Michael Kunkes, a stalwart figure on the New York and Los Angeles animation, television and commercial production scenes for more than thirty years, died March 3. His death is attributed to coronary artery disease. He was 54.
Kunkes was born June 23, 1955. A graduate of the Communications School of the State University of New York at New Paltz and of the film program at Harpur College, he began his journalism career in 1980 as associate editor of Back Stage (now called Shoot). He moved up to managing editor of that publication’s film and TV production directory, and managing editor of Business Screen Magazine. From 1981-1983, he was associate editor of Millimeter Magazine, with responsibility for that publication’s TV commercial production, union news and feature film coverage.
He moved to Los Angeles in 1984 and immediately found success as an independent publicist, working with directors, animators, editors, feature film, television and commercial talent, restaurants, non-profits, medical practices and rock bands. His clients have appeared in Animation Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, Business Week, The New York Times, Variety, Daily Variety, TV Guide, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, E! Entertainment Television, Eyewitness News, Turner Entertainment Report, Fox News and many others, in addition to industry trade journals such as Shoot, Film & Video, Millimeter, Boards, Shots, Adweek, Advertising Age, Post and others. In 2004, he served as interim senior editor of the Motion Picture Editors Guild Magazine.
His humor, love for family and friends, encyclopedic knowledge of film and music and his most excellent guitar skills will be sorely missed.
A celebratory memorial service for Mike will be held in Hollywood at the Blue Palms Brew House, 6124 Hollywood Blvd., just west of North Gower Street from noon to 4 PM on Saturday, May 1. The Blue Palms phone number is (323) 464-2337.
