So tonight, I've put the finishing touches on a new, animated holiday short (link here!) My hopes to have it live by Christmas were sadly dashed amidst the chaos of hospital visits, making rent, taking interviews, and shopping for presents. But as I always like to say, better late than never, eh? And besides, with 2009 coming to a close, the net could use one last Fungus-Ridden hoorah before shifting pages to start accumulating films for our 2010 catalogue. 'Tis the season for last-minute surprise additions.
This short, like several other of my animations, features characters I first designed in high school (and who have made a few appearances ever since, in other clips, websites, and even a computer game!) The two I've used in this film are MR. BUSHHOG and MR. WIZARD. Mr. Bushhog is an adorable little ball of fur; he's got no arms and no mouth, but he's astonishingly capable considering. He originated as a side-kick, but came to the forefront when I discovered his undeniable cuteness made him an instant crowd-favorite. Mr. Wizard, even more sparsely-faced than Mr. Bushhog, was designed as an unlucky-but-lovable little hazard zone. Though he was once the sole subject of every unnatural fate, torment, and act of God, he's since taken up the spot of Supporting Character, and has instead become something of an oblivious bad luck charm for his furry, pig-nosed friend.
The initial animation file for this short had been tentatively called "Hog for the Holidays," but I couldn't come to grips with how idiotic that sounded. Plus, I suffer this massive, unjustified fear that Mr. Bushhog will keep the 'Hog nickname forever and turn into some sort of punk icon. On a related note, I'm interested in renaming him, but having difficulty doing it. He is, for certain, a bushhog... but he is not the *only* bushhog. In fact, there are reportedly scores of them, living in villages and running shops and riding buses... But he's the only one represented in my cartoons thus far. If I add new 'Hogs to the party, you'll have no trouble telling them apart. In the meanwhile, if you think of a good name for our little bushhog friend, be sure to pass it along for consideration! Nothing dumb like Muffins or Harry, though.
Speaking of which, this is my third cartoon short starring Mr. Bushhog and I'm looking to expand the universe. The cast of characters is actually much more expansive than just Mr. Wizard and Mr. Bushhog. I'm essentially at a crossroads as to which direction the next cartoon goes in. A set of storyboards in my desk suggests that the bushhog's next appearance will be at a barber shop, and that a new side character named Mr. Pirate will make a brief appearance. On the other hand, I'm very interested in pursuing an alternate episode taking place at the carnival, which would highlight another major character yet to be seen in any of my animations: Chainsaw the Clown, who's about as helpful and safe as his name implies. I'd like to tackle both shorts eventually, but for now, I'll be testing and considering the production of both.
Happy holidays!
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