Being an L.A. animator is tough right now but this group aims to still celebrate the art form
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Set us as preferred It’s getting tougher and tougher to make a living in animation, especially in Los Angeles.For years, animation work has moved overseas, major players have slashed jobs and AI has been a growing threat.Amid the gloom, one local nonprofit group is working to celebrate iconic cartoons to support the animators of today — and remind people of the joy of animation.With screenings, pop-ups and panels, Saturday Morning Cartoons United raises money to support those in need in the animation industry through groups like AnimAID and Legends Animated and emerging artists through grants it distributes via Silver Lake Shorts.It also works with other charities, like the Birthday Party Project, which helps families experiencing homelessness with supplies to give their children birthday parties.Caro Buermann, who’s worked in animation marketing for years, launched the group in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires, when it became clear that dozens of animators had either lost their homes or been displaced.“Saturday Morning Cartoons United just came out of the love for this community that’s wanting to come together right now because people are having a hard time,” Buermann says, citing unemployment within the industry.
“I’m not on the front lines of what’s going on in animation, but every day there’s a headline....
It’s crazy what’s going on right now but we’re doing what we can.” Awards The creators behind five animated series for adult audiences explain how they use the form to explore challenging subject matter (and sometimes get big laughs to boot).At the group’s most recent event in early August — a 96th birthday party for the beloved cartoon diva Betty Boop — 1,400 toon lovers filled Glendale’s Alex Theatre to watch restored big-screen Boop cartoons played amid performances from...