Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for Toei's The Animal Family Stop-Motion Animation

A crowdfunding campaign for an animated version of the children’s book “The Animal Family” a.k.a. “Riku ni Agatta Ningyo no Hanashi” by Randall Jarell was launched on Tuesday by director Tomoyasu Murata along with Japanese film production and distribution company Toei. With a goal of 3,500,000-yen (about US$30,838), the campaign meant for the three-minute pilot of the stop motion picture raised up to a total of 2,141,000 yen (about US$18,885).

In addition to this the campaign offers to those who have donated, various tiers of rewards are to be given. Ranging from merchandise comprised of postcards, storyboards, a DVD of the pilot film, tote bags, to special rewards including invitations to visit the set, special screenings, talk show parties, and production meetings, art drawn by Murata, and a replica of the mermaid figure that will be used in the production; there is much to be won for a donor.

According to the page of the campaign, it was meant to be an “All or Nothing” model and should it not reach the funding target, the production will not be conducted. Though it was stated that should the funds have been met and the pilot made, then there would be a possibility of a one-hour stop-motion animated film to be in production with backers that will have been featured in the opening and end credits of the pilot film be updated at least once a month.

The children’s book itself was first published in 1965 and was recognized as a Newberry Honor book in 1966. Along with the publication of the book, there were illustrations done by Maurice Sendak, recognized for his work as an artist, illustrator and writer for various children’s books. The tale of the book tells of a group of people living together in a log cabin by the sea. These unique cast of characters comprise of an orphaned man, a mermaid, boy, bear, and lynx.

Currently one of the only noted staff of the film is illustrator Murata, recognized for his debut work “Suiren no Hito” a.k.a “Nostalgia”, a 2000 stop-motion animation that received the Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award.

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