Dave Fleischer
Early Life
Dave Fleischer was born on July 14, 1894, in New York City, New York. He was the second of six children born to Austrian immigrant parents, William Fleischer and Eva (née Katz). His older brother, Max Fleischer, would later become his collaborator in the animation industry.
Education
Fleischer attended public school in New York City, where he developed an interest in art and drawing. He later attended the Mechanics and Tradesman's School, where he studied engineering. This technical background would later serve him well in the animation industry, where he was known for his innovative technical solutions.
Career
In 1914, Fleischer began his career in animation at the Vitagraph Studios, where he worked as a film cutter. He later joined his brother Max at the Bray Studios, where they began to develop their own style of animation.
In 1921, the Fleischer brothers founded their own animation studio, Fleischer Studios. The studio became known for its innovative and surreal style of animation, and for the creation of popular characters such as Betty Boop and Popeye.
Innovations
Fleischer was known for his technical innovations in the field of animation. He was instrumental in the development of the rotoscope, a device that allowed for more realistic animation by tracing over live-action film footage. He also pioneered the use of three-dimensional backgrounds in animation, a technique known as the "stereo-optical process" or "Setback".
Later Life and Death
Fleischer continued to work in animation until his retirement in 1958. He died on June 25, 1979, in Los Angeles, California.
Legacy
Fleischer's contributions to the field of animation have been widely recognized. He was posthumously inducted into the Animation Hall of Fame in 1997. His innovative techniques and unique style continue to influence animators today.
