I keep finding gems, animation gems. This is why I can’t drop YouTube. I made this list of entertaining indie animation teasers and pilot episodes to share.
These are all talented indie animators, artists, creators and directors from animation studios around the world. I’m impatiently waiting for more, so now you can watch these, and wait with me.
In no particular order:
Lackadaisy Epiosde 1 Teaser by Lackadaisy
Since the pilot episode aired, we have been treated to goregous short films, like a tense chess match between two of the ganster cats and one about smo Ivy who is precocious and precious. These mini films are all worth your time and, of course the teaser for episode one is a must watch.
Creator: Tracy Butler Director: Fable Siegel
Official website which has the original webcomic: lackadaisy.com
Official website about Lackadaisy’s animation: www.littledaisycafe.com
Electo Andes Teaser by Bellolandia Studios
This is the definition of jaw-dropping indie animation. Clearly, they have what it takes. This is from a studio based in Buenos Aires. The teaser reminds me of my favorite French anime Mars Express, myths and cyberpunk scifi, and a little Cowboy Bebop. I want more.
Directed by Nacho Malter and Damian Fernandez Gomez
Official studio website about the project: bellolandia.com/electro-andes
The Art of Murder Pilot by Choc Chip Animation Studio
I won’t spoil anything. Go in blind if you can. Watch it and let me know what you were expecting. This one’s a full pilot episode.
Director NIRALI SOMAIA
Offical studio website: www.chocchipanimation.com
Valkorey Season 1 trailer by Valkorey Studios
Wolf animation. Am I a fan of Wolf’s Rain. Yes. Do I want more wolves in anime? Yes. Do these wolves have strange elemental powers? Looks like it. Here is a fantasy wolf story I can get behind.
Watch the trailer/opening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPBxJV-zHuM
There’s also a subtitled teaser for episode 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrHi4YycmSo
Offical Studio Website: www.valkorey-studios.com
Knights of Guinevere Teaser by Glitch Studios
More jaw-dropping indie animation. Be prepared for the unexpected, but it’s a good surprise. I love a good genre bending/breaking story. More please.
Created by Dana Terrace, John Bailey Owen, and Zach Marcus.
Offical studio website for the project: www.glitchprod.com/knights-of-guinevere
The Fruitless Quests of Nabiu Pilot by Terminal Montage
A video-game parody animator has an original show! It’s so much fun. And funny! It has a wacky and wild animation style, but oh, it goes hard sometimes. Watch the full pilot episode with subs for extra inside jokes.
Credits: Writing, Storyboard, Character Design, Animatic, Animation, Backgrounds, Line Art, Color Design, Coloring, Shading, Editing, Sound Design, Visual Effects, Voice of “Grandma” By Jeremey Chinshue
Additional coloring for Wizzro’s House interior, Additional coloring for The Hour Clock Woods By Edgar Nielsen (funymony)
Bonus
Yes, I can count but a list of 5 sounds better than a list of 6, right? And I didn’t have enough for ten… so check out this bonus teaser trailer.
Snow Bear Trailer by Aaron Blaise
Disney animator and direct or of Brother Bear. This man has that classic handdrawn animation background and he delivers. He also wants to teach you how to draw, so check out his art and lessons.
Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHY6aPMifsE
Teaser 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8RrxNXjbnw
Offical website for the Art of Aaron Bliase
If you want more to read more about animations: check out how the Lackadaisy Pilot stole my heart. And if you want something a little darker and dramatic: check out my Alien Stage review. It is an ongoing series of music videos which are addictive. They do not hold your hand, or hold back. You must not miss them.
I’m always looking for really good short animation films and small studios that I can support by watching their animations. If you have some to share, drop a link in the comments!