663: Tom Bancroft | From Hobby to Veteran Disney Animator

When you have a motivation beyond career building, what you do becomes a mission. Veteran Disney animator Tom Bancroft (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” “Pocahontas,” “Mulan,” “Mary Poppins Returns”) is the founder of Pencilish Animation Studios, the world’s first, brand new crowd-owned animation studio - where fans become the owners.

Its vision is to create high-quality animated projects that connect with audiences of all ages. Tom, having animated on a number of top box office hits, has created characters in some of the most popular and profitable animated features of all time. To this day he continues to freelance with Disney’s theatrical division.

Dive right into the episode and hear from the master, the journey that led him from a passionate hobby to a veteran Disney Animator.

Things you will learn in this episode: 

[00:01 - 07:16] Opening Segment  

I introduce today’s guest, Tom BancroftTom gives us some background on his storyThe start of the love for animationGrowing up in competition with his twinTom talks about the decision to turn this into a career

[07:18 - 20:19] From Hobby to Veteran Disney Animator 

Tom shares the influences on his style A student of animation and illustrationLiving through the ‘hey-day’ of comic booksThe influence of Mad MagazineTom talks about getting work with Charlie BrownThe connections that led to it Getting taken seriously as an animator Getting an internship at DisneyThe feeling of making the jump to big time animation Going into the second renaissance of Disney

[20:20 - 37:49] Movie Making from an Animator’s Perspective 

The importance of good communication in complex animation The key is storyboardsCommunicating intention in each frameLeaving room for artist interpretation The example of MulanWhen things don’t work when put together Catching things early on From Disney to Big IdeaFeeling a calling The opportunities that cameThe new dynamicsA word from our sponsor

[37:50 - 54:39] Tom Bancroft on Future Projects and Building Your Network

Tom talks about his project Pencilish The vehicle of launchAnimated IP The testing element The distribution model How to get involved?Links belowWho you know or what you know?They go hand in hand Tom’s thoughts on CGI vs. cartoon animation2D is not dead

[54:40 - 59:47] Closing Segment

ThE RaNDoM RoUnDHow to engage with TomLinks below Final words 

Tweetable Quotes: 

“I felt a calling… and because of that I think I had a motivation that was beyond just career building or ladder climbing. I was going for a different reason, it was almost a mission to me.” - Tom Bancroft

Resources Mentioned: 

Invest in Pencilish

Connect and engage with Tom on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Feeling inspired? Be sure to visit https://www.pencilish.com/ and get involved with everything happening. 

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