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Pushing Boundaries in Animation: Phil Davis' Passion for Unique Voices

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Nov 11, 2021 • 41m

Join Rob Lee on a quest to understand the heart and soul of art, as we explore 'The Truth in This Art' podcast with today's guest: Phil Davis,  an animator, filmmaker, and sound recordist hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. As the founder of the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival and a dedicated animation professor at Towson University, Phil has cultivated a deep-rooted passion for showcasing unique, experimental, and diverse voices in the animated filmmaking field. With a focus on innovation in craft, storytelling, and challenging conventional notions of animation, Phil's mission is to foster a vibrant community of animation enthusiasts and creators in the mid-Atlantic region. Through his personal projects and the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival, Phil Davis continues to push the boundaries of animation, allowing often overlooked works to shine on the big screen.

Within this edition:


  • Phil Davis shares his inspiring journey into animation, starting from his high school film class to discovering his true passion in filmmaking. Get ready to be captivated by his love for storytelling through animation and the pivotal moments that shaped his artistic path.
  • Discover the exciting world of animation with The Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival. Unveil a realm of boundary-pushing animations that transcend traditional perceptions of cartoons for kids. Tune in to explore the diverse and innovative works showcased at this renowned festival, sparking creativity and redefining the art of animation.
  • Delve into the vibrant animation community thriving in Baltimore, courtesy of prestigious colleges and universities with dedicated animation programs. In this episode, get a glimpse of the city's artistic spirit and the nurturing environment that fosters aspiring animators and creators alike.
  • Explore the challenges faced by the animation industry in Baltimore as it strives to retain talent amidst the allure of bigger markets like New York and Atlanta. Learn about the efforts and opportunities that can keep animation professionals rooted in the city and nurture its local creative scene.
  • Join us as we examine the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the animation industry. Discover how the shift to remote work has opened doors to new possibilities and dynamics, paving the way for exciting opportunities for animators in the future.


This is a must-listen episode as Phil shares his journey into animation and the challenges and joys of the industry. He grew up in rural New Hampshire, surrounded by a family of scientists, but his love for drawing and filmmaking led him to pursue a career in animation. Phil discusses his transition from biology to film studies, his experiences in graduate school, and his passion for sound design in animation. He also talks about the origins of the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival and its mission to showcase boundary-pushing animation from around the world. Phil highlights the vibrant animation community in Baltimore and the need for more opportunities and jobs in the industry. He concludes by expressing his hopes for the future of animation and his desire to create a networking event for animators in the mid-Atlantic region.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival
Phil's Website


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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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