By Liesbeth Visee
For most, two-dimensional films are part of the earliest memories: after all the evenings spent watching Disney films like Cinderella, The Lion King, Jungle Book ensure they will always remain the ultimate classics. Yet unfortunately, the art of 2D-animation, or hand-drawn animation, is under threat of dying out as nowadays the more popular form of 3D-animation dominates. Undoubtedly there are great developments going on within the field of CGI which allow favourite characters to appear more lifelike. But many argue it would be a shame for iconic 2D-animated films to completely disappear.
One such group of 2D apologists is comprised of Disney-veterans who have started an exciting project which attempts to prevent the extinction of hand-drawn film. Their solution: a steam punk animated film named Hullabaloo. The team consists of James Lopez, the creator, and various former Disney animators, who aim to demonstrate that the world is still interested in hand-crafted feature length films – in this case, steam punk ones. Most studios have given up on 2D-animation, but this project hopes to revive an interest in this beautiful and fundamental form of creating animated films.
Aside from the great intentions behind Hullabaloo, the story promises to be refreshing and exciting as well. Hullabaloo features two female protagonists, Veronica and Jules. They are both young scientists who join each other on a quest to save Veronica’s father (also an inventor). In order to save her father, Veronica takes on the secret identity of ‘Hullabaloo’ to fight the mysterious group who abducted him. The production team hopes that the two heroines will become role models for inspiring adventurous, scientifically-inquisitive young girls. Donors to this project believe this combination set in a steam punk setting is a recipe for success.
The project is fully crowd funded, and the public seems to be enthusiastic. After all a large budget has already been raised for the production of Hullabaloo, but more donations will ensure the creation of even more 2D-projects. The current budget allows them to create two short films, which is exciting news for both the team and all 2D-enthusiasts. Hopefully these films will show the world that 2D-animation is not old-fashioned; rather, that it is still an incredible form of art that should not be allowed to disappear.
For more information and exciting promotional videos, check out their website: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hullabaloo-steampunk-animated-film#home.
Liesbeth Visee, class of 2015, is from Zeeland and studies Art History.
