Sylvain Chomet does the Simpsons

Sylvain Chomet (director of ‘Triplets of Belleville’) is the latest to animate a Simpson’s couch gag. I am loving this trend and hope the Simpsons keep them coming!

If you need me I’ll be watching this in my room for the next month.

The Bear and the Hare

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a good behind the scenes video, but boy this one has set fire to my brain. If anyone wants to buy me a laser cutter for Christmas, BY ALL MEANS. 

The Bear & the Hare is a John Lewis Christmas advertisement directed by Yves Geleyn and Elliot Dear. The hand-drawn animation was done by Dominic Carola and Aaron Blaise, two veterans of the Disney Florida studios.  If you’re interested in seeing the full advertisement, you can watch below:

 

Ralph Bakshi’s Kickstarter

I know it’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything, but I’m back to spread word of Ralph Bakshi’s new Kickstarter.

The world needs a new Bakshi cartoon, and that’s reason enough to donate. But as added incentive, he’s also giving away some great prizes. Original Bakshi doodles start at just $35. Plus loads of cels and artwork for the larger donors.

There are only 10 days left, so donate today!

Kirsten Lepore and Garrett Davis

Last night was Bill Plympton and Patrick Smith’s second annual drawn film festival. I enjoyed many of the films, but Story from North America was by far my favorite. It was directed and animated by Kirsten Lepore and Garrett Davis back in 2007 (Davis also wrote and performed the film’s music) Everything about it is so endearing and infectious to me – it totally won me over. Don’t make any judgements from the still image! Just hit play!

I wrote about Kirsten back in 2010 when I saw her stop-motion film, Bottle. Check it out if you haven’t already!

Vladimir Kooperman

Vladimir Kooperman’s inspiring student film, C-Block

John Wilson

Model sheets and stills from John Wilson’s Petroushka, a 16 min. film that is considered the first animated special ever to air on TV.

{via Michael Sporn’s Splog – more info and artwork from the film found there!}

Animated Food

Apologies in advance – this post might make you hungry.

Have you ever noticed that animated food always looks delicious? Studio Ghibli is especially good at it – I craved ramen for weeks after watching Ponyo (see top image) And now that I’ve seen the GIF… there’s an awfully good chance I’ll be having a bowl tomorrow.

For more  check out this new tumblr – dedicated entirely to animated food. (I recommend having food nearby)

Denis Chapon

“During 3 years (2008-2011) i have been drawing 12 drawing of animation every day, it make one second of film. I had no plans what so ever before starting the first drawing. And then, each of the folowing days, I took the 3 last drawing from the day before and kept on animating. I use a none erasable pen, and drew on the back side of used A4 paper.” – Denis Chapon

{via Cartoon Brew}

Carlos Grangel

 

I learned of Carlos Grangel this past weekend at CTN. His character designs blew me away – his characters have such variety in shapes, silhouette, and personality. There’s something so elegant about his model sheets (even though many of them have been drawn on cereal boxes!)

Enjoy! And make sure to take a look at the other great work on his website.

Happy Birthday, Mary Blair!

Today marks the 100th anniversary of Mary Blair’s birthday (which Google kindly reminded me with this google doodle by Mike Dutton)

And now Mary Blair herself:

1. Personal paintings

2. Concept art for Alice in Wonderland

3. Set concept for Cole Black and the Seven Dwarfs

4. Concept art for Peter Pan

{Images  from Michael Sporn’s Splog – check out his website for much much more}