Channel Frederator Blog

Illustrator and animator Rachinta Platts tells us about her romantic short film “Attraction”, the circus, and creepy presents with good intentions.

Channel Frederator: Where did you study animation?

Rachinta Platts: Norwich School of Art & Design. They have changed their name since I’ve graduated last year. I was interested in illustration but I thought I’ll broaden my skills to animation. It’s very rewarding to see your creation come to life.

CF: Who or what has influenced your work the most?

RP: Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amelie, photographs of old circus and Studio Ghibli’s animations. The characters they’ve created have realistic gestures and expressions which are beautifully hand drawn. Then there are periodical dramas too. I like a bit of good old-fashioned romance.

CF: What gave you the idea for this film?

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Director and animator Dick Church gives us the lowdown on how to live it up in his hilarious short “Justin’s Lotto Fantasy”.

Channel Frederator: Where did you study animation?

Dick Church: I’m self-taught and have pretty much gleaned what I know by studying cartoons I like, researching topics on the internet, and trying to improve on every outing.

CF: Who or what has influenced your work the most?

DC: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Marvel Comics from the ’80s, the Frank Grimes episode, and a ton of other stuff.

CF: What gave you the idea for this film?

DC: I guess just thinking about what I’d do if I won the lottery, then creating a slightly exaggerated version.

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Bouman Studios‘ “La Mañana Maldita” is a hilarious horror story… without a happy ending. The film’s director, José Martínez, chats with us about what inspires his work, what freaks him out, and what’s next.

Channel Frederator: Where did you study animation?

Bouman (José Martínez): From when I was small I liked to draw and did my little things. I learned how to [draw on my own]. I did a couple of shorts before entering a school where I did Bang! but I think self-taught after the experience.

CF: Who or what has influenced your work the most?

B: My brother, who is two years older than me, we started to draw, and the Japanese animation series that I saw on TV. Once I grew up, I saw Bill Plympton’s films and it is thanks to him that I was encouraged.

CF: What gave you the idea for this film?

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Oh, fantastic.

Just, fan-freakin’-tastic.

Really. This week’s episode dives into the realm of fantasy and make believe. Monsters? Check. What-would-you-do-with-a-million-dollars scenario? Got it. Chasing down and finally meeting the woman of your dreams? Done and done.

Here at Channel Frederator, you don’t have to go to sleep to have your dreams come true. Mainly because if you close your eyes you’ll miss all the sweet ‘toons.

“Attraction”, submitted by Rachinta Platts – A newspaper vendor falls head over hills for a beautiful woman in a mysterious scarf.

“La Manana Maldita”, submitted by Bouman – Don’tcha just hate it when a monster threatens to eat you before you’ve had your morning cup o’ joe?

“Justin’s Lotto Fantasy”, submitted by Richard Chapple – New puppy? A party boat? No, no, no. Justin proves that setting specific goals for your lotto winnings is very important.

AND congratulations to our March Cartoon of the Month Winner, “Sweet Dreams” by Kirsten Lepore!

WARNING: Channel [Read more…]