Award-winning director Phil Robinson, co-founder and creative director at San Francisco’s Special Agent Productions, has died. Animation Magazine was informed of his passing by producer Nina Rappaport Rowan (EP for Despicable Me, producer of Hubert’s Brain).
“Phil Robinson was a patron saint of animation and animator’s best friend. It will be difficult to imagine any project moving forward without his cheery and always brilliant input,” she said of the Welsh-born artist.
Over Robinson’s 30-year career, he managed to helm projects in every sort of animated medium and was widely recognized for blending traditional methods, live-action and CG. Best known for directing the 2D home video adventure FernGully 2: The Magical Rescue and the multiple award winning CG short Hubert’s Brain, Robinson also had an early stint at ILM on Casper and was tapped by classic cartoon legend Bill Hanna to launch Hanna-Barbera’s principle overseas studio. He even won acclaim in the interactive sphere with Green Eggs and Ham.
Prior to launching Special Agent, Robinson was a founding partner of Wild Brain Animation Studios, guiding the production and development of TV, film, commercial, interactive and online projects for 15 years. He conceived memorable characters for ad campaigns like Erin Esurance, Lamisil’s Digger and the Lunchables Brigade.
Just discovered Phil’s passing. I was in the Air Force film service at Norton AFB in San Bernardio, CA and he was first in the television division where he directed shows. Later was also in the film unit but not sure if he did any. BUT, on the “Far Side” when I was doing some post active duty in the reserves, in 1977 I was there and went to the large screening room where the friend, senior projectionist, motioned me to come up the stairs and see the “alien autopsy films” since Phil was the TSCO (Top Secret Control Officer) for that. I started up the stairs to get a peek, but then stopped, that is an issue, even with a TS clearance, was a “need to know” issue and could maybe get into trouble. I didn’t go up. Sorry I didn’t since recent late night talk radio shows have discussed the 1977 event when there was a UFO crash and bodies (3) were found
and the autopsy.