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Hellboy

© James C. Hess

Style.

About a dozen years ago I paid a visit upon an animator I have known for many years. My timing could not have been worse, apparently: He had just laid off the last of his dream team and was giving serious consideration to closing up shop. For good.

The reason for this dire situation? The advent of computer generated animation. And what made matters worse, so said the animator, was that his speciality was stop-motion animation: A labor-intense form of traditional animation that, in recent years, had become insanely expensive to produce.

Because I did not know the specifics of his situation I did not what to say or what advice to offer. Instead I wished him the best and tried to keep his spirits by suggesting that all was not lost: Someone, somewhere, would want traditional animation. All he had to do was find them.

It is interesting, to note, that the simplest of often unintended remarks can often lead to the greatest of efforts: A few weeks ago, as I write this, I decided to pay a visit upon this particular animation (with the reason being I had not heard from him for some time and was, understandably, concerned about his well-being).

The building where his stuido was--and is--housed is a massive barn, remodeled years ago to meet his needs. The acre or so land in front of it and to the right of it was cleaned up as well, and large stone gravel was poured to make a parking lot for all the employees he had at one time.

And has, now.

Unable to find a parking space I parked down the road from his business and walked backed to the studio. As I stepped into the parking lt he came hurrying out of the building, his hand extended in greeting and friendship. As we shook hands he apologized for not getting outside sooner.

I saw you coming, he said. And wanted to make you could find a parking space. Did you find a parking space?

I told him I had. Down the road. He seemed momentarily bothered by the apparent inconvenience, but his concern passed quickly as he explained the reason why the parking lot was full: Business was his.

Oh, I said.

Yes, he said, quite excited. And I owe it all to you.

I stopped. He jerked to a stop next to me.

Problem? he asked.

I did this, I said, wondering how it was possible.

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