Interview with Animator Emory Rice
Elizabeth Hardy: Private Investigator is an animated short film, written, directed and animated by Emory Rice. Elizabeth Hardy: Private Investigator is about a neighbourhood that’s been taken over by crime and corruption and the only person who can step up and save her neighbourhood is Elizabeth Hardy. The short film was screened at Fighting Spirit Film Festival 2021.
Emory Rice is an American film director and animator from Concord, North Carolina. He is currently shooting Bruja, a short horror film.
Photo Courtesy of Emory Rice
Describe yourself in three fictional characters.
I would Describe myself as Deadpool, Geralt and Luffy
How did you get started in animation?
So the story is interesting but I only started a year ago because of the pandemic. I was stuck in my home unable to leave and wanted to teach myself a new skill and had the time to learn and learn correctly!
Can you tell us about the first short film you animated?
Yes, it was actually Elizabeth Hardy PI! It took me over a month to do with a LOT of YouTube videos and how to videos watch on YouTube!
What do you enjoy most about animation?
Being able to create your own new and fantastic world from scratch and being able to control that world without egos involved.
What are your favourite stories to make?
Photo Courtesy of Emory Rice
Horror stories are actually my favorite to make. The idea of creating a monster that someone may talk about years later does excite me.
How would you describe your animation style?
Fluid and more 2000's morning cartoon.
What are some of your goals that you hope to achieve?
Biggest goal is always the same to win an Oscar for best short animated film!
What was your inspiration for Elizabeth Hardy: Private Investigator?
My love of Older Kung Fu movies and Blaxploitation films!
Can you tell us about your process for animating Elizabeth Hardy? Private Investigator?
A Long one a lot of frame by frame and realignment work with 2D software and YouTube videos.
What does Elizabeth Hardy: Private Investigator mean to you?
It is a starting point to me and shows that I have a long way to go but also to slow down and appreciate where you came from.
What was your favorite part of Elizabeth Hardy: Private Investigator to animate?
Definitely the finishing fight scene it took the longest but it was the scene that truly made the film what it was.
Will there be more of the Elizabeth Hardy: Private Investigator story?
I hope to in the future make Part 2 with the animation quality higher than it was!
What do you see as the future of animation?
After seeing some Netflix films and shows over the last year, 3D and game inspired animated shows are truly the future.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
I have been working in more live action lately but I do have a project in the pipeline called " The adventure EJ and The bedtime Heroes" That I hope makes a Huge Splash!
How has your experience been with the Fighting Spirit Film Festival?
Overall it was an amazing experience to even be included and to be considered a top martial arts film for the year!
Photo Courtesy of Emory Rice
Speed Round. Pick one film for each category.
What is your favourite cult classic film?
Kung Fu Hustle
What is your favourite film from your favourite filmmaker?
Jordan Peele and US
What underrated film do you think deserves more attention?
Photo Courtesy of Emory Rice
The Crazies
Your favorite person, what is their favourite film?
It is a Tie between my mom and dad. My Mother really likes Journey to the center of the earth 2 and my father likes Harlem Nights
Which cinematic universe would you like to live in? (e.g. The Grand Budapest Hotel, X-Men, MCU)
Definitely the MCU ONLY if I had superpowers.
Keep up to date with Emory on Instagram