Joe Ranft. Storyboard sketch for Monsters, Inc. 2001. Courtesy of Pixar Archives. © Disney Enterprises, Inc.
On October 1 and 2, the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in New York City is holding a special lecture and film exhibition revolving around John Canemaker’s recently released book, Two Guys Named Joe: Master Animation Storytellers Joe Grant & Joe Ranft. The book looks at the story and work of animators Ranft (Pixar) and Grant (Disney), both of whom provided great contributions to the animated film industry.
On October 1 at 7:00 P.M., Canemaker will be on hand to present a lecture, using film clips and artwork for a truly visual experience. Following the lecture, he will sign copies of the book for attendees. For an example of what the lecture may look like, here is a short video that was released by Disney Editions:
Then on October 2, a variety of features and shorts will be screened, including Fun With Mr. Future, a short film Joe Ranft worked on before coming to Pixar that hasn’t been screened in almost 30 years. The screenings will be broken up into two parts:
- Joe Ranft (2:00 P.M.)
- Fun With Mr. Future
- Luxo Jr.
- Tin Toy
- Toy Story
- Joe Grant (5:00 P.M.)
- Mickey’s Gala Premier
- Who Killed Cock Robin?
- Lorenzo
- Dumbo
John Canemaker is a world-renowned historian on animation, and he did an incredible amount of research putting together Two Guys Named Joe. As I wrote in my review of the book, after reading it “you may not only grow more fond of of Ranft and Grant, but you will be moved by the realization of how much we owe both of them.” Canemaker did a superb job assembling artwork and putting together interviews with those who spent time with these legendary animators. If this event comes close to capturing the quality of the book, we will be in for a treat.
"Two Guys Named Joe" is available now
For Pixar fans, Disney fans, as well as animation fans, this is an event not to be missed. Joe Ranft, often referred to as the heart of Pixar, was present for the beginning of the studio and left an indelible footprint there. I think it is safe to say that Pixar would not be the same today if Ranft was not a part of it. Joe Grant, who many called the right-hand-man of Walt Disney, had a large hand in the creation of the studio’s biggest films, including Dumbo, Fantasia, and Snow White. Both of these amazing people tragically lost their lives in 2005, but with their films, the book Two Guys Named Joe, and now this event, their memory will live on forever.
If you live near New York City, I highly recommend this event. I’ll most likely be in attendance!
For more details about the event and for ticketing policies, visit MoMA’s official website.
