Saturday, March 22, 2008

Desperate Doodle and Paul Driessen

Just desperate to post something.

I've been in hell. Last week I got stomach flu, and then suffered an acute medical reaction, which sent me to the hospital. I would prefer not to discuss it on this blog, however. Let's just say it was frightening, and I am happy I can still talk normally.

What should I post? Well, I have rekindled an interest in Dutch/Canadian animator/filmmaker Paul Driessen. One of my favorite independents, I hope to meet Mr. Driessen someday. He has a wonderful talent in telling very complex ideas in such a simple yet whimsical style. His animation style is very unique and unlike anything else. He accomplishes things I hope to accomplish. Using a very charming and whimsical style to tell stories and ideas that are unique and unusual. Here are two of his films.

The Killing of the Egg


The Boy Who Say The Iceberg


I have lost time and resumed working on my film, Parasite's Delight (as it is still called). I hope to have a couple of finished shots up here in a couple weeks. I worry about my schedule, but Andy London assures me that I have nothing to fear. And seeing how Andy handles these things, I should believe him.
Still I am desperate to do some non-thesis drawing. This was all I can muster up.

Hope to write again next week. Hopefully.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Ident ~ Aardman, 1989

This is a short film directed by Richard Goleszowski, and produced by Aardman Animation in 1989. It is remarkably different from other Aardman shorts, especially looking at it now.

I have been watching this short recently. I showed it to a friend, it was her first time seeing it, and it blew her away.

I love this short, and its a little hard to explain why. I think I just love the nonsensical nature of it. The gibberish and the actions are hysterical. It's a short film that works very well without a story. Pat Smith had a rant on his blog some time ago about how it is not always about story, but really the idea, or just the characters, or the visuals. In my opinion, there is no one source, it can be anything. It just depends on what comes first, and where that leads. Ident is a short that is very complete, and based solely on the idea and the visual.

Also, some exciting stuff over here. The Pratt Animation shows have been set up (a tremendous thanks to Fran Krause). We will have three showings, all in May. I will add more information if anyone out there is interested. Also, this coming week are screenings for the ASIFA-East festival this year. As a member, I have the privilege of casting my vote in the screening. I hope to have something to report on.