BEHIND THE MAGIC OF BILL PLYMPTON: A ROAST
Legendary Animator and Two-Time Academy Award Nominee Bill Plympton Honored in a Night of Stories, Celebration, and Tribute
New York, NY — ASIFA-East and the School of Visual Arts MFA Computer Arts program proudly present Behind the Magic of Bill Plympton: A Roast, a one-night celebration honoring the extraordinary career of legendary independent animator and two-time Academy Award nominee Bill Plympton.
This 90-minute live event brings together a lineup of animation professionals who have worked alongside Plympton over his remarkable 45+ year career. Through humorous anecdotes, personal stories, and good-natured roasting, they will reflect on Plympton’s lasting impact on the animation industry—and the singular creative vision that transformed a shy boy from Portland, Oregon into one of the most influential figures in independent animation.
The MC of the event is Patrick Smith (Disney, MTV, YouTube, “Pour 585”). The presenters: Maureen McElheron (“The Tune”, “Your Face”), Signe Baumane (“My Love Affair With Marriage”), Lisa LaBracio (“The Opposites Game” and founder of Animation Speak/Easy), Biljana Labovic (TED-Ed), Dez Stavracos (Hornet) and Daniel Neiden (“Whale 52”, “The Tune”).
A reception will follow the program.
This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
Plympton recently returned from the Berlin International Film Festival, where his latest short film Whale 52 won the Crystal Bear for Best Short Film. The film is also slated to screen at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
About Bill Plympton
Bill Plympton is a pioneering independent animator, director, and cartoonist whose career spans more than four decades. Known for his distinctive hand-drawn style and fiercely independent production approach, he has created over 100 short films and multiple feature-length works.
His 1987 short Your Face took the animation world by storm, announcing to all that a new and unique artist had arrived. It earned an Academy Award nomination, followed by another nomination for Guard Dog (2004). His work has appeared in major publications including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and National Lampoon, and has been featured widely across film festivals, television, and digital platforms.
Plympton has also contributed animation to The Simpsons, directed acclaimed features such as Idiots and Angels, and collaborated with artists ranging from Kanye West to “Weird Al” Yankovic. His work continues to push boundaries with originality, humor, and artistic independence.
He is also an illustrator and author of numerous books.
Quotes
“Bill Plympton is God. Period.” — Matt Groening
“Bill Plympton is a genius. Where does he buy his drugs?” — Terry Gilliam
“Bill Plympton is a National Treasure.” – Pat Smith
“Bill Plympton inspired thousands of animation careers, including mine. He showed what is possible if you just do it, make a film without waiting for a studio approval or a grant.” – Signe Baumane
“Bill Plympton is the most consistent animation job creator in NYC.” – Biljana Labovic