SPARK ANIMATION '13
Vancouver's Animation Conference & Festival
September 11 - 15, 2013

DISCOVER SPARK ANIMATION

SPARK brings the most talented artists, inventors, directors and studio executives from around the world to Vancouver to share their experience and inspire the animation community. This 3-day conference and 5-day festival attracts local and international animation leaders.

• Panels and presentations from animation's top players
• Cutting edge exposure and insight into the latest techniques of the industry
• Networking — build long-lasting relationships with a growing community of local and international attendees

FILM FESTIVAL: September 11th - 15th

A showcase and celebration of the best of animation arts from around the world, from independent animation to special premieres.

JOB FAIR: September 13th - 14th

Looking for work? Come meet recruiters from Vancouver's leading studios! Online registrations are now open. Check Job Fair webpage for details.

WHO SHOULD COME?

Industry policy-makers, executives, professionals and students all have something to gain from the conference. The Festival offers something for all film buffs, art lovers and cartoon fans out there.

SCHEDULE

EVENTS

Wednesday - September 11, 7:00 PM

"Mickey Mouse in Get a Horse!"
2013 // USA // Dir.: Lauren MacMullan // 6 min // Canadian Premiere
followed by making-of presentation with Director, Lauren MacMullan

Featuring Walt Disney himself as the voice of Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Get A Horse!" follows Mickey, his favourite gal pal Minnie Mouse (voice of Marcellite Garner) and their friends Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow as they delight in a musical haywagon ride — until Peg-Leg Pete (voice of Billy Bletcher) shows up and tries to run them off the road. With both classic black-and-white, hand-drawn animation and up-to-the-minute technical wizardry — often in the same frame — this groundbreaking short takes a sharp turn when Mickey finds himself separated from Minnie and must use every trick up his sleeve to find his way back to her. Directed by Lauren MacMullan, "Get A Horse!" is in theatres in front of "Frozen" on Nov. 27, 2013. Like Mickey on Facebook, facebook.com/MickeyMouse.

Advisory: G — No advisory.

© 2013 · Walt Disney Animation Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday - September 11, 9:00 PM

"The Apostle"
2012 // Spain // Dir.: Fernando Cortizo // 80 min // Stop-motion // Canadian Premiere
Original title: "O Apóstolo"
Spanish with English subtitles

A convict, who escaped from jail, takes off to a remote village to recover old loot that was hidden years earlier. But what he finds there involves him in a fate much worse than the one he had been doomed to. Sinister old people, odd disappearances, spirits, a strange parish priest and even the archpriest of Santiago de Compostela will all meet in a tale full of terror, humour, and fantasy.

Advisory: PG — May frighten young children; coarse language

© 2012 · Artefacto Producciones. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday - September 12, 1:00 PM

A Contemporary Animation Perspective from an Industry Pioneer
with Carl Rosendahl

Carl Rosendhal has had a storied history in Animation and Technology. After graduating Stanford University with a BSEE, Carl founded Pacific Data Images in 1980. For 20 years Carl led PDI to produce over 700 commercials, work on over 70 Feature Films, and partner with DreamWorks SKG to develop and produce the hit films "Antz" and "Shrek." In 1998, Carl was awarded with a Technical Achievement Academy Award® for PDI's contribution towards modern filmmaking. Carl also founded Uth TV, a television and web outlet tapping into the power of youth and digital storytelling. Other ventures include a position as Managing Director at Mobius Venture Capital and co-founding the Visual Effects Society (VES). From 2003 through 2005, Carl was a board member of the Montalvo Arts Center and also served on the board of Media-X at Stanford. Currently, Carl is an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon's Entertainment Technology Center.

© DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday - September 12, 3:00 PM

"The Adventures of Figaro Pho:" Who the Hell Needs Words Anyway?
with Luke Jurevicius

Luke Jurevicius, Creator and Director of the multi-award winning animated TV series "The Adventures of Figaro Pho" talks about its conception, evolution and the challenges of creating a deliciously gothic, non-dialogue series. Luke in his typically charismatic style will divulge the secret of how sometimes the best ideas come from your own personal quirks, fears and insecurities. Another key focus will revolve around the art of storytelling without words.

© 2013 · Chocolate Liberation Front. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday - September 12, 5:00 PM

The Characters Behind "Monsters University"
with Ricky Nierva

In this behind-the-scenes sneak peek, join production designer Ricky Nierva and as he discusses the truly horrifying inspirations behind the character design in "Monsters University." Learn how the crew faced a massively poisonous centipede, fraternities were invaded, and old college yearbooks dug out from the garage in this illuminating, and at times downright chilling, presentation. From the creative mind that designed the original Mike Wazowski, hear tricks of the trade and scare yourself silly with delight at this discussion of design and character creation.

© 2013 · Pixar Animation Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday - September 12, 6:30 PM

"Anijam" Mixer

Admission to this industry mixer is included in the price of your Anijam Celebration. For those who only want to attend the Mixer, admission is $5 (incl. GST). Please have picture I.D. ready. Must be 19+.

Thursday - September 12, 7:30 PM

"Anijam" Celebration
with Marv Newland, Jeff Chiba Stearns, Janet Perlman, Dieter Mueller, Alison Snowden, Gordon Stanfield, David Fine, Barry Ward, Michael van den Bos, J. Douglas Dodd & Jody Kramer

This celebration of classic animation begins with a fun mixer (included in admission) and a screening of the original 1984 "Anijam" followed by a panel discussion with director Marv Newland and the original animators. After a quick break, "Yellow Sticky Notes: Canadian Anijam," will be screened with a panel of its animators and director Jeff Chiba Stearns on hand to talk about the romance and process of classical animation.

During the mixer, and throughout the evening, attendees can pick up a pad of yellow sticky notes and a black pen to do some animating themselves and contribute to the making of SPARK's first participant-led short animated film.

Advisory: PG — Sexual content; nudity

Friday - September 13, 9:00 AM

Creating the Characters & Animation Style for "Turbo"
with David Burgess

An in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into the development process for the snails and humans from DreamWorks Animation's "Turbo." This presentation will include early rigging tests, storyboard to animation comparisons, as well as many of the very first character performance tests. The snail characters were particularly challenging as they were designed without hands, arms or eyebrows — attributes which are very important in all character performance.

© 2013 · DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

Friday - September 13, 11:00 AM

Carving Stories Out of Audio:
Animating "Portlandia" & Other Unconventional Voice Performances
with Rob Shaw

Animation Director Rob Shaw of Portland, Oregon's Bent Image Lab explores improvisational voice performance and how it humanizes character animation. Drawing from his work on IFC's Portlandia, Hallmark Channel's hoops&yoyo and various commercial projects, Shaw discusses the challenges and rewards of turning improvisational comedy into animated storytelling. The focus will centre on the differences between traditional "script" recording and improv acting and how it informs the performance of the animation and character development.

© 2013 · Bent Image Lab. All Rights Reserved.

Friday - September 13, 1:00 PM

"Turbo:" Every Frame Counts
with David Soren

"Every decision, every choice should be in pursuit of deepening our investment in the characters." From his initial inspiration to the finished film, "Turbo" writer/director David Soren provides an in-depth look at character, story, and staying true to his vision.

© 2013 · DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

Friday - September 13, 3:00 PM

"Peleda:" A Transmedia Journey into a Pseudo-Baltic Wonderland
with Nathan Jurevicius & Luke Jurevicius

Creators, Directors and brothers Nathan and Luke Jurevicius co-present "PELEDA," an Infusion of Baltic mythology and 'Jurevicius-invented' Folk law. The Jurevicius brothers discuss the Transmedia nature of Peleda, its conception, challenges and the visually iconic "less is more" principle behind the property.

© 2013 · Vishus Productions. All Rights Reserved.

Friday - September 13, 5:00 PM

LAIKA's Feature Films: Puppets, VFX and Collaboration, In 24-Frames Per Second
with Georgina Hayns & Brian McLean

Georgina Hayns (Creative Supervisor, Puppet Fab) and Brian McLean (Director of Rapid Prototype) will discuss their departments' complicated, interdependent collaboration during the making of a LAIKA stop-motion feature. Artistry and technology intersect, and the performances of meticulously hand-crafted puppets are enhanced with unsurpassed visual effects. Oregon-based LAIKA created the visually stunning, Oscar®-nominated film "ParaNorman" (2012) and "Coraline" (2009). The studio is now at work on its third movie, "The Boxtrolls" (in theatres September 26, 2014).

© 2013 · LAIKA-Focus Features. All Rights Reserved.

Friday - September 13, 7:00 PM
"My Mommy Is in America & She Met Buffalo Bill"
2013 // France // Dir.: Marc Boréal, Thibaut Chatel // 75 min // North American Premiere
Original Title: "Ma maman est en Amérique, elle a rencontré Buffalo Bill"
Language: French with English subtitles
introduction by Director Marc Boréal & Writer Jean Regnaud

A small provincial town. The 1970s. Jean is 6 years old, starting at the big school. When the teacher asks each child what their father and mother do for a living, Jean realizes that he is not like other children; he panics and makes up a story: "My mama is a secretary." In fact, his mother is always traveling, so she sends postcards to Michèle, the young neighbour who already knows how to read and who reads them to Jean. Jean begins to dream. Unless the reality is something completely different. And that is what, between September and Christmas of that year, Jean starts to understand.

A film directed by Marc Boréal and Thibault Chatel. Based on the comic by Jean Regnaud and émile Bravo (© 2007 Gallimard Jeunesse). With the voices of Marc Lavoine and Julie Depardieu.

Advisory: G — No advisory

© 2013 · Label Anim / Studiocanal / Mélusine Productions. All Rights Reserved.

Friday - September 13, 9:00 PM
"Aya of Yop City" + Shorts
2013 // France // Dir.: Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie // 84 min
Original Title: "Aya de Yopougon"
Language: French with English subtitles

The Ivory Coast, at the end of the 1970s, in Youpougon, a working class neighbourhood in Abidjan, renamed Yop City. 19-year-old Aya lives and prefers to stay home studying instead of going out with her girlfriends. Aya divides her time between school, her family, and her two best friends, Adjoua and Bintou, who only think of hotfooting it to the bush as soon as night falls. Aya classifies these girls, who always find a way to chase after guys, despite their fathers keeping a close watch over them, as the Series H type: Hairdos, Hot fashions, Husband-hunting. Things go awry when Adjoua becomes pregnant. Should she tell her family or see a "woman who removes pregnancies"? When Moussa, Sissoko's son, learns that he's the future father, he is stunned. How can he announce this terrible news to his father, the great Bonaventure Sissoko, one of the country's richest and most formidable men?

Advisory: PG — Violence; nudity

© 2012 · Autochenille Production / TF1 Droits Audiovisuels. All Rights Reserved.

This feature will be preceded by the following student animated shorts:

"À la française"
2012 // France // Dir.: J. Hazebroucq, E. Leleu, W. Lorton, M. Boyer, R. Hsien Hsu // 7 min

It's an afternoon in Versailles, during the reign of Louis XIV.

Advisory: G — Sexual content; violence

Supinfocom Arles

© 2012 · Supinfocom. All Rights Reserved.

"Carn"
2012 // France // Dir.: Jeffig Le Bars // 5 min

Lost in a snow storm, a little boy is offered a terrible choice to survive.

Advisory: PG — Violence

Ecole Emile Cohl

© 2012 · Ecole Emile Cohl. All Rights Reserved.

"Home Sweet Home"
2013 // France // Dir.: P. Clenet, A. Diaz, R. Mazenet, S. Paccolat // 10 min

Every house has its own story, some other have an adventure.

Advisory: G — No advisory

Supinfocom Arles

© 2013 · Supinfocom. All Rights Reserved.

Saturday - September 14, 9:00 AM
The Story Behind "Monsters University"
with Kelsey Mann

In this interactive presentation, "Monsters University" story supervisor Kelsey Mann peels back the curtain on Pixar's story process, demonstrating live how storyboards are drawn and story reels are constructed. Kelsey will speak about the process of going from script to screen and may even challenge audience members to hone their own drawing skills in this behind-the-scenes look at the "boarding" of "Monsters University."

© 2013 · Pixar Animation Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Saturday - September 14, 11:00 AM

Adapting a Graphic Novel for the Big Screen
with Marc Boréal & Jean Regnaud

Created by Jean Regnaud from memories of his youth, and illustrated by Emile Bravo, "My Mommy Is in America & She Met Buffalo Bill" became a popular graphic novel in France. Wanting to challenge himself further, Regnaud decided to see how his story would translate to the big screen. Join us for this unique behind-the-scene session, and learn how director Marc Boré and writer Jean Regnaud made it happen.

© 2013 · Label Anim / Studiocanal / Mélusine Productions. All Rights Reserved.

Saturday - September 14, 1:00 PM

"Epic:" Developing an Ensemble Cast
with Warren Leonhardt

Bringing the ensemble cast of Epic to life was an exciting challenge for the team at Blue Sky Studios. In this walkthrough of character creation from story to animation, Story Artist Warren Leonhardt will discuss how different departments banded together to shape some of the main characters in the film. Topics include: story ideas, visual development, and testing animation in both hand drawn and CG sequences.

© 2013 & ™ · Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Photo Credit: Blue Sky Studios

Saturday - September 14, 3:00 PM
Feature Animation Lighting: The Evolution of Physically-Based Rendering at DreamWorks Animation
with Mark Edwards

As VFX industry rendering technology shifts towards physically-based lighting and shading models, this presentation focuses on the evolution of DreamWorks Animation, where photorealism is not necessarily the end goal. VFX Supervisor Mark Edwards, whose career began on DWA's first CG feature "Antz," will explore the studio's sixteen-year history of lighting, its present state, and future potentiality.

© DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

Saturday - September 14, 5:00 PM

"Frozen:" Bringing Characters to Life
with Hyrum Osmond

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents "Frozen," an epic comedy adventure featuring fearless optimist Anna, who teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.

Join Hyrum Osmond, Supervising Animator, for a behind-the-scenes look at Walt Disney Animation Studios' November 2013 film "Frozen," and discover how collaboration, exploration and truth in acting brought the characters to life.

© 2013 · Walt Disney Animation Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday - September 15, 5:00 PM
Anime Mirai 2013: Shorts
2013 // Japan // 100 min (program) // Canadian Premiere

Four films produced by Anime Mirai, an Agency for Cultural Affairs project that cultivates animators who represent the future of Japan's animation studios.

Advisory: PG — Violence; nudity; coarse language

GONZO: "Ryo"
Dir.: Koichi Chigira // Prod.: Shinichiro Ishikawa // 25 min

This historical epic comes from production house GONZO, known for their work on ORIGIN' "Spirits of the past." Ryo (voice: Yuki Aoi), a young man who deeply regrets his failure to protect his benefactors Sakamoto Ryoma (voice: Fujiwara Keiji) and Nakaoka Shintaro (voice: Takahashi Shinya) faces off against Hijikata Toshizo (voice: Morikawa Toshiyuki) on the listing deck of the Goryokaku government's flagship Kaiyo, which has run aground in a storm off the coast of Ezo/Esashi.

ZEXCS: "Alfroethull — Mechanized Elves"
Dir.: Tatsuya Yoshihara // Prod. Tomoko Kawasaki // 25 min

This science-fiction suspense drama was made by production studio ZEXCS, known for their work on "Aku no Hana" ("Flowers of Evil") which drew attention for its use of rotoscoping throughout the animation process. It is an age when nano-machines that imitate human nerve cells make it possible for people to link their consciousness to a network. However, this system is fraught with danger, and it eventually causes a catastrophe called the "Early Rapture."

MADHOUSE: "Death Billiards"
Dir.: Yuzuru Tachikawa // Prod.: Takuya Tsunoki // 25 min

This work of suspense was created by production studio MADHOUSE, makers of "Chihayafuru." A man (voice: Nakamura Yuichi) and an elderly gentleman (voice: Hazumi Jun) are taken to a mysterious bar called Quindecim, where they are forced to obey the orders of a bartender (voice: Maeno Tomoaki) and play a game of billiards with their lives at stake. However, the man eventually begins to take a suspicious view of the game.

TRIGGER: "Little Witch Academia"
Dir.: Yoh Yoshinari // Prod.: Naoko Tsutsumi // 25 min

This fantasy was created by cutting-edge studio TRIGGER, which was established in 2011. Akko (Han Megumi), inspired by a magic show she saw as a child, enrolls at a prestigious school in Europe for prospective witches. However, the lessons are nothing but boring, so she and her new friends Lotte (voice: Orikasa Fumiko) and Sucy (voice: Murase Michiyo) strive to restore wonder to magic.

© 2013 · Koichi Chigira / GONZO / Anime-mirai 2013
© 2013 · Tatsuya Yoshihara & Yu Yamaguchi / ZEXCS, Inc. / Anime-mirai 2013
© 2013 · Yuzuru Tachikawa / MADHOUSE, Inc. / Anime-mirai 2013
© 2013 · Yoh Yoshinari / TRIGGER, Inc. / Anime-mirai 2013
All Rights Reserved.

Sunday - September 15, 7:00 PM

"The Garden of Words" + Shorts
2013 // Japan // Dir.: Makoto Shinkai // 46 min // BC Premiere
Original Title: "Kotonoha no Niwa"
Language: Japanese with English subtitles

When Takao, a young high school student who dreams of becoming a shoe designer, decides to skip school one day in favour of sketching in a rainy garden, he has no idea how much his life will change when he encounters Yukino. Older, but perhaps not as much wiser, she seems adrift in the world, and despite the difference in their ages, they strike up an unusual relationship that unexpectedly continues and evolves, without planning, with random meetings that always occur in the same garden on each rainy day. But the rainy season is coming to a close, and there are so many things still left unsaid and undone between them. Will there be time left for Takao to put his feelings into actions and words? Between the raindrops, between the calms in the storm, what will blossom in "The Garden of Words"?

Advisory: PG — Violence; coarse language

© 2013 · Makoto Shinkai/Comix Wave Films. All Rights Reserved.

This feature will be preceded by the following animated shorts:

"Combustible"
2012 // Japan // Dir.: Katsuhiro Otomo // 13 min

The city of Edo, the 18th Century. Owaka, the daughter of a merchant family, and her childhood friend Matsukichi. The two were drawn to each other, but Matsukichi has been disowned by his family, and is working for the city fire brigade. Meanwhile, negotiations begin for the arrangement of Owaka’s marriage. Unable to let go of her thoughts of Matsukichi, her mad emotions make her bring about a massive inferno which razes Edo. By chance encounter, the two meet again amidst the fires. It is an epic spectacle set against the stage of the massive metropolis of Edo.

Advisory: G — Frightening scenes

© 2012 · Short Peace Committee. All Rights Reserved.

"Posessions"
2012 // Japan // Dir.: Shuhei Morita // 14 min

The 18th Century. On a stormy night, deep in the mountains, a man has lost his way and comes across a small shrine. When he enters, the space suddenly turns into a room in a different world. One after another appear abandoned umbrellas, discarded kimonos, and such spectral things. The man painstakingly mends these paraphernalia, which harbor deep-seated bitterness, and brings them comfort. "How well you served people before you turned to rags. Your rest is earned."

Advisory: G — No advisory

© 2012 · Short Peace Committee. All Rights Reserved.

"Kick-Heart"
2012 // Japan // Dir.: Masaaki Yuasa // 13 min

Kick­Heart is a love story between Romeo, a successful pro­wrestler, and Juliet, a nun who lives a secret double­life as a female pro­wrestler. Romeo's secret is that he enjoys taking a beating in the ring, while Juliet feels invigorated when facing her opponents as a wrestler. When the two meet in the ring, the fireworks fly. Their story is set in the colorful backdrop of the professional wrestling world. Will Juliet reveal her true identity to the one she loves? Will Romeo be able to share his secret to the world? Losing never felt so good.

Advisory: G — Sexual content; nudity

© 2012 · Masaaki Yuasa, Production I.G. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday - September 15, 9:00 PM

"Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below"
2011 // Japan // Dir.: Makoto Shinkai // 116 min // BC Premiere
Original Title: "Hoshi o Ou Kodomo"
Language: Japanese with English subtitles

When she hears a strange song from a crystal radio, Asuna tunes into more than just a magical stream of music. Soon, she is transported to a mysterious world where mythical beasts roam and brave warriors fight for their lives. Agartha is a land of breathtaking beauty and unimaginable danger — a place where, it is believed, even the dead can be brought back to life. But at what cost? "Children Who Chase Lost Voices" is a spellbinding new work from Japanese visionary Makoto Shinkai, who amazed audiences the world over with "Voices of a Distant Star" and "5 Centimetres per Second." Now, with "Children," Shinkai affirms his place as one of animation's most original voices.

Advisory: PG — Violence

© 2011 · Makoto Shinkai / CMMMY. All Rights Reserved.

BIOGRAPHIES

Alison Snowden

David and Alison have written, directed and created award winning animated TV shows and short films. Amongst their many accolades, they have been nominated three times for Oscars® and managed to win once for their short film "Bob's Birthday." They created the acclaimed animated prime time series "Bob and Margaret" (52 x 30) and the kids series, "Ricky Sprocket Showbiz Boy" (52 x 11) for Nickelodeon and Teletoon.

David and Alison have also directed numerous animated TV commercials as well as developed and written for other productions, including the award winning UK series "Peppa Pig." They co-developed the series "Shaun the Sheep" for Aardman Animations. David and Alison have also written and directed live-action short films and documentaries.

They met at film school in the UK and worked in the UK for many years, but now reside in lovely Vancouver, BC.

IMDb.com

Barry Ward
President // Bardel Entertainment

With a career extending all the way back to 1971, Barry Ward has become a staple name in the Canadian Animation Industry. In 1987, after 15 years of providing Animation Management to over 20 studios across Canada he and partner Delna Bhesania founded Bardel Entertainment Inc. Since then Barry has been a driving force in growing Bardel into one of Canada's leading Animation and Digital Media companies. Over its 26 year history Barry has helped Bardel to forge strong working relationships with many major international studios, such as Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and Disney, whilst producing wholly owned and co-produced content.

IMDb.com

Brian McLean
Director of Rapid Prototype // LAIKA

LAIKA's Director of Rapid Prototype, Brian McLean has been instrumental in the development of 3D printer technology for facial animation at the studio. Brian won an Annie Award for Special Achievement in Animation for his work on the Academy Award®-nominated "Coraline" and, following the release of "ParaNorman," LAIKA's second film — also nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature — was named by "Variety" as one of 2012's "Animation Elite." Prior to LAIKA, Brian worked as a traditionally trained sculptor creating large scale characters for Warner Bros. and Disney. He also hand-built toy prototypes and numerous scale models for TV and print ads while working at M5 Industries, best known for the TV show "MythBusters."

IMDb.com

Carl Rosendahl
Associate Professor // Entertainment Technology Center (CMU)

Carl Rosendhal has had a storied history in Animation and Technology. After graduating Stanford University with a BSEE, Carl founded Pacific Data Images in 1980. For 20 years Carl led PDI to produce over 700 commercials, work on over 70 Feature Films, and partner with DreamWorks SKG to develop and produce the hit films "Antz" and "Shrek." In 1998, Carl was awarded with a Technical Achievement Academy Award® for PDI's contribution towards modern filmmaking. Carl also founded Uth TV, a television and web outlet tapping into the power of youth and digital storytelling. Other ventures include a position as Managing Director at Mobius Venture Capital and co-founding the Visual Effects Society (VES). From 2003 through 2005, Carl was a board member of the Montalvo Arts Center and also served on the board of Media-X at Stanford. Currently, Carl is an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon's Entertainment Technology Center.

IMDb.com

David Burgess
Head of Character Animation // DreamWorks Animation
(Turbo, Megamind, Monsters vs Aliens, Tarzan, The Lion King)

Dave Burgess got his start in the entertainment industry assisting filmmaker John Weldon at the National Board of Canada in Montreal. He gradually made a shift to animating for television commercials at Michael Mills' Commercial Studio in Montreal and later at Animation House in Toronto.

Recently, Dave was busy heading up the Character Animation team on DreamWorks Animation's 2013 release "Turbo." He has served in similar roles on other DreamWorks Animation feature films including: "Night of the Living Carrots," "Monsters vs. Aliens," and "Hammy's Boomerang Adventure." Dave was a Supervising Animator on: "MegaMind," "Over the Hedge," "Madagascar," and "Shrek 2."

In 1990, Burgess began working at Walt Disney Feature Animation in Burbank, CA. At Disney, he worked on many of their most successful productions. His assignments included: Supervising Animator on "Tarzan" (Professor Porter) and "The Lion King" (The Hyenas), as well as working as an Animator on "Beauty and the Beast" (Gaston/Bimbettes) and "Aladdin" (Genie), among many others.

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Dave attended the Emily Carr College of Art & Design in Vancouver, British Columbia and graduated with Honours in Animation in 1981. Prior to that, he attended Vernon Senior Secondary School in Vernon, British Columbia.

Burgess is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Art & Sciences, and over the years has taught animation courses at various colleges, universities, film festivals, conferences as well as online.

www.dreamworksanimation.com
IMDb.com

David Fine

David and Alison have written, directed and created award winning animated TV shows and short films. Amongst their many accolades, they have been nominated three times for Oscars® and managed to win once for their short film "Bob's Birthday." They created the acclaimed animated prime time series "Bob and Margaret" (52 x 30) and the kids series, "Ricky Sprocket Showbiz Boy" (52 x 11) for Nickelodeon and Teletoon.

David and Alison have also directed numerous animated TV commercials as well as developed and written for other productions, including the award winning UK series "Peppa Pig." They co-developed the series "Shaun the Sheep" for Aardman Animations. David and Alison have also written and directed live-action short films and documentaries.

They met at film school in the UK and worked in the UK for many years, but now reside in lovely Vancouver, BC.

IMDb.com

David Soren
Director // DreamWorks Animation

David Soren is currently directing "Turbo," based on an original script he brought to the studio that tells the story of a snail who dreams of being the greatest racer in the world and compete in the Indianapolis 500. Previously, he directed "Merry Madagascar," the first animated holiday television special starring the beloved quartet of Central Park Zoo animals from "Madagascar" and "Madagascar: Escape to Africa." Prior to his current role, he served as the head of story on the hit animated comedy, "Shark Tale." Soren also lent his vocal talent to the film as the unforgettable shrimp.

Soren joined DreamWorks after graduating from Sheridan College, located near his hometown of Toronto, Canada. He has since worked as a story artist on "The Road to El Dorado," "Chicken Run" and "Shrek." He previously worked as an animator and storyboard artist at Nelvana in Toronto.

Soren's short film "Mr. Lucky," which was his final student project at Sheridan College received several accolades from various awards and film festival competitions. Most notably, "Mr. Lucky" was accepted into competition at the 1997 Academy Awards®.

www.dreamworksanimation.com
IMDb.com

Dieter Mueller
Animator, Instructor // Vancouver Film School

He worked as a freelance animator for more than 20 years, most of those spent at International Rocketship. He's been teaching at the Vancouver Film School for over 10 years now.

IMDb.com

Georgina Hayns
Creative Supervisor, Puppet Fab // LAIKA

Georgina Hayns has been involved in all aspects of puppet fabrication for stop-motion films for over twenty years. Her career began in the UK, working for Cosgrove Hall Films, Mackinnon and Saunders and Warner Bros. In 1993, Georgina joined Mackinnon and Saunders as an armaturist where she supervised children's television series and commercials, including BBC Television's Noddy, HIT Entertainment's "Bob the Builder," Lipton® Brisk® Tea and Puffs Tissues. She also worked on animated feature films and shorts such as "Mars Attacks!" and the Academy Award®-nominated "Periwig Maker." Prior to joining LAIKA in 2006, Georgina worked on "Corpse Bride" and most recently served as Supervisor of the Puppet Fabrication Department on "ParaNorman" and "Coraline."

IMDb.com

Gordon Stanfield

Not available.

IMDb.com

Hyrum Osmond
Supervising Animator // Walt Disney Animation Studios
(Paperman, Wreck-It Ralph, Tangled, Bold)

Hyrum Osmond joined Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2008, and has worked as an animator on such highly acclaimed feature releases as "Bolt," "Tangled," "Wreck-It Ralph," and the 2013 Academy Award®-winning animated short, "Paperman." Most recently, he served as supervising animator on Disney's 53rd animated feature, "Frozen," due in theaters on November 27th, 2013.

Osmond is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where he majored in traditional animation. In 2001, he launched his professional career with Avalanche Software as an animator. He was soon promoted to animation director, and spent a two-year stint helping to create such popular titles as "Tak and the Power of Juju," and "Chicken Little, Ace in Action."

www.disneyanimation.com
IMDb.com

J. Douglas Dodd
Composer, Producer, Music Director, Teacher

Dodd's scores for orchestra, choir, ensemble and electronics have been featured internationally in film, television, recordings, theatre and live performance. As a composer, arranger, pianist, producer and music director, Doug has had the pleasure of composing, arranging and performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Nova Scotia, the Vancouver CBC Orchestra and members of the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. Also the Elektra Women's Choir, Vancouver Men's Chorus, Vancouver Men's Welsh Choir and the Vancouver Bach Children's Choir.

In 2002, Doug was nominated for a Leo award in the category "Best Musical Score" for Jack Silberman's documentary film "Bombies." In 1985, Doug was awarded a Genie nomination for his score for the feature film "Walls." That same year he was honoured with Yorkton Film Festival's Golden Sheaf Award for Best Original Score for the National Film Board's "Hoppy: A Portrait of Elizabeth Hopkins." He has composed music for more than fifty films and numerous video productions including the scores for the award-winning feature film "Bowl of Bone," the documentary "With One Heart" and "Social Gospel & the Public Good" (Vision Network).

Doug is currently focused on private instruction teaching piano, guitar and voice. He is particularly interested in assisting young promising artists towards careers in music.

IMDb.com

Janet Perlman
Director, Animator, Writer

Janet Perlman is an animation writer and director based in Montréal. She has worked for the National Film Board of Canada, Acme Filmworks, International Rocketship, and with her own production company, Hulascope Studio. Her films include "The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin," "Why Me?," "Bully Dance," "My Favourite Things That I Love," and "Sorry Film Not Ready." She is currently working on a short film called "Monsieur Pug" with Studio animation Jeunesse at the National Film Board of Canada.

Among her awards are an Oscar® nomination, an Emmy®, best TV film at Cartoons on the Bay, and a Best Bad Taste Award at Ottawa.

Perlman has given numerous workshops in animation, and has taught animation at Harvard, the Rhode Island School of Design, and Concordia.

She is also the author/illustrator of four children's books, including Cinderella Penguin, and The Delicious Bug, which were based on her films.

www.janetperlman.com
IMDb.com

Jean Regnaud
Creator, Writer // Label Anim

Born in 1964, in Bergerac. In 1988, he went to Paris to pursue literature and gather educational experiences (tree planter, plasterer-tile setter, cart pusher, new wave singer), before finding a place for himself in writing as a business journalist. He is now a scriptwriter of cartoons and comics. Jean Regnaud has published collaborations with Emile Bravo and Aleksis Strogonov (three volumes through Dargaud).

Why he became a writer:

I was 3 years old. My grandmother, who loved me very much, bought me a little bag of candy. Amid the marshmallow strawberries and chocolate puffs, I discovered a curious bar of caramel, wrapped in yellow and orange paper. An excellent confection that stuck to one's teeth and was called Carambar. Inside the wrapper I noticed some strange red characters. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother what the meaning of these hieroglyphs was. She replied that they were a modern form of expression called 'writing.' And the writing in question contained a riddle that she read to me: "How does a gardener make his tomatoes red?" My grandmother hesitated for a second, cleared her throat and read the answer: "He stands in front of them completely naked." I remember laughing at that joke for hours. In fact, I still often tell it today. In any case, that day I made an irreversible decision: later, I too would learn to use this modern form of expression.

www.label-anim.com

Jeff Chiba Stearns
Director, Executive Producer, Animator // Meditating Bunny Studio, Inc.

Jeff Chiba Stearns is an Emmy® nominated and Webby award winning animation and documentary filmmaker. After graduating from the Emily Carr University with a degree in Film Animation, he founded Vancouver-based boutique animation studio Meditating Bunny Studio Inc. in 2001. From animated viral video ads and broadcast commercials for companies like Sharpie, 3M, Generali and Post-it Note, to short and feature films like "What Are You Anyways?" (2005), "Yellow Sticky Notes" (2007), "One Big Hapa Family" (2010), "Ode to a Post-it Note" (2010) and "Yellow Sticky Notes | Canadian Anijam" (2013), Jeff's work has broadcast around the world, screened in hundreds of international film festivals and garnered 33 awards. The studio is currently completing its second feature length ani-doc and pitching various animated series.

www.meditatingbunny.com
IMDb.com

Jody Kramer
Animator

Not available.

IMDb.com

Kelsey Mann
Story Supervisor // Pixar Animation Studios
(Monsters University, Toy Story 3)

Kelsey Mann first came to Pixar Animation Studios in 2009, and became the story supervisor for Disney•Pixar's feature "Monsters University," released earlier this summer. In this capacity, he oversaw a team of 5-8 story artists through the process of storyboarding the film. Mann also contributed ancillary material during the production of the Academy Award® winning feature "Toy Story 3."

Mann launched his animation career as an intern at Reelworks, a small Minneapolis-based commercial studio. From there, he and his wife moved to Los Angeles in 2000, and he went on to hold a variety of positions including animation, storyboarding, and directing for companies such as Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., and Lucasfilm Animation.

Raised in Burnsville, Minnesota, Mann attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. Growing up, Mann was a fan of everything related to film, animation, and puppetry.

Mann currently resides in Petaluma, California.

www.pixar.com

Lauren MacMullan
Director // Walt Disney Animation Studios
(Get a Horse!, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Simpsons)

MacMullan launched her career as a commercial director with Olive Jar Studios in 1991, specializing in mixed media ads and MTV IDs. Two years later, she moved to Los Angeles to direct on the primetime animated TV series "The Critic" for ABC and Fox. She went on to direct several episodes of "King of the Hill," and served as a supervising director and designer for the WB animated series "Mission Hill."

Starting in 2001, MacMullan was a staff director for "The Simpsons," and later spent two years on the Peabody Award-winning Nick TV series "Avatar, the Last Airbender," winning an Annie Award for storyboarding.

She was one of four sequence directors on the blockbuster 2007 feature "The Simpsons Movie" followed by a stint at Pixar Animation Studios. In 2010, she joined Walt Disney Animation Studios as a story artist on the Annie Award-winning, Oscar®-nominated "Wreck-It Ralph."

www.disneyanimation.com
IMDb.com

Luke Jurevicius
Creator, Director // Vishus Productions
(Peleda, The Adventures of Figaro Pho, Horace in Slow Motion)

From humble beginnings as a children's book illustrator, Luke Jurevicius is now one of Australia's hottest content creators, and is known for conjuring up edgy, high-end productions and is considered a pioneer of the new wave of high end, creative risk-taking in Children's Television. Luke's mantra is simply to create beautiful things. Life is too short to immerse oneself in unimaginative schlock. Luke is the recipient of many awards including 3 prestigious Australian Academy Awards (AFI/AACTA) and 5 Kidscreen Awards.

www.vishusproductions.com
IMDb.com

Marc Boréal
Director // Label Anim
(Ma maman est en Amérique, elle a rencontré Buffalo Bill)

Marc Boréal has proven his skill in transposing children's literary classics to the screen. Of special note are the many animated series he has produced: "Corto Maltese, l'histoire sans fin" (The Neverending Story), "Kong, les p'tits disables" (The Little Devils), "Les enfants d'Okura" (The Children of Okura), M.O.T., etc. In the feature-length genre, Marc has contributed, in various roles, to Astérix et le coup du menhir" (Director: Philippe Grimond), "Le big bang" (Director: Picha) et "Comment j'ai (pas) mangé mon père" (Director: Jamel Debbouze). "Ma maman est en Amérique, elle a rencontré Buffalo Bill" is the first co-directing experience for this comic artist who has always thought constantly about film.

www.label-anim.com
IMDb.com

Mark Edwards
VFX Supervisor // DreamWorks Animation
(The Croods, How to Train Your Dragon, Monsters vs Aliens)

Mark Edwards is currently serving as the VFX Supervisor for the highly anticipated third installment "Kung Fu Panda 3," slated for release in December 2015 from DreamWorks Animation.

Prior to this role, Edwards worked as the Head of Lighting on the DreamWorks Animation prehistoric family comedy "The Croods," as well as a CG Supervisor on the critically acclaimed and Academy Award®-nominated "How to Train Your Dragon." In addition to production roles, he served for two years as the first Global Lead for Lighting, Surfacing and Matte Painting at the studio.

Edwards joined PDI/DreamWorks in 1997 working as a Lighting TD on their first CG feature release "Antz," then as an FX artist on the Academy Award®-winning "Shrek." Over his 16+ year career at DreamWorks Animation, Edwards has worked on various other live action and CG animated feature films including "Forces of Nature," "Evolution," "Over the Hedge," "Flushed Away" and "Monsters vs Aliens."

Edwards received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in Art Studio from the University of California at Davis. He has won numerous training awards at DreamWorks Animation and most recently two 2012 Technical Achievement Awards for innovation.

www.dreamworksanimation.com

Marv Newland
Director, Animator
(Bambi Meets Godzilla, Anijam, Tales From the Far Side, CMYK)

Marv Newland graduated from Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles and made his first animated short, "Bambi Meets Godzilla," (1969). This production was followed by TV commercial work. He moved to Toronto, Canada working on TV commercials, "Sesame Street" segments and magazine illustration. Newland designed and/or directed; TV series, commercials and short films for companies in: Holland, New York and Ottawa. In 1975 he founded the production company International Rocketship Limited in Vancouver, Canada. He has worked as designer, animator, director and producer of commercials, series and shorts for his own company and for among others: Vinton Studios, USA; Studio B, Canada and the National Film Board of Canada.

Marv Newland received the Grand Prix at the Annecy International Animation Festival, France for his direction of, Gary Larson's "Tales From the Far Side," 1995. Films made under his direction have been awarded festival prizes in: Hiroshima, Japan; Asolo, Italy; Chicago, Portland, Houston and San Francisco, USA; Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, Canada. He has served on film festival juries in: Japan, England, France, Italy, The Czech Republic, Norway, Korea and on Genie juries in Canada. Newland has conducted animation workshops at: Filmakademie in Ludwigsburg and Kunsthochschule in Kassel, Germany and at La Poudrière in Valence, France. He is currently an animation instructor at the Vancouver Film School in Canada.

IMDb.com

Michael van den Bos
Film & Animation History Instructor, Film Critic, Sinatra Scholar

Michael van den Bos teaches the History of Character Animation in the Commercial Animation Department at Capilano University, doing so since 2007. He also teaches film theory at the Vancouver Film School, since 1997. For five years, Michael taught motion picture history at the Pacific Audio Visual Institute, including a course in the history of 20th Century pop music. Through the 1980s, '90s and early 2000s, Michael worked in the Vancouver animation industry as a producer of animated films and TV programming, notably working with animation director Marv Newland at International Rocketship from 1982 – 1998. Michael is a popular live speaker and commentator about classic movies, appearing frequently at a variety of special film events and festivals. Michael is a recurring host of Cinema Sunday at Vancouver's home of essential cinema, The Cinematheque, where he introduces classic family films. For seven years, Michael wrote a column about classic films for Vancouver View magazine and he currently writes film reviews for his website, Movie Mad.

Movie Mad
IMDb.com

Nathan Jurevicius
Creator, Director // Vishus Productions
(Peleda, Scarygirl, Lost for Words)

Nathan Jurevicius is a visual storyteller who primarily focuses on character-based properties. His most acclaimed project to date is Scarygirl. The brand since its creation in 2001 has developed an underground following of fans throughout the globe through its online comic, numerous limited edition vinyl toys, designer products and traveling shows. The property is currently in development for an animated feature film.

Nathan has garnered many accolades including winning the 2009 Aurealis Award for Best Illustrated Book/Graphic Novel, the 2010 CBCA Notable picture book list, IGN's 'Indie Pick of the Week', Desktop Magazine's Create Award, FWA site of the day, Interactive Festival and the FITC 2010 Game award.

www.scarygirl.com
IMDb.com

Ricky Nierva
Art Director, Production Designer // Pixar Animation Studios
(Monsters University, Up, Finding Nemo)

Ricky Nierva joined Pixar Animation Studios in May 1997. He began with the animation team as a visual development artist and did additional storyboarding on "Toy Story 2." He was the lead character designer for "Monster's Inc." and was awarded an Annie award as the character art director for the Academy Award® winning feature "Finding Nemo." Nierva was the production designer for another Oscar® winner, and Best Picture nominee, "Up." He was also the production designer on Disney•Pixar's last feature "Monsters University," released on June 21, 2013.

Nierva has illustrated a children's book published by Random House, titled "'M' is for Monster," and his artwork is also featured in the books, "The Art of Monster's, Inc.," "The Art of Finding Nemo," and "The Art of Monsters University" by Chronicle Books.

Nierva attended California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Character Animation in 1994. He credits his visual style to close mentor and famed Warner Brothers and Disney designer, the late Maurice Noble. Ricky has worked with talented artists at Turner Feature Animation, Warner Bros., Baer Animation, and Hanna Barbera.

www.pixar.com
IMDb.com

Rob Shaw
Director // Bent Image Lab

Rob Shaw is a director originally from Philadelphia PA who now lives and works in Portland OR. After graduating from the University of the Arts with his award-winning animated short "Dirty Summer Fridays" Shaw moved to the west coast.

After five years as a professional animator, Shaw made the jump to commercial director at Bent Image Lab. He directed numerous commercials and music videos like They Might Be Giant's "I'm Impressed" which won a Gold Plaque at the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival. In 2010, his film "the Machine" won best animated short at the Atlanta Film Festival.

Rob's campaign for Koodo Mobile "El Tabador" was named Strategy Magazine's one of five brands of the Year in 2010. Most recently, Shaw has just finished up an animated segment for Portlandia season three and two music videos for the band "the Uncluded."

www.bentimagelab.com
IMDb.com

Warren Leonhardt
Story Artist // Blue Sky Studios
(Epic, Rio, Gnomeo & Juliet)

Warren Leonhardt was brought up in the Kootenays region of Canada, where he got in trouble for drawing in math textbooks since the third grade. He steadily drifted eastwards through Canada pursuing animation work, and over-corrected twice — once he wound up in Europe drawing for animated features, and once or twice, found himself in LA doing the same. Clients to date have included Sony Pictures Animation, Touchstone, Focus Features, Disney Canada, VH1, Spümcø, and Corus Entertainment. He finally found his way the US east coast and has been working for Blue Sky Studios since 2011. He lives in Katonah, NY, with his long-suffering wife and two boys.

www.blueskystudios.com
IMDb.com

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