Disneys hands out “Paperclips” for “Paperman”
Paperman, the new short by Disney is shaping up to be something really special. Stylistically its a bold departure for Disney, as it is shot in minimalist black and white. Much fuss has been made already of the style which will utilise a groundbreaking new technique that will seamlessly blend computer generated and hand drawn animation techniques together.
The story for Paperman too is wonderfully simple.It follows the story of a young man in New York City, whose destiny takes an unexpected turn after a chance meeting with a beautiful woman on his morning commute. Convinced the girl of his dreams is gone forever, he gets a second chance when he spots her in a skyscraper window across the avenue from his office. With only his heart, imagination and a stack of papers to get her attention, his efforts are no match for what the fates have in store for him.
Paperman is the directorial debut of John Kahrs who has previously worked for Disney on Tangled, you can read a previous interview with him and his Disney animation co-workers Paul Briggs and Clay Kaytis here.
Kahrs explained that he first had the idea for Paperman whilst commuting to work, crossing paths with people. Kahrs says, “ you look at them, they look at you, you feel like there s some connection there….then that persons gone and that connection is gone forever…and you never see that person again.” He says Paperman is about exploring the idea of two people with such a connection, and how the fates conspire to bring them together.
All in all the combination of a bold and interesting style and a simple and interesting premise make Paperman a must see when it premiere s on the opening night at Annecy this June. It will also be the accompanying short for Disney’s Wreck It Ralph when it opens in November.
Disney have released “Paperclips” a series of making of videos on their facebook page, which also features artwork and more detail from the film as the premier gets closer and closer.