Platform Festival - June 27 '07 - Part 6

At every table there were buckets of crayons that guests at Platform used to draw on the tablecloth. They were provided by one of the sponsors of the festival, Laika Studios of Portland. "eat. meet. animate."




As I was doodling and talking to the guys, I saw in the distance a striking figure. He stood out from the crowd and as I watched him, I realized who he was. The great Wil Vinton himself! I went over, said hello and asked if I could take his picture and he graciously said sure, so I did. Meeting Wil Vinton was the highlight of the festival for me.



Another interesting person that I met was Matt Rodriguez. Matt introduced himself at the picnic as he attended the Blogger Panel. He's the Founder and Executive Director of a startup animation studio in Seattle by the name of PlexiPixel, Inc.



Someone else who introduced himself at the picnic. This is Joel. He's from Tennesee in town for the festival. Joel is a member of the AnimationNation.com forum which I maintain.

Platform Festival - June 27 '07 - Part 7

The Platform Festival picnic was a varitable who's who in animation. The gentleman second from the right in the following shot is none other than the brilliant Bill Plympton himself.



Wil Vinton on the right enjoying himself at the Platform Festival's grand picnic in the woods.




Here's a shot you won't see everyday. The man to the left is Bill Plympton. Look to the right in the distance and you'll see Wil Vinton. Both of these animation greats at the same place, in the same photo.



A good shot of Amid Amidi from CartoonBrew.com



That's Amid of CartoonBrew to the left, Aaron Simpson of ColdHardFlash to the right, and between them is blogger Ward Jenkins.

Platform Festival - June 27 '07 - Part 8

Everyone enjoyed themselves at the Platform picnic. Here's a group tossing around a frisbee. Cartoon Network provided frisbees in the carry all bags given to festival goers.



This sexy lady was a little mini-adventure. Her name is CJ Beaman, the official photographer for the Platform Festival. She came over, sat next to me and pretty much knocked me out with what she was talking about. I wasn't prepared for this burst of conversation but did my best to hang in there. When she asked me the kind of women I like, I thought to myself to be honest so I told her. A split second later she was off shooting pictures of little kids playing. Ya live and learn folks, live and learn. Next time I'll think twice before giving an honest answer, especially when it comes to someone as fun as she was.



All good things must continue in one way or another, so we headed to the buses for the trip back to town and the afternoon events at the Platform Festival, enjoying the scenery as we crossed from the island.

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Homes along the shore as we approach the mainland.



Getting closer to downtown and the Performing Arts Centre

Platform Festival - June 27 '07 - Part 9

Back at the Performing Arts Centre, exploring all the nooks, I came upon this view of the marquis for the Portland Movie Theater.



The Portland is where screenings for the festival were taking place.



I discovered some people having a good time painting these odd little character figures.



I also noticed a young lady doing the same thing on a Cintiq.



Amid Amidi gave a presentation in the Winningstad Theatre, the same place where the Blogger Panel was held. His presentation involved the art of Tom Oreb, a character designer from Disney Studios who helped establish a distinct alternative look to Disney films in the 1950s.



Amid's popularity was attested to by the number of people who showed up for his Tom Oreb presentation. In this shot he's listening to a member of the audience as they ask him a question.

Thank you Portland...

...and everyone associated with the Platform Festival! A special thanks going out to Anne Denman, the Blogger Panel coordinator for inviting me to be a part of it all. It was a genuine privilege. I leave the readers of this special blog with the view from my hotel room.

So long Portland, Oregon. Until next time.