Channel Frederator Blog

“Does a Ross Bolinger animate in the woods?” Yes, yes he does. Here’s the scoop on your new favorite animated web series, Pencilmation.

Channel Frederator: Where did you study animation?

Ross Bolinger: I’m going into my senior year at the School of Visual Arts.

CF: What has influenced your style the most?

RB: Graphically, I would say a lot of early animation has influenced my work…the early Mickey Mouse and Felix cartoons–back when Ub Iwerks would sit down and whip out an entire Mickey cartoon single handedly, drawing straight ahead and not planning so much. Capturing that spontaneity interests me.

Buster Keaton sought to preserve that same spontaneity in film, and I try to aim for some of that as well since my style is so simple and because I am working alone. I also get a lot of influence from listening to music and reading. I read ten times more than I watch cartoons or draw. (Maybe [Read more…]

Coming up in NYC… the chance to see two passionate and animated innovators in person.

Tuesday night at 7 at YIVO (15 West 16th street) Danny Fingeroth chit chats with the irrepressible Harvey Pekar of American Splendor fame (and some exciting appearances on The David Letterman Show). SECRET PASSWORD FOR REDUCED ADMISSION: At the door, say the word “Harvey” for $10 ticket (regularly $15).

Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:30 at The Society of Illustrators (128 East 63rd) meet David Polonsky, the illustrator and art director of Ari Forman’s Waltz with Bashir. Polonsky will discuss the techniques that were used to make this unique animated documentary. The talk will be accompanied by clips from the film. A Q and A session will follow and a book signing for the release of a graphic novel based upon the film. $10 members, $15 non-members. No secret password, as far as I know! RSVP to kevin@societyillustrators.org

After the jump, a clip of Harvey Pekar on The David Letterman Show in his more excitable days. He’s mellowed since then (?) Or not. We shall see tomorrow… [Read more…]