Glen Keane

Glen Keane (born April 13, 1954) is an American animator, author and illustrator. Keane was a character animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios for feature films including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Tarzan and Tangled. Keane received the 1992 Annie Award for character animation, the 2007 Winsor McCay Award for lifetime contribution to the field of animation and in 2013 was named a Disney Legend.

Glen Keane
Glen Keane at the Dreams Come True exhibition at ACMI on November 19, 2010
Born (1954-04-13) April 13, 1954
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
OccupationAnimator
author
illustrator cartoonist
Years active1973–present
EmployerWalt Disney Animation Studios (1974–2012)
Spouse(s)
Linda Hesselroth
(
m. 1975)
ChildrenClaire Keane
Max Keane
Signature

In 2017, Keane directed Dear Basketball, an animated short film based on Kobe Bryant's retirement poem in The Players' Tribune. At the 90th Academy Awards, Keane and Bryant won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for their work on Dear Basketball.

Early life

Keane was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of cartoonist Bil Keane, creator of The Family Circus, and Australian-born Thelma Keane. He was raised in Paradise Valley, Arizona.[1] He was raised Roman Catholic.[2]

Keane's interest in art developed as a child by observing his father's work as a cartoonist.[3] (Glen's younger self is represented in his father's comic strip as the character of "Billy"). In his early attempts to draw, his father gave him a copy of Burne Hogarth's Dynamic Anatomy, and instructed him to analyze the body forms and the creative approach to life drawing. After graduating from high school at Brophy College Preparatory in 1972,[4] Keane applied to the California Institute of the Arts-School of Art, opting out of accepting a football scholarship from another college. His application was accidentally sent to the Program in Experimental Animation (then called Film Graphics), where he was mentored by Jules Engel.[3]

Career
Glen Keane demonstrating storyboarding

Keane left CalArts in 1974 and joined Disney the same year. His debut work, which was created over a 3-year period, was featured in The Rescuers, for which he was an animator for the characters of Bernard and Penny, alongside Ollie Johnston.

After The Rescuers was completed, Keane went on to animate Elliott the Dragon in Pete's Dragon. Keane also animated the climactic bear showdown in The Fox and the Hound. In 1982, after being inspired by the groundbreaking film Tron, Keane collaborated with fellow animator John Lasseter (Toy Story, Toy Story 2) on a 30-second test scene of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, which was optioned for them by Disney executive Tom Wilhite.[5] The test integrated traditional character animation and computer-generated backgrounds (Video on YouTube), and, like Tron, was a cooperation with MAGI. It was also Disney's first experimentation with digital inked and painted characters.[6] But the project turned out to be too expensive and the studio was unwilling to invest further in the planned featurette. The test for Where the Wild Things Are was revolutionary for its time, and a predecessor to the famous ballroom scene in Beauty and the Beast.

In 1983, Keane left Disney as a contracted employee and worked as a freelance artist.[3] During this time, he worked on the character of Professor Ratigan in Disney's The Great Mouse Detective. He also served as an animator on The Chipmunk Adventure where he did the sequences of "Boys and Girls of Rock n' Roll" and "Getting Lucky". He returned to Disney to work on the characters of Fagin, Sykes and Georgette for Oliver & Company. Keane rose to lead character animator, becoming one of the group of young animators who were trained by and succeeded "Disney's Nine Old Men". Keane animated some of Disney's most memorable characters in what has been referred to as the "New "Golden Age" of Disney Animation.[7] Keane designed and animated the character of Ariel in the film The Little Mermaid (1989), then the eagle Marahute in The Rescuers Down Under. Subsequently, Keane worked as the supervising animator on the title characters for three Disney hit features: Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Pocahontas.

While living with his family in Paris, France for three years, Keane completed work on Disney's 1999 Tarzan for which he drew the eponymous character. Keane then returned to Disney's Burbank studio as the lead animator for John Silver in Treasure Planet. In 2003, Keane began work as the director of Disney's CGI animated film Tangled (based on the Brothers Grimm story Rapunzel), which released in November 2010. In Tangled, Glen and his team hoped to bring the unique style and warmth of traditional animation to computer animation. In October 2008, due to some "non-life threatening health issues", Keane stepped back as director of Tangled, but remained the film's executive producer and an animating director.[8]

On March 23, 2012, having worked approximately 37 years at Disney, Glen Keane left Walt Disney Animation Studios. Keane said in a letter sent to his co-workers, “I owe so much to those great animators who mentored me – Eric Larson, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston – as well as to the many other wonderful people at Disney whom I have been fortunate to work with in the past nearly 38 years. I am convinced that animation really is the ultimate form of our time with endless new territories to explore. I can’t resist its siren call to step out and discover them.”[9]

In December 2013, it was announced that he had joined Motorola's Advanced Technology and Projects Group and is cooperating with its engineers to create interactive hand-drawn animation.[10][11] Keane released his first animated short- Duet- at the Google I/O Conference in San Francisco on June 25, 2014. It is the first hand-drawn cartoon made with 60 fps,[12] and the third in a series of shorts called the Spotlight Stories that are designed to explore spatial awareness and the sensory inputs of a mobile device to create a distinctive storytelling experience.[13]

Motorola was a subsidiary of Google when Keane joined. When Google sold Motorola in 2014 early, his group remained with Google.[14]

In 2015, it was revealed he, and 16 other top artists and filmmakers, had been hired by the Paris Opera to work on their 3rd Stage project. Glen Keane is the creator of the animated short called Nephtali, a reference to Jacob's blessings and Psalm 42, and made in a choreography with ballet dancer Marion Barbeau.[15]

In addition to his work as an animator, Keane is the author and illustrator of a series of children's books based on Bible parables featuring the characters Adam Raccoon and King Aren the Lion.

Keane is set to direct the upcoming Chinese animated film, Over the Moon, which is about a girl named Fei Fei who builds a rocket and flies to the moon in order to meet a legendary moon goddess. When she reach the far side of the Moon, "she unexpectedly discovers a whimsical world filled with fantastical creatures – some of whom threaten her and others who ultimately help her find her way home." The film is written by Audrey Wells, and produced by Pearl Studio and animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks and is set to be released on Netflix in 2020.[16][17][18]

At the 2018 Oscars, he won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film along with Kobe Bryant for Dear Basketball.[19] On May 26, 2018 he was awarded the 2017 Reuben Award for the Cartoonist of the Year [20] in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA.

Personal life

In 1975, during the production of his debut film, Keane married Linda Hesselroth, and they are the parents of design artist Claire Keane, and computer graphics artist Max Keane.

Keane has aphantasia.[21] He is a Christian.[22]

Filmography
Year Title Credits Characters Notes
1973My Favorite MartiansLayout ArtistTV series by Filmation
Star Trek: The Animated SeriesLayout ArtistTV series by Filmation
Lassie's Rescue RangersLayout ArtistTV series by Filmation
Mission: Magic!Layout ArtistTV series by Filmation
1977The RescuersCharacter AnimatorBernard and Penny
Pete's DragonCharacter AnimatorElliott the Dragon
1979A Family Circus Christmas (TV Movie short)Animator / Models
1981The Fox and the HoundSupervising AnimatorThe Bear, Vixey, Tod,

Copper, Badger, Porcupine, and Tod's Mother
1983Mickey's Christmas Carol (Short)Animator
1985The Black CauldronCharacter AnimatorGurgi and Princess Eilonwy
1986The Great Mouse DetectiveSupervising AnimatorProfessor Ratigan
1987The Chipmunk AdventureAnimator / Storyboard Artist
1988Oliver & CompanyCharacter Designer / Supervising AnimatorSykes, Georgette, Fagin, and Jenny Foxworth
1989The Little MermaidCharacter Designer / Supervising AnimatorAriel
1990The Rescuers Down UnderStoryboard Artist / Supervising Animator / Character Designer / Visual DevelopmentMarahute
1991Beauty and the BeastSupervising AnimatorBeast
1992AladdinSupervising AnimatorAladdin
1995PocahontasStory / Supervising Animator / Visual Development / Character DesignerPocahontas
1999TarzanStory / Supervising AnimatorTarzan
2002Treasure PlanetSupervising AnimatorCaptain Long John Silver
2003Mickey's PhilharMagic (Short)AnimatorAriel
2008BoltSpecial Thanks
2010TangledExecutive Producer / Animation Supervisor / Character DesignerRapunzel
2011Adam and Dog (Short)Film Consultant
2012Paperman (Short)Character DesignerMeg
Wreck-It RalphAdditional Visual Development
2014Duet (Short)Director / Animator
2016Invasion! (Short)Special Thanks
2017Dear Basketball (Short)Director / AnimatorAcademy Award for best Short Animation
2020Over the MoonDirectorFeature directorial debut[16]

Publications
  • Keane, Glen (1986). Adam Raccoon and the King's Big Dinner. Colorado Springs, Col.: Chariot Victor Pub. ISBN 978-0-7814-0039-8. OCLC 49002064.
  • Keane, Glen (1987). Adam Raccoon at Forever Falls. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Books. ISBN 978-1-55513-087-9. OCLC 14588033.
  • Keane, Glen (1987). Adam Raccoon in Lost Woods. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Books. ISBN 978-1-55513-088-6. OCLC 14905950.
  • Keane, Glen (1987). Adam Raccoon and the Circus Master. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Books. ISBN 978-1-55513-090-9. OCLC 14931727.
  • Keane, Glen (1989). Adam Raccoon and the Flying Machine. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Books. ISBN 978-1-55513-287-3. OCLC 18050595.
  • Keane, Glen (1989). Adam Raccoon and the Mighty Giant. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Books. ISBN 978-1-55513-288-0. OCLC 19397210.
  • Campbell, Stan; Vogel, Jane; Duckworth, John; Townsend, Jim; Glen Keane (ill.) (1992). Quick studies: Philippians–Hebrews. Elgin, Ill.: D.C. Cook Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0-7814-0028-2. OCLC 28687078.
  • Campbell, Stan; Duckworth, John; Townsend, Jim; Glen Keane (ill.) (1992). Quick Studies: James–Revelation. Elgin, Ill.: D.C. Cook Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0-7814-0029-9. OCLC 28687002.
  • Keane, Glen (1993). Adam Raccoon and the Race to Victory Mountain. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Books. ISBN 978-1-55513-363-4. OCLC 25367425.
  • Keane, Glen (1995). Adam Raccoon and Bully Garumph. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Books. ISBN 978-1-55513-367-2. OCLC 32745892.
  • Keane, Glen (1995). Cookie time: a first lesson in obedience. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Books. ISBN 978-0-7814-0206-4. OCLC 37453329.
  • Keane, Glen (1995). Follow the king: A first lesson in trust. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Books. ISBN 978-0-7814-0207-1. OCLC 37453329.
  • Keane, Glen; Taylor, Samii; Yakovetic, Joe (1995). Parables for Little Kids. Elgin, Ill.: Chariot Family Pub. ISBN 978-0-7814-0258-3. OCLC 33440835.
  • Keane, Glen (2016). The Adventures of Adam Raccoon: Forever Falls. Irvine, CA: Green Egg Media. ISBN 978-1-93721-219-3.
  • Keane, Glen (2016). The Adventures of Adam Raccoon: Lost Woods. Irvine, CA.: Green Egg Media. ISBN 978-1-93721-221-6.
  • Keane, Glen (2016). The Adventures of Adam Raccoon: The Circus Master. Irvine, CA: Green Egg Media. ISBN 978-1-93721-217-9.
  • Keane, Glen (2016). The Adventures of Adam Raccoon: The Flying Machine. Irvine, CA: Green Egg Media. ISBN 978-1-93721-218-6.
  • Keane, Glen (2016). The Adventures of Adam Raccoon: The Mighty Giant. Irvine, CA: Green Egg Media. ISBN 978-1-93721-222-3.
  • Keane, Glen (2016). The Adventures of Adam Raccoon: The King's Big Dinner. Irvine, CA: Green Egg Media. ISBN 978-1-93721-220-9.
  • Keane, Glen (2016). The Adventures of Adam Raccoon: Race to Victory Mountain. Irvine, CA: Green Egg Media. ISBN 978-1-93721-223-0.
  • Keane, Glen (2016). The Adventures of Adam Raccoon: Bully Garumph. Irvine, CA: Green Egg Media. ISBN 978-1-93721-216-2.

See also

References
  1. Ghez, Didier (Fall 1998). "Glen Keane: An Interview". Animation Journal. 7 (1): 52–69. ISSN 1061-0308. OCLC 25161230.
  2. Bass, Abigail (December 8, 2017). "Tale as Old as Time". Gideons International. Archived from the original on December 7, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
  3. Ghez, Didier, "Interview with Glen Keane". Walt Disney Feature Animation France, Montreuil: May 2, 1997 retrieved 2008-08-10
  4. Stefani, Stephanie. "Notable Alumni". brophyprep.org. Brophy College Preparatory. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  5. Paik, Karen; Iwerks, Leslie (November 2007). To infinity and beyond!: the story of Pixar Animation Studios. Chronicle Books. pp. 38–39. ISBN 0-8118-5012-9.
  6. "A Critical History of Computer Graphics and Animation". Archived from the original on January 26, 2014. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  7. Ghez, Didier (2011). Walt's People: Talking Disney With the Artists Who Knew Him. 11. Xlibris. pp. 502–562. ISBN 9781465368409.
  8. Glen Keane leaving Disney's RAPUNZEL. Who's stepping up?, Disney in-house memo, Ain't It Cool News, October 9, 2008
  9. Anderson, Paul (March 25, 2012). "Glen Keane quits Disney Animation after 38 years". Big Cartoon News. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012.
  10. Disney legend Glen Keane joins Spotlight Stories Archived February 3, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  11. It’s Official: Glen Keane Joins Motorola to Direct Interactive Hand-Drawn Short Film
  12. Veteran Animator Glen Keane on His ‘Duet’ With Google
  13. Koch, Dave (June 28, 2014). "Glen Keane's Animated Poem Duet". Big Cartoon News. Archived from the original on July 2, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  14. Finley, Klint (June 30, 2014). "Motorola's 'Mad Science' Department Will Stay With Google". Wired.
  15. Glen Keane Creates ‘Nephtali' Short for the Paris Opera
  16. Amidi, Amid (February 6, 2018). "Glen Keane Will Direct 'Over The Moon' For Pearl Studio And Netflix". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  17. Evry, Max (February 6, 2018). "Disney Animator Glen Keane to Direct Netflix's Over the Moon". ComingSoon.net. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  18. Pearl Studio Enters the World Stage with Full Slate of Features at Annecy Studio Focus Session
  19. Mumford, Gwilym (March 5, 2018). "Kobe Bryant's Dear Basketball wins best animated short film at Oscars 2018". the Guardian. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  20. National Cartoonists Society (May 30, 2018). "2017 Reuben Award Winner: Glen Keane".
  21. Aphantasia: why a Disney animator draws a blank on his own creations, by Daniel Lavelle, in the Guardian; published April 10, 2019; retrieved April 14, 2019
  22. Once Upon A Time - Christianity Today

• Original illustrations from his children's books at AdamRaccoon.com

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