Popular animator Weebl has announced he will be hosting a live Twitch stream, revolving around the creation of a short cartoon, while drinking and taking on challenges.
The stream will feature Jonti Picking (aka Mr Weebl), Fawn Mead, Anthony Kreid Price, Scott Mellors, Samuel Webb, and Matt Crocker. During the stream, the hosts will be taking part in challenges picked out by the “Wheel of Misfortune”.
Jonti has expressed excitement for the event on Twitter and has said that the set-up is “quite elaborate” – no amateur streaming here!
The setup is quite elaborate. So many cables and webcams. Things may burst into flames.
— Weeeeeeeeeebl (@TheWeebl) March 11, 2016
“We’ve got a wheel of misfortune with forfeits, multiple cameras and screen-capturing along with audio and music creation,” he tells TenEighty. “It’s pretty complex and scary, but being scared about what you’re taking on is fun.”
Jonti has said that the stream came from the desire to make a longer show, while not going down the typical route of creating a Let’s Play or a vlog. “We’re an animation channel,” he says, “and I’m uncomfortable with making something I couldn’t be proud of.”
While clearly excited, the team know how challenging the live event could be. “This isn’t just a simple stream,” Jonti tells us. “It could turn out we’ve bitten off more than we can chew, but I love the idea that things could descend into chaos at any point. Chaos is better than easy.”
Regarding audience participation, the team has been asking for suggestions on what the event animation should be about. The group will also be using the audience’s ideas within the stream chat for live suggestions. On the “Wheel of Misfortune”, we’re told there is going to be a forfeit called “All Change”, which means all participants will have to change jobs for a short amount of time. “Most of the team have never animated in their lives,” Jonti says, highlighting the possible comedic aspect. “This seems like a great idea?”
So, will this stream show how much work goes into a typical animation? “It’s going to show something, that’s for sure!” says Jonti.
Although a lot of work will be done to create the animation, the team still want to stay lighthearted and host an enjoyable show, as they have only four hours to create a 30-second animation. “Obviously animation takes a long time, so we’re pushing the comedy side of things over Disney-level frame by frame.”
Jonti hopes that any budding animators watching will be able to learn a bit about each process, from animation to voice acting to sound design.
Not available to watch the live stream? Worry not! Jonti tells us they will be editing everything that happened in the stream down to 20 minutes or so for YouTube. “I’m hoping to do one a month and get live guests to join us,” he says.
The live event will be shown on Jonti’s Twitch channel and is to take place on 18 March at 1900 GMT.
Want more?
Why not read TenEighty’s whirlwind history tour of Eddsworld, the series that has become an institution of online animation. Alternatively find out how YouTubers may benefit from the UK’s Budget 2016.
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