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.com features
in depth information about each animator, as well as a convenient on-line store
for purchasing the DVD and other products. The animators have named their distribution
hub Square Footage Films, an ode to the perpetual urban plight, and have already
garnered several other distributions deals worldwide. "Obviously it would take
more than one DVD to survey the best of New York Animation" adds Baumane, "we're
currently curating Volume II, as well as three other animation compilations".
New York City is a place of constant change, invention and chaos; "Avoid Eye
Contact" sums up these urban qualities in animated terms. Patrick Smith notes,
"As animators, we tend to live hand to mouth in one of the most expensive cities
in the world, we find ways to produce our films within those restrictions, and
that fact underlies every NYC film you see".
It seems "Avoid Eye Contact" is a beginning to something big for independent
animation, and New York is the place to start it. No other city can claim such
an overwhelming number of independent animated shorts, each with a distinct
look, which is united only by genre and the gritty soul of New York City.
"2-D is not dead! It will continue to exist, evolve and reinvent itself. This
new independent DVD release proves it - and viewing it has certainly refreshed
my personal enthusiasm."
-Jerry Beck, Author, Animation Historian
This collection is really outstanding, much better than Spike and Mike's shows!
The bonus material really added to my enjoyment and understanding of the artists.
-Karl Cohen, President ASIFA San Francisco
"It makes me want to pack my bags, grab my animation table, and move to New
York, just to be a part of the energy of what's happening there"
-Justin Simonich, Animator
For a screening copy or a Press Kit, Contact:
SQUARE FOOTAGE FILMS EMAIL US AT
ANIMATORS@SQUAREFOOTAGEFILMS.COM
