Channel Frederator Blog

Self described weird kid Ian Jones-Quartey’s film “Unfair” is as hysterical as it is brutal. He learned early to roll with the (literal) punches, and as a result, has stories and talent to spare.

Channel Frederator: Where do you draw your inspiration from for your films?

Ian Jones-Quartey: I think that real life is probably the best inspiration someone can get! I like to do my commutes to work on the subway without being plugged in to an iPod. It sounds crazy but all of my best ideas have come to me from noticing something about my surroundings that I wouldn’t have if I were distracted. I think the best characters are usually the ones people make based on their friends. The way people interact is a really interesting thing to explore.

CF: What has influenced your style the most?

IJQ: I try to shy away from the term “style” and just say “the [Read more…]

You like quirky and quality? Boom. Channel Frederator’s gotcha covered. We’ve got some top-notch animation this week- everything from student films to for-fun films to award winners.

A quick heads up - if you’re in Brooklyn at the end of July, be sure to grab tickets to the Animation Block Party . This summer they’re featuring dozens of crazy talented and/or legendary animators including Bill Plympton, Mike Hollingsworth, Choom Lam, Tony Dusko, and more. The ABP is July 24th -26th , click here for tickets!

“On the Level”, submitted by Michael Rutter – Perfectionism has its price in the awesome 3D film.

“Learn Your Alphablakes! Boutros, Boutros, Lah-Dee-Dah!”, submitted by Karen Abad – An ultra cute stop motion video from one pal to another.

“Unfair”, submitted by Ian Jones-Quartey – Think adulthood blows? This film makes a good a case for “sucks to be a kid”. Winner of the Audience Award at the 2006 Animation Block [Read more…]

I’ve been noticing a trend in the animation community recently, and that’s Animators Who Rap. Maybe it’s something to do with all the timing and rhythm, but I think it’s a good thing.
Here’s a few of the best I’ve found across the internets. (Can I add myself to that list?)
(*ed. Note: There might be bad language in some or all of these. Don’t listen to it if you don’t wanna hear them.-JX)

I make music from time to time under the name Plankton. This is a song called “Y’all Soulz” from the What Whales Eat Sessions, 2004. Recently, my friend Ryan who runs a Net Label, Serac Label, digitally re-issued an album of mine called “15 YR Petting Zoo”. Even I don’t know how to classify it. It’s lower than lo-fi, and still a charming album. Download it for free. It will change your life.

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