HAPPY NEW ONE!

TOP TEN FOR 2008!

I have no idea WHY... but some people wanna know what I think are the top 10 BIGGEST things that happened in animation this year. To be honest, that's kind of a silly question since there's no way to pick just 10.

So I picked 11. That makes a lot more sense.

And here they are. I'm sure you'll agree with me on each and every one:

MR. WARBURTON'S TOP TEN ELEVEN BIGGEST THINGS IN ANIMATION OF 2008

1. PENCILS! (Just kidding... everyone knows that animation is all done with computers now... except the boring parts. Those have to be done by hand.)

2. INBETWEENS (Studios and artists keep trying to get rid of these little devils but they JUST KEEP COMING BACK! You GO, inbetweens!)

3. FUNNY HATS (If your animated character doesn't have a funny hat you're cheating him/her/it out of at least 28.5% more laughs)

4. COMPUTERS (I like to use mine to check e-mail when I'm supposed to be working. I hear they're good for games, too.)

5. MANGIA (Japanese comic books about giant robots eating Italian food... Molto Mario!)

6. MOMS (Sorry Ninjas, and you too, Pirates... But it was the Mom's turn at the box office this year.)

7. PITCHING YOUR VOICE UP (This one NEVER goes out of style. Back in the old days we gave the voice actors helium balloons, but with computers (see number four) we NEVER run out!)

8. "I'VE GOT A BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS!" (One of those 'go to' lines that makes the 'best of' lists every year. Usually said by a comedic relief character when it's obvious something bad is going to happen. 72% funnier if the character has a crazy accent.)

9. NOTHING! (Actually this one isn't mine. I got it from all those animation bloggers who complain that everything animated after 3:00pm, June 14, 1952 stinks. I don't agree at all... but I REALLY needed something to fill out this list.)

10. THE 2008 ASIFA-EAST USED ANIMATION ART AUCTION AND UNDERWEAR EXPO (What a great way for animators to get rid of all that used art cluttering up their offices. And if it can make groups like ASIFA-EAST a little cash- even better!)

11. THIS:

ARE YOU ON THE LIST?!

As some of you more holiday-minded operatives have requested, I'm continuing the tradition from the old Kidsnextblog and doodling up a KND holiday pic! Someone make sure to tell the mighty operatives over at the Codename: Kids Next Door Fan Forum! They always love 'em.

MASSIVELY QUADRUPLE RAINBOW MONKEY FILLED HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

PAT SMITH (and bacon)

If you spend a lot of time hanging around the animation festivals (big and small), then you already know Pat Smith.

He's been cranking out his personal films, like DRINK and PUPPET, one after the other for years now and racking up the awards. And no matter how loudly you hear him touting the independent filmmaking lifestyle... don't forget to remind him about all those comemrcial projects he's rocked- like directing MTV's DOWNTOWN and DARIA. And all those commercials for ZOLOFT and stuff.

Regardless, I only get to catch up with Mr. Smith at ASIFA events and stuff... and then only briefly. But lately we've made it a point to grab some root beers and hang.

Last night he suggested we hit the Roebling Tea Room over in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Was great to catch up and hear about his latest projects. But then again, it would have been great to hear about anything while chowing down on the macaroni and cheese they serve at this place. We got it with the 'bacon option'...

And when they say 'option' they mean 'bacon nuclear strike'. It's like they sliced an entire salted, fatty pig on top of all that cheesy, noodley business. It's a good thing we're not having our cholesterol checked today.

Anyway... so as to distract Mr. Smith away from the tasty treat, I made him draw me somethin':



Heh heh... more bacon for ME!

When you get a chance, go check out all Pat's stuff at BLEND films!

Pretty Pitcher

A couple weeks ago I was sooper quadruple lucky enough to be invited to the Books of Wonder holiday party here in NYC.

Where?

Books of Wonder, the the THE bestest best independent children's book store here in NYC. They've had a couple locations over the years, but no matter where they are, it's always been a pretty magical experience wandering through the aisles.

I was invited by the inimitable Mr. Timothy Bush who actually had an invite to the event (unlike me) and asked if I wanted to go.

Duh.
On the way over Tim joked that I'd probably know more people than he did. And while it wasn't really true, I did happen to know quite a few, including my editor from Harpercollins, Brenda Bowen, Kids Next Door background artist and children's book illustrator Gideon Kendall, the always warm, always sweet, always hysterical Ted and Besty Lewin, and other assorted folk.

Then there are the people you kinda know through other friends third uncle's friend's sister's gynecologist's neighbor's mother's dead grandfather's cousin they saved in the war.

Children's book sooper star Dan Yaccarino wasn't one of them, but I kinda knew him through Mr. Willems and other random animation pals.

We talked for a while and a couple days later set up some lunchable plans to talk more. Aside from his books he's done some pretty awesome stuff (the Oswald animated series, doing initial designs for the Backyardigans, etc) and has even more awesome stuff coming down the pike. And what do I always do when I meet someone who draws cool stuff?

Wrestle them to the ground until they agree to drawl me a pitcher:



Me love pretty pitchers.

HEY YOU JUST-OUT-OF-SCHOOLERS!

I know that most of you think that I was born into the animation industry- appointed to my lofty position through a combination of good looks, family fortune and crass nepotism. But nothing could be further from the truth! I mean, nepotism? I'd NEVER do that with a chicken! And there certainly wasn't (isn't) no family fortune!

But yes, I must admit my dashing good looks probably helped a bit.

Regardless, I know how you folks coming out of school feel, desperately looking for your first animation job, paid or not. I was there, too.

Exhibit A: This letter, a reply to one of the many I sent to assorted animation luminaries, asking, begging, pleading, crying, whining, for any kind of advice on how to get into this industry!

This one here was from David Ehrlich, an indy animation star and ASIFA legend. Turns out he was in the same same leaky boat as all of us:



So for all of you asking how to get that first job...

I'm sorry you can't be as handsomarrific as me.

But keep at it.

If it's what you really want and you work hard at getting it, something's bound to happen.

STRATAMAGIZING

One of the things I enjoyed most (when I wasn't in a complete panic) about the daily grind of making an animated TV show were the huddles. The ones where me, my Proton Powered Producer, Evil Extinguishing Editor, and Powerful Post Production Supervisor planned out our next move. In the non-stop madness of series production, there's ALWAYS too much to do... so every couple hours, we'd find ourselves huddled up, strategizing over what the best plan of action was.

Should we be cutting the animatic for episode 43B first?

Or locking picture for episode 30A?

Maybe we should we get that pesky color meeting out of the way.

But wait... retakes for episode 32A should be getting here any minute.

Hold up... a storyboard artist just passed out. Get the smelling salts...

Okay... where were we? What? The sheet timer is waiting for episode 37? Crap.

And someone send the dogs after my assistant- he's chewed through his chains and escaped again.


I know it doesn't sound like much fun- but there's something exhilarating about it... especially when you've got a crack team of production specialists you know and trust working with you.

So here we are again as we begin production of a new pilot. Yesterday was the first day of production and there I was, pacing back and forth in front of my mighty, mighty producer's office.

Who's gonna do storyboards? How long have they got?

How can we do storyboards if we don't know what one of the main characters looks like?

Wait... we were supposed to start storyboards TODAY?

We've got a casting call with the Disney folks at 2:00 and whatshisface is coming in at 10:30. Is whatshername available or is she still working on 'Princess Character and the Birdie Num Nums'?

What? That production shut down? That's AWESOME... i mean AWFUL. (But now I get the pick of the litter! MWA HA HA HA!)

SIGH...

It's good to be home.

I got me a PILOT!

You heard me!

I got a PILOT!

A big, beautiful, black PILOT.

It's made by Honda and has leather seats, lots of cup holders, sunroof and all that stuff that makes driving fun.

His name is Wilbur and we bought him back in 2004.

This is him:


Wait...

You thought I was talking about something else?

Like a TV show pilot?

Well, yeah... I got one of them, too.

Just got the call from Disney today that my project is going to pilot.

And I wanna throw my fist in the air and scream real loud!

Shout with me ya'll.

And wish me luck... I gotta go and make the sooper triple bestest best pilot episode ever if it's gonna go to series. Unfortunately, I can't talk about it yet... but as soon as I can you know I will.

YAY!

GETTIN' GOOGLY

As usual, my faithful lab assistants have been doing research and informed me of some pretty interesting facts. Firstly, they wanted me to know (and in turn I want you to know) the TOP 3 GOOGLE SEARCHES as of this morning:

1. The 2008 ASIFA-EAST Auction
2. Maurice Fontenot's awesome comic book pages
3. Cheesesteaks
All VERY interesting topics, of course- and topics I just so happen to know a lot about:

It's no wonder the auction holds the number one spot. People can't stop talking about it. Check out animation writer Joe Strike's story of how I was able to milk him out of his lunch money HERE.
MWA HA HA HA!

And here's another one by aspiring filmmaker Emmett Goodman which includes a sketch of me... although it CAN'T really be me. I've got the most sooper squinty eyes in the universe and could never open an eye that wide. But maybe he caught me at a high bidding moment. See for yourself HERE!

The second most searched topic on Google? Maurice's latest KND comic masterpiece, of course! Check out this penciled page from Operation: CHASE!


Niiiiiiice...

Number three?

Cheesesteaks, dude. It was impossible to find a good one here in NYC for years. But I like THESE.

Ya gotta admit, it's pretty great having me share such important research, right?

ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITA

THE AFTERMATH

I heartily apologize for leaving you hanging as to the results of the 2008 ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction and Underwear Expo, but as always, I've been inundated with the usual madcap after-effects of a major auctioneering event.

I can't say I blame them, but big auction houses like Sotherbys and Christies, when they smell blood in the water... they're gonna start snapping their jaws. So between having to fend off the high powered auctioneer job offers, lucrative animation art consulting gigs and interviews with major trade mags (Big Shot Auctioneer Monthly, The Gavel, The Going Going Gone Gazette, amongst others) I've had zero time to hit the blog.

And I can't say I blame any of these organizations for wanting to talk to me. It's not every day that an auction, let alone a used animation art auction brings in over three thousand dollars.

You heard me correctly.

$3000.00

Actually, $3380.00 to be kinda exact.

Hard to believe, right? But it's my job to wring the bucks out of the fine folks who come to bid and come hell or high water, I'm gonna do it. And all in the name of ASIFA-EAST.

But there's no way I could do it without the unbelievable generosity of all those who donated their used animation art to the event. My eternal gratitude is theirs forever and I look forward to not bugging them for another couple years before the next auction comes along.

I also gotta thank ASIFA-EAST President for Life David Levy for helping me herd cats...er... i mean, assisting me in gathering up artwork from these fine people. Also, Lee Eaton at Curious Pictures for helping me put together the video part of the event. And of course, the talented ASIFA-EAST Secretary Linda Beck, who put Vanna White to shame as my FABULOUS assistant.

So perhaps you'd like a couple highlights of the Auction?

Biggest Seller - Samurai Jack ink wash painting by Genndy Tartakovsky



Second Biggest Sellers - Pixar's Lou Romano Mini Abstracts




I could go on... but why when other folks have already done the work for me? Check out this unbiased report (complete with lots of pictures) of the event on the ASIFA-EAST website written by the aforementioned (fabulous) Linda Beck:

Unbiased Auction Report!

All in all... it was a great time and I thank all those who made it out. And for those of you who DIDN'T... just keep staring at your barren empty walls, devoid of fabulous used animation art and ask yourself 'WHY... WHY DIDN'T I GO?!?!'.

The Auction List

And as always, I'm sure there'll be some last minute additions!

FINAL ASIFA-EAST AUCTION PREVIEW

My friends, I'm afraid it's almost time.

Almost time to say goodbye to these incredibly sooper awesome previews for the ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction and Underwear Expo and let the furious bidding commence.

It's gonna be all out bidding war here in NYC tonight and I hope those who live nearby can make it out. It's a fun time for all. But before I put on my smooooooth auctioneer's outfit... allow me leave you with two last previews.

First... perhaps you've heard of the Krause Brothers?

There's Fran.

And there's Will.

They're twins and they make cool indy films. But they've also made two TV pilots for Cartoon Network, the first one being Utica Cartoon. And the second one was The Upstate Four.

And for the auction this year Fran has painted THIS butt kickin' Upstate Four skateboard deck:


But wait. There's something else. Fran's also donating this:


I know, right? This just may be the earliest existing drawing of Mickey Mouse by Disney in existence. Why it was found behind Fran's toilet in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn remains a mystery.... but I've had a team of experts* take a look at this drawing and they say that it's DEFINITELY a drawing that somewhat resembles Mickey Mouse.
*Experts include a dry cleaning expert, hot dog eating expert, and serbo new jerseyian language expert

And Fran is such an ardent supporter of ASIFA-EAST that he has donated this priceless piece to the auction! Bless you, Mr. Krause!

And oh yeah, there's also these two by that Marty Atoms guy who made that show The Dim Preventures of Willie and Randy. They're from the Underfist spinoff. Whatever.




(Wow! Hoss Delgado, Fred Fredburger AND General Skar?! They're REALLY cool, right? But don't tell HIM that! I'm pretending to be mad at Mr. Atoms for sending in his drawing at the last minute.)

So there ya go. Mind you, these previews are not all we'll have at the auction. There's simply too much to mention! Come on down and check it all out!

And thanks for lookin' over the past buncha days!

ASIFA-EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #16

While this whole ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction and Underwear Expo is great for you civilians out there, it scares the kneaded erasers outta show creators, filmmakers and animation studios. That's because they know I'm gonna be calling and asking them to sign stuff, make awesome pieces of art, donate fingers, etc. And that means WORK.

So like all great artists, they roll up their sleeves, take a deep breath...

And hide.

But imagine their surprise when I came around to all the really good hiding spots (I am a bigshot show creator so I know where they are) with a petition.

A petition stating that, I, Mr. Warburton will never ever ever EVER (forever ever?) ask animators to do drawings for any auction ever again.

Maaaaaaan, they couldn't sign the thing fast enough!

I got Butch Hartman, creator of The Fairly Odd Parents...
Rob Renzetti and Alex Kirwan from My Life as a Teenage Robot.
Bob 'I'm a Robot' Boyle, creator of Wow Wow Wubbzy.
Mike Bell, Greg Emison, not to mention cartoon impresario Fred Seibert. And you know what all of them have in common? They all made shorts for Nickelodeon's OH YEAH! Cartoons!

So imagine their surprise when I whipped away the fake petition and revealed that they were really signing this:


A totally awesome limited edition (Number 76 of 500) Oh Yeah! Cartoons sericel. And just look at all those autographs!

OH YEAH! the guy's were kinda mad at me... but they'll get over it by the time the next auction rolls around.

ASIFA-EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #14 and #15

Jeez, the things I do to get you guys awesome artwork.

That's right... I'll do ANYTHING to get ya'll one-of-a-kind sooper amazing artwork for The ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction and Underwear Expo.

Like what, you ask?

How about dousing myself in ketchup (or is it catsup) and lying down in the middle of the street and pretending like I was hit by a car?

And then telling the medics that before I die, I have to, no NEED TO talk to Carl H. Greenblatt, creator of the gihoogic Cartoon Network hit show CHOWDER. And that he just so happens to be inside that building I'm dying in front of-- Cartoon Network Studios.

So of course they go and get him. And as Carl leans over my fractured, dying body (wink), I tell him in a croaky, last gasp kinda voice... my last request... just one little thing....

Could he loan me five bucks?

AND an original ball point pen drawing depicting lots and lots of Chowder heads and could he make sure to sign it?

At least I got the drawing:



But wait, I told the medics, reaching out my hand desperately. I also need, before I pass on to the afterlife (snicker), an original sketch by Pendleton Ward. Because he created this really crazy/awesome animated short for Frederator/Nickelodeon called 'Adventure Time'. And now through some bizarre rift in the time/space/salad continuum, it's being made into a series by Cartoon Network instead of Nickelodeon. And while I'd love someone to explain to me how that happened- I'm dying and haven't the time. But I really want that drawing by Mr. Ward.
And a pack of peanut butter M&M's.

At least I got the drawing.



And having received my last wishes (suckers!)- I then put on the bestest best fake death throes you've ever seen. I lay there, stock still, for what felt like hours, and when I finally opened my eyes- everyone was gone. But this post-it note from my old-assistant (who now works at Cartoon Network) was stuck to my forehead.



Sigh...

See what I'm willing to do for you people?

ASIFA-EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #12 and #13

For all you snobs out there who think us animation people just sit around drawing butt pictures and thinking up new (and hysterical) fart jokes...

You're RIGHT!

But we CAN, and sometimes DO, read fine literature, you know.

And I've got two examples that just so happen to be a part of the The ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction that's happening THIS Thursday, November 20th here in NYC!

First, from the extensive, 16 story, high-security, marble vaulted halls of the J.J. Sedelmaier Productions Library comes this sooper ultra rare tome:


That there's a first edition copy of 'Animated Cartoons' by E.G. Lutz circa 1920. This is the SAME book that Walk Disney studied when he was learning about animation (Well, not the same exact copy... but you never know, right?). It's got all the rudiments of animation, without all that stuff about computers getting in the way!

The book is in awesome condition, but is lacking the dust jacket- which is almost impossible to find. Of course, Mr. Sedelmaier says he is currently working to reconstruct one from 3 incomplete jackets he's managed to scrounge up... so maybe one day you can get a reproduction from him if you ask real nice.

This is a MUST HAVE for any animation fan's library so don't go and chicken out of bidding on it!

Our second offering shows that sometimes us cartoon people like to talk politics. But as always, it's my duty to inform you that you might not agree with the politics, or with some of the language that goes with this next item.

So Republicans, children and people under the age of 18 should go HERE.

The rest of you should meet David Rees, creator of 'Get Your War On'. He's donated a copy of his new book, 'Get Your War On- The Definitive Account of the War On Terror, 2001-2008'.


Even if you've already bought 50 copies of this book, you don't have one with this ultra American inscription:



So it's kind of your civic duty to bid on it.

And for those of you that don't like to read... be sure to check out the weekly animated Get Your War On episodes:

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

Aaaaaaand last but not least for all you wannabe internet bloggers out there, Mr. Rees has put ya'll on permanent notice by becoming the hottest new blogger on the scene. Check it out.

ASIFA-EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #11

I LOVE this film:

FLUTTER
(i tried to embed it here, but was having trouble, so instead ya gotta go to the National Film Board website... which isn't a bad place to have to go)

So you know what I did? I hiked all the way up to Canada and hunted down filmmaker Howie Shia to try to get him to donate an original production drawing from FLUTTER to The 2008 ASIFA-EAST USED ANIMATION ART AUCTION AND UNDERWEAR EXPO.

Oh, he fought me on it. And what ensued was a battle that shook the very foundations of Cleveland (which I think is in Canada, right?). It was truly an epic battle that spanned days, maybe weeks!

Until Mr. Shia finally told me would NEVER give me an original drawing from FLUTTER because there is no original art from FLUTTER!

Because he did the whole thing in PHOTOSHOP.

Yeah.

PHOTOSHOP.

So i asked if maybe/possibly he could make up an original piece for the auction.
And I think he was kinda tired from fighting, because he said 'okay'.

And here it is:



This picture doesn't do it justice but lemme tell you something- it's GORGEOUS! Hand painted on rice paper, Mr. Shia truly went to town on this baby. And rumour has it he might even be in town for the auction. If so, make sure you say hi- but watch out for his drop kick.

ASIFA-EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #10

I've seen your desk.

And those 'toys' you've got piled up all around it?

YAWN

Seriously, where'd you get those? From the gumball machines outside Stop-n-Shop?

But fear not. The 2008 ASIFA-EAST USED-ANIMATION ART AUCTION AND UNDERWEAR EXPO is here to help. And who better to help us help you than the sooper awesomest store in the entire universe:


That's right. The folks at WILDBRAIN have donated a couple Kidrobot Simpsons Collectible Art figures.

Oops... Did I say a couple? I meant to say a CASE. That's 24 blind packed Simpsons figures. Perhaps you'll get one of the three chase rare figures? Maybe. Maybe not.
You'll just have to be the highest bidder to find out.

What?

You say that's not enough?

Then how about if we throw in this, too:

That's a Glow in the Dark DIY Munny, my friends.

So throw out those lousy 'toys' on your desk and come ready to bid next Thursday.

Your desk will thank you.

ASIFA EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #9

Obviously, you're booked for the evening of Thursday, November 20th. Because anyone and everyone is gonna be in New York City mixin' it up at The 2008 ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction and Underwear Expo.

But a lot of people have been asking me this:

"I won't be able to sleep. I won't be able to eat. So what the heck am I gonna do the night BEFORE the auction?"

And my obvious answer is:

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU

And I am...

Because that's the title of indy animation legend Don Hertzfeldt's latest film. And he's currently on tour promoting it! And believe me, he's no dummy. He's purposely (I think) scheduled his NYC stop on the night before the auction because he KNOWS not to follow up a huge event like that.

It's gonna be a great night of films and insight into how Don creates them. And in case you need extra proof that Mr. Hertzfeldt truly rocks likes a hurricane, he's donated 5 (five) different signed art prints from I AM SO PROUD OF YOU to the auction. Here's one of them:


These have all been made 'in very limited supply because don does not like writing his name over and over again.'.

He's also given us one of his tour posters, signed on the back with this cool drawing:

Let the bidding wars commence!

So now you know what to do on both November 19th and 20th. But what to do on the 21st? Or the 18th for that matter?

C'mon, man... I'm an auctioneer, not a concierge.

ASIFA EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

HOT NEW ANIMATION COMPANY ALERT!
Everyone knows ASIFA-EAST is always on the cutting edge of what's new and hot in 'the toon biz'. While other international animation societies are still up on their soap boxes claiming that films with sound and color are works of the devil- we're out there scouring the festivals and lecture circuits for the next BIG thing.

So imagine my surprise when, while doing research for The 2008 ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction, I came across THE hot new animation company that's gonna make all other animation companies look like limbless monkeys scribbling with broken periwinkle crayons.

It's called Pixar.

And you know that question EVERY SINGLE PERSON asks when you tell them you work in animation?

"Cartoons? Do you still actually draw them? I thought it was all done with clay now."

Pixar's answer: Yes it is.

Check this out:



See that?

Clay.

Years ago we would have to DRAW all that by HAND. But now Pixar has come up with a way to do it ALL with clay! The artists don't have to do ANYTHING so they can sit back and do whatever the heck they want.

Take for instance sooper incredo-talented Pixar artist Lou Romano. Before clay came along he was SWAMPED doing production design for little known films like The Incredibles and doing the voice of Linguini for Ratatatafagloogie. But now that CLAY has come along, he's got time on his hands! He's FINALLY able to sit back and PAINT.

Here are a couple wonderful 6x6 'mini abstracts' done in gouache:




Beautiful, right?

And here's the really cool part: Because I've been kind enough to introduce Pixar to the general public (something a company just getting off the ground can really use), Lou offered to donate these two pieces to The 2008 ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction.

Snap these up while you can- by next year Pixar will have figured a way to do oil paintings in clay as well!

In the meantime, check out Lou's BLOG for tons and tons of utterly amazing art. I think this guy's got what it takes to make Pixar THE next big thing.

You heard it here first.

ASIFA EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #7 (and PROOF!)

If I was a sooper cool lawyer, like in Law and Order, and I had Bob Boyle up on the stand, he would totally collapse under my devastating cross examination. It's be like this:

Sooper Cool Lawyer Mr. Warburton, Esq: So, Mr. Robot... I mean, Mr. 'Boyle'. Even though you have not one, but TWO awesome animated TV shows, something no human could possibly manage, you STILL claim that you're not a robot?

Scared Robot Bob Boyle: Bzzzt... Affirmative.

Sooper Cool Lawyer Mr. Warburton, Esq: Then you leave me no choice but to introduce Exhibit 243e to the court. Dudes and dudettes of the jury- check THIS out:


Everyone in the Courtroom: WHOOOOOOOA!

Old, Yet Kinda Hot, Lady Judge: ORDER IN THE COURT! ORDER!

Sooper Cool Lawyer Mr. Warburton, Esq.: (winking at judge) Rack of lamb for two after I win this case, your honor.

Old, Yet Kinda Hot, Lady Judge: Oh, STOP, Sooper Cool Lawyer Mr. Warburton, Esq! You're making me blush!

Sooper Cool Lawyer Mr. Warburton, Esq: Guilty as charged... but what I really want to know is how Mr. Boyle can run two TV shows and STILL have time to do this awesome original ink and marker 'Wow Wow Wubbzy' drawing for The 2008 ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction and Underwear Expo?! Fortunately, I know the answer....

(He thrusts an accusing finger at the witness)

BECAUSE HE'S A ROBOT!

Scared Robot Bob Boyle (tearing his face off revealing lots of wires and circuits and stuff): BZZZZT- OVERLOAD! Cannot compute devastating cross examination! BZZZT BZZZT BZZZZZZZZZZT!

Sooper Cool Lawyer Mr. Warburton, Esq (whipping his expensive glasses off his face dramatically): The prosecution rocks, your honor.


Awesome, right? People tell me I should get into lawyerizing full time, but I'm kinda busy with this animation racket right now. But I will give you this free legal advice- don't miss out on being the high bidder of this ROCKIN' Wubbzy art on Thursday November 20th...

Even if it was drawn by a robot.

ASIFA EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #6

OMG OMG OMG!

Is that...

I think it's a...

YES...

It's an original Samurai Jack ink drawing by...

GASP!

Genndy Tartakovsky!

Can I click on it?

Please?

Whoa... look at the brush work. It's beeeeeeyooooootiful...

And you mean... I, as in me... as in YOU... can actually own this piece of art, hand crafted by the creator of both Samurai Jack and Dexter's Laboratory?

Yes, you can, my friend. Yes, you can.

But only if you come to The 2008 ASIFA-EAST USED ANIMATION ART AUCTION and UNDERWEAR EXPO next week!

1000 Times News

A couple weeks ago I got the F&G's for my first children's book '1000 Times No'. Yeah, I didn't know what F&G's were until Mo Willems told me. And you know him. He told me it stood for Fish and Game and it's how publishers decide how many copies to send to publishers of hunting magazines.

Jerk.

But now I have an editor, Brenda Bowen (who took over for the departed Laura Geringer), who explains things to me without laughing after I leave the room (I think...).

F&G stands for Folded and Gathered and they're the first printed copies of the book, but they're not bound yet. They're just floppy booklets pinned together that have been FOLDED and GATHERED.

Brilliant.

I totally thought I was gonna cry when it was first put into my hands.
And no... not because it was BAD- because it looks...
Well, it looks sooper triple awesome and represents a lot of hard work that's finally REAL! And I wasn't REALLY crying... I just had something in my eye and I was cutting some onions before I got there, etc.

And as a bonus, here's a mention of the book after it was presented to local NYC librarians and reviewers. Apparently, Elizabeth Bird (aka Fuse #8 of the School Library Journal) and I have had dinner together. Or not. You decide.

Check it out HERE!

There's also some big props for fellow Curious Pictures soldier Ro Rao's upcoming book Herbert's Wormhole a tad further down. It's gonna kick some butt.

ASIFA EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #5

Aaaaaaaaaaaw boy...

Submissions to this year's auction are flying in!
And here's one that rocks as hard as possible:


True art commonsewers will recognize this as a stunning example of Christy Karacas' work- specifically from his 'Super Jail' period. Drawn just for this auction, with ink on board, he's maximized as much of the page as only he can.

For those unfamiliar with the over the top Adult Swim show, check out this interview with Christy and co-creator Stephen Wearbrick. But you know what? It's kinda rough stuff, so if you're young and squeamish... go HERE instead.

But if you're an Adult Swim fan... check out the interview HERE.

Who smells a million dollar opening bid for this one?

Answer: ME

ASIFA EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #4

Let no one say that the ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction and Underwear Expo is not up with current events.

Example: This sooper cool original production drawing of our new commander in awesomeness from the Saturday Night Live TV Funhouse skit- The Obama Files!

Written by the deranged mind of Robert Smigel and drawn at the overworked studios of Wachtenheim/Marianetti this actual production drawing is framed and signed by David Wachtenheim and Robert Marianetti themselves.

Hail to the Chief?

More like Hail to the Highest Bidder!

Here's the skit for those of you who go to bed early:

ASIFA EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #3

Don't let the pigeon outbid you on this one:



Your eyes deceive you not. That's an original color sketch by children's book sooper star Mo Willems! And it'll be up for auction at the 2008 ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction And Underwear Expo! And just to make ALL your dreams come true, he's included a signed copy of 'Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus' in FARSI!



But that's not all! Using my high level government connections, I will get both of these items personally inscribed to the person/pet/higher life form chosen by the highest bidder. No need to thank me- That's just the kind of auctioneer I am.

Hope you can make it to the auction November 20th here in NYC! Stay tuned for another preview tomorrow.

ASIFA EAST AUCTION PREVIEW #2

I love Tom Kenny!

YOU love Tom Kenny!

EVERYBODY loves Tom Kenny!

So, who the heck is Tom Kenny?

Practically every voice in every cartoon made in the history of forever, that's who!

He's the narrator AND the mayor in Powerpuff Girls!
He's Eduardo from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends!
He's Scoutmaster Lumpus and Slinkman!
He's Heffer!
He's Dr. Two Brains!
Jake Spidermonkey!
Val Hallen!
Raimundo!
Mr. Wink!
The Common Cold!
Starscream!
Spyro the Dragon!

And some unknown guy named Spongebob.

So after much negotiation, threats, pleading and late night phone calls I got him to agree to do something ultra-cool for the upcoming ASIFA-EAST USED ANIMATION ART AUCTION AND UNDERWEAR EXPO on November 20th:

A personalized recorded message to the person of your choice from Spongebob Squarepants along with a signed 8x10 photo! Imagine your child/nephew/cousin/best friend/or whoever's face when they play a disc with Spongebob talking right to them, wishing 'em a happy birthday, telling them to say hi to their pet turtle Fuzzy as well as his or her best friend Mimzy O'Donnell (or whatever their best friend's name is).
I can just smell the furious bidding war now- or is that someone nearby eating lasagna?!

You may drool now.

The 2008 ASIFA-EAST Used Animation Art Auction and Underwear Expo!

So... how many of you have heard of ASIFA?

No? Then allow me to explain while those of you 'in the know' go grab a snack.

ASIFA is an international animation society with chapters all over the place.
(The acronym ASIFA stands for 'Animation Something In French Apparently'. I think... All I know is that it stands for a bunch of French words). They hold screenings, write newsletters, and keep archives of animated films, all in the name of promoting the art of animation. Here in New York, we've got the ASIFA-EAST chapter which happens to boast the United States' oldest continually running animation festival!

I've been a member since 1990 when Candy Kugel, my boss at Buzzco Associates, asked me if I wanted to be on the Executive Board of ASIFA-EAST. of course I accepted immediately, never stopping to wonder WHY, on my 2nd day of my 1st ever animation job i was asked to be on the Executive Board of ANYTHING.

I quickly found out that Executive Board meant sitting around stapling, stamping, and putting address labels on newsletters with a bunch of other volunteers. But I got to meet a lot of people in the industry, see a lot of films I would have never had the chance to, and become part of a great community.

And these days, between work and family, I barely have time to go to ASIFA events anymore. But in order to stay somewhat involved, every two years I put together a little fundraiser for the group.

THE ASIFA-EAST USED ANIMATION ART AUCTION!
I got the idea from indy animation rockstar and ASIFA legend David Ehrlich who used to run an auction for ASIFA. Back in the days when NY was an independent animation hot spot, he'd have a screening of all the latest films by folks like George Griffin, Paul Fierlinger, and Karen Aqua and then auction off actual pieces of artwork from the films! Cels, colored pencil sketches, prints... it was amazing to see these films, meet the makers, and then hold, and maybe buy, a piece of them!
David only did it a couple times, but it stuck with me. And when ASIFA-EAST ran into some tough financial times a long time ago, I suggested bringing the auction back.

Me and my big mouth.

Now every two years I gotta put an auction together...
But I always keep these goals in mind:

1. Show some great films!
2. Make some money for ASIFA!
3. Make animation art available and affordable to those in the business.
(that means we don't sell no art to no dealers... dig?)
4. Use my sub-standard auctioneering skills to pit bidders against each other for my own evil amusement.

So here's this year's flyer:



Problem is... with all these computers and stuff, there's rarely such thing as physical, final art anymore. So I gotta hunt down animators and twist their arms so they make pretty original drawings for me.

So in the next couple weeks leading up to the auction, I'll be telling the tales, blow-by-blow, of how I use my sooper triple ninja skills to strong arm art out of world famous animation folk.

Wanna see what my first victim gave up?





Dude...