...quickly took on a life of its own. I guess that's what happens when you write a book about zombies.
Some background:
Several weeks ago, I decided to create a book trailer to promote Dead Things. It was an especially grand plan considering my budget ($0), film-making background (I worked as an usher in a movie theater once, does that count?), and graphic design skills (nil, unless you count the fact that I know who Peter Saville is). Still, I was not dissuaded. I figured I could promote the book using the alphabet, some simple imagery, and may be an erie soundtrack. An "A to Z Guide to the Apocalypse," if you will. I also figured that I could somehow do this on the cheap.
I could not have known then that I had set myself on a strange path, a course that would see me learn a new presentation tool (Prezi), investigate screen capture software (I settled on Screencast-O-Matic), attempt to create art, and write what is, perhaps, one of the most disturbing treatments of the English language alphabet since Sue Grafton began writing mysteries.
I typed, "A is for Apocalypse." With those few words, a simple project became something bigger. Each letter, rhyme, and rudimentary piece of artwork built on the last. My vision of a book trailer quickly evolved. This was no longer just about promoting Dead Things, this was about creating a stand alone, read-along alphabet book.
While I ultimately decided against adding a music track (so as not to interrupt the reader's rhythm), I think the graphics, although simplistic, add a nice children's book vibe. While I harbor no illusion that this video will teach letter knowledge, print awareness, or phonological skills, I can say that this video was a lot of fun to make. Plus, all of the tools I used to make it were free.
There are some Easter Eggs as well. Can you spot the references to some of the genre greats, including authors David Moody, Joe McKinney, and Iain McKinnon? Watch for a nod to George Romero as well!
I hope you read, enjoy, and share. Thank you!
You can watch "A is for Apocalypse" now (viewed best in 720p) on youtube.