The Creative Genius Behind Netflix's 'Long Story Short'

Raphael Bob-Waksberg ’06, renowned for his groundbreaking work on Bojack Horseman, speaks to The Hollywood Reporter about his latest animated venture, which promises to be a heartfelt exploration of family life with a comical twist.

A New Narrative Style for Animation

Long Story Short, set for its Netflix debut on August 22, is an ambitious project that follows a Jewish family through various life stages, moving seamlessly across different time periods. This narrative decision was, according to Bob-Waksberg, a conscious effort to forge a deep connection between the audience and characters in a condensed time frame. “We intended to create a seamless flow that allows viewers to instantly resonate with the family, a feat hard to achieve in a linear story,” he explains.

Emphasizing Artistry Through Hand-Drawn Animation

In his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bob-Waksberg delves into the artistic philosophy behind the series. He emphasized that the hand-drawn art style was chosen to infuse a palpable warmth and authenticity into each frame. “There’s something uniquely heartfelt about preserving the imperfections, which truly makes the world of Long Story Short vibrant and alive,” he says.

An Artistic Triumph at Annecy Festival

The world had its first glimpse of Long Story Short at the Annecy International Film Festival in June. Esteemed for its contribution to the art of animation, Annecy proved to be the perfect launchpad for Bob-Waksberg’s latest series. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, setting a promising path for its upcoming public release.

Expect the Unexpected – Savor Every Moment

Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s previous work, most notably Bojack Horseman, has set high expectations for fans and critics alike. As Long Story Short prepares for its global debut, audiences can anticipate a poignant yet humor-filled portrayal of familial relationships. In Bob-Waksberg’s typical style, viewers are sure to be surprised by the narrative intricacies embedded within what may appear on the surface to be a simple tale.

Catch all the laughs and heartfelt moments when Long Story Short hits Netflix. As stated in Bard College, it promises a fresh, engaging perspective on animated storytelling.