Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/990677
D E PA R T M E N T 17 KEYFRAME S PA C E I N VA D E R S below: "I probably spend more time in this room than anywhere," he says. But he was never inspired to categorize his collection into specific themes or productions. "I like it being this crazy mix." Muppets and Star Wars characters mingle with Mayor McCheese and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. right: In 4th grade, Balistreri traveled to Austria and discovered Asterix, Lucky Luke and the pantheon of Belgian comics artists. "The influence of that artwork always stuck with me," he says. "André Franquin is my art God!" A small drawing by the artist holds a place of honor above his desk. above: "The Indy is my dream pinball machine," he says. It gives him an excuse to get up from his desk and take a break from work. "I got them for health reasons," he says with a laugh. left: Mr. Toad presents Animal, who wears all of Balistreri's "heavy metal merch." "I surround myself with as much stuff as possible," he says laughing. "More is more." During the week, Balistreri works at Disney TV as an Executive Producer on Tangled. But during evenings and on the weekend, he retreats to this creative kingdom where he works surrounded by collections amassed over decades. Each toy or keepsake has a story and, here, he shares a few with us. S PA C E I N VA D E R S SPRING/SUMMER 2018 17