The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast - podcast cover

The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast

The Bancroft Brotherswww.patreon.com
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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Episodes

Steamroller Animation

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!

Jun 14, 202553 minEp. 273

Making it in Animation with Aaron Blaise, Lara Carson, Matt O’Callaghan and Chelsea Trousdale

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!

Apr 30, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 271

GenAI as a Tool? with filmmaker Paul Trillo

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 ...

Apr 25, 20251 hr 29 minEp. 270

"Here’s the pitch..” Chris Sonnenburg & Jeff Snow from Animation Y'all Expo

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!...

Apr 12, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 269

VO Actor Eric Bauza

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.

Mar 14, 202537 minEp. 267

Illustrator James Gurney

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.

Mar 01, 20251 hr 15 minEp. 266

Paul and Gaetan Brizzi

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!

Feb 14, 202559 minEp. 265

From Illustration to Character Design with Thomas Fluharty

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.

Feb 02, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 264

Seize the Day!

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!

Jan 17, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 263

Designing Animation with Izzy Burton

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!

Jan 03, 20251 hr 13 minEp. 262

The Animation Year in Review

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!

Dec 21, 202448 min

Tod Polson - The 21

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!

Dec 06, 202444 minEp. 260

Hash It Out - Lightbox 2024

As promised, this is the Bancroft Brothers breakdown of this year’s Lightbox Expo. And it was a good one! The B boys also talk about their own expo, Animation Y’all in Nashville and give out some exclusive announcements! You know who’s coming? You will after listening to this episode!

Nov 16, 202440 minEp. 259

Primos - Natasha Kline

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!

Nov 02, 202458 minEp. 258

Flashback Friday - James Baxter

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.

Sep 13, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 255

The BBros Animation Update

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!

Aug 09, 202441 minEp. 253

AI discussion Part 2, with Aniket Bhatt

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!

Jul 27, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 252

Usman Raiz director of The Glassworker

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!

Jul 12, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 251

Garfield with Pete Oswald

The brothers Bancroft discuss Production Design with Pete Oswald of the “Garfield” movie! Pete is a multitalented animation and children’s book artist with a wealth of knowledge on character design, art direction and production design! Enjoy!

Jun 28, 202444 minEp. 250

The Rise of Glen Keane!

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 ...

Jun 14, 20241 hr 20 minEp. 249

Running a Worldwide Drawing Challenge

"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 ...

May 31, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 248

Eric Goldberg (Flashback Friday)

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.

May 17, 20241 hr 23 minEp. 247

Flashback Friday: Disney Legend Floyd Norman

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!

Apr 19, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 245

AI with Niko Pueringer

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!

Apr 05, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 244
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