The International Animated Film Society, ASIFA-Hollywood continues its commitment to open source animation technology this month with a special development sponsorship to Synfig, a 2D vector graphics animation program. The amount awarded was $2000. This grant will help keep their new developer employed full-time, working on bug-fixes and improving stability of the free and open source software. ASIFA members are encouraged to download and experiment with the software today at https://www.synfig.org/#download

“The last few years, there have been incredible advancements in the quality of open source software solutions for artists,” says Danny Young, ASIFA-Hollywood board member. “Open Source software development is more than ever serving as a counterweight to put fantastic free technology in the hands of anyone who is curious enough to explore it.  By supporting ASIFA-Hollywood, you make projects like this possible. So, thank you, ASIFA membership!”  

There are several things the ASIFA community can do to encourage the growth of this unique industry. As artists, ASIFA-Hollywood encourages its members to try popular open source software programs for themselves. Simply engaging these communities online is a small step to help foster better tools and better art for everyone.

Here are some links to popular free programs which might interest ASIFA-Hollywood members:

  • Audacity
  • Blender
  • Gimp
  • Inkscape
  • Krita
  • Notepad ++
  • Open Broadcaster
  • Synfig

ASIFA-Hollywood is the world’s first and foremost professional organization dedicated to promoting the Art of Animation and celebrating the people who create it. Today, ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international ASIFA organization, supports a range of animation activities and preservation efforts through its membership. Current initiatives include the Animation Archive, Animation Aid Foundation, Animation Educators Forum, animated film preservation, special events, scholarships and screenings.

For information about becoming a member of ASIFA-Hollywood and all of its programs and services available to the animation community, please visit us at: www.asifa-hollywood.org.