Dear Reader,
Happy New Year from The Squirrel King!
Thanks to everyone for your wonderful support and help over the last year! I hope, and am even quietly optimistic, that 2013 will be a big year for The Squirrel King, and I'm well aware that we would not have come even as far as we already have were it not for everyone out there.
Special thanks to those of you who have supported us along the way giving time, love and expertise to a project that has already put good cheer into the world, but which promises to bring so much more!!
The mini-squirrels and I will soon return from our vacation, but rest assured we're enjoying it thoroughly!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Pages
▼
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Happy Holidays!
Dear Reader,
It's been a long time since we visited Australia, but finally the time has come to take the Aliens Down Under again :) That's right, we're taking a family vacation!!
... so blog posts will be rather intermittent over the next few weeks. Don't worry, we will return and if you check in now and again you may see the happy snaps of traveling squirrels :)
From all of us at The Squirrel King, we hope that you and all your loved ones are having a wonderful holiday break!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
PS Rest assured we have someone coming to take care of our fish.
It's been a long time since we visited Australia, but finally the time has come to take the Aliens Down Under again :) That's right, we're taking a family vacation!!
... so blog posts will be rather intermittent over the next few weeks. Don't worry, we will return and if you check in now and again you may see the happy snaps of traveling squirrels :)
From all of us at The Squirrel King, we hope that you and all your loved ones are having a wonderful holiday break!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
PS Rest assured we have someone coming to take care of our fish.
Friday, December 21, 2012
More Progress on Trees
Dear Reader,
We've started experimenting with foliage for the paper-bag tree trunks that Alien One showed us how to build last week.
This quilled greenery should help tie the foreground into the background burning mountain, but I think we may try some other leaves too.
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
We've started experimenting with foliage for the paper-bag tree trunks that Alien One showed us how to build last week.
This quilled greenery should help tie the foreground into the background burning mountain, but I think we may try some other leaves too.
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Another Mountainside
Dear Reader,
It's time to build the landscape for the nighttime forest fire, specifically, the background for the driving scene with the cork car.
As you've seen before, the countryside starts with a chicken-wire substructure ...
We add papier mache ...
And pretty soon there will be a mountainside of quilled trees!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
It's time to build the landscape for the nighttime forest fire, specifically, the background for the driving scene with the cork car.
As you've seen before, the countryside starts with a chicken-wire substructure ...
We add papier mache ...
And pretty soon there will be a mountainside of quilled trees!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Two Facts about Vlad
Dear Reader,
His mysterious portrait has been with us for over a year now, and as some of you have already noted it possesses significant qualities that offer insights into his heritage.
For the rest of you, here are two observations:
1) Vlad shares the likeness of Ed.
2) He likes to roast squirrels on a spit.
What does it mean? Time will tell.
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
PS. And no, in spite of the picture here, we didn't buy him from the trunk of some fine lass' car.
His mysterious portrait has been with us for over a year now, and as some of you have already noted it possesses significant qualities that offer insights into his heritage.
For the rest of you, here are two observations:
1) Vlad shares the likeness of Ed.
2) He likes to roast squirrels on a spit.
What does it mean? Time will tell.
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
PS. And no, in spite of the picture here, we didn't buy him from the trunk of some fine lass' car.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Turning the World on Its Head
Dear Reader,
I came across this wonderfully whimsical photographer yesterday. While The Squirrel King sometimes aspires to turning the world on its head, Caulton Morris takes the challenge very literally.
Once again a delightful celebration of diversity in our world!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
I came across this wonderfully whimsical photographer yesterday. While The Squirrel King sometimes aspires to turning the world on its head, Caulton Morris takes the challenge very literally.
Once again a delightful celebration of diversity in our world!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Monday, December 17, 2012
Squirrels Bring More Christmas Cheer
Dear Reader,
They've dangled on the Christmas tree, now they are come bearing cards! The mini-stunt squirrels know no bounds on bringing good cheer :)
As you can see, Alien One made them all scarves and now they've gone caroling!
Happy Holidays from The Squirrel King :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
They've dangled on the Christmas tree, now they are come bearing cards! The mini-stunt squirrels know no bounds on bringing good cheer :)
As you can see, Alien One made them all scarves and now they've gone caroling!
Happy Holidays from The Squirrel King :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Friday, December 14, 2012
Inspiration: Paper and Felt
Dear Reader,
I came across this small but cool blog yesterday: Paper and Felt. There's not a lot on it, but these two images are gems.
I've actually seen this toilet roll swing before. I particularly love the lighting in it :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Christmas Ornaments
Dear Reader,
Fiddling around with the mini-squirrel design (yes, we're finally bringing these kits to you early next year!) I noticed that our furry stunt guys needed just one little adaptation and they became squirrely christmas ornaments - perfect for big pine trees!
Such are the joys of creative tinkering :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Fiddling around with the mini-squirrel design (yes, we're finally bringing these kits to you early next year!) I noticed that our furry stunt guys needed just one little adaptation and they became squirrely christmas ornaments - perfect for big pine trees!
Such are the joys of creative tinkering :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Catburglars
Dear Reader,
The Cat burglars in The Squirrel King are not your average such characters. In fact only one is referred to as the Catburglar, the shorter, less coordinated one is simply called Bob.
Their dynamic is nicely underscored by Bob's patently wishful hope of one day inheriting the business.
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
The Cat burglars in The Squirrel King are not your average such characters. In fact only one is referred to as the Catburglar, the shorter, less coordinated one is simply called Bob.
Their dynamic is nicely underscored by Bob's patently wishful hope of one day inheriting the business.
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Paper-bag Tree
Dear Reader,
One of the wonderful things about school is that kids start learning things that you didn't know to teach them. And sometimes it's even better than that - sometimes they teach you!
Yesterday Alien One taught me to make a paper tree, something we very soon will see a lot of, but for now I thought you too might like to see how :)
She's getting so big!!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
One of the wonderful things about school is that kids start learning things that you didn't know to teach them. And sometimes it's even better than that - sometimes they teach you!
Yesterday Alien One taught me to make a paper tree, something we very soon will see a lot of, but for now I thought you too might like to see how :)
She's getting so big!!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Monday, December 10, 2012
Reference: Paper Heart
Dear Reader,
There's a wonderful animated countryside driving scene in the little movie "Paper Heart". It comes out of the blue in the movie but I've been thinking about it for a year now. In the next little while we're going to riff on the technique for a night driving scene in The Squirrel King - actually Paul's perspective as he drives his cork car :)
Stay tuned for construction images!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
There's a wonderful animated countryside driving scene in the little movie "Paper Heart". It comes out of the blue in the movie but I've been thinking about it for a year now. In the next little while we're going to riff on the technique for a night driving scene in The Squirrel King - actually Paul's perspective as he drives his cork car :)
Stay tuned for construction images!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Friday, December 7, 2012
Red Hot Christmas Cheer
Dear Reader,
I came across this delightful Christmas ornament yesterday.
Felt very Squirrel King :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
I came across this delightful Christmas ornament yesterday.
Felt very Squirrel King :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Who is This all About?
Dear Reader,
With principal photography winding down on the series, it seems like an appropriate time to start talking a little more about the characters and the world we are bringing to life.
At the heart of the series is Robin, a woman in search of meaning. And at her side is Justus, her well-meaning boyfriend. This serendipitous production still kind of captures both characters nicely: Robin, invariably trying to piece something together, and Justus, happily helping her out, a grin from ear to ear.
Over the next few months we look forward to sharing more insights about the series :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
With principal photography winding down on the series, it seems like an appropriate time to start talking a little more about the characters and the world we are bringing to life.
At the heart of the series is Robin, a woman in search of meaning. And at her side is Justus, her well-meaning boyfriend. This serendipitous production still kind of captures both characters nicely: Robin, invariably trying to piece something together, and Justus, happily helping her out, a grin from ear to ear.
Over the next few months we look forward to sharing more insights about the series :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Trunks of Canopies?
Dear Reader,
A while back we filmed some wide shots of the town of Nesting during the day. We also filmed the town burning. For the series however, some of that inferno happens at night.
And so I have been hard at work on more trees. Specifically trunks and canopies. Looking at what I have a question springs to mind: which do I need more of trunks or canopies?
The true Squirrel King answer feels to me like: both :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
A while back we filmed some wide shots of the town of Nesting during the day. We also filmed the town burning. For the series however, some of that inferno happens at night.
And so I have been hard at work on more trees. Specifically trunks and canopies. Looking at what I have a question springs to mind: which do I need more of trunks or canopies?
The true Squirrel King answer feels to me like: both :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Christmas Tree
Monday, December 3, 2012
Trotify
Dear Reader,
From the world of weirdly wonderful gadgets here is a gem :)
I'm inspired to incorporate something similar into a second season of The Squirrel King when that day comes.
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
From the world of weirdly wonderful gadgets here is a gem :)
I'm inspired to incorporate something similar into a second season of The Squirrel King when that day comes.
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wary Mini-Squirrel
Dear Reader,
With the Aliens delighting in talk of it coming down in cats and dogs outside (it's raining in LA), our mini-squirrel friends have been watching through the windows very carefully ...
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
With the Aliens delighting in talk of it coming down in cats and dogs outside (it's raining in LA), our mini-squirrel friends have been watching through the windows very carefully ...
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Sunflower Bike
Dear Reader,
Looking at some of the footage from the Nail Saloon shoot, I realized I never posted our version of the Ikebana bike I alluded to earlier.
So here's a frame grab :) I have to say I was pretty pleased with out effort!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Looking at some of the footage from the Nail Saloon shoot, I realized I never posted our version of the Ikebana bike I alluded to earlier.
So here's a frame grab :) I have to say I was pretty pleased with out effort!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Enter the New Glue-gun
Dear Reader,
For my big 40th birthday earlier in the year I was lucky enough to receive a personalized jewel encrusted glue-gun. Dazzled by the colors I actually missed just how personalized this glue-gun is until ... can you see what Alien One is pointing to?! And on the other side are the initials RW!
So cool :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
For my big 40th birthday earlier in the year I was lucky enough to receive a personalized jewel encrusted glue-gun. Dazzled by the colors I actually missed just how personalized this glue-gun is until ... can you see what Alien One is pointing to?! And on the other side are the initials RW!
So cool :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Stills from Ed's House
Dear Reader,
It's been a while since he was last spotted, and he's now shot out, but last week we did catch a glimpse of Bob over at Ed's house. And if you look carefully, under the cover of darkness, you can also see Vlad eyeing Bob from the floor.
Earlier in the day, Justus was standing behind the camera and got this happy snap of my directing our wonderful star, Shi Ne :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
It's been a while since he was last spotted, and he's now shot out, but last week we did catch a glimpse of Bob over at Ed's house. And if you look carefully, under the cover of darkness, you can also see Vlad eyeing Bob from the floor.
Earlier in the day, Justus was standing behind the camera and got this happy snap of my directing our wonderful star, Shi Ne :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Monday, November 26, 2012
Ed's House Shoot
Dear Reader,
I hope you too had a lovely little Thanksgiving break!
Ours was especially festive as we completed filming of three of our actors for the entire series the day before! Actually we finished well after midnight, but who's counting :)
Here's a couple of images of the preparations, including some of the props that were needed ...
... I thought it might be fun to share the mayhem before it left our apartment.
Tomorrow I'll see if I can find some production stills :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
I hope you too had a lovely little Thanksgiving break!
Ours was especially festive as we completed filming of three of our actors for the entire series the day before! Actually we finished well after midnight, but who's counting :)
Here's a couple of images of the preparations, including some of the props that were needed ...
... I thought it might be fun to share the mayhem before it left our apartment.
Tomorrow I'll see if I can find some production stills :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Framing Ed's Achievements
Dear Reader,
Today is a big day, the culmination of over a year of shooting Ed, our town's police chief, mayor, fire chief, forestry chief, ...
Fittingly we will shoot a slew of his certificates which have been carefully framed in bright licks of color and drawn by myself, the Aliens and our wonderful artist Rayshell Curtiss.
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Justus' Thoughts on Murals
And I remembered a mural I'd once done:
And then I remembered what Henry Ward Beecher had said:
Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.
So true. Check out www.MobileMuralLab.com
Monday, November 19, 2012
Inspiration: Some Crazy Fun With Water
Dear Reader,
I came across this wonderful special effect a little while ago. Would love to incorporate it into The Squirrel King somewhere, but can't think of a spot yet. Hope you enjoy too:
It's kind of out of this world, and yet a little too real ...
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
I came across this wonderful special effect a little while ago. Would love to incorporate it into The Squirrel King somewhere, but can't think of a spot yet. Hope you enjoy too:
It's kind of out of this world, and yet a little too real ...
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Friday, November 16, 2012
A Glue-gun to the Tally
Dear Reader,
As many of you know, this project has been underway for a couple of years now. We are nearing completion of what is called Principal Photography on the series, which basically means we've almost finished shooting except for extras needs that crop up during editing.
Along the way we've burned through pots of paint, bolts of fabric and countless paper bags. Last night, while braiding and gluing hair onto a doll, Alien One added our first glue-gun to the list of retired work tools - it somehow started smoking and then we left it outside in the rain.
Echoing the theme of moving on, I also came across Alien One's wonderful Halloween poem. Hope you enjoy it too :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
As many of you know, this project has been underway for a couple of years now. We are nearing completion of what is called Principal Photography on the series, which basically means we've almost finished shooting except for extras needs that crop up during editing.
Along the way we've burned through pots of paint, bolts of fabric and countless paper bags. Last night, while braiding and gluing hair onto a doll, Alien One added our first glue-gun to the list of retired work tools - it somehow started smoking and then we left it outside in the rain.
Echoing the theme of moving on, I also came across Alien One's wonderful Halloween poem. Hope you enjoy it too :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Edible Cookbook
Dear Reader,
It wonderful what exists in the world, and just the sort of thing Ed would have in his kitchen, an edible cookbook from Korefe.
Perfect for the cooling weather :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
It wonderful what exists in the world, and just the sort of thing Ed would have in his kitchen, an edible cookbook from Korefe.
Perfect for the cooling weather :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Last Shots of Paul
Dear Reader,
Last weekend's Nail Saloon shoot was a picture wrap for Bill Watterson, our magnificent Paul. To celebrate, I wanted to post just a couple more pics of Bill working the bar at the Nail Saloon.
It's been an absolute delight working with you Bill!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Last weekend's Nail Saloon shoot was a picture wrap for Bill Watterson, our magnificent Paul. To celebrate, I wanted to post just a couple more pics of Bill working the bar at the Nail Saloon.
It's been an absolute delight working with you Bill!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Groovy Kids Yoga
Dear Reader,
Some time back Greville, the Aliens' wonderful old yoga teacher, recorded Alien One demonstrating one of their poses. Here it is for you too to enjoy :)
If you like yoga and have kids, check out the Groovy Kids yoga site!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Some time back Greville, the Aliens' wonderful old yoga teacher, recorded Alien One demonstrating one of their poses. Here it is for you too to enjoy :)
If you like yoga and have kids, check out the Groovy Kids yoga site!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Monday, November 12, 2012
Nail Saloon Shoot
After an afternoon of chaotic painting with the Aliens and their friends, The Trouble and Strife's creative genius rose to the fore taking the bowl of fruit and turning it into a bike for the bar in the Nail Saloon.
The next day during the shoot she moved behind the camera. Rest assured though, all is good; I got to make a cameo as one of the Nesting cyclists :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
PS I'm sure pics of my wonderful skin-tight lycra costume will surface at some point ...
Friday, November 9, 2012
Floral Bike
Dear Reader,
I've been inspired to try some Ikebana arrangements (floral sculptures, of bikes in our instance) for the Nail Saloon shoot tomorrow.
Searching for references I came across this wonderful sunflower bike by Daniel Baxter (who has a slew of other delightful upbeat images on his site).
I also came across the image on the right from London :) Such wonderful possibilities!!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
I've been inspired to try some Ikebana arrangements (floral sculptures, of bikes in our instance) for the Nail Saloon shoot tomorrow.
Searching for references I came across this wonderful sunflower bike by Daniel Baxter (who has a slew of other delightful upbeat images on his site).
I also came across the image on the right from London :) Such wonderful possibilities!!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wheat Grass Juicer
Dear Reader,
No juice bar is complete without the wheat grass shot maker, and the Nail Saloon is no different.
It's in the foundational stages, but as you can see, the aliens are already intrigued :)
Watch out for the reappearance of our old potted plants!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
No juice bar is complete without the wheat grass shot maker, and the Nail Saloon is no different.
It's in the foundational stages, but as you can see, the aliens are already intrigued :)
Watch out for the reappearance of our old potted plants!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Grassy Inspiration
Dear Reader,
Searching for inspiration relating to wheat grass shots for this weekend's Juice bar shoot, I came across Mathilde Roussel's wonderfully whimsical "Lives of Grass".
Though obviously still, the sculptures have so much energy and life. Simply fantastic!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The Nail Saloon
Dear Reader,
In the small town of Nesting ...
Nail Saloon = Biker Bar = Cyclist's Juice Bar
As you can see, Alien One already has the namesake Nail!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
In the small town of Nesting ...
Nail Saloon = Biker Bar = Cyclist's Juice Bar
As you can see, Alien One already has the namesake Nail!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
Monday, November 5, 2012
Justus Plays the Bad Actor
Dear Reader,
Justus shared with me the other day this wonderful performance of his in a faux behind the scenes documentary.
Gave us all a good laugh, hope you like it too :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
PS. I just want to reassure you that neither the tone of this clip nor Justus' character represent The Squirrel King.
Justus shared with me the other day this wonderful performance of his in a faux behind the scenes documentary.
Gave us all a good laugh, hope you like it too :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
PS. I just want to reassure you that neither the tone of this clip nor Justus' character represent The Squirrel King.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Sometimes...
Sometimes life is hard. Like when you're 25 feet up a boulder and the ground is a patchwork of cacti.

It's times like these that I like to reflect on what a famous adventurer once said:
Facing it, always facing it; that's the way to get through. Face it!
-Joseph Conrad
I like to think he was talking to me: Top it out, always topping it out!
Think about it,
justus
Photo Credit: Monica Arone
Photo Credit: Monica Arone
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Costumes in Action
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Owls Are Ready To Go
\
Dear Reader,
After the Trouble and Strife's fine work on the wings and body, the Aliens and I had a moment of stillness as we laid the groundwork for the mask.
That was followed by paint and feathers!

And then reviewed for style :)
As with so many things Squirrel King, once I saw Alien Two, I realized her costume was perfect for the series. Keep an eye out, it's going to fly soon!
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims
After the Trouble and Strife's fine work on the wings and body, the Aliens and I had a moment of stillness as we laid the groundwork for the mask.
And then reviewed for style :)
Chin chin
Ruthless Whims