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TechTalk with FableVision Studios

FableVision's Jordan Bach (Senior Developer) and Brian Grossman (Technical Director)

FableVision's Jordan Bach (Senior Developer) and Brian Grossman (Technical Director)

Among other things here at FableVision, we’re known for our gorgeous art and animation -- those visual pieces are a direct connection to our motto -- “Stories that Matter, Stories that Move.” But FableVision Studios also uses cutting-edge technology, tools and techniques to make our projects come to life. Using a wide array of software and hardware while working on many projects at a time for various platforms, the tech team at FableVision Studios are the behind-the-scenes maestros of those stories that move and matter.


Tools of the Trade


HTML: HTML is the bedrock foundation of everything on the internet -- it’s a computer language specifically for building websites, and every website uses it. Every time you go to a website, your browser translates those words into a webpage, complete with words, images, videos and more!

JavaScript: If HTML is the bedrock foundation of the internet, JavaScript is what makes a webpage do things. Any time you can type into a text box, watch a slideshow, or if something on a page is animated, that’s thanks to JavaScript.

Unity: Unity is a program for making games for computers, websites, or mobile devices, commonly referred to as a game “engine.” Making a game is complex, so Unity provides a foundation for a team to build upon, so they can focus on making it fun and beautiful.

“Because FableVision is a mission-based company, we focus on finding a project that fits our mission, then we find the technology that fits the project,” says Brian Grossman, Technical Director. He’s been working at FableVision for more than a decade, and has seen the tools and process change many times over the years. Developing the technology behind a project starts during the FabLab, the first step for any FableVision project, where everyone connected to a project meets to collaboratively plan and discuss every aspect. Being part of the process from the beginning is important and fun, says Jordan Bach, Senior Developer at FableVision Studios: “I can let people know what’s easy and what’s hard; if we do the hard thing we may not have time to do this awesome thing, etcetera. We want to be able to do as much awesome stuff as we can.”

Once the project gets going, Jordan describes the work of the tech team as “assemblers” -- they take the art, writing, sound, and more, and make it all seamlessly work together. Because FableVision works on many types of media -- websites, mobile games, museum interactives, and much more -- this means everyone on the team has to know an array of skills and toolsets. Websites and web-based interactive projects are frequently built in HTML and JavaScript and games are frequently made using the Unity 3D Game Engine, just to name a few. (See sidebar, “Tools of the Trade.”)

There is a truth about good technical work that not everyone knows. “This is almost a cliche, but I’ll say it anyways: our tech team is really talented, and if we’re doing what we’re doing well, you’ll never see it,” Jordan points out. If an app or game works as expected, it’s easy to never think of all the work that went into it, and everything that’s happening under the hood. A great example of this is what is called “Responsive Design,” whereby the tech team works hard to make a website, app, or game work well and look great on a multitude of devices, from laptops to cell phones. (See sidebar, “Responsive Design.”)


Responsive Design


Responsive design is the process of making a website, app or game perform the same and look good across many types of devices, whether it be a 30” TV or the iPhone in your pocket.

The website or application is constantly checking what the size of the screen is, and moves and re-sizes the content, whether it be photos, text, or buttons, to fit and follow certain guidelines. “We try to build things that can go everywhere,” says Brian Grossman, Technical Director at FableVision Studios.

It’s not always a rosy path to launching a project, however -- technology is sometimes fickle, and working with the cutting-edge tools and processes sometimes means working in uncharted territory. “Every project has its own quirky technology problem, or problems! There’s always something that makes it like no other project we’ve ever done,” says Brian. “Prototyping and core functionality isn’t hard, it’s the polish, it’s the potential problems and bug fixes. It’s lopsided -- 20% of the time is 80% of the functionality, 80% of the time is finessing and perfecting the last 20% of functionality.”

Ultimately the tech team is committed to getting the project done, and that means a lot of creativity and hard work. “You’ll look at a problem for a while and you won’t have a solution; suddenly you’ll have an epiphany and you’ll find the solution,” Brian says with a chuckle, pantomiming staring at his screen until suddenly the roadblock is lifted. Coding is modern problem-solving, working with computers by writing in languages they can understand, and problem-solving is an inherently creative skill, one that is incredibly important to our modern world and its future. That kind of problem solving and ingenuity are at work every day at FableVision Studios -- it’s integral to the level of quality media we’re known for, and what we pride ourselves on every day. No matter the media challenge, we’ll help you meet it.

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Rock the Vote: Get FableVision and Committee for Children to SXSWedu 2017!

Committee for Children (CFC) and FableVision are hoping to bring our team of experts to SXSWedu to give educators the digital tools they need to make empathy the forefront of a child’s development in a media-rich world. And we need your help to get there. Yes, you!

How can you help?

  1. Head to SXSWedu’s website here.
  2. Make an account to view our session. 
  3. Rock Your Vote! (Voting ends Sept. 2)
  4. Share with your social network via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, you name it.

Link to vote: Empathy Empowers: Digital Learning Strategies

So, what’ll we be talking about?
Kids spend a lot of time online developing social-emotional skills within the digital space; the lack of face-to-face contact makes it easier to be “mean,” often without consequences. Leveraging research, psychology, and media, Committee for Children and FableVision are using educational media as an antidote. With built-in opportunities for failure and success, media helps kids understand how they can take ownership of creating a positive climate conducive to learning in a respectful and supportive environment. Educational specialists and developers will share insights and statistics on merging content with media, and discuss how it can promote empathic, ethical decision-making in kids.

“The great thing about this partnership is the seamless merging of content and engaging gameplay,” says Rachel Kamb of Committee for Children. “Our teams have worked really hard to create quality media and can’t wait to share our findings with the SXSWedu community.”

Who are the experts?

 
 

What can you learn?

  1. Tips to create a safe space online, where kids can act freely, be entertained, and challenge and enrich moral development without sacrificing agency.
  2. Get insights and statistics on merging content with rich media; discuss various media resources geared toward numerous age groups to promote kindness.
  3. Learn strategies on using media to reinforce social-emotional learning and bullying prevention skills and concepts both in the classroom and home.

What are some things you can expect to see?

  • How learning games like Committee for Children’s ParkPals (developed by FableVision) promotes learning kindness, created to address bullying.
  • More media and resources produced by Committee for Children and FableVision that encourage empathy and personal development.

Get your vote out and spread the word!

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August FableFriday: Mitul Daiyan, Marketing Coordinator

“FableVision is forged by the minds, hearts, and work of solidly good people,” self-proclaimed "Extraordinarily-Excited FableVision Enthusiast" Mitul Daiyan shares.

The newest member of FableVision’s marketing team, Mitul’s background in divinity school, start-ups, and publishing is all rolled into her passion for storytelling and doing good in the world. It’s part of what drew her to the studio – it was an instant connection.

“You know that feeling you get when you see a great piece of art? I get that feeling every time I look at the projects in process when I pass by our artists and developers and producers on the way to my desk,” Mitul says. “Every time I see the FableVision brand, I know that I’m bound to love it. It’s a pretty powerful reassurance.”

This month we sat down with Mitul to hear her story of how she ended up at our studio, her contributions to our marketing efforts, the unique perspective her career path gives her, and her dream of one day owning 74 dogs.

How does a graduate of Harvard Divinity School (HDS) end up doing marketing for an educational media studio?
“So…you want to be a minister?,” is the question that almost every HDS student has received when they tell folks about attending the wonderful world of Divinity School. The truth is that Div-schoolers do just about anything and everything. I’ve had friends who work for the State Department, the United Nations, churches, non-profits, Buzzfeed, you name it. We’re everywhere. HDS prepares us to bring some form of good into the world all the while following our passions.

Me? I wanted to work in educational media and though I didn’t have a direct route, HDS primed me by allowing me to take classes across Harvard, take part in incredible fellowships, and really build my knowledge base around crucial topics in education and the media. I’m a much more socially-conscious marketer at FableVision because of my education.

What’s your journey to FableVision story?
It’s kind of like having a crush on someone, Facebook stalking them for six months, and then finally gathering up the courage to ask them out. I learned about FableVision from my friend, Matt Rubin, who told me about the company one fateful party in October of 2015. I Googled the company and spent hours on the website, slowly falling in love. Six months later, I bit the bullet and sent Sarah Ditkoff an enthusiastic email (without an introduction, she had no idea who I was) and a mere 24 hours later, Matt sent a separate, unprompted email introduction, which pulled everything together. It was strong enough to earn me an interview, and Sarah and I hit it off immediately.  One month, two emails, and a couple interviews later, I became the newest addition to the FableFamily.

As the new marketing coordinator, what does your role consist of? What’s your day-to-day look like?
A lot of writing! I was a creative writing major so I missed being able to think creatively and flex that muscle (academic writing can be dry). I’m usually writing up a storm for our blog, social media, newsletters, you name it! When I’m not tip-tapping away, I’m helping Sarah ensure the implementation and smooth execution of marketing efforts across the studio from Open House events all the way up to our 20th Anniversary celebrations.

What's it like being part of FableVision’s marketing team?
FableVision is a small company full of immense talent but our secret ingredient is the passion and energy that we pour into every single project we take on. Our marketing team has a good balance of skills, abilities, solid leadership, and a great sense of humor.

We’re a two-person team that’s small but we're nimble and wear many hats. Marketing is a unique department that’s truly and wholly collaborative. We have a birds-eye view of what’s happening across the studio so I get to dip my toes in uncharted waters, learn more about the creative and technical facets of this company, and find opportunities to cross-collaborate.

What do you think makes for an effective communications/marketing strategy?
Know where your niche is, who you are, and what you do best. I believe that FableVision stands out because not only do we give 110% percent to every single project we take on, but we know who we are at the heart of our company. We’re founded on the value of storytelling and as our company continues to grow, we stay true to our mission of translating values into meaningful media that engages and inspires.

The Barakat Bundle team.

The Barakat Bundle team.

You previously helped found a startup, Barakat Bundle. What made you want to start a company like that, with such a humanitarian mission?
Barakat Bundle started from scratch in the living room of my friend, Karima Ladhani. She came across the BBC article on the Finnish Baby Box and decided to take this idea and customize it for the South Asian context. I immediately climbed on board because here, right in front of me, was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a part of the world that I have deep ties to.

We incubated the idea in a course with Professor Gordon Bloom, assembled a team, won the HBS New Venture Competition, became 2015 MassChallenge finalists, turned into a full fledged non-profit organization, and ran our first Prototype Pilot Program all within the span of a year.

What did you like about the work you did there?
The startup world is fast moving and there’s always something to do.  I’ve learned to be quick on my feet and think one step ahead, all the while managing what’s currently on my plate. I love being in a collaborative environment and dipping my toes into various departments, having a breadth of knowledge across disciplines. As a member of the marketing team, it’s essential for me to be constantly in the know of what we’re working on or have worked on in the past, and think about unique ways to leverage this content in a meaningful way to attract our audience. 

What kind of skills did you learn from creating a startup that help your work at FableVision?
I loved being able to put into practice IDEO’s Human Centered Design strategy. Human Centered Design is founded on the premise that really understanding the people who will use your product is key to generating designs that will actually work. We weren’t just going to fashion a Barakat Bundle that we thought would work for people we hoped to serve. Our goal, right from the beginning, was to go directly to the source and learn from our users. I see this approach in the work that we do at FableVision. We pride ourselves in not just serving educators but having direct interactions that allow us to observe, learn, and iterate in way that pays respect to their valuable input. 

A sliver of Mitul's children's literature collection.

A sliver of Mitul's children's literature collection.

Before that you were in children's publishing – what was that like and how'd you end up there?
I’ve always known that I wanted to work with books. I’m a sucker for a good story and I wanted to be a part of an industry that thrives on producing stories for the harshest critics of all – children. I think it takes a truly gifted group of people to produce content that’s enriching in all the right ways. I never liked being told what to do and I’m not fond of books that are preachy or suggest that children aren’t smart or clever. From Lee & Low Books to Scholastic, all the way to Candlewick Press, I’ve such a deep appreciation for the editors, marketers, and publicists that work tirelessly to bring each book into the world.  

You’re quite the baker! What got you in the kitchen and what keeps drawing you back?
I love to bake (and cook!) for and with people! Nothing warms my heart more than making people happy with good food and yummy desserts. My favorite kitchen-mate is my gal pal, Emily Srisarajivakul. We were made to make meals together because any time I cook with her, things come out #flawless.

One word: Beyonce. Tell us what it was like seeing her in concert.
Not only was it the best concert ever, it was also my first! Talk about setting the bar high. The props were mind-boggling, the theatrics dazzling, and the amount of talent on that stage left me gobsmacked. It must take a massive amount of effort to put together and yet she does it over and over again. What a woman! I mean, she was dancing ankle-deep on a stage that was turned into a pool! What!

How much do you love dogs?
SO much! My partner, Brent, is a pretty swell guy but I think he likes to believe that it was his charming, dashing ways that won me over. Nope. On our first date, we passed by two girls with a puppy and it trotted over to Brent and enthusiastically lathered him with love. It made my heart turn into warm oatmeal and I knew that was it for me. We’re making plans for a pupster soon. I want 74 dogs.

Any other side projects you’re working on?
I’m a writer by day and a henna artist by night! Currently, I’m working on a collection of short stories but shh…it’s still in the works and will probably be completed in the year 2092.

 

More about Mitul!

Favorite snack: Cooooookies.
Favorite thing to cook: Any dish that pairs well with rice because rice is life.
Favorite children’s book: This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Favorite thing to bake: Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake!
Favorite non-children’s book: All the short stories written by Jhumpa Lahiri.
Favorite album: The much anticipated release of Christina’s album, Happy Cat Sounds Volume 1
Favorite podcast: OnBeing with Krista Tippet (I want her to read me bedtime stories)
I mustache you a question. Favorite pun, go! Hey, whaddaya call cheese that’s not yours? …Nacho cheese! Also, this.

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FableVision’s Ultimate Summer Reading List

Sarah's shelfie with some of her books at home. 

Sarah's shelfie with some of her books at home. 

It’s the classic summer scene: you stretch out by the pool or on the beach, casually toss your flip flops to the side, a glass of iced tea sweating next to you. You reach into your bag and pull out…that read. You know the one. The one you’ve put some forethought into. Maybe you solicited recommendations from friends on Facebook, or maybe you went to the bookstore solely with the mindset of, I’m just going to see what calls to me from the shelves.

If you’re like me, the anticipation of summer is coupled with the anticipation of summer reading time. Whether your tastes skew fantastical, informational, or somewhere in-between, the reading time when the temperatures rise and the air is filled with the sound of humming air conditioners may as well be sacred – it’s a true indulgence, don’t you think?

Here at FableVision Studios, we put together our indulgent summer reading list, be it a magazine, novel, comic book, or whatever we’re flicking through this summer. Read on, add to our list with your own recommendations, and ask your friend the question: so, what reads are you devouring this summer? 

 
 

Jordan Bach, Senior Developer

  • The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope: I've been reading the Palliser Novels, a series of six novels by Anthony Trollope; I just finished The Eustace Diamonds, which is the third. They're serials from the 1860s and 1870s, and are full of drama: broken engagements, fistfights, jewel thefts, and illicit waltzes. Interestingly, the novels also depict the political and class struggles of the time, which provides an interesting counterpoint to our current political climate.

Hannah O’Neal, Artist and Animator

  • The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss: On the enthusiastic recommendation of a close friend, I'm reading the popular fantasy novel by Patrick Rothfuss.

Karen Bresnahan, Executive Producer

  • The Man Who Invented Rock 'n’ Roll by Peter Guralnick: Recommended only for those who want to read every little detail about the man who founded Sun Records and had an idea for a kind of music that would change the world. I’m not yet to the part of the book where Elvis Presley comes into the studio, but overall this story is a piece of history that I care a lot about.
 
 

Christina Kelly, Production Artist

  • Snotgirl by Bryan Lee-O'Malley: Bryan never fails to disappoint. After Scott Pilgrim and Seconds, I have high expectations for this series even after Issue 1. The story begins with a look inside a social media celebrity that, despite her picture perfect persona, has a toxic relationship with it. Her constantly running nose is a fact privy only to herself, until she meets a curious stranger. Looking forward to finding out what happens next after a very huge cliffhanger!

Leigh Hallisey, Creative Director

  • Siracusa by Delia Ephron:  Two very different married couples (connected by a past romance) go to Italy on vacation together and it's so suuuuuper tense and edgy their anxiety rubs off on you. The book begins after the couples return, and they take turns narrating their version of the events leading up to the dark events hinted at in the beginning. The distinct voices of the characters offer a fascinating view into their psyches and motivations, and the rich descriptions of Rome and Siracusa transport you there. It reminded me of The Talented Mr. Ripley in many ways, so if you liked that, read this!
 
 

Ethan Thibault, Marketing Intern

  • The Dragon Behind the Glass: A True Story of Power, Obsession, and the World's Most Coveted Fish by Emily Voigt: I just finished The Dragon Behind the Glass, which is a non-fiction book about the Asian Arowana, the world's most coveted aquarium fish (one sold for $150,000). The book follows a reporter trying to find the fish in the wild -- a near impossible task -- and through that journey learn about worldwide exotic animal culture, far-off secluded countries like Myanmar and Borneo, the history of the natural sciences from Aristotle to Linnaeus, and more! It's a really fascinating read, and a great way to dive in (pun intended) to a bunch of worlds you might not know about otherwise.

Margarita Dekoli, Senior Developer

 
 

Brian Grossman, Technical Director

Sarah Ditkoff, Marketing and Client Services Manager

  • Wicked by Gregory Maguire: How had I never read this?! I love stories that thrust you into worlds that manage to feel fresh and familiar at the same time.
  • The Fifth Petal by Brunonia Barry: I got my hands on an early copy of this (it comes out in January) and tore through it. Brunonia is my former employer and a dear friend, so I can't help but give her a plug here. If you've read her previous novels The Lace Reader and The Map of True Places, this is a signature Brunonia read -- a little haunting, a little mysterious -- a true Salem-steeped story that grabs you.
 
 

Polly Searles, Producer

  • Deep Down Dark by Hector Tobar: 33 miners trapped under ground when the San Jose mine in Chile collapses in August 2010 for a record 69 days, surviving on nothing much more than a cracker and sips of water a day. Even though you know how it ends, it’s a real page turner!  Mind boggling that they were capable of surviving as a group for that long under those circumstances.  
  • A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson: It's kind of a companion book to Life After Life but you don’t have to have read that one (In fact I preferred A God in Ruins). Alternates between the story of a WW2 pilot on his final mission and his life in the present day. Easy read, interesting story, and a big twist at the end.
  • The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith: From Amsterdam 1631, about the first woman painter accepted into the Masters guild -- to NYC 1957 art restoration and forgery -- to Sydney 2000 where the story all comes together.  Fun to read about dutch painting and life for a woman painter in the 17th century.
  • A Garden of Letters by Alyson Richman: Continuing my interest in WW2 stories, this is about Italian Resistance fighters, first love, and music. History of Italy in WW2 that I was not familiar with.
 
 

Loren Lee, UX/UI Designer

  • Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter: Beautiful Ruins had everything I look for in a summer read—an exotic setting, interesting and intertwined cast of characters, and a fast-paced, romantic storyline. The Cinque Terre region of Italy has been on my travel list for years, and this book took me there, as well as offering a peek at the Hollywood studio system of the mid-20th century.

Adam Landry, Executive Vice President

  • Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben: I sorta blew through this one in a couple days.
  • The Summer Game by Roger Angell: Reading it slowly. Each chapter is kind of like a standalone short story.
  • The Matheny Manifesto by Mike Matheny: I've read it once, and reread different parts of it several times. I've also been sending along passages that I really enjoy to the parents of the Little League baseball team I coach. A sample excerpt: "I believe that the biggest role of the parent is to be a silent source of encouragement. I think if you ask most boys what they would want their parents to do during the game; they would say 'NOTHING.' Once again, this is ALL about the boys. I believe that a little league parent feels that they must participate with loud cheering and 'Come on, let’s go, you can do it,' which just adds more pressure to the kids. I will be putting plenty of pressure on these boys to play the game the right way with class, and respect, and they will put too much pressure on themselves and each other already. You as parents need to be the silent, constant, source of support."
 
 

Anthony Merola, Production Assistant

  • The Accidental Admiral by Admiral James G. Stavridis: The autobiography tells the story of how James Stavridis rose through the ranks of the navy to become a Four Star Admiral before being named as the first sailor to serve as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO forces. It is a fascinating story about leadership, diplomacy, and fostering relationships and dialogue with individuals to reach a common purpose and solve problems.

Peter H. Reynolds, Founder

  • Kids Deserve It! by Adam Welcome and Todd Nelsoney: Public education in the US needs a good kick in the innovation. This book written by front line educators who are what I like to call "gentle rebels." They help inspire folks to ditch the "one size fits all" test-centric approach to teaching -- and instead empower kids to inspire kids to learn creatively.  Their book confirms my own "create bravely" philosophy and I am sure it will resonate with anyone who has children in their lives -- whether they're educators, parents, or caregivers. 

Didi Hatcher, Lead Animator

  • What's Going On in There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life by Lise Eliot, Ph.D: This is an incredibly interesting book by a neuroscientist and parent, who wants to reveal to the general public, in accessible language, the amazing things happening in a child's head as the brain and mind develop in infancy and early childhood. It's mind-blowing how every little experience, every word, every touch literally shape the brain and the mind, and the future person in general. It's powerful evidence to the importance of the nurture element, both scary (will I mess up my kid for life because I did X and not Y when he was a baby?) and very reassuring (whatever cards you were dealt by nature, there's always room for change via nurture). I highly recommend this book to anybody who wants kids, has kids, or just wants to know how a brain is built.
 
 

Mitul Daiyan, Marketing Coordinator

  • Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women edited by Nura Maznavi and Ayesha Mattu: A collection of thoughtfully assembled stories that provide an intimate look into the love lives of Muslim women. It spans across the spectrum of religiosity, ethnic make up, cultural backgrounds,  and has something profoundly relatable for everyone -- Muslim or not. 
  • Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur: Rupi Kaur is a gifted writer whose poems are constructed from words as sharp as the shards from broken glass. They frequently pierce your heart with those lurking but dormant feelings. With dark undertones, her carefully assembled words come together to capture a snapshot of the experience of being a woman, the complexity of parental divides, gut wrenching heartbreak, and the vulnerable currents that come with resilience. 

Yuri Guzman, Animation Intern

  • In Real Life by Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang: The art is beautiful and I especially like how the story touched on mature themes and told them through an adolescent's innocent perspective.

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Drawing From Memory With David SanAngelo: Celebrating 20 Years of Stories That Matter and Move

This is a special year for FableVision. We’re celebrating 20 years of designing and developing a wide array of engaging media that have inspired, taught, and moved people to action. Behind this mission-driven company is a team committed to creating positive media to help move the world to a better place. This special series highlights some of our crazy-talented artist-friends we've worked with over the past 20 years. To help us celebrate our 20th anniversary, we asked each of them to put their own spin on a FableVision logo.

Read up on all our anniversary celebrations on our website here and save the date for our anniversary party on November 18!

David SanAngelo has collaborated with a billion-trillion super amazing people in the fine business of broadcast animation. He was the Storyboard Director at FableVision for The Smithsonian Science Education Center's animated series Good Thinking! The Science of Teaching Science. David was also the Director of WordGirl (PBS) and Time Warp Trio (NBC, Discovery Kids, WGBH) -- receiving Emmy Nominations for both shows. His work has been displayed at the Society of Illustrators New York and Los Angeles shows and published in Spectrum. We asked David what FableVision means to him. Check out what he has to say.

David SanAngelo

Tell us about the logo you designed:
I wanted to capture the spirit of what FableVision is all about which is to provide the tools for kids so that they may empower themselves.

What's your favorite FableVision memory?
When I visited FableVision last summer and was taken to a terrific lunch with an outstanding group of people. I work offsite so this is not just my favorite but my only memory of actually being at FableVision. It was great!!!

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