– Portland Oscar winner Mark Gustafson obituary
– Mark Gustafson Portland film director.
Mark Gustafson, Oscar-Winning Co-Director of Pinocchio, Passes Away at 63
In a sad turn of events, Mark Gustafson, the renowned stop-motion animation master and co-director of the Oscar-winning film Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, has passed away at the age of 63. The talented artist suffered a heart attack on Thursday, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in the animation industry.
Gustafson’s contributions to the world of stop-motion animation were widely recognized and celebrated. His collaboration with Guillermo del Toro on Pinocchio earned him an Academy Award last year, solidifying his status as one of the greats in the field. His unique talent and dedication to his craft will be sorely missed.
Survived by his wife, Jennifer Smieja, Gustafson leaves behind a loving family who will undoubtedly cherish his memory. His impact on those around him was profound, as evident in the heartfelt tribute shared by del Toro on the social media site X. Del Toro described Gustafson as a pillar of stop-motion animation, a true artist, and a compassionate and witty man. The loss of Gustafson is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Pioneer in Stop-Motion Animation
Gustafson’s mastery of the stop-motion process made him a beloved figure in Portland’s animation community. This physical form of filmmaking involves meticulously moving models by hand and capturing each position on camera. When combined, these individual shots create the illusion of movement. Gustafson’s skill in this technique was evident in his work on Pinocchio and Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, for which he served as animation director.
In an industry dominated by CGI, Gustafson upheld a tradition of craftsmanship that showcased the beauty and intricacy of stop-motion animation. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of the medium inspired countless animators, including Kirby Atkins, who had the privilege of working with Gustafson at Will Vinton Studios. Atkins fondly remembers Gustafson as someone who brought soul, humor, and heart-warming quirkiness to his craft, forever changing the way he approached his own work.
Gustafson’s animation career began decades ago at Portland’s Vinton Studios, now known as Laika. He worked on various projects, including The Adventures of Mark Twain, Mr. Resistor, and The California Raisin Show. He also directed episodes of The PJs and contributed as an animator to A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas. His diverse body of work showcased his versatility and passion for storytelling through animation.
A Lasting Legacy
In June 2023, Gustafson and the animation supervisor of Pinocchio, Brian Hansen, were interviewed by S.W. Conser for Oregon Artswatch. The interview provided valuable insights into the creation of the film and highlighted Gustafson’s artistic vision. His contributions to the animated world will continue to inspire future generations of animators.
Mark Gustafson’s untimely passing is a tremendous loss to the animation industry and the community that admired his work. His talent, dedication, and the impact he had on those around him will never be forgotten. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his extraordinary legacy and the artistry he brought to the world of animation.
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– Portland Oscar winner Mark Gustafson death
– Mark Gustafson passes away at 63 in Portland.
