Twin animators Tom and Tony Bancroft get together and talk about their Disney Animation past, the present animation business, and the future of animation. Interviews with talented artists, inspirational words, and wild speculation will help you grow as a person - or not. Sponsored by TaughtByAPro.com - your destination for the art instruction you need. See http://taughtbyapro.com for online animation, character design, illustration, comic arts, cartoon creation and more.
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The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast is a podcast that has completely changed my perspective on podcasts. Despite not being a fan of podcasts before, I have fallen in love with this show and eagerly anticipate each new episode. As someone starting university for animation, this podcast has been incredibly informative and has better prepared me for my future career. Tom and Tony are brilliant hosts who bring in guests with fascinating stories and insights into the animation industry. Their banter as twins adds an extra layer of fun to the show. Overall, I am grateful for this podcast and look forward to its continued success.
One of the best aspects of The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast is how it introduces listeners to the animation industry in a personal way. Before listening to this podcast, artists in the credits were merely names to me. However, Tom and Tony bring these individuals to life by sharing their stories and experiences. Their guests have included industry professionals such as Brittany Myers, Chris Sonnenburg, and Matt Williames whose journeys are both inspiring and informative. The hosts keep each episode entertaining with their humorous banter and never let there be any dull moments. This podcast truly stands out from other animation podcasts I've listened to.
As for the worst aspects of The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast, it is difficult to find any significant flaws. Some listeners may not enjoy the dad-style jokes that are occasionally made by Tom and Tony, but as a dad myself, I find them amusing. Additionally, while the focus on animation is fantastic for those interested in the field, it may not appeal as much to listeners outside of that realm. However, given that this is an animation podcast after all, it does an excellent job catering to its target audience.
In conclusion, The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast is a gem among podcasts. It provides valuable information for artists and animators while also being entertaining and inspiring. Whether you're a student artist or simply someone who appreciates animation and storytelling, this podcast is a must-listen. The Bancroft Brothers' passion and talent shine through in every episode, and their conversations with guests bring a fresh perspective to the animation industry. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone interested in animation or seeking inspiration from creative professionals.
Tony (without Tom this time) sits down with the founders of Steamroller Animation- a new independent animation studio that is creating "steam" throughout the industry! Innovative training programs and interesting projects abound at Steamroller. Have a listen to hear how they are trying to make a difference in the US animation market!
Recorded at this year's Animation Y'all Expo this was a panel called “Making it in Animation” with words of encouragement from vets to newer industry professionals. This panel includes tips, tricks and anecdotes from Aaron Blaise, Lara Carson, Matt O'Callaghan and wonderfully moderated by Chelsea Trousdale. If you are struggling to find your way in the crazy business of animation, this podcast is for you!
Here's a description: In our unofficial "Part 3" of podcasts where we talk to industry insiders about GenAI usage and how it will affect artists, The Bancroft Bros talk with filmmaker Paul Trillo from the LA studio, Asteria. Paul and his team have just finished an animated music video for artist Cuco called “A Love Letter to LA" that uses hand drawn 2d animation and GenAI in harmony with each other. Paul went out of his way to make sure real artists and animators were paid and that they created a "clean" AI data
The Bancroft Brothers present the Chris Sonnenburg show- co-starring Jeff Snow! Yep, this episode is a panel that Chris and Jeff put on at our own Animation Y'all Expo just a couple months ago. Chris leads the panel which is called "Here's the pitch..” - and he goes deep on how you need to think about your show so it can get bought! Chris and Jeff use real world examples and behind the scenes of developing shows like the "Tangled" animated series for Disney! This one should NOT be missed!
Co-creator of Pixar's Win or Lose series, Carrie Hobson!
In this fun episode, the Bancroft Bros get the chance to speak with the amazing voice actor, Eric Bauza, the voice for Daffy Duck, Elmor Fudd and many more. He also does a pretty good TRUMP, as you'll hear. We discuss the upcoming release of the fully 2D animated new WB feature film, "The Day the Earth Blew Up". You won't want to miss this one! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts from.
The Bancroft Brothers are honored to have the legendary illustrator, James Gurney on the podcast this week! We discovered so many similarities in our paths and mutual loves and influences. Enjoy this discussion of animation, illustration, and even a bit of where he believes things are headed for himself- and possibly you.
The twins interview twins in this Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast episode! French animation mastors and Disney alum directors, Paul and Gaetan Brizzi, have a storied past on some of the most epic Disney films of the 90s. Tony and Tom discuss their storyboarding and directing of some of the most iconic scenes in films like Hunchback of Notre Dame and Fantasia 2000! Enjoy the accents!
Welcome to another Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast! In this episode, Tom and Tony interview uber-talented illustrator and character designer Thomas Fluharty. Thomas has been in advertising and editorial illustration for magazines and newspapers for most of his career and has recently dove into the animation world through character design. In fact, he is the head character designer for the new "The Chosen" animated series.
The BBros reminisce about a time in their lives when these two wet behind the ears, shy boys were trying to break into the animation industry. These are the stories that were game changer moments and helped define us. Listen to this episode if you are just starting out and-Seize the day!
The Bros enjoyed a sit down conversation with the talented UK Concept Artist Izzy Burton! Fresh off of working together on a 2D feature film, we discuss: Her amazing drive and how she doesn't suffer from FOMO, but FONC (Fear of Not Creating), having an artist partner, and what the UK animation market is like right now and how she finds work. Happy New Year from the Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast and thank you for your support in 2025!
In this fun-filled Hash It Out episode, Tom and Tony discuss what's happening in the industry with the Anination Union negotiations, trying to get AI standards, and how it can affect you. Let's get into it!
In this episode, Tom and Tony interview a true “artist's artist”, Tod Polson, master animation designer and director. We discuss Tod's amazing book about Maurice Noble and what he learned from Chuck Jones's main layout artist at Warner Brothers Studios. We then dive into discussing his newest short film, “The 21” a powerful and stylized film that tells the true story of martyred men of faith in the 90s. This is an amazing, Oscar-worthy short!
In this episode, the “twin bros that knows” interview Showrunner Natasha Kline, creator of the Disney show “Primos”. Hear her story of developing it through a hurtle like the pandemic while keeping site of her dream- to make a show based off her own story- about a Latin American girl with many different cousins all living nearby! After all, “Primos” means Cousins! Toon in now on @ApplePodcasts @Spotify or the link in my IG bio!
On this Flashback Friday, step back in time as the Bancroft Brothers interview one of their top ten wants for the podcast, the legendary animator, James Baxter. Find out what one of the top five animators in the world did at the beginning of his career that set him on a lifelong path of animation success. In addition, learn what movie James wishes he could do over. And, hear how James was lured away from Disney by Katzenberg and Spielberg. This and lots more on this amazing podcast.
“The Amazing Digital Circus”! They dive into what makes the series creators, Glitch Productions so different in their approach to making shows on YouTube! Is this the future of animation? Yes it is!
Welcome to the Bancroft Brothers "update" episode! And, unlike the rest of the industry, it's all fun news! Tom and Tony discuss their crazy weekend at the annual Twins Day Festival, an update on the feature film they are working on, and a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about the newest Animation Expo on the block- created by The Bancroft Brothers! Enjoy!
Tom and Tony take on the subject of Generative AI once again but this time with guest Aniket Bhatt, Meta animator and artist! Aniket and the twins discuss some of the misconceptions artists have about AI and how it may not be taking over entertainment like everyone is saying!
The brothers interview an amazing up and comer director, Usman Raiz. His new Indy feature film, The Glassworker, premiered at this year's Annecy film festival to rave reviews! Hear how Usman's 10-year journey making Pakistan's first animated feature film was laced with challenges and inspiration all along the way!
The Rise of Glen Keane! In this episode, the Brothers Bancroft discuss one of their favorite topics: the legendary animator Glen Keane! But, they don't discuss the part of his career that is what eveeryone know him from - the The Little Mermaid to the present day- BUT they do a deep dive (okay, more shallow and not researched) in THE EARLY DAYS OF GLEN KEANE! We talk about the first 4-5 films that he was involved in and how he got noticed at Disney. This is the MAKING of Glen Keane episode! You WILL learn something new!
"Running a worldwide drawing challenge" with Whitney Pollett and Lauren Barger. We are wrapping up May, but not without talking to Tom's partners in "MerMay", the amazing Whitney Pollett and Lauren Barger! Tony and Tom dig into how MerMay became the second largest drawing challenge on the internet and a worldwide phenomenon, what are the changes happening with the event, and how Whitney and Lauren plan on growing it! Also, we discuss their careers in Toy Design and Character Design and how they make it all work!
In this Flashback Friday- we go back to episode 20- the Eric Goldberg interview! In this classic, the Disney Legend speaks about his love for 2d Animation, his masterpiece work on the Genie in Aladdin, and what's missing in CG animation today.
The twins are crazy busy this week so we dive back to the archives for a Flashback Friday episode with Disney Legend Floyd Norman! Hear him recount stories of meeting Walt Disney himself and being one of the first black Disney artists back in the 60s! Enjoy!
The long awaited “AI discussion” episode is here! The Bancroft's talk all things artificial intelligence and animation with special effects guru and YouTuber Niko Pueringer of the Corridor Crew channel! They discuss the ins and outs of the issues behind the technology that is potentially changing the animation industry. Is there a way to use it as a tool, is there a hopeful future living in the new AI world, or are we all doomed? Let's start the discussion!
Today we go back in time to rediscover Mitchels VS the Machines. the brothers interview Mike Rianda (director), Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Producers). If you missed it the first time around, you won't want to miss this.
Many of our listeners are experiencing hard times or will be sometime soon. We brought in former Pixar intern Meridian Gray Culpepper, storyboard artist and YouTuber. Meridian had created a popular video about “Surviving a Layoff in the Animation Industry”. Let's get into it!
Tony and Tom recorded LIVE from Dublin, Ireland on the state of the Irish animation industry! You've heard of @cartoonsaloon and the amazing feature films being made at that studio, but the Brothers dig deeper, into the wealth of production studios in Dublin, Kelkinney and further out that are making many of your favorite TV series and films! We spotlight three Irish animation industry pros: Claire Finn, Managing Director, Lighthouse studios, Paul O'Flanagan, Creative Director, Boulder Media, and Eimhim (Evan) MacNamara, Owner, Matchbox Mountain studio. Grab a chair and join us for a pint of animation knowledge!
Tom and Tony get together to answer YOUR questions about the animation industry in this fun, casual episode! There's a lot of stress and layoffs in the industry right now and we want to talk it through with our listeners! Also, the Bancroft Bros are going to Ireland next week so they put out a call to do a meet up in Dublin! Come one, come all!
In a heartfelt episode, Tom and Tony talk to their Disney animation mentor, Mark Henn, who has retired from Disney Feature Animation after 43 years of service! Hear Disney stories from the legendary creator of classic characters like Jasmine, Young Simba, Mulan, Tatiana and more!
In this episode, the Bancrofts speak with Olan Rogers, indy series creator of "Final Space" as well as the new short, "Godspeed"! Olan has a lot to say about the pitfalls and joys of making your dream TV project in the studio system of Hollywood. From being one of the OG Youtubers, to a showrunner/creator, having a clothing line, to owning an ice cream shop- Olan has done it all- simultaneously! Listen and learn!
Tom and Tony have a great discussion about the innovative new animated series, "Wingfeather Saga" with Keith Lango (Head of CG Animation) and Garrett Taylor (Art Director). AND WE MEAN INNOVATIVE: The whole project is crowd funded to the tune of $5M, they are using Unreal Engine for instantaneous rendering, it has 2D sets and CG characters with painterly textures, it's based on a popular book series, and it's all being created by a small team in NASHVILLE, Tennessee? This podcast has it all!
Welcome to Disney's Mulan 25th anniversary podcast! This was recorded LIVE at Lightbox Expo 2023 and includes Armand Serrano (layout artist), Chris Sanders (Head of Story), Tony Bancroft (co-director), and Tom Bancroft (supervising Animator of Mushu)! At the last minute, Disney legend Floyd Norman (Mulan story artist) showed up and joined us as a surprise guest! Here some great BTS stories from old people that were much younger 25 years ago!
The Bancroft Bros Save the Studio System! What is going on with Hollywood? Layoffs, union strikes, prices are rising, and work is being outsourced! What happened? The Bancroft twins sit with their good friend, Director/Producer/ Entertainment expert John Schafer to figure out what's wrong with the studio system and even suggest- a solution? Yep, we're fixing the big studios in this episode! Listen and tell us if you agree!
Through a mini miracle, Disney gave us quick access to interview “Once Upon A Studio” directors Trent Correy and Dan Abraham! We had a ball talking BTS stories of making this short that celebrates 100 years of Disney animation!
Engage Your Career - The Bancroft Brothers look at the current events in the industry and discuss some of the hot topics. They apply that to how their listeners need to view their careers during hard times.
Welcome to an interview with Yashar Kassai, production designer of the new TMNT: Mutant Mayhem film! Additionally, he was a production designer on both Spiderverse films and The Murphy's Vs the Machines! Hear Yashar's wisdom of the ages about style, the difference between a production designer and an art director, and how AI can be used in the production process- all while Tony and Tom make juvenile swipes about his working on the Emoji movie! Enjoy!
This is a special podcast for the Bancroft Brothers- they talk with old CalArts roommate and former Pixar storyboard artist Jim Capobianco on the eve of the release of his new indy animated feature film release called "The Inventor"! We dig into all the behind the scenes stories about how it started years ago as a 2D animated short and evolved into a stop motion feature film with celebrity actors like Daisy Ridley!
The Bancroft's interview long- sought after superstar #animation #characterdesigner and The New Yorker cover artist, Peter de Séve ! He influenced all your fav films- from Hunchback to Finding Nemo to Mulan to creating Scrat in Ice Age!
Who would have thought a trip to France would end with the Bancroft Bros interviewing Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, the creators of "Phineas and Ferb"? Yep, when you go to the Annecy Animation film festival, you never know who you'll bump into! Dan and Swampy were there with Disney TV to promote their new season of Phineas and Ferb and we grabbed them for a juicy interview full of behind the scenes and fun! Enjoy!
How to make a career in Anime! - In the most unexpected podcast ever- the Bancroft brothers talk anime! We got together with anime pro, Jarrett Martin, and American who has started an anime animation studio in Japan! Jarrett has some amazing information on how YOU could break into the anime animation business right now! Enjoy!
Tom and Tony are still yawning from jet lag as they discuss their FIRST time going to the Annecy Animation Film Festival in France! They talk about all the things they did and the people they saw, and even some mini-reviews of some of the sneak peeks that were screened there! Lastly, they debate the topic: "What are the PROS and CONS of the Annecy Film Festival? Should you go? " Find out in this episode!
In a well-timed #FlashbackFriday Bancroft Bros #animation #podcast - we represent our interview with actress @mingna_wen ! Just today, a Variety article dropped that she is the narrator to our own Tom's live action documentary about 2d animation, as well as earlier this week, she received her own STAR on the @hollywoodwalkoffame ! Listen to the one and only trifecta- a Disney Princess (sort of), a Marvel character and a Star Wars character- Ming Na Wen!! \
In this RETRO rerelease of classic episodes of the Bancroft Brothers Animation podcast, we go back to one of are biggest "gets", director BRAD BIRD, from Episode #19! We interviewed him on the cusp of his first live action film, "Tomorrowland"! Hear the genuine fear he had about how it would be received as well as his love for 2D animation in this amazing podcast!
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