Bill Melendez Interview - Part 1 of 8

Full Interview at http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/bill-melendez
Bill Melendez (1916-2008) was interviewed for four hours in Los Angeles, CA. Melendez spoke about his beginnings at Walt Disney Studios and later at Warner Bros., where he animated cartoons featuring popular characters including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. He also discussed his work for United Productions of America and John Sutherland Productions. Next, Mr. Melendez described his early collaboration with comic strip artist Charles M. Schulz on commercials featuring the Peanuts characters, and explained how that became a career-long partnership on over fifty animated Peanuts television specials. He discussed in detail some of those projects, including A Charlie Brown Christmas and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. He also touched on the various Peanuts feature films and television series, including the animated miniseries This is America, Charlie Brown. Finally, Mr. Melendez spoke of other projects he has produced through his production company, including the animated The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, as well as animated specials featuring comic strip characters Garfield and Cathy.  The interview was conducted by Jennifer Howard on June 23, 2001.. To see the entire interview collection, visit http://emmytvlegends.org

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[brownies4you]

I still love his trademark moustache. Even when he worked for Charles Schulz in the 1960s, he had that curled up 'stache.

[lukaspukas1]

The words "criminally underrated" do not even begin to describe how much people have forgotten this totally genius artist. Wes Anderson quoted him, Orson Welles, and Francois Truffaut as his primary inspirations; and it shows.

[TexasWorldMusic]

This is a great interview - Bill Melendez is the best and his art is timeless. What a beautiful soul.

[ReiOn8]

GASP...I didn't even know Bill Melendez passed 2 years ago...

RIP...will always love his work in the Charlie Brown animated shows.

[theogore]

HOLY MOLY! I had no knowledge of Cuauhtémoc's life and his opinion of the Disney empire. I absolutely love this interview already. Reminds me of my talented godfather. Brilliant man...

[KiCreativeStudios]

@hell0hkitty You are truly blessed.

I just found out today that Mr. Melendez passed away two years ago. I big loss of a true treasure.

[hell0hkitty]

what an excellent tribute to this man who was my uncle, my dad's younger brother. his legacy will live on. he was a dear and humble man. truly a blessing to his family. thank you for posting this!

[HazyChase20]

What a great birthday president.

R.I.P Bill.