The Humble Beginning Of Japan’s Powerhouse Animation Industry (Video Essay)
Youtuber Wookong has put together a detailed account of the evolution of animation production in Japan in the mid-20th century.
#Rankin Bass
Jules Bass, Rankin/Bass Co-Founder, Dies At 87
For nearly three decades, Rankin/Bass produced animated specials, series, and films that still endure today.
Paul Coker Jr., Designer Of Timeless Rankin/Bass Holiday Special Characters, Dies At 93
Characters developed under Coker’s supervision include Frosty the Snowman, Kris Kringle, Winter Warlock, and many more.
Don Duga, Industry Artist Who Worked At Rankin/Bass And UPA, Dies At 87
In his long career, Duga storyboarded on “Frosty the Snowman,” designed Twinkie the Kid, co-founded and ran the studio Polestar, and taught for decades at the School of Visual Arts.
Aardman Nathan Love Animates A CG LeBron James With A Stop-Motion Vibe
Sprite’s new holiday campaign turned LeBron James and D.R.A.M. into cg characters.
‘The Last Unicorn’ Scribe Peter S. Beagle Sues His Manager for Elder Abuse And Fraud
In many ways, Beagle’s story — an artist, taken in by a con artist — is as classic as his writing.
‘Peace On Earth’ Is 75 Years Old—And More Relevant Than Ever
We rarely see “Peace On Earth” alongside more traditionally revered holiday standards like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”—but we really should.
Arthur Rankin Jr, Co-Founder of Rankin/Bass, RIP
Arthur Rankin, Jr., one-half of the iconic animation duo Rankin/Bass, died on January 30th at his Harrington Sound, Bermuda home. He was 89.
Bigger and Better: Revised Editions of “Magoo” and “Rankin-Bass”
Just in time for the holidays… I’ve received hard cover revised editions of two essential animation books. Both were must-have’s in …
TV Cartoon Explains Politics to Kids
This 1961 episode of Tales of the Wizard of Oz harkens back to a time when animation writers didn’t speak down to kids. It’s a perfect …
Justin Bieber Inserted into a Rankin/Bass Cartoon
Have you ever wanted to see a CG model of babyfaced baby-making singer Justin Bieber clunkily composited into a cruddy holiday special …
Original “Rudolph” GE spots
Here’s a rare holiday treat. Someone posted the original GE commercials, the open and end titles from the original 1964 NBC airing of …