Is this really the only way to fund genuine, innovative and independently-produced 2D animated films in America today? Let me explain...

For some time now I've wanted to make a serious animated film about a great British visionary who was so far ahead of his time - and so challenging to the ruling establishment of the time - that he was effectively written out of history! 

I believe this fact alone will make it a great film. I believe also that the film will be of historical importance. I additionally believe the film will be challenging, provocative and even inspirational - albeit quite strange and quirky (and maybe even intellectually challenging) to many! But I also believe it will move animation forward into new and unchartered waters. And (heaven forefend) - it actually isn't a 'cartoon' film either! 

Imagine instead the kind of outstanding, historic dramas that British live-action filmmakers make so well - "The King's Speech" being the latest in a long line of these. Now imagine if this kind of intelligent, absorbing and often intense kind of drama were applied to traditional illustrative-style animation. Well, this is what I've long wanted to do with regards my film called "CULPEPER"! 

'Culpeper' is a mature, animated interpretation of the life, works and philosophy of Nicholas Culpeper , the outstanding 17th-century rebel, herbalist, astrologer and visionary. I've long been driven to make this film but guess what - I've never been able to get if funded!

Nicholas Culpeper, as portrayed on the cover of the 2nd edition of his famous 'herbal'.

So out of utter frustration (and yet stolid determination) - and inspired by the achievements of solo filmmakers Paul Fierlinger and Nina Paley, as well as the animated movie masterworks of Tomm Moore and Sylvan Chomet) - I've decided that I now HAVE to make this film before I hang up my pencil once and for all and return to that great lightbox in the sky!  It will have to be done outside of my regular teaching work of course, as I am still totally committed to sharing all I know with the emerging generations of animators, but it WILL get done!

Unfortunately, to kick-start this entire process, I need to develop the crucial pre-production stages of the project and want to do that with a number of outstanding, top professional colleagues who have expressed a willingness to help. (Some may even help me with the animation too, but if it can be minimally developed with their help to a final animatic stage - included final layouts, soundtrack, music and designs all built in - I will at least be able to do it all myself if necessary.) But this of course leads us back to 'funding'! 

There is nowhere within the established animated filmmaking system in the US that will allow for the film's development to take place without any significant interference with the film's story, content or artistic integrity. Therefore, in desperation, I'm turning as a final solution to the social funding site, 'Kickstarter', to help me reach everyone who might support what I'm trying to do.

Pages from Culpeper's original 'herbal' - which is still published and sold today, over 300 years later!

You may or may not even be interested in the subject matter of this film. But just recognize that if it comes to the screen it will represent a huge breakthrough for the traditionally animated art-form. This is what the Animaticus Foundation is all about and that is what my own personal commitment to the furtherance of traditional animation has always been about. Being a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, teaching and evolving the art-form of traditional animation, the film will prove an exceptional first production for the organization. It will also mean that all donations made to the film will be tax deductable (for US tax-payers at least) and therefore all contributors will receive a receipt from the Foundation to state as much to the IRS. 

So, if you want to see traditional animation move on, grow up and discover new boundaries of expression (pick any one, or all, of these, depending on your perspective) please click HERE  to make your pledge, large or small! This way (and perhaps only this way) we can maybe find a way to put significant, independently-produced, traditionally-animated films back on the map in the USA. (Note: The production of this film will also enable me to take under my wing and apprentice a few talented student graduates along the way, providing them with that very rare commodity, 'industry experience' - and on a 'real' film.) 

There may never, ever be a better way of doing this right now. So please support the project and its objectives if you can. (But make your donations before March 19th, otherwise they will no longer be valid after that date according the the Kickstarter regulations.) I thank you sincerely for your support for this unique initiative! 

(And if you want to see some of the art and read the personal experiences that has motivated me to make this film in the first place, please click HERE .)

Tony.  :^{)}=-