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If you head off to the annual "Spike & Mike's Classical Festival of Animation" with visions of Bugs Bunny in mind, consider yourself warned: They don't make cartoons like they used to.

In 1977, Craig "Spike" Decker and Mike Gribble, known as "Spike & Mike," founded Mellow Manor Productions, Inc. Although Mike Gribble passed away in August of 1994, Spike continues to produce shows with the highest artistic standards and rebellious attitude.

"Spike & Mike's Classical Festival of Animation" plays in over 30 cities across the United States and Canada (they are doing 55 in the 1998 Festival), with the tour kicking off in Los Angeles. The festival works the same as any film festival. It gives people the chance to come and show their work to audiences for feedback . Many animators come with hopes of getting recognized by a major company.

Spike and Mike's will show all types of animation, but many of the works people bring are clay animated films and shorts (very short and to the point films). Clay animated films are some of the most popular at the festival with the public audience. After visiting the festival, other types of animators may just have to bite their tongue for dismissing clay animations as strictly for amateurs. If you show your film at Spike and Mike's, you are definitely in the big leagues.

Participating in this festival may mean that you are competing with some of the best in your field from all of the world. The Festival has been known to show films from Sweden, Germany, Belgium, France, England, Russia, Canada, and the United States. For example, Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit, showed one of his latest films at the time, "A Close Shave," at the 1997 festival.

Even if you haven't been distinguished as a professional quite yet, this festival hosts films even if you are an amateur. If your work is good, then you have a pretty good chance of being able to show your film(s). Even though this festival is good publicity for animation in general, you must be warned. Spike and Mike's usually host films and shows that aren't generally made for younger audiences. Most of the films are geared toward adult audiences due to the use of graphic content. Some of the films shown may contain violence or abusive language. Still, this festival is one of the best sources of promoting clay animation and extending its audience.

"Mike & Spike's 1990 Festival of Animation" on the whole, however, is an utter delight and should more than please fans. It is not rated, but everything is in PG territory, including some animated violence and . Still, small children won't get most of the jokes.

If you or anyone that you know is interested in this visiting and/or participating in this animation festival, please visit Spike & Mike's Official Website. If you would like to e-mail the company, they would be glad to hear from you.