Bob Balser self-portrait as a twenty year old starting animator.
drawing © 1950 Robert Balser also known as Bob Balser
When I was starting out myself in 1971 at Halas & Batchelor studios in London, we were making "Jackson 5ive" TV series directed by American Robert Balser known as Bob Balser. He also started another studio in Spain at the same time, to help with some of the production work. When his Spanish Studio had filmed work for us to see in London, his people would take the can of film to Barcelona Airport ask someone flying to London to take the can of film for us, then phone us. We would send someone to London Airport and collect it from them, something that could not happen today with our present high paranoia security. Bob made a specially good impression on me one morning offering me a cigar, to share his delight that his son had just been born. Some people will say this is not animation! But yes actually it is because there is nothing more animated than a child. Also for the animation historians I should say it was an excellent cigar. Twenty one years earlier than this in 1950 Bob Balser was drawing his self portrait then a twenty year old starting animator. RKW
Robert Balser (1928 - 2016)
Location: Bob Baler's sketch pad
Photographer: Drawing by: Bob Balser
