Comparing and Contrasting: Janet Perlman and Robert Marianetti / David Wachtenheim

Janet Perlman is an independent director, writer, and illustrator whose work has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film. Based in Montreal, she runs her own production company, Hulascope Studios, through which she publishes her animations. Her illustrated books are published by Scholastic.

Many of Perlman’s works revolve around animals placed in human-like situations or are highly abstract in nature. She demonstrates a strong sense of rhythm and frequently times her animation closely with music. Her use of various artistic mediums—even within the constraints of limited animation—adds unique texture and charm to her work. A recurring motif in her books and films is the use of penguins, which she employs to tell diverse stories. Aside from this, her artistic style remains fluid and unconstrained.

Robert Marianetti and David Wachtenheim are animators, directors, and producers who have earned numerous awards and created content for major platforms such as Adult Swim and Cartoon Network. They currently work with Sony Pictures and serve as creative leads for their New York-based company, W/M Animation, which they co-founded in 1999.

In terms of comedic timing, Janet Perlman excels at subtle, layered storytelling. Her short film Hot Seat exemplifies this: it features a cursed office chair passed around among unsuspecting coworkers. The film rewards attentive viewers—those who notice subtle visual cues in the background—with a clever and satisfying payoff. Perlman's humor often relies on these carefully planted details and requires full viewer engagement.

In contrast, Marianetti and Wachtenheim lean heavily into absurd, high-energy comedy rooted in shock value and slapstick. Their characters engage in exaggerated actions—pulling out jetpacks, using hoses to wash dishes, or presenting surreal props—often with little narrative setup. This approach allows for drop-in viewing; the humor is immediate and accessible regardless of when the viewer joins.

Their use of sound design reinforces this approach. Loud, sudden audio cues serve as signals for the audience to pay attention, anchoring visual gags and guiding focus without requiring constant viewer engagement. This makes their work easier to watch passively while still delivering comedic impact.

Perlman’s use of sound, by contrast, is more refined and intentional. In her abstract pieces, the music is precisely synced with animation to enhance mood and rhythm. In her narrative-driven works, sound is more subdued, helping to build atmosphere rather than deliver punchlines. At key comedic moments, sound is often minimal or absent, encouraging a more immersive and attentive viewing experience.

Despite their stylistic differences, both Perlman and the duo of Marianetti and Wachtenheim are successful in communicating with their audiences. Their distinct creative voices set them apart from mainstream animation trends, which can sometimes favor mass appeal over individuality. While this may limit their audience to some extent, it also allows them to maintain artistic authenticity. Their work serves as a reminder that staying true to your style—even at the risk of being niche—can ultimately make your voice more memorable in a crowded field.