By 1932 Betty, considered to be the first and only female animated screen star, had taken the country by storm. Originally introduced in 1930, Betty Boop was created by Max Fleischer for his “Talkartoons” series, the first “talkies” of animation, which Max Fleischer’s company, Fleischer Studios, produced for Paramount. I love the saying, ‘Empowered women empower women,’ and Betty is such a great example of that.” Spencer concurs, noting, “I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to create a book that covers so many topics that are as relevant to women today as they were when Betty Boop made her big screen debut ninety years ago. And through it all, Betty’s confidence, determination to stand up for what’s right, and her humor remain intact. Betty remains an inspiration and a wonderful example to follow. The lessons Betty learned 90 years ago are still completely relevant to the modern women today. The challenges and pitfalls they face are not new. The doubts and fears they face are not new. The issues and obstacles they face are not new. “I would love for all of Betty’s fans – new and old – to read the book and realize that they are not alone,” Horan adds. She was also an ahead-of-her-time animal activist and champion of the underdog.” In fact, she was the first, and possibly still only, animated female superstar who was not associated with a male counterpart. She stood for sassiness, compassion, iconoclasm and independence. “ Betty Boop in particular has left us a legacy that continues to evolve today,” he continues. “Betty embodied the first female animated star who embraced and was unafraid of her sexuality. After creating that founding technology, he put his creativity to work, ultimately producing some of the best loved and ahead-of their-time animated series ever, including the Betty Boop and Popeye series.” Max created the Rotoscope that made modern animation possible. Spencer, an author, branding expert and inspirational speaker, is Horan and Fleischer’s long-time publicist during one of their business meetings, Horan mentioned her book idea, which Spencer loved enough to join as co-author.Īccording to Fleischer, “The legacy of Fleischer Studios is its unique marrying of invention, creativity and humor. “I thought a book inspired by these cartoons, packed with advice, tips, anecdotes and tons of fabulous old screen shots and modern images, would be a great project.” “I offered to help, and as I was screening the old Betty Boop cartoons for David, I realized again that the issues Betty faced 90 years ago and throughout her career are the same issues we modern women face today,” she shares. The idea for this book came together when Horan was doing research for composer David Foster, whom she’d been working with on the Betty Boop musical. “After years of helping others with their Betty Boop projects, I really wanted to do something myself with this iconic character,” she reveals. Horan is an author and attorney who has worked alongside husband Mark Fleischer (Max Fleischer’s grandson) at Fleischer Studios and their agents, King Features, for the past 20 years, managing and overseeing international merchandising and licensing for all the studios’ cartoon characters. The original female star of animation is back in Susan Wilking Horan and Kristi Ling Spencer’s new book, “Betty Boop’s Guide to a Bold and Balanced Life,” now available from Amazon. Drawing upon the original Betty Boop cartoons and lessons Betty learned 90 years ago – the same lessons and issues with which every modern woman faces today – the book not only celebrates Fleischer animation, but provides entertaining and empowering lessons designed for girls and women of every age.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |