A Tribute to Michael Sporn

A Tribute to Michael Sporn

As I put my belongings together for the conference a friend of mine

Masako Kanayama

shoots an email to me saying final done!  

The Michael Sporn Tribute Reel  

Not a day goes by I don't think of him

Michael Sporn was one of the giants of the New York animation community

 

I have dusted off the DVD's and sat back to watch films I worked on some twenty years ago

On Monday March 2nd I will be part of a panel decision  



 Michael Sporn was one of the giants of the New York animation community. From 1980 until his untimely death last year, Michael Sporn’s studio produced many acclaimed television specials, most of them animated entirely here in New York.

 

To commemorate the first anniversary of his passing, ASIFA-EAST is hosting an evening of Tribute to Michael Sporn–and we’re encouraging members of the animation community to contribute to a tribute reel to be presented at the event and preserved online.

 

ASIFA-East Tribute to Michael Sporn Monday, March 2, 2015 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm) SVA Theatre [Beatrice] 333 West 23rd Street (between 8th & 9th Ave.) New York, NY (no RSVP required).

 

Please join the others who knew him, worked with him, and read “Splog”–his celebrated blog to look back at his foot prints and keep his legacy alive for the future.
 

Mr. Sporn

 

In 1989 an animation company based in NYC adapted

"The Story of the Dancing Frog"

by Quentin Blake

 

Directed by Michael Sporn

of

Michael Sporn Studio

 

The talent that was working for Michael's studio was amazing.

I always felt privileged to have met and work side by side with so many talented artist.

 I still have friends in the field, its no longer the same now most work is done from home. The days of the studio seems to be a thing of the past.

(sad)

One year ago today I received a phone call Michael past away this morning.

His long fight with cancer was over.

I lost someone very special that day , you are missed Mr. Sporn.

   

 

   

Remebering Michael Sporn

A

Salon In

  Remembrance

of

Michael Sporn

 

Saturday, January 24th, 2015

6:00- 10:00

 

It is one of those thing that you look

forward to and not at the same time

 

Michael Sporn

Today I am saying goodbye to my friend Michael who past away on Sunday 19th of January.

He was my boss, teacher, and friend.

I am missing him dearly and thankful we shared sometime together talking before it all hit the fan.

 

If you are interested and want more details of this incredible man John Canemaker wrote an obituary click here  

  

some of Michael's animated shorts on Fandor 

 

Bernard Waber, children's author, dies at age 91

 

Photo credit: The Associated Press - This undated image released by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt shows children's author Bernard Waber in New York. Publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt said in a statement Monday, May 20, 2013, that Waber died May 16 at his Long Island home after a long illness. He was 91. Waber debuted as an author in 1962 with "The House on East 88th Street." The book introduced readers to the lovable Lyle, first spotted in a bathtub in an Upper East Side brownstone. Lyle's story continued in "Lyle Finds His Mother," "Lyle and the Birthday Party." (AP Photo/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) NEW YORK (AP) Bernard Waber, the author of such children's favorites as "The House on East 88th Street" and "Lyle, Lyle Crocodile," has died. Waber died May 16 at his Long Island home after a long illness, publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced Monday. He was 91. Waber's "warmth, energy, artfulness, elegance, and abiding respect for children were epitomized in his books," Houghton's senior vice president and publisher of books for young readers, Betsy Groban, said in a statement. His 33 books have sold 1.75 million copies, the publishing company said. Waber debuted as an author in 1962 with "The House on East 88th Street," which introduced readers to the lovable Lyle, first spotted in a bathtub in an Upper East Side brownstone. Lyle's story continued in "Lyle Finds His Mother," ''Lyle and the Birthday Party" and other works. Waber also wrote many non-Lyle books, such as "Ira Sleeps Over," in which a boy fears he'll be teased for bringing a favorite stuffed teddy bear to a friend's house. Waber was a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of what was then known as the Philadelphia College of Art. He is survived by his brother, three children and four grandchildren. His final book, "Lyle Walks the Dog," was a 2010 collaboration with his daughter, Paulis.

It came to my attention yesterday That Bernard Waber past away at the age of 91.

I met Mr. Waber once at an HBO party, I was working for Michael

 Sporn Animation at the time and HBO threw a party for the screening of the adapted animated film "Lyle Lyle Crocodile".

I wish I spent time talking to Mr. Waber at the party. But I was young and did not take the opportunity. (Silly I know but that was then) click link to see old post LINK:


Me with Lyle



my signed copy

 

RIP

Mr. Waber

5 days to go!

There are only 5 days to go

and I am very happy to see so many take the time to pledge,

I know more money has been raised then what is shown; like my self I just handed Micheall

 my pledge into his hand

(I did not want to create another account)

Poe is Back!

Poe is back!

 Round two
 I am very happy to see Michael restart this pledge drive to get Poe animated
Just click on the above image to bring you to the
indiegogo pledge site

Facebook Like page

Look what I GOT!

Look what I GOT!

For the last three days I have been helping my friend Michael packs up his life into boxes.

It has been a long time since we spent that much time together; you don’t realize what you are missing out on till it hits you in the head.  

 The studio is downsizing like the rest of the world and holding on to a space of that size is no longer needed. (See link)    

 It was great to walk down memory lane packing up books we adapted into animated specials as well as the artwork.  (I said oh wow a lot)

I found this little gem of artwork under some other papers and asked if “I have I could have it?” So that’s the story.

______________________________________________

Also this second piece of artwork is from another friend of mine Lisa who I am doing an exchange with.

One of the modalities I use as a massage therapist is Reiki (energy work) I am doing a series of sessions on her in exchange for the artwork.

 What is also cool about this is she is creating the watercolor with me in mind so I can’t wait to see it finished.

POE again

Five years ago it was told to me by Michael Sporn
“I am making Edgar Allan Poe into a 90minute animated movie”. “I am looking for bakers and so on….” I was told over the years that one person or another was going to back this project; if anyone has tried to raise money for any type of project, you would know it is hard. Even for Michael who is well respected in the industry. For reasons I don’t know it never happened recession scares must have played a large part.  I know people losing their jobs hurt my work load no one was or is bullet proof with this mess we are in.  

Some of you may have read older post of mine; so you know I worked with Michael for many years and think of him as a good friend. So when Mr. Sporn posted on his “Splog” (blog) about trying to raise money using Kickstarter I thought it was a great idea. I myself have put in my two cents to help get this project started, and have re posted it on my as well as some of my friends Facebook pages, also on other social networks including joining Twitter (let’s see how that goes).

The pencils in the picture are relics from the past when I worked at the studio. You can see the tooth marks I made, why? I don’t know but there they are .

Links to view

"Poestory" this is the official website created by the studio

"Splog" Micheal's personal blog site you can find all the info you need on Poe  

"Kickstater" the official campaign to pledge

&

Michael Sporn Animation, Inc. 

"POE" Project by Michael Sporn

A Link to pledge



Michael Sporn Animation

If anyone can help out it would be great!

I never do anything like this. But you know it will be a great movie  

SANTABEAR'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

Last weekend I was at a Christmas Fair and I came across this book

Yes I bought the book 

This made me think of the special we did when I was working for

Micheal Sporns Animation studio.  

original cell from "Santabear's High Flying Adventure"

So keeping up with my Holiday posts this is

 "Santabear's High Flying Adventure"

created in 1987

this was my very first job working in animation  

it is most likely the only scene I ever animated it is part of the opening sequence.

It was a true treasure to find it on YouTube 

part 1

part 2

Academy Salute to John Hubley

On the evening of Monday October 10, I was sitting in the Academy Theater. Enjoying a salute to John Hubley animated films from (1914-1977)

What a treat! His work is inspirational.

John Canemaker did a fabulous job Hosting the event

John Canemaker, Emily Hubley, and Michael Sporn

program part 1

The Ragtime bear, par John Hubley by jedall

I did not have a ticket and the show was sold out. I just did not think I would need to order one in advance. I had it all planed out leave work by 6:00 get to the theater no later than 6:30 buy a ticket show starts at 7:00 Done! Easy, it was easy until I got an email from my friend Patti asking if I was going? Moreover, do I have a ticket because are friend Michael told her it looks like the show is filling up fast.

program part 2

(Spit take) Wha? Noooo!



program part 3



   Therefore, this is when I became concerned Patti suggested ordering a ticket now and pick it up at the theater. Good idea but I do not carry any credit cards with me, so I text my gal asked her if she would call and order it for me; was text back telling me that ticket sales for phone order closed at noon it was 3:00.


  She suggested I call Michael and see if he can be any help another quick email and Michael responded by giving me a phone # to call to see if they were sold out and he wished me luck. I called, They were, but said if I can get there early enough and get on the waiting list usually the first 15-20 people get in.

Now my day job is being a massage therapist I could not leave any earlier then 6:00 because of an appointment that finished up at 5:45 so…

I am feeling like I will not get in. Nevertheless, I go to the theater expecting a line out the door and 21 people on the waiting list, that is not the case no line at all I thought I was in the wrong building. Went to the ticket sales table asked if they had any available seats for sale for the show, they said no. However, do you want to be on the waiting list? I looked at the list only about 8-10 people on the list so I said “Why not!” then waited in the lobby. While waiting I saw Heidi Michael’s wife and my friend.
 Michael must of told her what I said to him she asked if I had any luck getting a ticket? I said no I am on a short waiting list. She said to me let me talk to Michael maybe he can pull a few strings (just so everyone knows it is really cool to be friends with one of the most powerful men in animation).

(BTW Heidi pulled the strings)

She went to talk to Michael I waited and then my ship came in a man went to the ticket table and said he had an extra ticket is there a waiting list? One of the women behind the table got up and started calling out the names on the list one by one she called and no one answered except one.

me in the second row taking to a very nice woman,
Heidi one row in front of me
and John Canemaker to the left of Heidi
and Michael taking the picture 

That's ME!

  I felt like Charley and that I just got “The Golden Ticket”, I pulled out my wallet to pay for the ticket he declined my money and told me to enjoy the show. Within a few minutes, someone is calling out my name Heidi is smiling at me as my escort led me to privet get together. I ate a little something and then went with the rest of the guest from the party into the theater before the rest of the ticket holders.
    Did I say how cool it is to know one of the most important men in animation?

More John Hubley Films Link
Micheal's splog link 1, Link 2

Birthday Cards from the Past

Stephen Macquignon retro artwork 2008

Well sometime this week is my birthday and I thought I would share some birthday cards that were made for me by other talented artist who I

worked with over the years at

 Michael Sporn Animation Studio Inc. 

we would create cards for each others birthday I can only find three that was made for me 



This one I made for my friend
Michael in 2011 for his birthday it was a fun party.
This card gave me the idea to share what others created for
me





Made for me during the making of
"Poky Little Puppy's First Christmas",
This maybe the artwork of Jason McDonald 
1992




Front cover part 1
not sure the year. But I worked with a lot of magic markers
I was given the nickname
Bikerman
because of my appearance 




Inside artwork part 2
I think  it was George McClements or Michael Wisnieski
who created this card or both  




Created by Masako Kanayama




Created by Michael Sporn
the artwork is from
"Hunting Of The Snark"
1989 



(I apologize for the poor quality of the cards but until I get everything working again in my computer system thing are a bit fuzzy)

Why did it take me so long to look this up?

Why did it take me so long to look this up? It’s beyond me it is also embarrassing. Not for the first time I was reading Michael’s Splog and he showed artwork from the 1940 version of Fantasia

While looking at the artwork it kept reminding me of a book I have in my home of another’s artist artwork, I have had this thought in the past but I never did any type of search nor asked anyone if he did work on the film well today I finally took the time. So now I’ll share it with you. The artist name is Heinrich Kley I’m posting his work against the film grabs that I have taken from other Internet sources.

According to Wikipedia: Kley's artwork was an inspiration

 



Link to Michael's splog





I have always found Heinrich work inspirational and hope you do as well

Things you should read

I am sharing a couple of links today one is about one person journey on Internet Harassment it has a lot of great links to help others.
 The other link is about poor walk cycles and unnecessary violence in animation.
So off you go, go on, shoo, get out… I’ll post something new in a few days.
I'm off to fix my faucet

1) Are you a Victim of Internet Harassment?

2) Bad Animation

added #3 on May 11, 2011

3) Animondays: ASIFA-EAST

PS I fixed my faucet

"Berry Blue Haiku" March issue

The March issue of "Berry Blue Haiku" is out for the taken and it is FREE! in fact all the issues are now free. You can find my artwork in the September 2010, December 2010, and March 2011 issues.
Just go to "Currclick" to download your free copies its easy.

 I would like to take a moment to thank Michael Sporn for the use of his studio. My monitor decided to stop working at 5:00AM Friday morning, after some choice words and a melt down
(hoping it was just the monitor) I gave Michael a call around 7:00AM.
 I needed to get this project done, the deadline was about a week away but I like to get the artwork in early just in case there are needed changes.

I had the finished pen & ink drawings so all I needed to do is readjust the sizes and add a splash of color
 I was thankful he was there and with his comforting voice over the phone he said "come".
I would also like to thank Katrina Gregorius, who is one of the animators at the studio; she was a great help to me getting my drawings scanned and into the correct computer that I was using to finish the project.
Katrina's help and patience was appreciated.

"The Illusionist"

At my local movie theater

 The Kew Gardens Cinemas 

 I went t see

"The Illusionist"

(film description)

"A story about two paths that cross. An outdated, aging magician, forced to wander from country to country, city to city and station to station in search of a stage to perform his act meets a young girl at the start of her life's journey. Alice is a teenage girl with all her capacity for childish wonder still intact. She plays at being a woman without realizing the day to stop pretending is fast approaching. She doesn't know yet that she loves The Illusionist like she would a father; he already knows that he loves her as he would a daughter. Their destinies will collide, but nothing - not even magic or the power of illusion - can stop the voyage of discovery."

My overview/Review:

Animation is not Dead YET!

The story kind of drops in the middle but over all well done. The use of the rabbit nipping at every one made me smile and the only scene that bothered me a little was when he was in Scotland and the owner of the pub puts up his poster over the dartboard later on the poster is missing. This film is worth seeing I found it beautiful to look at. The scenes of him traveling on the train are wonderful it made me want to take a train ride across the country. If you love animation then see this film A film like this does not come around every day. So go out and support this film it worth seeing on the big screen.
It makes me want to work in animation again.

This is a link to a post from Michael Sporn who can write a lot more eloquently then I about this wonderful film "Magicians Do Not Exist" (Click Me)

    

"Return to the Hundred Acre Wood"

Not long ago

"Return to the Hundred Acre Wood"
by David Benedictus, Decorations by Mark Burgess

Became available my first thought was "You must be joking"

Q) Its been how many years?

A) Eighty years

I was not going to buy this book I loved the original there is no way they could bring back this wonderful bear with all it's friends & relations and make me happy.

Well I was wrong, while in B&N on a rainy day I spotted the book pick it up and read the introduction.

I new I was going to buy it after that moment and I have been enjoying reading it ever since.

My first encounter with this bear was not the original book. It was Disney's animated version

"The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh"

I always enjoyed the illustration (decorations) by Ernest H. Shepard

But in truth I never read the story until my late twenties.

Back when I worked at the animation studio I had a Walkmans with AM/Fm radios built in.

I found myself listening to a children station on the AM dial

(of course I did not tell anyone I was listening to a kids station)

and hearing for the first time the audio version

of

Winne the Pooh stories written by A.A. Milne

told by Peter Dennis

Fantastic!

(you can find out more on Pooh Corner)

I truly fell in love with it then and have been a fan ever since,

"Return to the Hundred Acre Wood"

is also a joy to read and I'm a fan of this book as well.