Innovative animator whose credits include Lady and the Tramp, Petroushka and Grease
The pioneering animator John David Wilson, who has died aged 93, launched his studio, Fine Arts Films, in 1955 and found success with his first short subject, an adaptation of a Japanese folk tale, Tara the Stonecutter, which was screened in America with Teinosuke Kinugasa's Oscar-winning samurai drama Jigokumon (Gate of Hell, 1953). Next came Petroushka (1956), for which Igor Stravinsky (despite negative feelings towards animation following Disney's Fantasia) was persuaded by Wilson to prepare a shortened score for the film and conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the soundtrack. Petroushka won several festival awards and was the first animated film to be accepted by the Venice film festival.
Wilson's diverse productions ranged from innovative TV commercials for Instant Butter-Nut Coffee, made with the actor and humorist Stan Freberg, to a groundbreaking 15-minute film, Journey to the Stars, for the United...
The pioneering animator John David Wilson, who has died aged 93, launched his studio, Fine Arts Films, in 1955 and found success with his first short subject, an adaptation of a Japanese folk tale, Tara the Stonecutter, which was screened in America with Teinosuke Kinugasa's Oscar-winning samurai drama Jigokumon (Gate of Hell, 1953). Next came Petroushka (1956), for which Igor Stravinsky (despite negative feelings towards animation following Disney's Fantasia) was persuaded by Wilson to prepare a shortened score for the film and conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the soundtrack. Petroushka won several festival awards and was the first animated film to be accepted by the Venice film festival.
Wilson's diverse productions ranged from innovative TV commercials for Instant Butter-Nut Coffee, made with the actor and humorist Stan Freberg, to a groundbreaking 15-minute film, Journey to the Stars, for the United...
- 7/2/2013
- by Brian Sibley
- The Guardian - Film News
Similar News
Jeff Bridges, Dave Bautista, Bryan Cranston and More Starring in Jim Henson Company’s Live-Action Monster Movie ‘Grendel’
- 5/10/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Jeff Bridges, Dave Bautista, Bryan Cranston, Sam Elliott & More Set For Live-Action ‘Grendel’ Movie
- 5/10/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Doctor Who Space Babies: Easter Eggs You Probably Missed
- 5/10/2024
- EpicStream
18 best Oscar-winning actress mother performances ranked
- 5/9/2024
- by Tom O'Brien, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Nicole Kidman’s Big Night As She Receives 49th AFI Life Achievement Award
- 4/28/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Nicole Kidman to receive AFI Life Achievement Award on Saturday: What do You think is her best movie performance? [Poll]
- 4/26/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Family Of Walt Disney Supports Bob Iger In Company’s Proxy Fight With “Hedge Fund-Backed Opportunists”
- 2/29/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Whistle while you strike: The great Disney walkout of 1941
- 7/17/2023
- by Ray Greene
- avclub.com
Disney's Steamboat Willie Didn't Just Revolutionize Mickey Mouse — It Revolutionized Cartoons
- 2/24/2023
- by Sarah Milner
- Slash Film
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.