Ralph Bakshi is an American animator, filmmaker and painter. In the 1970s, he established an alternative to mainstream animation through independent and adult-oriented productions. Between 1972 and 1994, he directed nine theatrically released feature films, predominantly urban dramas and fantasy films, five of which he wrote. He has also been involved in numerous television projects as director, writer, producer and animator.
Bakshi in January 2009
An image from Fritz the Cat, with Fritz and a trio of young women he is trying to pick up by Washington Square Park: The background demonstrates one of the film's stylistic innovations - it is a watercolor painting based on a tracing from a photograph.
Bakshi speaking at Comic-Con International on July 26, 2008
The term independent animation refers to animated shorts, web series, and feature films produced outside a major national animation industry.
Ralph Bakshi tried and succeeded to establish an alternative to mainstream animation through independent and adult-oriented productions in the 1970s.