French animation veteran Philippe Vidal Dumas dies

French animation veteran Philippe Vidal Dumas, whose directing credits include children’s series such as The Garfield Show, has died aged 59.

Philippe Vidal Dumas

Vidal spent 35 years at studio Ellipse Animation, part of Média-Participations, which he joined in 1990 as a production assistant on classic series Babar.

He later worked as a layout supervisor on Tintin, Orson & Olivia, Rupert and Blake & Mortimer, and as a storyboard artist on The NeverEnding Story. In 1996, his directing career began with two short films, before he helmed Fennec (1997), Fracasse (1998) and feature film Becassine, The Viking Treasure (2001).

Throughout the 2000s, Vidal continued bringing iconic comic book characters to animated life, notably in Valerian & Laureline, Contraptus and The Garfield Show. His work on the latter, in close collaboration with Garfield’s original creator Jim Davis, spanned five seasons, achieved huge global success and earned Vidal an Emmy Award nomination.

Vidal’s more recent credits include Bobby & Bill and Belfort & Lupin. He received a Pulcinella Award at Italian event Cartoons on the Bay earlier this year. At the time of his death, he was developing Deer Colin, a literary and audiovisual project inspired by his personal story.

In a statement, Ellipse Animation said: “During his entire career, Philippe has played a key role in shaping European animation, continuously evolving his artistic approach alongside technological advancements while remaining true to his unique style, sensitivity and inventiveness.

“Philippe Vidal Dumas is a key figure at Ellipse Animation, where he had just celebrated 35 years of collaboration. His warmth, generosity, curiosity and attentiveness leave a profound impact on his colleagues and collaborators.

“Ellipse Animation extends its heartfelt condolences to his partner, his son Benjamin, his family, and all those close to Philippe.”