UK animation and illustration studio Persistent Peril marks eleven years in the business with this short treat, an unexpected adventure deep in the snowy woods, where the situation is not at all what it seems.
Director Ginny Jones: “The idea for STALKER was first pitched by the studio as a music video, and although the idea wasn’t picked up, I just couldn’t let it go. I have always loved how anthropomorphic animals are used in animation. A deer can just be a deer, or it can be an ex-girlfriend. I think that’s unique to the medium.
“It was in the first lockdown in 2020 that we decided to make STALKER into a short film. We all needed something positive to distract us from the day-to-day, and a this seemed like a good use of our collective time.
“At first glance, I wanted STALKER to seem like a mood piece. That way when the twist landed it would be funnier and more unexpected.”
“Quite early on in the process, I had mentioned to our producer Sam Bourner that as there was only one line of dialogue in the film, it might be funny to get a recognizable voice for the role.
“I think we were lucky in this aspect, as the lockdown meant it was possible to get [comedian and television presenter] Simon Amstell on board. He, like the rest of us, was stuck at home and thankfully liked the animatic enough to record the line.
“At first glance, I wanted Stalker to seem like a mood piece. That way when the twist landed it would be funnier and more unexpected. This decision had an impact on the look of the film, and designer Garth Jones went with a more realistic look than he would normally create.
“I think it paid off though, and when I first saw the film as part of a public screening at the Manchester Film Festival, I was really pleased with how it was received. The audience was still laughing through the credits. There is no better feeling than that.”
Production: Persistent Peril
Director: Ginny Jones
Illustrator: Garth Jones
Producer: Sam Bourner
Animator: Ginny Jones, Garth Jones, Felix Massie & Mark Billington
Sound Design: James Locke-Hart
VO: Simon Amstell
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