Words From the Publisher

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and to share some of the background that motivated me to publish Animation World Magazine and motivates me still in our great and growing venture. I would like also to introduce my esteemed partner in AWN, and co-publisher, Dan Sarto. Dan is our technical guru and the spark behind the creation of the magazine.

We have just begun our second year in publication, successfully reaching people in more than 100 countries who all share a common interest, animation. We are connected by our fascination, appreciation and enthusiasm for the many ways animation has come to enrich our lives.

I can recall a pivotal television series offered in the early 1970s that forever changed my perception of what animation could be. The series, entitled The World of Animation, was hosted by Jean Marsh and aired on Los Angeles' public television station, KCET. The strong impressions it made remain with me today. The program featured work from the great National Film Board of Canada and from Eastern Europe. Unlike the conventions of animated series television and the feature films of the day, these short films only needed remain true to themselves and not to a premeditated "bible" of character poses and in-character scenarios. With each new short would come the anticipation that a new story or expression could challenge the foundations of my earlier animation reference.

My fascination with animation has brought me along an unusual path. Though I have not animated since some exercises in film school, my commitment to the medium has permitted me to distribute works to international audiences and to produce for directors whom I greatly admire. I invite you to learn more of my recent history in the article in this issue on Acme Filmworks.

It's as though there is a force within us Animation World citizens to choose this road less traveled, and to take on this ominous and sometimes ridiculous task. The work is often tedious, complicated and few (very few) people who work in this business make a grand income. The answers to the question of "why?" are as varied as the numbers of the ones asking the questions. For me, it is confirmed every time I see a great animated film with a message well told, art well illustrated or a beautiful blend of poetry and motion. To participate in this process, my time is well spent.

To work within the system that creates the extraordinary is a blessing. Our lives are enriched by working with the imaginative individuals who painstakingly envision to move the medium forward. From the day I became involved professionally in animation, I've found animators to be a special breed. I am immensely impressed by their humanity, creativity, originality and by their dedication to their art. I consider myself privileged to have worked and to continue to work with so many talented people.

With this issue, we also introduce an important change at Animation World Magazine. It is my pleasure to announce that Heather Kenyon has joined our staff as Editor-in-Chief. Heather has worked at Hanna Barbera for the last 3 and 1/2 years, where she vacates the position of Manager of the Production Information Department. I invite all who wish to send Heather a message (email: heather@awn.com [1]) to congratulate her on her new position at Animation World Magazine. We are grateful to Harvey Deneroff for his contributions to the magazine during our first year, and we wish him success on all his future endeavors. Please read Harvey's farewell in this issue's Editor's Notebook. Wendy Jackson continues her expert and devoted work as Associate Editor of Animation World Magazine, and also continues to compile the Animation Flash.

It is my intention as Publisher of Animation World Magazine to celebrate all forms of animation, studio and independent, student and professional, commercial and art from all nations. Great works need to be viewed and discussed, and it is my continued desire to promote works representing diversity in animation.