Since 2010, the Peabody Award-winning oral history project StoryCorps has found its way to public television thanks to Mike and Tim Rauch (aka the Rauch Bros.), the animators behind the intimate and emotionally resonant StoryCorps Shorts.
POV talked with the Rauch Brothers for their insights on animated documentaries.
“There’s no way. It can’t be done.”
When first approached by his brother to work on the StoryCorps shorts, Tim Rauch originally said that there was “no way” to animate the StoryCorps recordings. However, after completing two, he started to think otherwise.
On their Animation Style
The Rauch Brothers describe how they arrived at their animation style, noting how they adapt it for each short depending on the story.
The Process Behind the Animation
Using audio recordings from the oral history project StoryCorps, the Rauch Brothers animate radio stories that were broadcast on National Public Radio, drawing from what they learn about the characters through the audio recordings as well as in-person meetings.
On “Animated Documentaries”
The Rauch brothers share their opinions on how animation and documentary can co-exist and explain how animation can capture aspects of reality that traditional documentary footage cannot.
Watch two new StoryCorps shorts from the Rauch Brothers, Miss Devine and No More Questions!, this Tuesday (August 23, 2011) on POV (check your local listings) or watch the shorts now on your iPhone/iPad!
And don’t miss your chance to watch the first season of StoryCorps Shorts! They are streaming free on POV’s website.
