David Block

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I’ve been lucky to work on a lot of great projects but some highlights would be Chuck Jones’ “Riki Tiki Tavi”,  Disney’s “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” Disney’s “Hercules”, and  Directed Disney’s “Kim Possible”.

How did you become interested in animation?
I decided to become an animator after seeing “Fantasia”.

Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chuck Jones gave me my first job.

What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
My job varies from day to day depending where the movie is in production.   I have a crew of artists each responsible for a facet of the creative process.  We’ll meet and discuss the story, layouts, character designs, staging, color, etc.  I have to keep track of it all and approve of it all as it is completed.

What part of your job do you like best? Why?
The fun of Directing is the creative variety and the challenge of keeping it all going to completion. I love Editorial and Post Production.

What part of your job do you like least? Why?
The part I like the least is the limitations of  time, money, and the studio doing the work overseas.

What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
The most difficult part of animation now is that you don’t know if you have another gig when the current job is over.

In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
I’ve met and known many of the greats including: Chuck Jones,  Tex Avery, Ben Washam,  Abe Levitow,  Richard Williams,  Eric Larson , Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston,  Ward Kimball, Woolie Reitherman, and Art Babbitt.  I’ve met many more, but I’ll stop there.

Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?