Nickelodeon Project

Here are some pictures from project we did for Nickelodeon. We can't talk much about it right now, but let me tell you, it's gonna be groundbreaking. We had some amazing help on this project.
















Here's Ross Shuman and Patrick Denver working on one of the sets.















Bryan Garver (the good looking one with the beard). Harv N' Tower pictured as well.

















Gotta blur some stuff for ya. Sorry.

We'll post more about this project later, stay tuned folks!

Annie Award Winning!

Buddy Systems had two showings at the 2008 Annie Awards...America's top animation award show! Our own Buddy Liz Harvatine (terrific animator, sculptor and fabricator) and our big Buddy Eric Towner. Sadly, they both were up for the same award..wah wah...but one of them had to win. Congratulations on your award Towner for Best Character Animation in a Television Production on Robot Chicken. Liz, next year you got it!
























Character Animation in a Television Production

• Elizabeth Harvatine - Moral Orel “Nature 2”

• Monica Kennedy – El Tigre

• Eric Towner – Robot Chicken

The Buddies R' Born

Buddy System Studios specializes in creating compelling story-driven content through the use of innovative styles of animation. Infused with the mindset that anything is possible, Buddy Systems is at the forefront of pushing traditional forms of animation into exciting new realms through their technical innovations. By blending the old with the new, the work produced at Buddy Systems stands out in a world oversaturated by glossy computer generated imagery.

The founders of Buddy System Studios believe in creating an environment where the “buddies” are encouraged to push the limits of their craft. As a collective, The System is a creative team comprised of experienced artists and producers, each possessing their individual talents and styles. Previous work covers the animation spectrum, ranging from stop-motion and hand-drawn animation all the way to flash and effects-heavy CG animation. Their ability to deliver award-winning character animation has been a key component in being able to attract top industry talent to projects.

Buddy Systems prides itself on providing clients with the resources they need to achieve their vision. The collaborative energy at Buddy Systems allows for a productive environment in which clients are invited into the process, making for a personable and educational experience. Buddy Systems has previously worked with clients such as the NFL, ESPN, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Interscope Records, NBC, Fox, Pepsi, Fisher Price and Lego. Buddy System Studios has been able to routinely churn out eye-grabbing work on budget and on time.

Buddy System Studios is a full-service production house based in Los Angles that continues to develop original content for film, television, music videos, commercials, and the web.

The Buddy System is only as good as its Buddies.

JOHN HARVATINE IV

"Stop finding my objects" was what Harv's wife told him after he was caught stealing asparagus from the refrigerator. Although he was just borrowing it for his found-object recreation of the classic Super Mario Bros. video game, in Harv's house, no vegetable is too nasty tasting to make an appearance in his films. Harv discovered his taste for animation (and his distaste for asparagus) at an early age, and also developed his keen eye for still photography. After extensive study at a top photography school, he switched gears and started his professional career as a stop-motion animator, working on over 20 commercials including campaigns for Pepsi, NBC, and Lego. While working full-time on TV shows such as Robot Chicken and Moral Orel, Harv began directing and producing spots for the NFL, G4TV, and Interscope Records. Now Harv focuses on creating content that blends his one-of-a-kind animation style with his sense of humor, bringing to life the ordinary in extraordinary ways.

ERIC TOWNER

Eric began filmmaking as a young kid armed with a video camera and a desire to entertain. It wasn’t uncommon to see his siblings running around the backyard, clutching fake wounds and sporting bad wigs. While studying at the Academy of Art, Eric completed several short films that garnered much attention. His live-action film Sunday Paper won top awards at festivals around the world. Eric’s knack for creating unique visual styles, along with his comedic sensibilities, allowed him to quickly make a name for himself in the world of stop-motion. His music video for Otafuku Rex combined documentary video footage and animation in a way that hadn’t been seen before, and his work on Robot Chicken earned him an Annie Award. This led to a directing job at Nickelodeon, where Eric further polished his skills as an innovator. As Harv would say, “Eric is like a mix between Looney Tunes and Johnny Mnemonic”. Nobody is quite sure what that means, but it’s certain Eric will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in animation.