YouTube Goodness

[Randall]

Yep! So nice to finally have the chance to see this! I've been itching to see it ever since reading Animation by Filmation about 30 years ago.

I am currently reading Lou Scheimer's autobiography (where he was assisted by Andy Mangels, who also produced all those wonderful BCI docs), and it's inspired me to once again try to track down all the "missing pieces."

There's some nice stuff here on Fat Albert, including Filmation's first Fat Albert work, on the Weird Harold special:
https://www.youtube.com/@thefatalbertarchive5281
I've also found pilots that Filmation did, like Dick Digit, Marx Bros., and Sally Sargeant. It's amazing to see so much turn up.

Filmation has taken its hits over the years for its limited animation and use of stock footage, but they were a beloved part of my childhood, and they told stories with heart and good values. Gotta give them that. They also provided so many kids their first exposure to such properties as Tarzan, Lone Ranger, Zorro, and Flash Gordon (and all done quite well), undoubtedly extending the viability of those classic properties.

I also checked eBay, where a seller there now has sets for Filmation's Journey to the Centre of the Earth and The Hardy Boys, as well as Ruff and Reddy, Mighty Heroes, and more. Amazing.

[Dacey]

I’ve been wanting to read Scheimer's book for years. Unfortunately, it’s out of print and extremely pricy now.

[Daniel]

You can view it online for free!

[Ben]

Got excited there for a moment, thinking it was a link to Animation By Filmation, which I never got. Luckily, I nabbed the Mangels book in paperback, and it’s well worth a read.

[Randall]

Animation by Filmation is a great reference book, quite different from the Scheimer/Mangels autobiography/studio history book. They each serve a purpose, and I'm very happy to have both. Animation by Filmation is available on Amazon now as a print-on-demand book.

[Ben]

Is that this one? At AmzUK it says it’s a paperback reprint of an OOP book? Some reviews say it’s "basic" or a "poor photocopy", so is this how it originally appeared, better to get the digital version, or am I okay just to stick with the Mangels-collab book?

[Randall]

Yeah, I'm sure it's just basically a bound photocopy. The original book was just black & white, with so-so reproduction, and I imagine the on-demand version will look a little worse.

As I recall, the older book has synopses, airdates and titles for each show, with a bit of production history. So, it's a nice resource, plus it has artwork the Scheimer book does not. The Scheimer book goes into way more history and anecdotes, but has almost none of the other information. If I could have only one, it would be the Scheimer, but I am glad I have both. I can send you photos of the earlier one if you like.

[Ben]

Yeah, maybe at some point (on the photos), thanks. Like a dope, I didn’t include the link after saying "is it this one?", but this is what AmzUK has:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Animation-Film ... 1481225049

Sounds like I’m *probably* good to stick with what I have, but I’d be interested to see the older book. I’m sure this repro would be good enough for what I’d use it for (basically a resource like you say), so I’ll keep my eye on the price. For the quality a little lower price would be cool if it ever drops a bit.

[Randall]

This is a crazy Filmation pilot! Can't believe it's actually on YT.

[Randall]

This one's not bad.

[Daniel]

That Sally upload is missing the first minute. But yeah, pretty cool pilot! Catchy theme. Used Twilight Zone music too!

[Ben]

I’ve seen that Dick Digit clip before someplace…maybe Droo posted it here a while back? Tis indeed bonkers!

Sally Sargent isn’t too far behind. Love that it co-stars Jack Nicholson and what Austin Powers would look like if he was a Filmation cartoon!

[Daniel]

Nope, it was Gaastra. You had the same response.

[Ben]

Shows I’m consistent!

To be fair, Droo did post some things there too, so my memory isn’t totally failing me (yet)!

[ShyViolet]

If Angels in the Outfield actually happened:

https://youtu.be/k71wde-FPUc