LightBox Expo 2024

Friday 10/25/2024

• The Art of Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

  DreamWorks Animation, Scott Kreamer, Aaron Hammersley, Zesung Kang, John-Paul Balmet, Ryan Donoghue, Eric Hawkins

  A conversation with Executive Producers Scott Kreamer, Aaron Hammersley, and the creative leads about the successes and challenges of expanding the animated Jurassic franchise into a broader scope. Supervising Producer Zesung Kang, Art Director John-Paul Balmet, Lighting/Comp Supervisor Eric Hawkins, and CG Animation Director Ryan Donoghue discuss developing the look of the show from early concept through shot production.

• Developing appealing and professional concept designs

  Hicham Habchi

  My class will give you a comprehensive overview of my workflow and cover all the necessary skills of concept design from the principles of shape language for effective expression to generating a industry preferred concept sheet. These key points that I will cover in my class will become the short cut you'll be able to take to create globally appealing work.

• Finish your Projects

  Peterhanstyle

  Do you start a lot of projects and never see them to the end? In this discussion, I present my past experiences of developing and producing my own independent projects. Whether they be for student based portfolios or full blown products you want to sell. I give advice on what hurdles you may face and how to potentially overcome them.

• The Art of Pitching

  Patrick Harpin

  When we talk about 'pitching', what we're really talking about is the art of STORY. We like to look for 'cheat codes' in selling projects. While there is no cheat-code for pitching a show/movie, there are methods, and lines-of-questioning that Writers use to make their stories STRONGER. As someone who has sold shows as pitch decks and supervised them as Showrunner, I have learned to hold myself to a standard of self-crit that has helped me in getting my ideas not only sold, but executed well. This is not a lesson in how to ‘trick’ a studio into buying a half-baked idea. What this really is, is a presentation on "How to Write a Story WORTH pitching". So when you're finally ready to pitch your idea... it'll be taken seriously.

• Dive into the world of Concept Art

  Sean Hargreaves, Stephan Martiniere, Zosha Millman Pablo Carpio, Laurel D. Austin

  This session will explore the creative journeys and techniques that concept artists Sean Hargreaves, Stephan Martinière, Christian Alzmann, Pablo Carpio, and Laurel D. Austin use to envision and design stunning worlds, characters, and scenes for films, games, and other media. Learn how they transform ideas into visually captivating art and navigate the challenges of the industry. Whether you're an aspiring concept artist or a fan of their work, this panel offers invaluable insights and inspiration to deepen your understanding of the art of concept design. Moderated by Zosha Millman, Polygon.

• “Not Dinner” from Concept to 3D: No Forks Necessary by Adobe

  Nikie Monteleone, Charles Ellison, Giovanni Nakpil, Adobe

  Join the Adobe Substance 3D "Art & Development" team for a daring escape! They will walk you through the importance of story and composition with their massive collaboration titled "Not Dinner" Featured artists include 3D Artist, Charles Ellison, and Concept Artist, Rain Bright with Louise Melin, Nikie Monteleone, Giovanni Nakpil and Laura Litolina from the Substance 3D Art & Dev team. This talk will showcase how they utilized both internal tools like Substance 3D Modeler, Painter and Designer along with external tools like Autodesk's Maya with Arnold and Maxon's ZBrush. Don't miss this chance to check out industry leading Substance workflows and hear from esteemed industry Artists!

• The Art of being an Illustrator

  Loish, Eleeza, Devin Elle Kurtz, Craig Mullins Rob Salkowitz

  Join a distinguished panel of illustrators including Loish, Eliza Ivanova, Devin Elle Kurtz, and Craig Mullins as they share their artistic journeys and creative processes. This session is moderated by Rob Salkowitz and will dive into the world of illustration, covering a wide range of topics from technique and inspiration to overcoming creative challenges. Whether you're an aspiring illustrator or an avid fan, this panel offers a unique opportunity to learn from some of the most influential artists in the field and gain insights into their captivating work.

• Designing Characters: Insights from Top Costume Illustrators

  Imogene Chayes, Claire Hummel, Greg Hopwood, Renée di Cherri Neysa Bove

  Join renowned costume illustrators Imogene Chayes, Claire Hummel, Neysa Bove, and Greg Hopwood as they discuss the intricate art of costume design for film, TV, games and animation. This panel will explore their creative processes, and how they bring characters to life through their costumes. Learn about the challenges and rewards of working in the industry, and gain valuable tips for creating visually stunning and character-driven costume illustrations. Whether you're a designer, artist, or fan, this session provides a fascinating look into the world of costume illustration. Panel will be moderated by Renée di Cherri.

• All these failed pilots and movies MADE ME STRONGER!!!

  Jorge R. Gutierrez

  Go on a wild and hilarious journey as Jorge Gutierrez (El Tigre, The Book of Life, Maya and the Three) walks you through all his failed pilots and movies over the last 24 years.

• Nickelodeon’s MAX & THE MIDKNIGHTS

  Nickelodeon / Paramount, Sharon Flynn, David Skelly, Nickelodeon Animation, Chris Perry, Sica von Medicus John Stevenson, Dana Thompson

  Nickelodeon invites you to embark on an Epic quest that revolutionizes CG animation production. Meet the creative leadership behind the hottest new show of the season, MAX & THE MIDKNIGHTS! Join us for an exclusive sneak peek of this stunning cinematic show, and take a deep dive into our groundbreaking process that utilizes Unreal Engine and subverts the traditional waterfall pipeline.

• Epic Fails: Stumbling Towards Growth

  School of Visual Arts Jakub Bednarz, Polly Guo, Yong Duk Jhun, Angelina Retodo, Angelica Vergel

  Join us for a candid panel discussion, "Epic Fails: Stumbling Towards Growth" where the panelists share their most significant career setbacks. Discover how these experiences shaped their journeys and contributed to their professional growth. This panel aims to demystify the fear of failure, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned and the resilience developed through overcoming mistakes. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned pro, you'll gain insights into the reality of the creative process and the importance of embracing missteps as stepping stones to success.

• The power of fundamentals

  Rodgon The Artist

  I will explain within the allocated time the incredible power we have by just allowing ourselves to step back and look at things differently. Using our fundamentals in art to full use. A quick lesson on flow, depth, perspective and other simple concepts that most people skip or don’t apply.

• Behind the Scenes: Meet Warner Bros. Pictures Animation

  Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Bill Damaschke, Erica Rivinoja, Shane Prigmore, Alessandro Carloni, Noëlle Raffaele, Todd Wilderman, Hamish Grieve, Arthur Mintz, Jill Culton

  Join Bill Damaschke, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, along with a panel of the studio’s directors and filmmakers for an exclusive opportunity to hear what’s in store for the newly branded feature animation division. They’ll dive into the creative vision and focus for the studio…and maybe even share a few details on the films in production. Come see what’s happening at WBPA!

• Pixar: Storytelling Through Character Design

  Pixar Animation Studios, Deanna Marsigliese

  Join Pixar Art Director, Deanna Marsigliese, as she digs deep into her design process and explores the creative habits that keep her engaged and inspired in her work.

• Screening: “The Glassworker” Feature Film (US Premiere)

  Tom Bancroft, Tony Bancroft, Usman Riaz special guests

  This is a special presentation with an introduction by film director Usman Riaz! Usman storyboarded, directed, animated, and composed "The Glassworker" then created a studio (Mano Animation Studios) to create it! It is Pakistan's first-ever animated film and already one of its most profitable films! See this once in a lifetime film! "The Glassworker" is a 2024 hand-drawn animated film produced by Mano Animation Studios. The film is directed by Usman Riaz from a screenplay written by Moya O'Shea and produced by Khizer Riaz and Manuel Cristóbal. Featuring anime-influenced animation, it premiered at the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June and was accepted into the Official Competition at the Hiroshima Animation Festival, August, 2024

• Bancroft Brothers interview Usman Riaz of “The Glassworker”

  Tom Bancroft, Tony Bancroft, Usman Riaz

  Veteran animators and podcasters Tom and Tony Bancroft interview Usman Riaz, the first Pakistani animator to release a hand drawn feature film in Pakistan! Usman is a Ted Talks fellow, musician and studio head of Mano Animation, the studio he created to make "The Glassworker" feature film. He directed, storyboarded, animated, and composed music for this special film that is created in an anime style. Come find out why Usman Riaz is the name to know this year! NOTE: This talk is a primer for the special PREMIERE screening of "The Glassworker" on FRIDAY NIGHT.

• Production Design and Art Direction for animation

  Yuhki Demers, Chrystin Garland Alex Konstad, Jake Panian, Angela Sung

  Join the incredible Yuhki Demers, Alex Konstad, Jake Panian, Chrystin Garland, and Angela Sung as they discuss the production and art direction process when creating for animation. This session will explore their creative processes and what their jobs entail to achieve a good animated film/show and bringing a story to life.  Learn the ins and outs of how they navigate their jobs and work effectively with their teams while keeping up with the demands of an animated production. Perfect for all levels of artists, from students to professionals a like.

• Becoming An Artist Against Capitalism, Algorithms, and AI

  Jisu

  In a world where surviving against the odds becomes even more daunting as technological and corporate overlords advance capitalism to even more unsustainable levels– being an artist seems ever more impossible and out-of-touch. My name is Jacqueline ‘Jisu’ Choe and I am an artist hailing from Gen Z who is now working as a fine artist after transitioning out of a lucrative career spanning virtually every creative digital space from influencing and producing my own content to professional entertainment design. Learn how to pave your own path and navigate this new age of tech, cultural atrophy, and uncertainty. Together we’ll touch on social media, algorithms, traditional v alternative routes, the meaning of success, and learn how to read between the lines.

• Diving Into the Creative Process Behind Moana 2

  Walt Disney Animation Studios Ian Gooding, Ryan Green, Amy Smeed

  Join filmmakers from Walt Disney Animation Studios' art, story and animation teams as they share the craft and collaboration behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming feature film, Moana 2.

• Created by Humans

  Procreate, Karla Ortiz, Phil Boutté Jr., Amber Aki Huang, Saraswathi Vani Buyyala, Jingna Zhang

  What drives you to create? Join Karla Ortiz, Saraswathi Vani Balgam, Amber Aki Huang, Jingna Zhang and Phil Boutté Jr. as we discuss the need to creative, the state of the industry, finding your artistic place in the world, and taking creative leaps of faith in this panel, moderated by Georgie Greensley from Procreate.

• Storyboarding for Primetime with 20th Television Animation

  20th Television Animation

  Get an inside look at the unique process powering “Family Guy” and “American Dad.” Join us for a candid conversation with Peter Shin and Brent Woods as they unveil the creative techniques used to craft two successful adult primetime series.

• Imagineering Brings the World of Disney Animation to Life

  Walt Disney Imagineering

  Team members from Walt Disney Imagineering discuss bringing the worlds of Disney Animation to life in Disney parks around the world, including Zootopia (Shanghai Disneyland), Fantasy Springs (Tokyo DisneySea), and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom and Disneyland). Presenters: Host: Jeanette Lomboy Presenters: Dustin Schofield (Zootopia- SHDR), Emo O’Brien (Fantasy Springs), Daniel Jue (Fantasy Springs), Charita Carter (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure).

• 10 Tips for Starting Your Own Studio – from Tonko House

  Robert Kondo, Dice Tsutsumi Tonko House

  10 years ago, a younger idealized Dice Tsutsumi and Robert Kondo left Pixar to start Tonko House, their own independent animation studio in Berkeley, California. After ten years, their hopes and desires have matured through the experience of joyful high points and inevitable and unexpected low points in creating their Oscar nominated animated short, graphic novels, and their Emmy-award winning series, Oni Thunder God’s Tale for Netflix. They will share their vulnerable learnings for the benefit of anyone interested in the balance of chasing creative independence, sustainability, and purpose in this ever-changing world of evolving industry challenges, such as A.I., and the growing pressure to succeed in a world defined by social media.

• Marvel Studios Visual Development

  Ryan Meinerding, Ian Joyner, John Staub, Andy Park, Ji Hye Lee

  Join the Marvel Studios Visual Development team for a conversation on developing concept art for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Artists will share about their early days, and how they got to Marvel Studios. The team will also walk through their process, specifically focusing on Marvel Studios’ most recent movie: DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE.

• Collaborative Storytelling and the Seneca Film Institute

  Seneca Polytechnic, John Goodwin, Sean Craig, Lillian Chan

  The goal of the Seneca Film Institute is to become one of the most comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable film training institutes in Canada, with a focus on innovation in storytelling forms and technologies. Building on Seneca’s successes in fields such as animation, television production, acting, fashion, marketing and more, the SFI prepares you for success in front of or behind the camera. We do this by bringing together our exceptional faculty, industry partners and alumni to provide an enriched cross-disciplinary experience to give you the skills and experiences to thrive in Canada’s booming screen industry.

• Ravensburger: Artists for Games, Puzzles Disney Lorcana TCG

  Matthew Eng, Ravensburger Candace Urquiza, Jake Breish, Ron Baird, Moderator: Shane Hartley

  Visual Development artists, Concept Illustrators and Designers play an important role at Ravensburger. Our puzzles and games under the Ravensburger, ThinkFun, Brio and Disney Lorcana create new experiences of play through original artwork and design. Join us as we share how artists with a brilliant sense of imagination, outstanding artistic skills and the ability to work collaboratively to create appealing and thematically consistent art can be a part of the creation of puzzles, games and Disney Lorcana.

• Entertainment Landscape: Visions and Re-Invention

  ArtCenter College of Design, Joey Chou Ann Field, Nikita Chan, Sona Sargsyan

  Illustration and entertainment arts provide a powerful foundation that seamlessly extend into various art and design fields. Join our panel of alumni and professional artists as they explore their roles in creating visually striking campaigns and compelling narratives across films, series, consumer products, themed and immersive experiences, children's books, and games. By applying the same illustration techniques that make entertainment engaging and immersive, these artists ensure that their extended expressions are not only aesthetically appealing but also emotionally impactful and culturally relevant.

• The Making of Transformers One: A Creative Journey

  Paramount Animation and Hasbro, Jason Scheier, Aaron Dem, Joshua Cordes, Bobby Rubio, Christopher Batty

  TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. The creative team will share their stories of collaboration by exploring the ideas, research, and designs showcased in the film. Join us for this unique experience creating this new and unexplored world of TRANSFORMERS ONE.

• Fleischer Cartoons: The Art & Inventions of Max Fleischer

  Mauricio Alvarado, Jane Fleischer Reid, Ray Pointer Claire Fleischer

  Join us for an in depth look at the history of animation pioneer, Max Fleischer, and learn about the influence Fleischer Studios has had on today's pop culture and what is being done to preserve and celebrate their legacy. Stay and watch a block of newly restored cartoons featuring Koko the Clown, Betty Boop, and more with Max's granddaughter, Jane Fleischer Reid.

• COLOSSAL CHARACTERS: LIVE PLEIN AIR PAINTING WITH JAMES GURNEY & FRIENDS

  James Gurney, Jess Karp, Thomas Fluharty, Karla Ortiz, John Burton, Kiptoe, Sean Bodley Angela Sung, Jeff Hong, Amanda Grose, Qianjian, Kate Rado

  Returning after last year's incredible event, artist and author James Gurney (Dinotopia) and friends present a live 'plein air' painting event in front of the historic Civic Auditorium at the Pasadena Convention Center! Equipped with their sketchbooks, 12 professional artists will lead the art event, where artists will draw or paint on location while imagining a giant character. The character can come from animation, movies, video games, or comics. The interaction between the character and the building can be anything from playful to apocalyptic. Any artist is welcome to join! Each participant should bring their own materials, including a toy or figurine for reference. Each participant receives an official button. The mentors include James Gurney, Jess Karp, Thomas Fluharty, Karla Ortiz, John Burton, Kiptoe, Angela Sung, Sean Bodley, Jeff Hong, Amanda Grose, Qianjian Ma, and Kate Rado! We hope to see you there! Date: Friday, October 25th Time: 10:00am-12:00pm PT Location: Pasadena Convention Center Plaza (outside in front of the Civic Auditorium)

• Painting Scaly Monsters – Maximum detail with Minimum Effort

  RJ Palmer

  Creature designer RJ Palmer will demonstrate techniques he uses to create richly detailed scaly monsters without the use of photos or 3D.

• Organic Painting/Stylization

  Kalen Chock

  Painting organic objects can be quite the chore in background design. I will discuss some of the techniques I have learned over the years to speed that process up a little. We will discuss things like channels, shape tools, as well as custom brushes.

• “I’m Hip” Animated Short Screened by Creator John Musker

  John Musker

  LBX Premiere screening of "I'm Hip," a short animated film directed by John Musker and animated entirely by John. The film was screened at Annecy last year and was short listed by the Motion Picture Academy. Presentation will include a "Making of" which will highlight John's collaborators and their work, the stylistic influences in the picture, and reveal some of the more than 120 caricatures by John embedded and animated in the film!

• Art is Easy, Life is Hard

  Anthony Jones (RobotPencil)

  I have a close friend I went to art school with, and during our journey to find our place in the world of art/design, and he gave me the advice, "Art is easy, life is hard" That stuck with me over the many years I went through TONS of troubling times and always found myself a way out, using my art and diligence. I would love to share some inspiration and motivation to those who feel lost at this moment in our history and give you insights to hopefully make you bulletproof to the ongoing challenges life seems to throw your way. Art jobs are by no means dead, but adjustments certainly must be made.

• Character Development

  Alessandra Sorrentino

  In this talk, Alessandra, with her 20 years of experience in feature animation, will highlight key aspects of crafting memorable and solid characters. An essential checklist not just for story artists, but also character designers, animators, writers, editors and anyone interested in crafting characters that the audience can really care about. We'll analyze them beyond the script and understand their essence, thoughts, feelings, the world they live in and what drives them through the Story.

• From Atlantis to Knowhere: World Building for Hollywood Blockbusters

  Christian Scheurer

  Christian will take you on a journey through his almost-30 year career in Hollywood, spanning from his early days at Digital Domain working on The Fifth Element and Titanic, to his work on recent blockbusters such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 and Aquaman 1 and 2. He will share his insights on how the techniques of visual storytelling have evolved from pencil and marker to Realtime 3D.

• Unreal Engine for Artists demo

  Jama Jurabaev

  In his demo Jama will be showing his concept art workflow in Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine could be very intimidating when it comes to design workflow, so Jama will be showing all pros and cons in his live demo.

• ZBrush Character Modeling with BirD!

  Paul ‘BirD’ Warzecha

  If you've ever had questions about working in the games industry and want to bridge the gap between 2D concept art and 3D modeling this demo is for you! BirD brings over 2 decades of industry experience leading teams on both Diablo and Overwatch franchises at Blizzard Entertainment and will be sharing ZBrush modeling tips and tricks as he creates character work for his own personal project.

• Live Drawing Tribute: Honoring the Legacy of Kim Jung Gi

  Peterhanstyle, Dong Ho Kim, JaeKwang Park, Danny Kim

  Join the talented artists of Superani for a special live drawing session in honor of the late, great Kim Jung Gi. In this heartfelt tribute, the artists will demonstrate their skills while celebrating the incredible impact Kim Jung Gi had on the art community. Watch as they bring their visions to life on the page, drawing inspiration from his unique style and legacy. This session is not only a showcase of artistic talent but also a moment to remember and reflect on the extraordinary contributions of one of the most influential illustrators of our time.

• Portrait with Hyunjin Kim

  Superani/ Hyun Jin Kim

  A portrait drawing demonstration and draw-along session with a live model

• Creature Designers of Film and TV

  Luca Nemolato, Constantine Sekeris, Crash McCreery, Neville Page, Jerad S Marantz, Zachary Berger

  Join an elite panel of some of the most prolific creature designers in film and TV, featuring Luca Nemolato, Constantine Sekeris, Crash McCreery, Neville Page, Jerad S. Marantz, and Zachary Berger. These renowned artists will discuss their creative processes, challenges, and experiences in designing iconic creatures for blockbuster films and popular TV series. Explore how they bring imaginative, lifelike creatures to the screen through concept art, sculpture, and digital modeling, while meeting the practical demands of production. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a fan of creature design, this panel offers invaluable insights into the minds behind some of cinema's most unforgettable creations.

• What Is My Style?

  Max Ulichney

  Follow Max Ulichney’s unique career journey across visual effects, animation, illustration and entrepreneurship and his all too relatable creative identity crisis. Watch as he documents how he took control of and developed his artistic identity, and learn how artists at any level can find their own authentic style and create a more sustainable personal art practice.

• Independent Animation as a means of purpose and therapy

  Toniko Pantoja, Pablo Leon Perry Espara Aguilar, Danna Galeano

  Join us in a discussion about independent animated related projects. The industry is at a weird place, and we want to explore how we could still do the things we love and navigate through it. We will be talking about other ventures outside of the mainstream industry, healthier practices that emphasizes creative fulfillment over burnout, project ideas that are small scale yet engaging, and independent projects as a means of therapy and purpose.

• Sculpting Dino Toys: An Evolution with Michael Defeo

  Michael Defeo

  Join renowned digital sculptor Michael Defeo as he explores the evolution of dino toys designed by Jason Sadler. Gain insight into the design process, the technology behind modern toy creation, and how both artistry and innovation play a role in crafting toys that capture the imagination. Perfect for toy enthusiasts, sculptors, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of design and play.

• A Retrospective of BIPOC Representation in Animation 2024

  Everett Downing Jr. Austin Faber, Searit Huluf, Nicole Rodriguez, Kaybe Woods

  Black N Animated presents a Retrospective of BIPOC Representation in Animation. Panelists will be reviewing animated content from 2024. Join panelists Everett Downing Jr (My Dad the Bounty Hunter), Austin Faber (Jessica’s Big Little World), Nicole Rodriguez (Big City Greens, Rick and Morty), and Searit Huluf (Pixar Spark Shorts, Soul) in a discussion of the successes and room for growth when it comes to representing marginalized identities in animated content.

• The Art of WondLa

  Armand Serrano Neysa Bove, Andy Harkness

  WONDLA is the first animated series from Skydance Animation. Come and hear from the show's artistic leadership about the creative decisions that went into designing the groundbreaking worlds, costumes, and colors of WONDLA. Head of Costume Design Neysa Bove, Production Designer Andy Harkness, and Co-Production Designer Armand Serrano will focus on some of the innovative vis dev techniques and technologies they employed to bring the story to life.

• How to Break Into Storyboarding for Feature Films

  Aaron Sowd, Warren Drummond, Jeffrey Henderson, Phil Langone, Doug A Lefler, Sienne Josselin, Joel Venti

  Join a diverse panel of some of the top storyboard artists working in the film industry today as they share their personal journeys and give advice to aspiring and working storyboard artists alike. With the advent of streaming, AI and the downsizing of Hollywood, the storyboard field has become smaller and more competitive than ever. They will offer tips and tricks to navigate the ever-changing landscape of live action productions and how to best prepare for the future.

• Environment Design for Animated Film

  Kazone Art: Charles Lee Lim Hur

  This demo will feature Charles Lee sharing his process of Environment Painting, as applied in the animation series Arcane. He'll showcase his experience as a concept artist on multiple projects and his methods for training students at intermediate to advanced levels.

• HBO’s The Last of Us S1 Story Art

  Colin Lorimer

  Join Colin Lorimer as he talks you through the storyboard process from script to final delivery aided with a multitude of cool visuals. The introduction to the presentation will feature boards from other productions helping to explain Colin's journey as a now 25 year veteran having worked on everything from comic books, feature film, TV, to video games. And what could be better than sharing some scary sequences from HBO's The Last of Us season #1 as we edge ever closer to Halloween!

• Screening: The Best of Animayo International Film Festival

  Damián Perea Lezcano, John Musker

  Come see the very best international animated short films in one showcase! The Summit & International Film Festival Animayo present the screening premiere of the Animayo 2024 Official Awards, voted by the International Jury of the Festival in May, which resulted in 15 Awards and 16 Special Mentions. The Animayo Official Awards "The Best of Animayo" is a prestigious award and is the first and only animation festival in Spain to be designated a "Qualifying Festival" by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of Hollywood for the Oscar® Awards in two categories: international animated short film for the 'Animayo International Grand Jury Prize' (since 2018) and 'Best Short Film in Spanish - Animation with Ñ', for countries that have Spanish as an official language, (since 2023).

• Taking your 3D Characters to the Next Level in Blender

  Prashan Subasinghe

  Join 3D character artist Prashan Subasinghe for an insightful session on leveraging his eight years of experience with Blender to create stylized 3D renderings. This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of Prashan's approach to storytelling through maximizing the Blender's capabilities. In today's competitive landscape, mastering 3D tools is essential, and this presentation will guide you through best practices, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies to maintain motivation on your art journey.

• The 6 things you need to know in visual development

  Sylvain Marc

  This presentation is based of my Schoolism course "Visual Development Step by Step" and I'll share with you some key points covered in my course, as well as a few tips for freelancing remotely as a visual development artist.

• Optimizing Your Workflow as a Concept Artist

  Jose Vega

  In this 60-minute talk, I will delve into the importance of transforming creative concepts into tangible results efficiently and effectively. As a Senior Concept Artist working for Magic the Gathering in the World Building team and with over 12 years of experience in the video game, animation, and movie industries, I will guide you through structuring a successful work pipeline and mastering time management. This session is designed to equip digital artists with practical strategies and insights to enhance their workflow, ensuring that creativity flows seamlessly from the initial concept to the final creation. The talk will conclude with an interactive Q&A session.

• GAIA: An Inside Look

  Marco Regina, Luca Pisanu Chris Copeland

  A talk about the IP "Gaia" featuring exclusive artwork and the complete storyboard trailer of the film. We'll discuss the inspirations and journey behind the creation of "Gaia" and share our vision for its future development. This session includes a creative exchange with the audience, ideal for those who love animation, 2D animation, cinema, anime, and European/Asian animation styles.

• From Canvas to Career: The Unspoken Skills of Pro Artists

  Chelsea Blecha, Dylan Choonhachat, Alex Henderson, Gina Nguyen, Ian Su Alan Huynh, Moishe Ham

  Navigating the entertainment art industry can feel intimidating and overwhelming. However, there are some valuable and unspoken skills that can propel you forward in your career. Join professional entertainment artists Chelsea Blecha, Ian Su, Gina Nguyen, Alex Henderson, Alan Huynh, Dylan Choonhachat, and host Moishe Ham as they uncover the importance of building consistency, avoiding burnout, becoming a problem-solver, practicing proactivity, managing toxic work environments, challenging your fears, and learning from your mistakes. This is a rare opportunity to learn the behind-the-scenes professional etiquette that every artist should know to become valuable and maintain a successful career!

• Riso Printing for Dreamers

  Natalie Andrewson

  Discover how to create and share your own worlds through Riso printing. Join Natalie Andrewson as she discusses her professional journey, highlighting how she adopted Riso and Patreon to consistently produce and distribute her fantasy-adventure style work. This presentation will cover an introduction to Riso printing, running a small illustration business with Riso, and exploring avenues to experiment with art style and creative lifestyle.

• Surviving Animation

  Chrystin Garland, Lara Georgia Carson, Brie E Henderson, Lauren A Brown (LABillustration) Allison Smith, Grace Kum, Rosie Hashimoto

  Like any industry, animation can have its many ups and downs. We'll be discussing ways in which artists can stay proactive in their careers, even when going through the dreaded "dry period". Whether by entering the wide world of freelance or opening their skillset to other creative fields, the goal of this panel is to empower artists with tools and some hilarious stories they can use to navigate this industry.

• Screening: The 2024-25 Awards Season Very Best Animated Shorts

  Benoit Berthe Siward, Hugo Moal, The Animation Showcase

  The annual collection of The Animation Showcase presents the cream of the crop of the most creative, moving and beautiful animated shorts of the year. This screening includes the most celebrated shorts film of the year in the biggest animation event and festivals around the world. This collection is being screened in the top animation studios such as Pixar, Netflix, Disney, Aardman, Illumination, Sony and many others. The shorts in the collection gathered more than 30 Academy Award® nominations and always included the Oscar® Winner since its creation, making this event as the screening with the highest Oscar® predictive collection.

• Past Annie Award Winners: How to be Successful in Animation

  Justine King, Aubry Mintz, ASIFA-Hollywood, Sanjay Patel, Raymond S. Persi Toby Wilson

  A panel of well-known animation stars and past Annie award winners will discuss their projects and skills that earned them a prestigious Annie award win. Moderated by ASIFA-Hollywood’s Executive Director Aubry Mintz, the audience will remain engaged with remarkable stories by animation legends discussing both studio and independent production and what it takes to become the top of their field and recognized by their peers. Panel discussion and clips of Annie Award winning projects will be screened.

• Zoom Zoom: Draw Fast, Study Fast!

  Esther Wu

  How to loosen up, study faster, learning through 10-15 mins at a time.

• Life Drawing Birds of Prey

  Manu Carrasco

  Manu Carrasco will talk about and have birds of prey for life drawing. Manu will also discuss the importance of wildlife conservation and how art can help make a difference. He will talk about his art journey from animator to concept artist to wildlife art. How art has led him around the world in search of wildlife and on the ground conservation in Africa and home with mountain lions and other native species.

• Glaze 2/Nightshade – Protecting Art against GenAI

  Ben Y. Zhao, Mia Araujo, Karla Ortiz, JonLamArt Reid Southen, Deana Igelsrud

  We'll be speaking with Ben Zhao of Glaze/Nightshade and looking into seeing how a year of Glaze has shaped the protection of artists' rights, as well as what Ben and the Glaze team have been up to a year after launch

• Draw with Cassey Kuo

  Cassey kuo

  A drawing demonstration on several ways I practice to minimize the guesswork when it comes to drawing in storyboards.

Saturday 10/26/2024

• DreamWorks Recruiting & Early Careers: Unlocking Growth

  DreamWorks Animation, Me’Kayla Franklin, Rebecca Robinette, Josh Baca, Daria Khil, Lily Indie

  Embrace the learning curve of your creative journey! Explore how mistakes and setbacks can fuel artistic growth. In this insightful panel, DreamWorks artists, creative staff and former interns share personal stories of overcoming creative challenges, offering advice on how to turn failures into opportunities and success.

• Career Journeys to the Star Wars Universe

  Stev Carey, Caitlin Cheek, Tori Niu, Gregory Verreault, Alex Shaulis, Tanha Dil, Alex Spotswood, Lucasfilm Animation

  Our panelists - from across the pipeline - discuss their individual and professional work and personal stories in their journey to become a part of the Star Wars Universe and the Lucasfilm Animation team.

• Directing Animation: A Conversation with Legendary Filmmakers

  John Musker, Chris Sanders Rich Moore, Carolyn Giardina

  Join an extraordinary panel featuring acclaimed directors John Musker, Chris Sanders, and Rich Moore as they share their experiences and insights into the world of animated filmmaking. This session will explore the art and craft of directing animation, from storytelling and character development to managing creative teams and navigating the challenges of production. Learn from their journeys behind some of the most beloved animated films, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to bring animated stories to life on the big screen. Perfect for aspiring directors, animators, and fans of their work, this panel offers a rare glimpse into the minds of three of the industry's most influential directors. Moderated by Carolyn Giardina, senior entertainment technology and crafts reporter at Variety.

• Assembling A Studio: Behind the Scenes of Marvel Animation

  Marvel Animation, Jeff Trammell, Matthew Chauncey

  Join Marvel Animation filmmakers from recent series like “What If…?,” and more as they talk about building a slate and adapting 85 years of Marvel storytelling for animation.

• Exploring the Animated Universe of Star Trek: Lower Decks

  Titmouse Mike McMahan, Barry J. Kelly, Robby Cook, Marisa Livingston

  Join the team behind Star Trek: Lower Decks for an exclusive journey into the artistic world of the show as it enters its thrilling fifth and final season. Creator & Showrunner, Mike McMahan, and Titmouse’s Barry J. Kelly (Supervising Director & Producer), Marisa Livingston (Character Design Supervisor), and Robby Cook (Character Design & Retakes Animator) will engage in a discussion detailing the creative processes, production challenges, and storytelling strategies that have defined the series. Discover how the team balanced comedy with iconic sci-fi elements and brought to life storylines involving "space potholes" and Orion wars, while sharing insights on character design and production. Celebrate the journey of the U.S.S. Cerritos crew and the evolution of this beloved animated series

• Technology to Support Artists: Protecting Authorship

  Nobu Ide, ktym (Yuki Katayama), Wacom Melissa Ashcraft

  Creating art digitally allows artists an unprecedented level of flexibility, from limitless colors, brushes and media to the ability to create anywhere you wish. Social media allows for individual artists to make connections and a name for themselves on their own terms. However, these same tools pose a risk for artists too – how do artists protect their authorship and rights when anything can be screenshot? With artificial intelligence permeating hardware, software and platforms, how can tech companies and artists use it to protect their art? YUIFY - our service that allows artists to claim authorship of their work permanently. KISEKI - a tool that allows artists to peer inside the mechanics of their creative process and make adjustments to the subconscious actions unique to each artist.

• Procreate Brush Making with Max Ulichney

  Max Ulichney, Procreate

  Yearning to make that perfect brush in Procreate? Expert Brush-mancer Max Ulichney from MaxPacks walks you through Procreate Brush studio in this in-depth workshop. Bring your iPads, learn some tricks, and walk away with your very own unique brushes, made by you!

• The Process from Character Design to Character Goods

  Amber Aki Huang

  Character Designer and Toy Designer, Amber Aki Huang, breaks down the process of making physical character goods (Plush Toys, Designer Vinyl Toys, and more). Aki hopes to share resources on where to begin and how to diversify creative opportunities while using the same skill sets for Char Design/Vis Dev in Animation/Games. While a knowledge of model packing/orthographic for animated shows or games is recommended and helpful before attending this talk, Aki will briefly go over the subject. Amber Aki Huang has her own character goods merchandise line (DeerCat & Friends™) that is sold in galleries and retail stores globally. Aki also has a rich industry history of working as a character and toy designer for studios like Dreamworks, Netflix, Supercell Games, Spinmaster INC, and more.

• Creative Career Paths: How It Started vs. How It’s Going

  Sony Pictures Animation, Patrick O’Keefe Jang Lee, Micaela Hammond, Grace Ramos

  In Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Miles Morales says, “Everyone keeps telling me how my story is supposed to go… Nah, I’mma do my own thing.” Join us for an insightful conversation about the unique career paths of current Sony Pictures Animation employees who got their start in unconventional ways – and how you can take your own leap of faith. Panelists include production designer Patrick O’Keefe (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), a former graffiti artist; production designer Jang Lee (GOAT), who made the pivot from the medical field to animation; creative executive Micaela Hammond, who started at the company as a development trainee, and production coordinator Grace Ramos, who was discovered by Sony Pictures Animation at LightBox Expo in 2022!

• Building the Future: The Art of Storytelling at ILM Immersive

  Amy Dai, Kellie Moss, Davide Pagin, ILM Immersive

  Learn from artists at ILM Immersive, Lucasfilm's award-winning storytelling studio, about how they are working to pioneer the future of interactive entertainment. This panel examines the limitless possibilities of immersive experiences and explores how they have been able to transition their skills from traditional media to groundbreaking work on virtual and mixed reality experiences like “Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series” and Marvel Studios’ “What If…? – An Immersive Story.”

• The Wild Robot: Art & Technical Strategies Behind the Scenes

  DreamWorks Animation, Heather Lanza, Lisa Connors, Sun Yoon, Mike Trull, Mike Necci, James Jackson

  Join the Heads of Departments on The Wild Robot for a discussion about the artistic and technical strategies they took behind the scenes to capture the best on screen.

• ASIFA-Hollywood on Stage: Animation Superstars

  ASIFA-Hollywood, Marlon West, Shannon Tindle, Andy Bialk Brooke Keesling, Miranda Dressler, Jay Hasrajani, Carol Wyatt

  A dynamic group of movers and shakers is gearing up to embark on a spirited conversation about the ever-evolving global animation scene, driven by cutting-edge technologies and the transformation of the animation business landscape. The panel will explore how artists can leverage new opportunities and expertly maneuver through the challenges within this rapidly changing environment.

• Movie Magic: Editing for Animated Films

  ASIFA-Hollywood Mary Blee, Susan Fitzer, Lynn Hobson, Darren Holmes ACE, Bret Marnell ACE, David Derks. Moderated by Variety's Carolyn Giardina.

  Editing an animated film offers the distinct advantage of cutting the movie with the film’s director before it's shot. Editors work with storyboards and temporary dialogue to craft and re-craft the story across many iterations before it gets locked and moves forward into production. Meet some of the magicians who helped bring your favorite animated features to life, such as The Wild Robot, Transformers One, The Iron Giant, Spellbound, Ultraman: Rising, and much more!

• Concept Art: Career Pathways

  ArtCenter College of Design, Dawn Yamazi Shae Shatz, Eilis Russell, Robh Ruppel, Benjamin Dai

  The entertainment industry is an evolving landscape for concept artists, requiring one to be nimble. In this panel, we will explore the diverse career pathways available to concept artists, from working in film and animation to video games and beyond. Our panelists, seasoned professionals and career advisors, will share their experiences and insights on how to navigate this ever-changing industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot, this session will provide valuable guidance on building a successful career as a concept artist.

• Blender for Illustrators – Beyond the Brushstroke

  Andrew Theophilopoulos – THEONIDAS

  Let's smash the barriers that keep us 2D artists from diving into 3D workflows. Using our painting skills and the magic of Blender's cameras, lights, and atmosphere, we can bring virtual worlds to life for stylized concept art, illustrations, and filmmaking! Learning Blender's interface? Easy. Mastering the entire 3D pipeline? Not so much. So, let's ditch 3D models and embrace hand-painted PNGs in 3D space! In this demo, I'll break down how I create entire worlds using basic Blender tools and a ton of painting, similar to the painterly art style of Netflix's Blue Eye Samurai. Plus I'll share a behind-the-scenes look at the 3D workflow used for my Magic The Gathering illustrations, and my traditionally painted fine art commissions for the CEO of Riot Games himself! The future is 2.5D!

• Plein Air Painting For Introverts

  Marco Bucci

  Painting outdoors (plein air) can be one of the best ways to improve your art. However, many artists find it intimidating to set up in public, and be subject to not only the challenges of painting, but also the unrelenting scrutiny of everyone around you. However, this is exactly the type of pressure that makes pearls, and in this talk, Marco Bucci will go over all kinds lean and effective setups, as well as how to attack your plein air paintings and get them working quickly!

• In Conversation with Doug Chiang: Fireside Chat and Q&A

  Neville Page, Doug Chiang

  Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with the legendary Doug Chiang, interviewed by renowned artist Neville Page. Dive into the creative mind behind some of the most iconic designs in film history, including his work on the Star Wars universe. This session offers a rare opportunity to hear Doug share his insights, experiences, and the creative process that drives his visionary work. Don't miss the chance to ask your burning questions during the interactive Q&A segment and gain invaluable knowledge from two of the industry's most influential figures.

• Behind the Scenes: Insights from Studio Owners

  Kris Wimberly, Maureen Fan, Chris Prynoski, Robert Kondo, Michael Blackbear Uwandi, Alex Woo

  Join a panel of visionary studio owners including Alex Woo (Kuku Studios), Kris Wimberly (Studio Smokescreen), Maureen Fan (Baobab Studios), Mike Uwandi (9B Collective), Chris Prynoski (Titmouse), and Robert Kondo (Tonko House) as they share their experiences in running successful animation studios. This session will explore the challenges and rewards of managing creative teams, developing original content, and navigating the business side of the industry. Gain valuable insights into what it takes to build and sustain a thriving studio, from fostering innovation to overcoming industry hurdles. Whether you're an aspiring studio owner or a curious creative, this panel is for you.

• Pursuing Excellence – Enduring and Thriving in Hollywood

  Art Directors Guild, Jerad S Marantz, Andrés Parada, Ed Natividad, Victor Martinez, Dan Caplan

  For over fifteen years this panel has been generating masterful designs and artwork at the highest level in Hollywood. In that time, they have collectively contributed to some of the biggest film and TV shows, including Marvel's Infinity Saga, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Justice League, Man of Steel, The Dark Knight trilogy, King Kong, Westworld, Dune, Blade Runner, Fallout, True Detective, Pirates of Caribbean, Godzilla, and many more. Learn what keeps them motivated, how they challenge themselves, what continues to inspire them, and how they consistently push the quality of their art in their creative journeys.

• Digital Painting Mastery: Live Demo with Craig Mullins

  Craig Mullins

  Join legendary artist Craig Mullins for an exclusive live demonstration of his digital painting techniques. Watch as he creates stunning artwork in real-time. Gain valuable tips and learn how he brings his imaginative concepts to life using digital tools. Whether you're a seasoned digital artist or just starting out, this demo offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the pioneers of digital painting in the entertainment industry.

• 2024 Concept Art Awards

  Concept Art Association

  The 2024 Concept Art Awards celebrates professional, independent, and student work, along with a Rising Star, LBX Luminary, Community Impact, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. The annual Concept Art Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts and recognize excellence in character, creature, vehicle/prop, environment, keyframe, color keys, and visual development.

• LIFE DRAWING SESSION

  Renée di Cherri

  Join us for an immersive life drawing session led by the talented Renee di Cherri featuring Adobe Fresco, a free drawing and painting app. With her expert guidance, you'll explore foundational techniques and capture the essence of the human form in a creative and supportive environment. We can't wait to see you there!

• How to Write and Storyboard Songs for TV

  Disney Television Animation Dan Povenmire (Co-Creator/EP Phineas & Ferb, Creator/EP Hamster & Gretel, Artist, Singer/Songwriter), Martin Olson (Writer, Songwriter), Olivia Olson (Writer, Voice Actor, Singer/Songwriter)

  Dan Povenmire and members of the Phineas and Ferb team will go over the usage of songs in animated TV shows (from writing, to boards, to animatic, and finally, to your TV screens). Having written hundreds of songs for Disney (Phineas and Ferb, Hamster and Gretel, and Milo Murphy's Law), and having boarded many well-known song sequences for shows such as Family Guy, Dan (and team) will touch upon their personal rules and preferences.

• Worldbuilding Across the Walt Disney Company

  Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, Marvel Animation, Lucasfilm Animation, Disney Television Animation, The Walt Disney Company

  Join speakers from Walt Disney Imagineering, Marvel Animation, Pixar, Disney Television Animation, Lucasfilm Animation, and Walt Disney Animation Studios as they discuss their creative processes and approaches to building the visual worlds that support our stories and characters. Speakers: Paul Abadilla (Pixar), Stev Carey (Lucasfilm Animation), Chrystin Garland (Disney Television Animation), Zsolt Hormay (Walt Disney Imagineering), Paul Lasaine (Marvel Animation), Larry Wu (Walt Disney Animation Studios).

• Meet the Disney Recruiters: Early Career

  Walt Disney Animation Studios, Lucasfilm Animation, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, The Walt Disney Company

  Looking to break into the industry? Our teams want to help you put your best foot forward with tips on networking, applying, interviewing, and more. Speakers will include recruiting team members from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, Lucasfilm, and Pixar. Speakers: Jennifer Kilger-Elrod (Walt Disney Animation Studios), Beth Sasseen (Pixar), Megan Clarke (Disney Television Animation), Shannon Wiggins (Lucasfilm).

• Wallace & Gromit: Crafting Clay & Comedy with Aardman

  Netflix Animation, Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham

  Prepare for an utterly charming and hilarious dive into the world of Wallace & Gromit as Academy Award Winning Creator Nick Park and Emmy Award Nominated Director Merlin Crossingham crack open the creative process behind their latest cinematic invention, Vengeance Most Fowl. Nick and Merlin will discuss the artistry that blends stop-motion magic with timeless humor and hand-crafted charm in every frame of this iconic cheese-loving duo!

• Eight Seasons of Puberty: Big Mouth from Beginning to End

  Netflix Animation, Mark Levin & Jennifer Flackett, Andrew Goldberg

  Join creators and executive producers Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett for a hilarious yet heartfelt journey of 8 unforgettable seasons of Big Mouth. As the show nears its final chapter, this panel will peel back the layers of all the awkwardness, laughter, and heart that shaped the coming-of-age story we’ve all grown (and cringed) with. From its pimply beginnings to its hormone-fueled climax, this panel will explore how they transformed the rollercoaster of puberty into a legendary animated series and one awkwardly, beautiful adventure.

• Storyboarding for Animation: Insights from the Pros

  Michael Daley, Bill Presing, Emily Xu, Moss Lawton, Bryan K Turner

  Join an expert panel featuring Michael Daley, Bryan Turner, Bill Presing, Emily Xu, and Moss Lawton as they delve into the art of storyboarding for animation. This session will explore the creative process, techniques, and challenges involved in crafting compelling storyboards that drive the narrative and visual flow of animated projects. Gain valuable insights from industry veterans and learn how to refine your storyboarding skills to create dynamic and engaging animated stories.

• Adi Shankar on Crafting Netflix’s Devil May Cry

  Netflix Animation, Adi Shankar, Graham Hughes

  Join Creator, Showrunner, and Executive Producer Adi Shankar and Co-Producer Graham Hughes as they discuss Netflix’s highly anticipated animated series Devil May Cry. From crafting a compelling narrative to designing visually striking action sequences, this panel will dive into the intricate process of adapting this iconic video game franchise for a global audience and bringing the legendary demon hunter Dante to life.

• Ultraman: Rising – Reimagining an Icon

  Netflix Animation, Shannon Tindle, Marcos Mateu-Mestre, Sunmin Inn, John Aoshima

  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.

• Animation at Supercell

  Micky Smeds, Ramon de la Cuesta, Kamil Khan

  In this session, we’ll explore the unique responsibilities of animators at Supercell and how our approach sets us apart from the rest of the industry. We'll dive into how we leverage individual strengths, adapt to the specific needs of each project, and maintain a highly organized workflow. Additionally, we'll cover how we collaborate with partners and develop distinct styles to bring our games to life.

• Collaborative Digital Art: Creating Together on Magma with Jonathan Hardesty

  Jonathan Hardesty, Magma

  Join Jonathan Hardesty for an interactive session where you can collaborate on a shared Magma canvas with fellow artists. Magma, a digital art platform, allows up to 30 people to paint and draw simultaneously, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, this live collaboration offers a unique opportunity to explore the creative potential of group art-making in real-time. Don't miss this chance to contribute your creativity and see what emerges when multiple artists come together on one digital canvas!

• Live figure drawing session

  Eleeza Superani

  Live figure drawing session; quick gesture drawings for story and longer poses for design and fine art.

• Fast Character Grooming in Houdini

  Jackson Lukas

  In this short demonstration we’ll discuss CG grooming principles for long hair and explore various ways in Houdini for setting up a first groom pass quickly.

• Story Masterclass with Chris Sanders & Heidi Gilbert

  Chris Sanders, Heidi Gilbert, Pietro Schito, Write for Animation

  Join visionary writer-director Chris Sanders and Head of Story Heidi Gilbert as they delve into the art of crafting compelling stories. Discover the storytelling techniques that have shaped some of the most beloved animated films, including How to Train Your Dragon, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Lilo & Stitch, and their latest work on The Wild Robot. Gain valuable insights into screenwriting, storyboarding, and storytelling that can transform your projects into unforgettable narratives. Moderated by screenwriter Pietro Schito from Write for Animation.

• The Lion King: 30th Anniversary Reunion

  Tom Bancroft, Tony Bancroft, Andreas Deja Roger Allers (Director), Rob Minkoff (Director), Don Hahn (Producer)

  Disney's The Lion King celebrates it's 30th anniversary this year. Join the Directors, Producer and Animators that made the original animated feature that broke records and hearts forever. But how did it come about? What are the behind-the-scenes stories of near disaster and ruin? The Bancroft Brothers (Tom -Young Simba and Tony Bancroft- Pumbaa) host this awesome reunion of some of the key creative minds behind your favorite film. If you can't make it in....Hakuna Matata!

• Giving Agency to Creators

  Nicole Hendrix, Eli Allen, Sam Goff, Mackenzie Royce, Leslie Ezeh

  This panel will explore collective ownership studios and deep dive into new ways to work that empower creatives.

• Visual Narrative and Environment Design

  Marcos Mateu-Mestre

  The art of visual narrative through environment design as well as light and shot composition.

• Megan Rose Ruiz’s Guide to Painting on Wood

  Megan Rose Ruiz

  Megan Rose Ruiz is a Visual Development Artist by day, traditional painter by night. Megan has developed a unique technique for creating illustrations on wood surfaces. They use a mix of Posca markers, acrylic paint glazes, color pencils, graphite, and florescent paint to quickly render illustrations with loads of detail and depth. Megan is consistently asked questions about this technique on social media, so they are excited to demonstrate how they achieve this look by showing off the entire process, including sketches and materials.

• Art Journeying Together: Why We Need Each Other to Learn

  iris muddy, Tung Tran, Natalie Olivari, Marby Kwong, Prashan Subasinghe, Jingna Zhang

  We welcome you to a conversation diving into how our paths have been transformed by our determined search for friendship and knowledge, online, in budding art communities over the years. Appreciating what we owe to these bridges between us; and looking back on how we built them. It's a story that starts out in a way that most of us can relate to: I'm a young artist, a lone dreamer in my room. I want my ideas to reach others, to take me places. How do I make it happen? Who can help me? What knowledge, which mentors, teachers, classes, and other resources should I look to? It all seems quite daunting and lonely. Hard work lies ahead. Let's talk about finding lighthouses and how they can transform the paths along your journey. Kofi Ofosu and Alfred Achiampong Jnr feature in a bonus video :)

• Career Commander: Taking Ownership & Landing A Job in Games

  Christina Drake Jess Hartung, Viviana Balderelli, Jon Wolheim

  Join this must-attend session for anyone aiming to land or advance a career in gaming. Join Christina Drake (Recruiter Ghostpunch Games), Viviana Balderelli (Talent Acquisition, Blizzard) Jess Hartung (Sr. Manager- Product Management,2K)in this talk which will offer job seekers a deep dive into understanding the latest advancements and expectations in talent acquisition. Learn how to leverage new technologies, understand the significance of data analytics in your job search, and adopt cutting-edge strategies that set you apart from the competition. Gain practical tips on enhancing your visibility and aligning your skills with industry needs, ensuring you not only meet but exceed the evolving standards of today's dynamic gaming industry.

• Target your work as a storyboard artist

  StoryboardArt, Sergio Paez, John Dusenberry, Crystal Kan Chad Pickrel

  How to target your work as a storyboard artist in TV, Feature, Live Action, and Freelance

• Concept Art For Live Action Films

  Sean Hargreaves, Phil Saunders, Tim Flattery, Constantine Sekeris, Zachary Berger

  Join five top concept designers—Sean Hargreaves, Phil Saunders, Tim Flattery, Constantine Sekeris, and Zachary Berger—as they discuss their work on some of the most visually iconic films in history. Covering everything from environments and sets to vehicles, props, and creatures, this panel will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind blockbuster hits like Marvel films, Avatar, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more. Hear about their experiences working on these massive productions and get your questions answered during an interactive Q&A session.

• Plein Air Painting with Angela Sung

  Angothemango

  Please join Angela Sung, a.k.a. Angothemango, for a panel to talk about the benefits and fun of Plein Air painting. She will be working off of a photo, so please bring your (digital) paints for a fun paint along!

• Crafting Your Career: Secrets from Sheridan Alumni

  Sheridan College, Kenny Leoncito, Tale Linh Do, Daniel Tal, Mark Sperber

  Join us at Lightbox Expo for an exciting panel where experienced Sheridan animation grads spill the secrets to a successful career in the entertainment industry! Discover how to stay versatile and marketable while mastering the art of juggling multiple roles throughout your career. From the classroom to the studio, our panelists have expertly navigated the ever-changing landscape, transitioning from television to feature films. Don’t miss this chance to gain invaluable insights, ask your burning questions, and get inspired by the journeys of Sheridan’s graduates. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to thrive in the dynamic world of entertainment. See you there!

• Learn Animation with Storyboard Pro 24 & Harmony Premium 24

  Toon Boom Animation

  The Storyboard Pro 24 and Harmony Premium 24 workshop is designed for artists who are familiar with storyboarding fundamentals and are interested in learning digital techniques to optimize production. Participants will learn to plan and construct storyboards and animatics using the latest tools in Storyboard Pro 24, including the 3D environment and collaboration features. Additionally, the workshop offers an introduction to Harmony Premium 24, providing artists new to Harmony with essential knowledge of its main functionalities. Attendees will explore core features used by leading animation studios worldwide to captivate global audiences.

• Building Dinosaurs and other Mesozoic Beasts

  Dr. Michael Habib, Terryl Whitlatch

  Join acclaimed creature designer and concept artist Terryl Whitlatch, and paleontologist Dr. Michael Habib, as they take you through the full process of creating a scene featuring dinosaurs and other Mesozoic creatures. They will discuss the challenges involved in recreating extinct animals for dynamic storytelling - emphasizing process, design choices, and collaborative interplays of science and art. You will get tips and tricks for properly building the anatomy of these iconic animals, as well as guidelines for using extinct animals as inspiration for fantasy designs. Terryl will share some of her favorite sources of inspiration, while Dr. Habib provides some lessons learned from recent collaborations with MPC and ILM.

• Figure Drawing with Dong Ho Kim

  Dong Ho Kim Lim Hur

  Dong Ho Kim invites the audience to a life drawing session where he demonstrates capturing dynamic poses and human anatomy. Bring your sketchbook and join Dong Ho Kim in this interactive opportunity to draw alongside him.

• Space Drawing with Dong Ho Kim

  Dong Ho Kim Lim Hur

  Dong Ho Kim will lead a live demonstration showing how to draw a space in perspective, transforming the scene with his imaginative touch. Fans of his educational book "Space Drawing: Perspective" will have the unique opportunity to see his lecture materials come to life in this live session.

• Freshly Minted Insight

  Luis ‘Jiyn’ Martinez, Jen Hancock, Omar Gomet, Samuel Garcia, Zero Pachame, Flo Young

  You took the advice of your favorite veteran artists, got good, and landed the job. Now what? Let this panel of freshly minted professionals guide you through your adventure as you delve into life as a professional artist. Industry vets have the best advice, but they’ve been doing some of these things for so long they might not realize you don’t know what you don’t know. Find out as our panel discusses ways to speed up your workflow, keep you sane when the nights feel long, and, most importantly, teach you the secret technique of being the new kid. This freshly minted insight was made possible by the Concept Art Association.

• Physical Applications in the World of Drawing

  Max Narciso

  "The Law of Conservation of Mass", a fundamental physical law, states that "Nothing is created, nothing is destroyed, everything transforms."* However, mastering the rules of drawing alone is not sufficient to evoke a sense of life or storytelling. It's not enough to convincingly depict a character's interaction with the floor, to make a hand appear as if it's truly grasping something, or to show a car tire deforming as it takes a turn. Applied physics in drawing has always fascinated me. Over the years, I have intensely worked on my drawing style and the methods I use. Through enlightening exercises, I have significantly developed this skill. During the talk, we will explore together how to apply the principles of physics to enhance visual storytelling techniques.

• Pop Up! with Karla Ortiz and Iain McCaig

  Iain McCaig, Karla Ortiz

  Pop Up! is a sneak-peek presentation from Karla Ortiz and Iain McCaig about a pop-up LA gallery show we are creating for 2025. Karla and Iain will also recap their weird and wonderful experiences with their past gallery shows, and remind everyone the importance of pursuing their own visions and personal work, now more than ever!

• The Journey to overcoming creative staleness

  Crash McCreery

  From Dinosaurs, to Pirates, to the “Wheel of Death” and the Milky Way, I will stress the importance of reaching outside of your Artistic Box to find Inspiration, not only to challenge yourself as an artist, but to also to help overcoming the dreaded state of “Creative Mediocrity”.

• Inside Look at the Making of “Watchmen: Chapter 1”

  Brandon Vietti, Warner Bros. Animation

  Director Brandon Vietti and Warner Bros. Animation provide a behind-the-scenes look at "Watchmen: Chapter 1." The animated feature is a faithful adaptation of the groundbreaking graphic novel series by writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons, which redefined the superhero genre when it debuted in the mid-1980s. Watchmen Chapter I delves into the gritty and complex world of masked vigilantes in an alternate version of America during the Cold War era. The “Watchmen” saga remains a cornerstone of comic book literature, having garnered numerous awards and accolades over the decades. The adaptation captures the spirit and style of Moore and Gibbons’ original, groundbreaking vision with stunning animation that pays homage to the comic book’s iconic visual style.

• The magic behind the splash!

  Mo Yan Rudy Siswanto, Julia Yurtsev, Bo Chen, Jennifer Wuestling, Dan Gomez

  Riot Games Splash Art Team will dive into some of the process, the art style and challenges that come with the creation of Splash illustrations for League of Legends.

• Protecting the purity of Art in the age of AI

  Yuhki Demers, RJ Palmer, Sarah Andersen, AnihausDrew, Jingna Zhang, Patricia van Zandvoort (Gartiry)

  Join this esteemed group of artists including Yuhki Demers, RJ Palmer, Sarah Andersen, Andrew Leung, and Jingna Zhang as they discuss AI art in movies, games, illustrations and animation. Delve in conversations that will cover the dangers of AI art, the negative impact it has on our industry and what they are doing to navigate through the changes in the landscape of being an artist. Moderated by Patricia van Zandvoort (Gartiry).

• Painting process in Artstudio Pro on iPad

  noxizmad

  I will demo my painting process when working on concept jobs on iPad using Artstudio Pro.

• The Art of Creature Design

  Stephen Oakley, Audre Schutte, RJ Palmer, David Meng

  Some of the most influential Creature Designers share their knowledge and career stories to inspire the audience in the art of making fantastical creatures !

• Pure Drawing Madness. Drawing tips and insights. Live Model!

  Thomas Fluharty

  Because Drawing is the top and everything filters down from there. This Lightbox moment we share is about drawing tips and insights from my 40 year career. We draw from a live model. I had a blast last year and am super stoked to do this again. I love helping others grow and unpacking what I know to help you get to the next level. See ya there! FYI It was packed last year.

• Diving In: The Journey of a Self Taught Artist into Animation

  Skydance Animation Rayven Van Kalker, Loretta Keresen, Teny Issakhanian

  How do you pursue a career in Animation if art school isn’t an option? How do you break in if you live thousands of miles from Los Angeles? How do you achieve your goals if you’re all alone? Sit down with Story Artist Rayven Van Kalker (Skydance), and Visual Development Artist, Loretta Keresen (WDAS), as they go over their unconventional journeys into the Animation industry. This talk aims to offer insights and tips on many topics including, discovering your creative voice, crafting a successful portfolio, finding a mentor, and maintaining determination during uncertain times while pursuing your passion. Whether you’re a student, recent-grad, or looking to pivot into the industry, this talk offers valuable strategies for each step of the way. Story Artist Teny Issakhanian (WDAS) moderates.

• Character Coloring Techniques with Pernille Ørum

  Pernille Ørum

  Join renowned character designer Pernille Ørum for a live demonstration of her approach to coloring characters. In this session, Pernille will walk you through her creative process, sharing tips and techniques on how she selects colors, builds layers, and adds depth and vibrancy to her illustrations. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this demo will provide valuable insights into achieving beautifully colored characters. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's most talented character artists!

• What it’s like to work in Games

  Adam Volker, Franklin Lei, Kamille Rodriguez Adam Dolin, Sara Hebert, Karlen Tam

  Get inside info from professionals working in the Gaming Industry today. We will discuss the roles of different disciplines in the field and how they all work together. Artists, writers and directors from different studios will share their experiences on how to get started, how to overcome common challenges, how to navigate career growth and what we think is coming next!

• Character Design Demo: Just Have Fun!

  Javier Pinto

  Character Design Demo where I'll show my process of creation and exploration of shapes, techniques and ideas! I will show how to start with a simple idea and go super far away applying the character design principals for Animation and how to break them!

• The Quinta’s Ghost – Making an Animated Horror Short Film

  James A. Castillo Raul Rocha & Jorge Bazaco

  The Quinta’s Ghost tells the incredible story of the world famous painter Francisco de Goya who, in the last years of his life, painted the walls of his house with imagery so nightmarish and profound that it is still mystifying artists two hundred years later. This will be our first ever showcase of the project outside of Spain. The presentation is aimed at people who are dreaming of developing their own projects; we will break down the inspirations behind the film, the script, how we designed the pitch and how we are producing it. Join us for a spooky behind the scenes filled with artwork, animation tests, story boards and even some VR painting The Quinta's Ghost is a short film being developed by Illusorium (Madrid, Spain) and directed by the EMMY award winning director James A. Castillo

• Born on the Net, For the Net: Simple Steps to Viral Success

  BuzzFeed Animation Lab Kyra Kupetsky, David Munguia, Brent Sievers, moderated by Zee Myers

  Hear from Kyra Kupetsky (Chikn Nuggit), Brent Sievers (The Land of Boggs), and David Munguia (Puerco y Babosa) as they share their insights on achieving success online. This exciting panel will give you a peek behind the curtain of some of the most successful animated properties on social media, and dive into their techniques for developing animated content specifically for the internet, in an industry still dominated by film and television. Join moderator and executive producer Zee Myers on a journey through the whimsical worlds they've crafted and the challenges they've overcome, and how BuzzFeed Animation Lab is spearheading a new era of animation excellence. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened by these three trailblazers who are shaping the future of animation as we know it!

• Asian Queens in Animation: Navigating the Unpredictable

  Saraswathi Vani Buyyala, Maansi Sunkara, Mayuko Watson, Angwara (Annie) Sae-Hoon, Janice Seungmee Rim

  Join Asian Queens in Animation as we talk to industry professionals about their experience keeping afloat during the dips in animation and what they've done in the past to ride the wave of unpredictability.

• REMAINING TRUE TO SELF & WHAT A 40 YEAR CAREER LOOKS LIKE

  Darrell Warner

  In light of an ever changing art & Design landscape, Darrell Warner has remained true to the singular belief and backing of self to remain true to being an ANALOGUE artist. This illustrated talk will look back over a 40 year career which has breached both the dawning of the digital age and the quandaries and hurdles one has to overcome to both remain true to self and still be employable in the business of film which as a rule celebrates and embraces every conceivable technology going.

• Design for Maximum Impact

  Ian Dorian, Aaron Sowd, Marcelo Vignali, Anthony Winn, Cinzia Angelini, JonLamArt, Yuhki Demers

  How to design for maximum impact. Learn the techniques many artists use to increase the emotional impact of a story. Learn when to abbreviate your process and when to go all in to sell a moment.

• Concept Art: Succeeding in an Ever-Evolving Industry

  Stephan Martiniere

  Being a concept artist and illustrator can be a very challenging journey. The entertainment industry is in constant flux and new technologies continuously transform the art landscape. How can you make informed decisions, transform obstacles into opportunities and achieve a clear, artistically satisfying path to succeed in the various fields? Join Stephan Martiniere, a Multi award winning art director, concept artist and illustrator, as he draws on over 3 decades of experiences in animation, films, theme park, games and publishing. Learn how to navigate the entertainment industry, make career-boosting decisions, develop a thoughtful, adaptable and creative process and build a strong career.

• Thriving as a Freelancer

  Lanny Markasky, David Tilton, Ash Ngaoka, Daniel Hyun

  Join us for an insightful discussion on thriving as a freelance artist in film, advertising, games, and more. This panel of seasoned professionals will share invaluable advice on crafting an impressive portfolio, marketing yourself, and securing work. You'll learn about specialization versus generalization, the power of networking and social media, and the benefits of working with agents. Gain insights into client management, negotiation techniques, and building a strong reputation. Whether you're an experienced freelancer or an aspiring artist, this panel will provide valuable guidance for success in the competitive world of freelancing.

Sunday 10/27/2024

• Navigating your Career: Internships and Apprenticeships

  Walt Disney Animation Studios

  Join former Walt Disney Animation Studios interns and mentors for an inside look at our early career programs! They’ll share how their internship and apprentice experiences helped to kickstart their careers in animation, and how mentors play a central role in the development of their skill sets. We’re pulling back the curtain on the programs, pathways, and first-hand experiences with conversation and Q&A to set you up for success as you navigate your career from student to professional.

• Artists on YouTube: How to Thrive

  James Gurney, Marco Bucci, Kiptoe, Jess Karp, Bobby Chiu

  Explore the vibrant world of art on YouTube with a panel of influential artists: James Gurney, Marco Bucci, Kiptoe, and Jess Karp. In this engaging session, these creators will share their journeys of building successful YouTube channels, connecting with a global audience, and fostering a supportive community of art enthusiasts. Learn about the unique challenges and rewards of sharing art online, discover tips for growing your own channel, and gain insights into the future of art in the digital age. Whether you're a content creator or an avid viewer, this panel promises to inspire and inform. Moderated by Bobby Chiu.

• The Art of Star Wars

  Jama Jurabaev, Ryan Church, John Romulo, Brian Matyas, Christian Alzmann, Benjamin Last

  Join a stellar panel featuring some of the most talented artists behind the Star Wars universe: Ryan Church, Brian Matyas, Christian Alzmann, Jama Jurabaev, Ben Last, and moderated by John Romulo. In this captivating session, these visionary artists will discuss their creative processes, share behind-the-scenes stories, and talk about what it was like to bring the epic world of Star Wars to life. From conceptual design to final production, gain an insider's perspective on what it takes to craft the iconic visuals of this beloved franchise.

• Life Drawing Session hosted by Karla Ortiz

  Karla Ortiz

  Let's take a moment to practice our human anatomy with a good old life drawing session. Hosted by renowned concept artist Karla Ortiz! Join our host, Karla, as she draws alongside attendees, gives helpful tips to better improve your life drawing skills and overall have a fun time drawing together! Get there quickly, as seating is limited!

• Reaching my next Level as an Artist/Designer

  Peterhanstyle

  I wanted to share with you my current insights of exploring the mentality as an artist and trying to reach my next level. Using the sketching room with a model, I will demo my current skills and share that process, then discuss how I am trying to unlearn it and go out of my habits. All the demos will be traditional with ink.

• The State of the Industry

  Imogene Chayes, Sam Tung, Zachary Berger, Greg Hopwood

  Join us for our first State of the Industry Panel, where we explore the latest IATSE contracts, impact of AI, and the ever shifting landscape of work going abroad. We'll tackle crucial topics in the Film and Television industry like potential employer ghosting, rate negotiations, and the impact of outsourcing, with insights from top experts in the Costume department, Art department, and Animation. Stay informed on important strategies to navigate the ever evolving industry.

• The Pipeline from Education to Entertainment

  Tim Flattery, Brandon Williams, Don Kilpatrick, David Gazdowicz, College for Creative Studies Betsy Bauer, Warren Manser

  Join us for an in-depth panel discussion exploring the dynamic pipeline from education to the entertainment industry. This conversation will highlight how academic training and industry practices intersect, shaping the next generation of creators and producers. Experts from education, film, television, and gaming will share insights on the evolving landscape, discussing how students transition from learning environments to professional production. We'll explore the skills, tools, and strategies that prepare emerging talent for success, and how educational institutions and industry leaders can collaborate to build a robust, creative workforce.

• The Art of Video Games: Panel with Top Industry Artists

  Raf Grassetti, Loish, noxizmad, Todd Martens Alexandria Neonakis

  Join a stellar panel of video game artists including Rafael Grassetti, Loish, Bruno Gore (Noxizmad), and Alexandria Neonakis as they delve into the world of game art. This session will cover the creative processes behind designing today's most popular games. Gain insights into the techniques and tools they use, the challenges they face, and the trends shaping the future of game art. Whether you're an aspiring game artist or a passionate gamer, this panel offers an invaluable look into the artistry and innovation driving the gaming industry. Moderated by Todd Martens, LA Times.

• Visual Development: Crafting Worlds and Characters

  Chelsea Blecha, Airi Pan, Sylvain Marc, RyanLangDraws Grace Kum, John Nguyen

  Join an insightful panel featuring Chelsea Blecha, Grace Kum, Ryan Lang, Airi Pan, and Sylvain Marc as they explore the art of visual development. This session will dive into the creative processes behind designing captivating worlds and characters for animation, films, and games. Discover how these talented artists bring stories to life through their imaginative concepts and designs. Gain practical tips on honing your own visual development skills and learn about the latest things in the industry. Moderated by John Nguyen, EIC of Nerd Reactor.

• The Art of Character Design

  Elsa Chang, Pernille Ørum, Dela Longfish, Chelsea Li, Wesley Burt, Renée di Cherri

  Join top character designers Elsa Chang, Pernille Ørum, Dela Longfish, Wesley Burt, and Chelsea Li as they share their expertise and insights into the world of character design. This session will explore the creative processes, techniques, and inspirations behind crafting memorable and iconic characters for animation, film, and games. Learn how these artists bring their unique visions to life, from initial sketches to final designs. Whether you're an aspiring character designer or a fan of their work, this panel offers invaluable knowledge and inspiration for creating captivating characters. Moderated by Renée di Cherri.

• Further Your Art: Designing with purpose and creativity

  Cynthia Halley, Kristina Vardazaryan

  Production Designers Cynthia Halley and Kristina Vardazaryan - the dynamic duo behind Marvel's "What If…?”, and long-time entertainment leaders - are keen to share how they continue to find success professionally (and personally) in entertainment beyond just "the next job." Learn how they approach creative and practical visual problem solving, directing one’s own vision, experimentation and self-learning, developing personal voice, and how they’ve stayed ahead of the curve - rather than becoming “just another artist”. This talk will engender curiosity, open-mindedness, and provide REALISTIC positivity for the coming generation of artists in an industry full of uncertain futures. Not one to miss for inspiration, direction, and empowerment!

• The Importance Of Creative Integrity

  Philippe Gaulier

  Framestore Art Director Philippe Gaulier discusses his 25-year career as a concept artist for blockbuster films, TV shows, and games. In his journey from art school to professional artist, he describes the importance of maintaining creative identity and integrity along the way.

• Visual Development Portfolios: What Recruiters Want

  Tiffany Navarro-Purkeypile, Deb Stone, Dawn Yamazi, Renée di Cherri Ariel Goldberg

  Hear from top recruiters as they share insights on what makes a visual development portfolio stand out. Learn the key elements they look for, common pitfalls to avoid, and tips for showcasing your unique skills and style. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance your career, this session provides valuable advice for landing your dream job in the industry. Moderated by Renée di Cherri.

• Getting started in 3D: Expanding your toolbox

  Gnomon Rain Rouhani, Jason Michael Hall, Damon Woods

  Curious about expanding your 2D skills into 3D? Join Gnomon for "Getting Started in 3D: Expanding Your Toolbox," featuring Rain Rouhani (AGBO), Jason Michael Hall (Blizzard), and Damon Woods (Respawn Entertainment). This discussion will focus on the exciting transition from 2D to 3D art, showing how 2D skills can seamlessly translate into the 3D world. The panelists will share actionable steps to expand your artistic toolkit, highlighting essential resources and practical tips for beginners looking to dive into 3D. Discover how these artists bridged the gap in their own careers, with behind-the-scenes stories from their work on Deadpool 2, Black Panther, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, and The Walking Dead, and more.

• The Making of Pixar’s First Original Series “Win or Lose”

  Pixar Animation Studios, Michael Yates, Carrie Hobson, David Lally

  Join series creators Carrie Hobson, Michael Yates, and David Lally as they show an exclusive episode sneak peek and discuss the home runs (and foul balls) in the making of Pixar's first ever original series, Win or Lose! Go Pickles!

• Forging an Artistic Identity with MAKE

  MAKE Originals

  Never has the double-sided coin of intense ambiguity and limitless freedom been so obvious in our industry. Both artists and studios alike grapple with shaping their identities. MAKE will share their on-going journey, from growing to take on any and all types of projects, to finding focus and niching down. They'll talk about the tools their studio uses to forge an identity as both an original content creator and an expert in commercial storytelling, and how the same tools can help you hammer out your own unique niche.

• Cara – For Artists, by Artists

  Jingna Zhang Katie Borisov (Cara Developer), Amy Wu Casler (Mod)

  Speaking with Jingna Zhang, the founder of Cara, and what inspired her to create a space for artists to protect themselves against GenAi, as well as the struggles of starting a brand new social media platform

• Art and Partnership: Balancing Creative Lives

  Michael Daley, KERASCOËT, Griz and Norm Kristen Lester, Kristine and Colin Poole

  Join us for an insightful panel featuring artist couples Kerascoët (Sébastien Cosset & Marie Pommepuy), Kristen Lester & Michael Daley, and Griselda Sastrawinata & Norman Lemay. While Kerascoët collaborates directly on their artistic projects, the other couples work alongside each other in renowned studios like Pixar and Walt Disney Feature Animation. This session will explore the unique challenges and rewards of being in a relationship with a fellow artist, whether working closely together or within the same creative environment. Hear their stories of balancing personal and professional lives, and gain inspiration from their experiences of navigating love and creativity in the art world. Moderated by Kristine and Colin Poole.

• Crafting Worlds: Insights into Production Design

  Paul R. Lasaine, Patrick O’Keefe, Dylan Cole, Ramone Zibach Ben Procter, Dan Sarto

  Join an esteemed panel of production design experts, including Paul Lasaine, Patrick O'Keefe, Dylan Cole, Ben Procter, Ramone Zibach, moderated by Dan Sarto, Editor in Chief of Animation World Network. This session will explore the intricate art of production design, revealing how these talented artists create the immersive worlds that set the stage for both animated and live-action films. Whether you're an aspiring production designer or a fan of cinematic world-building, this panel provides valuable insights into the craft of designing compelling and memorable visual experiences.

• Environment and Light

  John Burton

  At LightBox this year John Burton will be giving a lecture and demo on how to build an environment based on his vast knowledge of how light works to help give more authenticity to the new worlds we build.

• Disney Lorcana: Creating a Glimmer

  Matthew Eng, Ravensburger Shane Hartley, Nicholas Kole, Erik van Horn, Aubrey Archer, Giulia Riva, Ron Baird

  Ravensburger presents an illuminating discussion around the art and creation of Disney Lorcana TCG’s Glimmers. Explore the creative process behind these unique designs, from initial concepts to final renderings, and get a glimpse of the storytelling potential they bring to the ever-evolving game.

• Arcane: League of Legends – The Alchemy of Animation

  Netflix Animation, Riot Games, Arnaud-Loris Baudry Amanda Overton, Jason Chan

  Step into the world of Arcane: League of Legends with this compelling panel on the artistry and craftsmanship behind the groundbreaking Emmy Award winning animated series. Join Arnaud-Loris Baudry (Production Designer and Senior Concept Artist, Riot Games), Jason Chan (Principal Artist, Riot Games) and Amanda Overton (Screenwriter/Producer) as they break down the magic behind Arcane’s vibrant environments, iconic characters, deeply emotional storytelling, and the technical and artistic challenges of adapting complex video game lore into a riveting, character driven narrative.

• Unwrapping the Magic Behind Netflix’s That Christmas

  Netflix Animation, Simon Otto, Ashley Boddy, Doug Ikeler

  Join Director Simon Otto (Love, Death, & Robots How to Train Your Dragon), Head of Story Ash Boddy, and VFX Supervisor Doug Ikeler as they unwrap the magic behind Netflix's 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.

• Welcome To Lumbria: A Look At The Making Of Spellbound

  Netflix Animation Vicky Jenson (Director), Susan Fitzer (Editor), Brian Pimental (Head of Story), Brett Nystul (Production Designer)

  Join Director Vicky Jenson, Editor Susan Fitzer, Head of Story Brian Pimental and Production Designer Brett Nystul 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.

• Black Artists in the Entertainment Industry

  Phil Boutté Jr., Marlon West, Everett Downing Jr., Chrystin Garland Floyd Norman, Daniel Haskett

  Join a diverse group of Black artists from various backgrounds and disciplines as they share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the entertainment industry. This insightful panel will explore the lessons they've learned along their creative journeys, offering unique perspectives on navigating the industry while staying true to their artistic vision. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply interested in hearing these powerful stories, this panel promises to provide inspiration, advice, and a deeper understanding of the contributions and experiences of Black artists in the entertainment world.

• Paths and Perspectives in Production Management

  Marvel Animation, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, ILM Immersive, The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Animation Studios

  Curious of what it takes to be successful in animation production management? Learn from seasoned production professionals from Marvel Animation, Pixar, Disney Television Animation, ILM Immersive, and Walt Disney Animation Studios as they discuss their journeys to their current role and what a production management career can look like within each of these unique businesses. Speakers: Jan Hirota, Producer - The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney Television Animation), Holly Kawiecki, Production Manager - What if...? - An Immersive Story (ILM Immersive), Sean Gantka, Producer - X-Men ’97 (Marvel Animation), David Lally, Producer - Win or Lose (Pixar), Stephanie Hachem, Associate Producer - Moana 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios).

• Meet the Disney Recruiters: Industry Professionals

  Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, ILM Immersive, Lucasfilm Animation, The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Animation Studios

  Do you have years of experience in the industry under your belt, but interested in knowing more about how to position yourself or your skill set for your next opportunity? Our teams want to help you put your best foot forward, with tips on networking, applying, interviewing, and more. Featuring recruiting team members from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic, and Pixar. Speakers: Matt Roberts (Walt Disney Animation Studios), Peggy Dollaghan (Pixar), Lex Randleman (Disney Television Animation), Laura Holliday (Lucasfilm/Lucasfilm Animation) and Lori Beck (ILM).

• California Dreaming: Creating the world of Primos

  Disney Television Animation Natasha Kline (EP, Show Creator), Ivan Aquirre (Art Director), Asia Ellington (Lead Character Designer), Chris Hacker (Lead Color Designer) , Rafael Hurtado (Lead Location Designer)

  The design team of Disney’s newest animated series, Primos, discusses the process and inspiration that guided their hands while crafting the show-specific view of Los Angeles.

• PORTRAIT PAINTING IN OILS W/ JON HARDESTY

  Jonathan Hardesty

  Join Schoolism instructor, Jon Hardesty, for a live oil painting demonstration, where he will create an alla prima style portrait over the course of three days. Jon will guide the audience through his process of completing a fresh portrait in a single sitting, showcasing the techniques and spontaneity of this direct painting approach. Come watch as the portrait unfolds, ask questions, and explore the dynamic world of oil portraiture.

• SKETCHCRAWL

  Nick Sung, Dave Pimentel

  Grab your sketchbooks and join the Sketchcrawl! Draw with Dave Pimentel and Nick Sung and capture the hustle and bustle of LightBox Expo. Dave Pimentel, a director, writer, and story artist, studied gesture drawing with Disney legend Walt Stanchfield. Nick Sung, story artist and producer, studied gesture drawing with Pixar great Tom Gately. Dave and Nick have kept Sketchcrawls active in Southern California and New York City, encouraging artists to fill their draw inspiration from the world around them. Don't miss this chance to connect with them and fellow creatives in this fun and energizing event! Quick sketching is great for animators, and this is a fun way to practice together and make new friends.

• Uninstructed Costumed Life Drawing

  LightBox Expo

  Immerse yourself in a relaxed and creative atmosphere with an uninstructed life drawing session featuring a costumed model. This is the perfect opportunity for artists of all levels to sharpen their observational skills, explore new techniques, or simply enjoy drawing from life in a supportive environment. Bring your sketchbook and favorite drawing tools to capture the unique poses and intricate details of the model’s costume. No instruction will be provided, allowing you the freedom to experiment and draw at your own pace.

• How to set up a pitch using Flix

  Foundry DJ Matias

  Join this session for an introduction to Flix and discover how it brings order to story development by securely connecting remote teams and centralizing all Story and Editorial assets for Production to track. You will also get an in-depth look at the roundtrip workflow of the storyboards as they are carried from the Storyboard team to the Production team to Editorial and back all via Flix. By the end of this presentation, you will have a better sense of how the tools you already know and use like Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, Maya, Premiere Pro, and Avid Media Composer can integrate with Flix to help bring order to the chaos of story development.

• Silhouette, Structure, and Lighting: 3A game environment art

  Rey Zhong

  In this presentation, I will be introducing the process of environment creation as the lead environment artist for the AAA game "Phantom Blade Zero." We will start from the most basic concepts and gradually explain the results we achieved and the challenges we faced. In the presentation, I will discuss topics such as how to use scene arrangement and lighting design to guide players, how to balance performance with visual effects, and how to reasonably arrange visual details.

• Write for Animation! Character is Story

  John Musker, Jorge R. Gutierrez, Vicky Jenson, Pietro Schito, Write for Animation

  Join Vicky Jenson, John Musker, and Jorge Gutierrez for a must-see panel moderated by Pietro Schito, where you’ll learn how to craft compelling stories by focusing on your characters. These industry legends will provide actionable steps, insider tips, and real-world examples, demonstrating how developing strong characters is the key to unlocking your story’s full potential. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced professional, don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your storytelling through character-driven narratives!

• My process of Creature Design and Characters for films

  Constantine Sekeris

  Join Constantine Sekeris as he takes you through his creative process for designing creatures and characters for the film industry. In this educational presentation, he will spend 25 minutes focusing on creature design and 20 minutes on character design, covering everything from sketches and paintings to 3D modeling. Learn about the practical and functional aspects that influence the design process, as well as the demands of working in today’s fast-paced film industry. This session will provide an in-depth look at the skills and knowledge required to meet the evolving needs of modern film production, offering valuable insights into the artistry behind creating memorable and functional designs.

• Telling Tales with Mia Araujo and Iain McCaig

  Iain McCaig, Mia Araujo

  ‘Telling Tales’ is an illustrated presentation from Mia Araujo and Iain McCaig both have illustrated books out this year—Mia her first novel and Iain his first anthology of short stories. Both are fantasy fiction but also intensely autobiographical. The daring duo will talk about stepping outside their comfort zones, and telling their truths through the looking glass of make-believe.

• Surviving 30 years in Film with Dyslexia and ADHD

  Dom Lavery

  Fifth Element, Event Horizon, James Bond, Godzilla, WonderWoman, Rogue One, Rings of Power. In the 30 years I have been working in the Film industry I have learnt many things about the job and myself. The world may have changed a lot over that time, but the fundamentals of survival are the same. I will talk you through my story. From sketching monsters on my grandmother's walls to various art schools, early art jobs, and finally getting my feet in the film industry. My first BIG film being The Fifth Element. Concept art, designing, and even directing, I have covered many aspects of the industry. In 2021 I was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the British Art Department by the British Film Designers Guild. It has been quite a journey! Especially fighting Dyslexia and ADHD all the way.

• Remembering Kim Jung Gi

  Superani/ Hyun Jin Kim Lim Hur

  This panel will honor the memory of Kim Jung Gi alongside his devoted fans. Hyunjin Kim, a founder of Superani and KJG's manager and lifelong friend, will reflect on their decades-long journey together, highlighting Kim Jung Gi's remarkable artistic achievements.

• Children’s Books to Animation – and back again!

  Tom Bancroft, Tony Bancroft, Elsa Chang Andy Harnkess, and Pete Oswald

  The Entertainment Arts are filled with stories of animator/ illustrators trying to bridge the gap between the Children’s Books industry and the Animation industry. Some have done so successfully and some not so much. But how do you stratal both worlds? How do you get those first gigs? In a world where pivoting from creative path to creative path is essential for survival, this panel will be a help to all artists. Guest speakers will include experienced artists speaking about their success and failures while pivoting in their own creative paths. Hosted by Tom and Tony Bancroft with Elsa Chang (Disney/ Sony), Andy Harkness (Disney) and Pete Oswald (Sony/ Colombia).

• MaxPacks Procreate Painting Demo

  Max Ulichney

  Follow along with illustrator Max Ulichney as he paints with his best selling MaxPacks Brushes in Procreate. Learn best in class techniques for replicating a traditional media look digitally. Perfect for artists at any level of experience.

• Talking about Tonal Values

  Roberto Ribeiro Padula

  Join me as I talk about the importance of values in my painting process and how I use them to make my paintings feel like 3D. Good fundamentals are essential for a good time while painting, so why not take the time to join me as we brush up our skills? I'll focus mainly on values and show you how important they are for lighting, giving your painting weight, turning a 2D drawing into a 3D drawing and setting the groundwork for colors. But more than anything I'll paint a silly creature and try to make everyone have a good time!

• Anatomy for Artists

  Dr. Michael Habib

  Join Dr. Michael Habib (Associate Professor, UCLA) for an in depth look at anatomy fundamentals critical to artists. This presentation will cover key components of human anatomy useful for artists, especially those looking to depict proper body articulation during complex motions or building characters that can be effectively animated. We will cover foundations that you can apply broadly in character design and that will help set you apart in professional settings. As an added treat, we will consider the anatomy of action sequences - drawing on Dr. Habib's decades of experience in anatomy, visual arts, and martial arts.

• Crafting Characters: Drawing Demo with Jefrain Gallipoli

  Jefrain Gallipoli

  Join Jefrain Gallipoli as he walks you through his approach to creating captivating character designs. Jefrain will discuss the essentials of shape language and color theory, demonstrating how these principles bring sketches to life.

• Designing a Dragon with Character

  Luis Huerta

  Join character designer Luis Huerta in an engaging live demo as he shares his unique approach to designing dragons through shape-based thinking. Watch as he breaks down his creative process, illustrating how shapes play a fundamental role in crafting dynamic and visually compelling characters.

• Transitioning From Comic Books to Storyboarding

  Aaron Sowd, Anthony Winn, Stephen Platt, Jeffrey Henderson, Dwayne Turner, Jordan Raskin, Bill Thompson

  Join some of the top storyboard artists working in the film industry today as they share their personal journeys from comic books to film (and sometimes back again)! Our panelists will give advice to aspiring storyboard artists and comic book artists alike. With comic book sales on the decline, the advent of streaming, AI and the downsizing of Hollywood, the life of a freelance artist in these fields has become more complicated for comic book artists and storyboard artists alike. They will offer tips and tricks to navigate the ever-changing landscape of live action productions and how to best prepare for the future.

• Creating a portfolio for Entertainment Design

  Kazone Art: Charles Lee Lim Hur

  Charles Lee will provide insights into what he seeks during the recruitment process and the current industry expectations. This panel aims to benefit artists preparing to enter the Entertainment Industry.

• Character design in watercolours

  Thomas Campi

  There are many ways to approach character design, the part that I love the most is the exploration stage, sketching different characters, shapes, outfits, trying different color combinations. Sketching with a pen and painting in watercolors in my sketchbook is one way to stay loose and test ideas. In this demo I will be painting a character in watercolors describing all the steps of the design process.

• Explore! How to Deepen your Artistry/Process/Curiosity

  iris muddy

  Let's explore some questions this topic may bring up: What? Why? Where does inspiration come from? Why do other people have ideas, yet I don't? What sort of artist do I want to be? etc. Compelling art requires, from the artist, a vast mental/visual/emotional library to pull from. You want your conscious and subconscious creativity to ask and answer interesting questions. I want to share about how a wide range of subjects and techniques, artistic or otherwise, can truly enhance our artistic path, perception, creativity, etc. in a multitude of ways. We're lucky to have at our disposal so many possibilities to explore image making possibilities, and beyond! All levels welcome, from open minded beginner to seasoned experimenter!

• Telling a Story in a Single Painting

  Devin Elle Kurtz

  Illustrator and Environment Artist Devin Elle Kurtz teaches her method of conceptualizing, developing, and executing her iconic narrative illustrations. This talk will cover brainstorming story ideas, researching and developing those ideas, and using the tools of pictorial composition to depict stories in way that viewers can immediately and wordlessly understand. These techniques transcend program and medium, and be harnessed by artists of all kinds to level up their visual storytelling abilities. Devin will also discuss how these tools can be used in the various industries she has worked in, such as animation, children's books, and games.

• What We Talk About… When We Talk About Story

  Craig Caldwell

  Today's animation thrives on cutting-edge technology and compelling stories. This session delves into essential storytelling elements: conflict, plot, character, and setting. Attendees will grasp universal story concepts and learn key techniques directors and writers use to resonate emotionally with audiences, players, and immersive participants. Key takeaways include understanding the narrative structure (setup, inciting incident, rising action, crisis, climax, resolution), developing stories, exploring conflict types (internal, external, environmental), turning points, cause & effect, archetype vs. stereotype, and character-defining choices. We'll address critical narrative questions: What's at stake (survival, safety, love, esteem)? What drives the protagonist to act?

• Leveraging 3D Kits in Concept Art

  Jose Vega

  Join us for a live demo showcasing the efficiency of using 3D kits in concept art. Watch as we utilize the Red Horizon 3D Kit from Absorb 3D to craft a stunning panoramic vista of a Mars colony. Discover how these tools can streamline your creative process, enhance your artwork, and bring your visions to life quickly and effectively.

• Surviving changes in the industry by reinventing yourself

  Cinzia Angelini, Marco Regina, Amid Amidi, Nadine Westerbarkey, Luis Grane, Ian Dorian

  Overcoming the challenges of a changing entertainment industry, and blazing a new path. Navigating through the ups and downs can be a struggle, but those willing to reinvent themselves have the best advantage.

• Pirates of the Caribbean Celebrates 21st Birthday

  Crash McCreery, Darrell Warner, James Byrkit, Todd Martens

  Join the Cursed Men of Concept Art as they discuss, celebrate and reflect upon the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and what it was like to be involved at the birth of these high seas capers. Wisdom and Aztec Gold will be dispersed. SAVVY?

• Dynamic Storyboarding For Action Films

  Drawing America Anthony Liberatore, Spiro Razatos

  Drawing America instructor Anthony Liberatore, storyboard artist for The Fast and Furious series as well as Black Panther, will be in conversation with Spiro Razatos, director of the action sequences for those movies and many others, including Venom, Skull Island, and Captain America. Spiro will show a highlight video of how he became an action director with incredible footage of his own stunts starting in the 70's. This will be followed by a conversation with both speakers discussing the film industry and sharing their decades of knowledge of what role drawings play in the action film industry.

• How Japanese Anime is Made

  Jarrett Martin, Bellamy Luna Brooks

  Learn how Japanese Anime is made from pitching a show & financing, all the way through storyboarding, pre-production, animation, compositing and more! This is a lecture style-presentation followed by open Q&A.

• Pretty Girls and Internet Fame

  Feefal, Lara Georgia Carson, Maliadoodles

  Since ancient times and across cultures, women and the female form have been the subject and muse of artists worldwide. Current times are no different; drawing pretty girls has been the gateway for many artists, including several of our panelists, to gather internet fame and success. In this panel we will be chatting about whether or not there's any truth to this statement, the female vs the male gaze, how the internet and social media has changed the way audiences interact with and perceive women and the artists who draw them, and the different ways artists use or abuse convention and socially accepted norms to portray the female form in todays internet driven era to their benefit or detriment.

• “Women Aren’t Funny” and Other Foolishness: Writing Comedy

  Angela M. Sánchez, Ellie Guzman, Stephanie Johnson, Annie Nishida, Karen Graci

  Do you wanna write comedy, but aren't a FunnyGuy™? This panel's for you! A candid discussion among writers, whose shows have spanned audiences from preschool to 6-11 to adult animation, that will offer insight and tips on writing comedy for any and every age while overturning the old stereotype that women aren't funny.

• It’s a Sign: Fictional Graphic Design in Video Games

  Claire Hummel, Hailey Del Rio

  As art directors and concept artists, we unexpectedly find ourselves having to step into the role of in-universe graphic designer to populate fictional worlds with plausible graphic elements, and painstakingly hand-drawn props. Join Claire Hummel (Riven, Half-Life: Alyx) and Hailey Del Rio (Uncharted 4, The Last of Us: Parts I & II) as they discuss their processes designing the "fake" art within concept art.

• Storytelling with Shape-Driven Illustration

  Kamille Rodriguez

  Discover the power of shape-driven illustration to elevate your digital art. This presentation will explore how focusing on shapes, combined with effective use of fundamentals, can enhance storytelling to simplify and elevate your illustrations. Learn how these techniques apply to concept art in games and animation and how they can support a rewarding career.

• Leveling up a Career in Gaming Animation

  ASIFA-Hollywood, Erica Pinto, Alex Smith, Nathan Dunlap, Bruno Velazquez

  Unlock the secrets of landing a job in the gaming industry with insider tips from our gaming industry expert panel! Animation leaders from Santa Monica Studio and Respawn will teach you how to craft a killer portfolio, crush your interviews, and navigate the pros and cons of the "animation test." Our seasoned pros will also break down the current state of the gaming world and share crucial strategies for navigating its challenges. Don’t miss this chance to gain the XP you need to land a job in gaming!

• Expand your artistic career into becoming a creative director

  Randy Gaul Norman Praught, John Edwards

  A- How to grow your inner artistic passion while servicing the film industry. - This conversation will explore, through my years of experience, what you should give of your creative abilities and what you should keep private. This will include contract provisions, limitations and constraints of what you can do within and outside of studio work. Included in this will be language from AITSE. Protecting your original ideas. Pitching to studios. Managing Gallery opportunities. Managing book publishers, agents and general business relationships. B- Understanding the needs of the film industry and how you, as a genuine artist, thrive within and beyond the industry.- This talk will include managing studio culture and politics. Preparing for the inevitable layoff.

• Draw with me! Character Design Exploration

  Lady Chamomile

  Draw along as we create a new character! I'll talk about my self-taught journey to becoming a freelance artist as we go along.

• Creating your Own Toyline

  Mitchell Bernal David Igo

  With todays technology you have a less expensive means to create prototypes; physical/digital toys to sell, so why not create your own Toyline. Presented by Mitchell Bernal creator of Skelanimals and David Igo creator of Kaiju Doom.