08 Rise of Warner Brothers Part 1

Summary

This video explores the origins and evolution of Warner Brothers Animation, highlighting the influence of early animators Hugh Harmon and Rudolph Eisen. Initially inspired by Disney, the studio eventually embraced its own unique style, characterized by wackiness and zaniness, in contrast to Disney's realistic fantasy. The video also delves into the role of Leon Schlesinger, a producer who recognized the potential of sound in animation and supported the creative freedom of artists, leading to the creation of iconic characters like Bosco. The narrative touches on the business acumen of Schlesinger, who prioritized financial success while fostering a culture of creativity, resulting in the beloved Looney Tunes series.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's interest in cartoons was sparked by watching Looney Tunes with their grandfather, a musician and music therapist.
• 🎨 Early Warner Brothers animators, like Hugh Harmon and Rudolph Eisen, initially aspired to emulate Disney's style but eventually embraced their own unique, zany approach.
• 🌟 The transition from silent to sound cartoons was a pivotal moment for the industry, with characters like Bosco the Talk-In Kid being created to capitalize on this new technology.
• 🤝 Leon Schlesinger, a producer with a keen business sense, played a crucial role in the development of Warner Brothers' animation, understanding the importance of creativity and artistry.
• 💼 Schlesinger's pragmatic approach to business was evident when he chose to settle with animators during a strike to ensure the continuity of production and profitability.
• 🎵 Warner Brothers' integration of music into their cartoons, such as through the Looney Tunes and Merry Melodies series, was a strategic move to promote their extensive music catalog.
• 📽️ The first Looney Tunes cartoon under Warner Brothers was 'Sinking in the Bathtub', featuring the character Bosco, which showcased the studio's commitment to innovation.
• 🎭 Bosco, while not a major success, was significant as it demonstrated the studio's ability to animate and use sound technology, paving the way for future characters and stories.
• 📜 The script touches on the issue of racial representation in early animation, noting how characters were initially designed with specific racial characteristics, which were later modified.
• 🤝 Despite tensions and provocations during labor disputes, Schlesinger's focus on profitability allowed for a certain level of tolerance and pragmatism in dealing with creative personnel.

Q & A

What is the significance of the two images mentioned at the beginning of the script?

The two images represent the speaker's maternal grandfather, who played a key role in sparking their interest in cartoons, particularly Warner Brothers' Looney Tunes, which they used to watch together.

Why was the grandfather's profession relevant to the speaker's enjoyment of cartoons?

The grandfather was a musician and music therapist, which made watching cartoons with him, especially those with musical elements like Looney Tunes, a more enriching experience for the speaker.

What was the initial aspiration of many animators who joined Warner Brothers?

Many early Warner Brothers animators aspired to be like Disney, due to their experiences and the influence of Disney's animation style.

How did Warner Brothers' approach to animation differ from Disney's?

While Disney tended towards realistic fantasy, Warner Brothers embraced a unique character of wackiness and zaniness in their animations.

Who were the two men instrumental in the development of Warner Brothers' animation?

Hugh Harmon and Rudolph Eisen were the two men who played a significant role in developing Warner Brothers' animation, creating characters like Bosco.

What was the significance of the character Bosco in the context of Warner Brothers' animation?

Bosco, the Talking Kid, was an early sound cartoon created by Harmon and Eisen, showcasing their ability to animate and use technology, and it led to their employment by Warner Brothers.

Why was the description of Bosco's race important during the copyright process?

Harmon and Eisen described Bosco as a 'negro boy' in their copyright application to clarify their ownership of the character, despite later dropping the racial aspect.

Who was Leon Schlesinger and how did he contribute to Warner Brothers' animation?

Leon Schlesinger was a producer who initially made titles and artwork for movies. He embraced sound technology and supported Warner Brothers' investment in it, which led to him hiring Harmon and Eisen and producing the Looney Tunes series.

What was the role of music in Warner Brothers' cartoons, as influenced by Schlesinger?

Schlesinger, understanding the importance of sound in cartoons, ensured that Warner Brothers' cartoons included songs, integrating their owned music and potentially driving record sales.

How did Schlesinger handle the 1938 animators' strike at Warner Brothers?

Initially resistant, Schlesinger eventually gave in to the animators' demands for higher pay, realizing it was better for business to have them back at work, showcasing his business acumen.

What was the first Looney Tunes cartoon produced under Warner Brothers' name?

The first Looney Tunes cartoon under Warner Brothers' name was 'Sinking in the Bathtub' starring Bosco.