Monday, March 3, 2008

Pushing the Envelope

We seem to be in a creative period where "pushing the envelope" is only about how far we can stretch the borders of good taste. I wonder if good taste even exists anymore with all the train-wreck reality shows, the deceit in our society, and our acceptance of it all. I do remember when "Pushing the Envelope" meant trying to create a new style, animation technique, or even an inventive gag. It was about trying to inspire, and create something that "raised the bar" of animation, comedy, and art. IT was about being clever. Not that "being wrong" can't be funny, it surely can, but what happened to inspiration? Is that just too corny? Am I sounding like some Bible Belt Republican? Am I uncool if I don't believe we need another character made of shit? I remember a story that the guys from South Park and John K were fighting over their characters of excrement. Something about who created the first "shit" character, and when. I can't remember many of the details, thankfully. But I think arguing over "shit" characters is probably not what we should be doing as animators and artists. Just know what is good and what is cheap, that's all I am asking.

6 comments:

Bob Camp said...

John sued because he says he came up with shit first. Somebody should do a book of stuff like this.

Admin said...

Actually, my little brother came up with that idea when he was four years old -- back in 1973. So he should sue :)

Gav said...

We could all write books about this business, and I mean an entirely different kind of shit.

bginley said...

what is good and what is cheap ? ha

Tom said...

what about what is fast? I thought you could have it good, cheap, and fast--pick two out of three?

Gav said...

Good, Fast, or Cheap, pick two cause you can't have all three. I'll have to write about that...Thanks for the reminder.