The group I manage, Animation Forum WM, is running a special event on the 5th November to celebrate the launch of Flip Festival ’09. So, if you'd like to hear about the current state of the region's animation industry, sup some drinks or just watch me attempting to keep the discussion on track, pop along. Here's the blurb:

Animation in the West Midlands: A Snapshot, co-hosted by Flip, Creative Networks, Hello Digital and Animation Forum WM, will be looking at the current state of the region’s animation industry, what are its highlights and achievements? And, how can we help the sector develop and expand at a time of recession?

As well as screening work from leading animation studios and individual filmmakers, a panel including Chris Randall (Second Home Productions), Andy Guest (The CharacterShop), Sam Moore (a filmmaker specialising in animated documentary) and Dan Lawson (Head of Production, Development and Inward Investment, Screen WM) will debate how the animation community can continue to expand and develop.

Join us afterwards in the iBar too for drinks, socialising and live music from the Young Runaways. There will also be laptops on hand to show off your own work and showreels (à la Shorts on Screens).

The event is free to attend, but please RSVP to info@light-house.co.uk.

(post by David Allen)