Andr�-Luc Dupont and Ren� Jodoin listen as Co Hoedeman talks about the four successful Ludovic films
photos : Guy Maguire

The NFB Club ONF organised a visit to the Board's animation studios April 24th, 2002.

The following are photos taken during the visit to the French Animation studios.

Ron Jones

I must thank some people for the spectacular success of the Club's visit to the NFB's animation studios. But where to begin? Well there was J.P. Olivier Foug�res who, with his usual organizational skills and a lot of hardwork, brought it off. Then there was Marie-Pierre Tremblay who organized a fantastic lunch which astounded many, particularly those who were expecting a cookie and coffee. In fact the lunch surprised our treasurer too. Marie-Pierre provided us with: pat�s and cheeses, cold meats and sandwiches, salads and desserts, etc, etc, etc. There was also a great support group helping both Olivier and Marie-Pierre. This included: Jacques-Bertrand Simard, Larry Bush, Marie Fitzgerald, Marie-Gabrielle Forget, Nicole Fr�chette, Colette Gendron, Michael Hazel, Jean Imbeau, Catherine Kalos, Anthony and Ann Kent, Serge Lafortune, Guy Maguire, Ghislaine Montagne, Elie Mubayed, and Mario Castanha and his members of the security staff.

Then there were the animation studios where the visitors were welcomed, toured, entertained and enlightened. David Verrall welcomed half of the group to the English Studio and Jacques Drouin to the French Studio both providing backgrounds and an overview of productions in progress. The visitors were then left in the capable hands of: Michael Fukushima, Marcy Page, Francine Langdeau and H�l�ne Tanguay who guided them to the various work stations and introducing them to : Sheldon Cohen, Mich�le Cournoyer, Paul Driessen, Randall Finnerty, Co Hoedeman, Torill Kove, Nicola Lemay, Alison Loader, Paul Morstad and Belinda Oldford.

The tours were most instructive and the atmosphere very warm and friendly. From what we saw, the future bodes well for animation at the NFB and even some of the veterans of the world of animation were impressed with what they saw. One member of the animation staff remarked "The visit was great for us too. Sometimes we forget how much talent we have here. "

After the feast which followed, GFC Jacques Bensimon gave a brief welcome address and took the occasion to introduce the Club to two of the latest members of his staff, Tom Perlmutter, Director General English Program and Andr� Picard, Director General French Program.

Then on to the art exhibition which showcased the talents of past and present NFB animators. Here the Club had the pleasure of seeing the paintings of: Martine Chartrand, Sheldon Cohen, Randall Finnerty, Suzanne Gervais, Torill Kove, Paul Morstad, Belinda Oldford, Marcy Page and Gerald Potterton The media and the subject matter varied but the talent was evident in each piece on display. What a great way to end a great day.