“Dumb Ways to Die” creator Julian Frost directs “Love Assassin” starring white bunny Tuzki for TurnOut Ventures for Valentine’s Day
TurnOut Ventures Hong Kong have released a short animated film written and directed by Julian Frost, the creator of the viral sensation Dumb Ways to Die, called Love Assassin to mark Valentine’s Day.
In Love Assassin, Tuzki, the emoticon-inspired white rabbit designed by Momo Wang, experiences a highly unusual Valentine’s Day romance and fulfills a ruthless contract assassination at the same time. This not-for-kids short is available online globally including Turner Broadcasting’s [adult swim] platform in Australia.
“We’re thrilled to present the first-ever animated short film starring Tuzki,” said Yat Siu, board director of TurnOut Ventures and the founder and CEO of Outblaze. “Today the uniquely bittersweet white bunny loved by millions officially expands into a new medium, and TurnOut Ventures renews our commitment to producing compelling original content.”
Love Assassin is a darkly cute tale of foiled romance and contract assassinations. It begins with our hero Tuzki on the couch playing videogames with his dismembered heart, while a cat lounges nearby. But when Tuzki’s wrist communicator alert suddenly goes off things quickly take a turn for the weird.
Love Assassin is written and directed by Julian Frost, best known for the massively viral animated short film and mobile game Dumb Ways to Die, originally commissioned by Metro Trains in Melbourne, Australia. The film’s animation director, Eiji Abiko, has contributed to numerous popular anime with diverse styles and genres.
Love Assassin was produced by Yoshiya Ayugai, Executive Producer, Animation, at Turner International Asia Pacific, and animated by STUDIO4°C. This Japanese animation studio is led by producer Eiko Tanaka and renowned for its energetic and cutting-edge productions, including the 2003 animated anthology The Animatrix, a tie-in to the Wachowski Brothers’ The Matrix film and its sequels.