5 Second Day is a longstanding Titmouse studio tradition — no it’s not an anomalous day that only lasts for 5 Seconds, it’s a day in which employees can take the day to forgo their usual responsibilities and focus on creating their own totally original toons. On 5 Second Day, the studio ostensibly “shuts down” so that artists can devote all of their brain energy to bringing their animations across the finish line. And 17 years later, it’s become an annual Artist Holiday. 

The idea for 5 Second Day came about in 2008, because Titmouse co-founders Chris and Shannon Prynoski were deeply curious about what delightful absurdities were swimming around in their employees’ brains. Shannon came up with the 5 Second Day concept as a way to coax out this weirdness by allowing artists to take the day to craft cartoons without restrictions, rules, or limitations — except that they be at least 5 seconds in length.

The tradition has evolved since its inception in 2008. The cartoons have naturally become more dynamic, more robust, more polished, and of course, longer. As our founder Chris P. so eloquently puts it: “Over the years, it has mutated into a magnificent, beautiful brain-beast that pulses with the creative energy emanating from the hands of these animators.”

5 Second Day… Night!!! is what happens after we compile everyone’s toons, put them back to back to back in the edit bay, twist some knobs, jiggle some doodads, and bring it onto the big screen FOR YOU to see.

Your guess is as good as ours! Depending on how many employees participate, the show can last from 80 minutes to two hours. It varies from year to year. It’s also anyone’s guess how or when you’ll be tickled, offended, delighted, morally conflicted — because we DO NOT screen these puppies ahead of time. We’re watching, laughing and cringing in real time, just like you.

We appreciate the ask, but we only allow Titmouse employees to submit shorts.

Yes! Our New York, Vancouver*, and LA screenings are open to the public.
Seats are limited, so we suggest that you purchase your ticket ASAP before they sell out!

NOTE: The films screened are not rated by the MPAA. The screening is intended for an adult audience and some films contain adult content.

Can’t make it for whatever reason? Fear not! We upload a new short to our YouTube channel every Friday. Check out our 5 Second Day playlist for a curated selection from the vault.

OK— Here’s some extra tasty facts for you to snack on.

• 5 Seconds = Doable
  Why the specific 5 second requirement?
  Shannon thought creating 5 seconds of animation in a day felt doable in a day.
• Artist- Owned Shorts
  Since Titmouse is an artist-driven studio, all 5 Second produced worked remains under the ownership of the respective artists and creators.
• Extensive Archives
  Our vaults are bursting at the seams!
  Nearly 2000 original shorts have been created by our team since the event’s inception in 2008. 
• A Life beyond 5 Second Day
  Some of the shorts produced served as pilots or inspiration for future animated series and productions.
  For instance, “Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart” on Cartoon Network started as a 5 Second short. 
• HERE is a Chris P-created short for your viewing pleasure!
  Shannon voices the hat!