Tribute to Joe Ranft

Today is Joe Ranft's birthday...however, he passed away five years ago in a terrible automobile accident.

For many who's following me on this blog, that is not familiar with Joe Ranft, he is one of the most influential storytellers/storyboardists in our time. He has contributed to many animated movies (all the Pixar movies up to Cars, Nightmare Before Christmas, Rescuers Down Under). He also did the voice of Heimlich from A Bugs' Life and Wheezy the Penguin from Toy Story 2.

Disney Director John Musker (Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Princess and the Frog) did a tribute for Joe Ranft...through storyboarding. It's a beautiful tribute, as well as inspirational.




Joe's work and passion in animation has been a blessing to me. Thanks Joe, for everything.

Draw! Draw! Draw! Draw! (a message from P. Docter)

Here's Oscar winner Pete Docter, director of Pixar's Up and Monster's Inc., giving advice on getting out there and draw. See what you see in the world, and love what you do (animation, print, design, etc.). Do what you love. :)

Best Animated Feature - UP!!

I was very excited to hear that Pixar's Up won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Don't get me wrong, all the nominees for this year in the category were all worthy of the award, and I wouldn't have been bothered by the winner. Still, I was happy to see Pete Docter finally win this award (when he didn't win with Monster's Inc.).

Someday, that's gonna be me: Being nominated, and winning the nomination for Best Animated Feature. I'd say within 15 years tops...