Cheatin' Production Blog- Episode 9 Character Design "Thug"

In this episode, I discuss the design of a villainous supporting character - the "Thug".

Cheatin' Production Blog - Episode Nine - Character Design - "Thug" from Bill Plympton on Vimeo.

Pinched by David Vandervoort..

Nice short done by my buddy David Vandervoort.. he was a prodigy back in the MTV days, and he continues to rip it up.  enjoy


Pinched from David Vandervoort on Vimeo.

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.

Drawn Animation Show

While Patrick Smith was in town we held our 2^nd annual drawn animation film festival on Thursday Aug 23^rd. But this time it was held in Manhattan at the roomy SVA Theatre on 23^rd st.

            

With only 2 weeks of publication we sold out the arena- (technically it wasn’t sold out, it was a free event). The audience was a wonderful mix of professionals, students and fans and by all accounts they loved the show.

            

Pat showed his classic “Drink” and I showed some of the colored scenes from my new work in progress “Cheatin’”.

But there were some other films that were knockouts. Of course Hisko Hulsing's “Junkyard” was a tourd force that amazed everyone. And the audience loved “Notes on Biology” By Dan Madden and “Songs of North America” by KristenLepore. Both very amateurish in drawing techniques but hilarious. It just goes to show you don’t have to be a Winsor McCay to make a great film.

But the grand prize deservedly went to Joy and Noelle Vaccese for their wonderful film “CC’s Bedtime Stories”.

           

So if you have a film that’s hand drawn and you think it’s pretty good, send it to Pat or I and maybe next year we’ll give you the prestigious “Scribble Junkie Prize”

 I want to thank Reeves Lehman and all the folks at the SVA Theatre for all their great assistance.

I give the event an A+

                       

                        -Bill 

Scribble Junkie's after party! 

From the left: Brett Thompson, Noelle, Me, Pat and Joy 

Tissa David: 1921-2012

"I'm a loner. I always was. It's a disciplined life in a way.  But I think anyone who does any kind of creative work has to have discipline"

Cheatin' Production Blog - Guest Episode - Signe Baumane Part 3

In this continuation of my visit to Signe Baumane's studio in Brooklyn, Signe shows off her stop-motion set and discusses limited animation. More about her film can be found on her blog here.

DRAWN Animation Film Festival!

Scribble Junkies Festival of DRAWN Animation! Come join us this Thursday! Join Pat Smith and Bill for a one-night festival showcasing a selection of hand-drawn animation. Presented by the School of Visual Arts BFA Film, Video and Animation Department THURSDAY August 23 at 7pm in the SVA Theatre, 333 W. 23 Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues). This event is FREE and open to the public! Selections include the American premiere of Hisko Hulsing's "Junkyard" and a special preview of color sequences from Bill's upcoming feature "Cheatin'"

Visit the facebook event page here!  We will see you there!!

Jake and Ella 8

 Great murals by Cuban American artist Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada, dig.