Animation studio Blind Pig has promoted several staffers as it settles into a new location in the Fitzrovia district of London.
Ric Comline, formerly creative director, is now executive creative director. Since founding Blind Pig in 2009, Comline has been a driving force in creatively leading work as well as nurturing the studio’s diverse team. In his new role, he’ll continue to direct creative briefs, while keeping a keen eye on the development of the studio as it enters a new chapter.
Thierry Levy leaves his position as executive producer for a new role as head of production. His experience with both clients and artists lends itself to the title, which comprises overseeing projects, work culture and new international business opportunities.
Christine Peters has made the jump from 2D lead to 2D creative director. She’ll remain at the heart of all 2D animated projects, directing client briefs and keeping a watchful eye across all traditional frame-by-frame projects.
Sean Cooper’s promotion takes him from 3D lead to 3D creative director. He’ll continue to direct 3D briefs while overseeing all CG projects and adding creative and strategic input along the way.
Blind Pig, Absolute's animation studio, has garnered a loyal international following in recent years, expanding its reach into international markets such as New York, Amsterdam and Dubai. Alongside this, the team have seen an increase in film and TV projects, crafting title sequences and graphics for the likes of Netflix and National Geographic.
Review: Director-Writer Megan Park’s “My Old Ass”
They say tripping on psychedelic mushrooms triggers hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia and nervousness. In the case of Elliott, an 18-year-old restless Canadian, they prompt a visitor.
"Dude, I'm you," says the guest, as she nonchalantly burns a 'smores on a campfire next to a very high and stunned Elliott. "Well, I'm a 39-year-old you. What's up?"
What's up, indeed: Director-writer Megan Park has crafted a wistful coming-of-age tale using this comedic device for "My Old Ass" and the results are uneven even though she nails the landing.
After the older Elliott proves who she is — they share a particular scar, childhood memories and a smaller left boob — the time-travel advice begins: Be nice to your brothers and mom, and stay away from a guy named Chad.
"Can we hug?" asks the older Elliott. They do. "This is so weird," says the younger Elliott, who then makes things even weirder when she asks for a kiss — to know what it's like kissing yourself. The older Elliott soon puts her number into the younger's phone under the name "My Old Ass." Then they keep in touch, long after the effects of the 'shrooms have gone.
Part of the movie's problem that can't be ignored is that the two Elliotts look nothing alike. Maisy Stella plays the coltish young version and a wry Aubrey Plaza the older. Both turn in fine performances but the visuals are slowly grating.
The arrival of the older Elliott coincides with her younger self counting down the days until she can flee from her small town of 300 in the Muskoka Lakes region to college in Toronto, where "my life is about to start." She's sick of life on a cranberry farm.
Park's scenes and dialogue are unrushed and honest as Elliott takes her older self's advice and tries to repair... Read More