Thursday, June 27, 2024

"First Black" Cartoon Animator For Disney....Floyd Norman (1956)


 Floyd Norman is a pioneering African American animator and story artist who made significant contributions to the animation industry, particularly at Disney. Here is a brief overview of his life and career:

Early Life

  • Born: June 22, 1935, in Santa Barbara, California.
  • Education: Attended the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.

Career at Disney

  • Joining Disney: Norman joined Walt Disney Studios in 1956, becoming one of the first African American artists at the studio.
  • Early Work: He started as an inbetweener on "Sleeping Beauty" (1959), working on the transitional frames that animate sequences between key frames.
  • Key Contributions:
    • Worked on several Disney classics, including "101 Dalmatians" (1961), "The Sword in the Stone" (1963), and "The Jungle Book" (1967).
    • Contributed to story development and animation for various Disney projects.

Post-Disney Career

  • Vignette Films: After leaving Disney in the late 1960s, Norman co-founded Vignette Films, a production company focused on producing educational films on African American history.
  • Return to Disney: He returned to Disney in the late 1970s and worked on projects like "Robin Hood" (1973) and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1996).
  • Other Studios: Worked for other notable studios, including Hanna-Barbera Productions and Pixar Animation Studios, contributing to films like "Toy Story 2" (1999) and "Monsters, Inc." (2001).

Legacy and Recognition

  • Mentorship: Norman has been a mentor to many young animators, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the animation industry.
  • Awards and Honors:
    • Received the Winsor McCay Award at the Annie Awards in 2002, recognizing his lifetime contributions to animation.
    • Named a Disney Legend in 2007.
    • Awarded the Inkpot Award at San Diego Comic-Con in 2008.

Continued Influence

  • Author and Speaker: Norman has authored several books on his experiences in the animation industry and continues to be an active speaker at industry events and conventions.
  • Documentary: The documentary "Floyd Norman: An Animated Life" (2016) chronicles his life and career, highlighting his impact on animation and his trailblazing role as an African American artist in a predominantly white industry.

Floyd Norman's contributions to animation and his role as a pioneer for African Americans in the industry have left an enduring legacy.

BJ 🙈🙉🙊
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Thursday, June 6, 2024

Do You Know About The Harlem Globetrotters....." But Do You Remember The Animated Cartoons 1970's ? "

 


The Harlem Globetrotters, a renowned exhibition basketball team known for their entertaining blend of athleticism, theater, and comedy, have a rich history that has even been captured in cartoon form. Here’s an overview of their cartoon history:

1. The Harlem Globetrotters (1970-1971)

The first foray of the Harlem Globetrotters into the world of cartoons was with their own show, "The Harlem Globetrotters," which aired on CBS. This series was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions and featured animated versions of the real-life players of the time. The show depicted the team solving mysteries and going on adventures in various exotic locations, all while showcasing their basketball talents. Key players featured included Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, and Geese Ausbie.

2. The New Scooby-Doo Movies (1972-1973)

The Globetrotters also appeared in several episodes of "The New Scooby-Doo Movies," a popular series where Scooby-Doo and the gang teamed up with guest stars to solve mysteries. The Globetrotters were featured in episodes such as “The Mystery of Haunted Island” and “The Loch Ness Mess.” These episodes showcased the team's comedic and basketball skills while assisting the Scooby-Doo team.

3. The Super Globetrotters (1979)

"The Super Globetrotters" was another animated series featuring the Harlem Globetrotters, also produced by Hanna-Barbera. In this series, the players had superhero alter egos, each with unique powers. The team used these powers to fight crime and protect the world from villains. Characters included Liquid Man, who could transform into water, and Spaghetti Man, who could stretch his body like noodles.

4. Later Appearances

Over the years, the Harlem Globetrotters have continued to make appearances in various animated series and specials. They have been featured in episodes of "Futurama" and "The Simpsons," often depicted in their iconic uniforms and engaging in humorous scenarios.

Cultural Impact

The Harlem Globetrotters' appearances in cartoons have cemented their status as cultural icons. These cartoons introduced the team to a younger audience, blending the excitement of basketball with the fun of animated adventures. The Globetrotters' ability to entertain both on and off the court has helped them maintain a lasting legacy in popular culture.

The Globetrotters' cartoon ventures have contributed to their reputation as not just athletes but entertainers who bring joy and laughter to fans of all ages.

                                 BJ.....



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Wednesday, June 5, 2024

"King Leonardo and His Short Sublects" ....Vintage cartoon History 1960-1963


"King Leonardo and His Short Subjects" is an American animated television series produced by Total Television (TTV), which aired on NBC from October 15, 1960, to September 28, 1963. The show was one of the early animated series created for television, reflecting the burgeoning interest in cartoons during the era.

Concept and Characters

The series is set in the fictional African nation of Bongo Congo and centers around King Leonardo, a lion who is the well-meaning but somewhat inept ruler of the kingdom. The main characters include:

  • King Leonardo: The titular character, a lion who struggles with his duties as king.
  • Odie Cologne: The skunk prime minister of Bongo Congo and the king’s loyal advisor. Odie often tries to help the king solve problems.
  • Biggie Rat: A villainous rat who, along with his sidekick Itchy Brother, constantly schemes to overthrow King Leonardo.
  • Itchy Brother: Biggie Rat’s dim-witted sidekick, who is also King Leonardo's brother.

Format

Each episode was comprised of several short segments, typically featuring the main characters of King Leonardo's court and their adversaries. The show's structure included various segments, often with different tones and styles, providing a mix of comedy and adventure.

Production

Total Television, the production company behind "King Leonardo," was known for creating several other popular animated series, including "Underdog," "Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales," and "The World of Commander McBragg." The animation for "King Leonardo" was handled by Gamma Productions, a Mexican animation studio that also worked on other Total Television series and early Jay Ward cartoons like "Rocky and Bullwinkle."

Broadcast and Legacy

"King Leonardo and His Short Subjects" enjoyed a successful run during its initial broadcast on NBC. The show's mix of humor, adventure, and engaging characters made it popular among children and set the stage for later animated series by Total Television. Despite not being as well-remembered as some contemporaries like "The Flintstones" or "The Jetsons," "King Leonardo" holds a place in early television animation history as a pioneer in serialized animated content.

The series' success led to reruns and syndication, allowing it to be enjoyed by new generations of viewers. "King Leonardo and His Short Subjects" is notable for its contribution to the development of animated television programming and for establishing a foundation for future Total Television productions.

                              BJ.....



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Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Bravo!!! For "Johnny Bravo " Vintage Cartoons 1997-2004


Johnny Bravo is an animated television series that aired on Cartoon Network from July 14, 1997, to August 27, 2004. Created by Van Partible, the show centers around the titular character Johnny Bravo, a muscular, Elvis Presley-like young man with an outsized ego and a distinctive pompadour hairstyle.
Creation and Development

Van Partible, a Filipino-American animator, conceived the character of Johnny Bravo while he was a student at Loyola Marymount University. Partible's senior thesis project, a short film called "Mess O' Blues," featured an early version of Johnny Bravo and caught the attention of executives at Hanna-Barbera Productions. This led to the creation of a pilot episode for Cartoon Network's "What a Cartoon!" series in 1995.
Pilot and Series Greenlight:
The original pilot, aired in 1995, was well-received, leading to a series order. The pilot's success was bolstered by its humor, unique animation style, and the memorable persona of Johnny Bravo. The character's blend of confidence and cluelessness made him a hit with audiences.
Format and Style:
The show is known for its slapstick comedy, cultural references, and Johnny’s catchphrases like "Whoa, Mama!" and "Do the monkey with me!" Johnny Bravo's exaggerated machismo and his relentless (yet always unsuccessful) pursuit of women form the crux of the show's humor. Despite his physical strength and good looks, Johnny's self-absorption and lack of intelligence often lead to humorous failures.
Evolution and Changes:
Over its four seasons, the show underwent several changes in terms of its animation style and storytelling.

Series Overview
Season 1 (1997-1998): The first season established Johnny Bravo's character and the show's comedic tone. It featured a variety of guest stars, including Adam West, Donny Osmond, and Farrah Fawcett. The season was characterized by its slapstick comedy, cultural references, and Johnny's catchphrases such as "Whoa, Mama!" and "Do the monkey with me!"
Season 2 (1999-2000): This season saw changes in the animation style and writing staff, with Kirk Tingblad taking over as director. The episodes began to incorporate more absurd and surreal humor. The character dynamics also evolved, with the addition of recurring characters like Carl Chryniszzswics, Johnny's nerdy neighbor, and Pops, the owner of the local diner.
Season 3 (2000-2001): With further stylistic changes, the show continued to evolve, focusing more on Johnny's interactions with various characters and settings. The humor became more varied, appealing to a broader audience.
Season 4 (2004): The final season returned to some of the earlier elements of the show while also experimenting with new ideas. The series finale wrapped up Johnny Bravo's adventures in a manner consistent with the show's irreverent humor.
Cultural Impact:
Johnny Bravo became a cultural icon during its run and has remained a beloved character in animation. The show's humor, character design, and voice work by Jeff Bennett (the voice of Johnny Bravo) contributed to its enduring popularity. Johnny Bravo's catchphrases and mannerisms have been referenced and parodied in various media, cementing his place in pop culture.
Legacy

Despite ending in 2004, Johnny Bravo has maintained a lasting legacy through reruns, merchandise, and continued fan interest. The show is often credited with helping to establish Cartoon Network's identity during its early years and influencing subsequent animated series. Johnny Bravo's character remains a symbol of the late 1990s and early 2000s animation era, showcasing the blend of traditional animation with modern humor and storytelling techniques.

                                                             BJ 🙈🙉🙊

 

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