Mark Beer busy on “Oak Swamp”

By John Freeman on September 30, 2010

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!

An early protagonist design for Votary Films upcoming Oakswamp film by Mark Beer

About the Author
Latest Posts

John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.