Seattle-based Haptic Animation Amplifier will include a historical timeline of Pacific Northwest animation and a database of every animated film ever made in the region, as well as touring short film theatrical programs.
Seattle-based Haptic Animation founder Tess Martin has launched a new non-profit initiative, Haptic Animation Amplifier, to help push the already vibrant independent animation scene in the Pacific Northwest region into the global arena.
The Pacific Northwest region of the country has a rich and lively independent animation history -- including legend Bruce Bickford and Oscar winners Joan Gratz and Will Vinton -- as well as an energetic community making work today: Portland independents Laura Heit and Rose Bond; Seattle animators Stefan Gruber and Clyde Petersen; the entire Seattle Experimental Animation Team (SEAT); and Whidbey-based Drew Christie.
Inspired by Martin’s realization that many of her fellow Seattle animators were at a great disadvantage compared to European artistic communities, Haptic Animation Amplifier will be a one-stop shop for Pacific Northwest animators aimed on expanding their independent careers and novices and fans alike. Haptic Animation Amplifier will include a historical timeline of Pacific Northwest animation, a database of every animated film ever made in the region, and touring short film theatrical programs.
Haptic Animation Amplifier will also offer professional development resources such as how to work the animation festival circuit, information about animation courses worldwide, and deadlines for grants. Eventually, Haptic hopes to offer its own animation events in Seattle as well as small grants for the creation of new work.
The new Seattle-based non-profit is sponsored by the NW Film Forum, but Martin has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise additional funding. The campaign, which started on Monday, already has 15 backers and is almost halfway towards its $5,000 goal with 19 more days still to go. Check out the video detailing the new initiative in the player below, and head over to the Haptic Animation Amplifier Kickstarter page to learn more:
Source: Haptic Animation
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
