BATKID BEGINS

This is NOT my work but but that of the one and only Drew Struzan, probably the most prolific poster illustrator of all time (you've seen his work on the ‘Star Wars’, ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Harry Potter’ franchises plus ‘The Thing’ & ‘Blade Runner’ to name but a few). 

I first got in touch with Drew in early 2014 after seeing a moving documentary on his life and work, which tore at my heart. Humble as ever, he was grateful that I had gotten so much out of it. We exchanged a series of emails. It was like having a penpal (who has penpals in this day and age? LOL).

A few months later I had the good fortune of being offered the Lead Animator role on director Dana Nachman's 'Batkid Begins'. Toward the end of 2014, when she asked me if I'd like to create a poster for the upcoming festival showings, I immediately thought of Drew. As he had all but stopped doing commercial illustration work I wasn't sure if he would even respond to my ask but, sure enough and to my great surprise (more like shock!), Drew agreed to come out of early retirement to work on the poster, one of his final commercial projects. Fanboy websites and blogs exploded with the news and I think we broke the Internet for a couple of minutes. What had we done? 😂 

I'll never forget taking a call with Drew and Dana (the first time either of us had gotten on the phone with him at that point); standing in the pouring rain under an oak tree, he began spontaneously art directing his concept for the poster: "I picture this heroic little guy, holding his mask in one hand, the sun rising behind him as he pumps a fist triumphantly in the air." That will likely go down as the most badass phone meeting I've ever taken!

His poster (L) was used for the festival run of the film; Warner Bros developed their own for the theatrical run (R).

I'm a big believer in synchronicity and that things often happen for a reason. The fact that I had felt a connection with this artist's work earlier in my life, and was moved by his life story later in my life, leads me to believe it was all somehow pre-determined. It sure feels that way; things that are born out of emotion carry their own weight and power, and this is no different.

Getting to know, and then work with, Drew Struzan was an act of kismet and the opportunity of a lifetime -- and came together purely by accident. An artist I’ve admired since I was a child, it was an absolute thrill for me. Thank you for the love and magic you put into this poster, Drew. Thank you for your inspiring work, the way it has touched my life and the lives of others. You have surely moved and thrilled millions of people with your art. What an incredible legacy.

You will ALWAYS be the best in my book!