ANIMATION WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 5.03 - JUNE 2000

ASIFA-East’s Festival Makes New York Even Hotter
(continued from page 1)

One of the gems of this year’s productions is Lifeby Mo Willems, winner of the Independent Film Category. It is "an animation jam," as Simensky describes it, "the New York animation community had an opportunity to honor its own people" through both the production and celebration of this film’s achievements. The film features vignettes from numerous New York-based artists all revolving around the central theme. Another highlight of the evening was when Oscar-winner <Frank Morris> won with Frankly Caroline for Best in Show. "It was exciting to see Frank Morris give his speech when winning…it was the first time that an American festival had recognized this film."

Vincent Cafarelli of Buzzco (left), Alex Gorlin, a.k.a. Mr. Debby Solomon (center), and Candy Kugel of Buzzco (right). Dave Levy (left), Nancy Keegan (center) and Jen Oxley (right) of the ASIFA-East Festival committee.
Dave Levy (left), Dan Nord (center) and Toni Tysen (right). Oscar-winner Jimmy Picker greets friends.

All in all, the festival as compared to previous years was not only warmer (in the literal sense, as festivals were often held in the winter months), but it was also more "well-rounded" according to Simensky. Historically known as a center for commercial production, New York wasn’t considered to be a hot spot for the animation community. However, now home to numerous companies such as Curious Pictures, MTV Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Buzzco (just to name a few), will New York become a central breeding ground for animation production? One thing for certain is that the influx of animation companies to New York is helping to establish it as a place for creative individuals to thrive in animation series, as well as Web production, in a community that is making an effort to support, and celebrate, its artists.

Elizabeth Shin is the Editorial Administrator of Animation World Magazine. She holds a master’s degree from U.C. Irvine and speaks four languages including French, Korean and Japanese. Previously she served as Romance Administrator for New Times and Advertising Coordinator for LA Weekly. She also acts as a facilitator for the University of Phoenix, giving lectures on written communications and has had short stories published in the Berkeley Campanile.

1 | 2


Note: Readers may contact any Animation World Magazinecontributor by sending an e-mail to editor@awn.com.