Getting off my Keister for Ditier

The story begins with a lonely young boy whose father is an officer in the army and almost never at home. His mother is so wrapped up in society gatherings she has little time for Peter. He is left at home with the family maid who has no patience for little boys. Starving for some kind of emotional connection he looks outside his window for a cat to befriend.

Before we begin...

The story of "The Abandoned" took place in England just after WWII. We heard that Steven Spielberg was playing with the idea of bringing the musical "Cats" to the big screen as an animated film set in England at the same time so we needed a different local. Burny Mattinsen suggested San Francisco and because Joe Grant's mother was a survivor of the Great Earthquake Joe wanted to move our story to San Francisco just before the earthquake of 1906.

So let it be written.

So let it be done.

What if you were a cat?

For about a year Vance, Burny Mattinson, Joe Grant and I worked on a Paul Gallico story called "The Abandoned" about a young boy who turns into a cat. I supposed we could have worked on a story called "Fat Chance Of Being Produced", or "Never To Be Released" but we worked on this one and of course it was abandoned. Vance did many drawings and paintings for "The Abandoned" and I have copies of almost all of them. So, welcome to "The Abandoned" it's going to take some time to post all of them.

The Posture Impaired Of Notre Dame

Fantasia 2000, too.

Fantasia 2000

'nuther one for Home On The Range

Creative Talent Network’s Animation Expo (CTN-X)

I'll be here with a few Vance originals.

Have you registered for the Creative Talent Network’s Animation Expo (CTN-X)? Early bird pricing ends September 30th. The most anticipated animation tradeshow on the planet comes to the City of Burbank beginning Friday, November 20th – Sunday, November 22nd. This is the ONLY place where you’ll meet so many animation industry icons under one roof. Make contacts, learn new techniques and meet with recruiters. Hurry and join in on the action where “X” marks the spot to connect with renowned artists from around the world. Register online or call today (800) 604-2238. Early bird deadline is Sept. 30, 2009. CTN-X takes place at the Burbank Marriott Convention Center with ample discounted parking and is conveniently located across the street from the Burbank Airport and Amtrak Station. Early bird tickets are $25 for the exhibit floor only, $50 for a day pass and $125 for a 3-day pass. Discounted rates are available to students, active military and professional industry organizations. Space is strictly limited at this groundbreaking event. For more information and to register, please visit: www.ctnanimationexpo.com or call, (800) 604-2238 and mention the special member discount code to obtain an extra 10% off any 1day or 3day professional/general passport. GOMBX09

Two from Tarzan

Would you believe...?

Hard to believe this was for what became "Home On The Range". Someone could write a book on that journey alone.

A top exec thought Vance was too old fashion.

No ideas?

One thing I noticed about Vance was that when he ran out of steam with the story he would switch to character or costume designs until he got back on track. The man refused to sit and do nothing.

Early Bad Guy Design

Pocahontas

Final Few for Hercules

Just a few more from Hercules

When Friday the 13th falls on a Tuesday

George Scribner by Vance

From the collection of George Scribner