Comedy

Interview with Anna Fitzsimons

Written by madevi 20th August 2009, 2:08pm

Posted in: 3D, Channel 4, Comedy, Commissions, Festivals, Interviews, Reviews

Another week, another 4mations director interview…

This week we catch up with Anna Fitzimons, who is working on The Life, Death and Suffer Story, a sort of mock tragedy that introduces us to Verity Burns, a lonely girl suffering the madness of a broken heart.

The Life, Death, and Suffer Story

You’re working on a mock tragedy. Is this Antigone meets The Office?

Ha! No, not quite, but maybe a little, the difference being that Verity is wallowing in self pity (between fits of pique and glimpses of optimism) rather than struggling against some kind of greater force for a noble cause.
Read the rest of this entry »

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E4 Stings - make an animated sting for E4

Written by madevi 3rd August 2009, 4:08pm

Posted in: Announcements, Channel 4, Comedy

e4-logo

Attention animators. You have until the 25th of August 2009 to make a sting for E4!

Get your 10 second animated masterpiece of mayhem, mischief and fun on the telly-box! E4 are running a competition to make an on-air sting. Why not animate something cool, funny and weird for your chance to win?

The 1st Prize winner will receive a cheque for £5000 and two runners up will each receive £500.The finalists will also be invited to an fancy awards ceremony in London town where the final winner will be announced.
Find out more about the rather lovely E4 sting competition.

And don’t forget to submit your animations to our Summer of Toons competition!

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Furnik by David Suroviec

Written by andy 22nd July 2009, 8:07am

Posted in: 3D, Comedy

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This is sweet and such a simple idea. This curious monster is instantly lovable thanks to lively acting and movement. You’re hooked by his comical inquisitiveness and drawn in to his world.

This is great timing in action and a mini comedy diamond.

Another ace entry to our summer competition from director David Suroviec. Submit now for a chance to win a copy of Toon Boom!

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“Jack” and the “Beanstalk”

Written by andy 21st July 2009, 10:07am

Posted in: Comedy, Reviews

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I’ve been fighting the urge to say, “what’s with all the quotation marks, Joe?” …I lost.

I don’t know what you think about crabs. Not crabs the parasitic insect species and notorious groin infestation. No, crabs the decapod crustaceans of the infraorder Brachyura. Yeah those! Real crabs are creepy, they scuttle sideways and have too many legs. Luckily cartoon crabs are cute. This one is anyway. “Jack” shows a lot of character as he takes us through this unexpected sub-aquatic retelling of children’s classic Jack and The Beanstalk. “Jack” turns out to be a bit of a bad-ass, pirate-botherer and crusading crustacean for consumer rights. Although for some reason he sounds like Mickey mouse.

The film was produced in 24 hours by Joseph Daniels and Jedidiah Mitchell and their crack team of volunteer animators. If this is all too much for you, go check out Unnecessary Quotes, which will leave you with a nice, comforting feeling of smugness.

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Ep. 4 Suburban Myths - Jilted Janet

Written by andy 16th July 2009, 9:07am

Posted in: Channel 4, Comedy

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Commissioned for the launch of 4mations last year, Wonky’s series of short Suburban Myths describe different scenarios that are so absurd you really can’t be sure if they are true or not.

They have great style with loads of character. For example, I really like the way the chap bounces down the stairs in this episode. The stretchy limbs really bring out the details in the character design. Also look out for the teeny, tiny manbag that steals the show.

Anyway, Jilted Janet is a cautionary tale of the double dangers of deceit and texting. It’s short and we can all learn something from it.

Incidentally, If I were going to give some advice to anyone with two girlfriends it would be “dude, look up”. Neat.

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Cosa racommanda lei by Chris Ketchell

Written by andy 7th July 2009, 10:07am

Posted in: Channel 4, Comedy, Reviews

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It’s 1962 and a middle aged, British holidaymaker flies to Italy having mastered a single phrase: “COSA RACOMMANDA LEI”.

It’s a simple story idea and you can’t help but watch it unfold with a sense of comic dread. The main character, voiced by the incomparable Victor Spinetti, has a marvellous time, oblivious to the trail of mishaps, crimes and chaos he leaves in his wake. He reminds me of Alan Wicker for some reason. Though Wicker doesn’t have quite such a pointy head or sport a tiny, tiny hat. I digress.

The inventive production design makes this surprisingly stylish. And the music gives it an appropriately retro vibe. It’s witty, fun and has a monkey wearing a fez. RACCOMANDATO!

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On the Level

Written by andy 3rd July 2009, 8:07am

Posted in: 3D, Comedy

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They must be putting something in the water over at Ringling College of Art and Design. “On the Level” is about a guy who just wants to hang his picture level and he’s willing to take things to the extreme to achieve this modest goal. Rutter does a good job of building the story up to its climax. The look is classic and the backgrounds details give a real sense of place, but this is really a character study. The only character here, an old chap, is wonderful. Great character design, the expressions on his face and the way he uses his body, tell the story. There is real variety and humour here. Great work.

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Le Tuff Talk - a slanging match in comedy French

Written by madevi 22nd June 2009, 3:06pm

Posted in: 2D, Comedy, Reviews

Warning! This video contains cartoon violence and some nudity

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Is it the stupid French in me? Have I overindulged in subtle, moving, beautifully crafted films after two solid weeks of festival going at Annecy and EIFF? Or has my brain finally given up after four days of suspiciously swine-like flu symptoms?

Whatever the reason, this little clip by William Garratt from Half Giraffe had me stitches when it landed in our submissions inbox this morning. It starts rather slowly, but make sure you keep watching until you’re introduced to Bernard’s cousins “Le pomme de terre” and “Le blob de slime”. It may move you to les tears de laughter like le big girl you are.

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Cat’s Meow

Written by andy 17th June 2009, 1:06pm

Posted in: 3D, Comedy, Reviews

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“Cat’s Meow” A short film by Jorge “Jay” Garcia - Ringling College of Art and Design

Wow. This has it all: great animation, great design, and a battle of wills between man and beast (And by beast, I mean cat-beast!) and it’s actually funny.

Everything in this film looks good, including backgrounds and props, from the telephone to the stereo. From the picture frames to a bunch of flowers, every item tells a story that creates that magical sense of place. The character designs actually have real character: you know who they are the moment you look at them. Even though it’s 3D it has that classic cartoon quality of a Tom & Jerry or a Road Runner. I don’t make this comparison lightly, there’s real life in these characters. A winner. Jorge “Jay” Garcia we salute you.

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