Monday, February 25, 2013

Underdog - Episode 1, W. Watts Biggers, 1964

Via Metafilter I learned that the creator of Underdog, W. Watts Biggers, passed away on February 10th at the age of 85

In 1959, handling the General Mills account as an account executive with the Dancer Fitzgerald Sample advertising agency in New York, W. Watts Biggers teamed with Chet Stover, Treadwell D. Covington and artist Joe Harris in the creation of television cartoon shows to sell breakfast cereals for General Mills. The shows introduced such characters as King Leonardo, Tennessee Tuxedo and Underdog. (Wikipedia)

I totally used to wake up early to watch Underdog. Who remembers waking up early to watch cartoons? Please raise your hand, wave it about wildly, and shout MEMEME or I won't be able to see you through the internet.



Sunday, February 24, 2013

When Roobarb Made a Spike, Bob Godfrey (narrated by Richard Briers 1934-2013) 1974

This has been a very sad week for Roobarb fans - Richard Briers, the narrator of the series, passed away on February 17th, just a few days before Bob Godfrey.



Saturday, February 23, 2013

Do-It-Yourself Cartoon Kit, Bob Godfrey, 1961

One of Godfrey's earliest animations, this led to him influencing a number of animators to, well, do it themselves.

Friday, February 22, 2013

R.I.P. Bob Godfrey 1921 -2013

I just found out that the influential British animator Bob Godfrey passed away yesterday at the age of 91.

There are more eloquent remembrances elsewhere, of course, but felt compelled to say something as someone who not only has an appreciation for his skill and his influence, but has also become a big fan - thanks in no small part to working on this blog, which led me to seek out his work. I even have a copy of Henry 9 'til 5 on 8mm.

Here is a fomous episode of Bob Godfrey's Do-It-Yourself Animation Kit, featuring Terry Gilliam:


And a short documentary:






Cartoon Brew
The Guardian
The Independent

Pete Hothead, Pete Burness, 1952




Now with the proper link!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Monday, February 18, 2013

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Near the Egress, Antonio Martinez, 2010

Over 800 modern dryplate tintypes were made from b&w film to produce this experimental stop-motion video of a circus.
Antonio Martinez created this video to serve as a desired childhood memory of the circus, but through the mind of an adult.


Monday, February 11, 2013

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Krabat (The Sorcerer's Apprentice), Karel Zeman, 1977

In case you are unfamiliar with the feature, click the little "CC" for subtitles.


If you already know how to do that or you happen to understand Czech, you may disregard this message.


Also note that this is a feature. So it's long.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Světlonoš (The Torchbearer) Václav Švankmajer, 2005

Animation by Václav Švankmajer, son of the legendary Jan Švankmajer.





Recommended by Alexandre Fatta. Thanks, Alex.

Friday, February 1, 2013