stevenxdavis

Thank you for doing an AMA, Mr. President. You're known for being one of the finest actors who has never been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. However, I read on Wikipedia (so it must be true) that you declined an Oscar nomination for your role in Apocalypse Now. Is that true? If so, what led you to make that decision?

Hi, Don. We met one time. I'm sure you remember.

Most people who review your work or interview you tend to focus solely on your animation skill and technique without dicussing your abilities as a storyteller, but I feel like your movies have always impacted me more as narratives than visual exercises. Do you ever feel like viewers are missing the point when they focus solely on your technique? Honestly, it seems like no one can mention your name without saying that you work alone and (used to) use old-fashioned animation equipment. How can you keep answering those same questions without exploding?

You often mentioned in interviews that you've been fortunate enough to be able to support yourself financially throughout your 20-year career as an independent animator. Now that there is a vast ocean of independent animated short films online, most of which are free to watch, do you think that aspiring animators will be able to support themselves the way you have? What advice would you give them?

Hey Kristin! Thanks for doing an AMA. One time I was at my parents' house listening to "Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide. It's a very silly, showy, and loud song. My dad walked in the room and said, "Wow. It sounds like somebody's got her tit in a wringer." Then he just wandered off.

Anyway, one of my mom's friends went to high school with you in Oklahoma and she says you're a genuinely nice person in real life. Do you feel like that's still true?

Americans hate income and wealth inequality but their distrust and disgust for the federal government prevents them from taking action. Simply put, how can we combat apathy? What will it take for people to believe that change is possible and take steps to achieve it?

Thanks for answering. I actually did pay to rent World of Tomorrow, so we're $3.99 closer to a world of tomorrow that pays animators.