Q&A with Evan York
Evan York’s award winning animation is as unique as he is. Each frame of York’s animation is a piece of art in itself, drawn by York and added to the timeline to create a moving piece of art (the old fashioned way). Combined with York’s story telling abilities, all make for an animation style, different than any other and makes for great entertainment. This was proven at the 2010 Beverly Hills Film Festival, where York beat out his high-tech (pixar-style) competitors for “Best Animated Short” for his own production, 7 “Weaks”.
York’s produced, written and directed many short films, focusing his work mostly on documentaries and comedy. Working shoulder to shoulder with Mardik Martin (writer of Raging Bull, Mean Streets and more) for more than 10 years, York learned invaluable lessons on how to tell a story and keep an audience captivated. York’s documentary short, “Mardik: Baghdad to Hollywood”, won several “best” awards, at numerous film festivals. York continued on, writing, animating, directing and producing his own animated short, “7 Weaks”, beating out some serious competition for Best Animated Short, at the 2010 Beverly Hills Film Festival. Check out the trailers for York’s awarding winning shorts, here.
Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug of choice? When did you stop using?
A. I Wasn’t in recovery but had a heart attack and had to sober up on all fronts.
Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?
A. I’m not 100% sure. I’d have to research it all some more. Maybe a little of all the above…I really don’t know.
Q. Do you log on to ZOOM 12-step meetings? How often? Do you share?
A. No
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. NYC and AZ and CA
Q. From what school or teacher did you learn the most?
A. That’s a good question. I was a daydreamer in special Ed classes, so I was just trying to pass. I think I did most of my learning from just living and my mom and brother and some shit from my dad.
Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which charity would you donate it to?
A. One that truly helps people and animals and doesn’t suck out all the profits to administration fees.
Q. Do you have any children?
A. Nope
Q. Did you start any new projects after getting sober?
A. I just continued to create things on a daily basis. More art, more animated stories, stuff like that.
Q. If and when you retire would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop or penthouse?
A. Wow! They all sound great. Maybe a little visit all around
Q. What is your biggest or littlest pet peeve?
A. I don’t know. Are liars a pet peeve? If so, that’s my answer
Q. Who has had the biggest influence on you throughout your life?
A. My mom and brother.
Q. If you were giving a dinner party for your 3 favorite authors, living or dead, who would they be? (choose 4 if you think one might be too drunk or stoned to attend.)
A. I gotta get back to you on that. Unfortunately I haven’t finished a book In a while but currently am reading 3.
Q. What books are you reading now?
A. The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind, Unbroken, HIGH
Q. What book(s) have you read more than once?
A. On the road, The Sharing Wife
Q. Who is your favorite poet?
A. Charles Bukowski
Q. What is your favorite radio show, news show, podcast?
A. I don’t really have one I loved Howard Stern before the change.
Q. What is your favorite APP? A. Backgammon
Q. Are you binge watching any TV series? If so which ones?
A. LOST for the 3rd time
Q. Who is your favorite director?
A Marty S.
Q. Who is your favorite sober celebrity?
A. I’m not sure who is or isn’t sober
Q. What/Who is your favorite band/composer/musical artist?
A. Led Zeppelin
Q. What is your favorite Broadway musical/play?
A. I don’t know. Haven’t seen one since I was a kid
Q. What is your favorite city?
A. NYC
Q. What is your favorite museum?
A. Natural History NYC
Q. What is your favorite restaurant?
A. My brother’s kitchen
Q. What is the best piece of advice someone gave you?
A. It’s okay that you’re a little fucked up, it’s normal
Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve given someone else?
A. Breathe
Q. What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?
A. Cliff climbing high without ropes and stuff
Q. What is your biggest regret?
A. Wish I would of paid attention in school.
Q. Do you believe in God or a Higher Power?
A. Yes
Q. If you were putting together a time capsule from 2022 what 5 things would you put in it?
A. I don’t know I guess the basics music, writings, videos, pictures, stories
Q. Are you more inclined to believe in UFO’s or life after death, or both?
A. Hopefully both exist and a little proof would be amazing
Q. What is your favorite weekly news bulletin?
A. I don’t know. I hate the news these days