Channel Frederator Blog

Episode 73

Women. Can’t live with ‘em. Here’s one man’s story of boobs, hair extensions, and superman capes. I loved this film because it really felt like Julia Vickerman had gone out and interviewed real guys on their stories–or, at least, interviewed the guys that I’ve known. Quite an authentic piece! And funny too.

MELISSA: What was your creative process in creating this short? How did you come up with the idea?

JULIA: I have mostly male friends and gradually collected some fun stories having to do with “the ladies”. Generally speaking, I’m always inspired by women (myself included) and their confusing, borderline-retarded tendencies.

MELISSA: Ha! Totally agree! How long did it take you to make this?

From writing the script to the completion of sound effects/music, it took about nine months. Very gestational.

MELISSA: What do you do when you can’t gestate–err…get stuck creatively

JULIA: When I get stuck creatively, I tend to watch a lot of “Friends” on DVD. Then when that doesn’t work, I tend to get people drunk and ask them inappropriately probing questions about their sex lives. That always makes me excited about life again.

MELISSA: I think we may have been separated at birth, Julia. Who are some of the artists who have influenced you?

JULIA: Probably the only animated shorts that have made me really excited about making my own are Don Hertzfeldt’s…but I suppose everyone says that. I’m also very inspired by the comedic talent of Tina Fey. She’s great.

MELISSA: What program did you use to animate this?

JULIA: I drew everything on good old fashioned paper and used Adobe AfterEffects to compile it. I also used Protools to assemble/record the sound.

MELISSA: What was the most challenging part of the short to animate? What is your favorite part?

JULIA: The most challenging part wasn’t really in the animation, more so in the pastel coloring of the “flashback” sequences. I would color each frame by hand immediately before scanning it, since the chalk would smudge if the drawings were stacked. It was really only difficult because of how long it took. My favorite part is the “super sex” scene because I’m a brilliant voice actor and watching it with my parents makes them uncomfortable.

MELISSA: What other projects are you working on now?

JULIA: I’m currently working as a Flash animator for PUNY in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We’ve made a whole bunch of Flash games and interactive pieces and are currently doing various broadcast work. It’s very fun and I love it. In May, PUNY will be moving half of its animation department to Los Angeles, so I will follow suit.

That’s exciting, Julia! Please stop by the Frederator offices and pay us a visit!

Melissa