Java.FEB.2017

Cartoon Physics: Animated Imagination
With his parents’ support, Katz as a child gravitated toward cartoons and creativity. He would often show
up late to Hebrew school on Saturdays after watching cartoons—his Technicolor education. Katz enjoyed
building spaceships and figures based on whatever show he was into. Whereas some kids passively watch
television, from a young age, Katz tried to replicate it as best he could. In elementary school he took apart $5
video games to make one big video game out of all the various pieces.
One of the most influential devices of Katz’s childhood was a Sega Master System. While he was still in
kindergarten he saved up almost $100 and originally wanted to get a Nintendo. However, the employee at
the store suggested Katz get the Sega, which had more capabilities—including 3D glasses. Persuaded by
the employee, Katz went to buy the Sega with the $100 that he had saved, only to discover that it cost $105.
He looked at his mom. Instead of helping with the purchase, she drove him home and explained how taxes
worked. He spent the whole week hustling for money and eventually came up with the additional $5 to buy
the Sega. It was an important lesson in financial responsibility, according to Katz, and the game system played
a major role in his aesthetics. “My master system is still there [at my house],” Katz said. “That game system
super-influenced my childhood. In my senior thesis film, I actually referenced the system game Hang-On.”
When Katz was in middle school, his mom got a mini VHS, and he convinced his teachers to let him make
videos instead of writing papers for projects. His favorite video involved producing a “South Park”/“Macbeth”
hybrid. He learned about filmmaking and editing, along with one of the most important artistic lessons:
to appropriate. As a high schooler, he didn’t hide his influences: “The Upright Citizens Brigade,” “The Tom
Greene Show,” “South Park,” sketch comedy and late-night talk shows. As he grew as an artist, he began to
“hide his sources” more. But, like all great artists, he stole in order to grow.
Katz traveled quite a bit in high school. On a cruise through Europe, he read Spin Magazine and came across a
review of the Air album Moon Safari. The review made him excited about listening to the album, but it didn’t
match his expectations. “It sucked. There was maybe one track on that album [that I liked],” said Katz. After
the initial disappointment, Katz boarded a train with his parents and ventured off to sit by himself. While
the sun was rising, he decided to give the album another chance. This time it clicked. “It became completely
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