“Animation Fascination” Episode 61: AF News – Week of February 9th, 2014

Listen Now!!

Everything is Awesome!

In this bricktastic episode Marc and Stanford discuss The LEGO Movie and share your input on the film as well. We also talk about ideas for the already in the works sequel to the film and how well it did at the box office this past weekend. In addition, Stanford interviews Floyd Norman in celebration of The Jungle Book coming to Blu-ray this week.

Also Discussed: Arthur Rankin Jr.’s passing, a recap of the Annie Awards winners, a live-action/CG Rescue Rangers film, Pixar’s Party Central preview, the trailer for Postman Pat, and the voice cast for Sausage Party.

(Recorded on 02/10/14)

Interview with Animation Legend Nik Ranieri

Long before I knew it was him, Nik Ranieri has been entertaining and inspiring me with his character animation. Nik is a talented artist whose bold personality has translated into Lumiere, Hades, Kuzco, Buck Cluck, Lewis Robinson, Charlotte La Bouff and my dad’s favorite animated character, Meeko—all characters he supervised. I first heard Nik on Clay Kaytis’ Animation Podcast and I have been an ardent fan of this passionate animator ever since. I asked him if he may be game for an informal interview over Facebook about various topics related to the state of animation today and he very kindly agreed. Nik is such a kind person, yet he will not sidestep the truth to appease popular sentiment. It was an absolute pleasure getting to interview one of my heroes.