Gene Wilder RIP

I really liked the actor, Gene Wilder. I grew up watching him in movies as the original Willy Wonka, a cowboy drunk with the fastest gun in the West, a rabbi cowboy, comic partner to Richard Pryor and even a mad scientist. And so, when I discovered this from a few years ago animated by Patrick Smith, I thought you might enjoy this interview with the late great Gene Wilder, who pass away a few days ago.

The world needs humor to laugh when things aren't so great. So as another great comedian, Red Skelton once said.. "Don't take life too seriously, son, you don't come out of it alive anyway." So, what's your take on this? Any comments, thoughts, other great quotes?

Kubo and the Two Strings

"Kubo and the Two Strings" is the latest animated feature from Liaka and is a very interesting story with amazing animated imagery and character design. This is stop motion at its best that blends together to tell an amazing story of Kubo and his journey. I don't want to spoil anything, because I saw it without seeing all the trailers and promotional material.

I will say, if you want to be amazed and taken on an exciting journey, this is the film for you. If that's not your thing, then maybe "Sausage Party" is for you.
 

Here are some of the animated armatures from the film. To call them puppets is almost an insult, since they are so alive on the big screen. I would also recommend watching this in 3D to get the full effect.

And without spoiling any of the story, here is a few scene set ups from the film featuring Kubo, Beetle and Monkey.

 Photos above by Kevin MacLean

Here's a quiz for you: Travis Knight told me that The Moon King's facial design was inspired by two very famous movie villians. Can you guess who they are?  

Send in your guess to the comments section below...

If you live in the Los Angeles area, you can see a free exhibit, “The Artistry of Kubo: A Magical LAIKA Experience” at the Japanese American National Museum to coincide with the start of Nisei Week, the annual festival celebrating Japanese American culture and history in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles.

Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes interactive peek at Kubo and the Two Strings through puppets, sets, props, monsters, origami, and costumes from the production presented in JANM’s George & Sakaye Aratani Central Hall from Saturday, Aug. 13 to Tuesday, Aug. 30.

NOIR: Behing the Veil

50 years ago, the TV version of Batman first debuted in color on TV screens across the nation. Watchcat was inspired by this as a kitten.

I know, I know what you're thinking... "What is happening with WatchCat? Where is the next part of the story?" "I'm a very confused and I must know, my whole world is being turned upside down, again."

Well don't worry, final scenes are getting done on Episode 2 and I am happy to report that we only have only 16 scenes to go until the short is finally completed. You also might be a little confuse why we keep promoting NOIR and less time talking about WatchCat. Well its simple, our friends are making NOIR and we are trying to help them get as much $upport as possible. You can help support their Indiegogo campaign to help make this feature dedicated to Film Noir, Mystery and Monsters. 

Here are two interviews of the stars of NOIR, Thessa M'loe and Andrew James Jones talking about their experience in making this film. There are even a few clips you haven't seen yet.

NOIR: Behind The Veil - with Thessa M'loe from Lee Anthony Smith on Vimeo.

NOIR: BEHIND THE VEIL - WITH ANDREW JAMES JONES from Lee Anthony Smith on Vimeo.

So put down that Pokemon GO, and help some real people fund a feature to end their funding campaign on a high note! There is less than a week to go to help, so if you want to help fellow filmmakers and support a great independent feature film, please let them know. And tell em, WatchCat sent you...

NOIR -The Indiegogo Pitch from Lee Anthony Smith on Vimeo.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/noir--5#/