Alex lives and breathes movies. “If I’m not making them,” he says, “I’m probably watching them.” His passion for cinema has led to a career spanning 20 years in animated movies. Having held creative leadership positions in both large and independent studios, Alex’ infectious enthusiasm is essential to his ability to lead and inspire large teams.

In 1997, Alex joined Framestore as their first 3D Programmer. He rose to become Head of 3D Research and Development and worked on numerous projects, including Walking With Dinosaurs, and Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban. Alex won an Emmy for his work on Hallmark’s Alice in Wonderland. In 2004, he joined DreamWorks Animation, where he was FX, Character FX and Crowds Supervisor on Kung Fu Panda, and VFX Supervisor on Kung Fu Panda 2.

At the start of 2015, Alex joined the new Animation division of Cinesite and was instrumental in building it into the world-class facility it is today. With Cinesite, Alex’ credits as VFX Supervisor have included Riverdance: The Animated Adventure, HITPIG!, and Associate Director on Animal Farm.

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.