Hanna-Barbera's animation could be called memorable as well. Memorable in the sense of its quality, or in some people's view, lack thereof. Often reusing cels and relying on simplistic styles at certain phases of the studio's existence, many Hanna-Barbera classics are not art masterworks, despite the strong talents of Hanna and Barbera. This level of quality was largely born out of the financial need to keep the studio running. It proved to be an excellent starting ground for people who have gone on to other aspects of the business, some of whom I have had the privilege to work with (an example: the producer I worked with on Jumanji at Sony, Bob Hathcock, directed several Hanna-Barbera projects including Smurfs).
The shows endured -- first in syndication, and later forming the foundation for what has become one of the biggest outlets for original animated programming, the Cartoon Network (you can check out their website at http://cartoonnetwork.com to find out more). Without these shows created in the studio built by William Hanna and Joe Barbera, Cartoon Network probably would not have come about. Which would have meant no Dexter's Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, or Powerpuff Girls.
For those of you unfamiliar with the evolution of the studio, Ted Turner bought the Hanna-Barbera studios in the late 1980s and then launched the Cartoon Network as one of his cable channels to recoup on his investment. Later, when Turner's stations became acquired by Time Warner -- now AOL Time Warner -- they began producing original programming and ultimately Hanna-Barbera was rechristened Cartoon Network Studios in 2000. Some animation, such as the Scooby-Doo direct to video movies, became handled by Warner Bros. Animation.
Go To Page: 1 2
