Report by Dayna Gonzalez.

The makers of ToonBoom spoke to a packed house Tuesday night at the Animazing Gallery in Soho, New York.  They were in town to promote their slate of animation programs, specifically ToonBoom’s Animate.  I can’t possibly go into all the details on why this program looks so awesome, but it may have a lot to do with the fact that it’s the only comprehensive animation program completely dedicated to meeting the needs of animation professionals in the best ways possible.   The seminar was very informative  – a brief overview of the company’s history was offered, followed by coverage of ToonBoom’s product line, with the most in-depth attention given to Animate, and Animate Pro.  ToonBoom’s reps tried to answer as many questions as possible, and were very engaged with the audience.  ToonBoom is widely used overseas and up North in Canada, and they are looking to expand into the US market.  Almost 100% of Disney’s Princess and the Frog was done using ToonBoom’s software, and it’s truly amazing what this software package can do.   It would be great to see this program used more here in the US, but I’d say the major drawback may be the expense involved.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but key programs are sold separately and the programs themselves are kind of expensive for even the ordinary independent animator.   The discount offered at the event for Animate was decent though, and I would suggest looking into the program to see if it’s right for you.  It definitely blows Flash away, which was certainly not made with animators in mind.  I could see how the program could speed up a workflow immensely.

A quick note about the venue – The event was held at Animazing Gallery, which is a really great art gallery featuring animation art.  The current exhibit is focused on the art of Maurice Sendak, creator of Where the Wild Things Are. The exhibit is wonderful and you should really go check it out before it finishes on November 8th.  The event was originally supposed to be at a bar that holds regular animation events, but since this event was more of an informational seminar, the bar atmosphere would not have been ideal.  The wine and hors d’oeuvres were a nice touch as well.

Animazing Gallery

ToonBoom

UPDATE: Unfortunately, this event has been postponed.  I’ve been in contact with the organizers and they have informed me that they are trying to reschedule the event:

Due to events beyond our control we have been forced to postpone the New York Animate “More for Less” event until further notice.  I sincerely hope this unexpected change has not caused you any problems. We would like to say that when we do come to New York , we promise it will be a great event not to be missed.  Meanwhile may I extend our voucher promise to anyone who intended on coming by offering Animate at the exclusive price of $399.99 as a good will gesture ?   Please apologies to all your ASIFA members on our behalf.  We look forward to meeting the New York Animation community in the very near future.

Best Regards,

Joseph Ghetler
Toon Boom Evangelist

I do have  the code on me, please feel free to contact me if you would like to use it.  I’ll be sure to pass along the rescheduled date once I receive notice of it!  – Dayna

From the Toonboom website:

http://toonboom.makeswebsites.com/3/events.htm

Opportunity not to be missed!

Toon Boom CEO Joan Vogelesang and CTO Francisco Del Cueto will be presenting “More for Less”. As the animation software global leader,  Toon Boom is well placed within the animation network.

Come and learn about the current state of the worldwide animation industry and find out directly how you can access our global corporate network.  The best animation talent lies right here in North America!  Let us examine together how we can maximise your potential through Animate.

Francisco will demonstrate why Animate is quickly being recognized as the tool of choice by animators and studios around the world.

Exclusive $399.99 Animate vouchers for attendees.  Appetizers and drinks will be served. This event is FREE.

Attendance prize: one copy of Toon Boom Animate.

See why more and more people are migrating to Animate…

When: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 7:30-10:00
Where: M1-5 Bar
52 WALKER STREET
New York, NY