Mark Beer busy on "Oak Swamp"

SciFi Art Now contributor Mark Beer has been in touch to say that he's still trying to make it as a comic book cover artist, but in the mean time has been keeping busy in the film industry.

"I'm currently finishing up an album and booklet for an up and coming heavy metal band, and working as a concept creature designer on The Legend of Oak Swamp and The Mysteries of Ironwood for Votary Films, an independent production company out of Massachusetts.

"It's a young sci-fi adventure set in the 1950s which is well along in development," Mark explains, "involving genetic splicing for warfare, mixed with an adventure/fantasy for children and adults alike."

"The time when only big studios could make big visual effects heavy features has passed," says Boston-based director Jedidiah Burdic, whose first film, Silk Trees has been completed and awaiting distribution.

"With the gathering of highly skilled artists, from concept design, to modelers, animators, and compositors from around the world, even independent films can partake in the fantastic.

"The film has huge potential, and is currently seeking funding, but that isn't stopping us. The team is pushing forward with creative development, payment up front be damned.

"We all believe in it, and that's a powerful thing, when a team is willing to work together if for nothing other than the art."

• Check out Mark's work at: http://reebkram.daportfolio.com

• More about The Legend of Oak Swamp and The Mysteries of Ironwood

• View a trailer for Oak Swamp on the official Oak Swamp web site!