If there's one instrument that should instantly put the word "duelling" into your mind, it must surely be the banjo - and the opening chord on this darkly humorous short animation from Claude Cloutier is a harbinger of what is to come. Told economically in just six minutes and without words, there is nonetheless a whole world here, as we travel along a hand-drawn hedgerow, given an air of the unexpected by a plant suddenly showing its teeth.
We arrive at a bud, a buzzing fly, the snap and catch of prey. But, hang on, is that a small top hat and a beak that the plant is sprouting? As this bird-like entity takes shape another bud suddenly climbs into view, it too, will soon be shapeshifting into a frog-like plant, the pair set for an endlessly imaginative bug battle.
If you're someone who equates the phrase hand-drawn with "simple", this could well.
We arrive at a bud, a buzzing fly, the snap and catch of prey. But, hang on, is that a small top hat and a beak that the plant is sprouting? As this bird-like entity takes shape another bud suddenly climbs into view, it too, will soon be shapeshifting into a frog-like plant, the pair set for an endlessly imaginative bug battle.
If you're someone who equates the phrase hand-drawn with "simple", this could well.
- 12/29/2021
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
If there’s a trio of categories that aren’t given the respect that they deserve (or frankly, any respect at all), it’s the short film categories. Be it Best Animated Short, Best Documentary Short, or Best Live Action Short, they all are mostly ignored by the masses, especially when the first two have feature length cousins in Best Animated Feature and Best Documentary Feature to compete with as well. Still, they deserve to be noticed, so I wanted to quickly list what’s in contention this year. I’ve included the categories in my most recent Oscar prediction update, so there’s that as well. The Academy Awards are the sum total of all the categories, so these have their place, no doubt about that. It’s just a shame that more folks don’t recognize this. Here are the three short subject categories and the remaining contenders...
- 11/24/2015
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Tim here. Today, the Academy announced that it has whittled the initial list of 60 titles eligible for the Best Animated Short Film Oscar down to ten finalists that will go on to compete for the five nominations in January. Like all of you, I imagine, I haven't seen most of these ten, but let's run through them quickly to see what we've got:
Bear Story (Historia de un oso) - Gabriel Osorio, director; Pato Escala, producer (Punkrobot Animation Studio)
This Chilean effort - Cartoon Brew notes that it would be the first Chilean film ever nominated if it makes it - looks to be a toy-esque animal fable done in charmingly plasticky CGI. Trailer
Carface (Autos Portraits) - Claude Cloutier, director (National Film Board of Canada)
A car with, get this, a face, sings "Que Sera, Sera", accompanied by images in thick lines and full color of cars and machines.
Bear Story (Historia de un oso) - Gabriel Osorio, director; Pato Escala, producer (Punkrobot Animation Studio)
This Chilean effort - Cartoon Brew notes that it would be the first Chilean film ever nominated if it makes it - looks to be a toy-esque animal fable done in charmingly plasticky CGI. Trailer
Carface (Autos Portraits) - Claude Cloutier, director (National Film Board of Canada)
A car with, get this, a face, sings "Que Sera, Sera", accompanied by images in thick lines and full color of cars and machines.
- 11/20/2015
- by Tim Brayton
- FilmExperience
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that 10 live action short films will advance in the voting process for the 88th Academy Awards. One hundred forty-four pictures had originally qualified in the category.
The 10 films are listed below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:
“Ave Maria,” Basil Khalil, director, and Eric Dupont, producer (Incognito Films)
“Bad Hunter,” Sahim Omar Kalifa, director, and Dries Phlypo, producer (A Private View)
“Bis Gleich (Till Then),” Philippe Brenninkmeyer, producer, and Tara Lynn Orr, writer (avenueROAD Films)
“Contrapelo (Against the Grain),” Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, director, and Pin-Chun Liu, producer (Ochenta y Cinco Films)
“Day One,” Henry Hughes, director (American Film Institute)
“Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut),” Patrick Vollrath, director (Filmakademie Wien)
“The Free Man (Zi You Ren),” Quah Boon-Lip, director (Taipei National University of the Arts)
“Shok,” Jamie Donoughue, director (Eagle Eye Films)
“Stutterer,” Benjamin Cleary, director (Bare Golly Films)
“Winter Light,...
The 10 films are listed below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:
“Ave Maria,” Basil Khalil, director, and Eric Dupont, producer (Incognito Films)
“Bad Hunter,” Sahim Omar Kalifa, director, and Dries Phlypo, producer (A Private View)
“Bis Gleich (Till Then),” Philippe Brenninkmeyer, producer, and Tara Lynn Orr, writer (avenueROAD Films)
“Contrapelo (Against the Grain),” Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, director, and Pin-Chun Liu, producer (Ochenta y Cinco Films)
“Day One,” Henry Hughes, director (American Film Institute)
“Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut),” Patrick Vollrath, director (Filmakademie Wien)
“The Free Man (Zi You Ren),” Quah Boon-Lip, director (Taipei National University of the Arts)
“Shok,” Jamie Donoughue, director (Eagle Eye Films)
“Stutterer,” Benjamin Cleary, director (Bare Golly Films)
“Winter Light,...
- 11/20/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Once again, these will be narrowed down to five. A Pixar entry here, along with a legendary animator Richard Williams. “Bear Story (Historia De Un Oso),” Gabriel Osorio, director, and Pato Escala,...
- 11/19/2015
- by Sasha Stone
- AwardsDaily.com
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences announced on Thursday the shortlists for both categories.
The live-action selections were culled from 144 eligible submissions while there were 60 for animation.
Members of the short films and feature animation branch viewed all the eligible entries for the preliminary round of voting and will next select five nominees.
Branch screenings will be held in Los Angeles, London, New York and San Francisco in December.
The 10 live-action films appear below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:
Ave Maria, Basil Khalil, director, and Eric Dupont, producer (Incognito Films);
Bad Hunter, Sahim Omar Kalifa, director, and Dries Phlypo, producer (A Private View);
Bis Gleich (Till Then), Philippe Brenninkmeyer, producer, and Tara Lynn Orr, writer (avenueROAD Films);
Contrapelo (Against the Grain), Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, director, and Pin-Chun Liu, producer (Ochenta y Cinco Films);
Day One, Henry Hughes, director (American Film Institute);
Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut), Patrick Vollrath, director (Filmakademie...
The live-action selections were culled from 144 eligible submissions while there were 60 for animation.
Members of the short films and feature animation branch viewed all the eligible entries for the preliminary round of voting and will next select five nominees.
Branch screenings will be held in Los Angeles, London, New York and San Francisco in December.
The 10 live-action films appear below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:
Ave Maria, Basil Khalil, director, and Eric Dupont, producer (Incognito Films);
Bad Hunter, Sahim Omar Kalifa, director, and Dries Phlypo, producer (A Private View);
Bis Gleich (Till Then), Philippe Brenninkmeyer, producer, and Tara Lynn Orr, writer (avenueROAD Films);
Contrapelo (Against the Grain), Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, director, and Pin-Chun Liu, producer (Ochenta y Cinco Films);
Day One, Henry Hughes, director (American Film Institute);
Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut), Patrick Vollrath, director (Filmakademie...
- 11/19/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The story of Sleeping Beauty is ripe for reinterpretation, if only because of how simple and boring it can be. The title character, after all, is unconscious for the bulk of the narrative. Disney’s newest solution is Maleficent, in which the villain becomes the main character. Whether that was a successful call remains to be seen (our own critic wasn’t so impressed). For my money the best, most inspired feature-length twist on the story is that of Catherine Breillat, who countered the snoozing character’s complete lack of agency by giving her a rich and exciting dream life. The prize for funniest adaptation of Sleeping Beauty, however, goes to the National Film Board of Canada. Claude Cloutier‘s Sleeping Betty is a cartoon short film that takes the strategy of the Shrek series and turns it loose on a vast panoply of familiar images and cultural touchstones. It begins in a crowded room. The...
- 5/31/2014
- by Daniel Walber
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
I've got a beautifully animated and hilariously crazy short film for you to watch today called "Sleeping Betty." The art style is amazing, and it was done in India Ink so it has a very cool, unique look. The short is incredibly playful, and the random wackiness makes if very entertaining. I'd have to say it's one of my favorites.
Princess Betty sleeps in a narcoleptic stupor. The king appeals to his subjects to wake her. A worthy Prince Charles lookalike has to leave his royal suburb to save the princess, but will Betty be wakened with just a kiss?
The short was directed by Claude Cloutier, and I hope you enjoy it!
Sleeping Betty by Claude Cloutier, National Film Board of Canada...
Princess Betty sleeps in a narcoleptic stupor. The king appeals to his subjects to wake her. A worthy Prince Charles lookalike has to leave his royal suburb to save the princess, but will Betty be wakened with just a kiss?
The short was directed by Claude Cloutier, and I hope you enjoy it!
Sleeping Betty by Claude Cloutier, National Film Board of Canada...
- 8/19/2013
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
The nominees for the 31st Annual Genie Awards, Canada’s answer to the Oscars, were unveiled at simultaneous press conferences in Montreal and Toronto yeseterday. After being snubbed by the major Hollywood awards, only receiving 1 nomination and win for Paul Giamatti at the Golden Globes, Barney’s Version has been highly recognized by Canadian audiences. This is no surprise as its source material is a novel from beloved Canadian treasure Mordecai Richler and the film was partially shot in Montreal. Barney’s VersionIncendies leads the pack with 11 nominations including Best Motion Picture and populating most of the acting categories including one for Paul Giamatti for a Performace by an Actor in a Leading Role and Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for Dustin Hoffman. Following closely is the other Canadian darling this year, Incendies , which garnered 10 nominations such as Adapted Screenplay (Denis Villeneuve) and Performance by an Actress...
- 2/4/2011
- by Alan L
- SoundOnSight
[Our thanks to Kier-La Janisse for the following.]
It's been over a week since Ottawa's closing night festivities, and my head is still reeling with the smorgasbord of animated treats I was privy to for the few short days I was there. Other than the features and some of the retrospectives (which I talked about in my previous Ottawa Animation Festival Wrap-Up Part One), I was able to catch the Canadian Short Film Showcase, one of the International showcases and the first of five short film competitions (sadly missing both the latest Priit Parn and Jonas Odell shorts).
The Canadian program kicked off smartly with Amy Lockhart's The Collagist, inspired by the creative process of her frequent collaborator, cartoonist/artist Marc Bell. With a single shot depicting two hands manipulating objects on a desk into a series of images - blobby potatoes, people, raindrops, mouths, eyes and text - this cut-out animation is a spirited ode to...
It's been over a week since Ottawa's closing night festivities, and my head is still reeling with the smorgasbord of animated treats I was privy to for the few short days I was there. Other than the features and some of the retrospectives (which I talked about in my previous Ottawa Animation Festival Wrap-Up Part One), I was able to catch the Canadian Short Film Showcase, one of the International showcases and the first of five short film competitions (sadly missing both the latest Priit Parn and Jonas Odell shorts).
The Canadian program kicked off smartly with Amy Lockhart's The Collagist, inspired by the creative process of her frequent collaborator, cartoonist/artist Marc Bell. With a single shot depicting two hands manipulating objects on a desk into a series of images - blobby potatoes, people, raindrops, mouths, eyes and text - this cut-out animation is a spirited ode to...
- 11/10/2010
- Screen Anarchy
It's not all features at the Toronto International Film Festival, the big fest also showing a generous assortment of Canadian shorts. And, as usual, the National Film Board of Canada is well represented.
In The Trenches director Claude Cloutier brushes ink over a series of archival images to create a very potent statement on the horrors of war. It's hard to imagine how this one would work just from written descriptions but luckily we've got a first teaser for you. Check it below.
In The Trenches director Claude Cloutier brushes ink over a series of archival images to create a very potent statement on the horrors of war. It's hard to imagine how this one would work just from written descriptions but luckily we've got a first teaser for you. Check it below.
- 8/10/2010
- Screen Anarchy
The Toronto International Film Festival announced their complete slate of Canadian titles today, including the first announced midnight title in Michael Dowse's Fubar II. The Canadian slate this year looks to be a pretty compelling slate of newcomers and familiar names. Check all the news below!
Galas
A Beginners Guide to Endings Jonathan Sobol, Canada World Premiere
Raucous, charming and very funny, Jonathan Sobol's comedy A Beginners Guide to Endings follows three sons as they deal with their gambler father's somewhat complicated legacy. Featuring the legendary Harvey Keitel, the film also stars Scott Caan, Paolo Costanzo, Wendy Crewson, Tricia Helfer, Jason Jones, and J.K. Simmons.
Previously announced Canadian Galas include: The Bang Bang Club, Steven Silver; Barney's Version, Richard J. Lewis; Casino Jack, George Hickenlooper; Score: A Hockey Musical, Mike McGowan.
Special Presentations
Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie Sturla Gunnarsson, Canada World Premiere
At 75 years old,...
Galas
A Beginners Guide to Endings Jonathan Sobol, Canada World Premiere
Raucous, charming and very funny, Jonathan Sobol's comedy A Beginners Guide to Endings follows three sons as they deal with their gambler father's somewhat complicated legacy. Featuring the legendary Harvey Keitel, the film also stars Scott Caan, Paolo Costanzo, Wendy Crewson, Tricia Helfer, Jason Jones, and J.K. Simmons.
Previously announced Canadian Galas include: The Bang Bang Club, Steven Silver; Barney's Version, Richard J. Lewis; Casino Jack, George Hickenlooper; Score: A Hockey Musical, Mike McGowan.
Special Presentations
Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie Sturla Gunnarsson, Canada World Premiere
At 75 years old,...
- 8/10/2010
- Screen Anarchy
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