BA: One of the more rewarding parts of my editorial tenure was finding and developing new talent. I helped many current comics stars get started, either by giving them their first or early work. That list includes names such as Mark Waid, Mike Weiringo, Travis Charest, Humberto Ramos, Carlos Pacheco, Howard Porter, and many others. Part of the joy of that, beyond finding great artists and writers to produce my books, was the idea of helping others get to where I was, on inside the comics business. When Chuck first came to me with the early glimmers of Visionary, I recognized the chance to have that again and to help talented and worthy folks reach their dreams. Sorry if that sounds too lofty…
KM:Are there any particular genres that Visionary focuses on? (e.g. fantasy, heroic, mythic/epic, sci-fi, etc.)
CES: Yeah, we do one real genre… GOOD. Seriously, no, we have books lined up in all of the above genres as well as some interesting combinations and new stuff for comics. We're not just about pushing new creators to do their best, but we're also about pushing the boundaries of the medium by doing books that help redefine what can be a good comic. In that direction, we're prepping what may very well be comics' first prime time dramatic series, all the way over to a modern day fantasy/ action / adventure / comedy. So, yeah, the gamut.
BA: Creative freedom is huge at Visionary, we don't believe anyone grows or learns if they get forced into anyone else's box. As Chuck says, Visionary Studios encourages creators to realize their vision in their own way-with the guidance of experienced hands like me.
KM:We had talked some about having filmmakers collaborate with Visionary's (writers and) artists; what are your thoughts on this?
CES: We think this is a fantastic idea!
BA: Wasn't this your idea?
CES: Shush… (ahem) anyway…the idea is pretty simple, if a filmmaker wants to do a movie, but does not feel able to generate a script and storyboards, they should get folks involved who feel those jobs are their gift. Comic creators are natural partners to work with on this, because, essentially a comic script is 80% the same as a movie script. Functionally, they are identical in many ways. Storyboards, likewise, are essentially same panel sized comic strips that tell the story with static, still images. That, my friend, is a comic. Why it took so many years before a movie producer finally said, let's take the comic and literally adapt it to the screen, I have no idea.
As for comic creators, the possibility to work on a story they like, and know that story is going to be brought into reality not only as a comic, but as a movie? Well, that's just a…'wow experience'.
BA: Not to mention the built-in marketing tool a comic book can be for a filmmaker. Got a concept and want to test it, or expand your pitch to investors? Drop a comic book instead of just a proposal. There's a reason why there are so many comic book films doing so well out there-they are pre-sold concepts, done in a very sympathetic to film visual medium of comics-they practically come with storyboards already done. Visionary can make this happen for filmmakers who are, well, visionary enough to ask us to collaborate.
KM:Some comic book companies wouldn't want to work with microfilmmakers, citing low budgets as a reason, but you're very eager to work with us. Why?
CES: You mean besides we're crazy? Seriously, VCS is all about helping aspiring comics' creators to achieve their dream. To do this in synergy with aspiring filmmakers and to help them to achieve their dream as well? Perfect.
BA: So perfect, in fact, that there's nothing left for me to add.
KM:We've heard rumors about a possible comic in the works for Ryan Graham's hit Livelihood; any news on that?
CES: It's true, it's true! Ryan and I have been talking and while we're still hammering out details and contracts it looks like the world of Livelihood and all those poor, disenfranchised, struggling and often…disgusting zombies just wanting their lives back will be making it into the printed page! We've already all but finalized the contract for the first short story to be printed as a backup feature in an established book from a mainstream publisher, that story to be written by Brian Augustyn and drawn by Paul Ridgon. The plan from there is to do an anthology special also featuring a new Billy Jump story by Ryan himself.
BA: Yeah, this is a great match-up. Ryan's work is so comics-friendly, and Livelihood will be a blast to bring to comics.
KM: Are there any particular genres that Visionary focuses on? (e.g. fantasy, heroic, mythic/epic, sci-fi, etc.)
KM: We've heard rumors about a possible comic in the works for Ryan Graham's hit Livelihood; any news on that?
