Apparently, Geico insurance isn't the only thing that's easy enough for a caveman to do. They can also make cartoons! At least, according to these three fun pieces of artwork that appeared in the March 1st edition of The Los Angeles Times in 1964. These drawings show a simplified demonstration of how cartoons are made, from the earliest sketches until the cartoon is finally assembled in the editing room. I've seen the first drawing before, but I've never seen the others until now. I don't know for certain the artist behind these, but I suspect this is Dick Bickenbach's work.
Putting life into cartoons
This does not represent a minor revolt at the Hanna-Barbera cartoon studios. Rather, Fred Flintstone and his pal, Barney Rubble, are simply showing how their animated color cartoon series, "The Flintstones," is produced for ABC. They demonstrate how the studio's artists prepare individual transparent "cels," and how they edit the film. Then there's the typical recording sessions held by the show's voices, Mel Blanc, Bea Benaderet, Alan Reed and Jean Vander Pyl. It all adds up to a lot of work for the people behind the scenes. That's the way it is each week with a cartoon series—then it's back to the old drawing board.
I like how Fred openly flaunts his Jackie Gleason origins with that "And Away We Go" pose he's drawing for himself.
ReplyDeleteThey're recording the voice track last? Where did F & B acquire their animation production know-how, Mrs. Doubtfire ?
I'm glad you pointed that out! I wonder if the photos were actually intended to be put in that order, or if that was just a mistake on the LA Times' part.
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