BookSmart 2.0


Land of Lincoln Book
Photo by gfoots
.com has released the 2.0 version of , the software used to create this and many others…

The main upgrade is the freedom of layout, at last. Now, you can edit any page, arranging and box with no limits. Also, if you are a experienced InDesign user, you may use your favourite tool and upload a to . Or… if you use ANY other design tool to create your books, the only thing you must be aware is sizes and margins, and create a . offers templates for InDesign software and general for any other tool you wanna use.

Now, freedom is the main word of publishing site. Now, is my very fisrt option to build this !

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Special Effects

Special Effects

Special Effects

While thinking about props, BR props at all, I work with all the info, reports and I can achieve (and read!). Now, I’m reading an awesome . I wanna share with you: Special Effects, An Oral History. Contains hundreds of interviews with the very actors of this art in an very long period (100 years!). From the very ancient films to now. A heavy volume plenty of illustrations and methods for . You cannot let it pass. It’s available at Amazon here.

Special Effects

Mientras pienso en , especialmente el de Blade Runner, trabajo con toda la información de que puedo disponer, informes y libros de referencia. Todos los que puedo conseguir (¡y leer!). Ahora me encuentro enfrascado en la lectura de un tomo que quiero compartir con vosotros: Special Effects, An Oral History. Contiene cientos de entrevistas con los verdaderos actores de este arte durante un largo periodo de tiempo (¡100 años!). Desde las más antiguas películas hasta el día de hoy. Un pesado volumen lleno de ilustraciones y métodos para . No lo dejes pasar. Está disponible en Amazon, aquí.

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Still here!

Yeah! Some days very busy folks…. but I’m here. Still working with the in my mind. Of course!!!

Received many material those days. Some magazines, and so. Now, is time to kick ass and chew…. or no… not DukeNukem here! It’s time to revise all this items and put all together in a very first mockup to test and share.

But, you could contribute *ever* to this ! Don’t wait anything! Contact me! Tell me whatever you want! BUT CONTRIBUTE!!!! PLEASE!

¡Sigo aquí!

Sí, llevo unos días muy complicados amigos… pero sigo aquí. Trabajando con el en mente. ¡Por supuesto!

He recibido mucho material de referencia estos días. Algunas revistas, libros, etc. Ahora, es tiempo de revisar todo este material y ponerlo junto en una primerísima maqueta para comprobarla y compartirla.

Pero… ¡tu puedes contribuir *siempre* a este ! ¡No esperes más! ¡Ponte en contacto! ¡Dime lo que sea sobre lo que sea! ¡PERO COLABORA! ¡POR FAVOR!

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Published at Propsummit:

Ok my friends!!!

A decision has been taken. The will be edited by Blurb services. Thus, there are some side effects. Not bad at all:

1. No interest, pre- or list will be necessary from now. I’m glad to have you in the list, and wanna thank you your enthusiast, but, Blurb must be ordered directly from blurb.com. Thus, I cannot take orders personally.

2. The offer 2×1 to the very first 100 orders are not in effect. In fact, this offer only would be feasible if 100 orders (at least) were taking effect. It’s not the case. But…

3. The 96 page limit is overrided. Also the original size. Size will be, at least, 25×20 or 20×25, with a possibility to be bigger (but cost is an issue). Pages could be extended to 280 without change the original (around $75,00). Thus, the 2×1 offer is irrelevant… you will have almost THREE , and bigger ones, for the same …. :D

4. Topics will be limited to props till the limited 250-280 pages are filled. Then, this will be a “props only edition”.

5. An especial edition “no limits” will be done…. with more information about BR, bibliography, merchandising, , collections and so on. Perhaps extended to more topics, like sequels, videogames, soundtracks (especial attention to bootlegs), and so on… until full 400 pages limit. This especial edition will be not cheap, but… more complete.

6. TIME. I cannot plan, now, timings… Props are popping out here and there everyday… everyweek… I receive new props for my own private collection, I discover props from other collectors, and, you know, this is a non stop race… THUS…. I wanna ensure a good and abroad selection of props for this very first about this topic. BUT… I must cut the development time. Several months, perhaps 1 year, must be the limit, and no more. I will make my own calculations and decide this very important parameter. You may, meanwhile, make your comments about this.

7. Collection period. As in the previous point, FOR NOW THERE IS NO LIMIT, but… I will happy to have your contributions asap. And your signed permissions too… :D I don’t want to have troubles with a fan project… Yeah, I’ll add a little fee to each , of course! but my investment is so high to avoid more money off for a lack of forms. A simple document given non exclusive rights to publish your and articles, will be enough.

8. Brochures. Yes. Blurb.com have a nice feature, DEMO. It permits to watch some pages before decide. But… another possibility is to make a “brocheure edition” of, for example, 40 pages, very cheap, to “test” de form, quality and . I think could be useful to all of you, while the final volume are developed.

9. cost. Well, if you reside in US/Canada, the cost will be very cheap, and the rest, well, I will be the first paying some high costs of … but… it’s life… :D

10. copies (for any reason) cannot be available from me. I could buy some copies to re-distribute, but costs will be 10 times the real cost (for US/Canada destinations) and for the rest, double . I’ll study the way to give some especial copies, but is not easy. I prefer to give you more content for the same .

That’s all for this status update. Same will be published at Propsummit.com. This blog will be the daily journal and status control of the project from now to the end. An then, the support site.

Any questions, of course, will be answered here and there, no matter.

Joan

Artículo publicado en Propsummit:

¡Ok amigos míos!

He tomado una decisión. El será editado a través del servicio de Blurb. Así pues, se producen algunos efectos laterales, y no son malos precisamente:

1. A partir de ahora no será necesaria una lista de interesados o de pedidos previos. Estoy muy contento de tenerte en la lista, y agradezco mucho todo el entusiasmo vertido hasta ahora, pero, los libros Blurb tiene que ser pedidos directamente a blurb.com. Por tanto, no podré registrar los pedidos personalmente.

2. La oferta 2×1 para los primeros 100 pedidos ya no tiene sentido ni efecto. De hecho esta oferta sólo podía ser efectiva si realmente se producían 100 pedidos como mínimo. No es el caso, pero…

3. El límite de 96 páginas será pasado por alto. También el tamaño original. El tamaño real ahora será, como mínimo, de 25×20 o 20×25, con posibilidad de un formato aún mayor (aunque el coste es considerable). El número de páginas puede ser extendido hasta 280

3. The 96 page limit is overrided. Also the original size. Size will be, at least, 25×20 or 20×25, with a possibility to be bigger (but cost is an issue). Pages could be extended to 280 sin cambiar el precio original (alrededor de $75,00). Así pues la oferta 2×1 es irrelevante… obtendrás casi TRES libros, y más grandes, por el mismo precio…. :D

4. Las temáticas se limitarán a los props hasta que se llene el límite de 250-280 páginas. Por tanto, será una edición “sólo props”.

5. Se realizará una edición “sin límites”…. con más información sobre BR, bibliografía, merchandising, libros, colecciones, etc. Quizás se extienda a más temas, como secuelas, videojuegos, bandas sonoras (especial atención a los bootlegs), etc… hasta llenar las 400 páginas que hay como límite. Esta edición especial no será barata…. pero muy completa.

6. TIEMPO. No puedo planificar timings ahora… Los props aparecen por todas partes, cada día… cada semana… Recibo nuevos props para mi propia colección, descubro los de otros coleccionistas, y, como sabes, esta es una carrera sin final…. POR TANTO…. quiero asegurar una buena y amplia selección de props para este primerísimo sobre este tema. PERO…. debo cortar el tiempo de desarrollo. Meses, quizás un año debería ser el límite, y no más. Tengo que hacer mis propios cálculos y decidir este importante parámetro. Mientras tanto, puedes hacer todo tipo de comentarios sobre este punto.

7. Tiempo de recolección. Como en el punto anterior, POR AHORA NO HAY FECHA LIMITE, pero… estaría contento de tener todas las contribuciones cuanto antes posible. Y los permisos firmados también… :D No quiero tener problemas con un proyecto de aficionado… Si, evidentemente cargaré una pequeña comisión por , ¡por supuesto! Pero mi inversión ya ha sido lo bastante alta como para evitar malgastar dinero por faltar a las formas. Un simple documento dando permiso sin exclusividad para publicar tus fotos y artículos, será suficiente.

8. Muestras. Si. Blurb.com tiene una opción interesante, DEMO. Permite ver algunas páginas del antes de decidirse. Pero… otro posibilidad es crear una “edición demostrativa”, por ejemplo de unas 40 páginas, barata, para “comprobar” el formato, la calidad, las imágenes. Creo que sería útil para todos, mientras el volumen final se va desarrollando.

9. Coste de envío. Bien, si resides en USA o Canadá el coste de envío será muy barato. Para el resto, bueno, yo seré el primero en pagar un poco más por recibir los libros… pero eso es así…. :D

10. Copias gratuítas. Las copias gratis, por la razón que fuera, no estarán disponibles por mi parte. Podría comprar varias copias para redistribuirlas, pero los costes de envío se multiplicarían por 10 desde el origen en USA hasta redistribuirlas. Estudiaré la forma de obsequiar con algunas copias gratis, pero no es fácil. Prefiero ofrecer más contenido sin elevar el precio del .

Esto es todo para esta actualización de estado de la cuestión. El mismo texto ha sido publicado en Propsummit.com.

Para cualquier duda, puedes usar este blog, o cualquiera de los foros en los que me encuentro.

Joan

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Hi folks! Finally, 20 days after my order…. arrived!
I’d only opened two of them (three ordered) and looks terrific at first! issues in one of them (perhaps author bad font choice, don’t know), the second one, perrrrrfect and image quality…

I will check all the details about , colour, , paper and so on to write a complete comment, and then…. decide what to do! Chances are about 95% and up…. More on, has updated their software just this month…. Nice additions, bugs removed… Well, seems like the machinery is ready to go.

This week will be a great one to make things happen! AT LAST!

Contributos are welcomed, as ever…. but, hurry up boys! They are ONLY 400 pages limit to fill!!!! Razz

More to come!

Bindings:

Softcover. The finish is perfect. Nice illustration in covers, brilliant colors. Not so easy to open the , but cost and auqlity are very balanced. : “Made in Tokyo”

Hardcover. Well, the I bought has more than 200 pages. A good choice for this such a . Not so brilliant finish (in this particular ) as softcover one, but it looks strong and well done. : “Gaijin Diary”.

Hardcover with dust jacket. Well… very thin , thus, I believe this is not the best finish for them. Anyway, cover is brilliant. : “Moments” by James Knight-Smith.

. is the main issue of these . If font type is not chosen well, results are poor. Too aliased. Perhaps the author of choose this finish, I don’t know. The “Moments” and “Made in Tokyo” has a nice lloking type anyway. Little fonts are not so suitable, I guess. Medium to big ones are Ok.

Decissions….. I think are a must for this particular project. Good quality (not the top one I desire, but…) and fast delivering (not internationally, must use the fastest option, Economy rest for 15-20 days). I think IS the option.

Will post some pics later.

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007 – Alternate production method

Well, long time since last post… I’m working hard to collect data, to find props to add (to my collection and, of course, to the included in the book), and so on…

Meanwhile, the 98 pages limit is annoying me more and more… (also the cost).

Pre-orders are not gorwing for now, and this is a very critical point to take in mind.

So…. I find an alternate way to put things to work. http://www.blurb.com offers a very interesting publishing form. From very tiny to large ones, from few pages to huge 400 page volums! The best part, from ONE book to… no limit…

Yeah. Cost per book is no to cheap as printing them. But printing them is not possible if the run is not large (500, 1,000 at minium). So… I will try services with a personal book (topic not related to this one). I need to see quality of printing, , etc. Template pages are NOT flexible as other image around, but…. turnarounds are possible.

Well, in case this could be a real choice, cost will be adjusted. And… could be bigger in size and number of pages… Contents will have almost no limit…

A test book is a must!!!!

Smiley

Ok. I’ve ordered three sample of several types, and sizes. All of them with and , of course. Thus, I will be able to check the quality of printing, paper, etc. before decide if this service IS the choice.

are flying…… (I hope!). Several days more…. and I would be able to decide…. to explain how these are done, printed, packaged….

I’m dying to see them!

Just for your , the three ordered are about diverse . One, called Moments, about nice and peacefull landscapes. The other two, about Japan in any manner. One from arquitectural point of view (Tokyo buildings) and the last one about Gaijing visions in a 16 days travel.

Fan Book is waiting… I must adjunt many things to change porject to format, but I think will be the best choice!

Stay tuned….

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Hi to all!

This is the Starting Point for an (IMHO) exciting project. A Fan about Blade Runner.
Main subject: props. The real ones () and the fan mades.
In this project you could say your interests, subjects you would see in, what you could offer (, documents, real props, etc.), and so on.

The dimensiones and weight are a very important issue. It determines costs.
is an issue too. I live in Spain, thus, ALL (about 95%?) will be shipped internationally. Then, cost is an issue…

Choosing right size, number of pages and paper will be an important task.

Color, B/N? Well, main secton of the will be devoted to production shots of the 32 cars. All these pics are B/N. But… perhaps others sections of the will be more feasibles to be at full color… Costs. Ever costs here! I need to have quotes from my printer to knoe if color will be an option or not.

. Also to choose… from paperback (the 1st option, I think) to wired, thru hardcover and so.

Run. I cannot do more than 200 or so (it depends on costs, but, I htink this is the number I will afford, for now). ANY ONE interested MUST SIGN UP in this forum NOW. No money to send. Simply, SIGN UP, as interested. Indicate if you will want 1, 2, 3 … whatever. I need a minimum to make it real. The exact minimum number is not clear now.

But… what will be included in the content? the mission of this ? Well, I wanna include all about detection of props in the movie (and from the Final Cut release, this is easier than ever). Also, I wanna include info about real props available here and there, and collectors that owns this kind of pieces. Prop makers. People who knows how to make a cast, a paper prop, etc. I think this is a very good info about this hobby called Blade Runner. Also, another subject will be how to identify props in the movie…. and find them in the real world. It’s not easy to find a Braun Multipress or Czar Smirnoff bottle… por example.

And other subjects you could suggest in this forum.

From all these, I will compose an ideal layout with and , calculate an aproximate number of pages, and all of them will pass thru printer consdiderations to give me a cost for volume.

More to come….

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