Film and Media Arts - Professional Associations

Animation is a fast-growing field, including everything from camera-less drawings to digital and graphic work. The Quickdraw Animation Society (QAS) was created in 1984 and it serves to support and encourage animation in its many forms. With a history of creating award-winning filmmakers, the QAS provides many services for aspiring animators in the industry. The QAS facility, located in Calgary, can provide animators with pertinent information found in a resource library that houses films, video, laser discs, books and periodicals.

The QAS's history can be traced back to 1980 when Greg Lucier re-located from Toronto to Calgary. Lucier, a medical professor and animation enthusiast was interested in formulating a society to encourage more interest in animation. With the help of John Edstrom and Rita Egizii, Lucier began showing animated shorts to a small group of loyal viewers. The QAS officially began in 1984, with a small gathering of like-minded individuals watching cartoons in an old medical building. A new group of board members, consisting mostly of Alberta College of Art students, took over in 1987 and changed the focus of the society from commercial animation to a broad and alternative look at creative expression.

The QAS has undergone many changes over the years, transforming from a small gathering of animation devotees to an organization dedicated to education and production. Educational programs delve into interesting aspects of the craft. Programs such as 'Handmade Cinema' offer weekend workshops whereby participants may explore camera-less animation. The QAS is also dedicated to introducing youth to the world of animation and generating interest amongst a new crowd of aspiring animators and filmmakers. Youth may try a number of interesting animation-related and filmmaking activities such as making Plasticine characters, puppets and designing sets. 'Quick Kids', a program developed by QAS member Mandy Johnston, allows youth to develop a story into an animated video, witnessing each step in the process first-hand.

Over the years, work done by the QAS members has been displayed at international film festivals, many pieces garnering awards. The impact of the QAS on the Alberta new media arts community is profound, giving a start to many artists who have emerged since the organization was established.