SPARK ANIMATION 2024
October 31 - November 3, 2024
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Alliance Partner
SPARK ANIMATION 2024
IGNITE YOUR PASSION, SPARK YOUR CREATIVITY, GET CONNECTED
October 31 - November 3, 2024
Important Dates
- Film Festival: 31 October – 3 November
- Conference: 2 – 3 November
- Exhibition: 2 – 3 November
- Spark On-Demand: 4 November – 31 December
- Special Presentation: 15 November
- Masterclass: 16 November
- Artist Alley: 16 November
- Community Events: TBA
More coming soon.
Note: Schedule under construction. Times, offers, and admissions are subject to change without notice. Please, sign up to our newsletter for latest updates.
SCHEDULE
Thursday
Thursday - October 31, 6:00 PM
PASS
SUPER PASS
Regular: $300 // Groups (5+): $270*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
The Super Pass gives access to all Film Programs, Production Sessions, Masterclass and SPARK ON DEMAND.
Thursday - October 31, 6:30 PM
FEATURE FILM
SAVAGES
2024 // Switzerland · France · Belgium // Dir.: Claude Barras // 87 min // 19+
Original title: Sauvages
Language: In French; with English subtitles
Advisory: TBC
Premiere status: Canadian Premiere
Regular: $15 // Groups (5+): $13.50*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
In Borneo, at the edge of the tropical forest, Keria is given a baby orangutan that has been rescued from the oil palm plantation where her father works. At the same time, her young cousin Selaï has come to live with them, seeking refuge from the conflict between his nomadic family and the logging companies.
Together, Keria, Selaï, and the little ape will battle the destruction of their ancestral forest home, which is now under greater threat than ever. However, for Keria, the fight will also allow her to discover the truth about her origins.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Community Partner
Savages ©2024 GOODFELLAS. All Rights Reserved.
Thursday - October 31, 8:45 PM
SHORT FILMS
MADE IN CANADA + Q&A
Regular: $10 // Groups (5+): $9*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Immerse yourself in the bold and imaginative world of Canadian filmmaking with this dynamic collection of short films. Ranging from stories about our history to dystopian visions of the future, these films capture Canada’s creative spirit. Get ready for a cinematic journey that will surprise, inspire, and leave you wanting more!
This screening will be followed by a Q&A with attending filmmakers.
- Transferable // 2024 // Canada // Dirs.: Jacob Gardner, David Hubert // 8 min
- The Little Ancestor // 2024 // Canada // Dir.: Alexa Tremblay-Francoeur // 11 min
- Time Space Love // 2024 // Canada // Dir.: Marie-Louise Gariépy // 15 min
- Mythforce // 2024 // Canada // Dir.: Jesse Lee Davidge // 5 min
- World Naked Bike Tour // 2024 // Canada // Dir.: William Bradford // 9 min
- Detours Ahead // 2024 // Canada // Dir.: Esther Cheung // 8 min
- Door to Door: A Loogaland Cartoon // 2024 // Canada // Dir.: Gordon Mihan // 9 min
- Rally // 2023 // Canada // Dir.: Santiago Menghini // 10 min
- Happiness // 2024 // Canada // Dir.: Nil Yurdakul // 4 min
- Firmware // 2023 // Canada // Dir.: Calvin Sander Romeyn // 23 min
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Friday - November 1, 6:30 PM
FEATURE FILM
WALLACE & GROMIT: VENGEANCE MOST FOWL + Q&A
2024 // UK // Dir.: Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham // 79 min // PG
Language: English
Advisory: TBC
Premiere status: Canadian Premiere
with Merlin Crossingham & Nick Park
Regular: $15 // Groups (5+): $13.50*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Aardman’s four-time Academy Award-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham return with a brand-new epic adventure, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. In this next installment, Gromit’s concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified when Wallace invents a "smart" gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master... or Wallace may never be able to invent again!
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Foul © 2024 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.
Friday - November 1, 9:00 PM
FEATURE FILM
MEMOIR OF A SNAIL + Q&A
2024 // Australia // Dir.: Adam Elliot // 94 min // Not Rated
Language: English
Advisory: N/A
Premiere status: BC Premiere
with Adam Elliot
Regular: $15 // Groups (5+): $13.50*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook) is a lonely misfit with an affinity for collecting ornamental snails and an intense love for books. At a young age, when Grace is separated from her twin brother Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee), she falls into a spiral of anxiety and angst.
Despite a continued series of hardships, inspiration and hope emerge when Grace strikes up an enduring friendship with an elderly eccentric woman named Pinky (Jacki Weaver), who is full of grit and lust for life.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Wallace & Gromit: Memoir of a Snail © 2024 Mongrel Media. All Rights Reserved.
Saturday - November 2, 9:00 AM
PRESENTATION
ULTRAMAN: RISING – REIMAGINING AN ICON
Presented by Netflix
with John Aoshima, Marcos Mateu Mestre, Shannon Tindle & Sunmin Inn · moderated by Keith Blackmore
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Join Writer-Director Shannon Tindle, Co-Director John Aoshima, Production Designer Marcos Mateu Mestre, and Art Director Sunmin Inn as they dive deep into the passion, heart, and artistry behind reimagining a legendary character. Learn how this visionary team blended breathtaking animation with human storytelling to re-envision this iconic character for audiences new and old.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 9:30 AM
NETWORKING
EXHIBITION
Regular: FREE
Coming soon.
Saturday - November 2, 10:40 AM
PRESENTATION
WELCOME TO LUMBRIA: A LOOK AT THE MAKING OF SPELLBOUND
Presented by Skydance Animation
with Brett Nystul, Nick Bakker & Vicky Jenson · moderated by Justin Marmulak
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Join Director Vicky Jenson, Production Designer Brett Nystul and Story Artist Nick Bakker as they break down the castle walls of the kingdom of Lumbria and explore the artistry, storytelling and magic of Spellbound, an original fairytale take on a modern story.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 10:40 AM
PRESENTATION
THE MAKING OF PLAY AGAIN
Presented by Microsoft
with Brady Bonser, Gabriel Agustin Freire, Hilary Smith, Marcéu Lobo & Zen Pace · moderated by TBA
Regular: FREE
Play Again is an original animated short film from Xbox that explores themes of connection, grief, and friendship through stunning 3D and 2D animation. In this presentation, writer and director Zen Pace, animation director Gabriel Agustin Freire, art director Marcéu Lobo, and producers Brady Bonser and Hilary Smith will share their creative process, challenges, and achievements in making the film.
They will also share behind-the-scenes footage, concept art, and sketches that illustrate how they brought their vision to life.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Lochmaddy Studio Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 11:30 AM
FEATURE FILM
THE SLOTH LANE + Q&A
2024 // Australia // Dir.: Tania Vincent & Co-Dir.: Ricard Cussó // 89 min // TBA
Language: English
Advisory: TBC
Premiere status: Canadian Premiere
Regular: $10 // Groups (5+): $9*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
After a terrifying storm destroys their home, a speedy sloth named Laura and her kooky family move to the big city in their rusted old food truck, hoping to make their business a success.
The family’s delicious food catches the eye of a quick-witted cheetah named Dotti, who will stop at nothing to revive her failing fast-food business, Zoom Fuel.
| VENUE: |
The Cinematheque 1131 Howe Street · Vancouver · BC · V6Z 2L7 |
The Sloth Lane ©2024 Like A Photon Creative Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Saturday - November 2, 12:20 PM
PRESENTATION
FROM CONCEPT TO FINAL FILM: BRINGING THE GORGEOUS MOVIE THE WILD ROBOT TO LIFE
Presented by DreamWorks Animation
with Jeff Budsberg & Raymond Zibach · moderated by Keith Blackmore
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
The task in making any animated film is keeping the final film looking as fresh and original as the concept art that inspired it. DreamWorks Animation’s newest animated feature, The Wild Robot (written and directed by Chris Sanders), not only achieved that but also brought us a groundbreaking new visual approach to CG animation. With its impressionistic designs and swooping camera work, there has never been an animated movie that reflects the world in quite this way.
Join Production Designer Raymond Zibach and VFX Supervisor Jeff Budsberg as they explore how the creative team combined storyboards, the script, concept art, models, and stunning visual effects to create a gorgeously captivating and emotional story—a true winner.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 12:20 PM
PRESENTATION
BEHIND SPICE FRONTIER: A PEEK INTO A SAVOURY ADVENTURE
Presented by Steamroller Animation
with Aaron Gilman & Jalil Sadool · moderated by TBA
Regular: FREE
Join Jalil Sadool and Aaron Gilman, co-owners of Steamroller Studios, as they look back on the exciting journey of creating their new animated pilot, Spice Frontier: Escape From Veltegar.
This thrilling science fiction adventure sees Kent Williams, a human chef, and his alien companions exploring the galaxy over two hundred years after Earth’s destruction in search of the lost ingredients of human cuisine.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Lochmaddy Studio Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 1:45 PM
FEATURE FILM
SUNBURNT UNICORN + Q&A
2024 // Canada // Dir.: Nick Johnson // 81 min // G
Language: English
Advisory: TBC
Premiere status: BC Premiere
Regular: $10 // Groups (5+): $9*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Lost in an endless desert, an injured teenager adopts the identity of a mythical Unicorn to survive surreal encounters and rescue his father from the Cactus King.
| VENUE: |
The Cinematheque 1131 Howe Street · Vancouver · BC · V6Z 2L7 |
Sunburnt Unicorn ©2024 NMS Releasing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Saturday - November 2, 2:00 PM
PRESENTATION
EDITING INSIDE OUT 2: THE BIG CHANGES
Presented by Pixar Animation
with Maurissa Horwitz · moderated by Justin Marmulak
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Editing is the language of film. Through editing, we can control the order, duration, and frequency of events, thus shaping the narrative and influencing the audience’s perception of time. Join us as Lead Editor Maurissa Horwitz shares her insights into the dynamic creative work in shaping Inside Out 2 for it to become the highest-grossing animated feature of all time. Maurissa will take you on a deep dive into the choices that brought the alarm scene to life, as well as the new emotions that were lost along the way. Discover the Joy (and Anxiety) of editorial!
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 2:00 PM
PRESENTATION
ANIMATING LIFE'S FRAGILE MOMENTS IN MEMOIR OF A SNAIL
Regular: FREE
Join Academy Award-winning director Adam Elliot (Harvie Krumpet, Mary and Max) as he takes us behind the scenes of his latest stop-motion feature film, Memoir of a Snail.
Known for his distinctive style and deeply emotional storytelling, Elliot's work has captivated audiences worldwide by blending humour, heartache, and humanity. In this engaging talk, Elliot will share his creative process, offering insights into the painstaking craft of stop-motion animation. He will explore the film's themes of isolation, perseverance, and identity and discuss the unique challenges of bringing his whimsical yet poignant characters to life.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the animation industry's most distinctive voices.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Lochmaddy Studio Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 3:40 PM
PRESENTATION
MORE THAN MEETS THE HEART: A TRANSFORMATIVE DIALOGUE WITH DIRECTOR JOSH COOLEY
Presented by Paramount Animation
with Josh Cooley · moderated by Keith Blackmore
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
In this intimate, transformative conversation, Academy Award-winning director Josh Cooley joins us for a Fireside Chat that will be more than meets the EAR. Josh will share insights into his newest animated feature, Transformers One, as well as his creative process, his experience bringing iconic stories to life, and the reasons why he’s been trying to contact you about your vehicle’s extended warranty. Don’t miss this chance to hear a distinguished, iconic living legend and one of the industry’s top directors babble on about gobbledegook.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 5:20 PM
PRESENTATION
WAYFINDING NEW WATERS: THE MAKING OF MOANA 2
Presented by Walt Disney Animation
· moderated by Marina Antunes
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Join the creators behind Moana 2 as they share footage from the upcoming sequel and provide a detailed look at how the new adventure was shaped, step by step. You’ll learn how the story evolved, highlighting the art, animation, and voice work that continues to build upon Moana’s iconic journey.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 5:20 PM
PRESENTATION
CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF TORILL KOVE
Presented by the National Film Board of Canada
with Torill Kove · moderated by TBA
Regular: FREE
Academy Award-winning director Torill Kove is known for her deeply personal storytelling and whimsical animation, blending heart, humour, and cultural reflection.
In this intimate conversation, we celebrate the director’s formidable career, from her early films and her Oscar-winning short The Danish Poet to her latest film Maybe Elephants. This retrospective offers a unique insight into her creative process, influence, and contribution to the world of animation.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Lochmaddy Studio Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 7:00 PM
SHORT FILMS
MOTHERS OF AN ARTFORM
Regular: $10 // Groups (5+): $9*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Celebrate the brilliance and innovation of female filmmakers in this inspiring showcase. From captivating narratives to breathtaking animation, these films spotlight the power of women's voices in cinema.
The program will open with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Torill Kove, honouring her remarkable contributions to animation and storytelling. Fellow Canadian filmmakers David Fine and Alison Snowden will present the prize.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with attending filmmakers.
- Maybe Elephants // 2024 // Canada // Dir.: Torill Kove // 17 min
- The Danish Poet // 2006 // Canada // Dir.: Torill Kove // 15 min
- Have I Swallowed Your Dreams // 2024 // Canada // Dir.: Clara Chan // 6 min
- Brain Damage // 2023 // Australia // Dir.: Lauren Edmonds // 4 min
- Pear Garden // 2024 // Germany // Dir.: Shadab Shayegan // 7 min
- Colour Me Pink // 2024 // Ireland // Dir.: Anika O'Hagan-Ploug // 3 min
- Wild Animal // 2024 // USA // Dir.: Tianyun Lyu // 13 min
- Percebes // 2024 // France // Dirs.: Alexandra Ramires, Laura Gonçalves // 11 min
- Zone Blanche // 2024 // France // Dirs.: Maria Minaeva, Carole Naegelen, Marie-Ange Lombard, Marie-Lys Mathias, Enola Pardon, Sarah Bernu // 6 min
- The Sun is Bad // 2023 // USA // Dir.: Rachel Mow // 3 min
- Magical Doomsday Horsegirls of the Apocalypse // 2024 // USA // Dirs.: Abbie Bacilla, Andrea Schmitz // 1 min
- The Wedding Veil of the Proud Princess // 2024 // UK // Dir.: Anna-Ester Volozh // 7 min
- The Other Side // 2023 // USA // Dir.: Niki Lopez // 8 min
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Saturday - November 2, 9:00 PM
FEATURE FILM
(S)KIDS
2024 // Canada // Dir.: Les Solis // 86 min // 19+
Language: English
Classification: Not Rated
Advisory: TBC
Premiere Status: North American Premiere
Regular: $15 // Groups (5+): $13.50*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Featuring songs from the viral Vancouver-based band Rare Americans, this animated punk-rock musical is the first animated feature film for Crooked City Studios and Solis Animation.
Set in 1993, (S)KiDS follows a group of disaffected teens navigating their last year of high school as they uncover a dark truth about their Principal.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
(S)KiDS ©2023 Crooked City Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Sunday - November 3, 9:00 AM
PRESENTATION
UNWRAPPING THE MAGIC BEHIND THAT CHRISTMAS
Presented by Locksmith Animation
with Dave Edwardz, Estelle Costedoat & Simon Otto · moderated by David Burgess
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Join Director Simon Otto (Love, Death + Robots, How to Train Your Dragon), Head of Layout Dave Edwardz, and Animation Lead Estelle Costedoat as they unwrap the magic behind Netflix' new animated feature That Christmas. Based on the charming trilogy of children's books by beloved multi-award-winning writer-director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Yesterday), discover how the team brought Richard Curtis’ beloved holiday stories to screen with heartwarming storytelling and dazzling animation.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Sunday - November 3, 9:30 AM
NETWORKING
EXHIBITION
Regular: FREE
Coming soon.
Sunday - November 3, 10:40 AM
PRESENTATION
DICE TSUTSUMI'S FIRST VENTURE INTO STOP MOTION: BOTTLE GEORGE
Presented by Tonko House
with Daisuke 'Dice' Tsutsumi · moderated by Jeff Chiba Stearns
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Award-winning studio Tonko House brings us yet another compelling short film: Bottle George, a stop-motion animated short film about the darkness of addiction and the strength of family. Join Tonko House co-founder and director Dice Tsutsumi as he shares his journey and screens his latest animated short film, Bottle George, in collaboration with Japanese comedian Akihiro Nishino and Japan's leading stop-motion studio, Dwarf.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Sunday - November 3, 10:40 AM
PRESENTATION
ANIMATION CHOICES: MATCHING STORY WITH STYLE
Presented by Dirty Work
with Faga Melo · moderated by TBA
SOLD OUT
In a landscape filled with diverse animation techniques, how do you choose the best one for your story? In this talk, director Faga Melo explores how to determine the right technique for your narrative. He offers insights on aligning creative vision with the appropriate animation style, helping you make informed decisions to ensure your story resonates effectively with your audience.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Lochmaddy Studio Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Sunday - November 3, 12:20 PM
PRESENTATION
THE MAKING OF WATCHMEN CHAPTER 1
Presented by Warner Bros. Animation
with Brandon Vietti · moderated by Marina Antunes
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Known as the Citizen Kane of the comic world, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen is a masterpiece of the medium. Join Warner Bros. Animation Director Brandon Vietti as he showcases how he kept true to the original source material and, in doing so, made Watchmen Chapter 1 one of the most faithful adaptations of the iconic comic book series.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Sunday - November 3, 12:20 PM
PRESENTATION
SECRETS OF THE DESERT: MAKING SUNBURNT UNICORN
Presented by Nick Johnson and Squid Brain Studios
with Natasha Jensen, Nick Johnson, Scott Ormsby & Tiffany Ayalik
Regular: FREE
How did Sunburnt Unicorn, a low-budget, indie co-production from Alberta and BC, find its way to a world premiere in Annecy, France? Join director Nick Johnson and his production team as they discuss how they explored themes to create an original story with iconic characters and how innovative technology was used to create an expansive world that was finished on time and on budget.
They will share insight on designing characters for 3D, the production schedule and pipeline of a studio, even shining a light on the unique score by PIQSIQ. Featuring team members from across the production who brought Sunburnt Unicorn to life, visit this special presentation to uncover all the secrets of this bizarre and uplifting film.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Lochmaddy Studio Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Sunday - November 3, 12:30 PM
COMMUNITY EVENT
DOUNIA: THE GREAT WHITE NORTH
2023 // Canada // Dirs.: André Kadi, Marya Zarif // 51 min // G
Original title: Dounia : Le grand pays blanc
Language: In French; with English subtitles
Advisory: TBC
Premiere status: Western Canadian Premiere
Regular: FREE
In Dounia: The Great White North, follow Dounia and her grandparents as they settle into life in Canada. As they explore the country‘s seasons, food, and languages, they experience a blend of cultures: Dounia‘s Syrian roots, Rosalie‘s Quebecois heritage, and Miguizou‘s Indigenous background.
Amidst this, Dounia copes with the trauma of war and her father‘s absence. Guided by Kukum, Miguizou‘s grandmother, Dounia learns to call her father with her heart, leading to their emotional reunion after his release from prison.
| VENUE: |
MONTALBANO FAMILY THEATRE · VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY 8th Floor · 350 W Georgia St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 6B1 |
Community Partner
Dounia: The Great White North ©2023 Stobo Studio. All Rights Reserved.
Sunday - November 3, 2:00 PM
COMMUNITY EVENT
NOT JUST FOR KIDS
Regular: FREE
Bring the whole family to enjoy this playful and heartwarming collection of films for audiences of all ages! Featuring imaginative stories, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters, this program proves that great storytelling transcends age. Whether young or young at heart, everyone will leave with a smile and a sense of wonder!
- Atomic Chicken // 2023 // France // Dirs.: Thibault Ermeneux, Lucie Lyfoung, Solène Polet, Capucine Prat, Morgane Siriex, Anna Uglova // 5 min
- Dream // 2023 // USA // Dir.: Aaron Blaise // 2 min
- Freelance // 2024 // Denmark // Dirs.: Luciano A. Muñoz Sessarego, Magnus I. Møller, Peter Smith // 3 min
- Eureka! // 2024 // Belgium // Dir.: Kris Borghs // 10 min
- Happy New Year // 2023 // Japan // Dir.: Saki Muramoto // 3 min
- Dinosaurus // 2024 // Canada // Dirs.: Antoine Berteloot, Chengcheng Zhang, Cléa Urruty, Ivan Olarte, Louis Prats, Marie Wsevolojsky, Maxence De Bon, Timour Plekhoff // 3 min
- Tennis, Oranges // 2024 // USA // Dir.: Sean Pecknold // 11 min
- How to Make a Friend // 2024 // France // Dirs.: Jinfei Ge, Bin He, Myrtille Huet, Julie Jarrier-Stettin, Yuqiang Zhang // 7 min
- The Mooning // 2024 // USA // Dirs.: Mason Klesch, Vivian Osness // 3 min
- The Ones Who Never See the Moonlight // 2024 // France // Dirs.: Solène Marché, Lou Thoby, Tom Saurel, Evelyne Philippart, Marie Fantini, Amélie Soto // 7 min
- Tabby McTat // 2023 // UK // Dirs.: Jac Hamman, Sarah Scrimgeour // 25 min
| VENUE: |
MONTALBANO FAMILY THEATRE · VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY 8th Floor · 350 W Georgia St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 6B1 |
Sunday - November 3, 2:00 PM
PRESENTATION
LEGENDARY SCALES: THE VFX OF HOUSE OF THE DRAGON
Presented by Wētā FX
with Jason Snyman · moderated by Amy Moorcroft
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Wētā FX Animation Supervisor Jason Snyman most recently finished working on Season 2 of House of the Dragon, joining Blacks' legion by bringing to life Seasmoke and Vermithor. In this “Dragon School,” Jason will cover how artists referenced a range of animals to achieve the realistic airborne physicality of the dragon's movements. Also, Jason will show how to achieve the emotional depth of range in these immense beasts through facial animation.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Sunday - November 3, 3:40 PM
PRESENTATION
THE GLOBE HOPPING ADVENTURES OF A BOUNTY HUNTER: HITPIG!
Presented by Aniventure
with Alexander Parkinson & David Feiss · moderated by Warren Franklin
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
The wildly successful cartoonist Berkley Breathed (Bloom County and Outland) now brings us his newest adventure, Hitpig! based on his New York Times bestseller Pete & Pickles. Join Co-Director David Feiss and Cinesite VFX Supervisor Alex Parkinson as they guide you through the unique artistic journey from concept to the final film in Aniventure's newest animated adventure comedy film. They will share insights into the art, technology, and intricacies behind Hitpig!’s witty humour, thrilling adventures, and a touching story about friendship and self-discovery. Along the way, you’ll learn that sometimes what we want isn’t what we need.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Sunday - November 3, 4:00 PM
COMMUNITY EVENT
MESSAGES OF CHANGE
Regular: FREE
Coming soon.
| VENUE: |
MONTALBANO FAMILY THEATRE · VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY 8th Floor · 350 W Georgia St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 6B1 |
Sunday - November 3, 5:20 PM
PRESENTATION
INSIDE THE GAME: ADVANCE SCREENING AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT WIN OR LOSE
Presented by Pixar Animation
with Carrie Hobson · moderated by Keith Blackmore
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Be the first up to bat to watch TWO full episodes of Pixar’s first-ever original series, Win or Lose. Followed by a "Making of" presentation by Carrie Hobson, one of the series directors, get a special inside baseball look at how this unique series came to be. Not to be missed.
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
Sunday - November 3, 7:00 PM
SHORT FILMS
SPARK ANIMATION CELEBRATION
Regular: $15 // Groups (5+): $13.50*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Coming soon.
Sunday - November 3, 9:15 PM
FEATURE FILM
THE COLOURS WITHIN
2024 // Japan // Dir.: Naoko Yamada // 100 min // 14A
Original title: きみの色 (Kimi no iro)
Language: In Japanese; with English subtitles
Advisory: TBC
Premiere status: Canadian Premiere
Regular: $15 // Groups (5+): $13.50*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Totsuko is a high school student with the ability to see the 'colours' of others. Colours of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a colour she treasures as her favourite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful colour of all.
Although she doesn’t play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. Music brings them together as they practice at an old church on a remote island, forming friendships and stirring affection. Will they discover their true ’colours‘?
| VENUE: |
VIFF Centre · Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St · Vancouver · BC · V6B 3M7 |
The Colours Within © 2024 GKIDS. All Rights Reserved.
Monday - November 4, 12:01 AM
VIRTUAL
SPARK ON DEMAND
Regular: $30 // Groups (5+): $27*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Coming soon.
Friday - November 15, 7:00 PM
PRESENTATION
ULTRAMAN RISING: CHANNELING AN ICON THROUGH CREATIVE COLLABORATION
Presented by Industrial Light & Magic
with Aaron Brown, Marco Firme, Moragot Bodharamik, Siobhan Condon & Tania Richard · moderated by Marina Antunes
Regular: $20 // Groups (5+): $18*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
Coming soon.
Friday - November 15, 8:30 PM
NETWORKING
INDUSTRY MIXER
Regular: FREE
Coming soon.
Saturday - November 16, 9:30 AM
MASTERCLASS
CREATING YOUR OWN ANIMATED FILM
Regular: $125 // Groups (5+): $112.50*
* Group pricing only available through on-line advance sales.
In this all-day class, animation legend Aaron Blaise will take us through the creative process behind the making of his new short film, Snow Bear. Along the way, Aaron will reveal the many considerations needed in order to produce your own animated short.
Session 1
STORY DEVELOPMENT
Aaron discusses his approach to story development, emphasizing structure, theme, and character.
• Short-form writing versus long-form storytelling.
• Writing & rewriting for simplification and clarity.
Session 2
VISUAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRE-PRODUCTION
Aaron talks about Art Direction, Character and Environmental Design.
• Visual Research.
• Stylization, Color and Composition.
• The design process of the various characters in the film.
Session 3
STORYBOARDING
The importance of Storyboarding with Layout in mind.
• The value of clear storyboards.
• Boarding “cinematically."
• Sequential visual storytelling.
Session 4
ANIMATION
Aaron breaks down a shot from his newest short film step-by-step, with some live demonstrations.
• Animation – From thumbnails to colour.
Saturday - November 16, 10:00 AM
NETWORKING
ARTIST ALLEY
Regular: FREE
Coming soon.
BIOGRAPHIES
From childhood, Amy has always known she would work in film and following her degree in Cinematography, Photography and Television Studies, Amy has been supporting this industry through the recruitment of top class talent. Since 2011, Amy has recruited for The Third Floor Visualization, Mikros Animation on Sherlock Gnomes, as well numerous TV and advertising companies.
Amy's love of nature and all things North America brought her to Vancouver in 2017, where she joined DNEG, recruiting for both their VFX features and TV projects. In May 2019, Amy joined her dream company: Industrial Light & Magic, and has been hiring the finest talent for Terminator: Dark Fate, as well as unannounced projects...
A confessed fan of the industry, Amy has been supportive of our community as an organizer for Renderman User Group events, in attendance of VES seminars and meet-ups, and has joined Spark in August 2019 as a volunteer.
Coming soon.
Animation Supervisor // Animal Logic
(DC League of Super Pets, The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, Trolls, Turbo, Megamind, Tarzan, The Lion King)
Dave has almost three decades of experience in the animation industry, working on some of the most iconic 2D and CGI animated films of our time. Dave is the Animation Supervisor at Animal Logic’s Vancouver studio, where he was the Animation Director on DC League of Super-Pets and the Animation Supervisor on The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part.
In 1991, Dave started at Walt Disney Feature Animation, where he was an animator and supervising animator on many of their most successful 2D films, including Beauty and The Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King and Tarzan.
In 2001, he switched his pencil for a computer and started at PDI/DreamWorks, working as an animator, supervising animator and head of character animation. His credits during this time include Shrek 2, Madagascar, Over the Hedge, Megamind and Trolls.
Dave graduated from Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver with Honours in Animation.
Jason Snyman is an Animation Supervisor who has honed his skills by bringing dynamic sequences and creatures to life. Jason oversees a team of artists, responsible for delivering animation that creates compelling action-packed moments.
Jason first joined Wētā FX to work on The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) as a texture painter and animator. He then went on to be Senior Animator on Peter Jackson‘s King Kong (2005), where he prevised and animated King Kong taking on the Vastatosaurus Rex, before moving on to James Cameron's Avatar (2009) to previs and animate Neytiri's final explosive match against Quaritch.
Most recently, Jason was Animation Supervisor on Season 2 of House of the Dragon, where he joined Team Blacks legion, overseeing the animation for four of their dragons, including the nimble Seasmoke and the powerful Vermithor.
Producer, Director, Animator
(Mixed Match, One Big Hapa Family, Yellow Sticky Notes, Yellow Sticky Notes | Canadian Anijam)
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 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), Yellow Sticky Notes | Canadian Anijam (2013) and Mixed Match (2016) Jeff&rsqup;s work has broadcast around the world, screened in hundreds of international film festivals and garnered over 40 awards. Currently, Jeff published his first children’s book Mixed Critters and has plans to release a second book later this year.
Production Coordinator // Animal Logic
(Leo, Strawberry Shortcake, Snoopy Present, William With, Day, )
Justin is a dedicated Canadian production coordinator with a passion for animation. His journey in the animation industry began as an intern in human resources, and by 2020, he had been hired as a production coordinator. Throughout his career, Justin has collaborated closely with teams of talented artists across various stages of the animation pipeline. With unfaltering energy, as the wind in his sails, he hopes to support all artists who partake in the intricate process of crafting animated masterpieces.
Justin’s production experience includes projects like Chip and Potato and Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City. Currently serving as a production coordinator at Animal Logic, he helped coordinate artists in the production of the film Leo. Additionally, Justin contributes his time and skills as the Volunteer Coordinator for Spark CG, showcasing his commitment to the animation community.
Vancouver-born and raised, Keith Blackmore is a passionate supporter for all things animated in the Vancouver area. A producer for the SPARK ANIMATION Festival, Keith has presented, interviewed and moderated at many festivals and studios. Most recently, he was on the Film Jury for the 2022 Taiwan International Student Design Competition, the largest student design competition around the world. Keith is also the host of the monthly Vancouver Civic Theatres’ film series, Silent Movie Mondays, at the opulent and historic Orpheum Theatre.
Besides his work with the Spark CG Society, Keith continues to educate and inspire students at the Vancouver Film School, in his weekly History of Animation classes.
Marina has been writing and discussing film for over 15 years, first on a personal blog, followed by a decade-long tenure on the now retired Row Three. In 2008, she joined the writing staff at Quiet Earth, becoming Editor-In-Chief in 2014, a role she still holds. Over the years, she has also produced and hosted a number of podcasts including Before the Dawn, a long-running podcast on the Twilight franchise, Girls on Pop, a podcast on film and popular entertainment from women’s perspective and After the Credits, bi-monthly film podcast with nearly 300 episodes.
Marina is a member of ACM and ACM SIGGRAPH, the Online Film Critics Society, the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, and the Visual Effects Society. She is the President of Spark CG Society and the Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH chapter. She has also served on juries for several film festivals including DOXA, St. Louis International Film Festival, and the Whistler Film Festival. She joined the Spark CG Society in 2014.
Coming soon.
Executive Producer
(The Addams Family, The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, Return of the Jedi)
Warren Franklin, Executive Producer, is a global leader of the visual effects and animation industry. As the founder and former CEO of Rainmaker Entertainment, Mr. Franklin created one of North America’s leading independent animation studios. Currently he is producing a slate of animated feature films at Cinesite Studios in Montreal and Vancouver including the recently released The Addams Family.
Mr. Franklin has over 25 years of experience as an executive and creative producer with such industry leaders as Lucasfilm Ltd and has collaborated on projects with all of the major Hollywood studios. For 13 years, Mr. Franklin was a key member of George Lucas’ creative and management team where he served as Group Vice President, managing six divisions, including Industrial Light & Magic, LucasArts and Skywalker Sound.
As the VP and GM of ILM, Mr. Franklin spearheaded its growth and dominance as the industry’s premier visual effects company, which won nine Academy Awards during his tenure including The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, Return of the Jedi.
© 2024 · Spark CG Society