Back in September 2000, as the landscape of U.S. hand-drawn animation was shifting towards the rise of CG, I, like many assistant and cleanup artists, felt the winds of change. To proactively navigate this evolving industry, I decided to revamp my professional portfolio, aiming to showcase skills that went beyond the typical assistant roles. This was the genesis of my “Cats Don’t Dance” montage project.
My new portfolio wasn’t just going to be a collection of static artwork. I envisioned a dynamic presentation, something that could truly capture the nuances of my work. Therefore, alongside the traditional hard copy examples, I planned to include a ten-minute VHS tape. This tape would highlight some of the more intricate aspects of my animation contributions, specifically focusing on crucial animation corrections I made to scenes to ensure their seamless execution and impact. Furthermore, I wanted to inject a personal touch by creating a couple of self-directed “music videos.” These weren’t intended to be original artistic statements, but rather playful experiments, weaving together scenes I had assisted with or cleaned up. As I clearly stated on the VHS case itself, these montages were simply attempts to combine “found elements” into something hopefully entertaining for viewers, a testament to the magic within existing animation.
One of these “music videos” centered around “Cats Don’t Dance,” a film that held a special place for many of us in the hand-drawn animation world. Lacking personal editing facilities, I sought out a video editor in Burbank who operated a small, independent studio. I approached him with a detailed two-page outline for what I affectionately called the “CDD” piece. This outline meticulously listed the specific clips I wanted to use, along with their approximate time codes within the movie itself. I also indicated where these clips should be initially placed within an unedited audio track of “Danny’s Arrival Song,” a vibrant musical number from “Cats Don’t Dance.”
Sitting beside Jim, the editor, as he skillfully assembled the project was an invaluable learning experience. I gained firsthand insights into the thought process and essential steps involved in refining and polishing a video piece like this. His expertise in pacing, rhythm, and visual storytelling was truly illuminating. (Jim, if by any chance you happen to read this, your guidance was deeply appreciated, though my memory fails me on your last name!)
In retrospect, creating this “Cats Don’t Dance” montage was more than just a portfolio piece; it was a heartfelt tribute to a project we all poured our passion into. Speaking for the entire crew, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the enduring fans of “Cats Don’t Dance.” We were, and remain, incredibly proud of this film, the collaborative spirit that shaped it, and the connections it fostered. It’s truly heartwarming to see that audiences are still discovering and cherishing our “Little Film That Could,” a testament to the timeless appeal of hand-drawn animation and the unforgettable charm of “Cats Don’t Dance.”
