Founded shortly after unionization struggles at Disney resulted in a talent exodus, United Productions of America (UPA) specialized in wartime propaganda cartoons before subcontracting for Columbia Pictures. Their output, heavily indebted to abstracted modern art and limited animation, pushed the boundaries of what an animated short film could be. This recording focuses on four groundbreaking cartoons supervised by director John Hubley; their embrace of wry humor, experimental aesthetics, and unconventional story structure won loud accolades, won many awards, and sent ripples throughout the animation community in ways that are still being felt today.
Ryan is joined by Cheryl and Sylvan for a discussion about this pioneering filmmaker. Thematic topics include McCarthyism, the universality of abstracted artistry, the tensions between commerce and expression in show business, and how limitation can breed creativity.
