A special thanks to Natalie Lombard and Cathy Strokosch for hosting two separate “Get to Know Br. Thomas” evenings in the Chicago area.  Besides the great food and warm company I was able to pitch the story-so-far to two groups of people who’s insight on art, film, and faith I highly respect.  I came away from both evenings exhilarated, encouraged and challenged.  Who could have asked for more!

One highlight of the first evening was that  Michael Spooner brought some concept sketches of the cathedral that I had not seen before.  I can’t tell you how exciting it is to see elements of this story come alive in the hands of someone like Michael.  The fact that he does these drawings with such apparent ease only makes them that much more brilliant!

Here are three that stand out.  You can click on the details to see the full image.

1. One of the 8 to 10 statues of the Church Fathers whose gaze Thomas passes under everyday on his way to work.  They are not animated in the film but the shadows they cast weigh heavily on Thomas as he slips by them, usually late, on his way to the scriptorium.  The lighting and scale that Michael introduces in this drawing sets the tone perfectly!

2. This is Thomas running up the stairs.  This angle didn’t exist in the boards previously but you can be sure that it will in the future.

3. This is the doorway that Thomas goes through to enter the stairwell.  Kind of a service entrance to the scriptorium.

To see more go to the Br. Thomas Page or click on the Br. Thomas category to the left.