Hullabaloo: Episode 1 'The Great Race'

We are proud to present the first in a series of short films that were funded by a crowdfund campaign on Indiegogo! We give thanks to all of those who have made contributions that helped make this possible.
Look for more episodes and related videos in the coming year.
If you like it, please share this video with your friends and family. The more likes and views we get the more we can show that people love our project and value quality 2D Animation!

[@matteoventura7465]

After nearly a decade of drafting, animating, and refining, the hard work paid off spectacularly. I have seen the progress of this project from the very beginning-as well as the development from other animation companies. We truly are living in the renaissance of indie studios.

[@AliAsif303]

A decade???? Wow! When something as good as this comes out, one must never rush quality. There's no substitute to hard work in life.

[@mrx4022]

We really need to bring 2D animation back into mainstream media. I miss seeing this style of animation..

[@Limpurtikles]

Goodness gracious, this one single short film takes *anything* Disney's put on the big screen lately and leaves in the dust!

[@LtPowers]

Oh come on. It's very good but not /that/ good.

[@baltousprime7897]

Not only that, it "kicks em' in the dishpan whoo whoo whoo!"

[@barrybarlowe5640]

Bizarre! I like it!

[@Taydar]

Hahaha no

[@atom_bomb_77]

Honestly yes

[@fennoske]

Watching this feels like watching a Disney Renaissance film again. I can't wait to watch more Hullabaloo!

[@vgmaster9]

And a 2d Dreamworks movie.

[@jellyowl2644]

Yeah the little head pat at the beginning made my think of 101 Dalmatians but more polished

[@walterlyzohub8112]

Reminded me of “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” in style. 😊

[@xcar0982]

It didn't become a movie, but man, I'm happy to finally see this project after so many years of waiting. Science through the power of steam

[@garrettviewegh9028]

It seems like the people involved, chose to distribute it as episodes instead. Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing what else comes from Hullabaloo.

[@gabrieldjatienza6971]

Serialization just might work!

[@laurendaley2503]

i think they decided it may become an episodic project, since it may also expand on the story

[@Akeem170]

Ten years in the making. One man's vision. This wonderful work of art was released at perfect timing. Just when Disney was experiencing a drought of creativity.

[@TomsodM]

This is pretty much Ōban Star-Racers: Steampunk Edition. I think the cars are 3D here too?

[@garrettviewegh9028]

It’s kind of funny, many of the people that are creating such creative indie animation projects, like this, The Digital Circus, Helluva Boss, Hazbin Hotel, Long Gone Gulch, etc, may have grown up watching the shows and films of the Disney renaissance era. And may have been inspired to create stories of that time.

[@Ax0_1t01]

The Golden Age Disney vibes are immaculate. The dad in particular looks like he’s from 101 Dalmatians. Fantastic work.

[@grisom5863]

When she was putting on her clothes at the end, I love the detail of her tying a garter to her stockings. During Victorian times and before, you needed a string, ribbon, or buckle garter to keep your stockings up because the elastics to keep them up normally weren't a thing yet.

[@bf7775]

This first episode showcases THE reason so many people crave traditional hand-drawn animation. It has the ability to simulate physical motion and convey human emotions in a way no other format can, and it gives artists the freedom to showcase their creativity and skills with absolutely no limits other than their own imaginations. This is not to say 3D animated works cannot also achieve such heights (Arcane, for example), but that format should complement traditional animated works, not replace them. The beauty of the animation in this video is a shining testament to mankind's creativity and artistry, and I eagerly await the release of future episodes. Bravo!

[@robot7759]

"Keep calm and drink tea." should be on a t-shirt.

[@MultiPlexiglas]

I almost forgot about that project that I supported on Indigogo in 2015. I am thrilled for you to be able to release the first part of it. Thanks for never giving up and delivering, even if many people might be disappointed about the timeline. But congratulations to you and everyone who worked on getting it done.

[@kacperkonieczny7333]

Better late then never

[@CompleteAnimation]

This is incredible! Thank you so much for doing your part to keep 2D animation alive and kicking!

[@chachzilla7154]

As a backer of the original campaign who has followed along over the years, it’s truly a delight to see the finished product. Can’t wait for the next episode. Well done!

[@queensmum]

Same! Bravo!🎉

[@VSpoodle]

I watched ten seconds and FELT the talent and experience of years of work. "This project had hands on it by somebody who worked on Princess and the Frog" i say to myself before Googling. Little did i know i stumbled into actual greatness.

[@fandomfighter5847]

I love this style, an old Disney looking animation project is what we need

[@Somewhat-Evil]

Lackaday, Mechwest, The Amazing Didital Circus and now Hullabaloo, the Industry hasn't killed off all the quality animation talent. They've just forced it into small independent studios. I'd have included Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel if not for religious grounds.

[@capertain16325]

What do you mean by "if not for religious grounds"? It's clear that it's a fictional cartoon.

[@flamerthevelcioraptorrevie1638]

Wow Idk how but somehow captured the magic of what Disney's Atlantis had, beautiful 2D drawn animation mixed with 3D moments and the shading absolutely stunning This deserves more credit

[@scripterb]

I remember hearing about this crowdfunding campaign several years ago, and I was just thinking "did that project ever meet its goal?" I'm so glad it's here! Admirable how you've stuck it out for this long!

[@ijlayugan4149]

The saloon water scene took me out lmao. This animation is so SMOOTH. I WANT MORE

[@karlbenito9992]

After so many years, this brings a tear to my eye

[@yesartz]

THIS IS AMAZING!! The animation is so fluid, Just like classic Disney! The scenery, humor, suspense it’s perfect, and the story is wonderful…this is so underrated! I adore it so much 💖 I’m very anticipated for the next episode!

[@OneLittleSpark18]

Some of the facial expressions are giving me "Atlantis" vibes! I love it!!

[@TeamFriendship8600]

If you showed me this out of context and told me it was a clip from a lost Disney Renaissance movie, I'd probably believe you. It also gives off big Iron Giant vibes. I'd actually pay to see a feature length version in theaters. It's awesome to see that there are animators who are keeping handdrawn animation alive when so much of the mainstream industry is oversaturated with CG.

[@animationlover219]

I encountered the early animations and designs for this project when I was first getting into Steampunk. It is positively surreal to see the finished product before my eyes.

[@headwreak1768]

Am i the only one who's reminded of Atlantis: the lost empire with this amazing short?? [Also i noticed the vehicles were both representing Dieselpunk and steampunk respectively]

[@madjidchouarbi3921]

At least, after so many years of passion and hard labour, the magic is on screen !!! That's even better that what I expected ! High level animation that proves hand drawn animation still has the power of amazes us. Congratulation to you and all the crew, everything is perfect : Animation, art direction, storytelling... Major Studios would be greatly inspired to give a look at your film, certainly, they would learn some valuable lessons. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to watch that gem. From France, with admiration.

[@JojosCrazyChannel]

Can’t imagine how many years it must’ve took to make all of this! I’d love to see more of what this world has to offer, I’m sure to catch the next episode whenever it’s ready. Excellent job James and your team for making something as beautiful as this! ✍️❤️

[@sulmascalelover2957]

Wow! There were moments in this when my jaw dropped like back when I was watching 2D-animated movies growing up. Thank you for keeping the magic of this art form alive. I'm in love with the animation, the character designs, the world, and I can't wait to see what comes next!

[@adxlib]

I was one of the first backers for this way back in 2013(?) on Kickstarter. Glad to see it’s finally taking off.

[@SomeHarbourBastard]

I’ve followed this since the IndieGoGo. Nearly a decade has passed, I didn’t believe I’d actually get to see it.

[@0racle.sunrise3570]

The soundtracks, the animation, the steampunk aesthetic... it's amazing! I look forward to seeing more soon!

[@garyperkovac1002]

Hand Drawn Animation is Alive! Combining seamlessly... the best of both worlds..., Traditional (Hand Drawn) Animation with Computer Animation. Two different animals under one roof. ...Priceless!

[@thomasciuffreda8783]

Wonderful animation, wonderful acting, wonderful writing. Where's the support fir this?! This should be going as viral as Lackadaisy and Amazing Circus! C'mon Internet, give this some love!

[@RoryPattonDreamerOfDunsidhe]

I think the world needs a feature length 'Hullabaloo'! 😎❤️🧐

[@filippocorradini4483]

Congratulations to all those who have worked on the project over the years. You can see the passion you put into it. The short is truly beautiful!

[@electrobob992]

I'll admit, this is better than what disney has been releasing for the past few years. Loved every minute of this, keep up the great work!

[@Blackthorne369]

Beautifully drawn and written. Already incredibly invested! Episode 2!!!

[@Chaizin]

How has nobody commented on this yet!? This is incredible! The amount of detail in the animation, backgrounds, music, sound design, special effects, etc. is top notch! Amazing job to everyone who worked on this!

[@theresegretencord2470]

I love this!! There are so few stories (animated or otherwise) set in a steampunk world. I adore the art style, character designs, and animation. Great job to everyone involved!

[@FMAYasha12]

Oh wow! I remember seeing a stand advertising this back at CTNx in 2016! Can’t believe it’s finally done and I’m seeing it recommended to me almost a decade later! What a pleasant surprise!

[@theradicallizard]

oh, my goodness. i haven't even watched this yet but i have to comment now. i thought this had been plowed over and abandoned. but now, ive found it living and breathing. your determination is absolutely astounding, i am so happy to see this finally here.

[@Happyday-ps7wy]

I can’t believe it so worth the wait, I really appreciate how much of the animation was done on paper, you can really tell by how smooth the traditional animation is. The lighting on characters was exceptional it gave me Klaus vibes

[@mermazingly]

I'm so happy to see Hullabaloo animated ❤ It's been years since I remember hearing/reading about it and then it was recommended on my KZbin today. This deserves to be recognized and supported by the community 👏 Truly a piece of art in motion.

[@MrJdblanco17]

This is so reminiscent of classic Disney and DreamWorks 2D animations. I really miss this style and genre of animation, and I think it should make a comeback. I do love the mesh of 2D with 3D, which just goes to show how two mediums can work amazingly well. GREAT JOB!!!

[@mistermattdraws]

Absolutely brilliant! This is exactly the beautiful type of animation that we’ve been longing for! You have all made straight up magic, fantastic job!!!

[@RambunctiousMouse]

How does this have no comments at all?! This is a stellar first episode! I didn't learn about it until after the crowd funding was already done, but I had eagerly been waiting for the day Hullabaloo released. I know it's only the first short, but it's fantastic and deserves so much attention! The trailer for the next short already has me excited too! I sincerely hope that more shorts get made and this video gets more attention, you all did so well with this first short!

[@CreativeTalentNetwork]

This is such a treat to watch over and over again. The quality on all levels is so high. This is the beginning of an indie animation revolution. Great stuff and congratulations on your great finish the job spirit.

[@obadijahparks]

I love the oldschool style. This is how the new wicked movie should have been made. Well done.

[@mauriceisaac3646]

Very impressive! Looks just like a movie from the early 2000s! Nice to see people like you who has the passion of keeping traditional animation alive.

[@epic_fail_gamer465]

This is crazy! I've been waiting YEARS for this to release since I met the creator years ago at San Diego Comic Con! I'm so happy to see this project finally come to fruition. Congratulations! ☺ I'm excited to see more!

[@Muna-Jlore0997]

Now THIS is a masterpiece. ✨✨✨ This will definitely put Disney to shame.

[@m-71tx26]

Disney deserves to be put to shame.

[@Jarod-te2bi]

I mean this from the bottom of my heart this is better than anything, Disney, Pixar or DreamWorks has put out in years! Disney’s” wish” wishes it could do this!

[@evymateos2531]

I'm suprised people haven't commented on this masterpiece....Well done to everyone involved in creating this; animation is beautiful 😊❤.

[@WarDog793]

OUTSTANDING! Original story & characters, minimal but enthralling plot--you just want to watch more! I wish you all the luck you'll need to further your efforts!

[@Madjichen]

I have been waiting for this since I was 14 and am very happy to see it coming to life! Y'all worked your butts off for this and did amazing! Very stellar stuff!

[@citonita2207]

Holy crap! Hullabaloo is here! I can't believe it! The animation is great. These two female leads have such charming personalities. I was pleased to realize they're racing as friends (for now??)

[@Kusanagikaiser999]

This looks incredible, hope we can see ep.2 soon.

[@FeliDJrah]

I am so glad the project's still in full swing. I discovered your kickstarter years ago, but unfortunately, I couldn't support it. So happy to see you guys are still going strong.

[@StarkAlchemy]

AAAAA!!!! AFTER YEARS OF WAITING IM IN LOVE WITH SEEING THIS IN MOTION AND OUT!!! Cannot wait to see more!! I'm screaming! This has been such a brilliant year for indie animation and you I can trace it back to this project! Thank you so much for your hardwork and the awe-inspiring work of the team!

[@snookiem9999]

2D/Traditional Animation has officially finally returned

[@maydepaivaart]

I remember watching the progress of this animation some years ago. It's so good to finally see the results. It's beautiful ❤

[@shannonlewis2022]

This animation is incredible! So glad you were able to make this project come alive!

[@Bobsheaux]

THIS is what Disney's 100 year anniversary movie needed to look like.

[@latosomosplace]

Modern Disney WISHES to make content like this!!! This is miles better than Wish, both story and animation wise

[@Steel-101]

Man this is fantastic. Excellent voice acting, beautiful art, interesting story & awesome racing. Actually this art style feels a little bit similar to the Iron Giant movie. Well done. Solid 10/10. This would be a perfect TV series or a movie.

[@ChloeLeis]

I've been following this project for years, it's so wonderful to see the fruits of your labor! Truly amazing work from the whole team, I love how all of the bits and pieces you've released over the years are finally coming together. Congrats, I can't wait to see the next episode!

[@garrettviewegh9028]

I love the first scene of the main character with her dad. The way the inventor speaks with passion and vigor. Reminds me of the inginuoty and ambition of Henry Ford! Steampunk sort of has that same charm, personality, and creativity. There’s diselpunk, cable punk, cyberpunk, but steampunk seems the most.. refined. There’s just so many stories you can tell in such a genre! Looking forward to seeing more!

[@the_timinator77]

After so many years the WAIT IS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! Super awesome work!!!!

[@mbcfan0001]

Simplemente lo mejor. Vi el progreso de la animación desde que tenía 11 años y es un placer estar viva para ver los frutos de esta espectacular animación. Muchas gracias a todos los involucrados en el proyecto.

[@Tophatcherry]

This indie animations just keep popping everywhere!! I love it

[@cutecharacterpower]

Unfairly underrated ! We truly are entering an awesome era for indie show

[@sandrocleuzo8814]

Wonderful! Not even Disney can do something like this today! I am proud of James Lopez for making this, and better yet, without the backing of any major studio! Why no big studio hasn't hired James yet to make a feature is beyond me!

[@KitCabaret]

After all these years, I almost can't believe it's here - I am unbelievably excited for the rest of the episodes, this is gonna be quite a ride

[@ThePorygonBoi]

Great find. Makes sense you worked at Disney, this animation is phenomenal!

[@LaSoniana]

Can't believe this is finally out! I've been checking news about this for years, and boi was it worth the wait

[@stellasol5265]

I remember the lineart for her pulling herself up on the car years ago! I was so shocked to see it again in full color! This is awesome!

[@Huntress778]

As a backer of the indiegogo campain, I'm super excited to finally get to see this!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!

[@arashikashu5421]

I have one regret about funding this: Not being a billionaire, I couldn't give more. That's it, that's all. This is lovely. The bar patrons were HILARIOUS. You all do fantastic work. Patiently waiting for the next short and grinning hard enough to break my face.

[@johnmckeon4498]

Wow that classic Disney-quality 2D is so wonderful to see.

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

Now this is podracing!!! No seriously, the podracing scene from the Phantom Menace has to be an inspiration for the race in this short. The canyon, sparkly cave, and the arid, flat desert locations were too similar for it to not be a coincidence, some of the shots even looked identical! I approve of course, it's aways a good sign when something's inspired by Star Wars!

[@FrankPepito]

I didn't know exactly what to expect when I donated, but that's was riveting and fun! Congratulations on reaching the final line with this one! I loved it and look forward to seeing additional episodes!

[@shortoftheweek]

Congrats!

[@damianmonke3922]

Bro be taking on Disney all by himself! Show him some love guys!

[@JoannaDavidovich]

I'm so thrilled that Hullabaloo is finally here!! Looks incredible!! Bravo bravo bravo!

[@joelbarraclough6689]

I feel the 2D hand drawn animation power in my vains and I love! I wish we get to see more that since major companies nowadays are in there own dumpster fire of don't know what there doing at the absolute worst luckily indie animation is here to fill the gap and thank you for the episode I love to see more of this 💖

[@JamesLandon]

I absolutely love the animation style, and I can't wait for the next episode!

[@TheHankerchief26]

I remember seeing concept art for this over a decade ago. Glad it's finally making it onto the screen!

[@raywarlock]

wow better than most of what Disney was able to push out for the last few years. Looks like a steampunk styled series and lookin real good

[@timedragon5492]

This is beautifully animated. Reminds me of the Disney Renaissance.

[@robertreiss4658]

OMG How has noone commented on this yet? Okay, the animation was excellent! Not just during the race scene (beautifully done BTW) but the character animation as well. It was just oozing with personality. The character designs were very Disneyesque (Not a bad place to start from) I can't say too much on the characters, since we didn't get a lot of dialog with our main character (we didn't even get a name yet) but she had a definite personality as a bit of an adventurous dreamer. Overall a wonderful introduction and I'm especially looking forward to the next 'episode'. I'm hoping that it's a little longer than this one thou. I would think so, given the teaser at the end of this one. Keep up the awesome work everyone

[@oneinathousand2156]

This is like the total opposite of Cans Without Labels. Both took many years to make and they’re mostly done by one guy, but this one looks finished and it’s competent.

[@johnmeyers8588]

I had to subscribe. The look of Disney, Steampunk genre with elements of the Old West, Road Warrior, Fury Road and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A masterpiece!

[@DreamsCanComeTrue]

This is worth the wait! It's been a great pleasure just seeing this come together and finally being shown to the public so they will witness how important and amazing hand-drawn animation is!

[@bydavepalmer]

This is incredible! What an amazing achievement, James. Congratulations!

[@skytheannur6168]

Ah my heart! I remember this being talked about back in the days of peak Tumblr... I'm glad to see 2D animation still lives on one way or another when it was spoken of.

[@maxbrandt6]

That was awesome! This is 10,000 time better than anything Disney can do!! I'm looking forward to seeing more!!

[@Kankan_Mahadi]

This was too mindblowing for words~!! It's... literal beauty given animation form. Also, being a cowboy & steampunk fan myself makes me love this even more.

[@Bonnie_Mairead]

This looks so cool!!! Really gives me the feel for 2000s animation! The movements, characters designs, vehicle designs, and everything are so well done!!! Love the steampunk, western, Victorian, Mad Max kinda feel. The Cheshire Cat design looks really cool, can't wait to see it!

[@stephaniewozny3852]

OMG, I heard about thos ten years ago! To see it FINALLY come to fruition....CONGRATULATIONS, JAMES!!!!

[@liamerolduffy7738]

Imagine if indie films and series like this had more money, resources, and manpower. God, we would be in another animation renaissance if that happened. I hope you continue making these gems and you get more money to make them even better!😊

[@garrettviewegh9028]

Animation takes a long time. But, it’s starting to feel like the 2020s will be the decade of indie animation. A new era that will blow up in popularity thanks to trailblazers like this, Lackadaisy, LLG, and Hazbin Hotel.

[@solidmario64]

Very happy to see this series come to fruition. Excellent work all around to everyone who worked on it. :D