In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson, host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with filmmaker David Scheve about his new animated TV series “Hard Knock Rock”. “Sufferin' Till You're Straight” is the third in a series of ten segments that is currently playing the LGBT film festival circuit. This hilarious animated music video delivers a brilliant history lesson about our LGBT community’s long struggle for equality including Stonewall, gay marriage and more. The lead vocalist Essra Mohawk is a former member of Frank Zappa’s The Mothers of Invention and features background vocals by Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene both of Motown’s The Supremes. Conceived by Scheve the music was composed by Todd Schroeder and the lyrics were written by Scheve and Neal LaVine. This three minute short was designed by legendary Warner Bros. / Disney animator Willie Ito. We talked to Scheve about “Hard Knock Rock” and his spin on our LGBT issues.
When asked what he would like to accomplish with “Hard Knock Rock” Scheve stated, “These films, I find can address a lot of subjects that are either taboo or difficult to talk about or things that make people uncomfortable, if you use a bit of humor and these films do that. So it brings up subjects that are good to have discussions about, subjects about gay rights and we’re doing a spot on transgender and transsexual people and drag queens and just talking about things that are real life things that sometimes make people uncomfortable and with the humor level and the aspect of animation it lowers peoples defenses and it starts discussions that are really important.”
David Scheve is the founder of TDA Animation a film company that combines talents and styles from the 50s, 60s & 70s with modern world sensibility. His animated film series features some of Broadway's best including, Lillias White, Loretta Devine, Eileen Brennan and Elaine Stritch, as well as the iconic animated voice talent from his childhood including, June Foray, Lucille Bliss, Stan Freeburg and Jack Sheldon. David is currently at work on his next animated short film for the Hard Knock Rock series that features pop diva Martha Wash.
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I'm a big fan of Mr. Scheve and the Hard Knock Rock series. Humor does help to open a much needed dialog for addressing the important issues of our time. The LGBT community and equal rights activits are fortunate to have a filmmaker like Mr. Scheve shining the spotlight on these pressing topics. Bravo Mr. Scheve!
ReplyDeleteI heard about David Scheve's animation short through a friend who saw it at a festival in Seattle and so when it was selected for SENE Film Festival in Providence, RI, I took the time to go see it. Glad I did, and glad to have seen this link pop up on my FB page.
ReplyDeleteThis interview doesn't just portray an obviously very talented director/writer/producer whose work is refreshingly intellectual and culturally "significant", it allows a candid look into this man's value system; transparency, too, with regard to personal experience. Very inspirational, to say the least.
And "thanks" to C. Robinson this "outtake" spotlight -- this interview was simply a good listen!
Not only is the message of equality in this animation short presented in a fresh and uplifting manner, the gleaming polish of the piece itself also takes the spotlight. Splendid work, David Sheve!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear the voice behind this great celebration of LGBT history. David Scheve's storytelling is masterful, succinct and so much fun!
ReplyDeleteas an animator who worked on the original SHR series, I thought it was terrific!
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