NEW YORK, NY – After years of showcasing cutting edge animation, building a reputation and presence in the world of hand-drawn and CG media, and promoting the art to the entertainment industry, why would the Animaniacs Film Festival choose to close their next event with a film that is mostly live action? According to Festival Director Jason Levi, “If artists did what they were expected to do, we’d all be accountants.”
“Comic Belief” is a hybrid of animation and live action, and tells the story of a young man, his friends, his work, his life, and his doodles. When Justin doodles, he creates a superhero comic world, where every character in his real life has an alter ego. In the “Team Freedom” adventures, Dr. Justice always comes out on top; in his real life, Justin does not. According to filmmaker Sarit Catz, “We all have to strike out on our own at some point, and that’s pretty scary. Justin handles the pressure by drawing. I think that’s something a lot of the animators and graphic artists who are part of Animaniacs can relate to.”
Levi concurs, “Granted, ‘Comic Belief’ is not the type of film we may have showcased in the past. But, I’ve got to tell you, the main character’s life totally resonated with all of us at Animaniacs. It’s like watching a super funny film about you and your friends. We knew our audience would love it. Plus, the animatic sequences by Tzanko, who is a mega-talented artist out of Vancouver, are slamming.”
Festival organizers also felt “Comic Belief” could expand the reach of the Animaniacs Film Festival. The very fact that the film fuses animation and live action in an organic and natural way is intended to show the rest of the entertainment industry the potential that exists within media and entertainment for the art. Levi beams, “We’re hoping the industry bigwigs will open their minds a bit. You know, animation is not just for kids’ movies.”
