May, 2002
The future of East Coast animation is here… and it is as accessible to the animator as his or her computer. Just the click of a mouse takes an amateur, student, or professional animator all to one new, yet prominent name in animation: Animators Unite, Inc.!

Animators Unite, Inc. is a non-profit corporation aimed at improving the future of East Coast animation via an Internet-based community of services and support. Using information, current events, news, and promotional services as a vehicle, Animators Unite, Inc appeals to both the aspiring student animator and professional alike. Membership to the web site (www.animatorsunite.org) is free to all. This site offers a wealth of discussion boards, a free newsletter, an online film gallery of members'work, animation news, upcoming local and national events, as well as local and national job postings. The only requirements for membership are an active email address and a love of animation!

A board of local New York City artists leads animators Unite, Inc.: Robert Kohr, Celia Bullwinkel, and Grace Koleczko. Through their hard work and perseverance, Animators Unite, Inc. continues to grow tremendously towards its goal of connecting animators on both a local and national level. From the School of Visual Arts (where the Animators Unite, Inc. was conceived) to the surrounding communities of New York City (where it continues to thrive today), Animators Unite, Inc. is growing through its web site — reaching students, teachers, and local artists. It was announced in January of this year that Animators Unite, Inc. received a very generous grant from the Visual Arts Foundation, which is diligently applied to improving the web site and increasing web participation.

Participation within the web community is vital to Animators Unite, Inc., as it exists for the animator to display and discuss his and her work, as well as to see what his and her peers are producing. One of its primary goals is to provide an excellent promotional service to all artists with animated films. Currently several thesis films by SVA 2001 alumni are available for viewing by visiting the "Film" section of AnimatorsUnite.com. These include Mike Pappa's The Elite, James Ross' The Metronome Heart, Celia Bullwinkel's The Rammellzee Three, Chris McDonnell's Sketch Modern, and Michael Blank's Waldemar. Also available is Michl Banks' Face (2000), and Rob Kohr and Rich Browd's The Malicious Pizza Guy (1999).

Those with animated films should submit inquires to films@animatorsunite.com to have their film shown on the Animators Unite, Inc. web site. It is the intent of Animators Unite, Inc. to host film competitions in the near future — check the web site often for new films and details!

Also coming soon to the Animators Unite, Inc. web site... a memorial to the late Chuck Jones. Animators Unite, Inc. is currently building an online tribute to the late animation genius, which will include the life story of Mr. Jones and a message board where visitors can leave tributes. Highlighted in the memorial is a ten minute filmed interview with Chuck Jones by Charlie Rose from 1994. Animators Unite, Inc. is only a click away — the future of East Coast animation is at www.animatorsunite.org . It is a virtual headquarters of all things animation!