Title: Pencil it In
Review written by: Allan Wood – http://myso-calledbrain.blogspot.com
It is quite well known that in order to prove your talent as a writer/director/producer/editor in the film world you need to prove you have the chops to do the job. As noboby is likely to fling millions of dollars in your general direction without proof of your talent, this is where the wonderful world of short films comes in.
It is a much harder art form than some may realise. Condensing your chosen plot or story into such a succinct amount of time without leaving the audience confused or bored.
As part of the promotion for the upcoming Toronto Comic Arts Festival Christopher Hutsul has directed a 2 minute short that gives a peek into the world of the cartoonist and their tool of choice in Pencil it In.
In the film we get to hear from a variety of artists who all have specific needs in their own pencil or brush. It may be a shop bought brush or a hotel pencil found in a basement. Which, to some, may sound a bit odd but for me I can wholeheartedly empathise with the desire to have exactly what you want from a drawing implement.
In the brisk running time every frame is beautifully framed and shot with a minimal music score thats pleasing on the ears. In between the contributions from Chester Brown, Michael Comeau, Steve Charles Manale, Vicki Nerino, Michael Cho, Michael DeForge, Seth, Fiona Smyth and Britt Wilson we get close ups of their creations and they are as unique as the tools used to create them.
As someone who can just about draw a stick figure I am very jealous of all the skills highlighted here.
It is an affectionately handled film which if anything is too darn short, I would happily watch and listen to these wonderful, talented people talk for much longer than 120 seconds but I guess its good to be left wanting more.
In conclusion, I don’t think enough movie fans are aware of what hidden gems can be found within a short film and Pencil it In is a fine example of a great short.
