Michael Sporn

Directing

Michael Sporn

Born April 23, 1946 · New York City, New York, USA

Died January 19, 2014 · aged 67

Michael Sporn was an American animator who founded his New York City-based company, Michael Sporn Animation in 1980, alongside producing and directing numerous short spots alongside television specials, the majority notable for being literary adaptations. Sporn was nominated for an Oscar in 1984 and an Emmy in 1988 for adaptations of two books by William Steig.

Known For

The Marzipan PigThe Marzipan Pig · 1990
The Marzipan Pig
8.51990
MovieAnimationFantasy
Narrated by Tim Curry and based on the book by Russell Hoban and Quentin Blake, a lonely, lost marzipan pig reaches out with love, in a strange chain of events, to an owl, a mouse and a hibiscus flower.
The Little Match GirlThe Little Match Girl · 1990
The Little Match Girl
7.01990
MovieAnimationFamily
The Hans Christian Andersen classic is given present-day relevance and an upbeat ending in this story of Angela, a homeless child who sells matchsticks to survive.
Doctor De SotoDoctor De Soto · 1984
Doctor De Soto
5.21984
MovieAnimationFamily
A kind-hearted mouse dentist and his wife find a clever way to treat a crafty fox who comes to them with a sore tooth in this Oscar nominated short, adapted from William Steig's children's book.
Yo! Yes?Yo! Yes? · 2000
Yo! Yes?
2000
MovieAnimation
Two lonely boys who don't know each other meet on a city street. Brought together with a simple "Yo!" answered by the other one's "Yes?" and the bounce of a basketball, this modern classic will strike a chord with every child who's ever longed for a friend.
Nonsense and Lullabyes: Nursery RhymesNonsense and Lullabyes: Nursery Rhymes · 1992
Nonsense and Lullabyes: Nursery Rhymes
8.01992
MovieAnimationFamily
This animated anthology is comprised of eighteen updated nursery rhymes and features such celebrity narrators as Eli Wallach, Linda Hunt and Karen Allen.
Abel's IslandAbel's Island · 1988
Abel's Island
6.71988
MovieAnimation
One summer afternoon in 1907, Abel and his wife (both mice) are picnicking, when they become separated during a violent rainstorm. After flying some distance, Abel discovers himself alone on a river island, unable to swim due to the powerful current. Abel periodically attempts to leave the island by various means: flying on a leaf, rowing a crudely fashioned boat, etc. Meanwhile, he tries to create a normal life of sorts, even learning to enjoy a new hobby: sculpture. Still, Abel's goal is to escape the island and rejoin his wife in the city.
WhitewashWhitewash · 1994
Whitewash
6.01994
MovieAnimationFamily
When Helene Angel walks home from school with her older brother she is attacked by a street gang and painted white. The effect on Helene and her family is devastating. Helene locks herself in her room, her brother blames himself for not having successfully defended his sister, and the media descends on their neighborhood, completely disrupting her small family. But an outpouring of love and understanding from Helene's friends, classmates and family helps her face what has happened and draws the community together. Inspired by actual events, WHITEWASH conveys a powerful message that transcends age and race, told in an entertaining way perfect for children of all ages.
A Doonesbury SpecialA Doonesbury Special · 1978
A Doonesbury Special
5.61978
MovieTV MovieAnimation
Garry Trudeau's classic characters (Mike Doonesbury, Zonker, etc.) examine how their lifestyles, priorities, and concerns have changed since the end of their idealistic college days in the 1960s. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

Filmography

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