Watch: Funky 2D Animated Short ‘Flutz’ About a Figure Skater Rivalry

Watch: Funky 2D Animated Short ‘Flutz’ About a Figure Skater Rivalry

by Alex Billington
September 11, 2023
Source: YouTube

“The judges see something in her. That I do not.” This funky, 2D animated short film created by filmmaker Ryan McCown is now available to watch online in full. Flutz is about rivalry between two figure skaters – named Sasha and Lenka. It definitely seems to be inspired by the crazy world of Russian sports, and athletes being raised by a stern coach from a very young age. The animation style is a bit rudimentary, but that’s part of the charm of this strange digital creation. Short of the Week explains: “McCown started his film during the pandemic and saw it play a number of smaller festivals, before releasing it online.” McCown did all the work on his own, which is always impressive even with short films. I’m not sure he offers anything new to consider about rivalries, but it’s still an amusing 8-minute watch. Although I wish he kept all the real voices.

Thanks to Short of the Week for the tip on this one. Brief intro from YouTube: “A rivalry between two figure skaters. And a witch.” Flutz is written and directed and animated by filmmaker Ryan McCown based in Brooklyn, NY – you can see more of his work on his Vimeo page or visit his official website or follow him on IG @ryanmccow. Created entirely by McCown on his own. It also features the Rachmaninoff song “Elegie” performed by Gary Graffman. It is described as “a ‘passion project’ created with the aim of communicating his love for the sport of figure skating, alongside showcasing the ‘strangeness that often accompanies elite level sports.'” McCown is already working on a new animated short about “evolution and crabs.” Okay – I’m down. For more info on the film, visit Ryan’s site or SOTW. To discover more shorts, click here. Thoughts?

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