Toonz Animation India announced the first five Animation Masters appearing at the fourth "Week with the Masters" Animation Celebration (MAC) in Trivandrum, India, from Nov. 4 -7, 2003. This year's Animation Masters include: Joel Slayton (internationally renowned artist, writer, theoretician and pioneer in digital media and director of the CADRE Laboratory for New Media); Sanjit Ghosh (creator of the esteemed puppet animation POTLI BABAKI); Paul Driessen (the Oscar-nominated 3 MISSES); Jimmy T. Murakami (the Oscar-nominated THE VIOLINIST); and Wendy Tilby (the Oscar-nominated WHEN THE DAY BREAKS). Also joining the esteemed panel of Masters this year will be Clifford Cohen and John Cary. Past Masters have included: David Fine, Rob Coleman, Will Vinton, R.G. Blechman and the late Academy Award recipient Maurice Noble.
"We are thrilled to have confirmation from talent of this caliber, displaying their enthusiasm for the upcoming 'Week with the Masters,'" stated Bill Dennis, president and ceo of Toonz Animation. "It 's an exciting opportunity for them to participate in this one-of-a-kind event in one of the most beautiful and exotic places in the world. All of our attendees are excited to hear what these Masters have to say and to discuss their work with them."
This year's celebrations will feature four event categories: Master's Presentations, Screening of Films in Competition, Children's Animation Workshop and Award Ceremony & Special Events.
Based in Technopark in Trivandrum, Kerala, Toonz Animation India Pvt. Ltd. first emerged as a distinct force in the international animation world in fall 1999. Toonz Animation is the most advanced studio to open in India since the country emerged as a potential global animation player, with a staff of 300 Indian and international artists. For more information, visit www.toonzanimationindia.com.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
