And we're back!

About time too! Having had a few problems in getting to the JikeMez 'studio' in the last couple of weeks due to other commitments, we've been unable to continue developing our creations. Fortunately, that brief hiatus proved to spark us into action, actually getting on to producing a few things, which will all become clear over the next few weeks, we can assure.

Firstly, our first ever JikeMez sketch/skit/small film is edging nearer, having finally sorted a prop out and begun the next stage of development. Having completed the script and storyboard back in the months of 'summer' it was a well overdue exercise. As a result, the 'Peace Patrol' banner is finally complete and ready for action (check it out here) providing it isn't too big! Oddly, it was done in 'one take' and great to see that our intended tackiness turned out exactly how we wanted it to! By some stroke of fortune the two-week folded flowery fabric set out a stencil making it simple to get the letter sizes right, and the two peace symbols fitted in perfectly. One problem has arisen, however, and memory says that the banner is unfortunately too big for its purpose. Hopefully the readily-suspended foot won't kick us in the teeth when we try it out...

The video production side of things has finally got under way, where the introductory stages for 'Peace Patrol vs. John East' are near completion, having recorded the 'public service' message, chosen the images for the subsequent montage and selected accompanying music. We had trouble deciding whether to record a voice over for the montage or simply use on-screen text, so we're gonna try both and decide what's best then. At the moment, it appears that Jez prefers on-screen text, while I'd rather an exaggerated voiceover... FIGHT!! We'll have to wait to find out who wins that one.

Most pleasingly of all, we came up with an ident that'll appear at the end of every JikeMez production. Jez dug up a memory of something I said randomly in a recording during our university days and thought it'd be good to re-record (considering the original recording is now condemned to eternal Hell on a mini disc...) and it surprisingly sounded amusing! In addition, I drew some potential accompanying characters, which we aim to include in either animation or in a more sneaky still form, possibly progressing into various themes that potential fans could one day get involved in. Stay tuned for that one; as all will become clearer once the Peace Patrol episode is finally complete!

And that just about wraps that up. Time seems to pass too quickly once we step into the 'studio', yet we hope this is the gradual build-up to some good work over the next few weeks.

So roger that, this is 'Cynical Mike' over and out!