Red Rover’s Andy Knight Dies

Monday, April 14, 2008
By: Ryan Ball

Andy Knight, a respected animation artitst and co-founder of Toronto-based animation and vfx studio Red Rover, suffered a massive stroke on Thursday, April 10 and passed away at the age of 46. He began his career as an animator at Gaumont in Paris, working on a number of feature films, televison shows and commercials for clients across Europe and the U.S. He joined passion pictures in London as creative director in 1989, then started up Red Rover with partner Linzi in 1994.

Offering both 2D and 3D animation services, Red Rover has worked on such films as Slyvain Chomet’s Oscar-nominated feature The Triplets of Belleville and DreamWorks Home Entertainment’s Joseph: King of Dreams. Recent credits include commercials for Toyota, Wal-Mart and Pepsi.

Knight created the BAFTA-nominated CG short film Plumber, and directed Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas, an Annie Award-winning direct-to-video feature produced through Disney Canada. Plumber and other exapmples of Red Rover’s work can be viewed at www.redrover.net.

Reader Comments

• Danielle Araiche : Executive Producer : Red Rover Studios Ltd.

  Monday, April 14, 2008

  We are all shocked and saddened by Andy’s sudden passing. He was such an easy going guy and friendly to everyone. He came to love everyone he worked with and even when times were rough in the industry after 9/11, he still could not bring himself to lay anyone off, as they had all become his friends. That’s just the kind of guy he was. I can’t believe he’s gone.
  
  He passed away Friday April 11th in France. He was there that week to pitch some shows and it was going really really well. When I chatted with him Thursday, he said it was really great, that there was a lot of interest and people ready to sign contracts with him. Even over the phone, I could tell he was beaming. Friday, he was supposed to golf but the weather was bad, so he and the Redrover gang that was with him in France, all went to a village called Eze to roam and shop, etc.. He was standing outside a shop with Hong Kim waiting for the others come out, but had the stroke at that moment. It was very quick and he didn’t really have time to suffer. We are not sure what day the funeral will be, but we’ll spread the word once we hear.
  
  Andy was survived by his wife Linzi and their 3 children.
  
  Andy, we’ll miss you terribly. There isn’t one in a million like you. My prayers go out to you and your family at this tragic time.

• jerry forder :

  Monday, April 14, 2008

  I worked with Andy in London at Passion Pictures and then at Red Rover when they first set up . He was an inspiration and his draughtsmanship constantly amazed me.He was a great guy who always had time to share his knowledge,experience,but overall his friendship with everyone he worked with.
  My thoughts are with Linzi and his family

• Rufus Dayglo : Ex-Red Rover London

  Tuesday, April 15, 2008

  I worked for Andy and Linzi in the mid 90s, at their Rathbone Place Studio.
  
  Andy let us run riot, every day was a party, and full of laughs, and inevitable caricatures by Dan, Andy , Mike,or Dave.
  It\'s the most fun I ever had at an Animation studio.
  
  My thoughts go out to Linzi and her Family.
  
  Love from London, Rufus

• Paul Rigg : Copernicus Studios Inc.

  Tuesday, April 15, 2008

  Andy was one of a kind. An excellent guy, and a true champion for quality work, always reaching higher and further with the projects he touched. A great loss to the industry. My thoughts are with Linzi and the children.

• Lee Williams : President : Boomstone Animation Inc.

  Tuesday, April 15, 2008

  Although I never had the privilege of working with Andy, his reputation in the animation industry as an incredible animator, artist and successful exceptional business owner was well known. Our thoughts go to his family, friends and all those at Red Rover who were so close to him.

• Mark&Mike- Madtwiinz : artist : ImaJimation Studios

  Tuesday, April 15, 2008

  I am very suprised and saddened about the passing of Andy Knight. I have had the privilige of working with Andy on our project \"blokhedz\". The first time I met Andy was a few years ago, here in L.A. on sunset. We met at the standard, and was supposed to talk business, which we did for a few minutes and spent the rest of the night talking about everything but shop, kickin back sippin brews. Just an all around cool guy.
  
  When we began to shop our project, the concept went over most executives heads. But Andy was so sharp and cool, he just got it. Always willing to share information, and full of sincerity. i will always remember that. thanks for all your help, and wisdom.
  
  Our thoughts at ImaJimation Studios go out to his family, friends, and red rover.

• Robin Budd : Director : Big Picture Animation

  Tuesday, April 15, 2008

  Inspiring, powerful artist. Wonderful person. Andy will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

• John : vfx : C4 Studios

  Wednesday, April 16, 2008

  leave a message for the memory of Andy Knight
  on facebook and help support the family in these sad days
  
  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10371159853

• Paul Neale : President : PEN Productions Inc.

  Wednesday, April 16, 2008

  Andy gave me one of the best breaks in my animation career by offering me the chance to work with him and his crew to build a new 3D team at Red Rover. Andy was one of the most talented, easy going and best people that I have ever known and worked with. Andy, you will surly be missed.

• Lou Burgess : Teacher : Sheridan College

  Wednesday, April 16, 2008

  On behalf of the Burgess family, I would like to express our shock and saddness at Andy\'s sudden death. My late brother Mike Burgess spent many happy days with Andy in the UK and Canada. Our best wishes go out to his family, and all who know him