THE PROJECT
Vegtoons
is an innovative outreach campaign to contribute to the dialogue of our
omnivorous society. The intent is to open the door to a deeper conversation,
one that is respectful in articulating the values of vegetarianism, but
also fruitful in broadening people's imagination for what is possible.
The animated series centers around the lunchtime conversation of three
protagonist friends: Hugh Manatee, Harang-Utan, and Rufus Peeve, Jr. III;
an unassuming manatee, world-weary orangutan, and pampered apologist pup,
respectively. In ten 2-minute episodes (20 minutes total), the series
explores a host of issues, concerns and assumptions surrounding the vegetarian
lifestyle -- ranging from the foods that vegetarians eat, to health and
ethics, to relationships with family and loved ones. Each
episode
has a specific theme and therefore can be enjoyed on its own; however,
the larger trajectory of the story unfolds over the entire series.
Often, materials promoting vegetarianism can be overwhelming or intimidating.
Animation has a unique capacity to distill complex concepts in an accessible,
non-threatening way. In a light-hearted, playful presentation of ideas,
Vegtoons encourages folks to consider a plant-based diet, introducing
the main reasons for a vegetarian lifestyle: personal health; environmental
stewardship; sustainable food practices; and animal welfare.
Vegtoons is geared primarily for an older demographic. In raising
awareness and fostering understanding, the sympathetic approach of the
series is meant to appeal to a wide global audience, across a spectrum
of age, culture and literacy. The following teaser clip -- from the first
episode, "Bean There, Done That" -- offers a glimpse of the
show's style, main characters, and gentle humor.
CREATIVE TEAM
Vegtoons
producer, Greg Singer, has worked in the production management, story
development and executive offices of DreamWorks Feature Animation, Fox
Feature Animation and Cartoon Network. Mr.
Singer also has worked with UNICEF’s
Cartoons for Children’s
Rights campaign, NASA’s space life sciences division, and the U.S.
Peace Corps, assisting Kenya’s Ministry of Environment and Natural
Resources.
The series is being designed and animated by Cartoon Saloon, whose brilliant
film, The Secret of Kells, was nominated for Best Animated Feature
in the 2010 Academy Awards®. The studio also
produced the award-winning TV series Skunk Fu! which was broadcast
in over 120 countries via the BBC, Cartoon Network, Canal J, France 5,
Super RTL Disney and ABC Australia.
For information on how you may participate in the project, please visit
the support
page.
