3 Animation Books I Can’t Wait To Read In 2022
A pivotal event in animation history, a memoir from an industry legend, and a how-to book on a little-discussed part of the feature animation filmmaking process. Here are the three animation books that I’m most looking forward to reading in 2022.
The Disney Revolt: The Great Labor War of Animation’s Golden Age
by Jake S. Friedman
The Disney artist’s strike of 1941 is perhaps the single-most important event in American animation history. It not only permanently changed the business of producing animation, but also altered the creative course of the industry’s most revered studio. For all its importance, the events of the strike have never been properly documented – until now. This book is written by Jake Friedman, who has spent the last decade researching the life and work of Disney animator (and unofficial strike leader) Art Babbitt. While Friedman’s Babbitt biography has yet to be published, this book promises to be a fascinating and essential read for anyone who works in the business. (July 2022, Chicago Review Press)
Somewhere Out There: My Animated Life
by Don Bluth
Don Bluth, 84, is a key figure of the second half of 20th century American animation, whose career has had incredible artistic highs (The Secret of NIMH) and dismal lows (A Troll in Central Park). His dramatic departure from Disney is a key moment in contemporary animation history, and his later career as a producer and director took him around the world, from Ireland where he started Sullivan Bluth Studios to Phoenix, where he launched the short-lived Fox Animation Studios. Memoirs written by major figures in animation are often a letdown, and it remains to be seen how forthright Bluth will be about his career. I’m cautiously optimistic that this will be a good read. (July 2022, Smart Pop)
Making the Cut at Pixar: The Art of Editing Animation
by Bill Kinder and Bobbie O’Steen
Editing in feature animation is one of the most critical yet poorly understood parts of the filmmaking process. In contrast to live-action, where the footage is edited after it’s shot, editorial in animation begins before a single frame is ever animated. This book, co-written by Pixar’s former director of editorial and post-production, promises to lift the veil on how Pixar approaches editorial. The book will offer case studies as well as new interviews with Pixar editors, directors, producers, and creative heads. It’s rare to see books about Pixar’s filmmaking process that aren’t official Disney publications – and most of the official books tend to skimp on production details – but Kinder’s long career at the studio ensures authority and gives him access to key figures at the studio who can flesh out the process. (May 2022, Routledge)
