The Making of Rock and Rule 1983

The Making of Rock and Rule", an internal documentary produced by the Canadian animation studio Nelvana to promote the production of the animated feature "Rock and Rule" (which was released under the title of "Ring of Power" by MGM/United Artists). Focusing on the efforts to meld rock music stars along with animated characters, the documentary interviews Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Debbie Harry and Maurice White (of Earth, Wind and Fire) about their providing singing voices to the film, and interviews the lead animators of the various characters about their approaches to design and portrayals.

Highlights include overviews of long-gone techniques in animation, including computer-assisted multi-plane camera work, and synthesizer work by Patricia Cullen (1951-1991).

Rock and Rule was produced and directed by the company's founders, Michael Hirsh, Patrick Loubert, and Clive A. Smith. The film features the voices of Don Francks, Greg Salata, and Susan Roman. It was the studio's first feature film and the first one produced entirely within Canada. The film spent several years in production and underwent many changes from the original concept, which was titled Drats! and aimed for children. The cost of production, $8 million in studio resources, nearly put Nelvana out of business. Over 300 animators worked on the film.