About this project

ABOUT THIS PROJECT: Dizzler, a queer, subversive, superhero popstar, was first conceived in a comic book* I drew in 2006. It is now time to bring Dizzler to life in her own feature length animated film bedazzled with a catchy electro-pop soundtrack. The film will be animated using meticulously hand crafted paper-puppets, cut outs and backgrounds. A technique, which has been used since the inception of animation!!

THE STORY: Dizzler in MASKHERAID is a story of music, superherodom, lies, love and sisterhood! An absurd, harrowing and inspiring suspense drama! It is the story of a young woman named Dizzler who possesses a predilection for song and dance and the uncanny power to spurt lazers from her eyes. She shoots to stardom at an early age with catastrophic ends. After leaving rehab she returns to her modest hometown of Natawa, Canada, for a comeback performance and a shot at redemption. But her efforts are derailed by a villainous master of disguise who kidnaps Dizzler, and impersonates her on stage with the idea of stealing her hard-earned money. And Dizzler is forced to fight the man for control over her identity and her paycheck.

THE MAIN PLAYERS: Dizzler, born into this world a reluctant superstar. She has sworn to use her super powers for good by bringing the world haunting electro pop music, dazzling dance moves and fantastical light shows (thanks to her lazer eyes). But sometimes it isn’t so easy, as she looks for love and acceptance in all the wrong places. Martin is a loyal fan and friend to Dizzler, who although facing insurmountable proof, will never stop believing in her. Nana, Martin’s grandmother, with her handy broken bottle in hand, is a hard nosed common sense gal, determined to protect her grandson from any outside threat. Pierre is Dizzler’s ex-manager. A nefarious mover and shaker in this small town.

Debbie is a cab driver and part of the Cabbie Sisterhood, a legion of tough female cab drivers that are sworn to “Drive and Protect”, but protect who is the question. Debbie soon becomes Dizzler’s guardian and is torn between her budding feelings for Dizzler and her loyalty to the Cabbie Sisterhood.

The townsfolk are torn between loving and hating Dizzler. Most of all they just want a good show.

WHAT I WANT/NEED: The script has been written. I just have to record the soundtrack (dialogue and music) in April. I can then begin to animate the film. I usually create my films on a small budget in an at home studio, using low-fi, DIY technologies. However this is a more complex production. So, with this money I hope to rent a sound studio and pay the voice actors and musicians, as well as pay for press materials once the animation is finished.

ANIMATION TECHNIQUE AND REWARDS:

Paper puppets are similar to paper dolls but the joints (elbow, knee, neck) are hinged with thread. Cut outs are literally pieces of painted paper that are cut out. They are usually used for props, for example a broken bottle, a high heel shoe, or even a skidoo! The paper puppets and cut outs are placed on top of the backgrounds (which are acrylic paintings on board) and animated. (Don’t forget; I am offering the original paper puppets, cut outs and backgrounds as rewards!)

You can keep up with Dizzler on her blog: http://dizzlerinmaskheraid.blogspot.com/ What a gal!

* “Dizzler in MASKHERAID”, published in The Ganzfeld 5: Japanada! (Picturebox) http://www.pictureboxinc.com/products/28-the-ganzfeld-5-japanada