NARRATIVE - The Haters
Narrative Series
Title: The Haters
TRT: 10:12:00
This short is a proof of concept for a series of episodes I would like to develop with these characters
Project Status: This concept short is completed, and I am preparing more episodes.
Logline
Three siblings live under the Union Square Subway Station where they wander around the scary garden of their unconscious minds where they are bullied for their crushes, dreams and expressions before finding a way out.
Synopsis
The Haters is an animated comedy about the power of fear in our lives. Dawn, Chico and Matteo are each afraid of different things. In the first short, a concept short, the collision of their fears conjures a bully so mean, so big, so scary, it almost ends them. When they are about to surrender, they discover a beautiful world.
Future episodes will develop storylines that have begun in the concept short. In episode 2, Dawn’s crush is a pigeon who is a charismatic bird watcher who organizes the neighborhood to protect a nest, Chico investigates if the bird watcher is poly and Matteo’s magic threatens to destroy their lives. Ideally, episodes will be around the same length as the concept short, and develop an audience on-line.
The characters are inspired by the performers who bring them to life: comedians with very specific points of view. These reflect their identities, for example Jes Tom just finished a run about being trans masc, River Ramirez’ comedy is often about LatinX and non-binary. More than anything, they are comedians who perform humorous alchemy with their own anxieties, and whose comedy has become a coping aid for their fans.
The animation incorporates a multitude of styles, celebrating the visual interests of the artists and animators.
Team
Created, Directed and Produced By Birgit Rathsmann, Written by Tim Platt, Music by Tim Platt and Rick Karr, additional Animation by Aine Gleeson and Lynn Fong, Backgrounds by Noah Kim and Kira Buro Cast: Dawn: Jes Tom, Chico: River Ramirez, Matteo: Tim Platt, Haters: Branson Reese
Financials
Received an NYU Faculty Grant to pay for some of the animation
Seeking
Online Distribution, Production Partner for future episodes
Rights Available
All Rights Available
Contact
Birgit Rathsmann
brischitta@gmail.com