Channel Frederator Blog

Jorge Garcia’s thesis film “Cat’s Meow” is hi-larious. He wanted to be a gag man - I say mission accomplished!

Channel Frederator: What are your favorite films/animations?

Jorge Garcia: I can never pick a favorites… I do have a very special place for everything Looney Tunes in my heart, and I always wanted to grow up to be Bugs Bunny. That didn’t turn out so good, but it did make me want to draw and eventually animate! I’ve always loved TV cartoons and the short film format, and anything with funny gags would spark my interest. Mickey and Donald shorts, Daffy and Porky, and all the classics. I would love to be a gag-man one day if I were to become really funny.

Other animated films that I love and have influenced me have been Toy Story, Emperor’s New Groove, Bambi, and Indiana Jones.

But keep E.T. away from me. He gave me nightmares.

CF: What was your favorite part of working on “Cat’s Meow”?

JG: It was definitely learning and trying new things. It was my first time trying out quadrped animation, and my first time trying out animated 2D water effects! Both were great challenges and it felt great when they were done. Also, I could spray my cats with water for reference. And see how the attacked me back. (But I exaggerate.)

Seeing the film progress as a whole from boards to animation was a great experience and I would love to do it again.

CF: Biggest pain in the ass?

JG: A guy wearing a hat which gets taken by a cat which gets re-taken by the guy and places it on his head again. That shot drove me up the wall! The biggest pain was being a one man team to deal with all of this; broken rigs suck! :}

CF: The gags in the film are hysterical! Where did you get your ideas?

JG: Why thank you! Most of the gags were inspired by my two cats, such as their hate of water and love of hats. The rest came from long sessions of sketching and storyboarding alongside my instructors at Ringling College. It wouldn’t have been half as funny without ‘em! Just had to draw and board and draw and board some more!

CF: Are you working on anything new you can tell us about?

JG: Right now I am a Junior Animator at Rhythm and Hues in Los Angeles! It’s been fun and I am thrilled to have joined the feature animation and film industry, although it is quite humbling to realize how little you know compared to the awesome people there. On the side, I plan to start developing a new short film I’ve had in my head for a while. It involves a frog and a roach coach. If I ever do finish it, Frederator will be the first to know!

YAY! Thanks for the swell interview, Jorge!

You can check out “Cat’s Meow” right here on Channel Frederator!

-Bailee DesRocher