Northern California is already a hotbed of book clubs, so why not start a cartoon club? ASIFA-SF offers a regular schedule of big group events, often to view works from commercial studios, or from international artists. But what do you do if you’re just a local independent animator or student looking for a little regular feedback and support?
 
Julie Bayless is an ASIFA-SF member who lives in Hayward and was feeling a little cut off from the scene in San Francisco. So last December she put out the word that the East Bay Animators would be meeting monthly at her (and other folks’) homes. The idea is that members can alternate as host, and everyone brings something that they’ve worked on to show, old or new. Each attendee gets 15 minutes to present and get comments.
 
Members have shown storyboards, project pitches, rough cuts and sample reels—even simply floated new ideas. There’s no obligation to join except being an animator and wanting to hang out with your peers. Interested in getting to know some fellow animation buffs? The next meeting is at 7pm this Wednesday, May 28 in Albany and you can write us for more information.