Introducing a groundbreaking technique that seamlessly merges computer-generated and hand-drawn animation techniques, first-time director John Kahrs takes the art of animation in a bold new direction with “Paperman.” Using a minimalist black-and-white style, the short follows the story of a lonely young man in mid-century 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. Created by a small, innovative team working at Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Paperman” pushes the animation medium in an exciting new direction. The short makes its theatrical debut in front of “Wreck-It Ralph” on Nov. 2, 2012.
Thank you Disney for taking a chance on something so atypical- especially allowing it to be done in black and white- Hopefully, over the next few years they will run several more of these and us animation fans can have them all collected on a blu ray. Meantime- perhaps Paperman (After the initial run in the theater of course) can be released to iTunes?