Channel Frederator Blog

Our 200th episode ‘toon is “The Owl and the Squirrel” courtesy of animator Nick Bachman. He graduated from MCAD in May and is now gainfully employed at PUNY Entertainment in Minneapolis. Woot! Read on for all you ever wanted to know about futzing with clay, Ticketmaster, and Pee Wee Herman!

We featured your stop motion short “Chocolate and Mices” earlier this year - what have you learned about animation or about yourself as an artist since then?

Nick Bachman: I think I’ve learned to take breaks from working more often. If you work on something constantly and think about it 24/7 without taking time for yourself, the quality of your work, health, and life will deteriorate and you will become a sad, lonely little hermit. True story.

The gags in “The Owl and The Squirrel” are Sylvester and Tweety-esque. What gave you the idea for the film?

NB: I was trying to write a story to [Read more…]

Our 200th episode is here!  It’s hard to believe we’re closing in on 4 years of Channel Frederator.  And to celebrate we’re shaking things up.  Episode 200 marks the debut of our one cartoon format, new host, and ongoing contest.  Anyone who is featured on our weekly Tuesday show from here on out receives $50.  At the end of the month, the animator with the most views in their debut week, wins $200.

But, why switch format?

With a one cartoon format, we can dote on each animator individually.  Which means shining a bigger spotlight on them.  And our viewers can do. For the first time, an audience can help reward an animator.  Like a cartoon?  Twitter it.  Facebook it.  At the end of the month, we’ll tally it up and reward the animator with the most views in their debut week.

Nothing would please us more than to see an animators’ work [Read more…]

Nick Bachman

Stop-motion whiz-kid Nick Bachman gushes about his favorite artists, his film “Chocolate and Mices”, and why he’d submit himself to death by cookies.

Channel Frederator: What was it like studying under Schell Hickel, a Will Vinton Studios alum?

Nick Bachman: It was really a great experience. Schell is a very talented sculptor and animator, plus he’s the perfect guy to joke with while waiting for clay to melt. I couldn’t have animated the piece without his teaching, so big thanks to him!

CF: Who has influenced your work the most?

NB: Jim Henson will always be my biggest influence. He had an unbelievable imagination and never stopped pushing forward with his creativity and venturing into new territory. I also always enjoy gawking at the work of Mary Blair, Basil Gogos, Brian Froud, and Sid & Marty Krofft. On a slightly more contemporary note, I’m a big fan of what I’ve seen from JG Quintel and Pendleton Ward as well.

CF: What [Read more…]