Veteran Lead Artist for "The Simpsons" to Launch New Animated Web Series and Video Game App

    IRVINE, CA, October 18, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When the 15-year veteran artist of "The Simpsons," Erick Tran, developed his idea for a new animated Web series and video game application, he went to Kickstarter.com, the largest online funding platform for creative projects in the world.

"Our team felt this was the best possible strategy to successfully raise funds and awareness," said Tran. "Through Kickstarter, we can make personal and interactive connections with our audience, while offering unique incentives to those who choose to become our backers."

Kickstarter is an online funding platform for creative projects, where people can learn about the venture, make a pledge and become backers. Project creators keep 100 percent ownership and control over their work, offer products and experiences that are unique to each project. However, on Kickstarter, a project must reach its funding goal before time runs out, or no money changes hands. The "Urban Reggie" project must reach its funding goal of $100,000 by November 8 to begin production of season one.

"Coming up with an original concept that is fresh and entertaining is extremely challenging in this business," said Tran. "However, with the advancement of digital technology, content creators have the power to reach creative goals much more quickly. My mission is to use my skills to create shows that celebrate the broad diversity of our country, with a special focus on the Hispanic community."

He came up with an idea that would consume his heart, soul and mind for almost three years, to bring a message of hope and celebrate the spirit of achieving the American Dream. With an Emmy award-winning team of artists and producers by his side, the vision has become a reality, and "Urban Reggie" was born.

"Urban Reggie" is about two brothers, Reggie and Pepe, determined to do whatever it takes to fulfill their dream of making their mark in Hollywood. Reggie is the overzealous brother, while Pepe is just along for the ride - but is Reggie's biggest supporter. The comedy revolves around their journey of starting from the ground up in an unfamiliar society, jumping from job to job - just barely making it - to find that one opportunity that will finally get them in the door.

About Erick Tran
For more than 15 years, Tran has been a lead artist for "The Simpsons." His responsibilities spanned serving as animator, story artist, assistant director, merchandising & product designer, video game consultant, and supervisor on the "The Simpsons Movie." He also created designs for The Simpsons ride at Universal Studios. Additionally, he completed national Superbowl and World Cup commercials for Coke and Nike.

He is the son of immigrant parents, his mother from Guatemala, and his father a Vietnamese refugee. His life was never easy, but when his father was incarcerated during Tran's high school years, he, his mother and sister lost their home, and had to start life all over again.

During that time when hope was in short supply, Tran recalls a substitute teacher who said something that gave him the strength he needed: "Always go with your talents. If you do, you will always be better at what you do than the people around you."

As a child, he always loved art, and by the time he was a teenager, animation had become his life's biggest fascination. He decided to take that advice to heart and find a way to make it happen.

Tran's mother became a housekeeper, and eventually, was able to get the family back on track. Some of her clients were in the entertainment industry, and through that connection, Tran was able to get a summer job in animation that turned into a lengthy career with "The Simpsons," that has changed his life.

He wants to share his story of hope with high-risk youth so they understand that anything is possible. "Urban Reggie" is his vehicle to reach those kids.

To learn more about "Urban Reggie" and become a backer, please go to: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ericktran/urban-reggie-animated-series-and-video-game-app?ref=live.

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