Michael Defeo

Friday 10/23, 2:00PM-3:00PM

WILDWOOD: Shaping Characters from 2D to 3D

Civic Auditorium | Michael Defeo | Thibault Leclercq

Join us for an inside look at the unique and charming characters of LAIKA’s latest feature film, Wildwood, where we’ll explore the highly collaborative process from early 2D character development to 3D sculpted maquette that inform our stop motion puppets.

Drawing from years of daily artistic dialogue, we’ll discuss finding character, design philosophy, translating 2D into 3D, and bringing life to an unanimated sculpture, as well as production workflow and the specific artistic world of Wildwood.

Saturday 10/24, 4:15PM-5:15PM

Out of the Blue: Culture and Legacy of Blue Sky Studios

Room 207 | Andrea Blasich Sculpture | Michael Defeo | Michael Knapp | Jason Sadler

A group of renowned Blue Sky Studios artists — Andrea Blasich, Michael DeFeo, Mike Knapp, and Jason Sadler — look back on their uniquely formative years at the studio. Situated far from Hollywood, Blue Sky cultivated a creative environment enabling genuine collaboration and a distinct artistic culture shaped by its East Coast roots. Their conversation explores the studio’s rare atmosphere, unforgettable stories, and the profound impact it had on their careers.