1) What have you been up to since we last spoke in April for "Bug Bite"?

I've been fortunate to have been quarantining in a few different artist residencies since the spring. It's given me some much-desired time to focus on writing, developing larger projects, and making comics, which is a new hobby for me. I'm grateful to have found some peace in the eye of this global storm. 

2) What was the initial idea for this project and how did it evolve from there?

I was in a long distance relationship a few years ago and one day after he left to go back home, I started picking at my blackheads despite having talked about how it was bad for my skin. I was interested in this dynamic between doing something I wasn’t supposed to be doing as a spiteful act of longing and this kind of physical manifestation of sadness that was ultimately harmful only to myself. The Eyeslicer approached me last year about making a short film, so it was the perfect opportunity for me to expand on this story. 

3) What was the biggest challenge in making this film? And the easiest part?! 

We decided to splurge on professionally made ball & socket armatures for the puppets (I usually make my own out of aluminum wire) in the hopes that the puppets would be sturdier and easier to animate. Those armatures did not work out... The main puppet kept breaking so two days before I was set to start animating I had to remake her from scratch. 

The easiest part was probably working with my team! Everyone we were able to hire was so talented and collaborative, the film was elevated by their work. Thank you especially to the fabricators Megan, Brittany and Leo, and the 2D animators Abby and Marisa. 

4) What’s a film you’ve seen recently, new or old, that you really loved and why?

Can I say a TV show? I just got around to watching High Fidelity and absolutely loved it. The original movie was a bit of a reference for this film, and I thought the reimagining and modernizing of it for the show was delightful and so relatable. Hoping someone saves it for a second season!

In terms of films, I watched Aya of Yop City through BAM and Film Africa. I had read the graphic novel a few years ago and really loved this adaptation. It was such a sweet and mischievous portrayal of teen girl growing up in Côte d'Ivoire and I thought the animation style was gorgeous.  

5) What’s next for you?

Continuing to write my own work, and some fun commissions coming up collaborating with directors I really admire!

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ehoffmanportfolio.com

IG: @emilyannimation