DON BAJUS.COM
Eight-minute commercial animation reel from the early days at Bajus-Jones. (Click arrow to play.)
Late-1970s ad placed in Millimeter magazine found on Michael Sporn's New York animation company's website. He notes that "Bajus-Jones was a hip studio operating out of Minneapolis. They caught a lot of attention and did excellent character animation."
Bajus-Jones office gathering: (left to right) Don, Dave Cornileus, Dean Lindberg, Piep Raid, and Mike.
Bajus-Jones marketing brochure. (Click on a page to read copy.)
Tootsie Pop commercial, 1970s.
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1985 Clio Award-winning commercial for Kleenex Softique.
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Tang commercial, 1970.
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In this animated TV commercial for Tang instant breakfast drink, an alien family laments they are out of their favorite space-age instant beverage and must travel to the Earth to replenish their supply with the humorous intent to barter "moon rocks" for more Tang. (nwitimes.com)
Twirling Ballerina Barbie ad (1996)
youtu.be/860puGx9p0w
In 1993, Don became a founder, partner, and creative director in the launch of Windlight Studios. In a basement in downtown Minneapolis, Windlight pioneered computer-aided motion-capture animation. Movements were performed by live actors (including Don) and transferred to computer generated characters. The new technique allowed for greater realism and expression in animation and changed the industry.
Don's early motion capture animation included spots for Mattel’s Barbie.
Click on the image below to view the Windlight segment alone.
6:14 minutes, Don is interviewed at 4:20.
23-minute commercial reel.