by Brad Chmielewski
Avoid Eye Contact, Volume 1, Square Footage Films is titled “The Best Independent Animation of New York City;” I would firmly have to say that this is a title well devised to stand along side each piece on the DVD. The DVD contains a number of animations dating back to the early 1980’s that can not be seen together anywhere else but on this DVD. Avoid Eye Contact features thirteen animations from eleven animators; Aleksey Budovsky, Patrick Smith, Signe Baumane, John Dilworth, Geroge Griffin, Bill Plympton, Fran Krause, Jesse Schmal, Michael Overbeck, John Schnall and PES. Each bringing something a little out of the ordinary. The DVD was created by all of the eleven animators; this creates a distinctive look the could have not been created by anyone else. Avoid Eye Contact features a total of seventeen animations; most of the animations are 2-D in technique, still, there are a few computer-based shorts. One is Mike Overbeck’s “Tongues and Taxis” which was produced using the programs Maya and Macromedia Flash. Patrick Smith’s “Drink” was drawn traditionally, but colorized using a computer, which is the case in most animation these days. Both, Mike Overbeck’s and Patrick Smith’s works can be viewed on the Animators Unite website, but the quicktime versions do not do these animations justice. This is the case with PES’s short “Roof Sex.” The first time I saw the quicktime version of this short, I was unimpressed. Now to see the 16mm film version in its full glory on DVD is remarkable. For anyone who missed out when the film was posted check the archive and see PES’s first film and first animation.

When looking at the shorts that are traditional 2-D animation, the viewers are reminded that 2-D is not dead and will never die. Animators are standing up and saying this is where the art is and there is no reason to forgot about it. But each animation has a unique flare and creative aesthetic. The content varies quite a great deal. From John Scnall’s dark humor to Patrick Smith’s violence in “Delivery.” “Delivery” was one of my favorite animations on the DVD. With no word of dialog spoken, the music and actions presented through the animation drive the story. The basis of the story is that a package is delivered and a fight breaks out over who gets to open it and see what is inside. Also excellently done was Patrick Smith’s menus for his section. These where one of my favorite menus on this DVD and the other DVD’s I have seen this month. Patrick Smith gives the viewers a chance to see the pencil tests on “Delivery” with commentary, the pencil tests also show and AlterNet scene. Patrick Smith says that he really likes pencil tests because it gives the viewers a chance to see that there is really something behind the colors. Look for Patrick Smith’s “Handshake” to be released in 2004.

Bill Plympton’s two films, (”How to Make Love to a Woman.” and “One of Those Days.”) Signe Baumane’s two shorts (”Five F**king Fables.” and “Love Story.”) both bring sex to the DVD. When I first put this DVD in, and began watching I was at work and one of the first films I watched was Bill Plympton’s, this was not a wise idea to do. This DVD is intended for viewing at home or with a group of mature individuals. Still there are works that are great to watch with anyone young or old, like George Griffin’s “Little Routine”. Also George Griffin’s “New Fangled” is a animation that anyone who has worked in the business world or knows enough about it will find it humorous.

As I was saying before each animator has created 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. An inspiration to watch, this DVD is going to remain in my collection for years to come. The only negative comment I have is about the DVD’s function its self. When a viewer picks the “play all” feature, there is no way to jump to the next animation. I hope this just wasn’t a flaw on my DVD player, if not for volume II, I would like to see some chapter markers put into the “play all” feature.

If for some reason you are unable to spare the money and pick up this DVD, a few of the animations can be seen here on the Animators Unite website. Still, nothing beats seeing each one on your own television. Give Square Footage Films your support and pick up a copy.