Comments on: Theory: Advice From Ralph Bakshi

By: Eddie Fitzgerald

Eddie Fitzgerald — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 07:14:27 +0000

Wooooowww! Ralph told it like it is. Very honest, very eloquent!

By: Janeann Dill, phd, mfa

Janeann Dill, phd, mfa — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:35:57 +0000

“UPA failed because it was nothing more than elitist designers trying to animate on museum walls. Content was unimportant to them, really. Matisse or Picasso were more important.” Who spoke this? The parenthetical reference to Chuck Jones is confusing for the text that follows.

What a ridiculous comment about UPA! The logic here presupposes that Matisse and Picasso have no content! Or worse, assumes that art history as irrelevant to the history of animation! I am guessing this is Chuck Jones speaking from his often-voiced hostility towards abstract art … this is a comment contradictory to the magnificence of Ralph Bakshi’s work that so beautifully references an art history of abstract expressionism …

Might I respectfully refer readers to Amid Amidi’s “Cartoon Modern: Style and Design in 1950′s Animation” for an exquisite book of visual references that contradicts the absurdity of the stated opinion, lest no one else does.

As well, “opinion” and “theory” are not one and the same. An opinion is a personal opinion (which we all have the right to have and speak) but a theory is a proposition or argument(s) supported by outside research and resources beyond the level of a personal thought.

Lastly, I have the highest of regard for Ralph Bakshi’s work, so don’t misunderstand my reply and confuse it with a personal opinion … Bakshi’s work is creatively compelling and deserves nothing but the highest respect. Great to read/hear/see him speak here.

Janeann Dill, phd, mfa
Experimental Animation Artist-Mentor-Educator
Jules Engel Biographer

PS It is my understanding that one of the reasons that UPA failed was because Joe McCarthy’s Committee on Unamerican Affairs investigated them as Communists based upon an anonymous tip. Rumor has it that Walt Disney was that source and used this strategy to kill off UPA, his competitor. At the time, UPA’s founding members were predominately ex-Disney employees, some of whom had organized and participated in the 1941 Disney Strike prior to their serving together during WWII at the Hal Roach Studios under Ronald Reagan.

By: Raul Aguirre Jr.

Raul Aguirre Jr. — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:12:13 +0000

Thanks Stephen for posting this and thank you Ralph Bakshi for being Ralph Bakshi.

Ralph is all about Truth, Creativity, Wisdom, Logic, Passion, and BALLS. Especially balls.

This man has the market cornered on testicular fortitude.

I praise him for daring to defy the status quo with the relentless ferocity of a pit bull.

Rocky had Mickey. Luke had Yoda. Daniel had Mr. Miyagi. We animators have Ralph.

By: Tim

Tim — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:25:46 +0000

David, I feel your pain! I know it can be frustrating. We are quickly approaching the point where we are simply making excuses. With social media increasing folks like you and I can finally start making a stab at sharing our work AND getting something of a decent pay out. Keep at it! Keep searching. Don’t give up. Real distribution is out there.

By: PAUL BADILLA

PAUL BADILLA — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:20:32 +0000

Posts like this inspires me! Thanks Ralph and Stephen!

By: David Nethery

David Nethery — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:18:08 +0000

Great article. Nothing he says is untrue, BUT … there’s something vital he doesn’t touch on. Bakshi says: “Go buy my book. Read more. Learn more. “ So what I’d like to know : does Ralph’s book cover the nuts & bolts of how to get financing for a film and more importantly how to secure a real DISTRIBUTION deal for the film once it’s finished ? That’s what sinks most independent animated films. I don’t think the main problem is that people are sitting around crying “boo-hoo-hoo, I can’t ever make a film unless I work for Pixar or Disney” , but the problem remains one of securing real distribution that gets the finished film to a wide audience which allows the film to actually turn a profit and everyone who sacrificed and starved for 5 years to get it made can actually see a little return and pay off their debts incurred while making the film.

By: Mckay Boxberger

Mckay Boxberger — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:33:55 +0000

Awesome! Thanks for posting this! Bakshi has to be the most influential directors ever!