Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Frank & Ollie

I want to thank everybody for visiting the blog and for posting the nicest comments!

You guys sure know how to flatter this animator. I am a little overwhelmed by
the reactions from around the world.
That means the pressure is on to surprise you with posts that will knock your socks off.
So, I continue with FRANK & OLLIE !
I met them both for the first time in the spring of 1980 at Disney, during a visit to LA, before I started to work at the studio. Eric Larson took me to their office.
They were working on "The Illusion of Life" at that time. The walls were covered with storyboards, holding original art from many Disney features. Backgrounds, designs,animation drawings....I almost fainted.
Curiously though when posing with them for this photo, I seem to project an attitude
that says : May I introduce you to my two assistants, Frank and Ollie.
The nerve...

The pencil test shows two scenes from "Sleeping Beauty" in continuity.
The first scene was animated by Ollie, the second by Frank.
I purchased all of the original ruffs from Ollie many years ago. After scanning
them and adding sound I couldn't believe what I was watching.
Acting and drawing are so utterly convincing, completely alive!
Ollie stages his scene very clearly, three characters interacting, but the focus is on
Flora's finger. And Frank's close up of Merryweather shows a mood change with stunning subtleties.
The way her head anticipates ever so slightly the word "frost".
This is the kind of stuff that still brings me to my knees....




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78 comments:

  1. KirunJune 7, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    this is great!
    thanks for sharing!

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  2. noneJune 7, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Michael J. RuoccoJune 7, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Wonderful acting on Frank and Ollie's part. Such subtle, expressive body language! I really dig seeing the underdrawing on Frank's shot, you can see the perspective he planned out on Merryweather's hat as it tilts towards the camera. Really fine draftsmanship!

    It must of taken a while to scan all these drawings in, composite them together and export it all, but thanks for putting all that effort in and sharing this with us.

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  4. Sandro CleuzoJune 7, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Hey Andreas,

    This is great stuff to see these days, specially with all these CG characters in current animated films.

    Congrats again on your blog. I had never seen the number of followers grow as fast (over 200 in one day!), that's great.

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  5. Jon WestwoodJune 7, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    Actually, you kind of look like James Franco there.


    Amazing clip, thanks for sharing!

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  6. zoograysonJune 7, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    This scene has such great acting and understanding of the character relationship. I hope you'll post some of the stuff you're work on soon.

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  7. michaelamosJune 7, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Oh wow! You didn't hold back! This is awesome.
    I saw a Disney Dreams Come True exhibition in Melbourne, Australia and I think one of these drawings was in there (it mentioned you had loaned it to the exhibition).

    Any chance you could post one or 2 of the drawings as a scan so we can take a closer look in higher resolution? Love to really see the detail in there.

    Thanks again for posting!
    Mike

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  8. Denis TitovJune 7, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Hello, Andreas. My name is Denis, and I'm from Russia.

    I'd like to ask you about your generation of Disney's animators (like yourself, Mark Henn, Glen Keane, James Baxter). What do you think, are you better then Disney's Old Men, or their skills are still unattaineble?

    Thanks in advance :)

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  9. Andreas DejaJune 7, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Mike,
    I will post some scans of the original ruffs from these scenes very soon.
    Thanks for visiting.

    Andreas

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  10. Herman GonzalesJune 7, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    You rock Andreas! thank you for starting this blog and sharing your cool collection and info. Much appreciated

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  11. MitchJune 7, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Fantastic stuff. Thank you very much for creating this blog and for sharing this precious and timeless information/work with us, Mr. Deja! I'll definitely be visiting this site often. Take care!

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  12. zoograysonJune 7, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    I did put up a promotional post for this blog on my blog. Hopefully It'll attract more people. Will you ever post anything on Bill Tytla?

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  13. Andreas DejaJune 7, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    Bill Tytla ?
    You bet! He is one of the guys the 9 Old Men looked up to. I will post some awesome ruffs in the near future.

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    Replies
    1. UnknownDecember 18, 2012 at 7:47 PM

      Oh, Andreas! Can you upload anything by Norm "Fergy" Ferguson? The Nine Old Men looked up to him, too! Especially John Lounsbery!

      Delete
  14. zoograysonJune 7, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Just checking to make sure he was coming up. Do you have any Warner cartoon stuff you're thinking about in the near future? How's progress going on the shorts?

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  15. michaelamosJune 7, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    Great - thanks Andreas.

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  16. DorseytunesJune 7, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Thank you for posting such wonderful animation and giving us some insights on the inner workings of Disney hand drawn animation.

    Joe

    p.s. You look like you're beaming with excitement to be with Frank and Ollie. I know I would be.

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  17. Matt JonesJune 7, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Good to see you heading in this analytical direction - to have one of today's top animators dissecting his favorite scenes should prove educational & entertaining . The animation in the clip is so solid .

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  18. AlikiJune 7, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    Andreas, I am so happy you have started a blog. Looking forward to the Deja View!

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  19. Uli MeyerJune 7, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    Andreas has got a blog! Hooray!
    What wonderful and insightful posts, thank you for sharing your treasures and thoughts. There's nothing quite like this on the net, your blog will be the busiest in no time.
    I can't wait to see more.

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  20. Andreas DejaJune 7, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    Uli, thanks for checking in.
    EVERYBODY: the one and only Uli Meyer !!!
    Uli is a big part of my Disney history. We both went to
    see Milt Kahl just before he passed away.
    Memories....

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  21. UnknownJune 7, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    Thank you so much for taking the time to start this blog!

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  22. UnknownJune 7, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    It is awesome to read a blog from some one who can right a classic book on his experience and sell it for a good price. Thanks a lot to come to us =)

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  23. L RossiJune 8, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    "May I introduce you to my two assistants, Frank and Ollie."
    That is one AWESOME photo :D
    Hope you're keeping well,
    Best Wishes,
    L

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  24. edheadJune 8, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    Pure gold - can't wait to read and look at more!
    Thanks a lot for doing this - essential stuff! :D

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  25. SaskiaJune 8, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    Got here through Uli´s Blog and couldn´t belive my eyes.Thank you so much for this, you have been my idol as child when I wanted to become an animator ( which I did not in the end, haha ).
    I really loved your work on Lilo&Stitch !!

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  26. MarcJune 8, 2011 at 1:27 AM

    Hello,
    Very nice blog. I also have to thank you for the wonderful interview during your stay in Paris (for Winnie). I appreciated it and the Tigger is now in a frame on the wall of my bedroom.

    Marc
    http://www.cloneweb.net/interview/rencontre-avec-andreas-deja/

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  27. JérômeJune 8, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    I love their work, the animation is so subtle and refined ... and thank you for creating your site since I seek one on you because I admire your work.

    see you soon
    Jerome

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  28. GulzarJune 8, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    WOW! This is it, my dream come true...I always wondered and wished that I would see you here on the blog world...
    Its fantastic to see you here Andreas Deja.

    Been a big fan of your skills, back from the days of Aladdin.

    Love, respect and hugs from this side of the world...from India :)

    Peace
    Gulzar

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  29. John MuskerJune 8, 2011 at 3:03 AM

    wonderful scenes, Andreas...keep 'em coming...

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  30. Nunziante June 8, 2011 at 3:04 AM

    Ciao from Italy, Andreas! That's great to see these pencil tests (no computer generated animation will be never the same) Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite movies absolutely and the blu ray is stunning (indirectly I worked on it for adapting in italian all the extras of it and also the cineexplore...) All the best and hope to see some other great animation of yours soon!
    Nunziante

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  31. Ernesto MeloJune 8, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    Such an amazing project Andreas, I can't believe we can not only share all this invaluable material but to have the chance to leave you some thoughts! I'm wonder how they'll look the wire sculptures with a super animator's mind behind. A big hug from Spain!

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  32. Marcos CorreaJune 8, 2011 at 3:42 AM

    Oh the internet...Back in 1991 all we had was traditional mail..and I remember when I got my Disney letter the same way you describe on the animation pod cast...but life acts differently ...Anyway,

    Hello Andreas, cant believe I am actually talking to you! You and Glean Keane were the ones responsible for for my carrer as a animator..with Gaston and Scar...

    I heard your animation pod cast long time a go and still do..anytime I forget or let work pressure get in to me..

    Thank you very much for this...

    Marcos Correa

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  33. Andrew BrooksJune 8, 2011 at 3:46 AM

    Fantastic to see you blogging Andreas, so much excitement from everyone sitting near the screen here when we discovered your new blog! Wonderful to see the pencil test from Sleeping Beauty as well.. absolutely inspiring

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  34. Ernesto MeloJune 8, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    You saw them working on the Illusion of Life's maquette? yes, my socks are knocked off!!

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  35. larsJune 8, 2011 at 4:02 AM

    Toller Blog, Andreas. Danke!

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  36. Dattaraj KamatJune 8, 2011 at 4:25 AM

    Great stuff!! Thanks for sharing Andreas!! And welcome to the blog world...looking forward to see some more great stuff in future. Best wishes!

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  37. Rodney BakerJune 8, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    Thanks for posting these Andreas.
    ...and thanks for blogging!

    Long live hand drawn animation.

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  38. DarylTJune 8, 2011 at 4:57 AM

    You have a blog! I'm actually nervous writing this. You are one of my biggest inspirations. Thank you.

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  39. ScottJune 8, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    Awesome stuff Andreas! Traditional animation inspires me so much, to work harder and better so that my own CG Animation can be as fluid and alive as it can be.

    Thanks for setting up this blog - you're an inspiration to us all! Good luck with your projects, I'll be following your blog religiously.

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  40. Lavalle LeeJune 8, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    I am very happy you started a blog! I will be visiting very often. I hope you share the knowledge and experiences you have had and have!

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  41. messytimboJune 8, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    Wow! good to see you have a blog!! Can't wait to see what you gonna be posting!

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  42. Lucas FerreyraJune 8, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    This is so cool! I'll be back for sure!

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  43. Chris GrafJune 8, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    Big fan, great blog :)

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  44. UnknownJune 8, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    WOW Thanks for sharing this!! Its an inspiring thing to watch before I go to work. KEEP POSTING!!! :)!

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  45. Sand and SunshineJune 8, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    Congrats on your new blog, so glad I found it, looking forward to future posts.

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  46. Crayon EaterJune 8, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    Awesome awesome! I don't think I've ever watched penciled roughs and been so utterly blown away by how convincing the acting is! When I saw you started a blog I immediately came here and favorited it. I'm so excited to see more of your posts! :D :D

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  47. Peter Nagy-GalambosiJune 8, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    2D Forever! Wonderful fresh blog!
    Thanks Andreas! :)

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  48. Tom BancroftJune 8, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    So glad to see you here in the blogisphere Andreas! Your collection is so (legendarily) huge and awesome, I'm thrilled the world gets a chance to see it all. These scenes from Frank and Ollie are incredible! I love both for totally different reasons. (Though I think Ollie's is the tougher of the two. The angles of the characters, the acting and careful staging and timing between them all is like a ballet.) Frank's scene reminds me of Mark Henn's scenes.

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  49. Abhilash.NJune 8, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Hey Andreas,

    This is great to see your Blog. You always been a great inspiration for me sir, I'm following the blog at once. I'm so excited to see more of your posts!

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  50. Mihir MalaviaJune 8, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    Incredible! A true master at work.

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  51. Isaiah LedgisterJune 8, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    This is incredibly inspiring to me as a beginner animator. I've been scouring the internet for any resource I can find. I've listened to you talk about your experience on the animation podcast; so this is just more knowledge and helpful insight. Thank you so much!

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  52. Catherine SatrunJune 8, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Thank you so much for starting this blog! I love Frank and Ollie and really enjoy hearing about the nine old men. I can't wait to read more! :)

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  53. Juan Carlos ValdezJune 8, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Thank you so very much for this blog. This is probably the closest I'll ever get to being mentored by you! :)I can't wait for all the updates.

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  54. owenJune 8, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Thanks Andreas for sharing your Three Fairies clip with us and in HD too! It helps us students study. After you start work on your short films, have you ever thought of opening a theme park like Disneyland? I would dubb it Dejaland. Love your blog, thanks so much.

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  55. willipinoJune 8, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    beautiful! so much appeal. I can't wait for the next post.

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  56. Junko MiyakoshiJune 8, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Is this real!?
    Just like many other people, I am super excited that you started a blog!!!
    Thank you for sharing and I can not wait for more goodness to come! :D
    Truly inspiring :)

    Cheers,
    Junko

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  57. SHANE PRIGMOREJune 8, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Andreas,
    Wow! welcome to the blogosphere. How amazing and inspirational is this!? Such a needed boost of inspiration, knowledge, and history! Thank you for doing this! Best of luck to you.

    Shane

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  58. Rej BJune 8, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Are you sure your not from EAST germany, judging from this photo?

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  59. AnonymousJune 8, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    Fantastic! I almost think I'm dreaming...there couldn't be a better blog! I have to say, I really appreciate the commentary you take the time to add on all of these posts. Your passion seeps through into all of the information!
    Frank Thomas' work on Hook and on Mickey in 'The Brave Little Tailor' absolutely changed my life... but Ollie, he is one of my all times heroes. One of the greatest animators of all time, in my opinion.
    Thanks for posting!!

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  60. Andy LathamJune 8, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    I'm pretty sure my comment will be lost among the many, many others, but I just wanted to comment on how great it is that the fairy's finger leads your eye to the central fairy's face and then leaves your eye in that region, the finger receding away without drawing attention to itself. Brilliant :D

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  61. OV!June 8, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    A,

    great blog!

    thanks for posting and looking forward to whats next.

    >oVi

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  62. Guillermo CalderónJune 8, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Wonderful Post!

    It's amazing to see the work of Frank and Ollie, thanks a lot to share this. I'll be waiting for the next post!

    Also, thanks again for your time when you came to Mexico city to talk about Bambi and Alice! It was so great to meet you in person.

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  63. Steven M.June 8, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Nice mustache.

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  64. UnknownJune 8, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Some of my favorite Disney stuff, Sleeping Beauty. The fairy godmothers worked so well as three separate characters and yet one entity in that film.

    I'm constantly beside myself that animators like you got to spend so much time with the Old guys. Hopefully someday I can run into YOU and your generation of animators =)

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  65. JulieJune 8, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    I just wanted to thank you for starting a blog to share your stories and knowledge. I'll definitely be following it! :) I've been wondering what it's really like behind the scenes, and try to integrate the different things I've heard.

    I really like seeing some of the more subtle gestures and mood changes that really seem characteristic of Disney animation. I am really excited to see the scans with more detail. It must have been incredible to see all the classic Disney stuff laid out (I haven't been able to see any of it in person yet).

    Will you be talking about your new projects at all? I'm certainly curious about that!

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  66. LamontWayneJune 8, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    I immediately thought... where's YOUR yellow shirt?

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  67. Alexandre Augusto FerreiraJune 8, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    These first posts are excellent, very inspiring.
    And the scenes of Frank and Ollie are sensacional.......geniuses!
    Thanks for sharing.

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  68. CJune 8, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Wow! I love how Ollie anticipates each line - the way Merryweather bounces excitedly before speaking, and that Flora's finger bring the eye right to Fauna as she's about to speak. So fluid!

    That close-up really does so much to change the tone. I love her eyes - that she doesn't look back to the fairies until the last word - it really sells the realization.

    (thank you so much - this gets me so excited for your blog!)

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  69. Connie MorenoJune 8, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    I had to laugh when I read your comments about meeting Frank and Ollie. I can relate. I got to meet John Hench and had my photo taken with him but I look more like a teenager standing next to her favorite rock star, LOL. Awesome post and awesome photo!

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  70. Bobby PontillasJune 8, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Just reading through these posts is reminding me of why I got into animation in the first place . Thanks for the inspiration Andreas. As you looked up to their work, I look up to yours.

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  71. AnonymousJune 9, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    Welcome to the blog world Andreas! In Frank's close up Merryweather seems to be reading the line from a Prompter.

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  72. davidJune 11, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Thanks for sharing all this awesome stuff! I hope you post some of your own work as well (and maybe talk about your process). I'm glad you're here to put the spotlight back on traditional animation. thanks!!!! :)

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  73. Andreas DejaJune 12, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    You're welcome, David.
    Stay tuned, lots more stuff to come.

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  74. ArifJune 12, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    wonderful stuff once again Andres....what i most pleased about your blog is that i can talk with you through this blog...The world is becoming so small in this age...it was impossible to learn and know and talk with some persons who are already legend in this art...and we can enjoy it from various part of the world...thanks again for taking this excellent step...and we will be always with you.

    Besides,Could you please upload the drawings of the animation of 3 fairies?
    Greetings from Bangladesh.

    Arif

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  75. David McBrideJune 21, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Wow it is amazing how that little head anticipation gives her so much character. I love it.
    Thanks for posting these great insights.

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  76. AnonymousJune 11, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    Hi Andreas,

    Thank you a million for posting and sharing this wonderful knowledge of Animation legends. i believe i have spend hours reading over and over on every single post that you share with us.

    Thank you again for your generosity. To me, and im sure to a lot of people, You are a legend of our days in animation.

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  77. Markus LehtokumpuOctober 27, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    Wow, beautifull drawn. I just watched great document about Frank & Ollie, didnt know earlier, that they was so unique friends.

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