Purchasing Book One

Here is a link to follow if you'd like to purchase copies of

Book One, an Introduction to The Gnomes of New Hope

Architectural Lighting

I recently acquired the lighting equipment that was used to light the Bryn Athyn Cathedral for the June 19th celebration.

The Cathedral decided to install a permanent lighting system, because numerous occasions for lighting the Cathedral had begun to arrise and they wanted to eliminate the effort necessary to set up the equipment that had been in use and have control from a main switch.

So I bought the old equipment after the new system had been installed.

I am currently sorting and categorizing the equipment. I've separated it into Lots. Some of the equipment can be used in the studio for the sound stage, which I am in the process of designing and building.

Before I reconfigure the cables for use on my stage, I am going to offer the Lots for sale to other facilities which may like to illuminate their buildings for special occasions. I considered making the equipment available as a rental and doing the installations as a service, but that would take away from the work required for The Gnomes, so I'd rather sell the equipment, or trade it for the theatrical equipment I need for the sound stage.

I will post the photos when I can. If you think you might have a use for this equipment, contact me directly and I can send you some documentation as a PDF via email. AG

image.of.the.mind.studios@gmail.com

Thoughts on "The Gnomes of New Hope; Zach & Zebby's Grand Adventure"

As I have proclaimed numerous times, Zach and Zebby's Grand Adventure is one of The Gnomic Tales that is part of The Gnomes of New Hope collection of Storybooks. The Gnomes of New Hope began life as a simple puppet show, a result of my working for The New Hope Arts Commission, serving as the Technical Director for The New Hope Performing Arts Festival. I performed this role for nine years, and during that time, I became frustrated designing, building and operating shows for a wide variety of people, some of which did not appreciate my efforts and others who did not understand what could, or not, be done, and still others who were demanding premadonnas. The whole gamut of circumstances were present, but what it added up to, was a desire to spend my energy setting up a show the way I thought it should be. A show that was simple and straight forward. A show that was innocent and good. A show that was for everyone. A show that was fantastical. A show that wasn't hard to understand, or too challenging, or religious, or political, or perverted, or hostile, or ugly in any way. A show that had potential to expand. A show that could become a film. A puppet show? A live action show? A stop-action film? An animated film? A show that had become a Project!

What started out simple has become complicated. Rats! What started out as a simple puppet show became a full blown musical theatre show and in order to build an audience for that show, it  became a series of Illustrated Storybooks. Which is where we stand. Almost ready to release the first of seven Storybooks to the public.

But that's not all, or even enough. In order to produce this show, a work space needed to be acquired, equipped, and set up to accommodate the personnel required. That is in the process of being refined. Image of the Mind Studios is in a 10k sq ft warehouse space with 40 years worth of effort to set up a functional studio. But again, that's not all, or enough!

The business management to effectuate this endeavor must be in place, along with sufficient funding to carry it through. This too is underway. I will not discuss that here or now. Those discussions are now reserved for the IMS Producing Partners blog.

So whatever needs to be done, will be done. How long will it take is another question. But as Gerald Schoenfeld said to me once, "you have to have your ducks in a row". And that's what we're doing.

Mostly the work that needed to be done to set this up, needed to be done by me. But that time is coming to an end. It's time to take it out of my hands and put it into a system of production that employs a wide array of other talents. To do that depends on production management and finance. That's where we stand in terms of the theatrical endeavor, but also in terms of distributing the published goods.

I will leave those discussions for another time and place.

That's all for now. AG

Recent post on IMS Producing Partners

Here is a discussion on Finance and Licensing as it pertains to the Ancillary Markets.

The Alpha & Omega Society

Here is a link to explore.

A Retreat Community

Vehicles

   Now that the Creative Content of The Gnomes of New Hope is locked into the publishing layout, other business can be attended to. Some of that business is getting the trucks back up and running.

1961 Corvair Rampside

   For over twenty years I operated my Corvair Forward Control, 95 Rampside as my primary work truck. I worked that truck like a dog and it served me very well indeed. I put nine engines and five trans-axles in it to keep it running over the years. Part of that was a result of experience, knowing that; after a certain time of operation, the best approach is to pull the power train and swap it out for another prepared one, leaving the old power train ready for bench inspection and repair. With an old truck like that (1961) it's best not to let the parts break in operation. That only results in more damage and expense, not to mention getting stranded.

   So, I am now preparing another engine for the Corvair truck. I built an engine years ago, thinking that one would be a long term engine, only to be faced with having been supplied with faulty rings by Clark's. I spent five grand building that engine and it only lasted a few months before the compression ring in piston number one broke and blew out the piston and wrecked the head. I'm rather uncertain about the demise of that engine, because one thing I did do was to modify the combustion chamber of the heads. I used a 102hp set of heads and altered the volume of the chamber by eliminating a block of aluminum that was positioned directly across from the spark plugs. I made the presumption that that block, being where it was, added to the head temperature, so I removed it. I did calculate the volume, using fluid and calibrated beakers, as best I could. But I'm still trepiditious about the results in terms of performance, because the rings failed before I could make a determination.

So now I'm using that block with a new set of stock pistons and stock 110 heads.

   It's funny, but after that engine crapped, an engine I spent five grand building, I put a junkyard engine from a car in and ran it for years with no trouble, until the rings finally gave out. Go figure.

   I'm looking forward to having that truck up and running again.

1962 International
            Loadstar CO 1600

   So years ago, I bought a Medium duty truck. I found the CO1600 and was smitten. I had been looking for another truck, one that was slightly heavier duty than the Corvair. I was looking at buying a Jeep Cab Over, a truck I always liked, since I was a kid. I think that is because I had a toy version of that truck. The Jeep I was looking to buy was rough. The guy was going to sell me two trucks, so I could make one. I was on the fence when I found the International Loadstar. It was a cab over and it looked like a grown-up version of the Corvair truck. It was a lot bigger than the Jeep. I guess the deciding factor was the propensity of the Jeep to flip forward because of the weight in the nose end. But also the Jeep shop was on the verge  of closing, which had some effect on the decision. So went with the Loadstar. It was a hulk that I had to rebuild, basically from the ground up. I rebuilt the cab doors and floor, put in a new engine, new tires, a rebuilt dumping stake bed, rebuilt braking system and numerous other things, including installing  a 14' 4k lb crane arm. The odometer in the truck includes a 100k digit and the odometer on this truck was under 50k original miles. So for a 70 year old truck it's practically new.

  Well, ironically, the Loadstar lasted about six months on the road before I blew the transmission. That was my own fault. I did not have a good understanding of how to operate the power take off or the creeper gear. First gear is a creeper and is not synchronized. The shifter in the Loadstar is a four speed on the column. The adjustments on the shifter and the hydraulic clutch are critical. I found that out the hard way. I wrecked first/reverse because the adjustments we're not right. I thought a little gear grinding wouldn't matter. I was wrong. Any gear grinding is not acceptable. It will result in damage. It took me six years to find another transmission. I think the reason for that is that; when the price of steel went up all the old trucks got scrapped, so these Cab Over Loadstars are increasingly rare, at least in the scrap yards.

  So now I have another transmission for the truck and I'm preparing it for installation.

  I have to say, I'm looking for another one, set up as a tractor to pull my semi trailers. I figure that a 35' trailer will be just about right for loading "The Gnomes of New Hope; Zach and Zebby's Grand Adventure" into as a rental. So that's the direction I'm headed in.

Parade Float
   The other vehicle that is being worked on is a parade float. I have come to the conclusion that I am going to build the chassis of the parade float using a Corvair truck as the donor vehicle. The suspension and power-train are perfect for what I need to do. The real advantage here is that the power-train and rear suspension are a self-contained unit. That means the length of the chassis can be whatever distance is needed, since all the engine controls are via cables, particularly when using the automatic transmission.

  I'll discuss this project further elsewhere as it proceeds.

That's all for now. AG

Business Plan

Although there have not been too many posts on this blog lately, that doesn't mean things have not been busy. In fact, that indicates just how busy things have been.

Publishing:
The larger part of work has been on finalizing the publishing of the Storybooks of The Gnomes of New Hope. The initial focus was to plan to meet demand for a wide distribution of the books, so the publishing was being set up for that scenario. There have been a few delays in that plan, but the basic requirements for that level of distribution are in place. But now I have decided to pull back from that and focus on setting up in-house on demand publishing. The main issue there is inventory and the outlay required, across the board, for deep saturation. The outlay is just too high, the return is too delayed, and the balance of the books still need illustrations in order for the entire collection of books to be "immediately" available. Without the full collection available for distribution, as a collection, then I think deep saturation, or any attempt to achieve that, would be a foolish move. To do so may impair the market by inserting an incomplete product and risking alienating the audience. So on demand publishing, directed at a targeted audience, industry professionals and select individuals such as investors, is the best possible scenario, until such time as the entire collection is closer to being released (as a boxed set). As it stands now; three of the seven books are assembled and fully Illustrated, with only book one completely ready for press.

That being the case, Book One is being published and released on demand, as it is being used to prime the publishing systems; manufacturing, distribution, investment and pre-production for theatre and cinema.

The Business Plan
The blog for discussions on this subject is IMS Producing Partners, but essentially the Business Plan that is moving forward is as such - there are four organizations involved; The Elder Gnomes Joint Venture (the funding operation), IMS Management Incorporated (logistical management), The Gnomes of New Hope Productions (the producing organization) and Image of the Mind Studios (design and development). The implementation of these organizations is contingent upon no other organization stepping in to buy The Gnomes of New Hope franchise. So for further discussion on these subjects keep an eye out on the other blogs and pages on Facebook, most particularly IMS Producing Partners. If you are an industry professional or investor, the entire package of materials, including investment documents, will be available in an electronic package, presented in "Gnomes in a Gnutshell". Make a request via email for discussion on the subject.

AG

Recent posts on Facebook

Here's a link to the Facebook page.

IMS Publishing

Here is a link to the IMS Publishing page.

This page is within the Gnomes of New Hope blog.

The IMS Publishing page is the only page (in these blogs) that is set up so that discussions can occur, mostly for the purpose of answering directly relative questions on the subjects posted.

I rather prefer private email to; image.of.the.mind.studios@gmail.com

AG

A Christmas Song

I thought I'd write a Christmas Song. Here are the lyrics:

"A Christmas Song"

Christmas is a time,
   When people come together.

Christmas is a time,
   Of changes, like the weather.

Christmas is a time,
   We work on our behavior.

Cause Christmas is a time,
    We sing praises to our Savior.

It's a special time indeed,
   For all people who are in need.

People we know,
   And people we don't.

People we see,
   And people we won't.

The ones who laugh,
   And the ones who cry.

The ones who live,
   And the ones who die.

At Christmas we bring,
   New life to our world.

We see joy,
   In every boy & every girl.

Special days and special ways,
   We look past our struggles
      to find.

We walk the path together,
  And so, we are no longer blind.

We reach out to each other,
   With happiness & joy we greet.

Wishing well with peace,
   To all we meet.

Yes we reach out at Christmas,
   We reach out to each other.

Trying to Love, each of us,
   As a sister and a brother.

For Christmas is a time,
   When people come together.

Yes Christmas is a time,
   To renew our life,
     A life of Love for our Savior.

AG

If anyone wants to write a melody line, let me know. I may do it in the future, but maybe not.

Parade Float and other production thoughts

Here's a link to thoughts posted on Facebook...

... and further thoughts on the subject.

I was originally thinking, primarily, in terms of the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, but now I realize that the Macy's Parade is also a major factor. So since the objective is to take "The Gnomes of New Hope; Zach and Zebby's Grand Adventure" to Broadway, then the New York Parade needs to be one step down from a Broadway Premeire, meaning the Philadelphia parade would be one step up from the local parades, but one step down from New York.

I'm thinking that the basic presentation format will remain essentially the same for all levels, only the technology will improve as we move up the ladder.

I'm looking at basically three levels, almost parallel to a community model; local, county, state.

There are local parades in the surrounding communities, surrounding Regional Theatres. Possibly LORT D, but that would probably be a Second Class troupe, if it was a Road Show, as opposed to a Licensed show. In terms of a Licensed Show, my plan is to assemble the show into one semi-trailer and then rent that out, leaving casting etc to the producer. But those rentals will only take place in second or third-run (ie; Regional & Community). By that time the show will have it's audience by virtue of the published & merchandizing goods and the first & second class runs and the parade float may or may not be effective. By then I think parade activity will be fun (and advantageous) but not critical to building the audience.

I think the first stage of parade operations, addressing the local level will need to expand rapidly if it is followed (almost simultaneously) by the Premeire at The Bucks County Playhouse. No arrangements to use the playhouse have been made, using that space for the World Premeire is purely speculative. But the stage design is being altered fro 3D to 2D to accommodate the size of that stage. That's not to say there are not any 3D stage props, but the primary settings are being converted to flats and drops. Transporting large stage props is prohibitive at this stage of operations and I don't want 3D props to be part of the rental package, we can leave that up to the production company renting the materials. I'm not sure yet about costumes. They could be part of the package, maybe an option, although I want the show that goes out to be consistent, so costumes will probably be included.

But I diverge from the subject of parade activities.

Look for discussions on the Rental Packages. For now I'm setting up the trucking scenario, so Rental Packages are quite a ways off. I can only say that the set construction for the parade activity will cross over to preparations for the World Premiere and those materials, being non-union will be used in-house for cinema and ultimately converted over for use in the rental package, since those sets need to be reconstructed by union personal for Broadway.

That's all for now. I'm still engaged in publishing. The first book in the series is about to be released. AG

MOTU Mach Five

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/motu-machfive-3?amp

Here is a lengthy (older) review of the program I am getting ready to install for our work on the recording of the Gnomes of New Hope music. Until this time we had been using Reason, but I'm looking to switch to Mach Five. It's all very complicated, but I hope to be able to set up a dedicated work station.

I recently attempted to access Digital Performer on the Publisher thing workstation and realized rather quickly that the publishing requirements, for which the workstation has been set up to fullfill, are quite different than those for the music production. Changing the settings around leads to confusion and added difficulties, so separate work stations for audio, film,  publishing, and management is clearly the best approach.

I thought I'd post this review of Mach Five for the benefit of the audio technicians who are watching the blog for clarity about how things are proceeding and the tools we are using at the studio. I know we have had discussions about Pro Tools, but I made the decision to go with MOTU products, even though we do have Avid, Logic, and some others programs, like Reason, which are available to us. The learning curve is steep on all these programs, but the music for The Gnomes has been done using Digital Performer, and now I'm looking to switch the sampler to Mach Five. Part of the reason for sticking with DP is the potential application to animatronics. I've got enough of a grip on DP to use it for that purpose in addition to the music composition.

That's all for now. AG

Parade Float

I'm very interested in moving forward to configure the chassis for the parade float. I have a 1985 Dodge Ram 4WD pick-up truck, which I intend to strip down to the chassis. My thinking is to set the chassis up to operate via RC. For years I have been thinking about the design of a portable stage, for numerous purposes, but now I see those designs being applicable to the parade float. Although the primary intent is for The Gnomes of New Hope, the mobile stage can also serve other parade float customers on a rental basis. So that is the direction I'm planning on in that regard.

I have difficulty posting photos, when using my smartphone to make posts, but if I can, I'll post some photos as the work progresses.

Some music from "The Gnomes of New Hope; Zach and Zebby's Grand Adventure"

I found this post that I made on Facebook last year. It's worth checking out. We're getting closer to recording more vocal music. I expect to be doing "The Stone of Wisdom" soon. It's first on the list, after Book One is in distribution.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10210723867273526&id=1254627788

IMS Studio, work in general

Recent events have led me to work on refining the work environment at (what I call) Studio 1325.

With the impending approach of winter there is much preparation to the building and grounds.

I'm in the process of becoming the owner of the property, meaning my expenses will increase substantially.

That means that "The Gnomes of New Hope" needs to produce commensurate capital influx to support both the work environment and the expenditures required for general operations and the specifics of producing the assortment of end products we intend to create, a number of which are already "in-process".

One pending event is the relocation of my 1944 Star Trailerized Home. I acquired that years ago, thinking I might use it for location film work. I lived in it for nearly four years, before circumstances turned me into a condo dweller. During that time, I also began building my 1962 International CO1600 as a mobile workshop and to pull the trailer, while bringing the workshop to the location as well.

In fact, I had (and may still have) the opportunity to purchase up to four small RVs which were used as classrooms. I imagined renovating and equipping them into work vehicles (ie: camera truck, costume, props, production ofc) as rental units for location film work. But practically speaking, trailers are more efficient in terms of registrations and insurance.

In regard to the Star, I have intentions of doing a "ground up restoration". So I am preparing a space in the back lot for it, since I can no longer keep it where it is, and I need it in close proximity in order to work on it.

These preparations have led me to work on the CO1600. The truck needs a transmission (a Borg Warner T98-1P) which I have been trying to locate for years to no avail. So my approach it repairing the CO1600 will be to upgrade the engine to a 392 and use the T-34 that I do have. There will be a lot of work and adapting required, but the improvements will be well worth it. However, if I can find another T-98 1-P transmission that will make life easier for the time being.

So, working on the truck has led me to getting the snow plow painted and rigged up for it.

Last year I bought a 1985 Dodge Ram pick-up with a plow. The truck had been butched for parts and plow was too big for it, but it is exactly the right size for the CO1600. It'll be great, once I get it all working. I'll be looking to partner with someone who may want to use the plow truck during the winter months to develop a plowing business.

The '85 Dodge Ram is going to be stripped. If anyone needs body parts let me know, before I sell it for scrap. The chassis and power train are not for sale. I'm turning the chassis into the parade float/mobile stage. I'm going to see if I can rig the steering, braking and accelerator for RC (remote control). That only makes sense, if we use RC to control the animatronic puppets on the parade float. The parade float/mobile stage will be a rental unit.

So that's the direction things are taking, but for now the major efforts remain in publishing the Illustrated Storybooks.

The absolutely final revision of book one is "inches away" from being ready for press and subsequently distribution into the (international) marketplace. Here's hoping for the best.

That's all for now.

AG

RCK

A new approach to the ownership of the shop is being crafted, keeping it in the family. It is not clear yet how that will pan out, but thanks to the new economic environment, business is up. More later.

As it stands from my point of view, and my vote in that regard, I would like to see a greater focus on robotics. I am intending to move into animatronics with the puppet studio, so that may play a role. In any event, RCK is a manufacturing/CNC/fabricating shop on-site. Heavy fabrication (welding, large objects) is jobbed out, while the lighter work is done in-house. RCK has historically been a Swiss house working in 10ths. I think the very close tolerance work (2-10ths) burnishing and such, is less desirable but still possible.

So, anyone interested in robotics, with money to spend, get in touch with me.

AG

RC Kletzing Inc. (circa 1959)

Selling the Machine Shop

Above is a photo taken around 1959.

After over 60 years in operation, we no longer have any family members who are capable of running this business. So we are offering the family business for sale. (circumstances have changed somewhat, so urgent action is no longer needed, but we are open to possibilities)

Established in 1952 and still intact and operating, the decision to sell the business has been made, since there is no one in the family who wants to continue to manage the business, now that my father has moved to the Spiritual World.

Please pass this around. It must be sold as an ongoing business by the end of the year or it will go to auction.

Look for more photos to be posted, or I can send them via email.

Contact me by email;
Arthur Greisiger
image.of.the.mind.studios@gmail.com

Or call the shop directly at (215)357-1788 and ask for John Greisiger

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6447548403890032640

IMS Management

Here is a link. I'm going to start addressing the Management Structure that I am working to implement. There is a business plan that addresses these subject in more detail and establishes some of the contract parameters for finance and management. I expect that as I find the time, I will transfer that information to IMS Producing Partners. Once again, I point out that blog is a member's only site, as it is designed to address issues that are if concern to our vested partners. All of this is developing and much of it takes place outside of the internet environment. Clearly, those vested partners who are serious have made the effort to communicate directly with me and have visited the studio. Some have contributed resources solely on my word, and for that I am thankful. To those of you who have been watching the progress and who have contributed, I want to assure you that we will not give up until we have made a decent profit and have paid you back for your contribution. Once again, you are welcome to visit the studio and see first hand how things are proceeding. I do hope to manage IMS Producing Partners, so that I can post a tour of the shop, but that needs to remain private , for obvious reasons.

So expect more discussions about management to be posted on the IMS Management blog.

The Elder Gnomes Joint Venture

The Gnomes of New Hope; Zach and Zebby's Grand Adventure

   Although there are numerous subjects surrounding the Studio activities, which I could post here, I tend to be focused mostly on production activities for The Gnomes and thus, posting more frequently on that blog.

    One thing, however, if interest is the sculpting work that needs to be done. Elsa Acton sculpted our Constable Warren, but she has gone on to live in The Spiritual World. So now I need to set up and begin sculpting Ferny. I'm very fixed on having a Garden Gnome sculpture of Ferny reading and using that as a Point-of-Purchase Display item. I'll discuss all this more later, but for now, I'll try to post those images.

    I've found that the size and format of images needs to be specifically prepared for posting via a smartphone, so I may not have them right now, but I will begin to post more images after I set-up a file specifically designed to work with the phone.

AG