110411 - Essay Notes

Just some more notes for my essay. I've decided to focus on character designs, because that's something I'm particularly interested in myself, and also I feel the character designs in this animation are so strong.
I got in contact with the director of the film and he has agreed to answer some of my questions! I've been thinking about what I want to ask... I thought I'd write them here to help me get my thoughts together. I probably won't post the answers when I get them, as I'm not sure if I'm allowed, but they will help me address my essay question for sure.

1. Firstly, what is the significance of the crow influences on The Undertaker's design? And the bicycle, if there is any?
2. Secondly, the preacher is clearly the only inherently evil character in the film; his God-fearing congregation, despite their evil actions, are just victims of his scaremongering and psychological manipulation. What parts of his design, if any, do you think reflect this, or differentiate him from the rest of the townspeople?
3. What were your intentions with regards to the designs of the townspeople? 
4. Is there any significance in the appearance of the tramp, i.e. brighter colours, missing leg, somewhat more comical/relaxed mannerisms etc...
5. Why did you choose to mix the 3D and 2D animation techniques/make use of cel-shading, in the animation? (I think it is cel-shading but I might be wrong.) Was it an aesthetic decision, or was it more practical?

Those are the main questions I think I need to address. Hopefully they are not too intrusive or too long! It never hurts to ask, though, I suppose.

All designs I am referring to can be seen on their production blog.
Final animation.