Happy 107th Walt!

What a Dream Scenario!

Read this AWN article on the state of the animation industry. This is what traditional animation purists like myself have been anticipating since the dawn of the "CG obsession." I just hope I'm done school before the new renaissance has passed. Here's an excerpt discussing the possible success of The Princess and the Frog:

So what happens if this film is released to rave reviews and incredible box-office success? As proved by history again and again, the smell of money will travel quickly, the animation predators will smell blood, and suddenly every Tom, Dick and Harry in the animation business will be scrambling to make the next blockbuster 2D animated feature. At least that is a very distinct possibility. And I think it is the hope of a great many animation artists, young and relatively new to the business, who would give their eyeteeth for a chance to actually animate by hand, in the classical manner in which the vast majority of them were trained, before switching over to 3D animation.

Rest in Peace Ollie

Well it's been a couple of days now so I suppose I should chime in about Ollie Johnston. After reading all the heart felt stories and personal accounts that so many artists and animators have had with Ollie, it makes me sad. I loved reading Brad Bird's story of Ollie's desk, and pencil shavings. That's exactly the sort of thing I would have done. Unfortunately I have no interesting personal stories about Ollie, just complete and utter respect. I've only been aware of the Nine Old Men for the last few years. But I remember being happy when I found out that one of them was still alive (Frank was still alive when I was getting into animation, but I didn't know of him until after he died).

I've always hoped the old boy would hang on a little longer so that I might get the chance to meet him (That sounds horrible, but I don't mean it that way). If only for small talk, I'm sure he would have imparted something on me that would have stuck to me throughout my future years in animation. But I guess it's really time for the new generation to step up and prove to the world that that level of skill in animation didn't just die with Ollie two days ago. I think it's fitting that we seem to be approaching a second renaissance of traditional animation. I must be a part of it, so I must get back to work. But I will leave you with this:

For the past two years I've been slowly, in my spare time, compiling data for a tribute site to the nine old men. I secured NineOldMen.com so that I could create a site about those guys for two reasons:

1. I couldn't believe there wasn't an ultimate resource on the internet dedicated to these guys
   
2. To self-educate myself about each and every one of them.

I think Ollie's passing might give me a kick in the butt to get more work done on the site. This type of a site is needed now their era has concluded. So if anyone out there has any information, pictures, videos, or anything they would like to share for the site on any of the nine old men, that would be greatly appreciated.

I also think it's about time I give the Illusion of Life another read, but that will have to wait another month until after school.

The Making of Disney World Part Two

The second clip from the Making of Disney World:

How Can We "Plus It"?

Sooner than I thought, I'm able to share with you a couple of really interesting clips from the aforementioned Modern Marvels show on A&E last night. After these clips the show gets more technical, talking about the animatronics, stunts, and fireworks achievements reached at Walt Disney World. Enjoy!



(Second clip to follow shortly)

Disney World Special Tonight

Tonight at 9pm/8C on A&E, as part of the Modern Marvels series, there will be a two-hour documentary special on the making of Disney World. (Click title for link)


While looking for a good picture of Disney World to staple to this post, I came across this unrelated picture of old TV Guide cover from the 50s featuring Disney. I thought I'd share. (Look Jenny, I have vintage Disney ephemera on my site just like you! Gimme props...)

Here's the official synopsis:

"Journey underground and backstage at the technological marvel that is Walt Disney World. Enter a make-believe world spanning some 27,000 acres, brought to life by cutting-edge technology. What was once Florida swampland now boasts the world's largest theme park. The ride technology ranges from space-age centrifuges to enhanced motion vehicles powered by 3,000 PSI of hydraulic pressure. And hundreds of audio animatronics brought to life through the power of pneumatics, hydraulics, and electrical systems. Walt Disney World is made up of four separate theme parks, each with its own innovations: the 107-acre Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. The four parks are all part of a megaplex of a resort. Twice the size of Manhattan, it was the final vision and crowning achievement of a man who spent more than 40 years pushing the limits of technology to create entertainment magic: Walt Disney."

For those of you that don't get A&E, don't worry. I'll be posting some clips later on in the week. Alternatively, you could also purchase the episode on DVD.

Lady and the Tramp DVD

There's a great sneak peak of the extra features on the new Lady and the Tramp DVD on the Disney Motion Showcase site. Just click, "The Lady and the Tramp Animators".

There's also some more videos on the official site. But don't just watch these videos, make sure you go out and pick up a copy of one of the best animated films of all time (in my opinion).