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| ASIFA-Atlanta Member Ross Bollinger |
From the mind of Ross Bollinger,
founder of Pencilmation, comes “Hank Hanky” a new weekly web series that is as
informative as it is humorous. Viewers call in with questions, and have them
answered by the show’s host, Hank. “Hank is a character that started popping up
in my other animations. I created a Facebook page to communicate with the Hank
Hanky fans online. When interest grew, I made this show to further develop his
character”.
For Bollinger, the greatest challenge
that arises when creating a web series is just keeping up his emotional strength.
Being the only animator on a series can be overwhelming, and when you’re trying
to build an audience from nothing, it is important to stay focused and remember
why you began in the first place. “I inevitably, in the middle of the
week, have a mini break down, and have to be consoled by my wife in order to
have the energy to finish making the episode. It's just about keeping an energy
level up, and hoping that it's going to then get something [in your career] rolling.
“
Each episode takes 1 – 2 days, and an
average of
3,000 views are tallied in the first week. “I receive
about 10 calls a day on weekdays, and 20 on
weekends. My average caller is 9 years old and
confused”. A new Hank Hanky episode is released
every Friday, and Bollinger finds that coffee and
phone calls are often his biggest motivators. “The
phone calls are hilarious. They kind of energize me
to do the show. I'll sit down in the evening and listen
to like 10 or 20 questions from kids all around the
country, and the next day I get excited to do an
episode”.
3,000 views are tallied in the first week. “I receive
about 10 calls a day on weekdays, and 20 on
weekends. My average caller is 9 years old and
confused”. A new Hank Hanky episode is released
every Friday, and Bollinger finds that coffee and
phone calls are often his biggest motivators. “The
phone calls are hilarious. They kind of energize me
to do the show. I'll sit down in the evening and listen
to like 10 or 20 questions from kids all around the
country, and the next day I get excited to do an
episode”.
Several animators today are
considering creating an
online series as an alternative to pitching their ideas to a company. Risks must be factored with both decisions. However, Bollinger suggests that if you are serious about doing things your way, not to shy away from the challenge. “There's nothing holding you back. Just gotta do it. Save up some money and dive in. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, it doesn't.”
online series as an alternative to pitching their ideas to a company. Risks must be factored with both decisions. However, Bollinger suggests that if you are serious about doing things your way, not to shy away from the challenge. “There's nothing holding you back. Just gotta do it. Save up some money and dive in. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, it doesn't.”
Online audiences are looking for
unique candid shows that major networks would never pick up. It’s about getting
online what they can’t get from television. Such series are free from
traditional formats that regulate length, narrative, and attractiveness of
character. As animators, the possibilities to bend the standards of old media
are endless! In just 2 months, Ross Bollinger has become a great example of just how quickly a great idea and passion for your craft can begin to take off.
To find more episodes of “Hank Hanky”, visit
More work by Ross Bollinger can be found at