Frequently Asked Questions (updated May 10, 2008)
RSS feed: For angry alien news updates, I've replaced the old mailing list with an RSS feed. For info about RSS feeds, go here.
FIRST OFF:
This site and all content within it was created by me, Jennifer
Shiman. Here's another FAQ where the bunnies answer your questions.
ABOUT ME:
I am 38! I've been drawing since 1976 or thereabouts.
I have an undergraduate degree in International Business and a graduate degree in Media Studies. After grad school, I took a sabbatical while working part-time to make my first animated short. I started
my sole proprietorship Angry Alien Productions in 1998 in order to earn
income through more creative projects (digital design, electronic production,
illustration and web graphics, e-greetings). The discovery of Flash software
was a breakthrough for my cartoon workflow, as it provided an immediate means
of distributing creative work online to a huge global audience.
I and the bunnies have released one bunny re-enactment per month since early
2005. I love to read,
because I find that reading helps me understand the storytelling process
across multiple media platforms (and, it is an extremely
enjoyable activity). Also here is some of the
stuff on my desk.
- Q: I noticed that some of the listed bunnies re-enactments are completed, but I don't see them on angryalien.com...When and where can I view them?
- A:The newest batch of Starz-commissioned bunnies re-enactments premieres on Starz.com as well as Starz linear channels and Starz on Demand. After that, each re-enactment joins the angryalien.com bunnies library.
- Q: Some of the movie titles listed as "To-be-bunnified" have changed. What is up with that?
- A: Movie titles on the to-be-bunnified list may be subject to change for logistical reasons such as scheduling. The bunnies apologize for any disappointments!
- Q: How do you create your cartoons?
- A: I use the software Adobe Flash for the coloring and animation. Prior to that, I generally draw everything by hand on paper using a lightbox. I scan the drawings in using Adobe Photoshop, then convert the bitmap art to vector art using Adobe Streamline. This system works nicely for me; I'm sure all Flash artists have their own preferred way of doing things. If you want to find out more about Flash, there are some great resources such as Flashkit.com and Moock.org. I belong to a local Flash usergroup here in Los Angeles which offers lots of support.
- Q: Where did Amy's Diary come from?
- A: Amy's diary is Amy Forstadt's actual 3rd grade diary! She & I have been best friends since 1977. When she unearthed said dairy, we decided to get some friends together and have them narrate a few select entries, to which I did some interpretive animation. But those events indeed occurred. Amy's cat really did drink toilet water...out of the toilet.
- Q: In Star wars Bunnies, I noticed the Jason mask in the trash compactor scene.
What gives? - A: I thought it'd be a fun cross-reference. As well as a reminder that Jason is ever-present.
- Q: Do you take requests?
- A: Absolutely! Before you submit any requests, suggestions, ideas, etc., be sure to read the site terms. Then take a peek at the Request Corner!
- Q: I am having problems viewing the cartoons...What is the solution?
- A: Check out this page!
- Q: Why haven't you responded to my email?
- A: I've been receiving so much wonderful correspondence from you all (for which I am tremendously grateful!), I just haven't had a chance to respond to everyone. Please be aware that I read every email, and that everyone's requests are duly noted. And thank you all for your kind words, suggestions, and input.
- Q: Why bunnies?!
- A: One day as I sat in front of my computer checking email (what else is new), these bunnies approached my desk and pitched the idea of doing the re-enactments. Feeling mildly threatened, I agreed, and the collaboration began! That's the story they like to tell. What really happened is I sat there sketching all the possible creatures who could re-enact classic movies in 30 seconds, and out of all the candidates (kitties, beavers, mice, elves), the bunnies struck me as being just the critters to do such a thing.
- Q: You used to have a bunch of other cartoons on the site. What happened to them?
- A: Since site traffic increased considerably, I removed them.
- Q: Why Angry Alien?
- A: When I first started my little biz, I needed a logo. I had sketched some sample ideas with ridiculous names (such as this one), and the image of a testy alien standing next to a rotary phone tapping his foot just spoke to me. I figured, 'eh, why not' and it just stuck.
- Q: Does the 30-Second Bunnies Theatre Troupe have an agent?
- A: Yes! His name is Duck.
- Q: What's the bunnies' favorite drink?
- A: They love a well-made carrot latte.
- Q: How do you get the bunnies' ears to stand up so straight?
- A: Lots of hare-spray.
Thanks for stopping by!
- Jennifer