Oscars 2015: The Best Animated Short nominees
One of the most entertaining categories at the Academy Awards -- and one of the least heralded -- is for the Best Animated Short Subject.
Below are trailers for each of this year's nominees, as well as some behind-the-scenes videos showing how these talented artists used hand-drawn, stop-motion or computer animation to create memorable characters and fascinating narratives.
The shorts are currently screening via VOD, and theatrically in select cities, as part of the Oscar Nominated Short Films package from Shorts HD. They are also available to purchase individually via streaming video or VOD. Details below.
"The Bigger Picture"
Filmmakers: Daisy Jacobs and Christopher Hees
A "life size animated short," with painted characters and props in a room shot in stop-motion, shows the tensions between two brothers caring for their aging mother.
Below: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of "The Bigger Picture" from Trik Show.
"The Bigger Picture" (Official site)
"The Dam Keeper"
Filmmakers: Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi
A parable about bullying, featuring a young pig and his tentative friendship with an artistic fox new to his school.
Below: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of "The Dam Keeper" from Skwigly Online Animation Magazine.
Watch "The Dam Keeper" on iTunes
"Feast"
Filmmakers: Patrick Osborne and Kristina Reed
A little dog's exhaustive menu changes as his master's romantic relationships change. What's a hungry pup to do?
Below: A behind-the-scenes look at "Feast" from Variety.
"Feast" played with Disney's animated feature "Big Hero 6," and will be available as a package when that film hits the street on February 24. However, you can also buy "Feast" today from Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, and YouTube on Demand.
"Me and My Moulton"
Filmmaker: Torill Kove
An autobiographical story about growing up within a somewhat non-conventional family (though to adolescents, ALL families are non-conventional), and her wish to get a bicycle.
Kove previously won the Academy Award for her 2006 short film, "The Danish Poet."
Below: An interview with animator Torill Kove, from Skwigly Online Animation Magazine.
Watch "Me and My Mouton" on iTunes
"A Single Life"
Filmmaker: Joris Oprins
What do pizza and vinyl have to do with time travel? A young woman discovers to her astonishment what this special record can do. The song "A Single Life" is performed by Happy Camper, featuring Pien Feith.
Watch "A Single Life" on iTunes
Winners of this year's Oscars will be announced on Sunday, February 22, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood. The show will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.
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