The April 26 event will celebrate the career of the indie animation pioneer with industry peers, stories, and tribute presentations at SVA’s Beatrice Theater in NYC.
ASIFA-East and the School of Visual Arts MFA Computer Arts program have just announced they’re hosting “Behind the Magic of Bill Plympton: A Roast” on April 26 at 7:00 PM at the SVA Beatrice Theater in New York, a live event honoring the career of the legendary, pioneering indie animator alongside a public celebration and reception following the program.
The one-night event will feature animation professionals who have worked with Plympton across his more than 45-year career, sharing humorous anecdotes, personal stories, and reflections on his influence on independent animation and his distinctive creative approach and visual style.
Apt luminary quotes abound - “Bill Plympton is God. Period,” said Matt Groening. “Bill Plympton is a genius. Where does he buy his drugs?” said Terry Gilliam. “Bill Plympton is a National Treasure,” said Pat Smith.
Smith (Disney, MTV, YouTube, Pour 585) will emcee the gathering. Presenters include Maureen McElheron (The Tune, Your Face), Signe Baumane (My Love Affair With Marriage), Lisa LaBraccio (The Opposites Game and founder of Animation SpeakEasy), Biljana Labovic (TED-Ed), Dez Stavracos (Hornet), and Daniel Neiden (Whale 52, The Tune), all of whom have collaborated with Plympton or worked within his creative circle.
Plympton recently returned from the Berlin International Film Festival, where his short film Whale 52 received the Crystal Bear for Best Short Film. The film is also scheduled to screen at the Cannes Film Festival in May. You can read all about the film in AWN’s feature, “’Whale 52’ Sings a Song of Hope for the Lonely.”
A pioneering independent animator, director, and cartoonist, the prolific Plympton has produced more than 100 short films and several features, recognized for a hand-drawn style and an independent production model that has defined his career.
His 1987 short Your Face earned an Academy Award nomination, followed by another nomination for Guard Dog in 2004. His work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and National Lampoon, and has been widely exhibited across festivals, television, and digital platforms.
Plympton has contributed couch gags to The Simpsons, directed features such as Idiots and Angels, and collaborated with artists including Kanye West and Weird Al Yankovic, while also working as an illustrator and author. Check out his work, upcoming screenings, classes and other Plympton goodies here.
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
