Nu Directions in Animation’ is an exciting event, free to both participants and the viewing public.  This is a great opportunity to view the work of animators based from all over London.  The exhibition will capture the diversity in the forms and styles of animation. This will be a great way to end your summer break.

 SIGGRAPH 2012 will bring thousands of computer graphics and interactive technology professionals from six continents to Los Angeles, California for the industry's most respected technical and creative programs focusing on research, science, art, animation, music, gaming, interactivity, education, and the web from Sunday, 5 August through Thursday, 9 August 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. SIGGRAPH 2012 includes a three-day exhibition of products and services from the computer graphics and interactive marketplace from 7-9 August 2012. More details are available on the SIGGRAPH 2012 Facebook and Twitter.

About ACM SIGGRAPH
The ACM Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques is an interdisciplinary community interested in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. Members include researchers, developers and users from the technical, academic, business, and art communities. ACM SIGGRAPH enriches the computer graphics and interactive techniques community year-round through its conferences, global network of professional and student chapters, publications, and educational activities.

About ACM
ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery is the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field’s challenges. ACM strengthens the computing profession’s collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, career development, and professional networking.

Licensing International Expo

June 12th-14th

Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas NV

Licensing International Expo brings retailers, manufacturers, brand owners and marketers looking to find new properties and brands, see the latest trends in the industry, and to initiate licensing deals. Licensing International Expo 2011 had approximately 21,000 pre-registered attendees, with record attendance from Asia and Latin America!

Hosting attendees from over 90 countries, Licensing International Expo 2012 promises to be the largest gathering of licensing professionals anywhere, at any time. Whether you are looking to spot trends, build strategic partnerships, secure promotional tie-ins or take your property worldwide - this is where it all happens!

Golden Kuker-Sofia

3rd International Animation Film Festival

June 11th-17th, Bulgaria

One of the most important cultural events in Bulgaria, the International Animation Film Festival "Golden Kuker" - took its first steps in the National Palace of Culture in October 2010 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was vividly reflected in the media and was recognized by the film critics as very successful. More than 200 films from 29 countries entered the competition in 2010 and more than 340 films from 51 countries in 2011 (among which were authors of films nominated for an “Oscar” and films of artists awarded at international festivals category "A"). IAFF “Golden Kuker” is the first festival of animation in Bulgaria since the beginning of the new century. It is organized by BAICAA (Bulgarian Association of Independent Cartoon Animation Artists "Proyko Proykov” - a non-profit organization), chaired by Mrs. Nadezhda Slavova (cartoon artist, filmmaker and author of numerous animation films).

The Festival exists to disprove the common opinion that animation is only for kids by screening a myriad of attention-engaging, intelligent films from the most exotic countries in the world, showcasing different animation techniques, showing that animation is for everyone. The supporting events such as workshops, master-classes, lectures, round tables and presentations, provide a rare opportunity to meet world renowned animation professionals, make contacts and present/watch the latest animation creations from all around the world.

The programme of the festival includes: Competition programme covering several categories (feature films /over 50 min/, super-short films /up to 1 min/, short films /up to 10 min/, short films /10-50 min/, Bulgarian films, student films, films made for kids, commissioned films, eco-animation films /2012 festival edition/).

E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo

June 5-7, 2012 Los Angeles Convention Center

E3 is the world's premier trade show for computer and video games and related products. The show is owned by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies, publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet.

The E3 Expo draws tens of thousands of professionals to experience the future of interactive entertainment. The most influential people leading the most innovative companies in the business attend E3 to see groundbreaking new technologies and never-before-seen products for computers, video game consoles, handheld systems, mobile, and the Internet.

2012 will welcome software developers, buyers and retailers, programmers, distributors, entertainment industry representatives, financiers and venture capitalists, importers and exporters, manufacturers, resellers, researchers, educators, financial and industry analysts and worldwide electronic and print media.

Animation & Imagination Art Benefit & Sale - A benefit for Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. a 5019(c)3; an original one-of-a-kind collection of graphite, colored pencil, pen & ink, and other media depicting images inspired by Walt Disney and his legacy. Held at Buttonwood Art Space. 3013 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. 816-285-9040.

Featured artists to appear at the Opening Reception on June 1st from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm include Tony Anselmo - the official voice of “Donald Duck”, Bret Iwan - the official voice of “Mickey Mouse” and many other nationally known artists from studios such as Disney®, LucasFilm®, Marvel® and more. In tribute, national and local artists at Buttonwood have combined to bring you art works showcasing line art, cartoons, highly colorful works and pieces inspired by imagination and will donate 50% of net sales to benefit the TYWD organization; All works by the artists will be for sale; The Opening will also feature live music, caricature artists and appetizers

The exhibit and sale will run from June 1 – July 27

This art show is a tribute to Walt Disney and his artistic influence on local artists and his roots in the Kansas City area. The "Thank You Walt Disney" charitable organization is preserving Walt's first studio at Troost & 31st Street; Free parking available on west side of Main Street in the Rehabilitation Center Parking Lot or the Fairfield Inn lot; Casual Dress; Kathy Drungilas: 816-285-9040; Kathy@ButtonwoodArtSpace.com ; http://www.buttonwoodartspace.com/ ; http://www.thankyouwaltdisney.org/

2012 Cannes Fil Festival

May 16th -27th Paris, France

Ever since its creation, the Festival de Cannes has remained faithful to its founding purpose: to draw attention to and raise the profile of films with the aim of contributing towards the development of cinema, boosting the film industry worldwide and celebrating cinema at an international level.

During the Festival´s 65th edition, to be held from 16th to 27th May 2012, projects will be conceived, experiences will be shared and different cultures will come into contact: it is this dynamism that makes the Festival de Cannes a true reflection of its time. The Festival is very keen to discover new talent and act as a springboard for creation.

While maintaining a strong connection to its past, the Festival is very ready to take on board new and original concepts. Over the years, it has evolved, all the while seeking to preserve its core values: a passion for cinema, the discovery of new talent, and bringing together professionals and journalists from around the world with the aim of contributing to the creation and distribution of films.

Scratch! European Animation Film Festival – (1st Edition) 22/23/24 June 2012 – Lecce (Italy)

Scratch! is an European Animation Film Festival at its first edition open to short movies (max. 20 min). Two competitive categories: 3d/VFX and traditional animation, 2d digital animation, mixed media, stop motion.

Out of competition category: Music Videos

The Festival will provide also free workshops and retrospectives to participants!

Scratch! will take place in the beautiful baroque town of Lecce, Southern Italy

Submission is free! AWARDS and PRIZ€S!

Deadline 31st of May 2012.

More Info at www.scratchfilmfestival.it

email: info@scratchfilmfestival.it

Modernism was enthusiastically embraced by animators of the 1950s. Led by Hollywood’s United Productions of America (UPA) studio, animators began exploring new styles and designs diametrically opposed to the fairy-tale worlds created by Walt Disney. Esteemed animation historian Jerry Beck curates and hosts two programs of theatrical cartoons, presented in conjunction with California Design. Both programs offer visually-exciting—and rarely seen—cartoons in 35mm and include several Oscar-winning shorts.

Bing Theater | $10 general admission; $7 for LACMA members, seniors (62+), and students with valid ID; $5 LACMA Film Club members. | Tickets 323 857-6010 or purchase online.

Buttonwood Art Space in Kansas City, Missouri is proud to present "Animation & Imagination"; an original one-of-a-kind collection of line art, cartoon cells, fine art in all media depicting images inspired by Walt Disney, his legacy and his influence on generations of artists. We seek artwork in all media that is original, colorful and reveals how you were influenced by Disney, but not material that might be trade marked or infringe on artistic copyrights owned by others.

The event will run June 1st through July 27, 2012 with a VIP and First Friday Reception on June 1st. All artwork submitted must be original, remain for the duration of the show and be for sale. Juried entries will be sold at commission level of 50% to artist/50% to Thank You Walt Disney organization. Buttonwood Art Space will forego any commission for this benefit. Application deadline is April 21, 2012. to apply, please upload images and information at www.ButtonwoodArtSpace.com

Featured artists include Tony Anselmo (the official voice of "Donald Duck"), Brent Iwan (the official voice of "Mickey Mouse"), and many other nationally known artists from studios such as Disney®, LucasFilm®, Marvel®, Pixar®, and more. Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company. Donations of artworks are also accepted - please contact Kathy at the email below. Buttonwood Art Space is located at 3013 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. Contact Kathy@ButtonwoodArtSpace.com, www.ButtonwoodArtSpace.com or 816-285-9040 for more information.