by Dylan from Burbank asks Santa if there is a cartoon of him, learns about the San Fernando Valley, and hears about the region’s long history in animation
Dear Santa, my name is Dylan and I am nine years old. I live in Burbank, California, where my dad says more cartoons have probably been made near our neighborhood than almost anywhere else in the entire world.
Dear Dylan, your dad is entirely right, and I have appeared in a fair number of them myself over the years.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there a cartoon of Santa? My little sister wants to know if there is more than just one.
There are indeed many, Dylan, in all sorts of different styles across many decades. I try not to play favorites among them, purely to keep the peace at the workshop.
My second question is about our valley. My teacher says the San Fernando Valley became an important center for entertainment and media. Is that true?
It is, Dylan. The San Fernando Valley, including Burbank, developed into a major hub for film, television, and animation studios over the past century. Flying over it each Christmas Eve, I always wonder how many familiar cartoon scenes happened somewhere just below.
My third question is about animation. My teacher says Burbank specifically became known for cartoon-making. Is that true?
It is true, Dylan. Burbank has long been home to significant animation studios, contributing enormously to the history of cartoons and animated films. I think it is fitting that such a creative, imaginative industry calls your city home.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Dylan Marsh
Burbank, California
P.S. Do you have a favorite cartoon version of yourself?
I remain diplomatically fond of all of them, Dylan. It is safer that way.
