Circus Animals is a Flash animation based on a group of drug induced animals who are struggling to cope with their absurd and delusive lifestyle at the Circus. I got the idea when watching an ad for the circus. It looks like the worst place EVER to keep an animal. Crazy lights, cages, whips, stupid people all around. The first thing that came into my head after watching these soulless animals doing mediocre tricks in complete confusion on this ad was an ironic cartoon based on the wacky world of circus animals. Like many people in society who get manipulated by their enviroment these animals are no different. They mirror the strange world of the circus and cope with it through drugs. They all have addiction problems, and we watch them stumble through their days working at a circus. The audience feels sympathy for these creatures but can only laugh at their ridiculous situation. (in theory)
Characters:
The close group of animals amass after their performance in the barn/holding pen and relax with some drinks and poker around a table. They yarn about their day, reflect and analyze in a dazed state. There are obvious connections and conflicts between them as we watch the circus animals discuss and argue about irrelevant topics. Here are some of them.
‘The Bear’ Who is never seen without his twitching monkey friend who believes he is a WW2 veteran. The Bear is known at the circus for his ability to drive a tiny 3 wheeled trike. He is an alcoholic and is constantly performing drunk. He strongly believes that he couldnt do his act any other way, but admits there has been performances where he should have layed off the drinks.
(Untitled) This Lion will be the character in my first animation. He is the leader of the animals, he is charismatic, charming and needs to make no effort to keep his status as the head of the group. In this place he is comfortable and in control but has become dependant on it – and he knows it. In the ring he is very successful, the star of the circus. Lately his addiction has left him struggling in to cope with acts he has been pulling off for years.
(Untitled) The Albino Tiger is a rare majestic wonder, who has let himself slip and waste away. Yet in his present state, he doesnt need to do tricks to grab attention. Once the head honcho of the animals he has let the Lion (above him) take his place. Although he shows no association with the group he is still highly respected and his advice is always well taken. Like a spoiled house cat he will eat only the finest food and spend most of his time stretched out on a fancy sofa. He is an example of what the other animals can expect in the future if they are to keep up with the damaging lifestyle of the circus.
(UNTITLED) The new Lion. Bought by the circus from another. He is threatening the head Lion’s reputation as the star of the circus. Although he is young, naive and easily manipulated the head Lion is threatened by him, but is adamant he will be able to keep this kid in line by taking him under his wing. The new Lion is clear-headed and shines light and sanity into the Circus.
There is also a elephant called Slow Toke, a guy who cleans out the pens who regularily sits in around the table with the animals who is in love with one of the acrobats.(and his actions are always hinting that he is the reincarnation of Jesus though he doesnt want to except it.) An old wise Monkey called Toe King Monk, a monkey who drives a miniture plane in the ring with The Bear, and… a couple more (or one) to be developed.
