Metal Family: A little about the plans for season 2!
Alina: AWAF to everyone! I’m Alina, the author of Metal Family. Remember me? Uh-huh.
This is the long-awaited video “a little about the plans”, and I’ll try to, as briefly as possible, tell you about what has happened, what is happening now and what will, in the fortunate set of circumstances, happen.
So… It’s already been half a year since the end of the first season, and in that time our season 2 production progress has been… zero. Why? Because there was a lot of work.
And now, in order.
Like I said in the first episode of “a little about the plans”, if the audience increases, I’ll make Metal Family my main job. And you guys, to put it lightly, multiplied by quite a lot. There are so many of you that we’re unable to answer all your messages in the community.
[Sign: My wall] I’m infinitely happy that our family was liked and has inspired so many people to make art. And yes, I’ve left my work as a 3D animator to be seriously involved in my project. Moreover, Dima had already left the studio where he worked for 12 years and was also ready to dedicate himself to this matter.
Dima: [sips loudly] What?
Alina: Not because we had a financial opportunity to leave our jobs, no. The project just grew way bigger and required a lot more attention than before: sales, purchasing various goods, most of which required professional legal advice and strategic plans for the next few months.
[Chat messages:
Dima: [sips loudly] What?
Alina: Not because we had a financial opportunity to leave our jobs, no. The project just grew way bigger and required a lot more attention than before: sales, purchasing various goods, most of which required professional legal advice and strategic plans for the next few months.
[Chat messages:
Person: I want a keychain!♥
Alina: Ok :3
Person: Should we print a new set of textbooks?
Alina: Ok :3
Person: Will you come to the meetup?♥
Alina: Ok :3
Person: Will you give me exclusive rights to all your merch? :)
Alina: Ok :3 ... Why don't you go f-]
Alina: Ok :3
Person: Should we print a new set of textbooks?
Alina: Ok :3
Person: Will you come to the meetup?♥
Alina: Ok :3
Person: Will you give me exclusive rights to all your merch? :)
Alina: Ok :3 ... Why don't you go f-]
You’d think “finally, now we’ll draw the episodes every day and only get distracted by posts on VK”, but the truth turned out to be way less perfect, and my wish to draw the episodes was shattered by the cruel reality of paying rent.
Since we both lost stable earnings, we had to quickly find a way to put Metal Family on commercial tracks. And that is: filtering sponsorship deals, none of which, by the way, we’ve used, trademark registration, creating an online shop, second channel “Xydownik Family”... By the way, check it out if you still haven’t!
Since we both lost stable earnings, we had to quickly find a way to put Metal Family on commercial tracks. And that is: filtering sponsorship deals, none of which, by the way, we’ve used, trademark registration, creating an online shop, second channel “Xydownik Family”... By the way, check it out if you still haven’t!
It has some behind-the-scenes stuff for the series and a few sections like “Imagine”, where we discuss how the characters of MF would act in the settings of various popular movies, cartoons, games, etc. [Alina and Dima on screen: Imagine them on a plane! Imagine them skydiving! Imagine them in Harry Potter. Imagine them in My Little Pony. Imagine them in Gravity Falls]
We will also do a “stream” [On screen: "kinda" live] on that channel, where each character will answer questions that you’ll ask in advance in our VK community. We’ll make a separate post about it, so stay tuned!
[On screen: Questions for Dee.
Comment 1: Are you gay???
Comment 2: Do you have a girlfriend?
Comment 3: Whats going on with you and Cassie? [[fan nickname for the Quest Girl]] Dump her, she's not your type!]
It all sounds like it shouldn’t take a lot of time — I thought. But in the end, that’s what I’ve been doing for the past half a year. Worked on creating merch, arranged the printing of shirts, notebooks, production of keychains and even toys.
[List on screen: To-do list.
Design the textbooks.
Find a printing house.
Edit the layout for the printing house.
Pay for the color proof.
Buy heart pills.
Why the f%#k is Glam's hair green??
Find a new printing house.]
We will also do a “stream” [On screen: "kinda" live] on that channel, where each character will answer questions that you’ll ask in advance in our VK community. We’ll make a separate post about it, so stay tuned!
[On screen: Questions for Dee.
Comment 1: Are you gay???
Comment 2: Do you have a girlfriend?
Comment 3: Whats going on with you and Cassie? [[fan nickname for the Quest Girl]] Dump her, she's not your type!]
It all sounds like it shouldn’t take a lot of time — I thought. But in the end, that’s what I’ve been doing for the past half a year. Worked on creating merch, arranged the printing of shirts, notebooks, production of keychains and even toys.
[List on screen: To-do list.
Design the textbooks.
Find a printing house.
Edit the layout for the printing house.
Pay for the color proof.
Buy heart pills.
Why the f%#k is Glam's hair green??
Find a new printing house.]
Some people thought they didn’t need to discuss anything with me, and decided to capitalize on our project, using our characters and our trademark. Settling those issues also took time, nerves and other resources, which I don’t have a lot of cuz I’m a simple person.
And yeah, we talked about wanting to find a sponsor and assemble a team… Well…
All attempts to find a sponsor have failed, because we personally weren’t agreeing with the conditions. [On paper: Contract. I give you cash. You make your cartoon. And also Dima should take off his pants and…] We won’t go into details. A lot of things in this world are not simple.
I’ll only say that there’s a good reason artistic people either don’t get involved with serious commerce, or get so robbed by it, only leaving a proud name in the credits: “original idea by this wonderful artist!”. And sometimes they even take that away too.
Not all of them are that bad, but c’mon, that’s how this world works.
But even if we got provided funds, we simply wouldn’t be able to find and assemble a team. The people we want to work with would simply not join us, cuz they have their own project or a much less draining source of income. And with us you’d have to sweat quite a lot, and for less money too.
And yeah, we talked about wanting to find a sponsor and assemble a team… Well…
All attempts to find a sponsor have failed, because we personally weren’t agreeing with the conditions. [On paper: Contract. I give you cash. You make your cartoon. And also Dima should take off his pants and…] We won’t go into details. A lot of things in this world are not simple.
I’ll only say that there’s a good reason artistic people either don’t get involved with serious commerce, or get so robbed by it, only leaving a proud name in the credits: “original idea by this wonderful artist!”. And sometimes they even take that away too.
Not all of them are that bad, but c’mon, that’s how this world works.
But even if we got provided funds, we simply wouldn’t be able to find and assemble a team. The people we want to work with would simply not join us, cuz they have their own project or a much less draining source of income. And with us you’d have to sweat quite a lot, and for less money too.
As for the people who want to work with us, we’re, most likely, not gonna hire them. Because there’s a big chance we’re not gonna be satisfied with the quality of their animation and art. [Sign: Yeah-yeah… We know our drawing skills aren’t very high… So what…]
And so, there’s just the two of us. And the two of us will draw the second season. But we had to take care of earnings first: drawing pictures for merch, stands, VK stickers…
By the way, VK… VK! I offered you stickers of Victoria and Heavy, and you, for the 3rd or 4th time, pretended like I don’t exist. [Note on screen: They’re not black and white. They’re drawn normally, I just can't show them yet if I want VK to approve them] At least tell me what’s wrong. Am I the problem, or you?... Well, it’s fine. You know what to do.
We also worked on... a comic! Ta-da! Yeah, we almost finished it and it’ll be available for sale soon. Again, just so it could also keep us afloat. Thanks in advance to everyone who’ll purchase it, since we print it with our own money, without a publisher or crowdfunding. [Sign: Printing house. Dude: We’ll print for free, but keep the rights to the comic] Because, well… That’s just how our stance is. If you want to support us — buy our merch. No patreon or other stuff. I think that's more fair for both sides.
You can buy the merch from the VK group or on our official website. As well as on the 28-oi shop and on the skipandpar’s website. These guys make wonderful t-shirts, including the Metal Family ones. They also really helped us in the beginning, so make sure to check them out! We’ll put links in the description.
A bit more about the comic. This book includes the comic itself, a few secret pictures from the metalhead family, and this poster. [On screen: Quality lowered on purpose so no one steals it] It's around 64x48cm. The comic is an expansion of the first season and continues the story of the 10th episode. It closes some questions about the characters and opens up new ones. Obviously, the events in the comic are canon, unlike the sketches, which I sometimes drew just as a joke. Though the people who want the english version will have to wait, it’ll come out a bit later.
And so, there’s just the two of us. And the two of us will draw the second season. But we had to take care of earnings first: drawing pictures for merch, stands, VK stickers…
By the way, VK… VK! I offered you stickers of Victoria and Heavy, and you, for the 3rd or 4th time, pretended like I don’t exist. [Note on screen: They’re not black and white. They’re drawn normally, I just can't show them yet if I want VK to approve them] At least tell me what’s wrong. Am I the problem, or you?... Well, it’s fine. You know what to do.
We also worked on... a comic! Ta-da! Yeah, we almost finished it and it’ll be available for sale soon. Again, just so it could also keep us afloat. Thanks in advance to everyone who’ll purchase it, since we print it with our own money, without a publisher or crowdfunding. [Sign: Printing house. Dude: We’ll print for free, but keep the rights to the comic] Because, well… That’s just how our stance is. If you want to support us — buy our merch. No patreon or other stuff. I think that's more fair for both sides.
You can buy the merch from the VK group or on our official website. As well as on the 28-oi shop and on the skipandpar’s website. These guys make wonderful t-shirts, including the Metal Family ones. They also really helped us in the beginning, so make sure to check them out! We’ll put links in the description.
A bit more about the comic. This book includes the comic itself, a few secret pictures from the metalhead family, and this poster. [On screen: Quality lowered on purpose so no one steals it] It's around 64x48cm. The comic is an expansion of the first season and continues the story of the 10th episode. It closes some questions about the characters and opens up new ones. Obviously, the events in the comic are canon, unlike the sketches, which I sometimes drew just as a joke. Though the people who want the english version will have to wait, it’ll come out a bit later.
So, what’s happening now? Right now we’re finally cleaning things up and starting to work on season 2. [On screen: MF season 2. Pressing matters]
Yeah, it finally happened. Though, we can’t say for sure how much time it’ll take. [On screen: 2nd season. Episode, length, production duration. Confidential (for now)] We’ll most likely make a few episodes so we could start putting out the first 5 episodes, 2 per month. [On screen: June, July, August, September] And then we’ll see.
We also opened a new channel “Metal Family English”. It will have english episodes coming out soon.
I had to search for english voice actors and personally control the dubbing. Each actor did a great job! Working with them was a treat. I especially want to thank George, who voiced Glam, Gustav and other secondary characters, and also helped us with finding other cast members. So, subscribe there too!
A huge thanks also to everyone who supported us by donating rubles and other currency. Part of the funds you donated in the first season went to the english dub. That’s why we’re keeping the credits with donations in the english episodes. [On screen: by that we mean the credits that were already there in each episode]
[People on screen: We also wanna be in the credits] Although, I have to warn you that in the second season such credits won’t exist anymore. There will still be a way to donate [in the description] but now without putting them in the credits.
The thing is, there were so many donations in episode 10 that we had to spent a lot of time putting them in manually. And you understand that some donations were merely 9 rubles. Plus we had After Effects crash several times because of the credits, which drove us crazy.
Of course we could set a minimal sum to be in the credits, but it’s sort of… unfair, I guess? PAY 500 RUBLES AND YOU’LL BE PUT IN THE CREDITS OF METAL FAMILY! Screw that.
Dima: Nah.
Alina: That’s why we removed it for everyone. As I said earlier, if you want to support us or get something in return, then buy our merch — that way everyone’s happy. Perhaps we’ll make a patreon for the english speaking audience, so we could afford the english dub for the second season.
In the english version we also cleaned up all the copyright issues with every song, which makes it possible for us to monetize the english channel and make some money from it. So again, if you wanna support us financially, you can simply subscribe and watch the english episodes on our channel. It’ll at least earn us a few pennies.
But, despite the success or failure of the monetized english version, the second season will come out on this channel first, with no monetization, as always. Because we’ll use songs that were planned for the series a very long time ago. Yeah, we never learn.
On the english channel we got help from a musician, who rewrote every song beyond recognition, which helped us immensely. He even refuses to take money for the work. [To Dima] Let’s at least leave a link to his channel?
Dima: Sure.
Alina: Actually, I’m still not sure he’s a real person.
[Chat on screen:
Alina: It needs to be similar to the song, but only similarOf course we could set a minimal sum to be in the credits, but it’s sort of… unfair, I guess? PAY 500 RUBLES AND YOU’LL BE PUT IN THE CREDITS OF METAL FAMILY! Screw that.
Dima: Nah.
Alina: That’s why we removed it for everyone. As I said earlier, if you want to support us or get something in return, then buy our merch — that way everyone’s happy. Perhaps we’ll make a patreon for the english speaking audience, so we could afford the english dub for the second season.
In the english version we also cleaned up all the copyright issues with every song, which makes it possible for us to monetize the english channel and make some money from it. So again, if you wanna support us financially, you can simply subscribe and watch the english episodes on our channel. It’ll at least earn us a few pennies.
But, despite the success or failure of the monetized english version, the second season will come out on this channel first, with no monetization, as always. Because we’ll use songs that were planned for the series a very long time ago. Yeah, we never learn.
On the english channel we got help from a musician, who rewrote every song beyond recognition, which helped us immensely. He even refuses to take money for the work. [To Dima] Let’s at least leave a link to his channel?
Dima: Sure.
Alina: Actually, I’m still not sure he’s a real person.
[Chat on screen:
Alex: Which song?
Alina: Omnium Gatherum - Living in me
Alex: Done (download)]
Because he composed with such speed and such minimal edits that me and Dima couldn’t handle it anymore and made a short video about it.
[On screen: This video was made half a year ago]
Alex: Well, as I said, there won’t be any problem with the vocals, because I can sing cleanly, like [sings]. Or low, like [sings]. And shout like Slayer [sings]. With distortion, growling, like [sings]. Inhale [sings]. Also screaming, like Static-X [sings].
Alina: Who the f%#k is he…
Dima: He needs, like, to write a 5-minute track, he needs 1 minute, because he plays the melody in 30 seconds, fast, then stretches it, saves and it becomes a 5-minute song. It’s easier for him since he’s too fast for this world.
Alina: Yeah yeah… He’s artificial.
Anyway, despite all issues, mistakes and, not just underwater rocks, but damn icebergs which stood in our way in these hard times, there were still people who helped and supported us. [On screen: Guys, I'll make you a free website right now!] The website, for example, was done as quickly as possible, just in time while I was struggling with orders and drowning in community messages. A separate thanks to that person.
And, of course, friends, family and good acquaintances, who at least believed in us and were ready to help, within their strength and capabilities.
I think this summer was very hard for most people. Due to obvious reasons. And we’re not the exception. I wish everyone strength to move forward, despite anything. The most important thing is to see the goal and go towards it. Since, no matter how many times you fall down, if you know where to go, you won’t ever get lost. [On screen: laziness, doubt, expenses, it doesn't work!] And we definitely know where we’re headed. And no yacht Caroline would replace this goal. Though, that key over there…
Thanks for staying with us, we appreciate it a lot. We’ll announce the release of the comic, make a trailer/presentation of season 1’s english version. Make sure to join the group and participate in the posts with questions for the characters. And, of course, expect a season 2 trailer, some time after new years.
Good luck to everyone, and AWAF!
Because he composed with such speed and such minimal edits that me and Dima couldn’t handle it anymore and made a short video about it.
[On screen: This video was made half a year ago]
Alex: Well, as I said, there won’t be any problem with the vocals, because I can sing cleanly, like [sings]. Or low, like [sings]. And shout like Slayer [sings]. With distortion, growling, like [sings]. Inhale [sings]. Also screaming, like Static-X [sings].
Alina: Who the f%#k is he…
Dima: He needs, like, to write a 5-minute track, he needs 1 minute, because he plays the melody in 30 seconds, fast, then stretches it, saves and it becomes a 5-minute song. It’s easier for him since he’s too fast for this world.
Alina: Yeah yeah… He’s artificial.
Anyway, despite all issues, mistakes and, not just underwater rocks, but damn icebergs which stood in our way in these hard times, there were still people who helped and supported us. [On screen: Guys, I'll make you a free website right now!] The website, for example, was done as quickly as possible, just in time while I was struggling with orders and drowning in community messages. A separate thanks to that person.
And, of course, friends, family and good acquaintances, who at least believed in us and were ready to help, within their strength and capabilities.
I think this summer was very hard for most people. Due to obvious reasons. And we’re not the exception. I wish everyone strength to move forward, despite anything. The most important thing is to see the goal and go towards it. Since, no matter how many times you fall down, if you know where to go, you won’t ever get lost. [On screen: laziness, doubt, expenses, it doesn't work!] And we definitely know where we’re headed. And no yacht Caroline would replace this goal. Though, that key over there…
Thanks for staying with us, we appreciate it a lot. We’ll announce the release of the comic, make a trailer/presentation of season 1’s english version. Make sure to join the group and participate in the posts with questions for the characters. And, of course, expect a season 2 trailer, some time after new years.
Good luck to everyone, and AWAF!
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