We've gotten pretty in-depth on the production design of our settings in STL. While outlining our "Fidgie Burger" I pieced a 1950's style diner with a modern fast food joint. In a later post, I'll explain in detail how to compile and organize all this info. For now, just know that there's anywhere from 2-10 references that are pulled, vetted and approved for each frame that ends up getting drawn.
By adding these pieces and taking the time to build your scene, you end up not only creating a better piece of art, the sole purpose of which is to draw your audience into the story, but you end up having more fun. I found that the process is so much more rewarding when you put the time in to really focus on the small details. We've got posters in the house party scene that are barely visible but I know they're there and my characters know they're there so consciously or subconsciously my readers know they're there. I learned that much from the "Blade Runner" making of documentary.
This also gives you, the creator, unlimited oportunities to plant easter eggs into your story. Anyone who has seen North Air Entertainment's previous work (ie One Man's Goal, Fathoms Deep or The Breaks) can appreciate that there's always more than meets the immediate eye when viewing our work. Just have a closer look, you'll be surprised at how many layers these onions have.
Thanks for reading. Shake The Lake is the story of a group of friends, chasing the endless summer who find themselves in a new laketown attempting to save a bullied marina from snobby yacht club encroachment by staging a mammoth end-of-summer wakeboarding festival.
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