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ART 1107
Professor Burch
06/13/2022

Art Documentary Assignment

Animator. Storyman. Troublemaker. These are the words used to characterize Floyd
Norman. Floyd Norman, an animator and screenwriter, was born on June 22, 1935, in Santa
Barbara, California. He started making animated films while still in high school. Norman began
his career by collaborating with Bill Woggon on the animated comic book series Archie. Norman
studied illustration at the Art Center School in Pasadena, California, in the 1960s. Norman was
employed at Walt Disney Studios after only two years of education. He worked on around 40
films and television programs before formally retiring. Norman received more than ten
accolades, was dubbed a Disney Legend in 2007, and was inducted into the Black Filmmakers
Hall of Fame in 1979.

There is one primary reason I chose Floyd Norman: An Animated Life for my paper. The
argument is that he created history in 1956 when he became the first African American cartoon
animator at the Disney studios. Being black in the 1950s was not easy, and it certainly isn't now.
Norman pushed the boundaries, and let his talent shine, and he was rewarded for it. This is
something else I noticed when viewing his autobiography. It is believed that Floyd Norman: An
Animated Life is a beautiful homage to a humble, underrated guy who pushed boundaries and
changed many people's lives for the better.

This is an entertaining documentary on the life of a legendary animator. It's a tribute to

Floyd Norman that so many animators volunteered to be interviewed to help convey his
narrative, which was frequently accompanied with classic Disney-style cartoons to show what
life was like in the animators' studios. So many fantastic memories and behind-the-scenes stories
from his time at Disney. It revolves on Norman's 80th birthday, and he still has a sharp tongue
and a keen pen.

Norman was compelled to retire around the age of 65. Rather than allowing this to define
him, Floyd Norman founded his own firm, which currently produces black history documentaries
for high schools. He is still an inspiration to the younger generation. I like the fact that Norman
still wants to help people and share his talent with the world. I can’t imagine how Disney would
be without him. I had no idea who Floyd Norman was before this project, and I am pleased I
chose this movie.