SCAD AnimationFest schedule

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019

11 a.m.

Animating Your Storyworld: The Powerful Pen of Transmedia

Presented by: John Heinsen, producer, Bunnygraph Entertainment
Moderated by: Judy Salzinger, SCAD associate chair of advertising and branded entertainment
Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

Animated storyworlds expand across the spectrum of traditional and digital platforms allowing audiences of all ages the opportunity to dig deep within the stories and characters. It is the conversation around content that builds loyal and engaged audiences. This session will explore case studies of successful multiple-platform animated properties, look at the global marketplace and share best practices.

11:30 a.m.

Case Study: Creating 'Portal Chase' for Nickelodeon

Panelists: Laura Green Berry, producer, Primal Screen; Jeremy Seymour, creative director, Primal Screen; Jalysa Leva (B.F.A., animation, 2015), animation director, Primal Screen
Moderated by: Christina Maloney, SCAD motion media professor
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2

Multi-platform design agency Primal Screen worked with the Nickelodeon branded content team to create an animation linking popular characters into one feature. Dubbed Portal Chase, the feature garnered five million impressions, a game spin-off and two sequels. This panel unpacks the writing, design and animation processes that made the series a success.

12:30 p.m.

In Conversation with Lucas Grabeel

Moderated by: D.W. Moffett, SCAD chair of film and television
Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

Actor, singer, dancer and songwriter Lucas Grabeel discusses his prolific career voicing animated characters for Family Guy, Spirit Riding Free and the Netflix original series Pinky Malinky. The discussion is preceded by a screening of a Pinky Malinky episode.

2:30 p.m.

'Toy Story 4' Behind the Scenes: A Journey Alongside Team Bo

Presented by: Becki Tower (M.F.A., animation, 2009; B.F.A., computer art, 2004), Directing Animator, Pixar
Moderated by: Matt Maloney, SCAD associate chair of animation
Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

In Toy Story 4, audiences are reunited with Bo Peep, who returns after nearly 20 years away from the big screen. In readapting her design, Team Bo — a group dedicated to reviving one of Toy Story's most beloved characters — was created. Team Bo was committed to informing the story and design of Bo's character while also utilizing new technology driving explorations in shading, simulation, and animation. This talk describes Bo Peep's journey through production, from initial research into decades-old reference and visualization to the modern results and strides we've taken across both creative and technical specialties.

3:30 p.m.

Industry Insights Panel

Panelists: John Heinsen, producer, Bunnygraph Entertainment; Jennifer Magee-Cook, head of production, Dreamscape Immersive; Mark McCray, senior manager of programming operations, Adult Swim; Ken Fountain, animation supervisor, Baobab Studios; Beth Sasseen, university relations, Pixar
Moderated by: Tina O'Hailey, SCAD animation professor
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2

As platforms continue to emerge, technology opens new horizons in workflow and distribution. Explore these evolving developments and learn about fresh paths available for content creators.

5:30 p.m.

Virtual Theme Parks: The Art of Creating Immersive Stories in VR

Presented by: Jennifer Magee-Cook, head of production, Dreamscape Immersive
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2

Dreamscape Immersive combines the emotional power of Hollywood storytelling, the visceral excitement of great theme-park rides and proprietary full-body tracking technology to create stories and worlds that push the limits of virtual reality. Meet Dreamscape Immersive's head of production and learn how immense ideas are turned into unforgettable experiences.

7 p.m.

Special Preview of DreamWorks Animation's 'Abominable'

Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

When teenage Yi (Chloe Bennet) encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building, she and her friends, Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), name him "Everest" and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. But the trio of friends will have to stay one step ahead of Burnish (Eddie Izzard), a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) to help Everest get home. Abominable is written and directed by Jill Culton.

The screening will be preceded by a presentation of the SCAD AnimationFest Achievement Award to honoree Lucas Grabeel.

Friday, Sept. 27, 2019

1 p.m.

Alumni Voices Panel

Panelists: Jay Li (M.A., advertising design, 2009; B.F.A., illustration, 2008), project manager, Secret Sauce Studio; Jules Premus (M.A., sequential art, 2018), character designer, Floyd County Productions; Becki Tower (M.F.A., animation, 2009; B.F.A., computer art, 2004), directing animator, Pixar; Jalysa Leva (B.F.A., animation, 2015), animation director, Primal Screen; Kate Kirby-O'Connell (B.F.A., animation, 2013), character technical director, Disney Animation Studios
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2

Hear from successful SCAD graduates as they discuss their unique journeys from student to professional.

2 p.m.

Motion Graphics at Google Creative Lab

Presented by: J.R. Schmidt, lead motion designer, Google Creative Lab
Moderated by: Tina O'Hailey, SCAD animation professor
Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

At Google Creative Lab, motion graphics are used for many purposes beyond films and videos. It's often a tool for broader creative development, brainstorming, and pitching. Learn about Creative Lab's unusual approach to the creative process, how motion design fits into it, and how it has led to some amazing creations.

3:30 p.m.

Cinematic VR: Animated Storytelling in an Interactive Environment

Presented by: Shannon Ryan, development producer, Baobab Studios; Ken Fountain, animation supervisor, Baobab Studios
Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

Learn how the creators at Baobab Studios applied their passion for character-driven animation to virtual-reality interactive films. Explore the artistry and science behind the characters and worlds of this Annie and Emmy Award-Winning team.

5 p.m.

Global Shorts: The Best of Animation

Location: SCADshow, Stage 2

Revel in a compelling collection of the best animated global short films. This program repeats at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

6:30 p.m.

Secrets of 'The Simpsons'

Presented by: Mike Reiss, writer and producer, The Simpsons
Moderated by: Quinn Orear, SCAD associate chair of film and television
Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

Join four-time Emmy Award-winner Mike Reiss as he shares stories, secrets and scandals from thirty years as a writer for The Simpsons. This fun-filled presentation features rare cartoon clips and two classic episodes. Following the screening, Reiss will sign copies of his best-selling book Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for The Simpsons detailing his three decades working on the show.

Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019

9:30 a.m.

Saturday Morning Cartoons Pajama Party

Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

Back by popular demand. Wear your jammies, feast on a delicious free breakfast and laugh it up to classic cartoons on the big screen. Separate event ticket available, and children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

11 a.m.

Global Animation for Kids

Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

Take in this showcase of award-winning children's animation from around the world.

Noon

Student Showcase and Information Session

Location: SCADshow, Stage 2

SCAD animation students learn and work in a growing field that has ascended to preeminence in the entertainment industry. See how it all comes together, and enjoy animated storytelling at its finest at this SCAD student showcase featuring a range of styles and techniques. A Q&A session about the SCAD animation program with associate chair of animation Matt Maloney follows the presentation.

1:30 p.m.

Breaking Barriers and 'The Princess and the Frog'

Presented by: Mark McCray, senior manager of programming operations, Adult Swim
Location: SCADshow, Mainstage

Explore the road to inclusiveness in animation with Adult Swim's Mark McCray. Then, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ground-breaking Disney classic, nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Animated Feature Film.

2:30 p.m.

Global Shorts: The Best of Animation

Location: SCADshow, Stage 2

Revel in a compelling collection of the best animated global short films. This program will also take place on Friday at 5 p.m.