Square Footage Films

Description

Square Footage Films Press Release, "Avoid Eye Contact"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VISIONARY ANIMATORS RELEASE "THE BEST OF NYC ANIMATION" DVD Last October, eleven independent animators met in a large Chelsea artists loft. Eleven went in, "Avoid Eye Contact" came out. "Avoid Eye Contact" is a DVD containing the best independent films from New York City's thriving, but elusive animation scene. This DVD is the first product of an inspired group of artists, whose vision goes even further. The films on this volume span the last decade of NYC animation. Young animators join seasoned masters in a program that is surely to become an important part of any animation enthusiast's library. Included are legendary animators such as George Griffin and Academy Award nominees Bill Plympton and John Dilworth. These masters are accompanied by industry heavy weights such as John Schnall and Patrick Smith, and the latest up and coming animators like Mike Overbeck and Jesse Schmal, and the list continues. The DVD contains an unprecedented number of short films, as well as individually designed menus, and a vast array of special features. In addition to the films, each artist contributed behind the scenes, commentary, or pencil tests, giving the viewer a rare insight into the artist's thoughts and methods. In total,17 films are included on the DVD. The content varies from dark humor(John Scnalls films) to violence("Delivery" by Patrick Smith), from sex (such as Bill Plymptons or Signe Baumanes films) to innocence ("Little Routine" by George Griffin). But holding the DVD together is a personal charm and soulful design that bears the marks of an inspired group of artists. "Avoid Eye Contact" is less of a DVD collection and more of a beginning to an urban animation movement. At a time when the big studios are abandoning traditional animation, these NYC artists seem to know exactly where it's going. Overwhelmingly 2-D in technique, there is still a sprinkling of computer-based films. "Tongues and Taxis" the award winning short by Mike Overbeck was produced using the programs Maya and Flash. The film festival favorite "Drink" by Patrick Smith was drawn traditionally, but colorized using a computer, as are most traditionally drawn films these days. "Box Factory" by Fran Krause is a thought provoking 3D computer animated short. The acclaimed short "Roof Sex" by newcomer PES, is a hilarious 3D film shot with real furniture on 16mm film. The message seems to be that New York City animators are not concerned with trends in technology, focusing more on individual flare and original aesthetic. But technological savvy does not escape these Gotham artists, artistically as well as commercially. Beyond the art form, "Avoid Eye Contact" is truly visionary in terms of commercial distribution. Animator Signe Baumane states, "The entire production of this DVD has been done by the animators themselves" she continues, "The look and quality of this volume would not have been possible without the animators taking complete control". The artist-run website www.squarefootagefilms.

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