Super Funny Happy Yam Roll Blog

Yam Roll on Joost

2007-11-19T21:10:00.000-05:00

Hey folks
Sorry it's been a while. After production slowed down we all got swept away to different corners of the studio...but we have some exciting news!
If you go to "www.Joost.com" and check out the "ilaugh" comedy channel you can watch yam Roll with no commercials. It's super hot. I think we are going to post a new one each week. There are no country restrictions for viewing, so tell all your friends. YAM ROLL IS ALIVE :) Welcome to the future of TV!!!!

Chicago-style Yam Rolls! Yummmm!

2007-05-08T14:17:00.000-04:00

Seems as though "Honey, I Shrunk the Tamago" has been selected for yet another festival!
The "Art of Play" is hosted by the Chicago Tourism Center and will be airing the episode to the larger Chicago-wide community.
Umm... those are really all the details we have... Sounds like a good time though. Get out there and check it out Chicago-ins... Chicagoians... Chicagites.

Yam Roll at the Platform Film Festival

2007-05-03T10:51:00.000-04:00

Here's an excerpt from Jon Izen's (creator of Yam Roll) blog:

Hey folks. I'm super hyped that Yam Roll has been chosen to screen at the Platform Animation Festival

www.platformfestival.com

They are screening a 3 minute short titled Win Place or Toe. There is some funny stuff in there. Here is a link to the short

Win Place or Toe!!

I'm also going to be on a panel about blogging with some great folks. It should be pretty fun! If you are in or around Portland, come check it out at the end of june!

Here's a screenshot from the episode as well to whet your whistling eyeballs...

I'm guessing we'll be the only entry in the festival in which a superhero sushi drives a taxi into an elevator that also contains a zebra and an egg-roll on stilts!

Sleep Tight! Don't Let the Sushi Bite!

2007-01-24T13:59:00.000-05:00

How've you all been sleeping lately? Find it a little cold do ya? Wish you had some way to keep warm AND be the envy of all your friends? Well you, sirs and maams, are IN LUCK! Looks like the new Yam Roll PJs might be going into production! No word yet on their exact availability date or on whether they will be named according to my suggestion "pa-Yam-as". I'll be sure to get these details to you the second they are finalized. Possibly even a few seconds before. In the meantime, here are some pics to wet your sleep-deprived whistles. Tiny Pillow Guy is looking forward to your orders!

Doodlizen 'the Internet

2007-01-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

The fine folks over at www.duudle.dk have posted up a Jon Izen (Yam Roll creator) doodle. Jon would like to express his appreciation thusly: "Thanks guys. I'm giddy as a schoolgirl!!!" Jon acts like a schoolgirl in one way or another on most days, so we're basically just happy that he's giddy.

You can find one pic under "Behold" and the other is in the "Grapevine".

If you haven't checked out their site you should do so.Jon Burgerman and Sune Ehlers are crazy talents that promote the best stuff on earth.

As Seen on The Yam Roll Blog!

2006-12-21T09:37:00.000-05:00

Hello friends and a Mappy Hannukmas to you all!
I have followed the star of David here to this manger bringing with me gifts of plush, stuffing, and sushi. THE YAM ROLL PLUSH TOY IS HERE! GO! Tell it on the mountains!
That's right kiddies, now you can get your very own stuffed Yam Roll like you've seen all over this blog!
I'm so excited I can't even speak! ...let alone TYPE!
Bye!

Link to the iLaugh store!

The Travelling Yamburry!

2006-12-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

Yam Roll has once again been spotted across the globe. Judging by the images, I'd say that he took a trip to the Baja Penninsila! Poor guy. I bet ya he misses the -15 degree celcius weather we're currently experiencing here in Canada. Although, of course, Yammy is from the Happy Kingdom... But I can't find any weather reports for that particular city. Alright I'm done talking. Look at the pictures.

NEW YAMROLL EPISODE!!!

2006-11-20T09:54:00.000-05:00

Now that I've got you all salavating from the title I feel you are sufficiently lubricated to fire this load of information at you... There is a new Yammie episode in the works!! The script has been written and the fun pack designs (done by our very own Ariel Villaverde. Master of all things Yam. Well...most things.) are posted exclusively here at the Super Fun Happy Yam Roll Blog. It was pretty tough to acquire the rights to show this to you today so I sure hope you appreciate it! Word on the streets of Happy Kingdom is that this new ep will air on ilaugh.com in the not-so distant future. As your God of all things Yam, I vow to keep you posted with whichever information my omnisentience stumbles upon first. wait... that doesn't make any sense. But I KNEW that!
Anyway dudes, enjoy the designs and keep your quiverring fingers crossed that the show comes sooner than later. Let your backbone slide!

Black and White Review

2006-11-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

Here's what one excited Portugeuse fan has to say about his favourite episode of Black and White:
"My mother always counted of my foreign grandmother, who was in the window, taking coffee with milk and smoking its cigarettes, crying out for the staff in the street, "Hey! What ploughs you doing " or in the telephone, where the repertoire was the same, "Hey, what ploughs you doing" Benditos the simple ones of idea that of them will be the kingdom of skies. :P"
I'm not sure how accurate this translation program is but thanks for the high praise, sir!

Brand New Izen Show (Yam Roll who?)

2006-11-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, have a seat and open up your ears to this glorious announcement which I am about to bestow upon you. Sir Jon Izen Esq. has created a brand new series the likes of which the animation world has never seen. If you are not immediately blown away and sent into a sezuire of overwhelming glee and astonishment then you officially are incapable of human emotion. This is without a doubt the most cinematographically breathtakingly gorgeous piece of filmmaking and storytelling to come out of the entertainment industry since the early 90s when one Whitney Houston gave her fictional love to never better Kevin Costner in the Bodyguard. Click the following link and sit down in the wheelchair you are about to be confined to for the rest of your life. There is no coming back from the beauty and absolute hilarity to follow. I now wear my sunglasses at night. So I can... So I can.
Good bye.

Black and White!

Super Blooper!

2006-10-30T15:01:00.000-05:00

Wow! Have I got some funny stuff for you today! I'm actually still laughing as I type this. Allow me to explain... Normally, our scripts are written with the dialogue in the center of the page and the action descriptions aligned to the left. (Check this post out for reference: Tales From the Script) For some reason, somebody made a word-processing error and centered the descriptive text rather than leaving it left aligned. When the actor playing Yam Roll stepped into the booth with his script he read off his lines as he had always done. The people in the recording booth couldn't figure out what he was reading but once they pieced together that the typing error had been made, they decided to keep the lines in the show because it was just so freakin funny!
Click this and see what I'm talking about! Ep.4A - High Heeled Heel
The part in question begins a little after 2:45 into the clip. The first line that's out of place is "They swoop off!" Man, that's funny!!

Remember Me?

2006-10-25T14:08:00.000-04:00

God, I missed you guys! My prolonged absence is inexcusable and I sincerely hope that one of you tracks me down and gives me the beating I deserve. How have you all been? Anything new in your lives? Well I've mostly been busy with iLaugh.com as I'm sure you've realized from the most recent posts. Check out this link for tons of Yam Roll downloads including wallpapers, screenshots, and audio clips!

http://www.ilaugh.com/downloads/

Hope that keeps you busy for a while.

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!

2006-10-10T12:04:00.000-04:00

HEY! Get back here! Seems as though many of you are only visiting when there's a fight in the schoolyard. Do we need to find another disgruntled character designer to insult us to get your attention? If so, I think that can be arranged.
Whatever the case, once we have your attention, we'd like you to know that you can see all of your favourite Yam Roll episodes on www.iLaugh.com. They are currently being released on a weekly basis for your viewing pleasure. You'll find plenty of other content there as well but all of you Yam fans should help us beat out Chilly Beach in the web hits. Tell all of your friends to do the same and we'll see just how great the Happy Kingdom population is. I'll let you know tomorrow how much of an impact you've made. Unless the number is embarassing...

The Sweetest Broadband Comedy Portal on Earth!

2006-10-05T11:07:00.000-04:00

HEY! Remember me? I know I haven't been very attentive to your needs but things have been very busy around here. Why, you ask? www.ilaugh.com THAT'S WHY! Check it out! All of the Yam Roll episodes will eventually be available for viewing on this site and also downloadable to your video Ipod! Check back there on a daily basis and make sure everyone you've ever met does the same. www.ilaugh.com is the sweetest broadband comedy portal on Earth! That fact will be common knowledge by approximately noon tomorrow so if you want to be one of the first to say it, now's your only chance. Blog on, Blogsters!

Thanks from a Little Girl

2006-09-27T11:30:00.000-04:00

The young lady who won our character design contest a while back sent us this letter in appreciation. We mailed her a few Yam Roll pins, a t-shirt, a production still of a shot featuring her character "Poppy" and a DVD of the episode. We're very honored to receive this letter in return. Children's drawings are the most creative and honest on the planet and we were happy to have had the chance to show her character to our audience.

Another Screening?!

2006-09-22T15:44:00.000-04:00

Wow! 2 blogs in one day?! Is this HEAVEN?! Yes. Yes it is. Turns out that bus that hit you wasn't just a dream. Umm.. where was I? Oh, Yam Roll is being screened at another festival! Any more of these and Tamago's gonna have a heart attack! Here's the link:

http://aaff.asianartsandmedia.org/schedule.html

It's about half way down the page. As always, if any of you are in Chicago between Sept 28 and Oct 1 be sure to check it out!

Yam Roll of Arabia

2006-09-22T15:39:00.000-04:00

Looks like Yammy's been doing a bit of travelling! Here's a pic of him "on his bike" at Black Rock Desert. You may know it as Burning Man. Carry on my wayward Yam!

Yam Roll's Shoes are Made of Red Carpet

2006-09-20T09:45:00.000-04:00

Looks as though Yammy'll be taking yet another walk down the red carpet. "Honey, I Shrunk the Tamago" has been accepted into The 2006 Australian International Film Festival. If anybody happens to be heading down to Australia (or up if you wanna take the long road...) between October 21-30 be sure to check it out! I wonder how many winners will ask for a moment of silence for Steve Irwin during their acceptance speech... G'day, Mates! Let's put another shrimp on the barbie! Crikey!!

Isaac Izen

2006-09-19T14:01:00.000-04:00

Hello everybody! It's been a couple of months now since the birth of Jon's son Isaac so I thought I'd show you a couple of new pics. Cute little bugger, ain't he?

Wiki-wiki-wooo-di-wiggidy-wooooo

2006-09-18T11:20:00.000-04:00

Hey Folks! Looks like a lot of you woke up early this morning to get yourself a fresh cup of blog. For those of you potential American fans/haters, Yam Roll will be airing on Cartoon Network this fall. In the meantime, here's a little clip from one of our favourite 11-minute episodes. Have a look and judge the animation and design for yourself! (we recomend that you view the clip before commenting, but as you can see from previous posts, that is not mandatory) Basically, all we are saying...is give peace a chance!

Tamago Dancing Clip

Stuffed Yam

2006-09-12T16:45:00.000-04:00

Wazzzzuuuuup? The Yam Roll plush doll was actually created quite a while ago but I'm just now getting around to posting pics of it. Here is Mr. Izen cuddling with his new best friend. I'll let you know when these become available to the public. Unfortunately, Emslie bought the entire first batch leaving none available for the children :( . WON'T SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN?!
Oh and we'd just like to give a quick thanks to Aaron and Cold Hard Flash for all of the shout outs. Here it is: "Thanks, Aaron at Cold Hard Flash for all of the shout outs."

Behind the Backgrounds... How Oxymoronic!

2006-09-08T14:28:00.000-04:00

Wait... or do I mean Ironic? I don't know. But it sure is weird. Anyway, how's everybody dooooin?? Good. As implied by the title of this post, I have a rough BG drawing to show you. This is the kind of large BG you will find in the rough storyboards. AUsome huh? (See last post to understand spelling error) See how the scale of the drawing captures the terrifying peril that Tamago is faced with? Try to keep from peeing your pants as you look at it. Or at least throw down some towels first...

Preliminary Storyboard Designs

2006-09-07T09:41:00.000-04:00

Hey hey! Thursday, September 7th, eh? That's gotta mean something to somebody... I'll just toss a "happy birthday!" and maybe a "happy anniversary!" or even a little "sorry about your dog :(" out there in case. In the case of option #3, maybe this will cheer you up. I give to you a scanned image of a sticky note showing very early and rough sketches of episode 39A: "Par for the Course". Absolute AU! (AU is, of course the chemical symbol for gold. You kiddies are gonna want to go ahead and start spreading that slang around. Drop it like it's hot, ya know?) This will give you a pretty good sample of what peaking into Jon Izen's ear with a microscope will display. Ditto for our storyboard director, Billy Zeats. These guys literally think in storyboard panels! Isn't that wild?! And don't you love when people use the word "literally" in the context of an obviously implausible situation? Meh. Just try and stop me!

New Studio Colours

2006-08-30T15:31:00.000-04:00

What's up, people? We've been doing a little remodeling here in the office over the last few days and I thought I'd do you the favour of sharing a little bit of our scenery with you. Basically, anything you see in these pictures that isn't white was done very recently by a few exceptionally kind volunteers amongst the March crew (myself obviously included). Remind you of anywhere? Some place happy? Somewhere some very funny and loveable characters live? If you said "Chilly Beach" you're WAY off! Nice try though. Thanks for playing.

Encyclopedia Brit-yam-ica (huh?)

2006-08-25T15:25:00.000-04:00

More red carpet type of news today! World-reknowned art publication company "Pictoplasma" has inducted a number of Mr. Izen's character designs into their encyclopedia coming out this September! Yam Roll, Katcho, Ebi, and 2 of Jon's relatively unknown originals are all included. This is one of the hottest publications for artists/designers/animators throughout the industry and a very big honour for us. Sweet!
Check out their website to learn more about the company.
www.pictoplasma.com

Character Contest

2006-08-24T15:25:00.000-04:00

Today is Thursday. You know what that means?! Nothing really. HOWEVER, I AM going to show you something exciting today but that, of course, is by no means different from any other day of the week. A while back, we had a contest on CBC for viewers to send in their drawings of new Happy Kingdom characters. The lucky winner would have their character appear in an episode as well as do the voice for the character themselves! As I mentioned, this was a while back so the winner ("Poppy" as seen above) has already been chosen and the episode has already aired but here are some of the runner-ups! Cute huh?
I don't really have any...ummm... information about the kids who drew these at the moment. For now, I suggest that if you see your drawing on here then you should just tell your friends that you drew it and emotionally prepare yourself for being called a liar.

Blooper Reel

2006-08-22T14:26:00.000-04:00

Hey gang! Good to see ya. During the production of Yam Roll we would have these sessions called Rough Cuts in which a priveledged few would watch the first round of each episode's animation. The purpose of these, of course, was to make sure that there were no stupid mistakes left in when the show finally made it to TV. Even with 4 or 5 people watching these clips in the viewing room, some things still didn't get caught until the last minute. Here's an example... In episode 10A, called "Secret Roommate Man", Phil HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED and is mysteriously absent from all of Yammie and friends' daily activities. That is the entire plot of the episode! The following scene is taken from the rough cut stage. See if you can spot the problem...

Blooper

Yam Roll to Walk Red Carpet!

2006-08-17T14:26:00.000-04:00

Exciting news today! Read carefully! Episode #28A "Honey I Shrunk the Tamago" is now an “Official Selection” of the 2006 FAIF International Film Festival and will screen at the worlds famous Mann’s Chinese 6 Theaters in the heart of Hollywood! (That's the one with the hand prints in the sidewalk outside) Within a matter of days the episode (or possibly just a clip from it) will appear on www.MagicalFilmFest.com under the “selected films” page link. If any of you live in Hollywood then I suggest you walk down the street and check it out. For those of you that live in Canada, like myself, you can hop on the back of my dogsled. I've got room for 2 maybe 3 passengers. Please bring your own seal meat and wear a thick plaid jacket.

Get Out Your Thumbtacks!

2006-08-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

G'day Metis! After some more extensive server browsing, I came across this super awesome poster used for promotional events and galas. Isn't it wild?! Now print it out and plaster it all over your walls. I, personally, like to tape copies of them up in unexpected places. Once, I stuck one of them to the inside of each lens of a friend's sunglasses. He put them on while he was driving. Or so the coroner tells me. RIP Joe.

COMMENT!

2006-08-15T14:07:00.000-04:00

Alright you chatty little jerks! Either you start making some comments or I slam on the brakes and turn this blog around! Without your feedback, how am I to know which blogs are gold and which are merely pyrite (Or for the homies out there, which blogs are Bling and which are cubic zirconia).
I took a look around on a server and came up with the following: NHL promos! These were shown on the big screen at an actual Leafs game. Maybe you were even lucky enough to see them in person!

Go, Leafs! Go!

Umm... that was the only one I could find. What a crappy post! Now please comment and tell me what a horrible job I did today.

Yam Roll Spotted on Restaurant Menu

2006-08-11T10:13:00.000-04:00

Good Friday to you! ..well not GOOD Friday. Like the one before Easter. Just.. good... Friday. Anyway, what's up? I found this picture of Yammie on the menu of a Japanese restaurant somewhere in Toronto. Looks like they use pictures of famous cartoon characters to advertise their food items. Technically, they could create an entire menu out of the characters on our show. Somebody tell them! And while you're at it, order me a Yam Tempura Roll with some Minamiko Pie for dessert. Enjoy your weekends!

New Character Designs

2006-08-10T10:14:00.000-04:00

Much like the last post, today's will show you the kinds of things we get when people are applying for jobs here. These were conjured up by the husband of our Production Manager, Leanne Benner. Izen thinks these could very well be the best drawing on earth. Siggy is so SWEET. Terry...you got tghe job! Thanks dood.

SPLOOSH!

2006-08-08T10:14:00.000-04:00

I know a lot of you must be thinking to yourself "How can I have a career in Yam Roll animation?" Ok, first of all, it's "Yamimation". Idiot. One of the ways we go about hiring new animators here is by having them attempt an animation test. They send us a resume and we say something along the lines of "Yes, very impressive. But can you do THIS?" and we instruct them to create a short of Yam Roll doing a fancy dive into a swimming pool. One of these entries really stood out and the person responsible for it is now writing this very blog. I think the execs had a hard time deciding between Animation Director or Blog Master. Did they make the right choice? View the clip and decide for yourself!

Yam Roll Animation Test

Yam Roll: Limbless and Hatless, Cardboard Edition

2006-08-04T10:58:00.000-04:00

G'morning! Aren't YOU up early today! I suppose it's hard for you to sleep knowing that each day you can come back here and find a brand new blog of exceptional quality and amazingnessoscity. I certainly have no intentions of dissappointing you today. Check THIS out!

I think the directions are pretty clear. If you can't follow them and need further assistance then you don't deserve a cardboard Yammie in the first place.
Have excellent weekendings!

Animated .gifs?!

2006-08-03T12:16:00.000-04:00

Boy, are you guys in for a treat today! I spent a little time looking through the walk cycles and other clips and made some little animated msn emoticons for each of you to spread amongst your friends like a bad case of the flu. Except the flu is bad and these are good... So that really isn't a very accurate analogy. Whatever! Just take them and say "thank you" you ungrateful peons!
...I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.
Here's a little walkthrough on how to use em. Click your emoticon button in msn, click on "more...", click "create...", then "find image" and then browse to where you saved the files and follow the remainder of the on-screen directions. Sound good, candypants?

Phil
Yam Roll
Katcho
Breakdancing Tamago

The Legend of the Rotated Genki

2006-08-01T11:15:00.000-04:00

Hello and a merry Tuesday to all of you avid readers. How have things been in your lives since last Thursday? Utterly fantastic, I hope. Today, I have for you a few early designs of some of our main characters. The first pic is cute, little Genki's original rotation drawings so that our animators know what she looks like from every angle (wink wink). Following that is a series of wacky Tamago poses. What a silly piece of goof he is. Enjoy!

This Just In...

2006-07-27T10:25:00.000-04:00

Word up. Whatever that means... I was wandering around the office this morning (in between periods of back-breaking, hard work of course) and came across this sketch on Jon's office door. He says he drew it himself but I think it's just a ruse to protect his ego. Judge for yourself: Self-depricating Izen-art... or sad and painful truth?
Kidding, as always. Sir Izen drew it as a reminder to us all that despite his God-like talent and couragesouly contrastive creativity, he is still just mortal like the rest of us. Complete with extra-large nose and the same capacity for sucking (adj. not verb) as anyone else.
Oh no you di'int! (again, whatever that means)

Tales from the Script

2006-07-26T10:13:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen! I've been neglecting you these past few days and I feel awful about it. To make it up to you I present you with something very special. The genuine Yam Roll script from one of our personal favourite episodes: Dinner Combo C! I'm not entirely sure that I have the legal right to post this so read it quickly before the government comes to my desk and angrily forces me to remove it.

http://www.yamroll.com/myspace/5bscript.pdf

Origyamie (Get it?)

2006-07-20T10:22:00.000-04:00

Well helloooo! And how have YOU been? Today I give to you something special. Something one of a kind! A limited edition print of original Izen-Yam Roll art! My how you've grown, Yamie. The lines on the side of the door just keep getting higher ...Does that require explanation? You know how parents mark their kids' height on a door each year? Whatever.
But seriously...If you want a signed print, give us a shout!

San Diego Comi-con

2006-07-19T00:40:00.000-04:00

Hey Folks. If you are in the San Diego area for comic-con, roll by the L street Gallery. Jon is going to have some art work up there. Should be a pretty cool show. Some good toy makers are showing some work.
Here's a link to some info...

www.wheatywheat.com/backintheday

and yes...you will not see jon's name listed. I think it's because if they wrote he was participating his 4 fans would maul the place!

If you can't get to the gallery for the show, here is a peek at his art work. If you can get there...please buy it.

Dragon Boat Race Champs! (..of division 5)

2006-07-17T13:25:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! I've missed you terribly. I hope all of you had fantastic weekends. Many of our Yam Roll staff competed in the Sudbury Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday. While adorning our Yam Roll t-shirts, we managed to beat the odds and defy all skepticism while capturing 1st place in division 5's consolation round! It was all for the children really. We managed to give hope to the hopeless, inspiration to the uninspired, and heros to those formerly lacking any. I think we've made this country a better place to live with our efforts and, hopefully, people everywhere will strive to better themselves after seeing what can be accomplished. Oooooh Caaaanaa-daaaaaaa!

Yam Roll Invades the U.S.

2006-07-13T12:12:00.000-04:00

For those of you not up on your international news, The Very Good Adventures of Yam Roll in Happy Kingdom will be featured on the Cartoon Network this coming fall. I, currently, have no knowledge of it's time slot so I'll get that information to you once I hear it. In the meantime, here are some storyboard panels to look at! Brilliantly scanned and cut by yours truly about 6 months ago. (Jeff Bittle and Jaime LeClaire were the ones that actually DREW the boards. If you're interested in that sorta thing...)

Izenews

2006-07-13T11:59:00.000-04:00

Jon Izen has some art work up at Reading Frenzy in Portland, OR. If you are in the area go check it out. He is beside a bunch of fantastic artists
www.readingfrenzy.com

THURSDAY, JULY 6th - MONDAY, JULY 31st

Agua Arte
A Benefit for the Willamette River Keeper, curated by Justin Morrison
We are going to the Water. It will be amazing. You have never seen anything like this before. The Water is moving. It's furious, it's wild and all of our lives depend on it. When you die your body will turn to dust and like all of the other mountains you will crumble and flow into the Water. Until you die and earn a greater understanding of the Water, you can experience an art show that might be better than death. We call it the Agua Arte Show and it's a benefit for Willamette Riverkeeper -- a non-profit organization dedicated solely to the protection and restoration of the Willamette River.

Featuring:
APAK
John Izen
Justin B. Williams
The Reverend Benny Bob
Amy Lynn Morrison
Justin "Scrappers" Morrison
Bwana Spoons
Martin Ontiveros
Brett Superstar
Nicole Thompson

AND!!... Here are some pictures of the BAAAAAABY!
flickr.com/photos/jonandleah/

Stills, Baby! STILLS!

2006-07-12T14:38:00.000-04:00

Another day, another blog. Jon's STILL not back to tell me what to blog about (geez! You'd think 2 days would be enough time to spend with a newborn but noooo). Those of you who have just been following since our transition to Blogger.com would have missed out on the production stills that we put up on the MySpace site. For that reason, I give to you.... STILLS!

Smack My Katcho

2006-07-11T15:14:00.000-04:00

Woah! Without Mr. Izen here I almost forgot to blog today! How awful would that have been?! I'm sorry to have neglected you all like that. Now let's see... what shall I tell you about... Oh. If you check the complete profile section by clicking on Yam Roll in the upper right corner of the page you will be given the option to listen to an audio track. Thanks to our skilled and lovely editor, Kelly Carlson, you will now hear the Yam Roll theme music upon clicking the button. Try it out!
Just to make sure your ears don't make your eyes jealous, here is another pic from the wrap party. This is the Katcho pinata made from paper mache...mashet...machay.... you know what I'm saying.

Eject 1 Baby

2006-07-10T11:25:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO JON AND LEAH! The wife of our director, Jon Izen, has just given birth to a baby boy! Actual details will follow but for the time being, I'll just fabricate some. The baby's name is Yammie, he weighs 12lbs 8ounces (almost the same as his mother), and is 24 inches tall (also, almost the same as his mother). Here's a pic.

Title Card Exposition

2006-07-10T10:27:00.000-04:00

Mornin'! Good weekends? Great. Today I have a few title cards for your viewing pleasure. These are the funny drawings you see before the animation begins in any episode. We call them "title cards" because of their unusually consistent trait of containing the show's titles. Odd.

Yam Roll Wrap T-shirt

2006-07-07T14:47:00.000-04:00

In case you didn't notice, all of those other blogs from today were just me copying things over from our MySpace site. THIS ONE, however, is brand spankin new! As you just read, our wrap party took place last Wednesday night. Here's a scan of the t-shirts all of our people received to remember our very strenuous first season.

Izen's Wall of Shame Post 1 of 12436921

2006-07-07T14:27:00.000-04:00

Here's a little post-it note drawing by director, Jon Izen for an upcoming title card that I found on the wall of my "blogging blubicle" this morning. It's a little tough to see straight after last night's party but, unless I'm mistaken, I think I see an extra set of legs growing out of Yam's side... A lot of show creators/directors are actually able to DRAW the characters they invent nowadawys. Nice one, Izen. You're an inspiration to us all.

Yam Roll Season 1 Wrap Party

2006-07-07T14:24:00.000-04:00

Hey kids ,adults and seniors! Last night was our Yam Roll Wrap party. Due to some late night activities this may turn from a blog to a blaaaarf. Nah. I'll be fine. Thank you for your concern. Here is a sample of the Jon Izen (Director) Vs. Mike Geiger (Animation Director) nose-off. Who was the winner? The decision is yours! (My money's on Izen. I bet when his parents dropped him on his head, his nose broke the fall.)

BG? What's a B...G...?

2006-07-07T12:43:00.000-04:00

For my umpteenth blog of the day, I bring you this! A digital colour translation of an original background (BG if you're cool enough for an acronym) drawn, once again, by Ariel "Amazing" Villaverde.

Notice how all of the props (ie weightbench, boats, outhouse) are missing from the digital version. We add these in later so that they can be manipulated by the animators. Unless I'm a liar...

Yam's Fight Night

2006-07-07T12:40:00.000-04:00

Just in case you guys missed the big fight back in April, I thought I'd refresh your memory with one of the promo shots. Enjoy!

Funpack Translation

2006-07-07T12:37:00.000-04:00

Alright folks, I've just been informed that blogging has been popular since approx. 2003. 365 days/year x (2006-2003=) 3 years = 1095 blogs! This is my 4th one so far meaning I have 1091 blogs left to write today. Sounds about right...
What we have here is an example of how our original "funpack" designs (created by none other than our very own Ariel Villaverde) are translated over to Flash by our design team.

"Out-Panel" Sample

2006-07-07T12:35:00.000-04:00

G'day! For today's post I have a little behind the scenes action for you. The following is an example of what all of our sticky note "out-panels" look like within our Yam Roll storyboards. It is mandatory that all storyboard artists draw their out-panels with our Timing Director, Billy Zeats as the "O". Failure to follow this simple instruction results in immediate ejection from our company and 3rd floor window.
And yes, that is exactly what he looks like.

Video Clip!

2006-07-07T12:26:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday homeboys/homegirls! How were your weekends? (Please answer one at a time in an orderly fashion) I assume you all celebrated Canada Day in the usual manner of respectful patronage. As a little treat to whet your Canadian (or other nationly) whistles, here is a video clip: http://www.yamroll.com/yamrolltrailer.swf
I would've included it right in the blog if I had any idea how to use HTML. I'll catch up to you though! Don't worry!

First Production Still

2006-07-07T11:19:00.000-04:00

Well hello there! Today being Friday (as well as the birthday of Yammie's Blogger site) we figured you may enjoy taking a look at one of the production stills from another hilarious episode of Yam Roll and Friends' wacky adventures.
This one's from episode #19 called "Look Ma! No Powers!" You probably caught it on CBC just the other day!