A Retro-Futuristic Animated Adventure Fueled by Chaos, Cats, and Candy-Colored Cyberpunk
Kitty & The Viper by John-Daniel Arauz is a wildly imaginative animated adventure that throws audiences into the vibrant streets of Nouveau San Francisco, a futuristic metropolis teetering on the brink of environmental catastrophe. When the city’s fate falls into the hands of a hard-boiled antihero known as The Viper and his rage-fueled feline companion Kitty, the unlikely duo must stop the megalomaniacal Jackal from unleashing a pollution apocalypse. Equal parts action, comedy, and retro-futuristic spectacle, the film embraces its pulp inspirations while carving out a personality entirely its own.
Created in Montreal, Kitty & The Viper is a testament to independent animation’s boundless creativity. Blending 2D and 3D techniques with a bold visual style, the film transforms cyberpunk influences into something colorful, playful, and distinctly unique. Featuring voice performances from Frank Marrs (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts), Nicholas Savard L’Herbier, and Martin Watier (Polytechnique), the short delivers a fast-paced adventure packed with humor, heart, and a healthy dose of absurdity.
Below, we speak with the filmmakers about building Nouveau San Francisco, bringing Kitty and The Viper to life, and crafting an animated world where environmental collapse, labor rights, and a very angry cat collide.
How did you develop the relationship between the Viper and Kitty?
It began with the adoption of a cat (Whiskey) during the COVID pandemic. I thought it would be fun to put him in the project. It became clear to the entire family who the cat was.
How did you approach designing Nouveau San Francisco?
There were tons of cyberpunk influences from various comics, films, and artwork. But I really wanted to have a vibrant candy coloured environment. The intention would be to create a background that would splash onto the screen.
How did you balance environmental themes with adventure and comedy?
I think the project managed to naturally find the absurdism of capitalist megalomania, labour rights, environmentalism and violence. This was not a conscious effort, but rather a natural one that came very easily.
What makes the Jackal such a fun villain to write?
The absurdity and archetype of the character made him such a joy to write, but it was the voice performance from Martin Watier that really brought it all to life.
Were there any sequences that animation allowed you to realize that would have been impossible in live action?
As a Visual Effects Artist for live action projects, I can only say there is a different approach to animation. The mindset begins with the immediate acknowledgment that realism and logic are secondary to form, expression, and style.
How did you work with the voice cast to find the film’s tone?
We had actually begun animating the film prior to requesting any voice talent. We really wanted to sell the project, and make it clear what we were trying to achieve. We had very little resources and no real money, so it was very important our voice actors were enthusiastic if we wanted to get great performers. We were lucky enough to get some amazing talent to help bring the characters to life, and we were always open to their creativity and ideas.
The animation has a bold, distinctive style that feels perfectly matched to the film’s retro-futuristic world. How did you develop the visual identity of Kitty & The Viper, and what were some of the biggest creative or technical challenges in bringing that vision to life?
When working with very little money and an extremely small crew, every decision takes time, especially in animation. The biggest challenge was balancing full time work, contracts, a social life and this project. But remaining persistent and consistent throughout the week, finding anywhere from an hour to a full day to work on the project, every day was what got it past the finish line.
What do you hope audiences take away from the film after the adventure is over?
I would hope audiences enjoy the film as a small bite-sized adventure. I hope they appreciate the project’s style and fun.
What are the books, podcasts or even YouTube Channel that you recommend young filmmakers to get their hands on?
The classic The Animator’s Survival Kit will always be the number one go-to resource for any animator. Essential reading and always good to have around; it’s the equivalent of hanging up your degree.
Can you share with us some of your favorite short films you’ve seen lately?
Being from Montreal, The Girl Who Cried Pearls (Watch on FS) will always stick with us. But more recently I watched the animated short Norm, a poetic philosophical pondering of Norm Macdonald’s philosophy of comedy.
