3-2-1 Penguins (partially found animation tests of CGI animated series; 1999-2000)

An image of Zidgel from the 3-2-1 Penguins promo.

Status: Partially Found

3-2-1 Penguins is a 3D animated Christian children's video series created by Big Idea Productions in 2000. Big Idea is also well known for the hit series, VeggieTales created in 1993. It was originally a direct-to-DVD video series, however in 2006, it was moved over the to kids programming block, Qubo, where it lasted 2 more seasons until ending in 2008.

Background

On October 5th, 2018, LMW user Veggiefinder (or WTLN) discovered still images of 3-2-1 Penguins. Soon after, a YouTuber named JK Doodles also uncovered more stills. These images give us reason to believe that there were unreleased test animations. These images show significant differences to the final product, such as blue outfits instead of orange. All 4 of the penguins in the final product still exist in this version as well.

Availability

In October 2018, Lost Media wiki user InnovatorStudios found a video from animator Tom Danen's blog that contains clips from the animation tests. In September of 2020, show animator Keith Lango confirmed that the tests are each individual clips instead of one big short, therefore confirming the existence of the animation tests.

Gallery

Images

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  Jason

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  Midgel the Penguin

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  Fidgel the Penguin

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  Midgel with Zidgel.

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  Midgel screaming.

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  Zidgel and Fidgel.

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  Zidgel and Fidgel.

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  Kevin the Penguin

Videos

Video from animator Tom Danen's blog with clips from the animation tests at (0:01, 0:50).

SewerReviewer's video talking about new findings of the animation tests.

Sources

• An archive of the BigIdea website that contains the stills from the alleged animation test.
• JK's Doodles post on the stills
• http://itom3d.blogspot.com/ (video)