Not counting the time spent writing and editing the script, the film was designed and animated over a period of five years entirely by writer/director Dylan Moore. The film was however put on hold several times during this stretch as other work necessitated.
All the characters in the film were loosely modeled after actors of the 1940's. In most cases the final design only resembles an impression at best, however several background characters still show their influence quite strongly. Jerry the coroner though, not only strongly resembles Peter Lorre but his voice is also an imitation of the actor's famous cadence.
A cartoon Humphrey Bogart pops up several times in the background of the film in various costumes, usually recreating scenes from his movies.
In Rod's apartment, Rosebud from "Citizen Kane" can be seen leaning against the dining table.
The statue from "The Maltese Falcon" can be seen in the foreground in several shots of Dashiell's office.