VISIONARY ANIMATORS RELEASE “THE BEST OF NYC ANIMATION” DVD
Last October, eleven independent animators met in a large Chelsea 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 they’re going.
Raider Productions seeks animated shorts for DVD.
