News from ’09 graduate Elizabeth Romo Marcos. She writes that she’s working for a new studio in Mexico, White Knight Creative.  They’ve hired classical animators who worked for Disney in the golden years,  and are producing a classically animated feature film about Mexican History.

Elizabeth is an assistant animator, doing clean up and in-betweening. She was able to recommend fellow grads Liam Moher (Canada) and Andreas Anler  (Sweden) for background work, which they are doing from their home countries.

Congratulations, Elizabeth!

You’ll find the link to the teaser for the film below.

On a sad note, Elizabeth also tells us that Sergio Ravera,  the oldest student ever to attend Max the Mutt, whom we all loved and respected, has passed away.  Sergio wanted to fulfill his dream of studying animation and we’re happy he got to do that.
This is the teaser for the movie:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP670leo7hM

The obituary for Gale Rutledge took me by surprise. I knew Gale had battled cancer, but the last I heard she was well and retired. Gale was a secretary at Sheridan College when I, at the time a full time working artist, taught as part time faculty. She was one of the people I truly respected. Her obituary can be found at the end of this entry.

Gale was honest, warm, and generous. I always dropped by her desk to say hello on my teaching days.

Without Gale there would be no Max the Mutt.  During a difficult period in my life, Gale told me about the opening for a life drawing/anatomy instructor in the now defunct International Summer School of Animation.  I knew nothing about animation and was hesitant to call. She made the call herself ( to Maury Whyte as I remember) and she put the phone in my hand. She was the prime mover in my connection to animation. It was at ISA that I met Tina Seemann who was teaching classical animation, and that was the beginning of Max the Mutt.

Gale’s act of generosity changed  my life and ultimately the lives of many people. I doubt if Gale realized that through one unselfish act she had become the prime mover in a chain of events that now has a life of its own.

It seems appropriate to mark her passing with a formal thank you.

*RUTLEDGE, Muriel Barbara Gale (Gale) (nee MacDonald) * Member of Munn’s United Church, Oakville Golf Club, Canadian Maple Wings and Past President of Big Sisters – Gale passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday April 1, 2010 at the Credit Valley Hospital Mississauga. Beloved wife of Don Rutledge. Loving mother of Stephen and Lisa (Washkurak). Devoted nanny to Austin (Ozzy), Amelia and Alexandra. Will be missed by her daughter-in-law Karen and her children Campbell and Ian Moffatt and her son-in-law Joe Washkurak Loving sister of Bill (Roslyn), Wayne (Millie), Winston (Trudy), Emma Lee and Gary (Diane). Fondly remebered by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Orpha and Maurice MacDonald and her brother Bob. Visitation was held at the Glen Oaks Memorial Chapel and Reception Centre 3164 Ninth Line (Corner of Dundas) on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A funeral service was held in the chapel on Monday at 11am officiated by Rev. Meg Grieve. Private family interment at Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens. In Lieu of flowers donations to Kidney Cancer Research at Princess Margaret Hospital www.pmhf.ca or Munn’s United Church Choir and Music Fund. On-line condolence available at www.glenoaks.ca