Glenn: Could you describe for us the technical process that creatives are faced with when creating a cartoon; for example, the Buffy animated series? You can be as technical as you like. :)
EW: I could write a book on this question alone! But generally it all starts with the script. Then the voices are recorded. From there characters and backgrounds are designed, storyboards are drawn, all of that is shipped off to Korea or wherever the animation studio is. The storyboards are then animated and colored, the footage is shipped back to us, is edited and mixed with sound, and voila! You have a cartoon.
To sell a show is an entirely different beast. It gets pitched to the head of development (or sometimes their assistant). And then if it is liked it keeps getting pitched up the corporate ladder, changing and evolving along the way to suit the needs of the network. Usually by the time the show is sold it looks very different that it did at the beginning.
JPM: What was your inspiration in designing the Buffy characters?
EW: From the beginning there was a fear that the actors might not reprise their roles in the cartoon, so Joss wanted me to try and capture the essence of the character, rather than caricature the actor. That was by far the most challenging part. Whenever I start a new project, I do a lot of research to try and put together a style that is unique. So I look at a lot of cartoons, comic books, artists, illustrators, and the like to try and get fresh ideas.
For Buffy the obvious artist to turn to was Mike Mignola of Hellboy fame. His dramatic use of blacks and simplistic design was a major source of inspiration. I also wanted to capture the female cuteness found in Japanese anime and manga, so I spent a lot of time rifling through the book stores in Little Tokyo. I also went to all of the local cemeteries and took pictures. I watched a lot of Martial Art and classic monster movies.
Glenn: Are there finished episodes of Buffy Animated in existence at this time?
EW: Nope. We never made it that far.
Glenn: We haven't seen Buffy Animated yet, of course, but we've seen Kim Possible. Are there similarities in the characters' movements and overall flow on those two shows?
EW: Let's face it. Joss is to thank for perfecting the action-drama-comedy. If imitation is the greatest form of flattery, Kim Possible is oozing with obsequiousness.
JPM: You have a very impressive resume. What is your most satisfying project, thus far?
EW: Buffy was definitely my favorite. I've enjoyed almost every project I've worked on, but Buffy has a very special place in my heart.
Glenn: Could you use a hand from a print and web production artist in the DC area with ad agency experience? :) No, seriously, do you have a company or are you a freelancer who goes where the situation is?
EW: Ha! I am a company of one. There was a time when I toyed with the idea of starting a production company, but I've found I enjoy getting my hands dirty far more than managing other artists.
Glenn: Do you ever sleep?
EW: I didn't sleep much before my wife gave birth to our new son, but now I really never to sleep! The creative process is a strange beast. I've tried to keep a fairly 9-5 work schedule, but I find myself working through the night way too often. I just can't say no when I get called for work!
JPM: Everyone has a dream job or project. What's yours?
EW: Certainly to see the Buffy cartoon get green-lit and finish what we started would be awesome. I would love to draw a Buffy comic book if Joss or one of his posse would write it.
I have a lot of personal projects I hope to produce someday. I guess my personal dream is to draw whatever I want and get paid to do it. But isn't that the dream of any artist?
