Brian Reynolds, son of Bud & Bets Reynolds (Arthur & Wanda Elizabeth Harmon). He was born 15 years after their marriage. He attended University High School and IU. He was an editor for The School paper, member of The French club, UHS radio club, Verity (literary magazine of student poetry and stories) and Quill & Scroll (International Honor Society for High School Journalism). After high school, he enjoyed primitive camping with his spouse David Stedman, sing in in a local band, and community theatre.
He started his film career in High school winning the Kodak Teenage Movie Awards and working as a studio assistant at WTTV and continued in various roles there throughout his academic tenure and beyond, culminating in a B.A. in Telecommunications from Indiana University. At WTTV, Brian held positions including Art Director, Director of On-Air Promotions, and Producer-Writer. In 1979, he transitioned from WTTV to co-found Perennial Pictures Film Corporation with Russ Harris and Michael Ruggiero.
Perennial Pictures gained industry recognition for its advertising work, notably producing award-winning television spots for WENS, Emmis Radio. Reynolds distinguished himself in animation, music, and storytelling, developing fourteen specials that were translated into multiple languages for international broadcast. He played a pivotal role in establishing an animation studio in Indianapolis, guiding Perennial Pictures toward sustained success and producing content widely available on streaming platforms. Brian actively mentored emerging artists, many of whom progressed to major studios such as Disney, and offered opportunities to local talent. A notable studio achievement was handling a segment of the Garfield show under Jim Davis’s direction.
Among Brian’s works are several full-length animated features, including the Mirthworms series, which garnered acclaim from personalities like Phyllis Diller—with the character Phyllis Driller inspired by her. The series received consideration from CBS for Saturday morning programming. Brian also cultivated a lifelong friendship with industry professionals such as comedy writer Madeline Pugh Davis, female writer for “I love Lucy” and producer of “Alice”. Renowned for his expertise in Hollywood television history, he shared considerable knowledge with colleagues and collaborators.
Brian Reynolds’s contributions to animation and entertainment continue to impact the industry, and his professional legacy is reflected in both his creative works and those he mentored.
3 Responses
Brian was talented, creative and an exceptional person. I had the privilege of being his friend and colleague for over 50 years. He holds a very special place in my heart and he will be greatly missed.
Brian and I grew up together in Green Acres subdivision in Bloomington, Indiana. I was assistant director for the movie made in french, MIssion Impossible. We somehow were allowed to film inside the local jail; we filmed on the IU campus. I can remember sitting inside his detached garage, scraping glass against a rock, to simulate the sound of a jail door being opened and closed. We had the reel to reel tape recorder smoking after we received our assignment, just like on TV. He was beyond his age in terms of skill and knowledge as a film maker and as a cartoonist. I really appreciate that I had this opportunity to create a film with him. May he rest in peace.
Sending love, prayers and support to David and his family during this difficult time.
Your DOR teammate Llecenia