Here is a step-by-step overview of just how this series came to be.

You can either click on the links below for the subject that interests you, or take the virtual tour by clicking on the Chi-Chian icon (the cute one to the right) to start, and then at the end of each feature look for the icon to take you on to the next part of the tour!

Before Chi-Chian could be an animated series, she needed to start out as an idea. And lucky for her, she came into the head of a very gifted and multi-talented artist...Voltaire. This section includes the story of when the idea began, images of her first incarnation as a comic book heroine, and the words from the man himself (and the beautiful actress that brought her to life).

   The Creation of Chi-Chian

   Comic Book Art Gallery

   Video interview footage of Voltaire and Bai Ling

Chi-Chian existed as a character and a world before becoming an animated series. Read an interview with Voltaire on his goals, difficulties and the process of writing the scripts for this episodic series. Also see an exerpt from a script and listen to the page come alive.

   Interview with Voltaire on the writing process

   Script excerpt -- look and listen

Once the scripts are finalized, we hold auditions, cast the roles, and record the whole season. Read about that process, see images of the recording session, and listen to some outtakes from the studio.

   Casting and Recording Chi-Chian - COMING SOON!!

   Photos from the recording session

   Audio Outtakes

Before models can be made and before animation can begin, the blueprint for the episode needs to be drawn -- the storyboard. Watch the RealPlayer special created on storyboarding with images of the storyboards, an audio interview with Voltaire, and a board-o-matic of a couple scenes from the series.

   Feature: Storyboard Special

Listen to Voltaire take you step-by-step through the process of how the models for the series were created, who created them, and what materials were used. From sketch, to sculpting, to creating a mold, to casting the final model and painting. Everything you wanted to know about model making.

   Feature: Voltaire on Model Building

Not only were all of the models created for this series, but also many sets and props were made from the least likely materials. What were they and how were they made? You'll find those answers here.

   Feature: Voltaire on Background Creation

Once the models and backgrounds are made, the elements are photographed. Then the photographs are manipulated and "cut apart" so that they can be animated in Flash. See how many pieces it takes to make the Chi-Chian character.

   Image Preparation

Our animators, Michael Lee and Daniel Govar, have learned a trick or two during the course of this series. They are pushing the envelope of what Flash can do every day (they're even winning awards for it!), and they're willing to share some of the inside information with you.

   Spotlight on animator Michael Lee

   Spotlight on animator Daniel Govar

   Flash animation tutorial

   Animation Tests

Once all of the elements of episodes are complete, there still needs to be a place that puts all of that information and entertainment on the Web for you to see. Hear what that design process is like from one of the designers of SCIFI.COM.

   Interview with Web designer, Ursula O'Steen