Daily post 08 Sep 2006 07:31 am
Scumbling
- I was sad to learn that Jan Svochak passed away yesterday at the age of 80. He was a gifted animator. There’s a nice notice on Cartoon Brew written by J.J.Sedelmaier. Most people initially connect him with the Hawaiian Punch commercials he animated, but I immediately think of the Electric Company spot he did for John Hubley: Milt’s Guilt.
“I’m Milt, and I’m filled with guilt.”
I’m Milt, and I’m filled with guilt.” . . . I’m Milt, and I’m filled with guilt.”
I’m Walt, and it’s not your fault.” . . . I’m Walt, and it’s not your fault.”
. . . I’m Walt, and it is not your fault.
. . . It’s his fault.” (Pan image to innocent looking puppy.)
- Charles Solomon discusses some of the Oskar Fischinger films on NPR. This can be viewed (and heard) here. There are also a couple of excerpts from the films Allegretto, an excerpt from Fantasia and Spiritual Constructions. The silent film, Spiritual Constructions, uses the Liquid Liquid tune, Cavern, as background music. This is an interesting choice. I once did a music video to this tune way back in 1983. Richard McGuire, a member of Liquid Liquid is now co-directing Fears of the Dark, an animated feature in France.
- Jim Hill Media posts some “concept art” for Meet The Robinsons. It looks like another pastel-colored cgi film using a little-doll “concept” for the characters that bend and shape oddly. Maybe the script is good.
- For some real concept art, turn once again to the ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Archive. Stephen Worth has another gem of a posting – this site shows up almost daily with some new treasure!
Some beautiful model sheets from Pinocchio and Hiawatha have been posted. These are the work of Albert Hurter and Charles Thorson.
- By the way, this site also led me to a book, Cartoon Charlie: The Life and Art of Animation Pioneer Charles Thorson by author, Gene Walz. I hadn’t heard about this and will certainly try to get a look. Thorson was responsible for a number of Disney model sheets as well as some early WB models of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.
There’s a critical look at the book and an extended version of Thorson’s bio on Take One, the film journal. There’s also a review of the book on AWN by Fred Patten. The book, of course, is available on Amazon.
- Didier Ghez‘ site, Disney History, also has some great info by Jim Korkis about the uncredited backup singing by the Hall Johnson Choir in Song of the South and Dumbo.
on 08 Sep 2006 at 1:29 pm 1.Rudy Agresta said …
Hi Michael,
Jan Svochak – a wonderful tribute to a beautiful person. A much too infrequently heralded master of the art form.
I purchased CARTOON CHARLIE after it’s initial release. If you can find a copy I highly recommend
it for any animation library. It’s an entertaining read and chock full of photos – it looks like many published for the first time. Enjoy!
on 14 Sep 2006 at 10:03 pm 2.Peter Svochak said …
All the love and admiration that I’m finding is almost tear-jerking in a way. I knew my dad was great. I just never knew how MUCH he was admired by those in the industry. If anybody has anymore samples of his work, please send them my way. Or tell me where I can find them.
I found him on the IMdb (www.imdb.com) and would LOVE to see his biography and filmography complete and accurate. Thank you.
on 04 Feb 2008 at 2:40 am 3.chris svochak said …
Jan Svochak was my uncle and i am very happy to see his publications making people inspired to show you that an immigrant can achieve the American dream.
on 27 Nov 2008 at 7:49 pm 4.Peter Svochak said …
Hi. It’s me again. I just wanted to let everyone know that I created a MySpace page in tribute to my dad. All friends, family, and fans are invited to add him to your Friends Lists. The address is
http://www.myspace.com/ripjansvochak