Local animators Simon Ralph and Lee Parker will be showing two of their films in the new 'Bangimation' category at this year's Bang! film festival. The duo are big fans of Chuck Jones, the creator of Looney Toons, which is evident from their lively website. They're also admirers of Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of Spirited Away. Festival highlights
 | | Simon Ralph and Lee Parker |
At the Bang! film festival Simon and Lee are showing a piece called 'The Vet'. The idea was born after the duo saw a wildlife programme which starred a troublesome giraffe. Simon says, "It's about a vet... if I say anymore It'll ruin it! It's a nice quirky little piece, it took about two to three weeks to make." Video for Robbie Williams The other film which has been included was made initially for a competition. The aim was to make a video for a Robbie Williams track. The film titled 'Back to the Eighties' shows a cartoon Robbie going back in time to Stoke-on-Trent, when he was a child. Lee says,
 | | Robbie Williams in 'Back to the 80s' |
"It didn't win, we were a bit down about it. We were waiting so long just to find out who the runners-up were, never mind the winner... "It didn't even get in the top ten... It was probably the most ambitious thing we [ever] undertook." Works in progress One of Simon and Lee's on-going projects is a film called 'Westward Spirit' - a quirky take on the Western. They approached Nottingham-based EM Media with the film, without much success. Lee says, "We went to EM Media but we didn't know what to say to them. Looking back on it now you can see why they didn't take it.
 | | 'The Vet' |
"There were so many potholes in it and as I'm doing it now I'm realising there's so much that needs to be done. "We'll get it to the point where we can actually pitch it again." You have to admire Simon and Lee's commitment to their work. Simon's looking forward to the time when they can reap their rewards. "[We've] not bought anything new for two years... you've got to put everything to the side and carry on with your dream..." You will be able to see 'The Vet' and 'Back to the Eighties' at the Bang! Film Festival at the Broadway on 24 - 25 March. | 
