Welcome to Cool Town!

Constantine Claymation - John Con Noir - Our Latest Masterpiece!

2015-01-25T10:02:00.001-08:00

John Con Noir is a Constantine claymation for the television show Constantine starring Matt Ryan. Its character, John Constantine, is from DC Comics' Hellblazer. The sets, puppets and props were designed, fabricated and built by our very own Carol Rasaphangthong and Jennifer Kim - who were also the animators on John Con Noir. The graffiti art in the alley set was done by artist, Amy Tanaka, who occassionally, like several other artists and creatives, lend their special skills and talents to Cool Town projects.

Constantine John Con Noir EP.1 "Trash" was featured on DC Comics' website and DC Entertainment's official YouTube channel. It has been mentioned on several blogs and websites such as ChannelSuperhero.com and others alike. It is a property of Warner Bros. and currently lives on DC Comics' website and can also be found on our social outlets and channels as well as NBC's official site.

Find behind-the-scenes content on our official site!

We're Moving!

2014-12-08T18:29:00.002-08:00

For the latest updates and most current events please visit us here: http://www.cooltowncreations.com Trust us, you don't want to miss what we have in store - come by and see for yourself! See you there!

Have a Happier New Year!

2013-12-30T21:29:00.000-08:00

Happy October!

2013-10-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Made some uber-cool characters for Halloween! They'll be making cameos throughout our future projects!

Meet Bertha. She's not afraid of anything or anyone, and she passes out candy canes for Halloween. Not sure if that Clown hiding behind her trailer knows what he's in for...

Meet, The Mummy-Ninja. He's just rad. 'nuff said. And below, Strange Town's Killer Clown is on the loose and after PeeWee...EEEEEKKKKS!

Look, It's PEE-WEE!

2013-04-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

What do you think, should we animate this?

Testing some new clay'n techniques and decided to make Pee-Wee!

NEW!! Late Night Television: Couch Commerce Ep.1

2013-04-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love infomercials!?! It's so bad, it's good! A new series from Cool Town Creations/Claymation - sit back, relax and laugh-out-loud!

Late Night Television: Couch Commerce Ep.1 features "Insta-Hickey", "Insurance Software" & " Key-Earrings" mock infomercials. These are intended to make you chuckle just a little on the inside - so please, put away your wallet and whip out your sense of humor. Enjoy!

Behind-the-scenes and other exclusives:

Instagram: cooltownclaymation

facebook.com/cooltownclaymation

twitter: @cooltownclay

Credits:

Written/Directed/Edited by: Carol K. Ras-

Art Dept: Carol K. Ras-, Jennifer Kim, Irma Gomez & Coral Huerta

Animation: Jennifer Kim & Carol K. Ras-

Original Music by: Dave Grimm

Voice Over Talent: Noelle J. Paul

A Cool Town Creations™ Picture

Our latest short, "Crush"!

2013-02-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Gotta "Crush"? Well, here's Cool Town's "Crush" - it's love at first sight!

"Crush" is our first short shot using a new technique we call, StopCART-Motion™ or StopMoToon™. Behind-the-scenes content and other exclusives for "Crush" will be posted soon!

Get Social w/ Us:

[f]: http://www.facebook.com/cooltownclaymation

[t]: @cooltownclay

Got a 'Crush'?

2013-02-01T21:30:00.000-08:00

StopCART-Motion™ -or- StopMoToon™ Is a NEW HYBRID developed by Cool Town Creations/Claymation™

2013-01-14T10:32:00.000-08:00

StopCART-Motion™ {stop-cart-motion} also coined StopMoToon™ {stop-mo-toon}

by Cool Town Creations/Claymation™

StopCART-Motion™ -or- StopMoToon™ is a unique hybrid between a mixed medium animation. It’s predominately Stop-Motion Animation with a Cartoon Effect which is used to create a very specific atmosphere intended to not only support a storyline, but to enhance the visuals by combining an array of mixed medium art. This technique really allows us to create cartoon style films using a method that we’re already familiar with and are working to master, Stop-Motion Animation. We appreciate the art and efforts that go into making both types and in no way is this intended to take the essence away from its original formatting, but to bring them together and help them immerge, so to speak, in this technologically booming era. This unique union allows both mediums, along with others that may be mixed in there, to support each other, to help to create a world that may not otherwise come to life as envisioned or realized, but only when coupled with two totally separate worlds, 3 Dimensional Animation (Stop-Motion) and 2 Dimensional Animation (Cartoons), along with others.

StopCART-Motion™ or StopMoToon™ was birth like most innovations were---within limitations. We had to get creative with limited resources, and not only is this true with a lot of our projects, but this was also experimental. The lack of resources in this particular case was---time; and it was a major part of how this all came to play. Another major thing that really helped in the birth of StopCART-Motion™ or StopMoToon™ was that we had set pieces and characters all in different sizes and scale, and were a bit bummed about the possibility of them not ever being used again unless, of course, we decided to continue creating puppets and sets at that particular scale. So, in using this technique, we’re able to reuse a lot of our characters, sets and props because, essentially, they would never be shot together even if they’re in the same scenes (with very few exceptions).

This is truly an immersive technique for us and we are excited to develop more projects using the StopCART-Motion™ or StopMoToon™ format in both the near and distant future.

Be sure to check back soon for samples of this technique!!

Happy New Year!!

2012-12-29T21:59:00.002-08:00

{2013} Here we come!

Our latest project!!

2012-10-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

"The Both of Us" is based on a story by Mirae Lee. Adapted by Cool Town Creations, aka Cool Town Claymation.

Written by: Mirae Lee

Directed/Edited/Animated by: Jennifer Kim & Carol K. Ras-

Sound Designer: Dave Grimm

Voice Talent: Alison Johnson

Behind the scenes!

Fresher Than Cool: Mic The Unheard Ep. 5 Josh Whiting

2012-07-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

Cool Town Claymation's newest segment "Fresher Than Cool: Mic The Unheard" highlights artist/songwriter/engineer, Josh Whiting of Stage Red Studios. Read more about Josh Whiting below!

BIO: Josh Whitng Owner/ Stage Red Studios

Born in Albany New York and raised in San Diego Califorina Josh has been involved with music for over 18 years. He began producing and recording bands after graduating from Musicians Institute in 2002 and interning at Golden Track Studios in San Diego. In 2008 Josh moved to Los Angeles to pursue audio engineering of corse like any musician finding their place took work. After freelancing as an audio engineer and working various jobs such as West LA Music, Guitar Center and Center Staging, in 2010 he was able to build his own studio called Stage Red Studios. He has engineered and produced artists with genres that include Rock, Metal, Acoustic, Country, Pop, Rap, Hip Hop, Voice Over and Radio Commercials. Stage Red Studios has worked with companies such as Rostrum Records (Wiz Khalifa, Mac Millar, Vali Porter), Resort Entertainment & Technologies, Designmate.com, Electric Blue Media and other industry companies Stage Red Studios works with local and out of state artists, such as Army On the Dance Floor, Kourntney Klein (Nitzer Ebb), Juice McCain (Black Walstreet), Tru Collins (Transibierian Orchestra, Tru & The Strays), Juicy J (3 Six Mafia), Rome (Sublime with Rome), Mars (1500 or nothin) just to name a few. Josh also writes and produces music with many local artists. He has gone beyond the scope of just engineering music, he often records Foley sound for movies, animations, webisodes, and commercials and well as sound designing.

“At Stage Red Studios we take pride in our work and offer many services such as tracking music, voice over's, commercials, post production and many more for your recording needs. Our Mission is to provide you with a supreme studio experience while capturing your artistic vision. We are a talented group from both a creative and technical standpoint. The payoff is a staff eager and able to please.”

Website: www.stageredstudios.com
"Like" https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stage-Red-Studios/115086765182678
Friend https://www.facebook.com/stage.red
Follow https://twitter.com/stageredstudios

Cool Town is an innovative platform for creative artists to collaborate and turn a simple thought into something tangible-stop-motion animation that is entertaining, educational and visually stunning. We are looking for underground, indie, unsigned musicians in all genres who want to gain free exposure and add to their following. This is an opportunity to be headlined in our growing community; we'll conduct an intereview, feature the artists' material and highlight the artists in their own persnal segment we call "Fresher Than Cool" hosted by Cool Town's very own Claymation VJ's. Email: cooltownclaymation@gmail.com for more info!

Behind the Scenes "Crush"

2012-07-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

We are working to bring you the latest Cool Town short film...thanks for you patience and please stay tuned!

"Crush"

2012-02-13T18:41:00.000-08:00

In the works...more updates to come!

Decided to have a little fun along the way...

Don't Follow Us, We'll Follow You!

2012-02-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

Stop-Motion Animation is emerging and soon enough you can be "in-the-know" on-the-go with our mobile app! Get the latest news, updates and more on our projects along with behind-the-scenes content! We know that in today's world being readily accessible to our viewers is important, so here we are, ready to entertain you on your lunch break, during your meetings, in your cubical, laundromat or anywhere else you'd rather not be! So, don't follow us, we'll follow you!

While we strive to develop our mobile app to perfection, in the meantime, you can download our browser app for quick and convenient access to all of our social media sites all in one click---soon to be one tap! =)

Here's what you can expect---peep the screenshots below!

The New 'Cool'

2012-01-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

This is Carol Ras- here, creator of Cool Town, and I just wanted to update this blog to let our loyal fans know what's been going down in Cool Town!

As some of you may know by now, I am heavily involved in all of our 'Cool' projects---from development to set and character designs, to directing and animating, and finally to editing and viralizing. Seems like a lot of work because it is...but occasionally I do get help with these things, so it's not all me, all of the time---I must say that I am truly humbled and blessed to have such a great team of people who work alongside of me in these projects and who really bring great ideas and creations to the table. They're the few people that can genuinely match my efforts, and it's indescribable how much I appreciate them. Shout out to the 'Cool' Team, you know who you are! =)

With that said, the payoff is immense and, it too, is indescribable. I usually never realize how much work is put into what we do until someone asks me about what it is that we do, or how we do what we do. That's when I'm finally able to wrap my head around the intensity of this form of art and why so many people can be intimidated by it. It certainly takes a great deal of patience, trial and error and a few bad ideas to generate good ones. And no matter what level you're performing at (beginner, hobbyist or experienced), and correct me if I'm wrong because it could just be me, but the results are always mind-blowing because you get to see your efforts literally come to Life!

Squeaky Clean. Refreshing our Freshness.

Okay, okay, enough rambling about a bunch of nothing---=) I'm really here to let you know that I've been exploring and discovering a lot of new, interesting and innovative ways to utilize not just what we have access to, but what we're limited to as well, and coupling a few odd aesthetics to create a more dynamic way to share our stories and concepts. Things that are indescribable seem to the be the theme of this post because I can't quite explain it, but this combination of technology and natural ability is what we're trying to better understand so we execute our projects in the most efficient and prolific way.

Now, we're no experts, just a couple of artists stumbling through the process to be better than we were...or until one of us hits the lottery, whichever comes first...=D Until then, we will continue to work less in the real world and more in our 'little' world...(one could only hope=).

Anyhow, that's it for now, not for good---stay tuned for more updates---check out our Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr...for more updates if you don't see any here.

2011-12-16T23:32:00.000-08:00

This holiday season Santa has decided to preserve the fundamentals in Life.
Instead of rocking out to Guitar Hero, why not learn the actual instrument? And, sometimes going back to
the books could be better for our youth than good 'ol Wikipedia, social media and internet games.

And while retreating, why bother with modernization when you could truly live it up
the old fashion way? Not only does it enhance the experience and captures the essence of the atmosphere,
but it conserves energy, too!

Lastly, Life should never be too busy for a nice, hearty, home-cooked meal...
So, toss out the menus, fire up the those logs, grab a good book or the acoustics guitar and
get back to the basics of what makes Life worth living.

Happy Holidays from The 'Cool' Team!

A Cool Town Carol!

2011-12-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

What's Santa up to?

Clay-Ellen dances to the Peanut's theme song!

2011-12-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Gear up for the Holidays with Clay-Ellen!

2011-11-22T22:40:00.000-08:00

Dude, Save The 'Stache!

2011-11-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you who didn't know, it's MOVEMBER! A charity event held annually in November that challenges men to grow a mustache to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer. So, go ahead and let it grow and manifest into its own being. Who knows, you might actually pick up more dates with your new furry face! Be sure to share this information with the men (women as well because every woman knows a man and vice versa!) in your life because it's imperative that we are aware so we can battle this together!

Learn more about 'Movember' here: http://us.movember.com/about/

Happy Halloween!!!!

2011-10-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

Feel to share this e-card with your buddies!

The Pumpkin Thief!

2011-10-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

Meet Walter. The Pumpkin Thief Zombie!

Behind the Scenes "Ignite Change" Classroom Scene Time-Lapse

2011-06-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a behind the scenes look at the classroom scene in the action!

"Ignite Change" Green Long Beach Promo Video is Up!

2011-06-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

UPDATE!!! As of 6/9/2011 10:31 A.M.
The video is here! Check it out peeps! And be sure to ask yourselves, "What can YOU do to help save the planet?"

In this short/promotional video we collaborated with Green Long Beach! to bring

you a segment about the importance of preserving our resources and cleaning up

our carbon footprints. All it takes is for one person to "ignite" and find a way to

contribute and empower others to do take action by simply taking action!

Introducing a new neighborhood in Cool Town! This is just a sneak peek at a few characters and set pieces from our upcoming video "Ignite Change" for the Green Long Beach Festival happening on June 11th 2011. The video will be posted at the end of the week so be sure to check back for it. Some of the sets that we built may not make the cut for this video, but will certainly be in our future projects, including short sketches and glimpses into "The Suburbs"! More photos to come and please feel free to comment....we loooooove to hear from our viewers!

Scroll down for more info on the Green Long Beach Festival!

Remember these days? Class Photo!