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Issue #65 | September 14th, 2025

Hello Reader 👋

So this is it — the back to school moment. I’m finally back behind my computer, working on this newsletter and diving into Animator Now again. And honestly? I’m excited.

A Step Back, A Clearer Vision

Living in Bali for two months felt like stepping out of the stream for a while. You think you’ll disconnect completely… but you never really do. What you get instead is perspective. Distance gives you clarity — a sharper view of what was working, what wasn’t, and what needs to change. It’s less about disconnecting, more about stepping back so you can leap forward.

And that’s exactly where I am now: in the middle of a big brainstorm week, preparing for that next jump.

A New Look for The Animation Sunday

As you can see, The Animation Sunday itself has gone through a bit of a redesign. The look is simpler, the focus is sharper, and the structure has been refreshed. Here’s what you’ll find each week from now on:

• Introduction words — a personal note (like this one) to set the tone.
• The Spotlight — a feature on anything inspiring (a book, a short film, a video, you name it).
• The Job Fair — five fresh animation job opportunities I’ve handpicked (with AI help coming soon to make this even better and more exclusive to this newsletter).
• The Random Stuff — the spiritual successor to This Week — a place for little highlights and links from my world.

I’m also thinking of adding one last section: Animation Thoughts. Something short, like the old The Animation Talk — where I share thoughts on animation craft. It might be big-picture reflections on directing or cinematography, or more specific insights into character performance, acting, or technique. I’ve got plenty of notes and ideas, so you’ll probably see the first one appear next week, right after Random Stuff.

I’d Love Your Feedback

And here’s where I need your help: I’d love your feedback. Do you like this new redesign? Do you prefer the old format? Since this newsletter lands in your inbox, it’s important to me that it feels right for you. I’m following my gut and design sensibility here, but I really want this to be your space too. So please, don’t hesitate — reply to this email and let me know your thoughts. I’ll always write back.

PS. Over the next couple of weeks, I might adjust things here and there to fine-tune the format. But my hope is that this version feels cleaner, more direct, and easier to read — while still keeping that mix of reflection, inspiration, and resources you’ve come to expect.

I’ve got plenty more to share about Animator NOW soon, but for today, let’s keep this one short and jump right into this week’s issue.

Thanks for being here ❤️

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The Spotlight

This week I want to share a little gem from Gobelins, l’École de l’Image — the legendary French animation school that somehow manages to sit at the very top of the animation world year after year. Before the rise of online schools, before the explosion of new training platforms, Gobelins was already the place. And honestly? Watching The Soloists, it’s clear why.

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I don’t often feature CG shorts here — usually I lean toward 2D or stop motion — but when 3D is treated like this, I fall in love with it all over again. The medium disappears. You just don’t care anymore if it’s 2D, 3D, clay, or paint on glass. What’s left is pure storytelling, pure cinema.

And here, the storytelling shines. The humor is razor-sharp — a mix of situational comedy and deliciously dark black humor. The bond between the three sisters at the heart of the film is extraordinary: tender, mischievous, and always funny. Their banter feels so natural it’s almost improvised, as if we were watching a play.

One of my favorite touches: the transitions. Instead of traditional cuts or fades, the scenes fold and shift like a stage set transforming before your eyes. It’s clever, theatrical, and incredibly satisfying to watch.

The character design is another highlight — so smart, so full of personality. You can feel Pixar’s influence (it reminded me of La Luna), where members of the same family share a visual DNA but each has distinctive silhouettes and facial features. The three sisters are beautifully contrasted, and their tiny dog steals every scene he’s in.

Now, the animation itself is sometimes a little restrained. At moments it feels like it could have been pushed further — slightly under-animated here and there in my opinion. But honestly, it doesn’t distract. If anything, it gives space for the humor and dialogue to breathe.

And then there’s the theme. By the end, it’s clear that The Soloists is more than just a funny short. It’s a sharp, satirical take on women’s rights and the contradictions of our world. Using comedy and irony to touch on such a subject is bold, and it makes the film resonate even more.

Visually, it’s stunning: the lighting, the rhythm, the staging — everything is mastered with Gobelins’ signature precision. But what makes it special is the mix of humor, intelligence, and heart. It’s funny, it’s biting, and it’s beautiful.

The Soloists is the kind of film that reminds you why Gobelins continues to inspire generations of animators. Go watch it. You’ll leave smiling — and thinking.

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The Job Fair

• ​Senior Animator - Redhill Games | apply​
  Redhill Games, a co-dev studio with offices in Helsinki and Nicosia, is looking for a talented Senior Animator to join the team and support our very exciting co-dev projects.
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• ​Animator - non disclosed studio | apply​
  Crossing Hurdles is a recruitment firm. We refer top candidates to our partners working with the world’s leading AI research labs to help build and train cutting-edge AI models.
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• ​Senior Gameplay Animator - Ubisoft | apply​
  Ubisoft is a global leader in gaming with teams across the world creating original and memorable gaming experiences, from Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six to Just Dance and more. We believe diverse perspectives help both players and teams thrive. If you’re passionate about innovation and pushing entertainment boundaries, join our journey and help us create the unknown!
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• ​3D Lead Animator - Atlantis Animation | apply​
  Atlantis Animation is an animation studio based in the heavenly Canary Island of Tenerife. A combination of creative talent and technology definitely distinguishes us as a different studio to produce high quality animated series and feature films. We produced the sensational series Tara Duncan and Miraculous Ladybug season 5, both broadcasted on Disney Channel and Disney +.

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The Random Stuff

• Insane mac app I use to create a dynamic island on my Macbook Pro M1 Max! 👉 Alcove​
• Wish you would know how to program sometimes? Well, today is the best time NOT to learn 😄 Check out vibe coding on Youtube and go wild.
• I have been taking notes a lot while reading lately and been using my iPad and Goodnotes. Best combo ever.
• TV SHOW update. I always been a HUGE fan of Dexter.
  If you are too, go immediately check out Dexter Resurrection. If every reboot could be that good, there would be no original TV show anymore 😃
• In Bali, I needed a set up to work and not break my neck looking down to my laptop for hours. Here's the piece of gear which save my neck and back for 2 months.

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Philippe Duvin​
Founder, Animator NOW

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