Bateman 365
Bateman 365 | |
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![]() Scott Bateman and Colleen AF Venable discuss “Every Day is a Damn Holiday” in a Scott Bateman cartoon | |
Genre | Political satire; Experimental animation |
Created by | Scott Bateman |
Directed by | Scott Bateman |
Starring | Scott Bateman Colleen AF Venable Laura Krafft |
Voices of | Scott Bateman Colleen AF Venable Laura Krafft Terry Bain |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
Original release | |
Release | August 2005 present | –
Bateman 365 is an ongoing experimental animation project created by Scott Bateman that launched in August 2005. Emulating the spirit of the 24-Hour Animation Contest on a one-year scale, Bateman posts a new short animation each day, blending his signature political-cartoon characters, vignettes of life in New York City, and remixed audio commentaries from friends and public figures.
Format and production
[edit]Each installment of Bateman 365 runs approximately one to two minutes. Production is handled almost entirely by Bateman, who writes, animates, voices multiple characters, and edits daily using digital collage techniques and found sound. Guest segments occasionally feature commentary recorded by collaborators, such as editor and writer Colleen AF Venable.
Recurring characters
[edit]Most sketches are voiced by Bateman himself. Regular characters include:
- **Blind Mango Jehosophat** — satirical homage to blues legends Blind Willie McTell and Blind Lemon Jefferson
- **Bobo the Bear** — a deceptively “cute” bear who espouses nihilistic observations
- **Bob the Damn Bunny** — an irreverent, lewd rabbit
- **Scurvy Steve, Pirate Accountant** — a swashbuckling CPA with an eyepatch
Real-life voices and sources
[edit]Beyond Bateman’s own voice-work, the series incorporates:
- Excerpts from **George W. Bush** speeches, re-dubbed for comedic effect
- **Colleen AF Venable**, providing guest narration and editorial commentary
- **Laura Krafft**, actor and comedian, as a recurring guest voice
- **Terry Bain**, contributor of select audio snippets
Reception and impact
[edit]Bateman 365 has been praised for its daily grind approach to political satire and its DIY aesthetic. It cultivated a niche online following in the mid-2000s animation and cartoon communities and has been showcased at small-press and indie-media festivals.[citation needed] Critics note its blend of off-kilter humour and rapid-fire social commentary.[citation needed]
Archive access
[edit]- Official archive (2005–2008): Bateman 365 on the Wayback Machine