Poom Paroom Paroom Paroom Poom

Russian Winnie the Pooh cartoon. So much more charming, childlike and imaginative than the Disney version, if a little bit bonkers.

A lot bonkers, actually. He’s got no legs! Delightful.

Tram param param param param pam pa.

A quoi ca sert l’amour

Utterly delightful animated short film set to Edith Piaf’s A quoi ca sert l’amour, or What Use Is Love?.

It made me smile. For various reasons.

The Big Story

I first saw this in the cinema, as it toured the UK supporting Pulp Fiction in 1994. Directed by Spitting Image alumni Dave Stoten and Tim Watts this is a great pastiche of old time Hollywood and features the vocal talents of The Riddler himself, Frank Gorshin.

The film has stayed with me all these years, and the last line in particular made me chuckle just because of the delivery, but I’ve only just now got the joke, fifteen years later. What a doyle!

We Sing the Forest Electric

You’ve probably already seen this. I know I have. But I think it’s lovely. For me, it’s the dancing beaver that makes it. If everybody danced like a beaver, why, this world would be… weirder. Like, a lot weirder. But more nicerer too.

Chad is here

The first two episodes of Chad Banger have launched on 4mations:

Episode 1:

http://www.4mations.tv/clip.aspx?key=58A1FDC685EAF34C&ctx=medialist&type=video

Episode 2:

http://www.4mations.tv/clip.aspx?key=D542E36A9034ABED&ctx=medialist&type=video

Watch! Be reassured! Comment! Send cash!

Chad Stuff on 4Talent

Yes, I spend Saturday nights googling “Chad Banger”. Anyway, just found a thing about Chad Banger and 4mations on the 4Talent website, in which I use the word “democratizing”.

Clicky link: Chad Banger on 4Talent

There’s an interesting quote from Miles Bullough from Aardman about the sort of stuff that they’re looking for:

“We really respond to comedy. We like all kinds of animation, but if something makes us laugh, we’re likely to remember it. We’re looking for people with their own vision, something that isn’t derivative. The intention of the piece has to be clear. And less is definitely more – don’t over-animate.”

There it is: don’t over-animate. Mission accomplished there, I think. See for yourself, when Chad debuts on 4mations, Monday 27th October.

Chad Slacker

OK, try not to panic, people, but the debut of sure-to-be-internet-sensation Reassurance with Chad Banger has been pushed back a week. Reports that this is due to frantic behind-the-scenes contract negotiations with a certain money-hungry saveloy are unconfirmed at time of going to press.

So Chad debuts on www.4mations.tv on Monday 13th of October Monday 27th October (just sign the contract, Banger!). Hoorah.

This Duck is Very Excited

Don’t take my word for it…

Duck!

That duck is excited. No doubt about it. And why? Because the debut of Reassurance with Chad Banger is only, like, a few days away.

The first two episodes will be on 4mations from the 7th October, with episodes 3 and 4 following on October 14th.

I think possibly the duck would be less excited if he realised that he’s only in episode 4 for a couple of seconds, and that something VERY BAD happens to him.

You want to see something bad happen to a duck? Of course you do. Coming soon…

ps

Gus has an interesting bit about the art of Chad Banger over at his bloggins.

Pitch

I’m currently working on a new cartoon pitch with Gus Hughes, so what better time to take a look at somebody else’s pitching skillz? No better time, that’s what better time.

So here’s John K (of Ren and Stimpy infamy) pitching a new show, George Liquor’s Cartoony Type Variety Show.

 He outlines the idea, includes artwork, sample dialogue,  plot ideas and gags and he does it using a friendly, amusing tone.

He also underlines a Very Important Selling Point:

Don’t forget how good we are at animating sexy girls! Hopefully this would be a ratings grabbing ingredient in the George Liquor Variety Program.

It’s a good template for a pitch I think, and one which I’ll try and emulate:

Don’t forget how good we are at animating people’s heads exploding!

I mean, boobs are all well and good, but c’mon! Heads! Exploding!

I think we’re onto a winner.

I Got a Badge

 

the kitteniest badge on this blog

I feel very special.

And tonight I’ve been working up some new animation ideas with Mr Gus. I like being an animator, even though I’m not really an animator at all. Best make lots of cartoons before somebody notices and makes me give my kitteny badge back.