Over the years I’ve worked on many short films, both at FableVision and on my own. Here are just a few.
Blackbird by Rock Voices
This is a music video I directed and animated for Rock Voices, an adult community choir that performs rock music. Based on a recording arranged and directed by Rock Voices founder Tony Lechner (also my brother!)
Waiting for Spring – A Puppet Film
This film was made for the 48-Hour Puppet Film Project, where participants must make a puppet film in 48 hours using certain restrictions. I created the story, built the puppet, filmed and edited everything myself over the course of one weekend. It was fun and exhausting!
Page-A-Day Flipbook
One year I challenged myself to draw one page of animation each day in a flipbook, making it up as I went along. Here is the result.
Paper Toy Theater
This is an earlier experiment in scrolling stories, made entirely of paper. It was designed and created in about an hour, using paper, tape, and markers. (I recorded the music afterwards.)
Winter Greetings From Burrwood Forest
This animation is inspired by my comic Sticky Burr, and imagines what happens when the first snowfall comes to Burrwood Forest.
Sticky Burr Animated Theme Song
A song written by myself and my brother Tony Lechner, based on my books and webcomic about the inhabitants of Burrwood Forest
John Lechner Visits Burrwood Forest
This film was made for the Oregon Association of School Libraries when my book was awarded the 2010 Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award. It combines animation and live action.
The Clever Stick – Book Trailer
I created this book trailer for my picture book The Clever Stick, published by Candlewick Press.
Mister Moon
A short animated film based on a song performed by my sister Amy Conley, a musician and music educator.
Cosmic Lobsters
An animated short film in collaboration with my brother Tony Lechner, who created the music and most of the voices. (Video coming soon!)
He Was Me
A short film in collaboration with Peter H. Reynolds, about the inner child in all of us and following our dreams.
Other film credits
(all with FableVision Studios)
The North Star (Co-Director)
Produced by FableVision and Scholastic/Weston Woods
The Dot (Co-Director, animator)
Produced by FableVision and Scholastic/Weston Woods
Winner of the 2005 Carnegie Medal
Ish (Co-Director, animator)
Produced by FableVision and Scholastic/Weston Woods
ALA’s 2006 Notable Children’s Video Winner
2nd Prize, Animated Short Film or Video, Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, 2006
The Blue Shoe (Co-Director, animator)
Produced by FableVision
ASIFA-East Award – Second place, Independent Film category
Living Forever (Co-Director)
Produced by FableVision
ASIFA-East Award – Third place, Independent Film category