Richard Williams Event - Nov 2, 2008

Legendary animator Richard Williams sold out the Balboa on Sunday night with nearly 200 people also attending the last minute added noon show. Karl Cohen of the local ASIFA chapter reports:

"On November 2 the Balboa Theatre had almost 500 people attend a most unlikely sounding event, a presentation on the principles of animation. What brought the audience to the theatre was the rare chance to see the presenter, the legendary British director Richard Williams. He has won 3 Oscars including two for directing the animation in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? He is also the author of the definitive book on character animation, The Animator's Survival Kit. He is presently marketing a 16-disc DVD set based on master classes he presented for many years on the subject.

"Williams was scheduled to present a program at 7 PM. When it sold out in less than a week after e-mail notices that he was coming had been sent out, a noon show was added. His programs touched on the subtle nuances that can make a good animator a great one. He also answered lots of questions from the audience. Writer Tony Reveaux told me he presented the principles in a lucid and clear way. Michael Bunker told me, What a warm, friendly man! He was just amazing. After all he's done and everyone he's worked with and met, he's still completely approachable and I really felt like I could ask him anything. The world needs more people like him, both in their incomparable skill and library of knowledge, and in their eagerness to teach what they know and help aspiring students.

"Part of the excitement was Williams meeting the audience in the lobby after each show to talk, sign copies of his book (or anything else that people brought to the theatre) and to pose for photographs. My wife saw one young woman dancing for joy in the lobby after getting an autograph.

"The programs were presented as a benefit for ASIFA-San Francisco, a chapter of the international animation association. We hold monthly events that included screenings, lectures and networking parties. We also published an informative 10 page monthly newsletter. For more information visit www.asifa-sf.org For information about The Animator's Survival Kit, visit www.theanimatorsurvivalkit.com"

Karl Cohen, chapter president.

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