by Celia Bullwinkel
For most moviegoers, Tom Sito is not a recognized name. Still, his work in animation has been acknowledged the world over, in such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Pocohantas, Shrek, and his feature length directorial debute, Osmosis Jones. As a native New Yorker and SVA Alumni, Tom Sito flew in from Hollywood to give a lecture to students and fans at The School of Visual Arts’ main theatre Monday, March 4th. There, he screened his latest film, Osmosis Jones, following with a slide show of concept art, and Q and A session on directing animation.

AU members Rob, Chris, and myself met Tom for a breakfast interview Tuesday morning at L’Express on Park Avenue. Over bagels and eggs Florentine, Tom shared stories of being in the driver’s seat of animation’s second boom. Tom Sito was surprisingly approachable for a Hollywood power player. He talks with a smile, his eyes twinkle, and he speaks of animation like a film historian. All the while, his New York accent still emerges from his talk of Hollywood. Tom shared with us experiences animating Beast in Beauty in the Beast, and storyboarding for Aladin, and the excitement on the opening night of Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Aside from working in film the past 20 years, Tom remembers working at 19 as an apprentice for the great Grim Natwick (Disney animator, creator of Betty boop). At the very end, the three of us had the chance to enjoy Tom’s final Holiday card from Chuck Jones.

Thanks again, Tom