Friday, March 5, 2010

Pindal and friends vol.1 - Zack Schwartz

Zach Schwartz is one of the most important figures of animation history. He is perhaps best known as the co-founder of UPA (Along with Dave Hilberman) and for art-directing "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" segment in Disney's "Fantasia".


Kaj had invited Zack Schawrtz to teach at Sheridan College, and Zack became one of the most popular instructors of the 80s and early 90s. At the time , Zack had written a wonderful book called "And Then What Happened? A Story-teller's Handbook for Animators" elegantly explaining the mechanics of story-telling with examples from many great cartoons. In his book, Zack makes the important distinction between story and plot, and stresses the importance of Character.

This book is in the process of being converted to PDF format, and we hope to later provide it on this blog.

Last summer, Kaj asked me to carry a gift to Zack's widow, Drora, who lives in Ramat-Aviv, Israel. I was astonished by Drora's generosity in sharing wonderful stories as well as artwork from Zack's collection. She graciously allowed me to make high resolution scans of these precious works, which are now documented in the ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Archive. Here are a few formatted favorites to share with our readers:


Perhaps the first-ever concept painting of the famous Sorcerer's Apprentice broom!




Original artwork from "Bambi"


5 comments:

  1. HOLY COW!

    I've got to feature this blog on Canadian Animation Resources - you're doing the work of a saint, Amir.

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  2. Hi Amir,
    on this page about Kaj Pindal, there is a cartoon with Zack Schwartz, and as I see it right, Borge Ring.
    Do you know the story behind this cartoon?
    Currently I'm working with Borge's material and found this page with this cartoon.
    I happen to know Borge Ring personally, and its great to meet someone who actually knew these people from the past.

    Peter,
    NIAf / The Netherlands

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  3. Hi Peter,

    It's written that it was drawn in Hamilton in 86, that's during the time Zack was teaching at Sheridan. Sheridan is in Oakville, Ontario, and Hamilton is a neighboring town. I assume Borge Ring visited the school. I can ask Kaj more when I see him. Thanks for the interest, best regards to you and Borge!

    Amir

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