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MOVIEMIKES.COM - AUGUST 5, 2010
First Look into Bill Plympton Documentary "Adventures in Plymptoons!"
BY MIKE GENCARELLI
Read Online VersionHere is a some info about the upcoming Bill Plympton documentary "Adventures In Plymptoons!", directed by Alexia Anastasio:
When it comes to independent animators, Bill Plympton is the undisputed king. When Plympton began his animation career over 25 years ago, he was already an acclaimed syndicated illustrator and cartoonist. Since then he's become a major name in the animation and film world. Plympton has earned two Academy Award nominations, and brings hundreds of loyal fans to each convention and film festival which he attends all over the world. Without Plympton paving the way, there wouldn't be countless aspiring animators, film makers and artist point to and say, "Yes! You can be independent AND make a career doing this!"
Being independent means working without a big studio and often spend your own money on your movies. Creatively it means you have full control and freedom.
Filmmaker Alexia Anastasio was inspired by Plympton's spirit.
Anastasio entered the film world while a freshman at SUNY Purchase where she began volunteering at events including the IFP Market, NY Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and distributor, Artistic License. She first met and learned about Plympton in 2000 when she volunteered at the Golden Trailer Awards in New York City. The encounter was brief but it left an impression on her.
"I remember he wore this tie, and when he lifted the top part up it revealed a naked woman. I was like, 'My virgin eyes!'" she recalls. Later at Sundance, Anastasio got a glimpse of Plympton's work for the trailer of Mutant Aliens, Plympton's third full length animated feature was on repeat in this Gold airstream trailer and it was her job to show something to the passerby's at the festival. "I thought it was so bizarre and fun. Then I ended up seeing Bill everywhere, but it wasn't until I saw one of his lectures at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, Long Island did it dawn on me to propose I do a documentary on him."
A week after the event she told Plympton about the idea, and to her surprise he agreed.
Adventures In Plymptoons! is a year and half in the making and is currently in post production. Anastasio followed and interviewed Plympton around New York City, San Diego Comic Con, his hometown of Portland, Oregon, various film festivals and universities where he would perform his master class. Interviews in the documentary, include Terry Gilliam, Keith Carradine, Ed Begely Jr., "Weird Al" Yankovic and Moby, as well as Plympton's family members and long time friends.
"I envision this film to be for everyone ranging from the die hard Plympton fan to anyone who loves to laugh at cartoons," says Anastasio. Plympton himself fully supports the project and the young director behind it. Alexia is no novice to film making. Anastasio is also an actress in addition to being a director. She was featured in HBO's Bored to Death, VH1 "If you like..." commercial and Vetiver "Everyday" music video.
You can get involved and be part of the process by visiting Adventures In Plymptoons! page to donate to the cause. For as little as $1 you can make a difference.
For more info on Bill Plympton & Alexia Anastasio, you can check out their respective websites: