After another rare screening of Cookskin at BAMcinématek, in Brooklyn, New York, Ralph shares his insights into his career in animation, jazz, the world. and the film Coonskin itself! Part one of two.
9:20 - 9:30/ Ah yes, the old NYC factor kicked in! Before Hollywood, the major film studios set up shop in little old New York City. Since the animation departments were based here, as well, this gave the showrunners ample access to top notch talent passing through Times Square and the Theatrical District. Jazz and animation were like hand and glove. Hell, Betty Boop's earliest shorts were glorious music videos! Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, you name it!
When he mentions "feet per week" I know its in reference to old school animation and traditional film; it was hard to find on google but when he describes animators on his team working at 30 feet per week, I believe that's about 20 seconds of animation. (could be wrong...I work in Maya, ha)
