Is There an Animation Industry Outside of Hollywood Within the U.S.?

The U.S. animation scene is much broader and more dynamic than just the well-known Hollywood. From the bustling studios of Atlanta to the creative hubs of New York City, Chicago, and Portland, the landscape is rich with animators, studios, and communities. Explore how these cities have become significant players in the animation industry.

Atlanta: A Thriving Animation Hub

Atlanta is quickly becoming a major animation hub, thanks to the influx of various animation and graphic design studios. These studios produce an array of content, from television shows to commercials, and video game work. Additionally, the city is home to Savannah, which has a thriving animation community, adding to the region's appeal as a destination for animators.

New York City: The Heart of Animation

New York City is renowned for its animation studios and graphic design firms, among others. The city is also home to a large and active animation community, consisting of both students and professionals. New York's natural artistry and diverse creative environment continue to attract both seasoned professionals and emerging talent.

Chicago: The Midwestern Hotspot

Chicago shares a similar landscape as NYC, but with a strong support from colleges and studios. The city's universities and animation schools provide a steady stream of talent, while local studios offer opportunities for growth and innovation. This combination creates a vibrant and dynamic community for animators and artists.

Portland: The Northwest’s Animation Capital

Beyond the big cities, Portland, Oregon, is home to LAIKA Studios, a well-known animation and puppet studio known for its high-quality productions. LAIKA has become synonymous with stop-motion animation and has produced blockbusters like The Boxtrolls and Missing Link.

Other Major Hubs

While Atlanta, New York City, Chicago, and Portland are prominent, there are many other cities that support thriving animation scenes. For example, Pixar, one of the most renowned animation studios in the world, is located in Emeryville, just across the Bay from San Francisco. Similarly, Laika, known for its unique stop-motion style, is located in Seattle. These studios and the surrounding communities continue to push the boundaries of animation, contributing to the rich and diverse landscape of the U.S. animation industry.

American Animation Beyond Hollywood

While Hollywood often dominates discussions about the American animation industry, it is important to recognize that talented animators and studios are working outside of Hollywood. There are numerous animators and studios operating in non-studio settings, contributing to the growth and innovation within the industry. These individuals and studios are adding new layers and dimensions to the industry, making it more diverse and dynamic.

Conclusion

The U.S. animation industry is much more than just Hollywood. Cities like Atlanta, New York City, Chicago, Portland, and beyond are playing significant roles in shaping the future of animation. From the bustling studios in Atlanta and the dedicated communities in New York City and Chicago to the groundbreaking work at LAIKA in Portland, the U.S. animation scene is a vibrant and exciting landscape for both professionals and aspiring animators.

For anyone interested in pursuing a career in animation or just interested in the industry, exploring the diverse animation scenes across the U.S. offers a wealth of opportunities and experiences.

Keywords: animation industry, Hollywood, animation hub, animation studios