Preliminary Design: “The Flea” Plush Toy

Related Post: First Zine and Future Shop

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Everyone seems really enthusiastic about The Flea plush toy, so I thought I’d tackle this project sooner than later! Below details the progress I’ve made so far…

Tuesday, January 15th: I began drawing a rough outline for what will eventually become a plush toy of The Ghost of a Flea à la my graphic novel The Poet and the Flea. I’m still playing around with various ideas — size, fabric, etc. Ideally, I’d like the finished product to be simultaneously adorable and menacing. (^-^;;)

Friday, January 25th: Worked on a second outline, this time on a larger scale and with slightly more exaggerated features. When the time comes, everything will have to be hand-stiched since I currently don’t own a sewing machine. My mom has a lot of experience with sewing, so she’s going to help me out.

Monday, January 28th: After finalizing my travel arrangements for Cannes/London with an agent, my mom and I stopped by Britex Fabrics and picked up fabric and other supplies (stuffing, needles, thread, etc.). It might take a bit of experimenting to figure out the best materials, but I’m looking forward to it! Stay tuned for more details!

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

The Liebster Award: 2nd Nomination!

My head is spinning from all these award nominations!

Thank you so much to Eszter (felteddreams.wordpress.com) for nominating me a second time for the Liebster Award! Don’t forget to check out Eszter’s amazing felt/embroidery/quilting creations.

To view the post from my first nomination, click here.

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Rules

1. Post eleven facts about yourself.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you and create eleven questions for people you’ve nominated.
3. Choose eleven people to give this award to and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.

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Eszter’s Quetions

1. What inspired you to start blogging?

Well, I started this particular blog to keep track of my various creative projects and to organize my thoughts a bit.

2. Is there one thing you wish you could change about yourself, what would it be?

I’m never good at answering this sort of question. Even if I could magically change something about myself, I don’t think I would.

3. If you could meet someone famous who is still living who would it be?

This is a really tough question because I don’t want to jinx my chances at Cannes.

4. What was the most interesting class you ever took in school?

Another tough question since I went to New York University: Gallatin School of Individualized Study and took a number of amazing courses including “Dante’s World,” “Virtue and Villainy: Melodrama,” and “Globalization: Promises and Discontents.” The most life-changing class I ever took was “Yellow Peril: Documenting & Understanding Xenophobia” taught by the amazing Jack Tchen. For this class, I wrote a painstakingly researched 25-page paper (plus 5 pages of works cited) about Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Girls. Jack’s new book Yellow Peril: Understanding Fears of “the East” and What We Can Do About It is coming out at the end of February, so check it out if you’re interested!

5. What did you want to be when you were little?

I think I always wanted to be a comic book artist/graphic novelist/mangaka since I was in elementary school up through high school graduation. I drifted away from comics/graphic novels/manga in college, but as you can tell from The Poet and the Flea have regained my passion.

6. If you could decorate your work-space however you wanted, what would be your feature color?

Well, when I moved to San Francisco, I really got to decorate my workspace and I wouldn’t really change a thing (other than that it sometimes gets way too hot and there’s no air-conditioning). My room is mostly made of various shades of blue with splashes of yellow, tan, and salmon. It’s pretty funky!

7. If your life were a book, what would be the title?

Radiant Pessimist™ (this will also be the name of my future production company — I have Laurence Harvey to thank for that one).

8. What one happy memory do you have always coming to mind?

I don’t really have one memory that always comes to mind. But I recently thought of a childhood memory (when I was maybe six or seven years old) that I really hadn’t thought of for a long time — me and my dad bobbing in the ocean off of Kiawah Island. I remember that my nose was really runny, ha ha ha.

9. Do you prefer to read actual books or use an E-reader?

Actual books, hands down! It’s just not the same experience with an e-reader. The tactile feeling of a book, the smell of it, the typography and placement on the page, the action of turning from page to page… I really have a hard time reading on my iPad.

10. If you could keep only one item from your wardrobe, what would it be?

I’ve only worn it once, but the skirt of the prom outfit my grandmother made me. She died September 2011, so I’m extremely reluctant to let it go.

11. If you win some millions in lottery, what would be the first thing you buy?

I wouldn’t “buy” anything per se. I’d rather fund a full-length film of either my own script or that of a close friend.

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Nominations

Can’t I just nominate all my followers? You’re all so awesome and talented!

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My Questions

I liked the questions I wrote last time, so I’ll use them again…

1. What is the strangest dream you’ve ever had?
2. What is/was your favorite subject in school?
3. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
4. Who is your role model?
5. What is your favorite holiday?
6. What is your least favorite vegetable?
7. What is your guilty pleasure?
8. Are you an optimist or pessimist?
9. What are your short-term goals/New Year’s resolutions?
10. What did you last eat?
11. Do you have any special and/or bizarre talents?

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

★ Don’t forget to check out my graphic novel, The Poet and the Flea!

A new page every Wednesday!

***

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

Saturday, December 29th

• Did some more research on fellowships/internships/jobs.

Sunday December 30th

• Happy Birthday, Wes! Classic pizza and ice cream celebration in Haight-Ashbury. Wes loved his presents — a doodle of his future corgis, a ramen noodle chocolate bar, and a Moonrise Kingdom T-Shirt. (´ε｀ )♡

 

Monday, December 31st

1. New Year’s Resolutions, Anyone?
2. Spent New Years with Wes and his friends. Lovely company and lots of food and drinks!

Tuesday, January 1st

1. Recovering from New Year’s. Ate a tasty lunch in Japantown with Wes!
2. Did some more research on fellowships/internships/jobs.

Wednesday, January 2nd

1. Worked on Cannes paperwork.
2. Sent out a few query letters about potential internships.
3. Did some more research on production companies.

Thursday, January 3rd

1. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
2. Brainstorming ideas for The Blanks collaboration.
3. Worked on idea for possible first self-printed zine.

Friday, January 4th

1. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
2. Continued to work on an idea for possible first self-printed zine.
3. Worked on some new posts and other blog content.

Saturday, January 5th

1. Did some research on children’s book publishers.
2. Visited local fabric store to scope out materials for future project.

Sunday, January 6th

• Went with Wes to “Out of Character: Decoding Chinese Calligraphy” at the Asian Art Museum. Ate lunch at this amazing  restaurant called Absinthe. Later, ate phở for dinner. Such a fun day!
  

Monday, January 7th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Helped with editing a family project.
3. Wes sent me his newly finished full-length screenplay to read — so excited!!! (^-^)

Tuesday, January 8th

1. E-mail correspondence for potential internship. Hoping I’ll get an interview!
2. Nominated for The One Lovely Blog Award + The Very Inspiring Blogger Award.
3. Wes bought tickets to Lewis Black in February — we’re gonna laugh ’til our stomachs hurt and I can’t wait!!!

Etcetera

• The Poet and the Flea: 63 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-24, 27-30 completed, and 25-26, 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
• The First Reich: about 1-10 pages of illustrated work in progress.

To Do:

• Add more information to my Behance.net profile.
• Add more information to my Coroflot.com profile.
• Continue adding blog content to The First Reich.
• Continue to work on The First Reich.
• Continue to work on Elias & The City of Cats.
• Complete script for The Poet and the Flea.
• Sign up with Top Web Comics: Comic Rankings.
• Sign up with OnlineComics.net.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

★ Don’t forget to check out my graphic novel, The Poet and the Flea!

A new page every Wednesday!

***

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

Wednesday, December 12th

1. Second day of cat sitting!
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Helped my mom, the abstract artist, with developing her blog (irenezweig.wordpress.com).
4. “Correspondence with The Blake Society.”

Thursday, December 13th

1. Third day of cat sitting!
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Worked on The Flea script.

Friday, December 14th

1. Fourth day of cat sitting!
2. Sent out some more fellowship/internship/job applications.
3. Worked on The Flea script.

Saturday, December 15th

1. Last day of cat sitting!
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Worked on The Flea script.

Sunday, December 16th

1. Went to see The Hobbit with Wes and the folks! I was a major fan of The Lord of the Rings films when they first came out (and still am), so of course I was (and still am) super excited for The Hobbit. Even my dad, who was skeptical and didn’t really want to come, loved the movie (and even shed tears at the bromance between Bilbo and Thorin, I kid you not). (^-^) I know this is bizarre, but I think my favorite part was when the Great Goblin’s secretary cackled as he ziplined through the air!
2. Wes is so sweet and got me a Rose Vampire figurine from Super7 – IT’S SO CUTE!

Monday, December 17th

1. Signed up with Behance.net: www.behance.net/gegallas.
2. Worked on The Flea script.

Tuesday, December 18th

• Worked on The Flea script.

Wednesday, December 19th

1. As usual, great meeting with Gabe. Working out the next few steps for Elias & The City of Cats and thinking about our future projects.
   
2. 2:30 p.m.: Phone interview with The American Pavilion for the Cannes Film Program. I think it went pretty well. I’ll be hearing from them this Friday. Wish me luck!
3. Came up with a really cool idea for The Blanks screenplay collaboration. Wrote an e-mail to Gabe and waiting to hear what he thinks!

Thursday, December 20th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Applied to the Creative World Awards (a screenwriting competition). For more information, click here.
3. Worked on The Flea script.
4. Did some more research on fellowships/internships/jobs.

Etcetera

• The Poet and the Flea: 60 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-24, 27-30 completed, and 25-26, 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
• The First Reich: about 1-10 pages of illustrated work in progress.

To Do:

• Add more information to my Behance.net profile.
• Add more information to my Coroflot.com profile.
• Continue adding blog content to The First Reich.
• Continue to work on The First Reich.
• Continue to work on Elias & The City of Cats.
• Complete script for The Poet and the Flea.
• Sign up with Top Web Comics: Comic Rankings.
• Sign up with OnlineComics.net.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Experience of APE

Related post: Plans for APE

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Wow, what can I say about APE?

Well, this was definitely an experience!

Firstly, I believe that APE (Alternative Press Expo) was a productive endeavor. I learned much more about the nature of each publisher I’ve been tracking online. I hope that Shannon and I managed to get the names of our projects (The Poet and the Flea and The First Reich) out there just a little. And I learned a lot about what techniques make a successful table.

As far as the bigger publishers go (Fantagraphics, Drawn & Quarterly, Last Gasp, Top Shelf, etc.), I was glad to see them at the Expo — to see all their products laid out in front of me, rather than squinting at images on a computer screen. Some of them only had marketing representatives who didn’t know much about the submissions process, which was too bad. Others had more knowledgable people to talk to, who offered some useful advice. I guess it really just boils down to submitting material and seeing what happens!

I very much enjoyed talking to some of the smaller publishers. They were very enthusiastic, helpful, and informative. And just because they’re smaller doesn’t mean they have inferior products. They are extremely professional (but in a laid back sort of way) and their books are gorgeous!

I loved talking with the kind folks at Yam Books. Tim Hensley (creator of Ticket Stub) was shocked that someone in their twenties (me) was a Barbara Stanwyck fan!! Both Saturday and Sunday, we had conversations about the film noir starlet, exchanging movie titles and laughing away. He even drew me this awesome illustration of Barbara (see below) in Double Indemnity — bangs and sunglasses and all!

Also had good but brief conversations with the good people at A Raven Above Press and Never Press.

I’ve only recently become interested in learning more about the world of zines. And Tugboat Press seemed like a good place to start. I really admire what they’re doing. I’m glad I talked with them because I learned that, rather than taking submissions, they commission artists. I also received recommendations about which volumes of their anthology Papercutter to buy and realized that they are interested in a vast array of genres. I’m excited to really sit down and read my purchases.

Sunday, I finally figured out where Uncivilized Books got to (I just could not figure out that map!). Their chief Tom was excellent at patiently answering my questions and encouraging me to submit my work. I’m excited to start working on sending out some follow-up e-mails to everyone I talked with!

Also, I picked up a lot of interesting flyers, cards, stickers, etc. from around the expo and from the free table. Below are some of my favorites!!

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Here are my notes of what makes a successful table in case I end up getting one for APE next year!

(This is just a rough list for my personal use. In no particular order!)

• Need a billboard/banner advertising name of artist/graphic novel.
• Need a tablecloth.
• Need a sign (or maybe t-shirts) to hang off the front of the table.
• Wear one of your own t-shirts to further advertise your graphic novel.
• Perhaps a sign or two saying: “Pleas talk to us — we’re friendly!”
• Perhaps a big bowl of free candy.
• Attract customers with a selection of cheaper items ($1 pins or stickers?).
• Need a clipboard and form for customers to sign up for your mailing list.
• Provide plenty of business cards and/or postcards.

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Among the flyers and such was a postcard for the East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest, free and taking place December 8th in Berkeley. I’m very interested in checking it out!

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Plans for APE

I feel as though the APE (Alternative Press Expo) has snuck up on me from out of the blue!

I’m hoping that this event will be very informative, and help me take my graphic novel projects to the next level. Not only is this the perfect networking opportunity, but also a rare chance to talk with publishers I am interested in and get a better idea of what they’re looking for in a graphic novel.

Saturday (October 13th), I’ll be attending with Shannon, my collaborator on The First Reich. I think Wes, who is also a graphic novelist and screenwriter, will be attending both Saturday and Sunday. My mom will be checking out the expo too, so maybe she’ll cover ground I won’t be able to.

As a supplement to my business card, I’ve ordered postcards (see above) from Vistaprint advertising The Poet and the Flea and showcasing some of my illustrations. I’ll also bring my iPad loaded with scans of The Flea so I don’t have to shlep around my ginormous (and heavy) portfolio.

Furthermore, in preparation, I’ve been compiling a list of exhibitors/tables I’m interested in visiting.

(This is just a rough list for my personal use. In no particular order!)

1. 4th Dimension Entertainment
2. A Raven Above Press
3. Drawn & Quarterly
4. Fantagraphics Books
5. Last Gasp Books
6. Yam Books
7. Uncivilized Books
8. Tomorrow John Press
9. Top Shelf Productions
10. Tugboat Press
11. Sparkplug Comic Books
12. Puna Press
13. Pernicious Press Magazine
14. Perfect Day Publishing
15. Never Press
16. NBM Publishing Inc.

You can expect a future blog post about my experiences at APE 2012. Depending on how everything goes, perhaps I’ll plan on getting my own table (half-table?) at next year’s expo.

Please wish me luck!

***

Update: Check out the last-minute DIY postcard for The First Reich. Now I just need to find a paper cutter…

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

Tuesday, August 7th

1. Today, had lunch with the lovely Tina C.  She’s a really smart and wonderful lady. She gave me some helpful advice about The JET Programme (something I may do in the future) and the JLPT Japanese Language Proficiency Test (something I’ve been considering). We ended up speaking English with a bunch of random Japanese words thrown in (●´∀｀●). I’m not sure if she’ll be staying in SF, but I hope we can become friends!
2. Lately, been trying to practice my Japanese language skills thanks to my new iPad!  Downloaded the app “iBunkoHD” to read literature in the original Japanese (Akutagawa Ryūnosuke, Natsume Sōseki, Dazai Osamu, etc.). Downloaded another app “Japanese Advanced Phrases” to practice newspaper terms, 四字熟語 (yojijukugo: a word consisting of four kanji), idioms, etc.

Wednesday, August 8th

• Continuing work on The Flea and The Man…

Thursday, August 9th

1. Posted a new topic at a forum called Making Graphic Novels to promote The Poet and the Flea. Check out post here.
2. With a discount from Stage32.com, applied to the Emerging Screenwriters 2012 Screenplay Competition. Information updated on “Applications” post, here.

Friday, August 10th

1. Continuing work on The Flea and The Man…
2. Thinking of signing up with Top Web Comics: Comic Rankings. Any advice?
3. Finally connected with potential director/producer. He seems experienced, interested, and enthusiastic. Going to send him a few short scripts.

Saturday, August 11th – Sunday, August 12th

• Continuing work on The Flea and The Man…

Monday, August 13th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Trying to figure out the best way to scan The Poet and the Flea. Options, options, options…

Tuesday, August 14th

1. Continuing work on The Flea and The Man…
2. As recommended by a fellow artist, signed up with mlkshk.com. It’s a bit like Tumblr and Pinterest. Not quite sure how it works yet though… Forgot to mention, a few days ago, signed up with stumbleupon.com. Not quite sure how this one works either… I’ll figure it out eventually.
3. Spoke again with potential director/producer. He has lots of interesting ideas for Robots Are a Girl’s Best Friend. Will speak again soon.

Etcetera

1. The Poet and the Flea: 37 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-18, 21-23, 27, 29-30 completed, and 19-20, 24-26, 28, 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
2. Continuing to help fellow screenwriter/filmmaker Jay Dial.

To Do:

• Work on research, character sketches, etc. for Shannon.
• Schedule second meeting with Shannon for August.
• Attend The Pixel-Flick TV Actor/Filmmaker Alliance Second Meeting (August 18th).
• Finish The Man Who Never Smiled by end of August.
• Sign up with IMDbPro.
• Apply to the Bluecat Screenplay Competition (before October 15th).
• Sign up with Top Web Comics: Comic Rankings.

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

These past few weeks have been quite the roller coaster…! （⊙□ ⊙；）ノ

Sunday, June 30th

1.  Through Meetup.com, discovered The Pixel-Flick TV Actor/Filmmaker Alliance (Pixel Flick Entertainment). It seems like this production company is interested in producing short films and web series. Will attend the first meeting on Saturday, July 21st.
2. On Stage32.com, received a very nice personal message from Ben Cahan (the creator of Final Draft) inviting me to join his website Talentville.com. I created an account there, but I’m not ready to post my work yet (perhaps after I hear from all the contests I applied to?).

Monday, July 9th

1. Robots Are a Girl’s Best Friend: Unfortunately, have hit some snags and the project is on hold.
2. My full-length screenplay Who is Laurence Harvey? has advanced to the Second Round (the top 25%) of The 2012 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards!!!!!!!!! 
3. On Craigslist, have responded to a few posts about writing and creative projects. We’ll see how it goes…

Tuesday, July 10th

1. The Poet and the Flea: 37 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-10, 21 completed, and 11-20, 22-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
2. A special announcement about The Poet and the Flea coming soon!
3. Thinking of adding a “Links”page and a “Special Thanks” page to thepoetandtheflea.wordpress.com.
4. Slowly but surely working on the-poet-and-the-flea.tumblr.com.
5. Continuing to help fellow screenwriter/filmmaker Jay Dial. I’ve read his script so far, and I think it has a lot of potential!
6. Signed up with gotcast.com (www.gotcast.com/gegallas)… maybe I’ll find some more writing gigs this way?

Etcetera

1. My wonderful and talented friend just released the first promotional image from her upcoming webcomic… it looks stunning! Check it out: http://tealeaves9.tumblr.com/post/27095942591/at-long-last-the-first-promotional-image-for-my.
2. Bit by bit, working on my third full-length screenplay called The Modern Prometheus. The process has involved a lot of historical research about San Francisco. Every screenplay is a learning process!
3. I’m thinking about compiling a list of comic book-related (more on the small press side?) conventions for future reference. I would love to attend some local ones (Bay Area, California, etc.?) in the near future. And perhaps eventually fly out to other conventions. Any suggestions?
4. A while back, I created a facebook page (www.facebook.com/gegallas)… don’t forget to like me!
5. Also, a tremendous thanks to all of my followers here on WordPress and on Twitter!!

To Do:

• Attend The Pixel-Flick TV Actor/Filmmaker Alliance First Meeting (July 21st).
• Sign up with IMDbPro.
• Apply to The American Zoetrope Screenplay Contest (before August 1st).
• Apply to the Bluecat Screenplay Competition (before October 15th).

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

A Bit More About Me

I thought that perhaps readers might want to learn a bit more about me. So I took the time to write this!

P.S. I took these questions from an internet meme… I’m not sure where they originate from, but I give full credit to whoever created them (although I edited them a little bit). Thanks!

***

If you could build a second house anywhere, where would it be?

I really wouldn’t want to own or build a second house — one house is more than enough for me. But, if I could, I would love to live for a period somewhere Scandinavian. Copenhagen? Stockholm? Or maybe even in Belgium, like Antwerp. I also really need to visit England to do some William Blake research for my graphic novel The Poet and the Flea. I’ve already lived in Manhattan and Tokyo, and I hope I can return there in the future. Also, I really must visit Barcelona to see my beloved friend Elena!!

What are your favorite articles of clothing?

Umm, this is a tough question. I admire fashion as an art form, but I have a hard time finding clothes for myself. I guess a more-or-less constant staple of my wardrobe are Vans shoes. Usually quirky ones with multi-colored checkers. Right now, I have a pair with cherries, another silvery pair, and another with blue and pink hearts from St. Valentine’s Day. Also, I’ve been wearing my Vivienne Westwood orb locket for about five years now.

The Last CDs You Bought?

“The Black Belles” by The Black Belles and all of Heavenstamp‘s EPs.

What is your favorite kitchen appliance?

I practically lived off toast my final semester of college. And I’m loving all the sourdough bread in San Francisco. So I’m going to go with “toaster.”

If you could play an instrument, what would it be?

I actually used to play cello — started when I was four years old and stopped after about twelve years. I never really enjoyed playing, but the experience definitely taught me to appreciate music of all kinds. Playing the whimsical Bohemian pieces of David Popper always brought me the most joy. If I had the patience for another instrument, I might learn the piano just so that I could play Igor Stravinsky and Franz Liszt. Or, if I had been born a man, I’d like to be a bass opera singer like Samuel Ramey.

Favorite color?

Since childhood, I’ve always favored blue. But nowadays everyone would accuse me of being passionate about the color black.

Which vehicle do you prefer, sports car, motorcycle, or SUV?

Vespa. Absolutely.

Do you believe in the afterlife?

You do realize you’re asking a Jewish Atheist?

Favorite children’s book?

Not exactly children’s books per se, but I always read the works of Edward Gorey as a child. I remember being upset when he died back in 2000 (I must have been about 11 years old). Once The Poet and the Flea is up online, anyone familiar with Gorey’s work will probably be able to tell how much he has influenced my own style.

What is your favorite season?

Fall, especially October. My birthday is October 19. And there are lot’s of other awesome birthdays (Oct. 1st, Laurence Harvey’s; Oct 2nd, my mom’s; Oct 3rd, Tetsuya’s [L'Arc~en~ciel]; Oct. 4th, Jeremy Blake’s, etcetera.). Plus, I’ve always enjoyed Halloween. The only downside is what follows: winter. I love the cold, but I can’t stand the holiday season. As Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey in The Manchurian Candidate, 1962) says: “Twelve days of Christmas? One day of Christmas is loathsome enough!”

If you have a tattoo, what is it?

Not only would I be disowned if I got a tattoo, but more significantly I am 100% certain I would be allergic to not only the ink but also the needle used in tattooing (I have extremely sensitive skin and a serious metal allergy… not long ago, I tried on a metal bracelet and felt it immediately burning my skin!). But I have a lot of interest and respect for tattoos in various cultures (Maori, etc.). I mean, Eastern Promises (2007) is up there on my favorite movie list!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To learn every nuance of every language, and keep them all in my head.

Can you juggle?

I used to have one of those Klutz juggling books… but no.

What is under your bed?

Currently, a gigantic blue portfolio box full of valuable fine art collected by my Opah (grandfather) when he was alive. I’m talking about Reginald Marsh, Philippe Halsman, and the likes.

Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?

You do realize you’re asking someone who lived in Tokyo for a year? Sushi, clearly. Especially the kaiten (conveyor belt) variety.

What is your dream job?

From a very young age, my dream has always been to become a comic book artist. For the past few years, I’ve dreamed of becoming a screenwriter. Now, I’m trying to make both come true.

What age do you plan to retire?

Never.

Something you would like to do that you have never done before?

Attend a film festival… especially one screening a film I wrote. I think this will happen sooner than I expect.

***

Desert Island Movies (à la Stage32.com)

“What if you could only watch the same 10 films… forever?”

1. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
2. In Bruges (2008)
3. Gemini/Souseiji (1999)
4. The Constant Gardener (2005)
5. The Brothers Bloom (2008)
6. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
7. Mystery Men (1999)
8. The Fall (2006)
9. Adam’s Apples/Adams æbler (2005)
10. Topsy-Turvey (1999)

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Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Brainstorming

Ideas for future projects…

The following is a list of various works (literature, poetry, art, etc.) that have influenced me and may influence new projects in the future, as well as ideas that have been churning around in my head.

Also, this is a sort of semi-reading list for books I would like to read and re-read. Some advice for anyone interested in reading these books: Project Gutenberg, Bartleby.com, etc. are WONDERFUL for literature written in English. But if you are interested in Dumas, Hoffmann, Pushkin, or any other author who did not write in English, I would highly recommend Penguin Classics — their English translations are always BRILLIANT (although the very best, of course, is to read a work in its original language — for instance, I happen to hate Dazai Osamu and Yoshimoto Banana translated [no offense to the translators, it's not their fault], but I absolutely love them in the original Japanese)!!

In no particular order…

• Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin: about to read.
• The Tales of Hoffmann by E.T.A. Hoffmann: must read.
• The Moonstone, etc. by Wilkie Collins: must re-read/read.
• The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri: have read.
• The works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: have read/must read.
• Goethe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther and his friend Karl Wilhelm Jerusalem: have read/would like to continue to research.
• Philipp Otto Runge, Romantic German painter: have researched.
• The Count of Monte Cristo, The Black Tulip, etc. by Alexandre Dumas: have read.
• The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and The Suicide Club by Robert Louis Stevenson: must read.
• Confessions of an English Opium-Eater by Thomas De Quincey: must read.
• John Singer Sargent and the Portrait of Madame X: have seen at the Met/must research.
• Lord Byron (“The Limping Devil”), Mary Shelley, and Percy Bysshe Shelley — the origins of Frankenstein: have read/must research.
• Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: have researched/would like to continue to research.
• Franz Liszt (as a young piano teacher): would like to continue to research.
• Béla Bartók (and his research into folk music): would like to continue to research.
• David Popper (Bohemian cellist and my all-time favorite composer): need to find more information about him!
• The Love of Don Perlimplín and Belisa in the Garden by Federico García Lorca: have read.
• A Supermarket in California by Allen Ginsberg: have read.
• The works of Christopher Isherwood: have read.
• The Quiet American and The Third Man by Graham Greene: love movies/must read.
• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Constant Gardener by John le Carré: love movies/must read.
• Hollywood stars like Barbara Stanwyck, Mary Pickford, Sessue Hayakawa, etc.
• The Stones Cry Out by Okuizumi Hikaru: have read.
• The works of Dazai Osamu: have read/must read.
• The works of Ibuse Masuji: must read.
• The works of Mishima Yukio: have read.
• The works of Kenzaburo Oe: have read.
• Okinawan literature: have read.
• Nikola Tesla, Serbian-American inventor: have researched.
• Hendrik Goltzius, the Dutch engraver: have researched/would like to continue to research.
• Morris Louis, American Color Field painter: have researched/would like to continue to research.
• Jean Cocteau, French filmmaker: would like to research.
• Philippe Halsman, Latvian-born American photographer: would like to research.
• The operas of Jacques Offenbach, Giuseppe Verdi, Georges Bizet, Giacomo Puccini, etc.
• …?

To be continued…!

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Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas