Cheatin' Art

Since my new feature Cheatin' is full steam into production. I wanted to show you some of the production art. 

Here's some background art for one of the early scenes in the carnival- as you can plainly see the personages are somewhat retro.- Big hats, long dresses, suits and ties. Also you'll notice that the art is very decorative. The clothes from chest on down are dark to black. And that's because this is a background for some foreground action. 

Scribble Junkies

It's now the day before the birth of my first child, so you can imagine I'm pretty busy with my time. 

But I do want to give you my review of "Hop". Now I realize it's an older film, I think a year old, but I finally saw the film and I want to give you my opinion. 

First it's a mix of live action and animation. It's about the easter bunny yet it has many similarities with the Santa Claus scenario. To me the story was very rambling and unfocused. The humor didn't really make me laugh. I think I chuckled once throughout the entire film. 

But the design of the CG character was excellent. Naturally all the designs were by the genius, Peter DeSéve. In fact the star James Marsden looked uncannily like Peter. 

The bad thing was that his credits were buried somewhere in the end credits, while the make up and costume persons were credited in the beginning of the film. That figures.

I give "Hop" a C.

Also here's my new gag cartoon: 

Cheatin' Production Blog - Episode Eight - Character Design - "El Merto"

Cheatin' Production Blog - Episode Eight - Character Design - "El Merto" from Bill Plympton on Vimeo.

In this episode, I discuss the design of an integral supporting character - The magician "El Merto".

Enjoy! 

Scribble Junkies

Hello Scribble Junkie Junkies- As you've probably noticed I've been tardy in my recent blogging. There are a number of reasons for that. One I'm deep in the middle of trying to finish animation on my new feature "Cheatin'" and number 2 and most importantly I'm about to be a father. 

So I'm devoting more time to my parental duties and less time globe trotting to festivals all over the world. So consequently I'm seeing less films and events to write about. 

But don't fear this may actually pay off in a better way. I've decided to draw some gag cartoons. (I have stacks of them) as a substitute. 

So here's the first one: 

Tatsuyuki TANAKA.. great stuff..

Japanese Comic book artist Tatsuyuki Tanaka is my most recent inspiration.. enjoy images from supersonic electronic.. dig.

Andy Ristaino.. awesome.

Great images from Artist Andy Ristaino.. I've been a fan of his for a while, ever since andy and i worked together long ago (1997) at Olive Jar Animation in Boston. , one of his images of a hand puppet was an impetus for my film "Puppet".. he's got some good stuff..

Cheatin' Production Blog - Episode Seven- Character Design - "Jake"

Cheatin' Production Blog - Episode Seven- Character Design - "Jake" from Bill Plympton on Vimeo.

In this episode, I discuss the character design of the male lead, "Jake", by showing examples of his references and sketches as well as a drawing demonstration.