Monday, November 28, 2011

The Carl Bell Interview -- Part I

Carl Bell enjoyed his 41-year career in animation, and looks back on his animating gigs for Chuck Jones, Ralph Bakshi, and Bob Clampett (among others) with great fondess. But he probably wouldn't have gotten into the animation business in California if an animation icon hadn't pointed the way ...

TAG Interview with Carl Bell

Find all TAG Interviews on the TAG website at this link

When Carl was a young Canadian artist, he journeyed to New York City and had an audience with animation great Bill Tytla, who told him he should go to Europe to study the great art masters, and then journey to Los Angeles.

"That's where most of the animation business is, so that's where you should be."

And so, shortly thereafter, began Carl Bell's long and happy work time in the cartoon biz.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

These interviews with old timers are good and enlightening...
BUT...
can't there be interviews with people who are currently animators, doing new and exciting things in the world of 2D animation, whether it is feature films or television? I get very disheartened with I read these interviews about the "good old days" of traditional animation. Is traditional animation truly dead? Or did Glen Keane somehow misplace his pencil?

Steve Hulett said...

So go click on the links. There are plenty of artists still working: Cathy Altieri, Linda Miller, and Sharon Forward, to name three.

And we've interviewed all three of them. Next week, there will be an interview with somebody still active and current in the biz.

Okay?

Anonymous said...

Why Steve! I'm surprised you didn't bring Bert Klein into this. Who as a Tweenager, interned for Film Roman. And then as a Teenager, animated for Film Roman. And then as a Teenager, animated for Walt Disney. And then, and then and then......

Anonymous said...

Actually, my sincerest apologies to all, but I thought the first post was a bit ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

The first post WAS ridiculous!

Thanks for the Carl Bell interview. Carl has always been a wonderful man and a terrific artist.

Anonymous said...

How about an interview with Lou Kachivas? Jim Brummett? Zion Davush-now there is an interesting story!
Just a suggestion...

Steve Hulett said...

I'm surprised you didn't bring Bert Klein into this. Who as a Tweenager, interned for Film Roman.

Mr. Klein was a terrific interview subject.

What we're doing here is talking to artists from various disciplines who've worked in the industry awhile. Sometimes old, sometimes younger, but people who have tales to tell.

I only wish I had started this years ago. And I wish I knew where the old tapes of Ken Anderson, Ward Kimball and Wilfred Jackson are. Have the transcripts, but not the audio.

Ah, well ...

Sandro Cleuzo said...

Publish the transcripts, Steve. It would be great to read their interviews.

Tom Sito said...

Wonderful interview. Thanks Carl for a terrific career.

As for the suggestions of Zeon and Kachivas. I don't think they are around anymore.

Anonymous said...

Zeon is on Facebook. As for Kachivas, I don't know. But I'd like to find out.

Tom Sito said...

By the Power of Facebook, so he is! Thanks, Anonymoose. Nice to see he is around. Indeed, he might be a fun blog.

Chris Sobieniak said...

It is a shame when people do find it antiquated listening to former guys like Mr. Bell. These are the guys I'm more interested in personally over the current or younger crop.

I only wish I had started this years ago. And I wish I knew where the old tapes of Ken Anderson, Ward Kimball and Wilfred Jackson are. Have the transcripts, but not the audio.

That would be nice if they're ever found!

Steve Hulett said...

The transcripts are up on this site.

I should probably republish them.

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