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A celebration of the talent and legacy of animation.
In this insightful interview, Ted Thomas, filmmaker and son of Disney Legend Frank Thomas, discusses his fascinating book Walt and El Grupo.
The book explores Walt Disney's 1941 goodwill tour to Latin America, a journey that not only shaped U.S. relations during WWII but also influenced Disney's creative output for years to come. Ted delves into the historical and cultural impact of the trip, sharing personal stories, behind-the-scenes details, and how this lesser-known chapter in Disney history became a turning point for the studio’s artistic direction.
Image Credit: © Hyperion Historical Alliance. All Rights Reserved.
SPEAKER
Ted Thomas
Autor, Filmmaker // Independent
(Where the Toys Came From, Frank and Ollie, Walt & El Grupo)
Theodore Thomas is an American motion picture director and producer. He is the son of the late Disney animator Frank Thomas.
His films include Where the Toys Come From (1984), a documentary about two of Disney's “Nine Old Men,” Frank and Ollie (1995), and Walt & El Grupo (2009), documenting Disney and his group visiting South America in the summer of 1941.
MODERATOR
Keith Blackmore
Sr. Lecturer // Vancouver Film School
As an animation historian, Keith Blackmore has been a passionate cheerleader and a voice for all-things animated in the Vancouver area for almost 30 years. As one of the producers of the SPARK ANIMATION Festival and an active member of the local SIGGRAPH chapter, Keith has presented, interviewed and moderated at many festivals, local and national.
Since 1995, Blackmore has educated, entertained and inspired students in the history of animation and media studies at the Vancouver Film School. When he’s not reading, teaching or talking about animation, he’s watching it.
A celebration of the talent and legacy of animation.
In this insightful interview, Ted Thomas, filmmaker and son of Disney Legend Frank Thomas, discusses his fascinating book Walt and El Grupo.
The book explores Walt Disney's 1941 goodwill tour to Latin America, a journey that not only shaped U.S. relations during WWII but also influenced Disney's creative output for years to come. Ted delves into the historical and cultural impact of the trip, sharing personal stories, behind-the-scenes details, and how this lesser-known chapter in Disney history became a turning point for the studio’s artistic direction.
Image Credit: © Hyperion Historical Alliance. All Rights Reserved.
SPEAKER
Ted Thomas
Autor, Filmmaker // Independent
(Where the Toys Came From, Frank and Ollie, Walt & El Grupo)
Theodore Thomas is an American motion picture director and producer. He is the son of the late Disney animator Frank Thomas.
His films include Where the Toys Come From (1984), a documentary about two of Disney's “Nine Old Men,” Frank and Ollie (1995), and Walt & El Grupo (2009), documenting Disney and his group visiting South America in the summer of 1941.
MODERATOR
Keith Blackmore
Sr. Lecturer // Vancouver Film School
As an animation historian, Keith Blackmore has been a passionate cheerleader and a voice for all-things animated in the Vancouver area for almost 30 years. As one of the producers of the SPARK ANIMATION Festival and an active member of the local SIGGRAPH chapter, Keith has presented, interviewed and moderated at many festivals, local and national.
Since 1995, Blackmore has educated, entertained and inspired students in the history of animation and media studies at the Vancouver Film School. When he’s not reading, teaching or talking about animation, he’s watching it.
