April 22, 2006

UPA EVENT ON DVD

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Many readers of this blog have written in to ask about getting a recording of the big UPA Event at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood last month. In response to the requests, Tee Bosustow (who taped the event for an upcoming documentary on his father's studio) has decided to offer a DVD of the panels for $40. (This price is only good through the following week; thereafter he will charge a higher price for it.) In addition to the DVD, Tee will throw in the full-color program book that attendees received that night and pay all postage costs (U.S. only). Tee says:

The DVD includes the opening montage of UPA characters, especially created to open the event, Jerry Beck's opening comments, the 1951 UPA behind-the-scenes clips, scenes from the work-in-progress UPA documentary, plus highlights of the two panels at the Egyptian, as well as the panel Asifa-Hollywood had at the AFI about two years ago. It runs about an hour, a tad under, and it has menu buttons to start at the top, or go directly to the film clips, or panel discussions.

But, at this time it doesn’t include any of the UPA cartoons that were shown, since we don’t yet have the rights to include them. But, once we get the rights, we will send the updated DVD to everyone who bought an advanced copy.

The First Panel at the Egyptian includes; Bill Melendez, Willis Pyle, Alan Zaslove, and Mark Kausler. The Second Panel at the Egyptian is; Fred Crippen, Sam Clayberger, Lou Romano, and Amid Amidi. And, the Panel at the AFI was Bob McIntosh, Joe Siracusa, Alan Zaslove, Eddie Friedman, Fred Crippen, and Mel Leven. All, of course, were moderated by some guy named Jerry Beck.

If anyone has questions, email Tee at bosumedia (at) yahoo.com. If you are ready to buy, make a check out to Artist in Me, LLC and mail it, postmarked on or before May 1st, to:

Tee Bosustow
6633 Woodley Avenue, #9
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Include your mailing address, of course. Tee is also selling the program for the event separately, without the DVD, while they last, at $10.


Posted by JERRY at 05:40 PM

April 21, 2006

TUNES FOR 'TOONS SCREENING

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Next Saturday, April 29th, ASIFA-Hollywood is holding a special film program and lecture illustrating the world of music as seen through classic Hollywood cartoons. Animation historian Daniel Goldmark will be discussing the story behind the musicians who made our favorite cartoons sing. Vintage cartoons will be screened (several in 35mm). Bring along your copy of Daniel's great new book, TUNES FOR 'TOONS and get it autographed. This special event is happening next Saturday, April 29th, at 3:00pm, over at the American Film Institute, in the Steven Ross Screening Room (Warner Bros. Building). The address is 2021 N. Western Ave. in Hollywood, CA (a block north of Franklin Ave.). Directions to AFI campus HERE. ASIFA-HOLLYWOOD members admitted FREE, non-members pay $10 bucks.


Posted by JERRY at 05:40 PM

SPUMCO LIVE!

Spumco cartoons, the way they were meant to be seen: on the big theatre screen!

Jot this down: John Kricfalusi will be making an appearence to introduce a screening of his best cartoons (uncut!) at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, on Sunday night May 28th at 6:30pm. Earlier that same day, across the street at 4pm, John will be making an appearence at Every Picture Tells A Story, the bookstore/gallery, which is hosting a month long exhibit "The Art of John Kricfalusi". John will be on hand to personally sign original art and prints which will be for sale.


Posted by JERRY at 02:12 PM

Jazz Cartoon Friday

If anybody has ever wondered why the 1930s-1950s are referred to as the Golden Age of animation, these four shorts below should provide the answer to that question. The theme is jazz, the cartoons are beautifully animated and effortlessly entertaining, and they're all courtesy of individual users who posted them on YouTube.


MINNIE THE MOOCHER (1932, Fleischer)
Director: Dave Fleischer
Music: Cab Calloway


PIED PIPER OF BASIN STREET (1945, Lantz)
Director: James "Shamus" Culhane
Music: Jack Teagarden
Thanks to Kevin Langley for posting this on YouTube.


"All the Cats Join In" from MAKE MINE MUSIC (1946, Disney)
Director: Jack Kinney
Music: Benny Goodman


DIXIELAND DROOPY (1954, MGM)
Director: Tex Avery
Music: Scott Bradley



Posted by AMID at 02:00 AM

April 20, 2006

More about Cartoon Network

I received this email from a former Cartoon Network artist, who prefers to remain anonymous but has worked on a number of their projects and speaks frequently to people working there today (both execs and artists). He offers some perceptive thoughts about the network's "swindling of the viewership" and why CN is adding more and more live-action to its schedule.

I would like to start by thanking you for your dogged coverage of Cartoon Network's baffling new programming slate. This issue demands the exposure you are giving it. Bravo.

I've worked on and off for Cartoon Network for many years in Atlanta, New York, and LA, and I keep in touch with many friends at the Williams Street compound in Atlanta. Friends who have a front row seat of this swindling of the viewership. The troubling thing to me, at this point, is that I have not yet read the real logic fueling this hackneyed shift in programming.

It's about money.

Cartoon Network is showing properties that they buy CHEAP and then broadcast sandwiched between original programming. Then they charge the same advertising rates. Buying cheap and selling at a premium is something that started on the Toonami program years ago. DragonBall Z and the other anime series they slotted were all purchased for next to nothing and yet still pulled in the highest ratings of their entire schedule when shown during the afterschool slot.

I do not know what residuals are due to the creators of shows from their past that are not being shown (Courage The Cowardly Dog, Cow & Chicken, Johnny Bravo, etc), but the price of broadcasting Saved By The Bell repeats is less of a bill for them.

When everyone seems to be completely flummoxed at these changes at the network, I feel compelled to impart what I am quite sure is the real inspiration behind this programming boondoggle: Cartoon Network is simply not bringing in any real money at their channel. There is no merchandise on the market for their shows, there are no fast food toy promos, and there is not any national advertising. (Cartoon Network advertises in LA and NYC only with hopes that the advertising traffic agencies located in those two cities will assume it is nationwide.)

I don't think it is mere conjecture to state that this newest move by the network is a grim sign of the state of affairs there. Expect a major shake up in the near future. They have been reeling since Betty Cohen stepped down.

UPDATE: Below is a comment from an artist currently working there. He counters that Cartoon Network is not trying to do things on the cheap, and that they are in fact spending a lot of money to develop original live-action shows.

The motivation is definitely money, but not for the reasons your previous source has stated. They've always licensed Cartoon shows and now they're doing live-action, as an "introduction" to more live-action content. They are aggressively seeking original live-action content and have some in development. They are trying to compete with Disney and Nick, who own ratings with shows like Raven and Lizzie McGuire. But they don't wish to copy the same type of shows, they are looking for something different.

As far as merchandising goes, Warners was in control of it and did little or nothing for the shows as far as toys go. Batman was more important. And now licensing has just recently gone back to Cartoon Network. They are making big strides with top licensing companies and had a good showing at the Licensing Show this year. Also there will be Burger King promos for Foster's coming soon. I'm not defending their decisions, just trying to clarify what their motivation is, as someone who still works here and has heard it first hand.

UPDATE #2: Another reliable artist who currently works for Cartoon Network wrote in the following:

Your second insider is closer to the point regarding CN and their foray into the live action world. They've been getting their butt kicked in the ratings by Disney's live action-shows like "That's So Raven" and specials like "High School Musical." It is all about money but rather than finding and making better animated shows, they continue to make the same old animated product or when they do stumble across new product, they don't support it once it gets on air. So, much like the 2D vs. CG battle, it's much easier to blame the medium rather than the management's choices of content.

Earlier stories about Cartoon Network's abandonment of animation are here and here.


Posted by AMID at 01:37 AM

I AM 8-BIT Artwork

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If you were like me and unable to attend the I AM 8-BIT opening earlier this week, you'll be pleased to know that there's many photos of the paintings floating around online. Vinyl Pulse has lots of paintings HERE. And there's plenty of event photos already posted on Flickr. The caliber of this year's paintings, both technically and thematically, is quite impressive. Be sure to check out the paintings by animation artists like Steve Purcell, Michel Gagné, Craig Kellman, Sean Szeles, Tony Mora, Scott Morse and Dave Wasson.


Posted by AMID at 01:04 AM

April 19, 2006

THE ART OF PIXAR'S... ARTISTS

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Here's a chance to see what Pixar artists draw in their off hours. San Francisco's Canvas Gallery will host Combined Weight, a collection of work by artists from Pixar Animation Studios, "produced in their spare time to show the world through their eyes". Artists include Daniel Arriaga, Enrico Casarosa, Janet Lucroy, Jennifer Chang, Liz Holmes, Lori Klocek, Mark Holmes, Nate Stanton, Noah Klocek, Paul Topolos, Rich Quade, Robert Kondo, Robin Cooper, Ronnie Del Carmen, Simon Dunsdon, Steve Pilcher, and Steve Purcell. Opening reception is next Thursday April 27th, from 7pm – 12am. The exhibition runs from April 27 throuh May 22nd at The Canvas Gallery, 1200 9th Ave. at Lincoln, San Francisco.


Posted by JERRY at 12:12 PM

HARVEY COMICS POST 9/11

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Fox News is reporting that veteran Harvey Comics editor Sid Jacobson and long time Richie Rich artist Ernie Colon are teaming up on a serious re-telling of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. Illustrating simultaneous events side by side on the page, using the timelines of the hijacked planes as laid out in the 9/11 commission's findings, The 9/11 Report: The Graphic Novel is said to use the comic medium "to chilling effect".

"I think we have taken a terribly important document, which I wish every American would read, and done it in a way that makes it far easier for people to grasp," said publisher Thomas LeBien of Hill and Wang, a division of the prestigious Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
This is reported to be the first in a series of graphic novels by Jacobson and Colon. Next up, the stories of Malcolm X and Ronald Reagan. Seriously.

(Thanks, Harry McCracken)


Posted by JERRY at 10:50 AM

April 18, 2006

Bob Iger Axes Song of the South?

From yesterday's entry on the blog of animation writer Earl Kress:

But getting back to "Song of the South," there are two things I do know. It was definitely on the schedule to be released as one of the “Treasures” series, and Bob Iger, new head of The Walt Disney Company, recently sat down and watched it. It’s definitely not on the schedule any more.

UPDATE: Mark Evanier has more details about Iger's specific reasons for not releasing the film. Iger said at the Disney shareholder's meeting last month, "Owing to the sensitivity that exists in our culture, balancing it with the desire to maybe increase our earnings a bit but never putting that in front of what we thought were our ethics and our integrity, we've made the decision not to re-release it."


Posted by AMID at 07:15 PM

I AM 8-BIT TONIGHT

Rex Hackelberg painting

The new edition of I AM 8-BIT ("an art show inspired by videogames from the '80s") opens tonight at Gallery 1988 (7020 Melrose Ave, LA, CA 90038) from 6-11pm. There's way too many artists to name here, but a list of exhibiting artists, including loads of animation folk, can be found HERE. For those that can't make it, be sure to pick up a copy of Jon Gibson's just-released book I AM 8-BIT, which includes artwork from both last year's show and the new show.
(Artwork above by Rex Hackelberg)


Posted by AMID at 06:21 AM

Fyn Stec Auction

We mentioned this last week: this Thursday, April 20th, there will be an auction at Cartoon Network benefitting Fyn Stec. Fyn is the young son of current Nickelodeon and former Cartoon Network art director Paul Stec (FOSTER'S) and his wife Dayla Corcoran (production coordinator on DEXTER'S LAB and SHREK). Fyn has recently been hospitalized with a rare form of liver cancer and the auction is raising funds to help defray medical expenses not covered by their insurance.

Lots of artwork by lots of terrific artists has been posted online and anybody can bid on them through midnight of Wednesday, April 19. You can also bid at the auction at Cartoon Network Studios (300 N. 3rd St, Burbank 91502) on Thursday, April 20th, from 5:30-8pm. Below are a couple of the pieces by Craig Kellman (top) and Genndy Tartakovsky (bottom).

Paintings by Craig Kellman and Genndy Tartakovsky


Posted by AMID at 06:12 AM

April 17, 2006

The New Cartoon Network

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Here's a roundup of news related to our earlier post about Cartoon Network's rebranding efforts, and its new programming direction, which is showing less cartoons and more live-action programming. In the past few months, the network had begun airing live-action features like DUMB AND DUMBER, ACE VENTURA 2 and HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS, but tonight, CN began airing reruns of SAVED BY THE BELL, the first time in its history that it has aired a completely live-action TV show. The news of CN's live-action shift has not been well received in the online community. Cartoon fans have good reason to be concerned, and one person has already started a PETITION asking the network to stop airing live-action programming.

A recent article in TV WEEK had this quote from Cox cable spokesman David Grabert addressing Cartoon Network's shift in programming: "We always closely watch what programmers do, especially if they make changes that take them away from how they sold us the service. This is the first we've heard of these plans, but if we feel like they're going too far, we'll let them know." Grabert's statement suggests that if enough viewers complain to cable operators like Cox, they may step in and take some action forcing Cartoon Network to return to its original programming charter.

Brew reader David Silva wrote in from Mexico to let us know that the Latin American version of Boomerang (the classic cartoons arm of Cartoon Network) has also switched from showing older cartoons to a mixture of cartoons and live-action. He writes:

Boomerang Latin America (English version here) is no longer for classic cartoons... it has been turned into a children and teenage-oriented channel. Yes, the channel still has classic TV shows, but it's also showing a bunch of teenage dramas and edutainment shows. Which, of course, are not cartoons. The focus has changed completely.

I'm emailing you because, as far as I can see, this change has not happened in the United States. But I am afraid that it will, and sooner than you'd expect. Cartoon Network's situation is frightening, and the more I see these things happening, the more it makes me think that they're trying to turn the channels into another version of The Disney Channel.

UPDATE: Animation artist Jamie Badminton writes from the UK:

Just wanted to let you know that the Toonami channel we have in the UK has been showing 'Parker Lewis Can't Lose' of all things since March, along with a science program and and an extreme sports magazine show!! Worryingly, the allotted timeslots for these shows increased the following month so it can't have been a total failure with audiences. It baffles me that they would ever consider sacrificing their once-focused broadcasting plans for early 90s teen comedies!!

We've had 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on Cartoon Network-UK several times too. I'm sure there are enough talented animators that could fill these slots with shows if given the half the chance. Thanks for highlighting it the problem—I have quite a lot of affection for what Cartoon Network once was. 'Foster's Home' and 'Samurai Jack' have been the most outstanding animated series of the last 10 years and that is primarily because the artists have had a solid rock of studio support around them ever since the days of World Premiere Toons, letting them hone their skills in one place with the same constant team (something that had not been possible since animation's golden age). I'd hate for that to be compromised just because some bright spark decides that 'kids don't like cartoons anymore' based on one month's viewing figures!!


Posted by AMID at 09:26 PM

Hubley's Last Commercial

Vlasic Pickles commercial

Michael Sporn shares his memories of working on the last commercial that John Hubley ever directed. It was a spot for Vlasic Pickles that didn't go over too well with the agency. Sporn's posts—PART I and PART II—include some great thumbnail poses by animator Phil Duncan and also the revelation that Hubley was responsible for designing the Vlasic Pickles stork mascot, which is still used by the company today.


Posted by AMID at 03:10 PM

The Making of Pinocchio

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Brew reader Chris Olson found an old issue of POPULAR MECHANICS with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of PINOCCHIO, and he was kind enough to make scans of the article for other Brew readers to see. The PM issue (volume 1, no. 73) was released in January 1940, a month before the film was released. The article emphasizes the technical aspects of the production, and includes some bizarre and incredible photos, such as the "mad scientist"-looking sound fx guys above. Other photos show people mixing cel paint dyes, toying around with electrical equipment, painting puppets and doing all types of things that one doesn't typically associate with an animated production.

It's also interesting to note that not a single artist is identified in the photo captions or article. The only person named is Walt Disney. I'll try to right that wrong by identifying a few of the individuals. The story artists on the title page are (left to right) Ted Sears, Otto Englander and Webb Smith. The animator at top of page 6 is, of course, Bill Tytla, and the woman painting the model of Pinocchio on page 7 is Helen Nerbovig (who also happened to be the wife of background painter Bob McIntosh). If you can identify other people, let me know.

UPDATE: Michael Sporn writes that the animator looking at the fox on the second page is Norm Ferguson.

UPDATE #2: Jeff Peterson writes that the model maker with the clock at the bottom of page 7 is Bob Jones. There was an interview with him in Issue 37 of THE E TICKET.

(click on images for bigger versions)
Pinocchio article

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Pinocchio article Pinocchio article


Posted by AMID at 12:55 AM

April 16, 2006

REFREDERATOR

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Starting tomorrow, Frederator Studios establishes ReFrederator.com, a daily vintage cartoon video podcast—and you don't even need an iPod to enjoy it. ReFrederator will feature classic public domain cartoons with Mighty Mouse, Daffy Duck, Betty Boop, Little Lulu, Felix the Cat, and many many more favorites as well as numerous miscellaneous ComiColor shorts, Merrie Melodies and Rainbow Parades.

New episodes will appear daily Monday through Friday, grouped into weekly themes. The first week features a Mother Goose theme, beginning with a 1935 Humpty Dumpty cartoon from Ub Iwerks, followed by Mighty Mouse in Wolf! Wolf! (1945) and the Oscar-nominated Pigs in a Polka (1943) by Friz Freleng. The week will wrap up with Poor Cinderella (1934) the only color Betty Boop cartoon, and Foney Fables (1942) a parody of Disney fairy tales.

Programming for ReFrederator is headed by producer Eric Homan and illustrator, cartoonist, and scholar Dave Kirwan. For a free subscription, search ReFrederator in the iTunes Podcast Directory, or visit ReFrederator.com and click “subscribe.” They also have a dandy ReFrederator Store featuring a cool Leslie Cabarga logo on a variety of shirts, backpacks and undergaments.


Posted by JERRY at 09:17 PM

JOURNEY TO THE DISNEY VAULT

Disney got Oswald from NBC-Universal - now NBC gets revenge in this brilliant parody telecast last night on NBC's Saturday Nignt Live. Watch it now before Disney sues SNL, and NBC yanks it fron Youtube.

(Thanks, Rick Ewing)


Posted by JERRY at 08:20 AM