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SCAD AnimationFest 2022 Returns to Atlanta

Running September 22-24, the festival will feature screenings, panel discussions, presentations, and talent from Hulu and Netflix, SCAD Alumni, as well as the debut of SCAD Atlanta’s new XR stage; passes are now on sale.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has announced SCADFILM’s signature SCAD AnimationFest returns September 22–24 in person at SCAD Atlanta, with select sessions livestreamed for global audiences. The three-day festival will feature sessions with industry leaders from Hulu and Netflix and accomplished SCAD alums. Attendees will go behind the scenes of major films and TV shows and explore what’s next in animation, motion media design, visual effects, virtual production, and all facets of creative technology in entertainment.

“SCAD’s preeminence shines at SCAD AnimationFest,” shared SCAD President and Founder Paula S. Wallace. “This signature SCAD event returns once again to showcase our Bees’ multitude of talents, from gaming to visual effects to motion media design to animation and beyond! In true SCAD style, we will unveil our latest SCAD wow-factor: our second state-of-the-art XR stage — the same equipment Disney, Universal, and every major studio employs to conjure immersive virtual worlds that mesmerize fans. SCAD AnimationFest celebrates in-demand disciplines SCAD grads are poised to lead for decades to come.”

This year SCADFILM will honor Kelci Parker, Hulu’s Vice President of Animation, as the 2022 Award of Excellence recipient for her contributions to the animation and entertainment industries. Parker will be presented with her award at an In Conversation session, where she will share insights about her career, industry achievements, and accolades.

At the event, the university will reveal its newest state-of-the-art mixed reality (XR) stage for virtual production at SCAD Atlanta’s Digital Media Center. The XR stage, designed exclusively for SCAD, is an innovative production game-changer and filmmaking’s next frontier. SCAD School of Animation and Motion and SCAD School of Film and Acting students will collaborate and work with this new technology.

SCAD AnimationFest will once again premiere an original short film created by student animators from SCAD Animation Studios. The students take ideas from concept to production by writing, performing, and animating their 2D and 3D films. This year’s event will feature a screening and behind-the-scenes look at The Pope’s Dog, a 2D animated film by a team of student collaborators from SCAD’s animation, visual effects, motion media design, sound design, and interactive design and game development programs.

SCAD AnimationFest will feature:

Conversations and Panels:

  • In Conversation with Hulu Vice President of Animation Kelci Parker
  • The Evolution of XR Production Technology and an XR stage demonstration
  • An in-depth look at the animation of Marvel’s Hit-Monkey on Hulu with Floyd County Productions
  • ASIFA-South Industry Insights on Georgia Animation
  • Real-Time Game Visualization and Finals Animation with Halon Entertainment
  • A conversation with Awesome Inc. on the studio’s newest animated series

SCAD alums will present their expertise and insights in sessions that include:

  • A screening and behind-the-scenes look at Netflix’s
  • The Sea Beast with SCAD alum and animation director Zach Parrish (BFA, animation, 2007) and SCAD alum and line producer Steven Schweikart (MFA, computer art, 2004)
  • An Alumni Voices panel with Alana Mango (MFA, animation, 2021), 2D animator, M2 Animation; Jaykishan Patel (BFA, animation, 2020), senior designer, UPS; Emily Rodriguez (BFA, animation, 2020), 2D animator and designer; and Lauren Brown (MFA, illustration, 2011), art director

SCAD launched the School of Animation and Motion Design to create a center for academics, talent, and next-generation technology. In addition, the new School of Film and Acting, School of Creative Technology, and School of Visual Communication further SCAD’s stated goal of being a leader in art and design in higher education while reinforcing its mission to prepare students for creative careers.

“The restructuring of our academic programs to reflect technical and creative innovation places SCAD at the vanguard of educating the next generation of artists using animation, motion media design, visual effects, and other filmmaking professions to entertain and inform,” noted Leigh Seaman, Senior Executive Director of SCADFILM. “SCAD AnimationFest is our annual celebration of excellence in these fields and provides our audiences the unique opportunity to engage with industry luminaries whose work transcends traditional storytelling techniques. In 2022, accomplished SCAD alumni will join artists, directors, and executives to explore the ever-broadening scope of the animation industry.”

SCADFILM presents SCAD AnimationFest as the events programmer for students and working professionals in animation, film and television, interactive game design, motion media design, virtual reality, and digital media arts.

Passes are now available, along with the full schedule and additional information here.

Source: SCAD

Debbie Diamond Sarto's picture

Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.