Animation 23 Aug 2006 07:44 am
The Mantis Parable
- I recently viewed a cgi short that I thought was an impressive effort. The Mantis Parable by Josh Staub tells the story of a caterpillar trapped within a jar, with no way out. A mantis makes its way into the room where the jar is kept and realizing the caterpillar’s problem tries, without much effort, to help. Just as the mantis gives up, he’s trapped by the jar-keeper and placed within a jar of his own. Needless to say, the ending will be resolved by a butterfly.
It’s an attractive film with a very strong style and animation equal to the film’s story. The short has done well – meaning it’s won awards at a number of festivals (Rhode Island, Palm Springs, Winnepeg, Black Maria, Chicago Int’l Children’s Film Festival) and been represented at others. I suggest you look out for it at festivals. Go here to listen to an interview with the director.
Most importantly, to me, a cgi artist has stepped up with his own effort to produce a strong film. I look forward to future projects from Josh Staub.
– Per The Hollywood Reporter, Blue Sky studio has optioned and is developing 
William Joyce’s book, “The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs.” Oscar winner Chris Wedge is attached to direct. Remember that Joyce designed Robots and Rolie Polie Olie .
The story (from the publisher) is: The brave good bugs march off to save the garden, but first, they must fight the evil Spider Queen before summoning the Leaf Men to save the day.
It’s a story of ancient elfin magic, epic adventure, and a salute to the power of memory, loyalty and love.
Let’s hope “the brave good bugs” don’t look like Antz or The Ant Bully. Given Joyce’s artwork and Blue Sky’s reputation, we can assume the design will have grace.
