Animation Mentor (AnimationMentor.com), an online character animation school created by animators for animators, will host a panel discussion and tribute to the life, work and enduring legacy of Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, two of Disney’s legendary animators affectionately dubbed the ‘Nine Old Men.’ The event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 13 during SIGGRAPH at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, Calif. The Panel will be followed by a short documentary by Animation Mentor. The film will feature never-before-seen interview footage of Thomas and Johnston.
Thomas, Johnston and their Disney contemporaries were responsible for the endearing animation in such classic films as Bambi, The Jungle Book, Peter Pan, Pinocchio and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Thomas and Johnston al also wrote the acclaimed animation book The Illusion of Life.
‘We are truly honored to host this tribute for two beloved animators who have been an instrumental part of animation history, and have entertained and inspired so many,’ says Bobby Beck, CEO and co-founder of Animation Mentor. ‘We are thrilled to bring such a phenomenal group of talented animators who learned from Frank and Ollie, and share a passion for the world of animation. The ability to also share Frank and Ollie’s thoughts on animation through rare interview footage will be a special gift that we are proud to give to the world.”
Contemporary masters of animation from Disney, DreamWorks Animation and other studios will be on hand to pay tribute to the toon legends. Tom Sito, professional animator and adjunct professor of animation at the University of California, Los Angeles and University of Southern California, will lead the panel discussion. Panelists include two-time Academy Award-winning Disney producer Don Hahn (The Lion King), DreamWorks senior animator Dave Burgess (Monsters vs. Aliens), Animation Guild president Kevin Koch and independent filmmaker Theodore Thomas, who is the son of the late Frank Thomas and wrote, directed and produced the documentary Frank and Ollie.
Win a Funko X Lilo & Stitch Prize Pack!
