Doggedly Delightful
A resilient street pooch and his feline buddy are the heroes of Dandelooo’s new children’s toon, Stinky Dog.
A resilient street pooch and his feline buddy are the heroes of Dandelooo’s new children’s toon, Stinky Dog.
Who doesn’t love a spirited hero who never lets life’s trials and tribulations get him down? Add to that the fact that he is a smelly dog and you may have a bonafide animated hit on your hands! At least, that’s what the producers of new animated series Stinky Dog are hoping for! The beautifully crafted 52 x 13-minute show, which is co-produced by Paris-based boutique studio Dandelooo (The Treehouse Stories, Chico Chica Boumba), Folivari, Panique! and Pikkukala, is ready to take on the world. Dandelooo’s partners Emmanuèle Pétry Sirvin and Jean-Baptiste Wéry were kind enough to answer a few questions about the upcoming show.
Can you tell us a bit about the development history of the show?
Sirvin and Wéry: While searching for books to adapt for The Treehouse Stories, Marc Boutavant, the famous illustrator and children’s book writer, gave us the first copy of Stinky Dog, before its huge publishing success. We adapted and incorporated the character into the first teaser for The Treehouse Stories (a highly successful preschool live-action and 2D animation series).
What attracted you to the property?
We liked the non-PC situations of the books, its quirky tone and humor, the stupid but charming Stinky Dog and the smart friendship with the loyal Flatty Cat.
Why do you think it stands out from other shows about dogs and cats?
These are anti-heroes, street bums, happy about their position in the city. It is a “best friend” series with an edge, celebrating kindness and optimism. Stinky Dog is an adorable stupid loser who always falls back on his paws, unknowingly. It is rare to see such antiheroes in an animated series. Stinky Dog is funny, well written and a great creator-based and character-driven show which will touch children’s hearts.
Where is the animation produced and what kind of animation tools are used?
This 2D series is commissioned by France Televisions and is totally produced in France. We use Toon Boom tools to create the animation. Over a hundred people work on the series. Our ballpark budget is 8.2 million euros ($8.9 million).
What would you say was your toughest challenge as you developed and produced the show?
In the development stage, we had to move away from the fact that Stinky Dog is a true victim in the books and the cruelty of human beings on him was just not possible in a series. In the animation itself, the challenge was the design and movements of Stinky Dog such as making his hair flow, adapting all the funny puns that exist in the books and recreating the “new” Paris streets, underground tunnels (catacombs), famous monuments and the atmosphere/ambience.
What do you hope audiences will get out of Stinky Dog?
We hope they get a strong sense of optimism and learn that being nice can make you become a true hero. Also turning around people’s perception, i.e. viewing “weak” people as potential winners.
What kind of feedback have you received so far?
Buyers are somewhat puzzled by these new crazy, energy-driven stories, but they find him adorable with his clumsiness and wild and hairy pursuits.
What’s your take on the TV animation scene in France and around the world?
More than ever, we notice that there’s a stronger urge than ever for artistic visions (based on books and/or creator’s work) and serialized series in order to capture attention and sustain emotions, thanks to the new platforms and changing viewing habits. ◆