Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
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D E PA R T M E N T 13 KEYFRAME FEBRUARY 3 Founded in 1962, Filmation Associates is purchased by an international investment consortium and shut down. More than 200 artists are laid off. It was the last studio producing T V animation solely in the United States. 1989 While remaining two separate legal entities, MPI plans merge to form Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans. OCTOBER 1 The Cartoon Network debuts. It launches to the finale of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, and shows the 1946 short film Rhapsody Rabbit featuring Bugs Bunny as its first cartoon. Initial programming is exclusively reruns of Warner Bros., MGM, and Hanna-Barbera cartoons. 1990 NOVEMBER 16 Disney's The Rescuers Down Under premieres. It is the first traditionally animated film to be painted digitally rather than using acetate cels and paint. NOVEMBER 13 Steve Hulett becomes Local 839's Business Representative. He holds the position for 27 years, and at the time of his retirement, he is the longest- serving union leader in the film and T V industry. The Guild building's Hulett Hall is named in his honor. SEPTEMBER 25 LaVerne Harding, Hollywood's first woman animator, dies at the age of 78. She's credited with Woody Woodpecker's 1950s redesign, and she worked on hundreds of shows in her decades' long career. FEBRUARY 19 Disney's Beauty and the Beast becomes the first animated feature nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. 1992 JANUARY 20 The first Golden Awards banquet is held at Sorrentino's in Burbank. The purpose is to honor animation veterans who have worked in the industry for 50 years. Notable attendees included Chuck Jones and Bill Hanna. 1984 ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 13