What is your name and your current occupation?
Bob Rutan, Animation Supervisor at Wildbrain.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
I once video interviewed Devry University students after they got their palms and auras read at a psychic fair in Columbus.
I once video interviewed Devry University students after they got their palms and auras read at a psychic fair in Columbus.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I think The Ricky Gervais Show and El Tigre both look fantastic as finished products. I had a lot of fun working on Family BrainSurge and The Mr Men Show. Kappa Mikey was one of the funnier shows I’ve worked on, which is probably why it has a cult following. I would crack up when I watched the animatics.
I think The Ricky Gervais Show and El Tigre both look fantastic as finished products. I had a lot of fun working on Family BrainSurge and The Mr Men Show. Kappa Mikey was one of the funnier shows I’ve worked on, which is probably why it has a cult following. I would crack up when I watched the animatics.
How did you become interested in animation?
When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronaut, but when I realized that wasn’t impossible enough I chose to be an animator.
When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronaut, but when I realized that wasn’t impossible enough I chose to be an animator.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I grew up partly in Cleveland Heights and partly in Skaneateles. There are many factors which contributed to “getting me in” the animation business. These factors include but are not limited to physical and non-physical antecedents, necessity and friendships.Â
I grew up partly in Cleveland Heights and partly in Skaneateles. There are many factors which contributed to “getting me in” the animation business. These factors include but are not limited to physical and non-physical antecedents, necessity and friendships.Â
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
I get to the office, make some tea, crank, eat lunch, experience after lunch fatigue, take a walk, crank, go home.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
When it comes to the job itself, I love cartoons and animation and I love learning. Whenever I’m learning new things or experiencing progression I feel best. My coworkers often inspire me and their presence is of great value and worth to me.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
The deep, intense, driving, unrelenting loneliness and despair. But seriously, making cartoons is pretty great.
The deep, intense, driving, unrelenting loneliness and despair. But seriously, making cartoons is pretty great.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Convincing myself to be in it. It takes a lot of passion. So far it’s working.
Convincing myself to be in it. It takes a lot of passion. So far it’s working.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?Â
The newest and best technology as it quickly and systematically becomes the oldest and worst.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
Yes.
Yes.
 Describe a tough situation you had in life.
One time I ran over my cat with my truck.
One time I ran over my cat with my truck.
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
I’d like to make a feature length movie or a video game. Someone please give me money to do this.
I’d like to make a feature length movie or a video game. Someone please give me money to do this.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
No, not like those.
No, not like those.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
“Commercial artist” is really just another way of saying craftsmen. Also, for legal purposes, I advise against breaking into any businesses.
YOU DA MAN!!!!!