own admission, I might add.

I held a talk on how we brought Frankenstein's Cat to life (so to speak) at the festival, where I got to show loads of clips and early footage, topped and tailed by the finished thing. I followed this up with a character design workshop the next day which was really well attended and I hope proved useful to the participants - it's always tricky with a workshop not knowing the spread of ability within the group, but I was hugely impressed by some of the guys present. Eric and Mike and the other chaps - a pleasure to meet y'all!

And huge thankyous to Stacey and Steve Beck for getting me over once more - I missed Red Stick last year through moving home, but if they'll have me back next year we'll be sure to bring the little ones.

Bada Bling!

Frankenstein's Cat wins Pulcinella Award at Cartoons On The Bay

2008-04-14T09:27:00.003+01:00

Just got back from a few days in Salerno, Italy, where Jackie Edwards and I have been attending Cartoons On The Bay, the international television animation awards festival. On Saturday night we were very giddy and slightly gobsmacked recipients of the Pulcinella Award for Best Childrens Show. Hopefully Jackie is able to get some pictures printed up from the camera she took, although judging by her technical wizardry on the laptop I'm not holding out too much hope ;-) If I get some pix we'll whack them up here.

Many thanks to everyone who has worked on the show and helped to make it the fun, fast paced, mad science comedy that it is.

Also managed to visit Pompei round the corner, beneath the shadow of Vesuvius, coincidentally on the day that the Doctor visited it on the Beeb. Awestruck by Pompei, the sheer size of it was breathtaking.

Off to Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Wednesday to attend the Red Stick Animation Festival. Looking forward to catching up with old friends as well as holding a talk on how we got the Cat into production and onto the screen, plus a character design workshop.

Bada Bling!

Loved him to bits???

2008-03-18T21:02:00.002Z

Well, the stinky feline by the name of Nine has completed his run on Childrens BBC in the UK, all 30 episodes having been screened over the last 6 weeks. We've no proper indication yet as to how well it's been received, but I've had a few indicators from the various school visits, book signings and storytelling workshops I've done over the last few months. I've had kids singing the theme tune to me who don't know me from Adam so it seems to have struck a chord. For those of you who may not have seen it yet, do check it out on the BBC iPlayer where they're all being shown.

Frankenstein's Cat has also been chosen in competition for a Pulcinella Award at this year's Cartoons On The Bay festival in Salerno, Italy. It's pretty big news for us as it's probably the biggest dedicated animation awards festival in the world. Competition is fierce but, again, it's just nice to be in the mix.

Animex Animation Festival was it's usual bout of giddy fun and fantastic talks last month. Still recovering now... Also visited Animated Exeter for the first time too, which was a wonderful experience, thanks in no small part to the team who run it down there.

I've a couple of shows that are close to being optioned currently which I'll spill in more detail once the paperwork is signed off on, but it's good news - one's a preschool property and the other is a gothic fantasy live action series for older audiences. I'm also off to Aardman next week to work on a new preschool show I've got in development with them. It's a great opportunity for me to meet up with my old producer from back in the days of Bob the Builder, Jackie Cockle, who is senior producer of preschool at the studio now.

Last bit of news is I'm going to be appearing at the Red Stick Animation Festival in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, next month, holding talks and workshops for all who turn up. If you're in the States and fancy attending the festival, do come along, there are some terrific speakers lined up!

Bada Bling!

FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT premiering Monday 4th February, CBBC, 6pm!

2008-02-01T12:53:00.000Z

"FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT, FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT!"

"HE'S A MONSTER!"

"A TWIT!"

"I'M A CAT FROM A KIT!"

"AND YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE HIM TO BITS!"

Well, it's here at long last. It's been a long, long road from the first doodles and scribbles I penned on a train journey from Warrington to London Euston in 2000. Since then the Cat was picked up as a picture book by Hodder, optioned as a short film by Mackinnon & Saunders, developed into a 2D flash animated series and now finally appears on Television next week. Along the way characters have been discarded (the Butler, the Cook) and other have been added or developed (Lottie, Egora, Heidi and the Doctor). We've a large cast of colourful, and quite mad, characters populating the village of Oddsburg and it's surrounding wilderness, so I can only hope now that the show is well received by its audience (that's you, that is!)

Big thanks go to all the production teams and broadcasters who've worked on the show, at Mackinnon & Saunders, Kayenta Production, BBC, CCI, 4:21, and A Productions. Special thanks go to Jackie Edwards, Sara Mullock and Thierry Rivard (producers on the show), Alan Gilbey (head writer and script editor) and Raoul and Jane Davies (directors) for helping make such lovely animated shenanigans. And big man love to Pete (Saunders) and Ian (Mackinnon) for believing in my stinky cat in the first place and taking a big ol' punt on it. Big man love hugs to the writers - Ian Carney, Dave Ingham, Myles McLeod, Darren Jones, Lee Pressman and Joel Jessop. Suffice to say the voice artists (Joe P, Keith Wickham, Alex Kelly, Teresa Gallagher and Jimmy Hibbert, who also pitched in with a script!) have done a wonderful job of breathing life into the cast, and I owe them a drink or four...

Lordy, that sounds like an acceptance speech. I'd best go and accept a banana from the fruit bowl as that's all I'll be receiving for the forseeable!

Off on the road this coming week, appearing at Animex Festival of Animation from Wednesday through Friday. I'll be doing a character design workshop on the Wednesday and on the Friday, accompanied by Jackie Edwards, we'll be doing a talk about The Anatomy Of Frankenstein's Cat. It promises to be a hoot!

Bada Bling!

Frankenstein's Cat trailer on You Tube

2008-01-15T19:45:00.000Z

You can have a wee butchers at this little teaser trailer that's been put together for the show, currently being screened on Youtube!

The show starts in the UK on CBBC in less than 3 weeks time, on February 4th, 6pm, so all systems are go!

Thanks for all the kind words on my own Frankenstein's Cat, Ernie. He's on the mend and the way he's acting you'd never known some nut job had shot him, bar the obvious missing tail of course...

On a purely geeky filmfan note I saw Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, at the weekend and loved it immensely. A worthy follow-up to the splendid Anchorman from Mr Ferrell (avoid Blades of Glory at all costs, Ferrell fans - bag of doodoo and no mistake.)

Somebody shot my cat

2007-12-19T13:03:00.000Z

So, some turd shot my cat the other day.

Ernie (for that's his name) is currently at the vets, doped up to his eyeballs and awaiting surgery on Friday. He's been shot just where the tail meets the body, he's a fractured vertebrae, has lost quite a bit of blood, and is on anti-inflammatories and pain relief. On Friday they're going to be operating on him, cleaning the shrapnel out (they don't know what kind of firearm caused it yet) and then amputating his poor tail.

Yes, would happily have my hands around the throat of the sick scumbag that did this, but chances are slim. Police will be following up with an investigation, but I personally will be using the platform of Frankenstein's Cat to get a message out there to kids who can get access to firearms, be they BB guns, air rifles or bigger beasts. If it's at all possible I'm going to try and align myself with Cat and Cruelty to Animals charities to raise awareness of this kind of thing. I find it baffling that any sane-minded person could harm, injure or even kill a family's dear pet.

With Frankenstein's Cat starting transmission in February there's a chance I can direct a bit of publicity on this and highlight a very real problem.

Santa's Hapless Helpers online!

2007-12-13T12:49:00.000Z

The Festive animated short that we've produced with Qurios Entertainment is now live at HD Greetings website. Call by, enjoy, and send it on to loved ones, friends and foes. It's a smaller piece of a bigger project, featuring the Helpers and their various screwy exploits. Those of you who've followed badablingthing since I first started posting will be aware of the property, and the characters in particular. The ambition is that we present this to a broadcaster as a proposal for Christmas interstitials, idents, and potentially a half hour family film.

Terrific work by all the chaps at Qurios and yet again it's been an absolute delight to work with them, long may it continue. The short is 30 seconds long so don't worry about having to endure a mammoth bum-numbing viewing. Just make sure you click on the Helpers link when you get to the site if it doesn't come up automatically.

In other announcements, I'm going to be doing a characters design workshop at the beginning of February at the ANIMEX FESTIVAL OF ANIMATION, as well as a talk with producer Jackie Edwards on how we got Frankenstein's Cat from the book to the screen. Always a pleasure to return there and catch up with Chris Williams and his gang, plus the fellow speakers. Furthermore, a week later, I'm off down to ANIMATED EXETER to hold similar workshops there. Should be a busy fun-filled month!

Bada Bling!

Hark the hairy Jobling sings!

2007-12-03T11:05:00.000Z

It's that time of year again. Well, almost. Things are busy busy busy in Bling's Workshop...

RON GO BONGO TOY2R VINYL

The nice chaps @ TOY2R, creators of ubercool toy accessory QEE, are close to releasing the vinyl Biteneck Beatniks Ron Go Bongo toys. Should see them in toy and comic shops early in the new year, followed by a green and a red variant to start with.

FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT ONLINE GAME

The clever fellows @ Yamago have come up with an online game for Frankenstein's Cat, as linked here. Though simple enough at first glance, it's actually a rather good memory game that should hopefully amuse parents as well as children.

Frankenstein's Cat Game!

SIGNINGS CONTINUE

I shall be at BORDERS PRESTON doing signings this coming Saturday 8th January, and the following Saturday 15th I shall be signing at BORDERS BIRSTALL outside of Leeds off the M62. I'll be there with plenty of Frankenstein's Cat books to personalize and deface, as well as the first few episodes of the animated series so that audiences can get a sneaky peek preview of what's in store!

The pictures above are from signings in Warrington and this last week @ BORDERS CHESHIRE OAKS. Thanks to the wee ones for enduring having their photographs taken next to a pumpkin-headed author type.

Bada Bling!

R.I.P. Captain Marvel: Mike Gregory

2007-11-21T11:44:00.000Z

It's been a sad few days in the Jobling household, as my first and only real childhood hero passed away on Monday. Mike Gregory was captain of Warrington Rugby League Club, and also successfully skippered the Great British Lions to two test series victories against New Zealand. A lad from Wigan (our fierce rivals) he played for "The Wire" for 12 years, my formative years on the terraces as a fan.

He suffered from a debilitating form of Motor Neurone Disease, bizarrely linked to an insect bite when he toured Down Under as coach of the Young Lions. He was only 43 and leaves behind his wife Erica and two young sons.

He was the one player that never gave anything short of 100% throughout his playing career, never took a backward step. If only we'd had 12 other Mike Gregory's playing for us we might have won some silverware in my time watching them. My strongest memories of Greg were after we'd been beaten by Wigan @ Wembley and his address outside the town hall, as he rallied the fans and stirred the spirit. The other was his legendary 80 yard try against the Aussies in the Third Test, 1988. Nothing typified sporting heroics like that man and that run. The greatest game, the greatest man.

I've shed a few tears at his passing, as have pretty much the whole of the Rugby League Family, as he touched the lives of fans from all clubs in this most fierce and tribal sport. I know you were a God fearing man, Mike, and you'll be skippering a team up there by the weekend is my bet...

Frankenstein's Cat climbs onto Nickelodeon's lap

2007-11-03T14:38:00.000Z

Cat finding international homes...

It's been a good week for Nine, Lottie and the rest of the cast of Frankenstein's Cat, as Nickelodeon have picked up the show for six territories - Spain, Benelux, Southeast Asia, Australia, Latin America and Israel. Hopefully we can sort out a North American broadcaster in the very near future. Watch this space, you'll be the first to hear!

Frankenstein's Cat in competition at Bradford Animation Festival 07

"The Wall", written by Myles McLeod, will be in competition at this years festival at the end of this month. The competition looks jolly stiff so it's just nice to be considered.

Also, I'm going to be doing signings of Frankenstein's Cat and other picture book at branches of Borders in the UK between now and Christmas:

Saturday November 9th - Borders Preston
Saturday November 16th - Borders Birstall (nr Leeds)

We're also firming up an appearance at Borders Cheshire Oaks.

Bada Bling!

RESCUE ROOKIES roar into life!

2007-10-28T10:01:00.000Z

PARTHENON option RESCUE ROOKIES from BADA BLING!

Parthenon Entertainment have optioned the rights to RESCUE ROOKIES from us, a preschool emergency vehicle led property for animation. With the help of uber-talented Qurios Entertainment in the UK we produced a teaser animation earlier in the year that was really well received, especially by Karina Stanford Smith and Carl Hall from Parthenon. You can find more out about Qurios directly from Niel Bushnell's Qurios Blog. Suffice to say we're all tremendously excited to be moving forward on this and have high hopes that we're going to be making a very special childrens show. It features the exploits of Bravo the Police Car, Skipper the Lifeboat, Flash the Fire Engine, Lulu the Ambulance and Birdseye the Rescue Helicopter.

Signing FRANKENSTEINS CAT in hometown

Had a very enjoyable day yesterday, Saturday, signing the newly re-released edition of FRANKENSTEINS CAT in Borders. We shifted close to 80 copies as well as selling out of CHEEKY MONKEY and MY DADDY too. I was also able to show the freshly completed episodes of the TV show which had children and adults alike stopping by to cop an eyefull! Roll on the UK transmission date of January on BBC1 and CBBC. The shows world premiere is just round the corner on France 3, this coming Halloween!

Marvellous MIPCOM

2007-10-12T22:13:00.000+01:00

Returned from my trip to MIPCOM in Cannes yesterday and feel both knackered and also tremendously invigorated. I got to meet with broadcasters, production companies and distributors to talk about the new show, BITENECK BEATNIKS, as well as pitch my even newer ones too. Having attended Kidscreen Summit in New York and Annecy in France this was another beast altogether. There were literally hundreds of organisations there, all pitching new shows/properties or searching for them as well.

Meeting with Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, RDF Media, TV Loonland, Teletoon, Cookie Jar etc all left me with a toasty feeling inside and I've come away with confidence high. It's now, I hear, that one has to have the real energy, as initial interest is followed up.

Anyone interested in getting a show off the ground, I heartily recommend going. There's no better trade fair from what I can tell. I'd put some pictures of the place on here if I'd only taken a camera! :-)

Bada Bling

Work in progress

2007-10-03T16:27:00.000+01:00

This trio of doodlings are the latest in the FRANKENSTEINS CAT art show series. Obviously we're a way off completion yet but, as with the previous three, I'll try and scan them as I go along to show their development. Am currently undecided about the title on "FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH PART NINE". Quick straw poll from you lovely people if you have an opinion on this - what would look best?

FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH or FRIDAY 13TH? I tried it with roman numerals already and that in itself was distracting. The "13TH" would certainly free things up from looking cramped, but the "THIRTEENTH" ties things in with the NINE below. Sorry if I'm babbling - opinions?

Off to MIPCOM this coming weekend. If anyone will be over in Cannes at said market do let me know and give me a shout and we'll be sure to hook up for a mocha chocca latte ya ya!

Bada Bling!

Biteneck Beatniks on You Tube

2007-09-20T20:09:00.000+01:00

HERE!!!

I know a few people had difficulty downloading it from Sardine's website, so try this link to youtube instead, should be available for viewing there.

Frankenstein's Cat art show is effectively 1/3 complete! Below are the first three paintings, still moist with paint I can assure you. These three will be reproduced as art cards to take out to MIPCOM in a couple of weeks, freebies to give away to broadcasters, distributors, production companies, suggestible bartenders and the like. Thereon in I'll hopefully be able to take a bunch of them with me to book signings and the like.

As soon as the 9th painting is complete I'll be able to list pricings for both the original paintings as well as the limited edition giclee prints. Enquiries are, as ever, jolly welcome :-)

Bada Bling!

Biteneck Beatniks teaser trailer ONLINE!!!

2007-09-07T13:41:00.001+01:00

HERE!!!!!!

As I believe I've mentioned recently (just a bit) I've been working on the teaser trailer for the BITENECK BEATNIKS animated series. Sardine Productions in Canada are the prod company and while I've been taking care of the characters Ian Culbard has been designing the backgrounds. The end result looks very groovy and we're tremendously pleased with it - we just need to see how things go next month at MIPCOM in Cannes now. As you can see the teaser is now up and running so do take a look.

Thanks to Nik's pestering in my last post, here's some of the work in progress on the FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT art show. This is the way I work, starting with the darker colours that make up backgrounds and then building lighter. Also, you can probably see I start at the rear of the image and work forward through every component through to the foreground. More often than not this means that the characters are the last things that get illustrated, but by that stage it's usually quite exciting for me to see the painting finally come together.

Ahead of MIPCOM we're looking to get some postcards done of these first 3 paintings to promote the show, as well as possibly feature the originals at a CCI cocktail party. Either way I'll be making sure I get a bunch of the cards myself for future promo ops, and certainly to bring along to signings.

Bada Bling!

Crack open the paint pots!

2007-08-26T12:07:00.000+01:00

Just got back from a family holiday to France which I can genuinely say is the first holiday I've been on in many a year where I've managed to completely switch off from my work. What a treat! Back in the groove now.

Booked flight and accomodation to get over to MIPCOM in Cannes in October where I'll be promoting work on BITENECK BEATNIKS, FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT and an (as yet still under wraps) new project in development. Hopefully have the development deal in place for that before I go.

My FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT art show is now in production, and these are the first three layouts. As mentioned previously I'm looking to produce 9 episode paintings that capture the show, and these will be reproduced as limited edition giclee prints for sale down the line. The art show itself will hopefully feature in galleries all over - do contact me if you're interested.

Also, I've stuck my details into FACEBOOK if anyone wants to find me and add me - there aren't many Curtis Joblings there I can assure you...

Bada Bling!

Bart Simpson Art Exhibition

2007-07-29T09:28:00.000+01:00

Wrapping up on coverage of the Bart Qee here at Meltdown Comics on Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles , the wee fellas having just featured at San Diego Comic Con.

More than 50 customized 10" Bart Simpson Qees will be on display from artists all over the world including works by: Matt Groening, Attaboy, Tyson Summers, adidas, Moody, Sam Fout, Jim Koch, Nicoles Chevallier, David Lanham, DYZLA, Lounge Kat, Triclops, Matt Sharp, Mark Nagata, Doink, Veggie Something, Baby 168, Inu Art, SashaHuber, Vincent Skoglund, ODM, Colette, KW, ColorWeekly, Thick Magazine, Nada One, Joey Potts, DGPH, Akira Yamaguchi, B, Wing, October Toys, AlanYip, Bernhardt Geyer, Chad Carothers, Toy2R and many more!!

About Meltdown Comics: Meltdown Comics is the largest comic book shop on the West Coast, located in the heart of Hollywood on Sunset Blvd. Meltdown opened in 1993 and has since become one the most respected comic book stores inthe world. With a sophisticated approach to merchandise and operations– and a reputation for hosting successful events in their Melt Gallery– Meltdown is a must-see pop culture destination in Los Angeles.

In short, Meltdown Comics is somewhere I'd really like to visit! Won't be there myself but anyone who checks in here who is LA based (and I know there are a few) then do call by for a look-see. Speaking of the Simpsons am hoping to catch the movie this week if I can persuade Nanny to look after the grandkids...

Bada Bling/Curtis Jobling Official Website

2007-07-20T11:36:00.000+01:00

... is now open for business!

The official website has indeed been a long time coming but hopefully is worth the wait. There's a comprehensive gallery section on there that will be getting work added to it as time goes by, including sketchbook sections too. There's also links to the Curios Cow animations that I did with Seed Animation, with thanks going to Morgan Powell of Seed for producing the website.

Hope it's well received!

Bada Bling!

Qee Bart Exhibition @ Taipei Toy Festival

2007-07-07T20:45:00.000+01:00

The Taipei Toy Festival kicked off on 7th July and the Bartneck Beatnik DIY Qee appeared with the rest of the completed gang. Some great stuff there on show. After the Festival ends the show sounds like it's going to be split up, with some of the pieces going to a Hong Kong show and the rest appearing @ the San Diego Comic Con.

There's Bartneck, bottom row on the left!
Awww, bless...
Yow! Angry mob!!!

Was well received by all accounts anyway - just looking forward to my official BITENECK BEATNIKS toys coming out with Toy2R now.

SHOWCOMOTION

I attended the Showcomotion Media Conference in Sheffield, UK, this week and found it to be rather ripping. It was a veritable Who's Who of the UK Broadcasting and Animation Industry. That's right. I said veritable. BBC, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney - all the main players were in attendance. Then there were all the major UK studios and distributors too, including Aardman, Collingwood O'Hare, Mackinnon & Saunders (yep, that'd be us) etc etc. Tremendous stuff. If you're looking to break into kids tv and need to hear some words of wisdom, you can't go wrong by getting yourself along. Same place, same date, each year. Heartily recommended.

10" Bart Simpson DIY QEE - "Bartneck Beatnik"

2007-06-24T16:49:00.000+01:00

I've been asked to participate in a BART SIMPSON/FOX/QEE Project for the San Diego Comic Con 2007. The nice chaps at Toy2R, specifically Ray and Anko, sent out my "blank canvas" Bart maquette to paint up in a manner of my choosing. Seemed only obvious to do him in the style of the Biteneck Beatniks, especially with the obvious puntastic name for the characters doubled with the fact that Toy2R are releasing a series of Biteneck Beatniks toys, kicking off with a Ron Go Bongo.

If you're over in San Diego, do call by and take a look at the Qees. I shan't be there *sniff* but I hope they're well received. The hand painted toys will be auctioned off, with some of the proceeds going to the International Red Cross. Get bidding kids, it's a worthy cause and the toys are FAB!

Additionally, in other Biteneck Beatniks related news, I'm close to announcing a development deal for the animated series. We're working on a teaser trailer to take over to Cannes for MIPcom in October with a rather wonderful Canadian animation company. Ian Culbard is on board to share design duties, specifically for the backgrounds for the world of Chillville. Should be able to release more details very soonly...

There's always next year...

2007-06-19T09:25:00.000+01:00

Back from Annecy which was a tremendously fruitful trip, complete with some very interesting and exciting leads on new projects in development. FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT did not win, and possibly suffered from not actually being on the telly yet unlike it's competitors. CHARLIE & LOLA and SHAUN THE SHEEP snaffled the top TV prizes and very worthy winners they were too in my opinion.

Met up with Niel Bushnell and Gordon Fraser while out there (Farmageddon) and Chris Williams, director of Animex. It's fair to say that Niel (inadvertently) supplied most of the laughs and accompanying tears! Also caught up with the delightful Amid Amidi who spent most of the festival eating from what I could tell...

There was a terrific Stand for the Cat at the MIFA tent which was garnering some very enthusiastic responses. We had some cat pawprints graffiti'd onto the carpet in the tent leading through to the stand, plus one of the animators had done a bit of stealth tagging outside aswell. A nice vibe all round.

Thankyou to all the new (and old faces) I met up with and chatted with while out there. And to those of you who we're looking to work with in development, as the great MG would say.... : "Let's get it on!"

Dusting down a long forgotten sketchbook...

2007-05-28T16:25:00.001+01:00

STILL unpacking.

One thing that has been rather a lot of fun while working my way through a myriad boxes has been unearthing old sketchbooks, none more so than the one whose pages I've scanned below. This particular sketchbook is only a teeny A6 affair, something one can safely stash in the jeans' back pocket. Leafing through it I discovered all the early design work from a number of my projects, published or otherwise. Below is the first design I did for Bobby from DINOSAURS AFTER DARK. Beside him you'll probably recognise my first (and possibly only) colour design of CURIOUS COW. The pages here are particularly pertinent to current work schedule, as this was the sketchbook I conceived FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT in on the train journey from Warrington to London years ago. The two pahes below show the very first Cat drawing as doodled on a bumpety-bump Virgin rail carriage, all wobbly-like and pretty much as he appears on the cover of the book. And the pages that follow show the first couple of paragraphs as I toyed with the idea on the journey, again, pretty much verbatim as they appear in the book. Got off the train and showed it to the editor @ Hodder Headline and it was commissioned off the back of it.

Below are the first designs from the MY DADDY picture book, featuring the three girls from the story. Further down the line as I looked to develop this as an animated film I revisited the look of the characters and design approach, but again these are how they appeared in the original book.
Lastly here's CHEEKY MONKEY in his earliest guise. Still cheeky but slightly different shape to his face. The accompanying words are from POCKET DOG, which I developed with Ian Carney.
So that's what I've been up to. Reminiscing. There are loads of other sketchbooks that I'll pull artwork from too, although time is at a premium at the moment with production work on the CAT taking priority.

Bada Bling!

Annecy - booked it, packed it, fluffed off!

2007-05-01T10:53:00.000+01:00

Got the reservations made for Annecy Film Festival last week. Shall be joined there by Niel Bushnell and Gordon Fraser of FARMAGEDDON fame. Am sure they won't hinder my networking attempts... not much! :-D Niel and I have spoken about collaborating together for some time now so hopefully there's a project or two that we can really start to put meat on the bones of.

Am keen to post developments of new projects on here but suspect until I get option deals in place I'll have to sit on them for the forseeable. Ian Culbard and I are currently negotiating an option with Sardine productions in Canada to help develop BITENECK BEATNIKS into an animated show. We already have the support of Northern Film & Media who are helping us to develop a pilot animation, so here's hoping we can forge ahead with those helpcat vamp kids.

Sketchwork continues on the FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT art show - I'll be putting a few thumbnails up of those paintings next as work in progress. The show itself thunders on with a real momentum, and the work being produced at Paris's Quatre21 studio is pretty spectacular. Keep having to pinch myself that it's actually going to be on the telly come September!

Also, if you get the chance check out Gus Hughes blog - he's an animator from Ireland studying in Teesside - I met him at Animex this year and he's not only a bundle of fun but his work looks a bit special. Recommended.

Bada Bling!

Yum yum, new house...

2007-04-15T22:35:00.000+01:00

Good grief, how slack am I? Been quite a while since I posted but I reckon my excuse is bonafide, especially as we've just moved house. Safely ensconced in new abode, with a mountain of boxes dogging my every step. I seem to be engaged in some cunning game whereby I move box after box from one room to another without actually opening any... New carpets arrive on Wednesday so Mrs Bling and I are furiously painting the walls of the living room before they get here. Not easy when you've a toddler, a baby, a mad dog, two psychotic cats that want "out", and a hundred boxes to contend with!

Normal posts to resume soonly, thanks for patience to those of you who've been checking by - I'm not normally this hapless, promise.

Moving house

2007-03-28T23:20:00.000+01:00

The day nears!

Friday 30th sees us "up sticks" and leave our idyllic village in North Yorkshire for the hustle and bustle of suburban Warrington across the Pennines. We've spent the majority of this week thus far packing our house into boxes - who'd have thought one could accumulate such a vast collection of tat and rubbish over a few years? Anyways, this hopefully explains why this isn't one of my regular posts this week - normal service should resume next week!

Bada Bling!

PS: That's Mr & Mrs Bling up top, by the way. It's been a hard winter in Yorkshire. The kids are in the sack...

Frankenstein's Cat in competition at Annecy Film Festival!

2007-03-21T19:55:00.000Z

We got some good news today - the CAT has been chosen to compete at the Annecy Festival this year, quite an achievement as we don't have a completed title sequence and end credits yet. Hopefully we'll have that sorted before the festival in June, fingers crossed...

Also, it's ambitious but I'm going to try and produce a new art show in conjunction with the series - 30 paintings for 30 episodes in a pastiche/homage of those old movie posters I love so much. It's a tall ask as time is pretty scarce as it is, but if I can try and forge on it might be a nice gallery event. Plus, if interest is there I'll be looking to get lithograph prints done of them in sets.
I've a particularly squidgy soft spot for THE WOLF MAN. Classic. Once I've got maybe 5 paintings done I'll pop them on here. The house move is around the corner though so don't expect them any day soon! :-)

Dragons and Dinosaurs

2007-03-16T08:35:00.000Z

Ahhhh, Wales. Land of Rarebits and my mum and dad's static caravan.... I vivisted NEWI in Wrexham yesterday to do a talk and workshop to their animation and illustration degree and masters students, and what a lovely time I had too. Thanks to Jim Walker for looking after me for the day and arranging everything, as well as Des, Alan and Martin too. Apparently Magnus Scheving from Lazytown was there doing a similair talk the other week when Animex was on, and I was unable to attend because of that but hope to be in touch down the line - he's not just the creator of that particular show but he also plays Sportacus to the uninitiated. If you want to know what Sportacus looks like just put "buns of steel" into Google and see what you get - it should go straight to him.

Yes, that's me at the back of the table scribbling furiously as we all got stuck into a few exercises in the afternoon. That's right, the drawn kind rather than anything actually physical. I mean, look at me for goodness sake!

As promised here are some more images from DINOSAURS AFTER DARK, involving Bobby our protagonist getting up to all kinds of scrapes and hijinks with the big thunder lizards. Sliding down the rooftops above the City Hall...

... climbing up the office blocks and jumping off them all! Obviously with most books I'm associated with there's a suggestion of something slightly sinister, and that happens in the book were the dinosaurs then decide for one last game of hide and seek, and if they find Bobby they might... just... eat him! Thanks again to Jon Emmett for such a wonderful engaging text :-)

By the way, before I go. Primeval? Prime Drivel more like. Nuff said...

The Prehistory of Mr Bling

2007-03-10T21:09:00.000Z

It took me ages to break into picture books.

I first started visiting publishing houses in London after finishing work on MARS ATTACKS, and would try and get down there at least once a month to "blitz" the publishing houses. I'd initially made contact via introudctory letters and phonecalls to the companies I was interested in getting on board with - Hodder, Collins, Penguin, Macmillan and the like. Then it was a case of keeping the relationships bubbling away, sending down new samples of my work whenever possible, calling up and in as often was deemed non-stalkery and generally just reminding them I existed.

"I got the same old story from all my peers, there ain't no room around here for a gee-tar man..."

Each of the art directors and editors I met pretty much unanimously said they loved my work. However, the couldn't employ me. It was simply too dark. My influences were Tim Burton and Lane Smith, and consequently I had real trouble "lightening" my paintings. When I eventually sucked it up and tried this approach, I got my first commission from Harper Collins - to illustrate "Dinosaurs After Dark", a text written by the lovely Jon Emmett. It was a story that immediately captured my imagination, following the adventures of young Bobby as he sees a dinosaur creeping past his bedroom window at night. The book is inspired by one of both mine and Jon's favourite books, "Where The Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak.

I'll put up some more of the artwork in the next few posts for you to take a butchers at - the original artwork adorns my children's nursery, although some of it is for sale. We're actually looking to get this off the ground as a kids show too, so watch this space!

Thanks to Glazey for kindly compositing these huge paintings as Jpegs ;-)

Surprise Endings

2007-03-02T19:09:00.000Z

Well, it was World Book Day on Thursday of this week, and I've been visiting a couple of schools to celebrate said event; Hemlington Hall in Middlesbrough and Selby Abbey in Selby. A big thankyou to all the teachers and kids who made me feel so welcome. Special thanks to the boys in Hemlington who reminded me when drawing Curious Cow that I'd forgotten to add "his dangly milking bits!" I kid you not. Neither me nor the teachers knew where to look!!! :-D

One of the messages I tried to get across to the children was that good stories have surprise endings. In the case of "Frankenstein's Cat" there are two for the price of one. First off is the one below, where when Nine asks the Doctor to make him a companion to his horror the Doctor reveals Frankenstein's Dog, Fifi!

Then at the very end of the book there's a final reveal with the message: "What you get isn't always what you ask for - just bear that in mind when you ask for a puppy next Christmas" The page is turned and there's an endpaper piece of art with Fifi leaping out of the box and sending the three sweet kids sprawling:

I'm making a return visit to Borders Teesside Park tomorrow, Saturday 3rd, doing signings and doodlings again directly connected with World Book Day. If anyone is around it'd be lovely to see you there - shall be in situ with my Venti Vanilla Latte from around 11am.

Monstrously good news!

2007-02-23T08:31:00.000Z

WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!!

After 8 months on the market and now with our second estate agents it's finally been sold. This being the first time I've ever sold a home I'm not in a hurry to go through the experience again. Tres stressful. We've found a lovely house at the other end, in Warrington, Cheshire, and our offer there has also been accepted. We've been told to expect to move in in 6-8 weeks!

Sadly, this does mean I won't be attending the Red Stick Festival this year as both events collide. I hope to be there next year though on double the schedule!

Been a busy couple of weeks post-Animex with Frankenstein's Cat production design work kicking up a gear. I designed a couple of episodes this week (a pet pageant episode and a Halloween one) and the scripts are providing lots of room for fun new designs.

A completed episode, with full music score, is winging it's way to me as I type - the only thing that's missing is the credits and a title sequence, something we've yet to settle on. I personally can't get the beginning of SPONGEBOB out of my head!

Thanks to Glazey for his kindly compositing work as ever ;-)

PLEASE VOTE!!! Threadless Submission: "BUB THE BUILDER"

2007-02-15T19:35:00.000Z

Dearest Badablingthingies!!

Thanks to the help of the lovely Nik from Zombiedollar$, I've put forward "Bub The Builder" as a Tshirt design for Threadless and lo and behold the blooming thing has only gone and been chosen! It's in the running in the open competition so I would ask ANYONE to please call by Threadless and give BUB THE BUILDER your vote. It means signing up but it's utterly painless and spam free. If I get enough votes then it means I don't have to keep washing the disposable nappies for the babies and I can dress them in something other than potato sacks and dishclothes...

Your support is utterly appreciated.

http://www.threadless.com/submission/110065/Bub_The_Builder

ANIMEX Festival Review

2007-02-11T15:16:00.000Z

Another Animex Festival has been and gone and, as ever, has lived up to it's growing reputation of attracting the very best from the animation world. And me.

Joining the usual suspects of speakers this year were such industry luminaries as Oscar winning producer of W&G Curse of the Wererabbit, Claire Jennings, and big bad bebop Hull-fop hippety hop beatboy JAKe, creator of Geek Boy and all round top hairy bloke. A nice touch this year was the award given to the evergreen creator of Acting For Animators, Ed Hooks, who received his Animex "Lemmy" at the end of festival dinner, to everyone's delight. Congratulations Ed, can't think of a nicer fellow in Animation.

The Cat maquette you see above was wheeled out during my speech (which was shockingly full of innuendo, smut, double and single entendres I'll be the first to admit!). It was presented as an example of things one can do to help raise the profile of a project when looking to chase that greenlight. I asked Colin Batty some years ago to make me a maquette, and the talented sausage came up with this definitive sculpt.

The box was made by Chris Keogh at Mackinnon and Saunders. What you can't see on the reverse of it is the address to Castle Frankenstein, Oddsburg.

As well as an insight into the development of Frankenstein's Cat, I was also able to show the pilot of a "pre-Curtis" Bob The Builder as made by Ealing Studios many moons ago. This was by way of explaining the sometimes long and meandering path by which a project goes from page to the screen. The pilot raised many eyebrows in the audience as it's little known that it was ever made.
This fine collection of male specimens consists of (l-r) Dougie "The Mouth" Pincott, Professor Paul "The Stare" Wells, Curtis "The Tongue" Jobling and Chris "The Lobe" Williams. As you may be able to gather this was from the end of Festival Dinner after much swigging of dirty liquor!
Ahhhh, the lovely, divine, Claire Jennings, ex-Aardman (sorry Claire ;-) ) Poor Claire had to endure my company, dad jokes, inappropriate questions and general rants throughout the dinner. Watch this space as the Jobling endeavours to work with the Jennings in the near future!

Thanks to everyone at Animex for helping me, Emma and the kids to feel as welcome as ever and thanks to everyone who turned up, both at my workshop and lecture. If you came and listened, do please post comments - feedback always appreciated.

Bada Bling!

Brrrrrraaaaiiiinnnssssss.........

2007-02-05T21:54:00.000Z

It's that time of year when ANIMEX International Festival of Animation rolls round again, as the great and good of all things cartoony descend onto the frosty streets of a northern English town. The colourised "Bub The Builder" above will be getting screened during my talk on friday - I tried desperately to get this baby submitted to Threadless T Shirts but couldn't work out the software :-/ This is where I expect Andy Glazebrook to leap to my rescue like some hairy faced supergeek!

Further to my last post on Lottie, here's how she measures up to Nine (well, this incarnation of her anyway). You'll also see how Nine himself has evolved in the tail department - we went with a broken crank handled spotty tail to put further distance between our cat and the cat belonging to a certain preschool builder!

If you ARE going to be at ANIMEX, do please come by and say hello. I promise I'm quite approachable, if a little ginger, so if you've no aversion to short fat hirsute fellows then amble on up...

Whole Lottie Love!

2007-01-31T08:59:00.000Z

Launch of the Jeanette Crizzle Trust went splendidly well on Monday. It was well attended by the press, politicians and public, so here's now hoping that the momentum continues and the Government push forward with their awareness/education programme on organ, blood and bone marrow donations. It occured to me on the day that as Patron of the Trust there was an even bigger synergy between this worthy cause and the thing I do that passes for a day job - Frankenstein's Cat, made of various body parts, and charities championing organ donation. A match made in heaven. If you can call by the website and give just a couple of minutes of your time to fill in the questionairre (quite painless and the information you give will certainly lead to helping saving lives) I and the Trust would really appreciate it.

In order to make FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT appeal to as wide a demographic as possible, we cleverly (at least I think we cleverly) introduced a female lead into the show, Lottie, the only girl in the village. If that sounds a little Little Britain then thats just fine, if a little parochial! So, while Nine doesn't fit in with the other Frankenpets (pictured below) because they're female, Lottie doesn't fit in with all the other kids at school because they're boys. It just so happens that she's better at all "boy activities" than the boys, but lack of that pesky all important "Y" chromosome means she's never going to be accepted.

So, in a very light and cartoony way we're touching upon bigotry with the show, albeit in an unnoticeable sublmininal knockabout comedy way. Hopefully.

The Frankenpets you see below are the original "male" version, Hyde the Hamster and Igor the Budgerigar. With the sex change came a name change - Heidi and Egora, which both work just fine for the show, still in keeping with Oddsburg.

Oddsburg, home to Frankenstein's Cat

2007-01-25T22:55:00.000Z

Oddsburg, the setting for the in-production-and-soon-to-be-on-the-telly Frankenstein's Cat. The artwork you see here is early development work for when we were working on the initial pitch document and bible, two years ago now. This particular painting was reinterpreted by the rather splendidly clever Ian Culbard for the original teaser trailer we did for the Cat, which went on to be screened at MIPcom and was well received. Previous to that it was used at Kidscreen Summit in New York where we first revealed the stinky moggie. That event really got the ball rolling, helped in no small part by the stunning maquette that Mackinnon & Saunders made as well.

Jackie Edwards, series producer, has been a star throughout development and now production. It's a pleasure to find a likeminded creative soul when working on a project and in Jackie I'm working with a producer who is 100% behind the project. Added to that she's the cow's udders at her job, as they say in the northeast...

Talking of the North East, the RTS Awards night was very enjoyable, and my handing out of a gong on the stage went through as smoothly as an eel through a jar of pickles. Accidentally brushed my hand against Robson Greene's buttocks but if he did notice I don't think he'd complain. My hands are very sensual lumps of flesh, if slightly hairy...

I'm going to be attending the launch of the Jeanette Crizzle Trust on Monday next week. Those of you who are regular readers of the blog will now about Jeanette as the lady who has been an inspiration to my work over the last few years. Our paths crossed when I did talks at her school in Bedford and we stayed in touch from thereon. Sadly she passed away last year to leaukemia, having been unable to find a suitable bone marrow donor. The Trust is set up to monitor and promote more blood, organ and bone donations across the UK, with implications for overseas as well. I've agreed to be patron of the Trust, which is really the least I could do after knowing Jeanette and her family. The launch was even mentioned in Prime Ministers Questions this week when Phillip Hollobone MP directed a question to Mr Blair, asking if an awareness campaign might be launched. Wish us luck for Monday!

To close this post, with visiting schools up an down the country I get to see quite a mixed range of artistic abilities in children. This can be prevalent in any one school and any one class. As the following illustrations from two children in a reception class prove:

Charles here has clearly drawn a, yes, you guessed it, it's a pig isn't it? Note the curly tale and alluring eyelashes, plus the striking and instantly recognisable round nose. I reckon Charles might have a future in illustration, he's one to watch.

And this is Adam's picture of a Cow. As you can see, the differences in ability are pretty wide-ranging. That said, I have no reference as to how good Adam's drawings of cows were before I visited so this might be better than his previous efforts. That's the most enjoyable thing about visiting the schools - you don't know what's going to happen each day!

:-)

The snow is on it's way...

2007-01-17T21:12:00.000Z

And a Happy New Year to you all :-)

Apologies for my absence from the blog. It's been a tremendously hectic holiday period here which we're only just recovering from, not least the high mucous quotient that my family seems to have endured with the winter colds. Yes, Winter is here once more. I spent a good hour this morning chopping logs to chuck into the stove (yes, very provincial life I lead, I know!)

The image above is from a comic strip that I started called "Snowbored", featuring a sociopathic polar bear and an infuriatingly optimistic penguin. Would still like to get back to this if time allows but... time doesn't allow. I like the characters, and I think this initial strip perfectly captured their personas and where the strip might head to. And yes, I know they're from opposite poles but there's a reason to that particular madness.

Spent this evening scanning loads of my paintings from my originals portfolio for my Bada Bling website (which should be going online sometime soon). Result of that is there's more original artwork now for me to start putting up on the blog so WOO and indeed HOO!

I have some big events coming up in the diary over the next month. This Saturday I'm going to be attending a Royal Television Society dinner and awards night in Newcastle, where I'll be presenting the Best Student Animation Award. And at the beginning of February I'm going to be appearing at the Animex festival in Middlesbrough, UK, where I'll be holding character design workshops and doing a talk on getting projects pitched and commissioned. Well, at least I'll be talking from my own experience. If you can come along I'd heartily recommend it, it's a terrific festival. Details available on their website.

Bada Bling!

Tis the season of goodwill......

2006-12-22T20:18:00.000Z

More factually innaccurate news stories!

I go out of my way to correct folks who miscredit me for my work on BOB THE BUILDER - I'm quick to let folks know that I'm officially NOT "the creator" of Bob, although I am the man who designed the show from scratch, from a blank canvas, with no influence or input from anyone else. The originator of the show, however, would appear to have no such compunction in misleading the public as to his own involvement:

"If you want some psychology from Chapman then he readily explains that, to succeed, a character must “touch a child’s heart, bond with them emotionally so they can’t do without it”. Deliberately, he drew Bob with a big head and a small body because that’s how pre-schoolers look. Although he still receives handsome royalties, he sold the creative rights for Bob to Hit Entertainment to have the financial freedom to set up his own company. But you get the impression that he is rather wistful about that now."

And there's more!

This time round a Guardian article:

"This time around, however, Mr Chapman is doing things on his own terms. "I don't want to criticise HIT - they made Bob the Builder a major success. But I was only involved in the development of my property up to when it began on television," he said. "

Another glaring misconception. The creative team who took Bob the Builder through development to the BBC consisted of myself, Kate Fawkes @ HIT and producer Jackie Cockle @ HOT Animation. It was our collective work that got BOB THE BUILDER commissioned, and for that I'm immensely proud. There was nobody else involved.

What a great shame that, even with millions that my designs helped to garner, some people are incapable of letting folk know the truth. I'm not really that bitter, guys, it just hacks me off when I read rubbish like that. Looking forward to setting the record straight when we start promoting FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT next year. The preschool knitted mittens are definitely OFF! :-D

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all @ BADA BLING! x

Buuuuuub the Builder!

2006-12-18T14:16:00.000Z

Inspired by the lovely Nik Holmes of Zombiedollars fame, here's BUB THE BUILDER, a preschool homage to one of my favourite zombie movies, DAY OF THE DEAD. Anyone who's seen the movie should get the play-on-words.

Had a lovely time signing at Borders in Middlesbrough yesterday - must have signed and shifted about fifty or sixty books. Was much surprised to be accosted by my first customer who said my stuff looked "rubbish". I smiled in a slightly surprised manner. He looked like a goth loving Derren Brown lookie-likie in a black beanie. I actually spied the "Qurios Entertainment" logo peeking out from inside his jacket and his ruse was scuppered. Yes, Gordon Fraser, COME ON DOWN! :-D Thanks for calling by sir and picking up a SKELETON book. Hope the kids dig it and you get your chance to read it soonly.

Was also asked by one well-meaning young man, in the case of BOB THE BUILDER, if when designing I "put myself inside the characters". I said no, and that I was pretty surre it was illegal in the UK and most states of America. He didn't seem to get the joke, but the gathered public seemed to judging by the titters!

The BUB drawing was doodled while I was between signings yesterday. Thanks again to all the staff @ Borders Teesside Park.

JOE BARBERA - R.I.P

Was saddened to hear the news this morning of the passing of one of Animation's most enduring animators and producers. Hanna Barbera have produced over 100 shows over the course of half a century (I'm sure they don't need listing as we all know the usual suspects there). I for one fondly remember breakfast cereal boxes of the 1970's and the HB transfer kits of your favourite and obscure characters that you'd get on the backs of them - Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw, Trixie and Dixie etc, the really early HB characters.

I did a little spot on BBC Five Live this morning (Tuesday) with Nicky Campbell, giving my thoughts on Joe and his legacy. Inspiring man and an inspiring studio. God bless him.

NOT my handiwork.......

2006-12-09T20:57:00.000Z

Go on. Admit it. This picture excited you, doesn't it, in ways that are wrong on so many levels. Don't be embarassed. You're only human. Who could resist the appeal of a naked preschool builder with a strategically placed hammer to hide is toolbox?

I tumbled across this painting online by a lady named Suzanne Ozolins. I can safely say that I never envisaged that use of a toolbelt when Bob was designed, and I certainly never imagined him to have any nipples, strange, innocent, androgenous and sexless beast that he is :-D Thanks for Bob De Milo Suzanne!

Further to Suzanne's erotic Bob stylings, how I WISH I'd had one of these pinatas on the bleakest blackest days of Bob production. There weren't that many to be fair, but occasionally work on the show (like any job) could get one down. How much relief would I have experienced with a handy cricket bat and one of these babies??? :-D

Talking of all things Bob, I went to their Xmas party on Thursday night, and a most pleasant time I had indeed, catching up with all my old chums from the studio. Interestingly my producer from there is leaving and setting up shop at a different possibly more famous puppet animation studio in the UK to head up their development. Suffice to say I'll be pitching some projects her way when she's settled in.

Some of the production animation has started coming through from Kayenta and Quatre 21 studios in Paris for Frankenstein's Cat. Have to say I'm now more excited than ever by the show and it's look, as we've moved on such a long way from the work we did on the pilot teaser episode, ageing the whole show up with a more sophisticated design look and animation style. The stuff they're turning out is beautiful and has taken mine and Mackinnon & Saunders' breath away - they've done SO much more than we could have imagined. I look forward to the chance to post production artwork on here but I have to wait on permission from broadcasters for that call.

I know my artwork posts have been thin on the ground but hopefully I'll be able to start posting a few pieces again on the blog, starting with Bob Solo and Chewbobba...

Frankenfun aplenty!

2006-12-02T22:41:00.000Z

MEETING THE VOICES FOR FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT

Been very busy once more hence absence of posts! Lots of designwork for FC has been turning up in my inbox so that's been my priority of late. This week and last week I've made visits to London, one trip being for a Voice Record for FC. Was delighted to meet the wonderful voice talent, including Jimmy Hibbert (playing FIFI, BIG TOP and THE MAYOR), who as well as being an actor is a writer for animation who I've worked with back in the day on Bob The Builder. There's also the hilarious Keith Wickham (DR FRANKENSTEIN, MR CRUMBLE and PIPSQUAWK) sweetheart Alex Kelly (providing LOTTIE our heroine with a wonderful voice) and the sound stylings of Teresa Gallagher (SWEENY, IGORA and LOTTIE'S MUM) who is a whizz with hungry Brain impersonations... hard to explain but when the show kicks off that'll make sense. Also got to meet Joe Pasquale who is the voice of NINE, Frankenstein's Cat, and a thoroughly loveable fellow he also proved to be. He nearly fell off his perch when my new chum Kirsten O'Brien turned up as a surprise guest at the record, as he and she used to present a show on BBC some time ago! So yes, was grand to see the work that went into the record, and also see just how much the actors are putting into this. It's all tremendously exciting to witness and be a part of. HUGE thanks to Dave Peacock for looking after us all. The picture above is the original cast of children I had illustrated for the picture book, but they've changed along the way...

BLOOMSBURY

Met up with the publishing house Bloomsbury on Thursday to talk texts. They're the publishers responsible for a little known book featuring a wizard school, Barry Potter or summatorother... Anyhoo, all went splendidly and there's interest there in a novel series I'm currently working on (INJun you know the one). Can't say much more than that as I'm waiting for their feedback but the meeting was surprisingly productive. It's nice to get such positive interest in my writing, especially as it's one thing I love to do about as much if not more than anything else. Everything's crossed for feedback next week!

HOT FUZZ TRAILER

Anyone who enjoyed SHAUN OF THE DEAD and SPACED should check out the trailer for those clever fellows' new movie, HOT FUZZ, on You Tube. It looks like a thing of great, great beauty. Hooray!

Bada Bling!

"THE BITENECK BEATNIK"

2006-11-24T21:52:00.000Z

To celebrate my 100th post on badablingthing I've managed to dig out the painting that kickstarted my whole Biteneck Beatniks project. This was done about 2 years ago, acrylics on board, and probably measures in the region of 20" by 30". The moody young lady has sadly savaged her cuddly rabbit in said painting. It's been buried in the eaves of the house for so long I'd almost forgotten I had it. It's certainly interesting to compare it to the paintings that followed (which are all featured in the earliest posts in the archives of this blog).

Been busy this week hence the lack of postings. Got back from a trip to London yesterday evening where I met up with some lovely folk from Nickelodeon and Orchard/Hodder Books. Bizarrely, one of my earliest train journeys to London and Hodder resulted in me thinking up Frankenstein's Cat. Well, I thought of another story this time round on my way down and blow me but it appears that the same editor may want to commission it. Just gotta get it written up now.

BUSY BOY, BUSY WEEK

2006-11-18T15:29:00.000Z

THE LADY FROM THE BBC, SHE SAY YES!!!

Beginning of the week saw me at Darlington Football Club on monday and tuesday, inspiring teenagers and school leavers (hopefully) to work in creative industries. The event's key note speaker was "TV'S KIRSTEN O'BRIEN" as she is known in the showbiz world. Smashing job she did too and as you can see she's returned to the BBC as a bonafide fan of the patchwork cat.

BRADFORD ANIMATION FESTIVAL

Wednesday and Thursday I was in Bradford doing workshop on character design. Many thanks to all the lovely guys and gals who attended the workshop - I can only apologise if I at any time wandered off topic, as I'd only had three hours sleep with a crying Scarlett the night before. Got to hold portfolio reviews afterwards which ended up lasting longer than the 2 1/2 hour workshop, but I didn't mind as the whole thing was great. Got to meet some lovely people including the divine Joanna Quinn, whose Oscar nominated films and Charmin ads from th telly are always a delight. I'm also possibly going to be doing some appearances at NEWI college in Wales (hi Jim!). Also a big hello to the lovely Kerry from Aardman! And thanks to all those other folk who stopped or hunted me down (Fin, I'm looking at you) to chat :-)

OFCOM IN THE NEWS

Saddened to see that OFCOM have banned certain foodstuffs being advertised within childrens TV in the UK. Whereas they SHOULD be going after the government to clamp down on fast food companies and what they're putting in their products, instead they're victimising us, tv programme producers. The result of this lost revenue means that homegrown British programming will disappear from commercial TV stations in the UK, and instead the channels will be swamped with imported foreign shows. In my opinion this will lead to poorer quality television for kids in the UK, a great shame when you consider British Children's TV History.

BOBSTER JOHNSON

2006-11-12T21:29:00.000Z

OK, so this wee fella is possibly the last (for now) from the Bobified HELLBOY Universe. Everybody's favourite shellfish inspired wartime superhero, Lobster Johnson, brought onto the pages of this ere blog. Not sure who/what to do next but have a list of requests to rifle through - keep 'em coming! Also, if you do have a BPRD character that you think will work, lemme know. Am sure there are some folk who check in on this blog who haven't a clue as to who Hellboy or the other characters are (in fact, if that's the case, may I direct you to your nearest purveyor of fine comics and towards the collected works of Mike Mignola and Guy Davis... you will not be disappointed.)

Busy week ahead of me as Wednesday/Thursday I'm speaking and holding workshops as the UK's Bradford Animation Festival. Sounds like it's going to be a hoot so am looking forward to it, having not been to this particular festival before now.

ABOB SAPIEN

2006-11-07T15:56:00.000Z

As promised, and possibly by popular demand, here is everyone's favourite fishman immortalised in Bobified glory, known to fans of Hellboy as Abe Sapien. See how I've cunningly changed his name via the magic of almost pre-school-esque play-on-words? I scare myself sometimes.......

Hope you all like him, and that includes any shadowy figures from the realm of Dark Horse who may be popping by for a looksee!

Bada Bling!

Hellbob

2006-11-01T22:08:00.000Z

Following on from the Bob-A-Fett sketch, here's the next in what'll probably end up being a series of drawings I'll post on here. Hellboy has always been one of my favourite comics - like Walking Dead it's something I collect semi-religiously. Great stories accompanied by super artwork. Not that I'm claiming there's anything especially super in this doodle but hopefully it'll raise a snigger or two.

Mike Mignola. Jeeeeeeee-nee-us!

"CAN HE BLAST IT?"

2006-10-27T14:38:00.000+01:00

Dang right, he can! Still my favourite character from Star Wars, and also the coolest ever action figure, it was only a matter of time until I "Bob the Buildered" him. I've posted this in response to comments in the past both on here and on the blogs of Paul, Nik and Andy. I did mention that at one time I was often asked to do comic/film characters in the style of Bob - this first began at signings at festivals, and soon spread to bookstore and school appearances. I'll dig out the character doodles I've done of other infamous Bobified folk as and when, so they'll turn up on here intermittently.

Work back on track now after Lottie's arrival. Frankenstein's Cat designs come thick and fast, am opening my laptop for a bit of novel writing again tonight (have had a two month break from the book and am itching to get back to it, it's conclusion now resolved) and have also secured the services of Ian Culbard to co-write and animate a bonafide Biteneck Beatniks pilot episode/trailer.

Bada Bling!

More press for Frankenstein's Cat

2006-10-22T22:56:00.000+01:00

Article in THE SUN

Just stumbled across this article online which I figure was in today's Sun newspaper. Not a newspaper I'd ordinarily get but might have to ask the newsagent if he can dig out a copy of it tomorrow as I've missed it now. Nice to see the Cat still getting column centimetres! :-D

I've been absent from the blog due to fresh fatherhood once more. Yes, restless nights all over again as we take it in shifts to be deprived of sleep. Wouldn't change it for a thing, mind you. Has been lovely this weekend to have all my kids at home with me, AJ, Evie and Lottie. A happier chap you'd struggle to find.

As things are settling back into order now it's back to work for me this week as the Cat production rolls on, namely with me churning out the designs for episode number 2. All fun stuff.

On a much sadder note, I'm sorry to report that my good friend and mentor Jeanette Crizzle lost her battle against Leukemia on Friday in the early hours. I first met Jeanette when I turned up to do creative writing and illustration workshops with her class of boys at Bedford prep school and her unfailing dedication to her pupils, literature and most significantly her family took my breath away. I've been back to Bedford frequently in the last few years, Jeanette principally being the draw. She leaves behind Adam and her two children, Emily and Nicky. I've agreed to become a patron of the Jeanette Crizzle Trust, hopefully helping to spotlight and raise the profile on the criminally ignored subject of bone marrow donation.

Following on from this awful news, I'd like to direct anyone who hasn't read it to "Harry" by Rosemary Timperley, in my opinion one of the greatest short ghost stories ever written, certainly the saddest. It's there alongside "The Monkey's Paw" for mine. Jeanette directed me to it when we first met and it had a profound effect upon me. Please try and pick it up if you're a fan of chillers/horrors. It can be found in various collections, most notably the Roald Dahl Book of Short Ghost Stories.

"Such ordinary things make me afraid. White roses. Sunlight. Sharp shadows on grass..."

Scarlett Victoria born 10/10/06

2006-10-13T20:28:00.000+01:00

Proud dad and daughter here! Emma and "Lottie" are both well after a pretty traumatic birth. Lottie weighed in at 9lb 1oz which is pretty blooming big. This should explain my absence from posts and whatnots in the last week though.

Below we're joined by Evie, the doting big sister, and Nanny, my mum. Evie can't stop kissing her, bless, and kicks up a right fuss if she doesn't get to. Lottie bears an uncanny resemblance to Evie, as Evie had a full shock of black hair when she was born also (although she obviously "blonded up" at a later date!) Facial features are spookily similar though (and no, I don't just mean that they both have eyes, a nose and ears and the like!)

She's beautiful and I can only thank my wonderful wife for gifting me another darling daughter. AJ gets to meet her next weekend so that's the next thing we have to look forward to :-)

Illustration posts are obviously to a minimum at the moment but I'll be back on the pony before you know it, I promise!

"Mr Zombie Presents......"

2006-10-03T14:52:00.000+01:00

Big meeting tomorrow in Newcastle with Northern Film & Media. NFM have funded various projects I've worked on in the past and they're a wonderful organisation, a regional division of the old UK Film Council. I'm hoping they may be able to come on board as I develop a new series of short animations for mobile phones, titled above.

As a viewer, you are invited into the world of Mr Zombie, your erstwhile guide to life (or un-life as the case may be) via the magic of 2D digital animation! In shorts of various lengths (and I don’t mean leg-wear) Mr Zombie provides a quick insight into all manner of pursuits, from the mundane to the magnificent. Sadly for our titular host, each of these lessons results in injury, dismemberment, and body parts falling from his forsaken body…

Can he fix it? Crikey, he can!

2006-09-26T12:14:00.001+01:00

Occasionally my work on Bob the Builder turns up an interesting and unusual design request, more often than not when we have a new character making a cameo in the show. This design was done for an episode recently and featured a cheeky, chirpy Antipodean adventurer who bore than a passing resemblance to the late great danger-seeker, Mr Steve Irwin. I know it's a little late in the day after Steve's passing but felt obliged to put it on the blog for all to see, having stumbled across it in my sketchbook. Watched his memorial service last week. Truly top bloke and bless his little daughter for her brave speech.

R.I.P Stevo

Question for Americans!

2006-09-19T16:31:00.000+01:00

Hullo all!

And your question is: In the US, do you have the popular children's nursery rhyme, OLD MACDONALD'S FARM? It's a standard over here in the UK, but am not sure whether it's something that's ever "crossed over". There's a bit in the chorus where we have an "EE AYE EE AYE OH", which in any world would be a regional English dialect. If you can let me know what you know of said rhyme in the States it'd be much appreciated as I'm working on a book proposal that could potentially be published in the US. Obviously, the audience knowing the original rhyme is quite pivotal.

Cheers m'dears!

C

WARNING: Fat Man on Trampoline alert

2006-09-18T11:55:00.000+01:00

So, Emma and I were asked to join the North East's leading animation studio's director's for dinner over the weekend, Niel and Dianne Bushnell of Qurios Entertainment.

Imagine our surprise when we discovered it was just a ruse by Mr Bushnell to get me to leap for his amusement on his (not his children's) trampoline. If anyone is interested in cutting edge computer animation in the North East of England, concept development in gaming, or has even a passing interest in watching a grown man leap around on a trampoline doing "snake hip" twists while wearing a pink leotard, might I direct you to contact Mr Bushnell directly and he'll take care of all your animation, gaming and girlie needs.

Thanks to Mr Bushnell for the following:

http://www.qurios.com/Blog/Curtis_go_Boing_Boing.gif