THE FROG, THE DOG AND THE DEVIL

That old demon drink bedevils a lonely shepherd in this lively animated film set in the Mackenzie Country of the South Island. A legendary swag-man ploy is used to trick a saloon owner and gain a free bottle of whisky. But a little too much pioneer spirit rapidly has its effect. Sophisticated, vibrant animation, macabre humour and a Dolby stereo soundtrack enhance this rollicking good yarn.

The film took Bob Stenhouse 440 working days to complete. Although the camera movements were computer-controlled, the pictures were all hand drawn and transferred to film in the traditional way. The characters were first shot against black card lit from above. On subsequent passes the same film was re-exposed to add background details from under-lit artwork: pub lights, glowing puddles, lantern flames and lightening flashes. Each scene had an average of eight passes through the camera, this meant the camera work involved was nearer to that of a feature rather than a short.

One of three finalists in the animated short film category at the 1987 Academy Awards. Received the 1st prize at the 1986 Canadian International Festival.