The timing for this announcement couldn’t be better, because here in the middle of the season of cartoon hijinks and films aimed at kids of all ages, comes the news that a Kickstarter campaign is launching for a new documentary about the roots of early American animation. CARTOON CARNIVAL is directed and produced by Andrew T. Smith, co-producer and co-writer of the highly acclaimed FILMED IN SUPERMARIONATION documentary, and the crowdfunding project is looking to raise £13,000 in order to get the film off the ground. 

Here at STARBURST HQ, we can’t think of a more worthwhile venture.

CARTOON CARNIVAL intends not just to tell the story of the development of the cartoon form during the very early silent film period, a time before film censorship and before many of the conventions of the format became established, but also to give details of the people who have devoted their lives to rescuing these old films from obscurity. The first interviewee to be announced is noted animation historian David Gerstein, while legendary New York animator Howard Bickerman has also been confirmed as appearing; further announcements will be made as to who else will feature in CARTOON CARNIVAL as the project develops.

Consulting Producer Tommy José Stathes, from whose archives a number of short films and excerpts have been drawn for the documentary, says, “For more than a decade, my goal has been to physically reunite animation history’s earliest works and further the public’s knowledge and viewership of the first animated cartoons that were produced. Andrew’s CARTOON CARNIVAL film would be a wonderful vehicle for continuing this mission of educating and entertaining old and new fans alike, and I look forward to having this production becoming a reality.”

Fans can follow the project on CARTOON CARNIVAL’s Facebook Page, while donations are being sought at the project’s Kickstarter Page.

With just about a week to go, the project is already approaching the halfway mark as it seeks to reach its target of £13,000, with a wide range of rewards on offer including DVDs and Blu-rays and opportunities to attend the premiere. Every backer, even at the lowest level of £1, will receive a download of the 1927 Paul Terry short film WHEN THE SNOW FLIES.

The better part of a century has passed since these short films were first created, but the time is ripe for them to discover a new audience of people ready to be delighted and amused by the weird and the wonderful. CARTOON CARNIVAL looks to be a fantastic opportunity to find that new audience. Get your backing in now!

 


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