Fleischer Studios Blog

An eclipse to remember...

8/22/2017

We just had to share this fascinating post from the website dedicated to the work and life of Max Fleischer's son, and famed movie director, Richard Fleischer! Richard's son, and the President and CEO of Fleischer Studios, Mark Fleischer, recounts this riveting story from the 1961 set of Barabbas -

Some years ago my father, Richard Fleischer, was directing the movie “Barabbas” in Rome. One of the most dramatic scenes of the movie was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At the time that my father was preparing to shoot that scene, a total eclipse of the sun was scheduled to occur at nearby Sienna.

Being an adventurous and creative soul, my father moved the entire company to Sienna to shoot that scene during the total solar eclipse, something that no one had ever done before.

This being the first time, nobody had a clue how to light the set. Using their best guesses, my father and the director of photography set up three cameras each with different settings, crossed their fingers and waited for the sun to almost completely disappear, at which point my father yelled “action.”

The world darkened, a strange and eerie light embraced the assembled crew and, against this backdrop the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was re-enacted. The filmmakers’ guesses turned out to be correct, and one of the most uniquely beautiful motion picture scenes came into being.

You can check out the amazing eclipse footage in this scene from Barabbas here!

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Now on CBCRadio: How the 'independent, sexy, smart' Betty Boop continues to stay relevant after 87 years

6/24/2017

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Hear it now! Mark Fleischer, CEO of Fleischer Studios and grandson of Max Fleischer, sat down with CBCRadio's Tom Power, host of q, for a fascinating discussion about Betty Boop. Touching on everything from her origins, to her incredible longevity, her status as an American icon and her enduring relevance, this is an interview you simply do not want to miss!

Now, thanks to CBCRadio online, you can hear the entire interview anytime you want! Just click here, sit back and enjoy!

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TCM's evening of Fleischer Family films - November 13!

11/10/2016

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When: November 13, 2016
Where: TCM
8pm EST - 7pm CST - 6pm MST- 5pm PST
Check your local listings
or the TMC website
for more information:

That's right! On Sunday, November 13, TCM is dedicating an entire evening of entertainment to the work of Max, Dave and Richard Fleischer and it's all co-hosted by Mark Fleischer, Max's grandson and the CEO of Fleischer Studios.

This amazing evening begins with two Fleischer Studios classics: Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor (1936) and Popeye the Sailor Meets Ali Baba's Forty Thieves (1937). Together, these films represent two of only three "two-reeler" or long-form color films the Fleischers made featuring Popeye.

If you're interested in learning more about the creation of these very special films, take a look at Magic in Miami in our online museum. The exhibit features a 1938 episode of Popular Science that details the process of animation during this period, and even features the making of one of these amazing long format films.

The TMC evening continues with two films directed by Max's son, the acclaimed film director Richard Fleischer: the noir classic The Narrow Margin (1952) followed by the sci-fi thriller Soylent Green (1973) starring Charlton Heston. Thanks to animation historian Ray Pointer for helping to make this wonderful event into a reality. Ray's upcoming book The Art and Invention of Max Fleischer: An American Animation Pioneer is due to be released in December of this year.

From start to finish that's more than 4 hours of Fleischer films, covering 35 years of film making, and featuring 3 generations of the Fleischer family. You don't want to miss this!

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Betty Boop to Star in New Animated Television Series!

2/13/2016

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THIS JUST IN! A new animated television series, featuring Betty Boop, is now being developed by NORMAAL Animation, the producer of the “Peanuts” TV series.

Aimed at tweens and teens, the series will share Betty Boop's indomitable spirit with a whole new generation of fans with a story line that follows the daily struggles, joys and victories of young Betty Boop, who has every intention of being on stage and becoming a superstar.

Slated for release in 2018, the series will be produced by France–based NORMAAL studios in partnership with Fleischer Studios and King Features, the New York City-based unit of Hearst and exclusive worldwide licensing agent for Betty Boop.

We are delighted to be partnering with the fresh and creative production company, NORMAAL Animation. My grandfather, Max Fleischer, created Betty Boop as the fun, feisty and fashionable woman whose spirit has transcended and transformed multiple generations of fans. It is so exciting to know that this television series will present Max’s beloved icon through new, highly original content that will continue to keep Betty engaging and relatable to future generations of fans.

- Mark Fleischer, President and Chairman of Fleischer Studios.

Read the full press release HERE.

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Celebrate Spring with Fleischer Studios: The Dog Days!

4/14/2015

Max Fleischer’s great granddog Angel, with her family Mark and Susan Fleischer. Mark (Max's grandson) is Head of Fleischer Studios.

Spring is finally here and we hope you'll join us in celebrating this long-awaited season with The Dog Days, an exciting new exhibit in our virtual Museum inspired by our love of man’s best friend!

From the nameless dog who spoke the first- ever synchronized words in animation history; to Betty Boop’s “boyfriend” Bimbo; to the real life Bimbo (the Fleischer family dog); and Angel (left) currently bringing her own special brand of canine love and affection to Max’s grandson Mark Fleischer, now Head of Fleischer Studios, and his wife Susan, dogs have always been an important part of the Fleischer Studios family.

Don't miss this fun and fascinating new exhibit featuring one of the earliest extant examples of Max Fleischer's animation plus amazing, never-seen-before footage from Fleischer family home movies (featuring Max himself and their real life dog Bimbo!), and the story of the real-life puppy who just recently joined the ranks of Fleischer dogs! It's all here.

L.A. Fans check out FleischerFest this weekend!

1/22/2015

Hey, fans in Los Angeles, don't miss FleischerFest this weekend at The Steve Allen Theater!

Find more information on FleischerFest on Animation Scoop!

Jerry Beck, who will be serving as Master-of-Ceremonies, reports on Animation Scoop that this fabulous event will feature "an all-day celebration of the cartoons of Dave and Max Fleischer. It's also a tribute to the animators responsible for Koko the Clown, Betty Boop, Popeye, the original Superman cartoons, the sing-along Bouncing Ball cartoons, and much more."

The festivities will also feature Fleischer Studios Chairman and CEO Mark Fleischer who will join Jerry Beck on stage for an interview and share his memories of his grandfather, Max Fleischer.

For more - including a full schedule of events and directions - check out Jerry Beck's post on Animation Scoop!

Animal Logic and Simon Cowell Woo Betty Boop!

8/14/2014

Yes, it's true!

And it's the title of this newly released, hot-off-the-presses statement we're thrilled to share and celebrate announcing the incredible and talented team coming together to develop Betty Boop's first ever feature-length film.

We're sharing an excerpt from this exciting press-release, but check out the full release here. Or read more about it in Variety here!

06:00PT/09:00ET – AUGUST 14, 2014 - LOS ANGELES – Betty Boop™, international animation icon and leading lady, together with Animal Logic Entertainment and Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment today announced their plan to develop and produce Betty Boop’s first feature-length film.

Partnering with Fleischer Studios, Animal Logic and Syco Entertainment will produce a music-driven hybrid animated comedy featuring universally adored screen starlet Betty Boop.

Queen of the animation world, Betty Boop is one of the most loved and sought-after animated characters of the past and present centuries with accolades spanning film and television, fashion and music. Having first hit screens in 1930 with numerous appearances in Max Fleischer’s Talkartoons and her own “Betty Boop” cartoon series, her popularity has continued to grow through the decades. Most recently, she has taken her career to new heights, starring in a Lancôme® campaign and featuring in collaborations with Coca-Cola®, NASCAR®, UNIQLO and Chupa Chups®. Betty also has countless other global commercial and mass merchandising deals through her exclusive worldwide licensing agency, King Features.

Betty’s last movie appearance was a cameo in the blockbuster movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988). Her millions of fans spanning generations have made her one of the most recognizable characters in the world and are eagerly awaiting her return to the silver screen.

The film, which will be produced by Zareh Nalbandian and Jason Lust from Animal Logic and Simon Cowell and Adam Milano from Syco, promises to be an exciting addition to the Animal Logic and Syco Entertainment growing development slate with broad audience appeal.

Of today’s announcement, Betty Boop said, “I’m so excited to return to the big screen – and I only work with the best! Let’s have some fun, Simon. Boop-Oop-a-Doop!”

Simon Cowell said, “Betty is an icon, and one of the biggest stars in the world – I’m thrilled to be working with her. Betty, I’ve worked with some serious divas but I think you could be the biggest of them all!”

For more information, check out the full press release here.