Comic-Con Panel Profiles Walt Stanchfield, legendary Disney animator

We’re about a month away from the glorifious geek fest that is Comic-Con. Sadly, I’ve never been able to make it myself. But for those out there in The Disney Blog-land who are going, make sure you catch this session on Disney’s legendary animator and teacher of the craft Walt Stanchfield.

The panel will be moderated by Don Hahn of the Walt Disney Studios and features Glen Keane, Eric Goldberg, Tom Sito, and Ruben Procopio as expert panelists. The panel discussion will celebrate the launch of the new book, Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes, the complete series of animation lectures by Walt Stanchfield. Catch it Thursday July 23rd at Noon.

Full Press Release is below the cut:

Acclaimed Animators Celebrate Work and Teachings of Disney’s Legendary Walt Stanchfield at Comic-Con International

Panel to Discuss Inspirational Principles of Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes

AnimationMentor.com (Animation Mentor) and Don Hahn of The Walt Disney Studios announce an inspiring panel discussion at Comic-Con International with acclaimed animators about the life and influence of Disney mentor, teacher, and artist Walt Stanchfield. Open to animators and animation enthusiasts alike, the panel discussion celebrates the launch of the new book, Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes, the complete series of animation lectures by Walt Stanchfield.

“Walt Stanchfield has contributed so much to the animation industry through his incredible body of work and the mentorship of a generation of phenomenal animators,” said Bobby Beck, chief executive officer and cofounder of Animation Mentor. “This panel is an amazing opportunity to hear the best animators of our time talk about the influence Walt had on their life and work as well as share insightful lessons that are highlighted in the book, Drawn to Life.”

About the Comic-Con International Panel
Date: Thursday, July 23
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Room 32AB, San Diego Convention Center

For more information about Comic-Con International, visit http://www.comic-con.org/cci/

Moderator

Don Hahn, The Walt Disney Studios

Don Hahn is a two-time Academy Award nominee and film producer responsible for producing some of the most successful Walt Disney Animated films of the past 20 years, including Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.

Panelists

Glen Keane, Walt Disney Animation Studios

Glen Keane is an animator, author, illustrator and director. He is currently executive producer and animation director for Disney’s Rapunzel. Keane is best known for his character animation in Disney classics, including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and Tarzan.

Eric Goldberg, Walt Disney Animation Studios

Eric Goldberg is an animator and film director who is currently supervising animator for Disney’s upcoming 2D feature The Princess and the Frog. Creator of Aladdin’s Genie, he was the supervising animator for Phil in Hercules and co-director of Pocahontas. Goldberg is also the author of the book Character Animation Crash Course.

Tom Sito, Professor and Animator

Tom Sito is a 30-year veteran of animated film production. He divides his time as a professional animator and adjunct professor of animation at University of California Los Angeles and University of Southern California and lecturing on animation.

Ruben Procopio, Masked Avenger Studios

Ruben Procopio began his animation career at Disney at age 18, where he trained under Eric Larson, one of Disney’s legendary “Nine Old Men”. His film credits include The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. In 2003, Procopio founded Masked Avenger Studios, which provides sculpture, design, comics and animation services.

About Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes

Published for the first time, Drawn to Life is a two-volume collection of the legendary lectures from longtime Disney animator Walt Stanchfield. For over 20 years, Walt helped breathe life into the new golden age of animation with these teachings at the Walt Disney Animation Studios and influenced such talented artists as Tim Burton, Brad Bird, Glen Keane, and John Lasseter. This book represents the quintessential refresher for fine artists and film professionals, and is a vital tutorial for students who are now poised to be part of another new generation in the art form.