Give as a gift
A celebration of the talent and legacy of animation.
In this insightful interview, we explore the legendary career of animator Bob Kurtz. Bob shares stories from his pioneering work in animation, from founding Kurtz & Friends to creating iconic animated commercials, shorts, and title sequences.
He reflects on the creative challenges and innovations that have defined his journey, and the influence of both his mentors and the younger generation of animators who continue to be inspired by his work. A compelling conversation with one of animation’s true giants.
Image Credit: © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. All Rights Reserved.
SPEAKER
Bob Kurtz
Animator // Kurtz & Friends Animation
(The Pink Panther, Honeymoon in Vegas, Are We Done Yet, Four Rooms)
Bob Kurtz, Peabody Award winning animation writer, director, designer and founder of Kurtz & Friends Animation has created/produced animated shorts, public service spots, commercials and theatrical titles for most major studios including the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, MGM, Sony Entertainment, Columbia Tri-Star Picture Group and Warner Brothers.
Some of the theatrical titles include The Pink Panther, Honeymoon in Vegas, Are We Done Yet, Four Rooms, Honey I Blew Up the Kid, George of the Jungle, and City Slickers I and II.
Kurtz & Friends also created animated sequences for Jurassic Park, Minority Report, Carlin On Campus and the prime-time Emmy Award winning special, Roman City. His award winning Edith Ann Christmas Special aired on network prime-time.
Bob Kurtz was a recipient of the AFI Grant as well as the Endowment for Humanities Grant. He is a former Governor of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and Governor of the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences. Bob was also a recipient of the ASIFA Annie Lifetime Achievement Award and Artist of the Year in Japan.
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, we explore the legendary career of animator Bob Kurtz. Bob shares stories from his pioneering work in animation, from founding Kurtz & Friends to creating iconic animated commercials, shorts, and title sequences.
He reflects on the creative challenges and innovations that have defined his journey, and the influence of both his mentors and the younger generation of animators who continue to be inspired by his work. A compelling conversation with one of animation’s true giants.
Image Credit: © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. All Rights Reserved.
SPEAKER
Bob Kurtz
Animator // Kurtz & Friends Animation
(The Pink Panther, Honeymoon in Vegas, Are We Done Yet, Four Rooms)
Bob Kurtz, Peabody Award winning animation writer, director, designer and founder of Kurtz & Friends Animation has created/produced animated shorts, public service spots, commercials and theatrical titles for most major studios including the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, MGM, Sony Entertainment, Columbia Tri-Star Picture Group and Warner Brothers.
Some of the theatrical titles include The Pink Panther, Honeymoon in Vegas, Are We Done Yet, Four Rooms, Honey I Blew Up the Kid, George of the Jungle, and City Slickers I and II.
Kurtz & Friends also created animated sequences for Jurassic Park, Minority Report, Carlin On Campus and the prime-time Emmy Award winning special, Roman City. His award winning Edith Ann Christmas Special aired on network prime-time.
Bob Kurtz was a recipient of the AFI Grant as well as the Endowment for Humanities Grant. He is a former Governor of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and Governor of the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences. Bob was also a recipient of the ASIFA Annie Lifetime Achievement Award and Artist of the Year in Japan.
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.
