It takes unique talent, persistence, and lots of creative confidence to be an independent filmmaker in today's animation global market, especially in the feature film arena.

I had a chance to catch up with some of the best for this month's island retreat--Bruno Bozetto (Allegro Non Troppo), Richard Williams (The Thief and the Cobbler [Arabian Knight]), R.O. Blechman (L'Histoire du Soldat) and Bill Plympton (The Tune).

Bruno Bozetto's top 10 picks if stranded on a desert island...
"Personally, if I were stranded on a desert island I prefer taking Sharon Stone rather than 10 films."

Bruno Bozetto's Allegro Non Troppo.

8 1/2 by Frederico Fellini
Fantasia by Walt Disney
Stagecoach by John Ford
The Gold Rush by Charlie Chaplin
Amarcord by Fredercio Fellini
Mr. Hulot's Holidays by JacquesTati
Bambi by Walt Disney
Star Wars by George Lucas
The Shining by Stanley Kubrick
Dances with Wolves by Kevin Costner

"Working on an independent production taught me to give the right importance to the artistic ideas, never forgetting the commercial side of the matter. Sometimes it is exhausting to create under these conditions, because you are directly involved artistically and financially, but the liberty of action you have is absolutely invaluable".

Richard William's top 10 picks...
Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa
Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa
Ikiru by Akira Kurosawa
Yojimbo by Akira Kurosawa
High and Low by Akira Kurosawa
The Quiet Duel Akira Kurasawa
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Walt Disney
Dumbo by Walt Disney
City Lights by Charlie Chaplin
Babe by Chris Noonan

Funniest cartoon: King Size Canary by Tex Avery
Best timing ever: One Froggy Evening by Chuck Jones.