Dealing with what comes naturally isn’t easy, especially for animals.  In Animal Behaviour, five animals meet regularly to discuss their inner angst in a group therapy session led by Dr. Clement, a canine psychotherapist.

The group includes Lorraine, a leech who suffers from separation anxiety; Cheryl, a praying mantis who can’t seem to keep a man; Todd, a pig with an eating disorder; Jeffrey, a bird with guilt issues; and Linda, an obsessive-compulsive cat.  But this week’s session proves to be a challenge for the group when they’re joined by a reluctant new member: Victor, an ape with anger-management issues. As we watch him navigate his first session, we learn about each animal’s issues and how they’re trying to deal with them, but Victor just doesn’t get it. He sees the group as a bunch of self-obsessed navel gazers.

This comedic, yet emotional short deals with animal issues that are not unlike our own.  Should we learn and adapt, or should others just accept our true nature?

Animal Behaviour is the first short film Alison and David have produced since 1993’s Bob’s Birthday.  After working in TV series, they hankered to put hand to paper again, although now it would be hand to Cintiq screen. Animating is like acting and so the opportunity to work hands on was something they both missed.  “We thought that computer technology would make animating a whole lot faster, but this film took as long as any to make.  It really just gives you a lot more options and control, but that can mean that you spend even more time getting a scene just right.”

The film was produced by hand using TVPaint digital software.  The characters were voiced by a talented group of  Vancouver based actors.  See below for credit list.