Check Out These New Images From PAPERMAN; Attached To Nov. 2 Bow Of WRECK-IT RALPH

First-time director John Kahrs showcases a minimalist black-and-white style with “Paperman,” an innovative animated short about a lonely young man in mid-century New York City who relies on his heart, imagination, a stack of papers—and a little luck—to change his destiny and win the girl of his dreams. In collaboration with producer Kristina Reed, the short makes its theatrical debut in front of “Wreck-It Ralph” on Nov. 2, 2012.

Introducing a groundbreaking technique that seamlessly merges computer-generated and hand-drawn animation techniques, first-time director John Kahrs takes the art of animation in a bold new direction with “Paperman.” Using a minimalist black-and-white style, the short follows the story of a lonely young man in mid-century New York City, whose destiny takes an unexpected turn after a chance meeting with a beautiful woman on his morning commute. Convinced the girl of his dreams is gone forever, he gets a second chance when he spots her in a skyscraper window across the avenue from his office. With only his heart, imagination and a stack of papers to get her attention, his efforts are no match for what the fates have in store for him.

Created by a small, innovative team working at Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Paperman” pushes the animation medium in an exciting new direction. An innovative team of 2D and CG artists used a proprietary program called Meander to create the short. Employing a technique called final line, artists were able to add a level of grace and expressiveness never before seen on the big screen.

Alongside Glen Keane and Clay Kaytis, director John Kahrs supervised the animation on the 2010 hit film “Tangled.” Before joining WDAS in 2007, he spent 10 years at Pixar Animation Studios working on films ranging from “A Bug’s Life” to “Ratatouille.” He served as lead animator for the character Sully in “Monsters, Inc.”

Producer Kristina Reed has been a key player at Walt Disney Animation Studios since 2008, with overlapping roles as vice president, production, and development producer.

Below is a photo from the world premiere of “Paperman” in June in France. Director John Kahrs and producer Kristina Reed threw paper airplanes into the audience (a tradition at Annecy International Animated Film Festival) as festival director Serge Bromberg cheered them on.

©2012 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

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