Artwork SPN Cinema Challenge 2014!
Finally, I can show you what is officially my first fanart of 2014! For this year's SPN_Cinema I chose a film that on reviewing turned out to be even more crude than I remembered *grins* But not only does the story fit the script I imagined for my favorite SPN guys, more importantly it has an incredible and very inspirational setdesign. I hereby pay tribute to the marvelous puppet action movie "Team America: World Police". Scenes I created are loosely based on the original story, but are mostly a funky backdrop for my paper creations. May I present:
Title: Team Texas: Protecting Y'all
Medium: Photoshop and Papercuttings
Film: Team America: World Police (2004)
Pairing: Jensen/Jared; a bit of Jared/JDM (no cheating;)
Rating: R for suggested BJ (no visible nakedness)
Warnings/Enticements: see descriptions above!
Note: Art comes with a DIY paperpuppetplay-set!
Concept: Brilliant musical actor Jared Padalecki is recruited by Jeffrey Dean Morgan to join Team Texas, a government agency assigned to protect the country against attacks. His acting skills are needed to infiltrate a group of terrorists. Dedicated agent Jensen Ackles doesn't think the actor is up for the task, but as they work the case together, he realizes Padalecki is not the shallow Broadwaystar he imagined.
MOVIEPOSTER
The poster and scenes below are unedited photos, the tour behind the scenes reveals how I made them.
Only thing I added digitally was the tagline:)
MEET THE TEAM!
Jensen, experienced agent
Jeff, head of Intelligence
Jared, newly recruited fabulous actor
TIME FOR ACTION
I added some lyrics and dialogues from the film to accompany the scenes I created.
Here are... the adventures of Team America:
Jeff: Welcome to Team Base, this is I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.CE.
Jared: I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.CE.?
Jeff: The most sophisticated computer in the world! It has discovered that several terrorist groups from all over the world have gathered to attack America, so you see why we need you. We will disguise you as a terrorist to infiltrate the group and find out what their plans are.
But Jared has doubts about the mission and leaves to wander around the warmemorials in Washington D.C.
where he thinks about his options...
What would you do if someone told you to fight for freedom?
Would you answer the call or run away like a little wuss?
Freedom isn't free. Now there's a hefty fuckin' fee
And if you don't throw in your buck o' five, who will?
When Jared returns, Jeff is not sure he can trust him to not run off again when things get tough,
so he asks Jared to prove that he is wiling to do anything for the team.
Jared: You can't be serious.
Jeff: Oh, I am serious. Look, this is my serious face.
"This isn't about sex, Jared, it's about trust." :-p
When that's settled, Jeff introduces Jared to the leader of the team: Jared, meet Jensen.
He may lack in courtesy, but he's the best martial arts expert Texas has to offer.
Jensen: That's right, 'actor', just stay the fuck away from me!
On the mission the Team get into hand-to-hand battle with the terrorists.
Jensen: Alright, let's make this interesting,
There are a lot of explosions... Boom!
More fighting and more explosions and Jensen is totally impressed by Jared's dedication to the cause
Jensen: If there's a world left when this is all over, I'd like to buy you a beer.
Jeff: Great job, team. Head back to base for debriefing and cocktails.
Jensen admits he's scared of relationships with a fellow agent.
Jared: I promise I will never die.
And then there were cuddles. The End.
Scroll down to DIY or take a look behind the scenes.
(Warning: includes pictures of yours truly)
THE MAKING OF TEAM TEXAS
I started by making full body manips in Photoshop, built out of bodyparts from J3 themselves in an effort to be proportionate;) Except for the bobble heads, obviously *grins*
Next step was to clone them and divide them into puppetparts:)
(For a step-by-step guide of making the paperpuppet, go to the DIY section
Jensen was the first to be cut... Yes, that's me playing with him:)
Weeeeeeeeh!
My workspace was all over the place; from lightbox to computer. I kind of multitasked: while I had already build puppet Jensen, I was still fiddling in Photoshop with Jeff and doing corrections on the worksheet with Jared. (see if you can spot the differences with the final versions;)
Jeff and Jared puppet style \o/
Done!
I had made a sketch of the poster and a new logo, based on promotional material of the original film (see sourcepost). I projected the base on the big screen behind the puppets as a backdrop for the photoshoot.
First I experimented with hanging the puppets up high.... but I couldn't get the right angle for photos.
It was near impossible to make a photo without their shadow covering the image. And I couldn't pull the string while standing on the ladder and holding the camera;)
So I changed tactics and hung the puppets on long strings.
I layed down flat on the floor to shoot the pictures from a low angle...
(Don't pay attention to what Jeff and Jared's bodydoubles are doing *grins*)
It still took a lot of tries to capture the guys as I had imagined! This is my favorite shot \o/. After recreating the poster, I played the film and shot the scenes. The puppets were not very cooperative; that scene with Jensen facing the terrorist actually shows him spinning around too fast for me to capture;) But eventually I was able to shoot my whole script, yay!
Oh, but look, I made more...
LIKE TO CUT UP PEOPLE? WANT TO PLAY WITH BODYPARTS? NOW YOU CAN!
(or Scroll down to End)
As a bonus I made puppetparts of the starring duo in their regular clothes for you to play with.
Click to download printable pdf-worksheets of Jensen and Jared:
Paperpuppet Jensen | Paperpuppet Jared
ETA: by request there is now a download of the Jeffrey Dean Morgan puppet available as well:)
Here is additional information on how to get started:
As mentioned on the worksheet, you need:
- scissors and an exacto knife;
- brass fasteners (8 per puppet);
- string: 2 short pieces (about 10 cm each) and a long piece for pulling;
- a (calender) hanger (stickertype)
Print the worksheets on thick paper (I used 375 grams Granite white) - or glue your print on a bit of cardboard.
Size=A4 (21x29,7cm) - Finished puppetsizes: Jensen=38cm; Jared=40cm. For the record: Jeff=39cm;).
A STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Don't forget to put a piece of cardboard underneath your worksheet before cutting into the paper!
I find it's easiest to first do the holes: I cut crosses in the big ones and poked the small ones out with pointy scissors.
Also check for other small shapes to cut (like Jensen's hand).
I cut the big shapes with scissors; I found sturdier kitchen type scissors work best
(see Jared and Jeff cut outs in the behind the scenes section;)
Attaching brass fasteners.
Tying the shoulders together. (Do the same with the thighs)
Attaching the pull string; instead of the knot at the bottom, you can also simply wrap the string around the string between the legs.
Complete the body with feet and hands, stick hanger at the back of head and you're done! Go play!
If you use the worksheets I'd love to see your version of the puppets! If you're anything like me and get supernervous when you have to follow even the simplest instructions, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or to tell me if I messed up:)
As always, comments are love. (Or not, but feel free to express confusion or dislike, those responses are welcome too!).
I'd like to give my thanks to my family, co-workers and all the online flisty supporters who endured me during the process. I want to mention two people specifically, because they unwittingly were used as betas for this project. I experimented with 1D puppets for tanisafan and a set of The Hobbit's Fíli and Kíli for sillie82; thank you ladies for your feedback *grins*.
More credits in my source post and of course thank you for stopping by!
J.
P.S. While I was working on my final photos I discovered Jared had geeked out over Team America at the DCcon Gold panel. I put a link to the video in my sourcepost:)
P.P.S. I may or may not have shot a video myself of the scene between Jared and Jeff, but I'm not sure if people want to see that? *shifty eyes*
My masterlist of artsy fiddling
Title: Team Texas: Protecting Y'all
Medium: Photoshop and Papercuttings
Film: Team America: World Police (2004)
Pairing: Jensen/Jared; a bit of Jared/JDM (no cheating;)
Rating: R for suggested BJ (no visible nakedness)
Warnings/Enticements: see descriptions above!
Note: Art comes with a DIY paperpuppetplay-set!
Concept: Brilliant musical actor Jared Padalecki is recruited by Jeffrey Dean Morgan to join Team Texas, a government agency assigned to protect the country against attacks. His acting skills are needed to infiltrate a group of terrorists. Dedicated agent Jensen Ackles doesn't think the actor is up for the task, but as they work the case together, he realizes Padalecki is not the shallow Broadwaystar he imagined.
MOVIEPOSTER
The poster and scenes below are unedited photos, the tour behind the scenes reveals how I made them.
Only thing I added digitally was the tagline:)
MEET THE TEAM!
Jensen, experienced agent
Jeff, head of Intelligence
Jared, newly recruited fabulous actor
TIME FOR ACTION
I added some lyrics and dialogues from the film to accompany the scenes I created.
Here are... the adventures of Team America:
Jeff: Welcome to Team Base, this is I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.CE.
Jared: I.N.T.E.L.L.I.G.E.N.CE.?
Jeff: The most sophisticated computer in the world! It has discovered that several terrorist groups from all over the world have gathered to attack America, so you see why we need you. We will disguise you as a terrorist to infiltrate the group and find out what their plans are.
But Jared has doubts about the mission and leaves to wander around the warmemorials in Washington D.C.
where he thinks about his options...
What would you do if someone told you to fight for freedom?
Would you answer the call or run away like a little wuss?
Freedom isn't free. Now there's a hefty fuckin' fee
And if you don't throw in your buck o' five, who will?
When Jared returns, Jeff is not sure he can trust him to not run off again when things get tough,
so he asks Jared to prove that he is wiling to do anything for the team.
Jared: You can't be serious.
Jeff: Oh, I am serious. Look, this is my serious face.
"This isn't about sex, Jared, it's about trust." :-p
When that's settled, Jeff introduces Jared to the leader of the team: Jared, meet Jensen.
He may lack in courtesy, but he's the best martial arts expert Texas has to offer.
Jensen: That's right, 'actor', just stay the fuck away from me!
On the mission the Team get into hand-to-hand battle with the terrorists.
Jensen: Alright, let's make this interesting,
There are a lot of explosions... Boom!
More fighting and more explosions and Jensen is totally impressed by Jared's dedication to the cause
Jensen: If there's a world left when this is all over, I'd like to buy you a beer.
Jeff: Great job, team. Head back to base for debriefing and cocktails.
Jensen admits he's scared of relationships with a fellow agent.
Jared: I promise I will never die.
And then there were cuddles. The End.
Scroll down to DIY or take a look behind the scenes.
(Warning: includes pictures of yours truly)
THE MAKING OF TEAM TEXAS
I started by making full body manips in Photoshop, built out of bodyparts from J3 themselves in an effort to be proportionate;) Except for the bobble heads, obviously *grins*
Next step was to clone them and divide them into puppetparts:)
(For a step-by-step guide of making the paperpuppet, go to the DIY section
Jensen was the first to be cut... Yes, that's me playing with him:)
Weeeeeeeeh!
My workspace was all over the place; from lightbox to computer. I kind of multitasked: while I had already build puppet Jensen, I was still fiddling in Photoshop with Jeff and doing corrections on the worksheet with Jared. (see if you can spot the differences with the final versions;)
Jeff and Jared puppet style \o/
Done!
I had made a sketch of the poster and a new logo, based on promotional material of the original film (see sourcepost). I projected the base on the big screen behind the puppets as a backdrop for the photoshoot.
First I experimented with hanging the puppets up high.... but I couldn't get the right angle for photos.
It was near impossible to make a photo without their shadow covering the image. And I couldn't pull the string while standing on the ladder and holding the camera;)
So I changed tactics and hung the puppets on long strings.
I layed down flat on the floor to shoot the pictures from a low angle...
(Don't pay attention to what Jeff and Jared's bodydoubles are doing *grins*)
It still took a lot of tries to capture the guys as I had imagined! This is my favorite shot \o/. After recreating the poster, I played the film and shot the scenes. The puppets were not very cooperative; that scene with Jensen facing the terrorist actually shows him spinning around too fast for me to capture;) But eventually I was able to shoot my whole script, yay!
Oh, but look, I made more...
LIKE TO CUT UP PEOPLE? WANT TO PLAY WITH BODYPARTS? NOW YOU CAN!
(or Scroll down to End)
As a bonus I made puppetparts of the starring duo in their regular clothes for you to play with.
Click to download printable pdf-worksheets of Jensen and Jared:
Paperpuppet Jensen | Paperpuppet Jared
ETA: by request there is now a download of the Jeffrey Dean Morgan puppet available as well:)
Here is additional information on how to get started:
As mentioned on the worksheet, you need:
- scissors and an exacto knife;
- brass fasteners (8 per puppet);
- string: 2 short pieces (about 10 cm each) and a long piece for pulling;
- a (calender) hanger (stickertype)
Print the worksheets on thick paper (I used 375 grams Granite white) - or glue your print on a bit of cardboard.
Size=A4 (21x29,7cm) - Finished puppetsizes: Jensen=38cm; Jared=40cm. For the record: Jeff=39cm;).
A STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Don't forget to put a piece of cardboard underneath your worksheet before cutting into the paper!
I find it's easiest to first do the holes: I cut crosses in the big ones and poked the small ones out with pointy scissors.
Also check for other small shapes to cut (like Jensen's hand).
I cut the big shapes with scissors; I found sturdier kitchen type scissors work best
(see Jared and Jeff cut outs in the behind the scenes section;)
Attaching brass fasteners.
Tying the shoulders together. (Do the same with the thighs)
Attaching the pull string; instead of the knot at the bottom, you can also simply wrap the string around the string between the legs.
Complete the body with feet and hands, stick hanger at the back of head and you're done! Go play!
If you use the worksheets I'd love to see your version of the puppets! If you're anything like me and get supernervous when you have to follow even the simplest instructions, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or to tell me if I messed up:)
As always, comments are love. (Or not, but feel free to express confusion or dislike, those responses are welcome too!).
I'd like to give my thanks to my family, co-workers and all the online flisty supporters who endured me during the process. I want to mention two people specifically, because they unwittingly were used as betas for this project. I experimented with 1D puppets for tanisafan and a set of The Hobbit's Fíli and Kíli for sillie82; thank you ladies for your feedback *grins*.
More credits in my source post and of course thank you for stopping by!
J.
P.S. While I was working on my final photos I discovered Jared had geeked out over Team America at the DCcon Gold panel. I put a link to the video in my sourcepost:)
P.P.S. I may or may not have shot a video myself of the scene between Jared and Jeff, but I'm not sure if people want to see that? *shifty eyes*
My masterlist of artsy fiddling