John Lasseter: Buzz & Woody, San Francisco

      In the mid-1990's, I read a flyer for the Spke & Mike Animation tour and saw John Lasseter would make one appearance for a Q & A and signing session at the Exploratorium theatre in San Francisco. I desperately called bookstores to find a copy of the book Toy Story: the art and making of the animated film. (A new edition is being released in Fall of 2009.) Unsuccessful, I called a San Francisco laser disc store and reserved the deluxe Toy Story box set. These are the 12-inch precursors to today's DVD's. It included a nice booklet perfect for the signing. I enjoyed the first half of the screening. During intermission, John Lasseter introduced his colleague Pete Docter sitting in the audience, then answered questions for about 10 minutes. John headed to the lobby for the signing. I didn't rush and ended up behind 40-50 people. It wasn't bad for a movie director of a big hit. The line didn't move at all for many minutes. Finally, I saw a young girl walking away with a 2-foot tall poster. As she held it out, it turned and I saw a full-figure drawing of Woody on the white back. I was in shock. Of course, it could just be a special favor for a youngster. The line moved slowly and some people actually left their places to watch the second half of the program of short films. My turn came and I presented the booklet to John. Either Mike or Spike was sitting with John and asked about laser discs. So John and I spoke of the virtues of laser discs while John drew headshots of Buzz & Woody. It was a magical night.