Animation World Magazine, Issue 2.9, December 1997


editor@awn.com

AWM welcomes letters to the editor and encourages this to be used as a forum for the discussion of ideas and feedback on issues raised in prior Magazine editions.

Anastasia "Review"
I truly feel that Animation World Magazine is the most intelligent and well-written publication out there. That is why I'm having trouble understanding the reasoning behind asking Harvey Deneroff to write the Anastasia review. How can you be truly critical of a film when you've written a book authorized by Fox about the film. This is exactly like asking a music group's manager to write a review of their latest album. Obviously he's not going to say extremely negative things about it. Now, I realize that Harvey Deneroff had no part in the making of the film but he was involved indirectly by writing The Art of ... book. For such a big film, I really would have liked to have a stronger viewpoint from a writer that would have given me some insight into the film. Mark Kausler's review of Serious Business was an utter beauty and told me more about the book than all the other countless reviews I've read about it. Tim Stocoak, "So, You Want To Open An Animation Art Gallery!" in your current issue is another example of the critical and eye-opening writing that I've come to expect from your fine publication.

This is no way meant to demean Harvey Deneroff's writing but I think it would have been wiser on your part to think again before asking somebody connected so closely with the film to write a review of it.

Sincerely,
Amid Amidi


Anastasia "Review"
First off, I have to say that I work for Disney and thus have a bias.

I looked forward to reading the review of Anastasia. Reading it, I noticed that it seemed rather anti-Disney. That's okay. Everyone has their opinions on our work.

But then I read at the bottom that Mr. Deneroff wrote the book The Art of Anastasia. How can I possibly respect any portion of the review? It is completely biased by someone involved with the production.

I can't wait to see the movie, but I have to question your editorial judgment on choosing a reviewer. I hope you don't show a similar disservice to our films by having one of our people write the review.

Anonymous


Well, here's what we were thinking folks. We chose Harvey to write the review because he had amassed a large amount of knowledge about the film, Anastasia, in order to write the book. While he did write the book, he was not directly involved with the production. We felt secure with the fact that Harvey would not have taken on this assignment had he felt he couldn't have been objective. We felt Harvey was the perfect candidate to complete this "review" as he could enlighten us with the historical background of Russia and the story of Anastasia, the production, and offer context on both the historical and contemporary aspects of animated feature film.

These letters, however have brought home a point to us. We often do not do "straight" reviews in our "Review Section." For instance, remember how we had the Greek scholar Dr. John Rundin review
Hercules? We hope that these approaches make the publication more interesting. From now on however, perhaps we need to pay greater attention to the way we classify these types of articles.

Thanks for the feedback.

Sincerely,
The Editors


Staying in Touch
I would like to thank everyone involved in producing the Animation Flash newsletter for providing a quality service that I have found to be of immeasurable value in keeping up with the many changes in the industry. Since leaving my position as Senior Production Engineer with Class6 Entertainment in Hollywood for the peace and quiet of the Sierra, I felt I was losing touch with the industry. Your service brings me back into the fold without the negative consequences (traffic, smog, etc.). Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,
Brian Woodard,
Partner, Toler Productions


Tim Stocoak Article
I am startled to find you endorsing the kind of hate-filled article that Tim Stocoak linked to your otherwise information filled and enjoyable newsletter. I myself am a one-time "Studio Store" gallery manager, and now work with a reputable, independent gallery. I have seen the kind of things that Tim brings up, but they are not the rule, but rather the exception to it. Pessimism such as his will surely bring ruin down upon the animation art retail industry faster than any major studios mishandling of the limited edition market.

Anonymous


Publication in AWM does not necessarily mean endorsement. We strive to show a number of convergent viewpoints and ideas. Thank you for your letter. This is the sort of feedback regarding the "state of the industry" that we seek. It also should prove to consumers that they need to locate reputable animation art galleries before making any purchases.

Sincerely,
The Editors


Supply And Demand
It would be nice to see an article telling the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, about how animators were treated by the studios in the early days. Let's say someone like Virgil Ross, whom you didn't hear much about until roughly 1991. Prior, there had only been a few articles in In Toon magazine, or perhaps a small article in Animato. I guess animators were not important back then. You know, like Oswald, the (stolen) Rabbit. Well, Virge got his fame and I hope money, but where was everyone from 1950 to 1990? I would bet Fudge left some notes, or videos about that some where: that would make a good article or book.

I thank you for your time and you have a great magazine,
Joe J. DeLuca


Thank you for your suggestion. It is often the case that the details of history get lost over time. The people with firsthand knowledge of the early days are beginning to pass away, and hence, it is a crucial time to document such stories.

Sincerely,
The Editors



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