Independent Brisbane filmmarker and animator, Simon Cottee, is the man behind 'The Duck'.
A story about a duck who is hopelessly in love with a rock that can never love him back, 'The Duck' is a short based on Ben Loory's book, 'Stories For Nighttime And Some For The Day'. Chosen as one of the feature films for Flickerfest's opening night at the Judith Wright Centre in Brisbane, 'The Duck' was made possible through the generous donates of his fans through a crowd-funding campaign in 2012.
"I originally taught myself (bad) 2D animation drawing with a mouse in flash. Then I studied 3D animation for 2 years to work in games, failed, then I returned to study 2D animation and here I am!"
Having directed 'The Wedding' in 2011 and winning multiple awards for it, Simon is back with an equally heartfelt yet quirky short that will capture the hearts of young and old alike.
"Films can make special room in your heart, based on all kinds of factors. What was your blood sugar level when you saw 'Schindler’s List'? Had you been cryogenically reawakened 36 years in the future when you saw 'Demolition Man'?" A huge lover of film, Simon found it hard, but has come up with the five most significant animated films to him.
Porco Rosso (1992)
I’m using this as a stand in for all of Miyazaki’s films, or this list might only be Miyazaki films. As with all his work, you can feel the love dripping off it. A love letter to flight, adventure and cinema. Really strong characters, empowered females and genuinely hilarious.{youtube}awEC-aLDzjs{/youtube}
The Secret of Kells (2009)
Cartoon Saloon is a studio to keep an eye on, they recently released the equally fantastic Song of the Sea. Kells blew my mind with its design, scope and animation. Like all the films on this list, it has an honest heart and will stick with you.{youtube}lw2_HZTuQBE{/youtube}
Akira (1988)
I've been watching this movie every two or so years since I was 14. It's an impossibly complex, deep and significant piece of cinema. Every time I watch it I feel I'm one step closer to getting a complete feel for the movie, but still to this day it eludes me.{youtube}7G5zQW4TinQ{/youtube}
Finding Nemo (2003)
Nemo has a very complete feel to it, with a surprising heart and soul. I think it’s under appreciated in the Pixar collection. That scene where Marlin and Dory are hanging onto the whale’s tongue? So good.{youtube}SPHfeNgogVs{/youtube}
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
This film may be my number one animated film. I can’t really express its importance with words, but it had a profound effect on me. I think it’s a new height in the craft, so stop reading this and go see it!{youtube}tM6hcHp0_kU{/youtube}
'The Duck' screens at the opening night of Flickerfest at the Judith Wright Centre, 26 February.
