Joseph Barbera: A Celebration of Life.
On January 24, 2007, just a few hours before the Channel Frederator Awards, thousands of people jammed the theatre on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank to celebrate the life of Joe Barbera.
It was amazing and humbling to be there. Generations of animation history were coming together and not only saying goodbye to their leader and friend, but to connect with compatriots from their own eras. My friends at the studio ended up representing its twilight and a pale resurrection, but surrounding us were the people who literally invented an industry and I hope we were sufficiently reverent.
Here’s the complete video of the event, including a tribute Warners edited together. You’ll see some great old artwork, home movies of the studio in its heyday, and some typically fantastic words from Joe.
[May 27, 2007: Sorry folks. Apparently, Warner Bros. is sensitive about stuff, asked us to remove the video.]
Carlton Clay, event host and executive assistant to Mr. Barbera and Mr. Hanna.
PS: I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that one of my favorite parts of the video is the hosting duties of Carlton Clay, executive assistant to Mr. Barbera and Mr. Hanna over the last 15 years or so. And one of the best friends I made during my years at the studio.
–Fred
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On March 17th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Fred,
Thank you for posting the video from the memorial. I wish that it could have been the entire several hour event. I thought that night was great and did a great honor to an industry giant. I’m so luky to have worked at Hanna Barbera and to have met so many talented artist over the years of work at H.B. I agree with you about Carlton he was definetly the high light of the event. Joe was truely blessed to have Carlton taking care of him. Thanks again for video and let us all know if it would be possible to see the entire video .
On March 18th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Thanks Robert. For our readers, please take note that Robert Alvarez is one of the great unsung directors who spent many years at Hanna-Barbera (and then Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network); check out imdb.com for his almost unbelievable list of credits. He was also the first guy with the nerve to call me out when I was president of HB for his perception of my mistreatment of the studio’s classic characters. Thank goodness we straigtened it out and went on to many creative years together. If only he’d quit his steady job and come back where he belongs.
On March 20th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Hi Fred! Like Robert; I gotta say thanks for posting this tribute as well.
I regret to say; I’ve spent a very short time doing work for Hanna Barbera late in 1996. It’s a place I always wanted to work at. The cartoons produced at hanna Barbera bring us all so many wonderful memories in our life. What an inspiration.
I purchased and read Joe Barbera’s book; My Life in Toons.” What a great book.
And you’ve done so many wonderful cartoons for Hanna Barbera, Fred. Your passion and respect for artists and animators is second to none, and it was a blessing that you were there. I too am glad all worked out for the best.
We’ll always miss Joe. Take care Fred and everyone.
Your Cartoon Pal……Jeff