Walt Disney Classified: The Aeronca Project, Prod. 2660
In 1943 Disney created a long-forgotten storybook that not only entertained but inspired many young people to dream about the future possibilities of aviation.
In His Own Words: Ralph Bakshi Talks About “The Lord of the Rings”
I had an opportunity to interview director Ralph Bakshi at his studio just before the release of his animated version of The Lord of the Rings. Here’s what he told me then.
Forests of Cartoons – and ‘Any Rags’ (1932)
Bimbo goes on a musical salvaging journey and ends up happy with a little money, a house (albeit made of trash) and a new girlfriend in Betty Boop.
Bugz Livez – Chapter Two: Fleaz (Pt. 2)
I bet you’ve just been itching for more coverage of the checkered career of the common flea in animated film. Well, you can quit kicking – here it is!
Merrie Melodies 1939-40: A Significant Year
The 1939-40 season of Merrie Melodies saw many familiar to us from endless television runs – and, late in the season, one of the most significant cartoons of all.
When’s Your Birthday?
Tuesday the 9th of June, as Disney fans know, is Donald Duck’s birthday. Right? Well… maybe.
The Bill Tytla Animated Pogo Special That Never Was
The story of how two former Disney animators, Walt Kelly and Bill Tytla, tried to produce a television special of Kelly’s Pogo comic strip – and why it never came to pass.
Thunderbean “Project Land” – and some Van Beuren Tom and Jerry print evaluations
I thought it might be interesting to see and hear some of the reasons to use one print over another.
Bugz Livez – Chapter Two: Fleaz (pt. 1)
June is associated with “June Bugs”. No, not that wascally wabbit, but the six-legged kind. A fresh look at a common cartoon insect: the flea.
Jerry Beck is a writer, animation producer, college professor and author of more than 15 books on animation history. He is a former studio exec with Nickelodeon Movies and Disney, and has written for The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. He has curated cartoons for DVD and Blu-ray compilations and has lent his expertise to dozens of bonus documentaries and audio commentaries on such. Beck is currently on the faculty of CalArts in Valencia, UCLA in Westwood and Woodbury University in Burbank – teaching animation history. More about Jerry Beck [Click Here]
