Second Episodes and Articles

Whew! I think Christmas this year is taking up all my mental powers. Trying to figure out what friends and family might need or use when you're wanting to make everything yourself is tough!

However, despite the slowness of thought, the second episode of Animus Cross went live on the 5th as promised. Those that have seen it seem to be enjoying it. If you still haven't viewed it, please be sure do let me know what you think when you do.

Our second write-up on the show can now be read in the Ceour D' Alene Magazine. Unfortunately, they don't make their articles available online, but the magazine is worth picking up. It is really well done.

Dad and I are still working on website stuff. We've got some really fun ideas as I mentioned earlier and I've been learning a great deal more about Photoshop. I must say, I have a soft spot in my heart for Adobe products! :P

Once again, please have a look at the new episode of Animus Cross. Have fun and a Merry Christmas to you!

-A.L. Steen

Now on Myspace

Animus Cross can now be found on Myspace and Youtube! Come join us as we await the exciting second episode coming in December.

We are also working on more website updates. We've got some fun new ideas and a more user friendly interface on the burner.

While Jerry was home from "In the Pines," an action packed movie co-starring our very own Leslie Garbett, we had the chance to do some Animus brainstorming. Having a stunt coordinator for a husband is so handy for writing action! Some crazy action is in the works for future episodes. I can't wait to shoot more!

Until next time,
A.L. Steen

Worlds' First?

photo by Joe Aimonetti

'... appears to be the web series worlds’ first historical thriller.'

Yeah, I can live with that.

Earlier this week I was contacted by Brady Brim-DeForest, co-founder of Tubefilter News about doing an article on Animus Cross. Naturally, I almost had a heart attack, then I replied with a very calm and collected, "of course I'd love to answer questions about the show!" The resulting article, written by Lindsay Stidham is fantastic! Very nicely composed and researched.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Brim-DeForest and Ms. Stidham!

On a second note, be on the lookput for another article about Animus in the CdA (Coeur D' Alene) Magazine Winter\Spring 2009 issue, set to be available mid-November! Dave Kilmer, a wonderful guy to sit down with, interviewed us in August and tells me that copies of the CdA Magazine are available at Hastings, Borders, or the front desk of The Coeur d'Alene Press.

We've been getting visitors to the site from countries all over the world. The word is spreading folks and its all thanks to you (and some pretty picture making on our part! haha)!

Here's wishing you a wonderful weekend. I'll do my best to keep the updates coming.

-A.L. Steen

Returning the favor.

I was going to wait until next week to post more ramblings, but this is just too great.

Ron Kosakowski of Traditional Filipino Weapons, the company that I purchased our lead character Sheriff Sarcous' wicked axe from, has been kind enough to give us a plug on his homepage, so I thought I'd return the favor.

Please check out the great site for "Beautiful handmade swords and knives from the Philippines." I'm keeping my eye on that new sword cane for future Animus Cross episodes!

-A.L. Steen
writer\director\producer

Every time you stop...

We get closer and closer to a dream come true.

Animus Cross, our new web series set in a dark 1867 Inland Northwest, is the result of three years in development. Those years seemed very long with the 'should we's' and 'shouldn't we's' bouncing back and forth between myself (A.L. Steen) and myself. Oh yeah, and the whole not having a lot of money thing...

It all started coming together very quickly after the filming of The Outbreak. Chris and Lynn Lund put together a great cast and I used their show as a screen test. Harold Philips, Trish Egan and Kathryne Bukowski fit the characters I'd written like gloves. Add stunt coordinator extraordinaire\lead actor Jerry Buxbaum and an amazingly talented actor from Nashville, Jeff Hime and we had ourselves a boat load of talent!

I'm not sure what I would have done if our Director of Photography, Jason Satterlund had turned me down. He is just one of the many people who became a guiding force behind Animus Cross. His talent is inspiring and he really does make pretty pictures. It wouldn't have happened at all if not for Dave and Cindy Steen (mom & dad). They never hesitated and their intense support is unfailing. Not to mention they worked their butts off on camera, grip, wardrobe, locations, editing, website, financing, lifting, carrying, smiling and sooo much more that I could take an entire blog post to list.

And then there's Jerry. The love of my life and the one who keeps me forever moving forward toward my dreams.

Thank you to all who participated in Animus Cross. We wouldn't have done it without you. I hope everyone enjoys the first part of, "Hell Runs This Way." There's two more after this and hopefully a full "season" to come!

With joy and hope,

A.L. Steen - writer\director\producer

p.s. to check out the who did what, see our blog on our Myspace page!