Strike Back Studios, a renowned film production company, has recently added another remarkable film to its already impressive lineup. The studio has acquired the highly anticipated animation documentary hybrid titled “Pencils Vs Pixels” from Hideout Pictures and acclaimed animator Tom Bancroft. This exciting project, narrated by the iconic and multi-award nominated Ming-Na Wen, will be co-directed by Bay Dariz and Phil Earnest. The film is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious Annecy International Film Festival in France on June 15th, as part of the Annecy Classics Program. Strike Back Studios plans to release the film to the public later this fall.
“Pencils Vs Pixels” promises to be an exhilarating celebration of 2D hand-drawn animation. It delves into the fascinating story of how the Disney Renaissance of the late 1980s and early 1990s led to an animation boom that was ultimately disrupted by the computer animation revolution. The documentary explores this complex and controversial transition within the industry. Additionally, it sheds light on the resurgence of hand-drawn animation in recent years with films such as “Disenchanted,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “The Bob’s Burger Movie,” and the beloved multi-Oscar nominee, “Flee.”
As a teaser for the film, a clip from the documentary’s opening has been released, along with a still image of the animated version of narrator Ming-Na Wen. “Pencils Vs Pixels” features interviews with esteemed industry veterans, both in front of and behind the camera. The roster of interviewees includes renowned figures like Pete Docter, Leonard Maltin, John Musker, Tony Bancroft, Jorge R. Gutiérrez, Seth MacFarlane, Glen Keane, Tina Price, Lorna Cook, Kevin Smith, and Sergio Pablos, among many others.
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Tom Bancroft, an accomplished animator and producer with 34 years of experience in the animation industry, expresses his excitement for the project. He explains, “Because of my background in the animation industry, particularly as a Disney animator, I still encounter people who wonder what happened to 2D animation and why it faded away. ‘Pencils Vs Pixels’ finally provides the answers to those questions.” Bancroft adds, “Through the passionate stories of the artisans who created the films that people still cherish today, this film will reveal the untold story of what transpired within the realm of 2D animation.”
“Pencils Vs Pixels” is a collaborative effort between Minutehand Pictures and Hideout Pictures. Directed by Bay Dariz and Phil Earnest, the film is produced by Tom Bancroft, known for his work on “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” and “Mulan,” alongside Bay Dariz. The executive producers include Shannon Houchins, Noor Ahmed, and Christopher Joe, and the co-producer is Jhemma Ziegler.
Film enthusiasts and animation lovers alike can look forward to the world premiere of “Pencils Vs Pixels” at the esteemed Annecy International Film Festival. Following its premiere, Strike Back Studios will bring this captivating documentary to audiences worldwide later this year, offering a unique and insightful exploration of the evolution of animation.
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