Bill Plympton, 78, is an icon in the world of indie animation. Originally from Oregon, Plympton moved to New York City in 1968 to study cartooning at the School of Visual Arts. After working as an illustrator and cartoonist for 15 years, he transitioned into animation in the 1980s and has since become a celebrated figure in the industry, with his features and shorts receiving numerous festival awards and two Academy Award nominations for short animation. Senior Planet had the opportunity to speak with Plympton at his studio in Chelsea, located in lower Manhattan.
SP: Can you share your journey of starting out in the animation industry?
BP: My career took a significant turn after the screening of my first film “Your Face” in New York City in 1987, where professional animators were in attendance. The audience’s reaction changed my life. Despite being a seemingly insignificant film, it resonated with people, and I realized the power of animation to connect with audiences in ways that print cartoons could not. This pivotal moment inspired me to shift my focus entirely to animation.
SP: What do you believe made “Your Face” so appealing to viewers?
BP: The unique humor and deadpan style of “Your Face” resonated with audiences, leading to unexpected commercial success. The film’s reception opened doors for commercial opportunities and ultimately transformed my career.
SP: You have maintained a hands-on approach to your animation work. Can you elaborate on this choice?
BP: I find joy in the process of drawing and believe that my personal touch adds value to my creations. While I enlist assistance for certain editing tasks, I oversee and direct the overall process to maintain the authenticity of my work.
SP: Tell us about your Master Class and the valuable lessons you share with aspiring filmmakers.
BP: I conduct my Master Class regularly, both domestically and internationally, to educate emerging filmmakers on the nuances of independent filmmaking and crowdfunding. Through my experiences with “Your Face” and “The Tune,” I emphasize the importance of maintaining creative control and financial independence in the filmmaking process.
SP: Your upcoming project “Slide” sounds intriguing. Can you share more details about it?
BP: “Slide” is my latest feature film set to release in 2025. It is a unique blend of Western, dark comedy, and musical elements, depicting the story of a mythical cowboy who embarks on a mission to save a corrupt lumberjack town from its malevolent twin mayors using his slide guitar. I collaborate with talented musicians for the film’s soundtrack, highlighting the importance of music in enhancing the storytelling experience.
SP: Your prolific output sets you apart in the industry. What drives your continuous creative endeavors?
BP: I take pride in my extensive body of work, comprising nine animated features, four live-action films, and numerous short films. Maintaining creative control and pushing boundaries have been significant motivators throughout my career.
SP: Embracing aging with attitude. What does this concept mean to you?
BP: Aging with attitude signifies a positive outlook on life, guided by one’s principles and unwavering commitment to creative expression. It embodies a sense of empowerment and resilience in the face of challenges.
Kate Walter is a seasoned author and writing coach, known for her insightful memoirs and impactful essays published in various renowned publications.
Photo of Kate Walter by Su Zen
Bill Plympton Banner Photo by Kate Walter
Artwork, videos, and photos courtesy of Bill Plympton
