Animators Unearthed: A Guide to the Best of Contemporary Animation

Author: Chris Robinson

Published: 2010

Softcover

While graphic novels have been accepted in the mainstream book world, independent animation still fights for an audience. Television (at least in North America) doesn't have room for short films. Cinemas gave up on short films long ago. Certainly, artists are reaching new audiences through the internet, dvds and mobile technology, but festivals still remain the primary exhibition place.

For most people animation is defined by characters (Mickey Mouse, Powerpuff Girls, Bart Simpson) or by studios (Pixar, Dreamworkds, Disney). However, if you ask these same people to indentify John Lassetter, Mike Judge or Stephen Hillenberg, they'd likely have no answer.

Animator's unearthed will introduce you to a selection of international independent animators so that you can learn about who they are, what they've done, and why they do it. The book profiles 20 animators including: John Canemaker, Chris Landreth, Don Hertzfeldt, Konstantin Bronzit and Joanna Quinn. Animator's Unearthed fights the stereotype that animation exists for kids and laughs, and spreads that message to introduce these incredible artists to a wider audience.