One wintry afternoon, as I was beeboppin' around the CBC
offices N Toronto (where I had lots of friends & clients), I
took a "wrong turn" & wound up N the right place.
I
discovered several people standing around a conference table
who were all very loudly stressing. As I apologized 4
bursting N2 their space, one guy stared & yelled: "You're
Krystiahn! I need you!"
Tho he was very handsome, I was not N the mood 4 a quickie
affair, so I politely asked: "What R U talking about?"
He said: "We have a major musical Christmas special coming
up soon! The art department just brought us their final
designs & they're crap! We need help - FAST! We need you! Do
you have time to help us?"
Their musical project was The Snow Queen based on Hans
Christian Anderson's magical story. Naturally, I was
hooked... & when I looked (tho I am not judgmental) their
illustration was brittle, cold, it lacked wit, passion &
magic... Hans would have sued from his grave!
So, of course I agreed 2 get involved. I asked when is your
timeline? They said: "3 days!" I said: "Oooooohkay! Then we
better get crackin' NOW! Get me the sound track 2 take home
4 inspiration, give me 15 minutes 2 scribble a rough as I
already know The Snow Queen Story... & have your accounting
department cut me a very healthy advance check... the rest
payable on delivery" They eagerly & instantly agreed.
N 3 days I created this cam-ready water colour original with
acetate overlay 4 copy (No computer). We were on the press N
3 days. I kept my timeline promise, plus the original art &
copyright, as usual.
It was a highly successful project My creation was used 4
posters, TV commercials & multi-media ads. The CBC
corporation was thrilled! The musical was glorious, as was
the magical music & lyrics written & composed by Kevin
Knelman & Leah Peterson.
I hope Hans
was happy!