An Imaginary Controversy
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Tropfest, Australia’s largest film festival, has awarded Steve Baker’s film An Imaginary Life (IE only) the top prize. Baker has faired well at two previous Tropfest events, and this latest film is heartwarming and beautiful. His efforts landed him US$27,600 in Tropfest prize money, but Baker’s live-action/animation composited film was subsequently enveloped in controversy. Variety recently ran a piece announcing that lawyers from Cartoon Network, the home of Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, are investigating the similarities between the two projects.
Baker explains that he had never heard of Foster’s until the Tropfest founder mentioned it to him, and I’ve got a feeling the guy is telling the truth. Baker would immediately realize that if he borrowed the concept from Craig McCracken’s immensely popular show, there would be almost no way to avoid comparisons. So why would a guy who has created clever, unique films like Confessions of an Animation steal someone else’s idea? It sounds unlikely.
According to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald, An Imaginary Life, like Foster’s, utilized Flash in the film making process.
Tags: Australia, Cartoon Network, Fosters, Tropfest
February 23rd, 2007 at 7:51 pm
GREAT.
February 24th, 2007 at 12:27 am
That animation was deep.
Loved it.
February 26th, 2007 at 6:35 am
When I saw this on channel 10 news I immediately thought the same thing. I’m still stunned that he went through the entire production without somebody pointing it out. It’s just too similar a concept.
February 26th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Thanks for the positive article Aaron. Steve is a friend of mine and I can vouch for him. I know for a fact that he has never seen or heard of “Fosters Home For Imaginary Friends”. Cable television in Australia is no where near as common and I know that Steve doesn’t have it. Watch his film you’ll relise that it is unique, yes the main character is imaginary and yes he is coloured blue but that is where the similarities end. As for the Sydney Morning Herald article, What alot of people have not been told is that the image they used was doctored to make both characters look more alike. { I’m not making this up!} and the writer of the article admitted to never actually watching a episode of “Fosters”. On a brighter note Steve and I have been working on a animated series for the web that is very funny and looks fantastic { plug plug } The website is on it’s way soon and I’ll send a link when it’s ready. Aaron I’m sure that Steve or myself would love to talk to you and the Cold Hard Flash readers when it’s done. All the best Mark.
February 28th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
but how could he be into animation and not have heard of it.
even if he doesn’t have cable surely he would have come across it on the net. it just seems too much of a coincidence.
April 6th, 2007 at 2:54 am
Hey Steve, Im sorry if you read these posts, especially mine. I havent met you, I did sit in the same room as you…but I have respect for your films and just think the situation that came about with the Fosters thing was a shame. Good luck with the new stuff coming up and please understand that we all have points of view as we are all different…and I think it is great you have such supportive friends.
April 6th, 2007 at 2:58 am
To his great friends! I understand where they are coming from. Im sorry if I stepped on anyones toes or offended anyone, but life wouldnt be very interesting if we didnt have a difference of opinion. I do have to point out I was the only one putting my name to my comment and thus I am at risk of getting crucified. Anyhoo, I like animation, I like people that do animation AND supportive friends of animators.
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:34 am
the cutest and most amazing film in tropfest i hav eva seen over the last 3 yrs congradulations i loved it soooo much plz let me no if u’v created anything else id lov to c it