Courtesy MyToons.com is a San Antonio-based social networking site for those involved or interested in animation. It's described as a cross between MySpace and YouTube, but centered around the industry.

Just because animators spend much of their time working with fictitious, cartoon-like characters doesn't mean those same people shun all forms of human interaction.

Enter local Web site MyToons.com, which is dedicated to providing a social networking forum for those involved or interested in the animation industry.

“Basically, what we're trying to do is connect animators with everybody in the world,” said Raleigh Melancon, events and promotions marketing manager for MyToons.com. “If I had to describe it to people, in a nutshell, it's like if you took YouTube and MySpace and crossed them together, but based it all around animation.”

In addition to providing a form of social networking, %MyToons.com is now offering a chance for current and prospective animators to have their work featured on the site.

MyToons.com is accepting submissions for its “Bumper Blastoff” competition, which allows people to submit original animated shorts (or “bumpers”) with cash and other prizes going to a select few winners.

Competition organizers ask that submissions last no longer than 30 seconds, and more information is available at MyToons.com/blastoff.

“We are constantly looking for fun and creative ways to engage our members and promote their amazing skills,” Stacey Ford, chief executive officer of MyToons.com, said in a news release. “Bumper Blastoff will help us achieve this goal by empowering and rewarding the hard work and talent of animators everywhere.”

Among the rewards at stake for those entered are $1,000 cash prizes for three “SuperStar” winners, and a grand-prize of $2,000. Six winners from the “Rising Star” category, dedicated to students, will receive $500, and the top student also will receive a portfolio review by a handful of industry professionals. Winning entries also will run on MyToons.com and its partner Web sites.

The deadline to enter is Monday, Jan. 21, and winners will be announced on Feb. 8.

“We're running this contest with the mind to have placement for not only professionals and people that are well-seasoned animators, but for students and people who are aspiring to be better animators,” Melancon said.

Added Melancon: “Throw in a portfolio review for a student, and it's hard to even put a monetary prize on something like that. It allows (student winners) to get their foot in the door .....”

CLINT HALE | 210SA