Spotlight: Spirits of the Western Wild, Audio adaptation of screenplay out now in Audiobook Format
Hello again, dear readers! In today’s Spotlight article I want to let you all know that Spirits of the Western Wild, Audio adaptation of screenplay, is available now as an audiobook on Audible and other platforms. This Western story is written by David Schaub and Roger Vizard. The audiobook version is almost 3 hours in duration, it is performed by a full cast, and the production features music and great sound effects.
We can learn more about Spirits of the Western Wild from the Publisher’s Summary below.
Publisher’s Summary
Dramatization of animated screenplay follows a young adventure-seeker and a curmudgeonly ghost bound together in a combative partnership that escalates to the comedic breaking point. Only by reconciling their differences are they able to defeat destructive forces working against them, and uncover the profound connections that weave their fates together.
Synopsis (extended):
This mystical saga follows a young adventure-seeker named Luther McCleron on a westward journey to learn more about his grandfather. A series of fateful missteps take Luther far from his destination to a disheveled little town under the tyranny of a crooked sheriff named Big Willie.
It’s here that Luther comes face-to-face with the legendary ghost of Monty: A curmudgeonly ghost who refuses to believe he’s dead. Luther just wants to get back to his quest, but Monty thwarts his plans by using Luther to take out his vengeance on Big Willie.
Through a catastrophic string of events, Luther and Monty find themselves hopelessly entangled in a combative partnership that escalates to the breaking point. A mysterious book of premonitions, an ominous crow, and ancient Indian drive the mystical tone of this world; conjuring spiritual forces to help steer Luther on his journey through this western “twilight zone.”
All the loose ends resolve in a satisfying story of redemption, loyalty, and ascension while exploring the mysterious nature of fate and destiny. Was all of this a coincidence? Or are we guided by ancient “spirits on the wind” that nudge and steer us along our path to assure that we arrive at our intended destination in the end?
Both authors have really impressive works to their names, I added bios below, and their story is immersive and feels alive. I already listened to most of Spirits of the Western Wild and will post a review next week, but until then, just let me say that I loved it from the first minute…
David Schaub is a writer and Academy Award ® nominated Animation Supervisor working in the film industry for more than 25 years. Also developed STORY COMPASS® smartphone app for screenwriters (www.moviemethods.com) in 2017.
Received Oscar nomination for animation in Tim Burton’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Disney), along with nominations for BAFTA Award, Saturn Award and Critic’s Choice Award, and won the Golden Satellite Award for Best Visual Effects for his team’s work on the film.
HEAD ANIMATION on Sony Picture’s SURFS UP – recognized with two Annie Awards among its ten nominations including Academy Award nomination and four Visual Effects Society (VES) award nominations.
ANIMATION DIRECTOR on AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2 (2014), CHRONICLES OF NARNIA (Disney), I AM LEGEND (Warner Bros.) and LEAD ANIMATOR on STUART LITTLE 1 & 2, EVOLUTION, CAST AWAY, GODZILLA, PATCH ADAMS and more:
ANIMATION DIRECTOR – Universal’s award-winning JURASSIC WORLD EXPEDITION (2019) VR EXPERIENCE. Exploring cinematic potential of virtual reality.
Roger Vizard says the following about himself: I grew up as a self-taught artist with no formal training, but with my extensive portfolio was accepted into the animation program at Sheridan College in1987. After just a year at school, I was hired by Sullivan Bluth Studios in Ireland as an in-between artist. Hungry for more training, I returned to Sheridan College for a second year, only to be hired again at Richard Williams studio in London as an apprentice on “WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT” and Williams’ assistant animator on “THIEF AND THE COBBLER.” It was a tremendous learning experience, and I was ultimately promoted to a full-fledged animator at the studio.
After several years working in Europe at studios like Gerhard Hahn in Germany and A-films in Denmark, I moved to Los Angeles in 1993 to work as a story board artist on the first season of Sonic the Hedgehog, and rolled back into animation again after that.
I successfully made the transition to from 2D to CGI on “STUART LITTLE 2” in 2001, and since that time have worked non-stop at animation/VFX studios in Los Angeles.
Victor Dima
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Thanks for the great Spotlight post, Victor!
It has been a long production cycle, and honestly more work than we ever considered with actors, music, etc…! But we’re really glad that it is finally out there, and anxious to read your review!