As answered by Director Jesse Cowell (“Jeskid”)
Please note that the team of people we have running this site is somewhat small (me, the director of the film, and a couple of kind friends). We are a little crazed (insane) trying to make the movie/series as good as it can be, so just understand when we things go wrong we will all blame each other 
Seriously though, we will try to do our best to resolve any issue you guys have because in the end we want you all to be happy and enjoy the film.
Sample problems/questions (Yes I made all these up!):
How hard did you work on this movie?
I haven’t slept in days. I eat once a month. I walked 30 miles to get to school as a kid. All right, that’s all BS. Basically, as anyone who has followed my career on the web – I work all day everyday and am so impassioned to make something that I will give up times with friends and family in an effort to do so. This is indescribably important to me. I want to share what I think and do what it takes to do so (or try my best). I really hope it works out!
When is the DVD coming out?
We are in post-production on the series as we speak (working on episode 12!). As soon as we finish it, we will begin making a DVD with every extra we can find (There are 6 tapes of behind the scenes footage and some home movies I would never show my mom…)
<<
>>
Actually, I can’t wait to make a DVD so people can watch this on their big screen tv’s. If blue-ray or HD-DVD is cheap enough by then, releasing it in that format as well would be awesome.
Is there a podcast version of Drawn by Pain?
Yes. that can be found by clicking and hitting subscribe here:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=209471696
What can I do to help with DBP?
Talk about the project to friends, send some emails, post comments when you see Drawn by Pain online, subscribe to the itunes podcast, write letters to anyone who will listen! All of these things will help Drawn by Pain get seen by more people. I really want this film to belong to everyone as everyone plays a part in getting it seen.
How can you afford to give this away for free?
Well, originally we charged for the episodes (as the film cost a bit to make), but I personally found it kind of depressing to not be able to share with as many people as possible, so I lifted the restriction and made everything FREE. Hopefully, someone will sponsor this site or people will donate, but either way I can try hold off the credit card companies for a bit longer and keep turning them out. I got into this to share and that is exactly what I intend on doing.
Can I make a donation?
Why yes you can (but of course do not have to)!
How long did this movie take to make?
I came up with the idea years ago – but until I had the technology to do it – I had to wait. A little over a year ago – I decided it was time to take the risk, charge up my cards and go for it. We started shooting in the late summer and went into post-production a few months ago (have been doing both simultaneously for a bit). As the series is released, the later episodes are being edited and animated. As every frame is hand drawn it can be a slow process – but it has all been worth it and it is a very fun time indeed.
Where can I find out more information about the team behind the film?
If you look on the front page, there is a tab labeled BEHIND THE SCENES. It will have moments from the production/post production process (and news from the crew) as I can find them underneath all the fast food we have been eating to survive. I want this site to be a living DVD of sorts and will continuously update it whenever I can with tidbits on how we’re doing and what it took to get here (will also be sending these out via podcast). Also please check out the cast/crew page – there will be lots of info on a per-episode basis on everyone (I can remember) who helped make this all happen. Seriously – some of the coolest people I have ever met. Please check them out. Some will even provide contact info so you can stalk – I mean tell them what you thought about their work.
Why did you go this route – why aren’t you working in Hollywood?
I was never given the chance. I was never seen or heard. I was invisible. But thanks to the web for having so many cool and supportive people. Thanks to you guys, I finally have a chance to do my thing and make the best movie I can!
Thanks so much for reading this all if you did. Your support and interest in Drawn by Pain means the world to me.
WOOT!
-Jesse Cowell
jeskid@drawnbypain.com
Very insightful FAQ
Where can I find a liist of music used in each episode? The music in episode 6 is awsome and would love to get the song used when Emily is freaking out.
The music is fantastic. Any plans on releasing a soundtrack?
Yes a soundtrack would be nice.
The music is amazing.
It conveys the feeling in each episode very well.
I was very impressed by the acting of the girl playing the young Emily. Well, I was impressed by both, actually; but the young girl was particularly evocative.
Did you know that in domestic violence situations, children are 1,000 times more likely to be killed by parents than vice versa? So, I found that aspect of this drama a little unreal. Also, some of us end up having no feelings, being completely non-responsive; and that just invites more abuse sometimes. Apart from that, I found many, many aspects very realistic.
And, yes, a sound track would be nice.
Where does this take place, where is it filmed?
I’ll add my voice to the others who have asked about the music. The soundtrack to DBP is wonderful, It’d be really nice to have a way of getting all the music used to listen to. Heck, I’d pay for it.
Awesome. Very awesome. Any way of getting the listing of the music used in the episodes? Heard a couple of things I’d like to get… dunno what they were tho.
Thanks – keep it up. Would love to see a second season! Oh, and kudos to a great acting team, btw. Quality – nice.
It’s being worked on now by the musicians. As soon as I get the word that it’s ready – I shall pass it on here.
Thx for the kind words – I’m sure they will be thrilled to read them
-Jes
You are right – I need to make a per episode listing of what’s used. For now check the Cast and Crew page as it lists what musicians had songs (and which episodes they had them)
and thank you!
-Jes
Thanks Joan and points taken.
Sometimes the world really does suck. In our story – we wanted to empower the weaker person physically (younger Emily) to have an actual chance of fighting back. Sad that is isn’t always possible.
Thx for the thoughts,
Jes
80 percent is on the streets/subways/parks of NYC. The rest is split between New Jersey and New Hampshire (Episode 6 mainly).
-Jes
Thanks for the reply.
Stories such as yours can be therapeutic for some people. If nothing else, it shows that somebody somewhere out there thinks that things do not have to be this way.
How can I get a drawn by pain t-shirt?
I can’t wait for the last episode.
Thanks
Thanks Van! I’m excited to get people’s reactions big time.
As for shirts – just click on the T-shirt banner on the front page or go here:
http://www.printmojo.com/dbp
-Jes
Since I didn’t find an e-mail, or really look for one, I’ll just comment here.
I watched the first episode and some of another, and I just want you to know that whoever does the animation does a really bad job. Not only is the animation bad, the style is pretty awful too.
It just looks like some mediocre 14 year old anime copy cat style. Mostly the ugly, spiky hair.
That, and the actors are just awful. I couldn’t believe how
bad they were. :I
I do not agree that the animation and acting are terrible, but I AM curious as to who the writer(s) are. This dialog is just so forced and bland. It’s really just bad =( I am a stickler for this sort of thing too, so I cannot bear to watch anymore! I am not here to tear the series in its entirety to shreds. I actually think it has a lot of potential, just needs a better script.
Thanks for the thoughts Diane. As the writer of the series I was curious as to how much of it you had gotten a chance to see. Often people watch the first episode and misinterpret the dialogue in the background as something more meaningful than a little girls perception of what her parents arguing might sound like. Either way appreciate the thoughts.
-Jes
It’s hard to comment as you are basing your opinion on a small part of the series. I won’t argue though – it is obviously not your cup of tea and that’s totally cool
-Jes
meaning all the music is original?
if it is, that’s pretty awesome. some talented musicians out there.
I have to say that initally I was not completely thrilled by the series. To begin with I wasn’t a complete fan. Although the more I watched the more I fell in love with the story. I love the music. I also appreciate the amount of effort that has clearly gone into the series. You guys are Hollywood and don’t have some huge budget to make everything shiny and pretty. Its a part of what I like about it. You made the very very best with what you have. I love your series and can not wait to watch episode 12.
Thanks Jes (nice name btw)!
The hardest thing I have encountered on the web is getting people to sit thru the setup to see where the story takes you. As I wanted the audience to think one thing then lead them in a different direction that often gives people the wrong idea who don’t spend the time getting through the first few episodes.
That said I beyond appreciate your thoughts and can’t wait to hear what you think of 12! Glad you stuck with us!
-Jes
Thanks for doing this. Very inspiring in many ways. Both for the past me- and the current. Keep going, if you’ve made it this far, you could do anything.
Much appreciated. Been a long road indeed for the project and I hope you are right!
Also – I do hope the past and current you do more than well in whatever you do if life.
-Jes
It is a rather good name isn’t it?
I have to admit I did think you were going in several directions aside from the one you have gone. Anything too predictable and its dull. This keeps you mind occupied with trying to work out where you are going. Who is this person. What is going to happen next. Kept me asking questions and wanting answers. Only problem was I had to keep waiting for each episode to get them!
Very excited about episode 12. Getting a little twitchy trying to work out what is going to happen though.
I saw an ad for “Drawn by Pain” on Escapist Magazine, and so I browsed on over and discovered that not everything is so predictable. At first I thought it was gonna be some superhero bull where Emily goes around fighting bad guys and saving citizens from injustice, but I was quite mistaken.
If you had gone that way I doubt you would have anything close to the psychological thrill that these episodes give me. “Is she really the killer?” “What is that creepy thing with the sewn mouth who always shows up where she is?” “What’s with the wolf?” I asked myself so many questions and at the end of each episode it seemed like I had more than when I started with.
I do hope that the final episode (I wish there was an exact date of release…) is an epic conclusion to this series, but I also can’t help but hope that it doesn’t answer ALL the questions. I’ve noticed that when all mysteries are uncovered and all questions have been answered, there’s nothing left for the audiences imagination. And from what I’ve seen, you guys really know what you are doing so I’m sure you already know that.
Good luck with the #12, and sorry for writing so much.
P.S. Hollywood has nothing on you guys.
I’ll quote Erica the animator after reading her this:
“awww that was sweet”
I ditto those thoughts on the kind words. I can’t say if I answer everything just yet, but hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 12 is coming soon – within the next month or so….but don’t hold me to it!!!
-Jes
I am getting just as twitchy trying to finish it. I’m dying to see if I will be stoned to death
In all seriousness – can’t wait to hear your thoughts – and hope more people get a chance to not judge it to early as well.
Thx Jes!
Wow, I was expecting a response to my comment in at least a couple of weeks. How’d you have enough time to do that?
Anywhoo, I won’t expect it done this month…but I can still hope. It doesn’t happen too often that I come by anything (literature, movies, new season of Scrubs) that it is constantly in the back of my mind wondering what is going to happen. I’m happy to say that “Drawn by Pain” is one of those things for me. Just wanted it to be clear that this is definitely my #1 online movie, drama or not.
Hi Jessica.
I’m still in the middle of your series – picked it up while looking around The Escapist and looking for some consolation with some things I’m trying to work through. Thought your title looked promising, and watched the first few episodes before deciding I was in no stable enough state of mind to see any more. For the next half hour or so, the main thought in my head was, “Why did she have to be called Emily?” It made it all the more creepy for me.
Let me just say that your work is masterfully evocative and really portrays the bleak disillusioned view well. I’m not your Emily, but I can see where she’s coming from, and the experience of looking into the eyes of a villain and seeing part of yourself is stirring and really says a lot for the common experience of the human condition. The fact that the lady in question seems unsure of her own morality at best and shared my name, love for drawing, and at least one other significant symbol to me only makes it much more jarring.
My own unique experience aside, though, wonderful. I will now shut up and watch the rest of what you’ve done so far.
Thank you Emily! I picked the name because it always had a vulnerability, but beauty about it that seemed interesting to me. I am very curious to hear what you think of the rest of the series if the first few disturbed you so. It always makes me feel good to know someone out there is taking it for what I tried to make it.
-Jesse (no “ica” lol)
Haha! Hollywood’s gonna take this idea someday, and you guys are the ones responsible. Mixing animation with live action adds a whole new dimension to things. Great work.
I found a link to a trailer of this on http://www.aigamedev.com. I thought it would have been more action intensive, and kinda like Heroes, with people suddenly finding their drawings coming to life. I wasn’t disappointed though, I like how this show has turned out. It reminds me of the anime Elfen Lied (japanese sub — dub sux), only Emily’s not as cynical as I’d have expected her to be (a la Lucy). Still, it works out well as it is, and I understand the character.
Of course, I’m looking forward to the grand finale, and to future shows like these. Good luck in your future projects, seems like there’ll be many of ‘em.
Thanks Nathanael!
I wanted to try something different in terms of character direction and am psyched to hear it worked for ya. Just announced the finale date – gonna be very interesting to see what people think of it.
As for Hollywood stealing it – as long as I can be involved – would be awesome
-Jes
Totally random and totally not necessary, but I must see that behind the scenes footage. Like the random car stuff? Ha…if you even know what I mean. Anyway, loved the movie last night. Great job!
Will you broadcast the serie in France? When? I think it would be great.
My friends and I really enjoy your work
Thanks much Neomie!
Right now I am looking into securing distribution. Nothing would make me more happy than to be able to share it with parts of Europe. I just think there has to be enough demand/people talking about it for it to happen.
-Jes
Thanks for coming Ashley – was very special indeed.
Click the behind the scenes link on the top right for all kinds of craziness
-Jes