Charter’s Love commercial. Got to work on this one at Curious Pictures. It was directed and designed by Matt Smithson (aka manvsmagnet) and composited by Jess Mireau, David Soto and Dale Clowdis. I animated the snake and the kid which was awesome not only for the excellent track, but also cause I got to design him. Can you see the Ponyo? Matt also let me help design the animals. Fuck yeah.

Storytime Powerfight – Episode 1 – Chapter 1 – Mom, There’s a Boat from Storytime Powerfight on Vimeo.

Peter Ahern and I are making a little film inspired by Layer Tennis. No script, no expectations just a Storytime Powerfight. I made the first chapter, Peter’s making the next in response. He had no idea where I was going to put him and I have no idea where we’ll be when he’s done his turn. I guess we’ll go back and forth until we get to a satisfying end. The idea is to be fast and not uptight about style or finesse. There will be one new chapter a week.

Chapter 1 – Mom, There’s a Boat – I started with the idea that an easy way to do this would be to trap two guys in a boat. That would limit scenery, characters and save us a lot of work. Of course, there had to be a reason these guys were on a boat and that led naturally to this bloated first chapter.

Contains cartoon violence and the downtrodden getting trod down.

Metcalf loves you.

No fucking cartoon is ever going to have that kind of power.

I heard an interview with Patton Oswalt a while ago, I think it was on Adam Carolla’s podcast, in which Oswalt talks about his pre-writing ritual. Possibly the greatest comic around right now starts off his writing sessions by watching a youtube clip (maybe this one?) of Gale Sayers shaming defenses*. The chubby comedian says that he feels like just watching someone so skilled puts him in the frame of mind to write some kickass jokes. Patton’s no athlete and I’m no theist but HOLY SHIT, right now the Johnny Cash song linked above** makes me want to stay up all night working and hopefully kicking a little ass***. Maybe it’ll work for you, too.

* OMG did you see those psychotic blockers!?!

** Also, Rick Rubin. God damn.

*** Technically this means drawing penguins.

Step 2: Playoff beard (comes off when film is done. . . Gimli?).

Above: wide eyed wonder.

To everyone who watched “Bubblewrap” on youtube, thank you so much. Special thanks to Nate Weinstein and the Youtube screening room who gave the film a chance. As of this post, the film has 325,000 views. I initially made it for a few friends really and now more people than I will ever say hi to have seen it. I remember being told in fourth grade it would take forty-two days and nights to count to one million so I guess “Bubblewrap” is around day fourteen, bloodshot and jittery but seriously giddy. I’m working on some new things, scheming huge schemes. Something different and dangerous coming in February. Every day the fourteenth, my dears.

Metcalf loves you.

So this is it! Hello internet, my name’s Arthur Metcalf. Youtube has given me the opportunity to debut my debut in their nifty Screening Room. The film was completed in August of 2007 and has since made the festival rounds. More details on the film here.

Metcalf loves you.

MLY