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Sparking Sunshine

Synopsis

A retrospective look at the creation of the “Retail Sunshine” book series and how it inspired its creator to return to animation.

Review

4/5
A documentary that would inspire, if not enchant, many budding animators.
In this documentary, cartoonist Phil Machi takes us through his creative journey – developing his beloved ‘Retail Sunshine’ book series into animation. A documentary that would inspire, if not enchant, many budding animators.

The short is broken down, rather smartly, into 4 neat chapters; Inspiration, Preparation, Instrumentation and Prognostication. Doing so, Phil succeeds in maintaining viewer engagement. We learn about the infancy of his creative endeavours, through his childhood passion for comic books to masterminding his own livestock comic-strip collection. His talent is undeniable, but he wants to turn the page – away from livestock – towards cartoon people. Despite the challenges, his passion and dedication is formidable.

Sparking Sunshine Short Film e1655313682137
Inspired by Phil’s 3-year employment at an electronic store, the ‘Retail Sunshine’ series takes a comical look into store life. Featuring “overbearing managers, problematic customers and each other”. A fine example of art imitating life – and perhaps the key to creative success. Keen for his characters to “spring to life”, Phil sets out to animate his characters, collaborating with composer Kevin Schilder and Oingo Boingo musician Steve Bartek.

Visually, the documentary doesn’t quite live up to the industry standard, but Phil’s story is infectious and is saved by a preview of the animated intro theme. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for the finished result. A charming watch.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Phil Machi
Writer(s): Phil Machi
Cast: Kevin Schilder, Phil Machi, Steve Bartek
Producer(s): Phil Machi
Director of Photography:
Animation: Phil Machi

Specifications

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2020
Runtime: 10 min

Recommended

3/5

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The Last Photo Walk

The film tells the story of Christopher Osborne’s final film photo walk, before leaving the United Arab Emirates for good….
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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Phil Machi
Writer(s): Phil Machi
Cast: Kevin Schilder, Phil Machi, Steve Bartek
Producer(s): Phil Machi
Director of Photography:
Director of Photography: Phil Machi

Specifcations

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2020
Runtime: 10 min

Recommended

4/5

Another Swell Day

  • Animation, Drama
  • United States
  • 2022
An animation following a young girl who has been recently diagnosed with a rare blood disease known as HAE (Hereditary Angioedema). It is a story of a nervous child growing into a confident adult who has refused to let her trials overwhelm her. It is dedicated to all HAE…
5/5

Tagoureit: A Standardbred ex-harness racer story

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This short film summarizes the inspiring story between a horse, a man and some help along their way….

Sparking Sunshine

Synopsis

A retrospective look at the creation of the “Retail Sunshine” book series and how it inspired its creator to return to animation.

Review

A documentary that would inspire, if not enchant, many budding animators.

4/5
In this documentary, cartoonist Phil Machi takes us through his creative journey – developing his beloved ‘Retail Sunshine’ book series into animation. A documentary that would inspire, if not enchant, many budding animators.

The short is broken down, rather smartly, into 4 neat chapters; Inspiration, Preparation, Instrumentation and Prognostication. Doing so, Phil succeeds in maintaining viewer engagement. We learn about the infancy of his creative endeavours, through his childhood passion for comic books to masterminding his own livestock comic-strip collection. His talent is undeniable, but he wants to turn the page – away from livestock – towards cartoon people. Despite the challenges, his passion and dedication is formidable.

Sparking Sunshine Short Film e1655313682137
Inspired by Phil’s 3-year employment at an electronic store, the ‘Retail Sunshine’ series takes a comical look into store life. Featuring “overbearing managers, problematic customers and each other”. A fine example of art imitating life – and perhaps the key to creative success. Keen for his characters to “spring to life”, Phil sets out to animate his characters, collaborating with composer Kevin Schilder and Oingo Boingo musician Steve Bartek.

Visually, the documentary doesn’t quite live up to the industry standard, but Phil’s story is infectious and is saved by a preview of the animated intro theme. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for the finished result. A charming watch.

Recommended

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