Animation Nation

The latest trailer for "Trolls" from DreamWorks is out. The movie will be in general release by November 4 2016. Click on this link to Trollify yourself. 

The latest from Moonbot Studios in Shreveport Louisiana. "Taking Flight" is a charming trip through fantastic experiences as a granddad entertains his grandson. The film is a tribute to Antonio Pasin who was the inventor of the Radio Flyer wagon that millions of kids grew up with. 

It was 15 years ago today that the terrorist attacks on the US occurred on September 11 2001. "Through The Dust" reflects upon the hardships that many of the first responders face as a result of the collapse of the twin towers in New York City. Specifically the health issues they struggle with. In this video there's about 1:30 of animation starting at :45. It was created by NYC based Casey Drogin. 

London based Lee Jacobs directed this inspiring animated title sequence for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.  

A lighthearted film by Mickaël Dupre from the Ecole Emile Cohl in Lyon France. "Pêche-en-l’Air #1" is translated as "Fishing in the Air". You can see the rest of the videos in the series at this link.

This is the latest in the StoryCorps series which is intended to preserve American history through the animated medium. "School's Out" spotlights a sad episode in a small Arkansas town in the 1950's as integration of the public school system was underway. A simple style and excellent animation directed by Julie Zammarchi underscores the eye witness narrative. 

Here's an interesting commentary from a YouTuber who goes by Saberspark as he explores attitudes about animation and the lack of respect our medium gets from Hollywood elites... 

It was 70 years ago today that the iconic character of Foghorn Leghorn made his debut. How time flies, I say how time flies! The history of the Warner Bros Looney Tunes star is narrated by Myron Smith of Animation Treasures... 

For the third year in a row a collaborative effort by New York based Family Camp has resulted in Anijam III involving the eclectic efforts of many highly creative animators backed by the somewhat hypnotic music of Matt Cascella and James Downes. Family Camp is a collective of talent. You can find out who the artists are here.

Among my happiest motion picture experiences recently was watching "The Peanuts Movie" from Blue Sky. It was very well produced and charming with a high level of fidelity to the theme and feel of the original animated specials from the 1960's.

One of the animators on the film was Steve Orsini who offers us a glimpse at his showreel from the movie. You can see more of his work here.