In the Fall of 1984, we promoted our first "outside" event when we presented legendary Warner Brothers animator Chuck Jones at a personal appearance at New England Life Hall in Boston. We were thrilled when Chuck offered to donate part of his fee to endow the grand prize for upcoming Wally Awards.
In addition, Chuck's appearance served as a benefit for our biggest undertaking to date: The 1984 New England Animation Festival. The idea was born at our 1983 Wally Awards presentation, and with the help of David Pfeiffer and the cooperation of the Harvard Film Archives and the Boston Film and Video Foundation the Festival became a successful reality. Highlighting the Festival was the sold out appearance of June Foray and Bill Scott, much better known as the voices of Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Bullwinkle J. Moose. The Festival also included a personal appearance by a delegation from the Sofia Animation Studio in Bulgaria; a selection of new animated films for children; and a dazzling compilation of new award winning international animation!
The 1985 New England Animation Festival wasn't quite so ambitious, but featured four impressive programs. At New England Life Hall we presented the first comprehensive program of animation from the Soviet Union in the US since 1980; a program of New Japanese Animation; and a special program called Peace Movements: International Animations. It was originally compiled and presented at the Hiroshima 85 Film Festival, and was presented here as the opening night event for Peace Week, sponsored by the Boston-Kiev Sister City Association. At Off the Wall, we presented In the Beginning: Silent Cartoon Classics, with live piano accompaniment by Albert Lamb.
All of us at Off the Wall are extremely proud of our role in presenting these wonderful programs! Below are some of our cherished souvenirs and memories.
Poster advertising Chuck Jones’ appearance at New England Life Hall
“It was exciting and a little chaotic. I was nominated to work the spotlight, which was as big as me and twice as heavy. When Chuck Jones stepped onto the stage, he decided to have some fun by trying to dodge the spotlight, so I was swinging and being swung wildly around the projection booth.” —Mike Peck
Some encouraging words from Bullwinkle Moose and an autograph by Bill Scott: Off the Wall is on the Ball!
June Foray and Bill Scott performing a script at Off the Wall's New England Animation Festival, helping out Charles Laquidara on WBCN, and being interviewed in Off the Wall's projection booth.
A New England Animation Festival program autographed by June Foray for Mike Peck
Good luck, Mike Dollink. Thanks for inviting me! Natasha, Rocky, Nell, Jokey Smurf and June Foray, 14 Nov, 1984
“There was about 10 minutes when we were alone in the office, just chatting. I was thrilled every time June would slip into various voices just to emphasize a point now and then, and I got a special flutter when Natasha called me ‘Mike Dollink.’” —Mike Peck
A note to David Mendelson from June Foray
Dear David— A long overdue note of thanks for your terrific expression of love for us and the Bullwinkle Show. Verily, I don’t remember a more perfect tribute with commitment, generosity and consideration. By this time, everyone in Hollywood is aware of your festival. Saw Chuck Jones last Thursday in Carona del Mar. Naturally much of the conversation revolved around Boston and Cambridge. By the way, I received my films in good condition, and gracias. My fond regards to all & sundry thanks, Mikes, etc. Everyone was dear. Have a neat holiday season and I hope that the coming year brings all the success your cinema deserves. Affectionately, June
Variety article about the New England Animation Festival
Variety covered Off the Wall’s New England Animation Festival and reported on its first winner, Dan Lavender, then a student at the Museum School, who has gone on to an impressive career in visual effects for film and television.