This extraordinary volume examines the life and animation philosophy of Maurice Noble, the noted American animation background artist and layout designer whose contributions to the industry span more than 60 years and include such cartoon classics as Duck Dodgers in the 24 ½th Century, What's Opera, Doc?, and The Road Runner Show. Revered throughout the animation world, his work serves as a foundation and reference point for the current generation of animators, story artists, and designers. Written by Noble's longtime friend and colleague Tod Polson and based on the draft manuscript Noble worked on in the years before his death, this illuminating book passes on his approach to animation design from concept to final frame, illustrated with sketches and stunning original artwork spanning the full breadth of his career.
Showing posts with label Maurice Noble. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maurice Noble. Show all posts
Art Side of Life
Recently I was interviewed for the program Art Side of Life. In the interview I talk about some of my influences... as well as the ups and downs of my career thus far.
NobleTales Shorts
Looking back at a few of my personal short film projects.
Each short film I make really reflects a certain period in my life. "Al Tudi Tuhak" was made when I was a lonely 20 something trying to find my way in the world. "The Pumpkin of Nyefar" was made after the death of my mentor Maurice Noble. Created both as a tribute to the man, and a way for me to deal with loss. The same is true of "The Escape of the Gingerbread Man!!!" after the death of my father. It was my "angry" film, that helped me through the mourning process. Since the birth of my son a few years ago, I'm at a much happier place. The new films that I'm working on now are really for him. Seeing the world again anew, but through his eyes.
Comics Alliance Reviews The Noble Approach
As the first anniversary of The Noble Approach: Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design draws near... great reviews are still coming in for the book! This time from Patrick A. Reed of Comics Alliance.
Read the post HERE!
A Gingerly Prepared Meal -or- Ginger eats a close relative.
A promotion video for the store window. Directed and animated by Poul Riishede
Years ago Poul left his native Denmark to help me make my film at The Monk Studio Thailand. Like most of my personal film work, I had no budget to pay anyone. But despite that, Poul went above and beyond what was expected... and helped make the film a reality.
A few pages from the menu. Layout and photography by Poul Riishede
During the production of the film, Poul constantly yearned for a well made pancake. Then after a while, he decided to take matters in his own hands... and opened up his own shop! I owe Poul so much for helping me make my own dream a reality... so offered him and his wife the character to help them get their little dream business going. I never expected him to run, run, run with the character the way he has... but I am happy to see little Ginger running again. -tod
Some Ginger goodies for the kids! By Sansanee Riishede!
The Noble Approach California Mini-Book tour
With the talented Brooke Keesling at Cartoon Network.
With Disney Vet and designer Cynthia Ignacio Gordon
With the happy story man Julius Aguimatang who loves to goose people when he's happy.
At the famous Lucky 7 pub with Andrew Gordan, Sirid Garff, and Scott Clark
In the Pixar lobby, the closest I've been to having an Oscar in years
At one of the Noble talks. You can see the excitement mounting.
A complimentary shirt from the lovely ladies of The Cartoon Saloon!
Pumpkin Miniatures
I have long been an admirer of Persian and Turkish miniatures, and have always wanted to design a film in that traditional style. While researching "The Pumpkin of Nyefar" in Turkey years ago, I saw my opportunity, and made a number of small paintings inspired by the art I saw on tour. Much of my early concept art attempted to remain faithful to the style of the miniatures. But as the story of "Pumpkin" developed, and became more and more wacky. It was clear that the artwork needed to follow suit.
So instead of trying to replicate Turkish miniatures, I tried to create a look that better fit the story... but still contained elements of the miniatures that I so loved. One day I hope to have the opportunity to design a film that will allow me to explore this style further.
art © tod polson, film stills © tod polson and Mark Oftedal
A Noble dream fulfilled
Above: Mr. Noble at work in his home studio
"The Noble Approach" kindle version is now available for download HERE.
The hard bound copy of the book will be available after Oct. 1st 2013 HERE.
A Noble Effort- Article by Eric Molinsky
A nice article about one of my mentors; Maurice Noble... Put together by Eric Molinsky
-Click on the arrow above to hear the article... Or read it... and see some of Maurice's art click HERE.
If you liked this article... check out Maurice's Biography
If you liked this article... check out Maurice's Biography
Stepping into the Picture: Cartoon Designer Maurice Noble by Robert J. McKinnon.
.. and Scott Morse's illustrated book, Noble Boy.
My upcoming book based on Maurice's design notes... The Noble Approach: Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design will be out in Oct. 2013
The Noble Approach in print
"The Noble Approach"- Maurice Noble's design book is one step closer to getting out into the world. This week I received a pre-view copy from my publisher, Chronicle Books. Everything is on track for the Oct. 1st publication date.
The book is available for pre-order HERE!
F
It's hard to believe that it's been exactly twenty years since I finished my undergraduate degree. My final film project was called "F," and explored the Asian American experience of the early 20th century. Hopefully one day I will be able to transfer the project to digital format.
all images copyright Tod Polson
The Noble Approach FLIP interview
A great interview for Alex Williams of FLIP! regarding the making of Maurice Noble's design book " The Noble Approach." To check it out ... please click HERE.
Above: A few Maurice Noble images from the article.
"The Noble Approach; Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design" is available for pre-order at Amazon.com
"The Noble Approach; Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design" is available for pre-order at Amazon.com
The Noble Approach in Thailand.
The Animation Workshop, where I've been teaching the last 6 years, has set up a series of professional animation master classes in Thailand. The first will be a 5 day intensive course based on chapters from my upcoming book... "The Noble Approach." It will be set just north of Chiang Mai Thailand in the beautiful AWAY resort.
The following is from the Official Animation Workshop page here.
The Noble Approach
5 day Design Workshop in Thailand
Based on Polson’s upcoming book The Noble Approach which discusses Oscar winning designer/director Maurice Noble’s approach to film design from start to finish. The five day workshop will explore Noble's philosophy, and techniques through work assignments and intensive talks on subjects such as; Visual Storytelling, Research and Inspiration, Value, Color and saturation, Compositional theories, Perspective and depth.
Based on Polson’s upcoming book The Noble Approach which discusses Oscar winning designer/director Maurice Noble’s approach to film design from start to finish. The five day workshop will explore Noble's philosophy, and techniques through work assignments and intensive talks on subjects such as; Visual Storytelling, Research and Inspiration, Value, Color and saturation, Compositional theories, Perspective and depth.
Participants will find a thorough yet essential design course from the angle of Maurice Noble, sprinkled with assignments, example works and talks, all professionally guided by Maurice's understudy Tod Polson; designer, author and director with extensive experience in projects for companies such as Walt Disney, Warner Bros. and Nickelodeon.
Note: Participant fee includes superior double room, all meals, coffee breaks, and mineral water from arrival til end. Discount 50 usd pr person sharing same room. Transport between Chiang Mai city and the resort included. All resort facilities are at free disposal. One hour daily physical exercise with local trainer included. Drawing materials used in the assignments provided. Certificate and proof of participation, will be given all students, signed by all partner organizing schools and The Animation Workshop, Thailand.
Submission: This exclusive workshop is designed for advanced animation students, graduates and professionals. Enrollment is limited, so please attach short electronic curriculum
Practical details:
- Instructor: Tod Polson
- Location: Centara Away Resort, Chiang Mai
- Start: Wednesday May 16. 9.00 am
- Arrivals: Tuesday May 15.
- End: Sunday May 20. 14.00 pm
- Fee: 1200 usd / 36.000 bht
- Schedule: 9.00 am - 12.00 pm // 14.00 - 17.30 pm
- Count: 20
- Contact: Thomas Eilertsen: eilertsen@animwork.dk
- Deadline: May 1. 2012
Tod Polson on Maurice Noble:
"Maurice Noble was arguably one of animations greatest design/layout artists. His innovative use of color and design was integral to many of the greatest cartoons of the "Golden Age of Animation", from the classic Disney features “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, “Pinocchio”, “Fantasia”, “Bambi” and “Dumbo”, to more than sixty Warner Bros. cartoons with Chuck Jones. These include “What’s Opera Doc?”, “Duck Dodgers in the 24 ½ Century”, and the “Road Runner” series. Maurice co-directed and was production designer for the Academy Award winning short “The Dot And The Line”. He also designed the Christmas classic “The Grinch That Stole Christmas." The influence of his work is still being felt today."
Maurice Noble Design Book
Maurice Noble was arguably one of animations greatest design/layout artists. His innovative use of color and design was integral to many of the greatest cartoons of the "Golden Age of Animation", from the classic Disney features “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, “Pinocchio”, “Fantasia”, “Bambi” and “Dumbo”, to more than sixty Warner Bros. cartoons with Chuck Jones. These include “What’s Opera Doc?”, “Duck Dodgers in the 24 ½ Century”, and the “Road Runner” series. Maurice co-directed and was production designer for the Academy Award winning short “The Dot And The Line”. He also designed the Christmas classic “The Grinch That Stole Christmas." The influence of his work is still being felt today.
The last few years of his life, Maurice had been working on a design textbook that described his approach to design. Unfortunately he passed away before he was able to complete the text. For most of the last year I have been working with Chronicle Books in putting together what I hope will be the book that Maurice had dreamed of. It will be chocked full of his pre-production art, notes, and thoughts from the master himself describing his process. The book will also be full of reflections from folks that knew and worked with him.
I submit the text to Chronicle Books this week, and if all goes according to schedule, Maurice's book will be on the shelves in 2012.
Pumpkin Posters
Al Tudi Tuhak in digital format
At long last I have a digital copy of "Al Tudi Tuhak," my student film from Cal/Arts! For years I've only had the 35mm prints, and some old video tapes. This last January I was invited to show "Al Tudi Tuhak" at the Bay International Children's Film Festival. A huge thanks to Jim Capobianco, who offered to make the digital transfer from 3/4" tape for me. Jim is a really great guy, and talented director, animator, and artist. Check out his website . He and his group are doing some really interesting things.
"Al Tudi Tuhak", is an original story inspired by the art and culture of the natives of the northwest coast. The film was made under the guidance of my mentors Jules Engel (UPA, Cal-Arts), and Maurice Noble (Disney, Warner Bros). With narration by Maurice, and music by Bill Benson.
Jules and Maurice were both wonderful, passionate, designers; with two very different approaches to design. This film marks an amazing, yet confusing time for me. It was a huge step in helping me develop my own design philosophy.
Above: Development art presented to the board at Cal-Arts in order to get "Al Tudi Tuhak" approved as my thesis.
The art is a mix of latex house paint on cels, and cut-outs.
I shot "Al Tudi Tuhak" on 35mm at Stokes/Kohne in Los Angeles. Dan Kohne was nice enough to let me use his Oxberry camera on the nights they weren't using the studio. And he and Billy Robinson were extremely patient with all my late night camera questions. I learned that it's hard shooting on black! Dust, fingerprints, everything show up under camera! The water effects were shot using double exposure with a ripple glass. Maurice sat in quite a few nights as "camera assistant." He taught me how important it is for a designer to know the capabilities of the camera.
Ben Jones, and Mike Polvani were kind enough to help me out with a few scenes of animation.
I shot "Al Tudi Tuhak" on 35mm at Stokes/Kohne in Los Angeles. Dan Kohne was nice enough to let me use his Oxberry camera on the nights they weren't using the studio. And he and Billy Robinson were extremely patient with all my late night camera questions. I learned that it's hard shooting on black! Dust, fingerprints, everything show up under camera! The water effects were shot using double exposure with a ripple glass. Maurice sat in quite a few nights as "camera assistant." He taught me how important it is for a designer to know the capabilities of the camera.
Ben Jones, and Mike Polvani were kind enough to help me out with a few scenes of animation.
Bernadette Gonzales helped supervise the ink and paint.
... and a big thanks to my friends in the Philippines who helped out along the way.
"Al Tudi Tuhak" toured the festival circuit for a few years, winning the student "Oscar", and receiving an "Annie" nomination.
To read more about the film, click here or here
... and a big thanks to my friends in the Philippines who helped out along the way.
"Al Tudi Tuhak" toured the festival circuit for a few years, winning the student "Oscar", and receiving an "Annie" nomination.
To read more about the film, click here or here
Noble Tales: A man and his dream
One of the most influential people in my career was my friend and mentor, Maurice Noble. He selected a small group of us right out of art school to train, and help him design projects at several studios in the Los Angeles area. This small group became known as the "Noble Boys".
One of Maurice's assignments was to develop and design folk stories from around the world using ethnic art as inspiration. We had all grown up watching Looney Tunes, and Disney. Maurice wanted to push us out of our comfort zone... looking to folk art, instead of simply regurgitating old cartoon design styles. The group of stories we developed eventually became known as the "Noble Tales". Maurice thought the ideas we came up with were so good, that at the ripe young age of 86 decided to start a company, and market "Nobletales" as a TV series.
Above: One of the incarnations of "Noble Tales" I designed... with a Captain Noble, and his crew as "host".
We pitched "Nobletales" all over town... and while many studios liked the concept... they felt it would be difficult to market a group of shorts as a series. They needed reoccurring characters to tie everything together... and of course, sell toys. So we developed a number of main character concepts... from Aliens, to an old explorer in a flying ship.
Above: A few of the "NobleTales" stories developed by Maurice and the gang.
We have yet to launch NobleTales as a series... I keep making shorts as I have time and money... mostly because I just like making short films. "Al Tudi Tuhak", "The Pumpkin of Nyefar", "Escape of the Gingerbread Man!!!", and at the time of this post, have just completed a rough animatic of "To Be a Cow", narrated by veteran actor Soon-Tek Oh.
Note: The Nobletales website is currently not working. I am hoping to relaunch the site soon.
Al Tudi Tuhak
Al Tudi Tuhak from Tod Polson on Vimeo.
A clip from my student film, made under the guidance of my mentors Jules Engel (UPA, Cal-Arts), and Maurice Noble (Warner Bros). With narration by Maurice Noble, and music by Bill Benson. Additional animation by Mike Polvani, and Ben Jones. This year marks sort of an anniversary for "Al Tudi Tuhak" so I thought I would put a bit of it up.When I first moved to Los Angeles I saw a show of masks from the Northwest coast of the U.S. The power and simplicity of the design inspired me to create a short film using Northwest coast story and design as a theme. Several of the Northern stories I researched mentioned the "creator"... or "father of Raven"... but I found no stories specifically "the creator" himself. So, I wrote a story trying to capture the depth and feel of a story from long ago.
Above: Development art presented to the board at Cal-Arts in order to get "Al Tudi Tuhak" approved as my thesis.
My pal, musician Bill Benson and I traveled to Seattle for research. There we were honored to meet with Upper Skagit tribal elder/ storyteller Taqʷšəblu (Vi Hilbert). She really liked the story, and named the film "Al Tudi Tuhak"... which in the Lushootseed language means "... long, long, ago." I am not native American, and I had gradually began to feel more and more uncomfortable using native motifs. Taqʷšəblu encouraged me to make the film the way I felt it should be made. "We are storytellers, the stories find us... we don't find them. If you honor the spirit of our people, and yourself, you have done nothing wrong... the story must be told"
I shot the film on 35mm... using house paint, and cut-out paper... using a very simple style. Unfortunately at the moment I have no clean digital copies. Someday I hope to re-transfer the film using modern technology.
"Al Tudi Tuhak" toured the festival circuit for a few years, winning the student "Oscar", and receiving an "Annie" nomination.
Mantelope
Mantelope from Tod Polson on Vimeo.
Above: The "Pilot" episode for "Mantelope".
We pitched the show knowing the studio... and Cartoon Network would never go for it. But to our amazement... everyone involved liked the idea! ... and this is the "Pilot episode" we put together. There was interest in developing the idea as a series... Dave and I developed a number of fun, quirky story plots... then the whole thing got hung up in legal limbo. So for better or worse... this is the end of the story of the "Mantelope".
Above: Color keys that would later be reworked in flash.One of my main tasks was developing the look, and getting the short to be less that 1MB ... so I kept things really graphic and simple... re-using as many elements as possible wherever I could... trees... leaves... etc. Mantelope was our first flash project... Dave, and I would later join Jorge, and Sandra on their flash show "EL TIGRE: The adventures of Manny Rivera".
Escape Of The Gingerbread Man
I was approached by Juck Somsaman, founder of Monk Studio to help develop and train his team in Bangkok through the creation of a short film. As it so happened my friends in Ireland at The Cartoon Saloon approached me at about the same time to create an "Irish themed" short to open "The Secret of Kells" feature they were making. Just seemed meant to be...
Above: A small section of the "color script". This board is a combination of quick color sketches, rough 3D renders and more finished backgrounds. The more 3d looking scenes are keyed by going over frames from maya in photoshop.
The main focus of the color script is really making sure the characters read on the backgrounds... and making sure that there is a artistic progression in the film... making sure each sequence and place feels unique from one another... yet still tie together in some way. One of my former students Susanne Olesen came to Thailand for a few months to help paint backgrounds. I've worked some of those back into the script.
"The Escape of the Gingerbread Man" is a personal short film, and the third installment of the "NobleTales" short film series. A series of original stories from around the world... created by my mentor, Maurice Noble, and the group of us fortunate enough to train under him.
Above: An early sketch by me... inspired by the work of that talented Dub, Barry G. Reynolds.
The short has been funded in part by "The Open Workshop", and the "West Danish Film Fund".
To see more artwork, and go behind the scenes, visit:
Escape of the Gingerbread MAN!!!
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