Milking The Pro's - Part 2
A series of interviews by Jake Friedman: Billy Plympton, Craig Yoe, and Mo Willems.*Originally published in the April 2005 issue of the aNYmator newsletter.
If you're reading this newsletter, you love toons as much as I do. We made it our interests, our hobbies and/or our professions. But what exactly is out there for people who love toons? I had the opportunity to ask nearly a dozen people all over the animation spectrum the four main questions that are the crux of any good brain-tapping. In this multi- part article, professionals in and around cartoons talk about their gigs and offer input to the rest of us.
Bill Plympton is an Oscar-nominated independent animator who has consistently produced popular animated films for the last 20 years. His short film, Guard Dog, was nominated for an Academy Award this year. Visit him at www.plymptoons.com.
JF: What's the hardest thing about being an
independent animator?
BP: Doing the money deals – the contracts,
negotiations, marketing, distribution – and getting the money
from buyers – whether they're distribution or theaters.
JF: What's the biggest perk?
BP: Going to festivals.
Image © Plymptoons
Image © Plymptoons
JF: Why did you choose to do what you're doing?
BP: I loved the magic of cartoons and I especially love hearing the audience laugh, it's almost better than sex. In fact, the perfect event would be to have sex in the cinema while people are laughing at my film.
JF: How do I get to be where you are now?
BP: Keep your films short, cheap and funny.