Avoid Eye Contact 1 & 2 On Sale
Friday, March 3, 2006 |
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New York City is a place of constant change, invention and chaos; The
Avoid Eye Contact Volumes 1 and 2 DVD compilations sum up these urban qualities in animated terms. Patrick Smith notes, "As animators, we tend to live hand to mouth in one of the most expensive cities in the world, we find ways to produce our films within those restrictions, and that fact underlies every NYC film you see".
In
Avoid Eye Contact Volume 1, the DVD contains an unprecedented number of short films, as well as 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. In total,17 films are included on the DVD. The content varies from dark humor (John Scnall's films) to violence ("Delivery" by Patrick Smith), from sex (such as Bill Plympton's or Signe Baumane's films) to innocence ("Little Routine" by George Griffin). But holding the DVD together is a personal charm and soulful design that bears the marks of an inspired group of artists. "Avoid Eye Contact" is less of a DVD collection and more of a beginning to an urban animation movement. At a time when the big studios are abandoning traditional animation, these NYC artists seem to know exactly where it's going.
Overwhelmingly 2-D in technique, there is still a sprinkling of computer-based films. "Tongues and Taxis" the award winning short by Mike Overbeck was produced using the programs Maya and Flash. The film festival favorite "Drink" by Patrick Smith was drawn traditionally, but colorized using a computer, as are most traditionally drawn films these days. "Box Factory" by Fran Krause is a thought provoking 3D computer animated short. The acclaimed short "Roof Sex" by newcomer PES, is a hilarious 3D film shot with real furniture on 16mm film. The message seems to be that New York City animators are not concerned with trends in technology, focusing more on individual flare and original aesthetic. But technological savvy does not escape these Gotham artists, artistically as well as commercially.
The films on
Avoid Eye Contact Volume 2 span the last five years, young animators join seasoned masters in a program that is surely to become an important part of any animation enthusiast's library. All films are international award winners, each with a distinct look, united only by genre and the gritty soul of New York City.
The AWN Store is proud to carry both volumes of these tremendous and truly important collections. A must for every serious animation collector. We're even offering a discount if you buy both volumes together.
Click Here to get your copies of
Avoid Eye Contact Volume 1 & 2.
