Channel Frederator Blog

Jorge Garcia’s thesis film “Cat’s Meow” is hi-larious. He wanted to be a gag man - I say mission accomplished!

Channel Frederator: What are your favorite films/animations?

Jorge Garcia: I can never pick a favorites… I do have a very special place for everything Looney Tunes in my heart, and I always wanted to grow up to be Bugs Bunny. That didn’t turn out so good, but it did make me want to draw and eventually animate! I’ve always loved TV cartoons and the short film format, and anything with funny gags would spark my interest. Mickey and Donald shorts, Daffy and Porky, and all the classics. I would love to be a gag-man one day if I were to become really funny.

Other animated films that I love and have influenced me have been Toy Story, Emperor’s New Groove, Bambi, and Indiana Jones.

But keep E.T. away from me. He gave me nightmares.

CF: What was your [Read more…]

Recent Ringling grad and pro animator Michael Rutter has some killer 3D animation skills (and charming OCD skills). Read on, reader!

Channel Frederator: What (or who) has influenced your style the most?

Michael Rutter: I suppose the most evident when watching my film would be the Goofy “How to…” shorts, or Wile E. Coyote cartoons. Both of them had a real knack for taking a simple premise and really exploring the possibilities…allowing an otherwise mundane situation to escalate into something truly ridiculous. As for the visual style, I felt this character was a pretty “inside the lines” kind of guy. The strong sense of solidity and geometry in the 1950s/60s decor seemed most supportive of that.

CF: Where did you get the idea for your film “On the Level”?

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Miriam Nagi introduced Frederator to a sweet story (and the world’s cutest cloud) in her short “Krishna’s Garden”. Here she tells us about the film and the artists that shaped her unique style.

Channel Frederator: Who or what has influenced your style the most?

Miriam Nagi: I am mostly influenced by old Indian Mughal paintings and Persian miniatures as well as the painting techniques of the impressionists such as Monet and Renoir. Also by artists like Poly Bernatene, Petra Stefankova, Sanjay Patel,and Joey Chou.

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A music video. A 2D comedy. Some sweet CG.

We like variety. It’s the spice of life. That being said, this is one spicy episode! We’ve got a lovely student film, an episode of “Pencilman”, and a music vid for Channel Frederator favorite Scott Coello’s band, Son of Robot.

The long weekend is over, true. But the party doesn’t have to stop! Kick back and prepare for summer with our slammin’ selection of awesome ‘toons.

“Anchored”, submitted by Lindsey Olivares – Gorgeous student film loosely based on a parable, featuring beautiful backgrounds and fluid, emotive animation.

“Pencilman #3: MC Hammered”, submitted by Ross Bollinger – Super cool episode of the Pencilman series!

“She’s the Man”, submitted by Scott Coello – Wacky stop motion music video for the band Son of Robot!

WARNING: Channel Frederator is rated EXPLICIT. Spring has sprung, people. You don’t know what you’re gonna see. Just promise us you’ll get permission from a parent [Read more…]

In the middle of graduating and moving, the talented Gianna Ruggiero had just enough time to give a shout out to her teachers at Ringling, give us a little background on her film “Gretel & Hanzel”, and tell us how a blue-grass metal band inspired her work.

Channel Frederator: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about animation while in school?

Gianna Ruggiero: Probably who the character is and what is it thinking. Internal Dialogue! Timing, timing, timing. How timing not only is key to making moments funny but how it is key to creating the overall mood, how it impacts the viewer.

CF: Want to give a shout to any teachers?

GR: First and for most all the Computer Animation Faculty. Thank you guys so much!!!!

I must mention one of my teachers for the past year and a half Jamie DeRuyter! He has been an amazing teacher. He is full of energy and life. He [Read more…]