"I just wanted to let you
and the board know, since volunteers are
invariably under appreciated, that you run a very organized
and
dynamic group that serves our animation community exceptionally
well."
- Tara Donovan, TAIS member
What
is the TAIS mandate?
We are a non-profit corporation registered with
the Province of Ontario. In the past we have held seminars
on such animated related topics as computer animation, layout,
storyboarding and promoting your animated film. We have
also viewed reels of animated films from other countries;
organized portfolio evaluation workshops for students; held
exhibitions of artwork from animated films and socialized
at picnics and Christmas parties.
Who
is TAIS?
Currently our membership stands at over 130 members
and is growing. Members are made up of commercial classical,
independent classical, independent experimental and digital
animators as well as amateur and student animators. We also
have animation fans, writers and musicians who all share
a passion for animation. The association is made up entirely
of hardworking volunteers who want to give something back
to the animation community in the Greater Toronto Area.
TAIS
is an organization dedicated to exploring and promoting
the Art of Animation through meetings, screenings, and parties.
Our
Animator's Co-op is a place where animators can come and
use computers, pencil testers, animation stand and cameras
to create their own independent animated film.
The Toronto Animated Image Society is a non-profit group
dedicated to exploring the art of animation. TAIS acknowledges
the support of the Canada Council for the Arts (Media Arts
Section), the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts
Council.
Anyone!!! Obviously we are centered in around the Greater
Toronto Area but we have members in other cities as well. If you
share a passion for animation; commercial, independent, experimental
or digital there are others who share it as well. Even if you don't
feel "artistic" the diverse group of members are an interesting
bunch and learn much from each other. Everyone has something to
contribute and there is a certain strength in numbers.
When was TAIS
formed?
Formed in 1984, The Toronto Animated Image Society is a
group of animators and other people interested in the art of animation
who meet to watch animated films, hear presentations on the art
of animation, promote the art of animation and socialize.
How can I
join TAIS?
Simply come to one of our meetings (most are open to the public)
and purchase an annual membership of $35. Or fill
out our Membership Form and mail it in with
a cheque made out to "The Toronto Animated Image Society".
Current
TAIS members can upgrade to become a Co-op Member for only $65
Membership
Benefits:
Regular membership and benefits, see above
Use of the equipment* at the TAIS Animators' Co-operative. Co-op
Members may currently use the equipment for free until May 1, 2003
(when equipment usage charges will start.)
*conditional
on completing a proficiency test
What are the
benefits of membership?
Access to most TAIS events for free
(and at least a discount on others). Discounts on specified animation
events and festivals with other animation organizations are also
available.
A quarterly newsletter full of great
interviews, articles and news.
A personal web page in our TAIS
website Gallery section.
Discounts on animation/art supplies
and books.
Emailed job postings, mailed TAIS
and non-TAIS event notices.
TAIS membership allows it's members
to tap into a wonderful resource and a chance to shape the current
and future animation scene in Toronto. Members are encouraged to
volunteer and participate in our workshops, screenings, talks, newsletter,
web site, parties and other events. If you have an event you would
like to see or organize, contact the Events Board member to discuss
a proposal to submit to the Board.
What are some
the past events TAIS have held?
Click here
for a partial list of all the great events that TAIS has held in
the past.
The Aims and Objectives of the Toronto Animated
Image Society:
Formed in 1984,
The Toronto Animated Image Society is a group of animators and people
interested in the art of animation who meet to watch animated films,
hear presentations on the art of animation, promote the art of animation
and socialize. We are a non-profit corporation registered with the
Province of Ontario. In the past we have held seminars on such animation
related topics as computer animation, layout, storyboarding and
promoting and distributing your animated film. We have also viewed
reels of animated films from other countries; organized portfolio
evaluation workshops for students; held exhibitions of artwork from
animated films and socialized at picnics and parties.
1998/1999 was an exciting season for us. Events included an Animators'
Barbecue, a Show Your Stuff Night at Cinecycle, a night of Scary Tales
From the Animation Business, a Holiday Party, a collaboration with
the Toronto Comic Jam, and a 2D Computer Animation night presented
in collaboration with InterAccess. In addition we produced 3 'zine/newsletters
and as a special bonus, we, as TAIS members, were invited by Ellen
Besen and Sheridan College to meet award winning independent animator
Bill Plympton when he visited Toronto.
In 1999/2000 we are hosted events like Recent Films By Toronto Animators;
a talk by Charlie Bonifacio, Animation Director with Walt Disney
Animation Canada and a lecture by cartoonist Peter Emslie on creating
appealing cartoon characters. Award winning computer animator Chris
Landreth will talk about his films "Bingo" and "The End". In addition
we will be holding seminars in Hash Animation Master 3D software
by Rick Dolishny, an "Under the 16mm Camera" workshop conducted
by master animator Jonathan Amitay, a Flash Animation Demonstration
by Cathy Schmidt and a lecture on "Timing For Animation" by Greg
Duffell. In August we had our annual picnic on Toronto Island.
TAIS is interested
in promoting the art of animation by collaborating with film festivals,
arts groups and encouraging members of the animation community to
meet and exchange ideas and resources. We finance our activities
solely from admissions and membership fees. Membership is open to
all: -Individual Membership fees are $25. Your membership gets you
in free to most TAIS events and you'll receive 4 newsletters a year
as well as notifications of meetings by mail. -Corporate Memberships
are $100 and include free admission to most TAIS events for 2 employees
as well as notifications of events and you'll receive 4 newsletters.
Corporate memberships support the work of TAIS.
The
Toronto Animated Image Society is supported by its membership, the
Canada Council (Media Arts Section) and the Ontario Arts Council.
All
articles/Illustrations copyright by authors/artists and cannot be
re-used without their consent. Opinions are of authors/artists and
do not necessarily reflect those of TAIS.
