Oregon Movies, A to Z

The 2012 Los Angeles Animation Festival salutes one of the world’s most respected animators.

“This year we’re excited to honor one of the greats of animation, Bill Plympton, whose work and independent career have inspired so many of us in the field of animation.” announced John Andrews, founder and co-director of the LAFF.

On Saturday, March 10, Alexia Anatasio will premiere her new documentary Adventures In Plymptoons at the Regent Showcase Theater. Plympton will be present to accept the LAAF award for his contribution to the world of animation on March 11, following a 20th anniversary screening of his first animated feature, The Tune.

Speaking of Oregon directors and first animated features, on March 9 the festival screens Iron Giant, with members of the cast and crew present, including Brad Bird.

LAAF has very discerning taste in animation. The previous festival, in 2010, honored Will Vinton.

How does Oregon do it? The 2012 LAAF honoree, Bill Plympton, was born and raised in Oregon City. A two time Oscar nominee, he made his first animated film at PSU.

The 2010 LAAF honoree, Will Vinton, was born and raised in McMinnville. After winning an Oscar for his first short film, Closed Mondays, in 1976, he founded Will Vinton Studios in Portland.

By the time Brad Bird graduated from Corvallis High School, he knew he wanted to be an animator. He won a Disney scholarship to Cal Arts, an Oscar in 2005 for The Incredibles and another Oscar in 2008 for Ratatouille.

Vince Porter of Oregon Film Commission would love to see an annual animation festival taking place in Portland. You can understand why!

This post brought to you by Oregon Cartoon Institute.