Cartoon Classes Galore!

Learn the art of cartoon storytelling at The Second City, that famed Chicago comedy Alma Mater of Bill Murray, John Candy, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley, Harold Ramis and so many other brilliant, comedic minds.

Each course explores story breakdown, character development, page layout, the creative process, and studies from life. Students will create original characters and an original story based on personal experiences. No previous drawing experience required—if you can create a stick figure, you can succeed in these courses!

Sign up for:

Steven Fischer’s Intro to Cartoon Storytelling (for adults!)

Wednesdays, April 5-26, 2017 — 3-hour sessions starting at 7pm

 

The Wonderful, Happy, Cartoony Workshop (for ages 14-18)

Workshop: Saturday, April 15, 2017 (2-hours)

Four-session Class version:  Saturday, April 22-23 and 29-30, 2017 (2-hour sessions)

“Steve & Bluey” by Steven Fischer. Copyright 2014 Steven Fischer.

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John Cleese on Creativity

Click here to watch an insightful, inspiring speech from John Cleese at Video Arts on Creativity. He reminds us of the value space, time, confidence, and humor have in our ability to tap into our full creative potential. Some of the ideas are present in Old School New School.

OSNS on OSNS

Steven Fischer, producer of Old School New School the movie, will be appearing on Old School New School the podcast on Thursday, July 7 2011 at 6.30pm PST. More details to come.

Old School New School Released!

Old School New School with Brian Cox released today! Please watch the movie, post a comment, and share the link with anyone interested in creative self development. Thank you for all your continued interest and support of our journey into the mystery of creativity.

Watch the movie here.

City Paper’s Feature Story on Old School New School

Released today and documents a recent shoot in New York with jazz great McCoy Tyner.

Click here and check it out!

Allen Moore in Old School New School

Shot Allen Moore March 31st for Old School New School. Allen is a world class cinematographer and one of Ken Burns’ go-to guys. In addition to Allen’s numerous independent work, he’s shot Florentine Films’ The Civil War, Baseball, National Parks and much more.

Allen is a very intellectual kind of guy. His thoughts on success, identity, and finding one’s place in the world will add a lot to the series. I hope to have some clips up soon.

Thanks to Allen and his family for letting us invade their beautiful home! And three cheers to DPs Jack Reybold and Phil Rosensteel for capturing the best light and a great conversation.

Videographers Phil Rosensteel and Jack Reybold bookend director Steven Fischer and Old School New School subject Allen Moore. March 2010.

OSNS to Real Screen

Submitted Old School New School clip to Real Screen for entry into next year’s summit. The search for exposure and support is ever in motion. :0)

Hollywood Screening

Did I mention that Kimberley Browning is one of planet Earth’s most beautiful people? She is the heart and soul behind Hollywood Shorts, and many months ago made the generous offer to coordinate and present a work-in-progress screening of Old School, New School, a study on the nature of creativity.

That day is nearly here. Mark your calendars!

Saturday, June 20, 2009
The Hotel Cafe
1623 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
4.30pm – 6.30pm
FREE

This work-in-progress screening is intended for a target audience focus group (art students and those interested in developing their creativity). Confirmed guests for the post screening discussion include 6-time Oscar nominee (and OSNS subject) William Fraker and Michael Polcino, director of The Simpsons and Family Guy animated series. The discussion continues the dialogue from the movie about taking risks, finding your own voice, defining success in the arts, and, in general, how to “make it” in the arts.

More panel guests to be announced. The best way to keep in formed is to join the OSNS Facebook page.

Many thanks to The Hotel Cafe and Kimberley Browning for making this screening a reality.

A Study on Genius and Success in the Arts

The experimental filmmaker Fred Worden sent me a really great video today. Malcolm Gladwell discusses success in the arts and how musicians he’s studied have come to make their masterpiece. He’s concluded that every “genius” reaches genius status my completing 10,000 hours of preparation. He notes that The Beatles performed about 12,000 times together before their big Ed Sullivan success, and that Fleetwood Mac released about 12 albums before Rumors was released.

It’s a fascinating study that, to me, touches on lot of truth. Check it out here.

BBC on Creative Genius

Kirstie Simson, celebrated British dance artist and subject of Old School, New School, introduced me to a very interesting study on Creative Genius BBC Radio produced in four parts.

It’s fascinating! Listen here.

Thanks, Kirstie!