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'Simpsons' Director David Silverman Joins Toronto Lineup

David Silverman, director of The Simpsons animated series and film, is slated to provide the keynote address at the 2013 Toronto Animation Arts Festival International.

Toronto, ON -- The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) adds to their programming roster, kicking off the Festival with a keynote address by Oscar-nominated animator David Silverman, director of The Simpsons and The Simpsons Movie.

Silverman animated all of the original short Simpsons cartoons that aired on The Tracey Ullman Show and went on to serve as director of animation of the television series for several years. In 2012, Silverman directed the theatrical short The Longest Daycare starring Maggie Simpson. The short was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

Other additions to the Festival include:

  • Keynote address and masterclass presented by Arc Productions, featuring Dr. Stuart Sumida. Dr. Sumida is a paleontologist and animal anatomy consultant who has advised on films such as The Lion King, Kung Fu Panda, Tarzan, and Stuart Little
  • Live Script Reads: Back by popular demand, ACTRA brings out some of Canada’s best voice actors to read a new script from the yet to be released 9 Story cartoon Camp Lakebottom airing on Disney XD and created by Toronto's 9 Story Entertainment featuring all-star voice actors and series directors Phil Lafrance and Jamie LeClaire

Plus, TAAFI brings back their official short film selection, spanning across all genres and showcasing a variety of different animation styles. Here is this year’s roster:

Shorts 1, Straight Up Toons: Frame-by-frame storytelling at its finest and most entertaining with stellar animation and classic ‘toon appeal.

Shorts 2, Reflecting Pool: The human condition in all its uncertainty is animated in this block of shorts reflecting on the questions: Why are we here? Who am I?

Shorts 3, Stylin': Smooth graphic styles and unique story twists permeate this fanciful film block with innovative ideas and original techniques delivered faster than the brain can process.

Shorts 4, Hilariously Strange & Incredibly Dark: Chaotic, artistic enjoyment from a subconscious dimension with a bit of strange, a dab of blood, a generous dollop of humour, and the amazing, visionary ‘wow’ that this recipe creates.

Shorts 5, Student Shorts: Sophisticated storytelling and top-notch animation define this block featuring shorts from Canadian and International schools.

Shorts 6, Kids Shorts: A program of fun and inspiring animated films, suitable for kids of all ages that encourage smiles, learning, creativity, and enthusiasm.

For additional details including previously announced programming and the complete Festival schedule, visit the TAAFI website at: taafi.com

Source: Toronto Animation Arts Festival

Jennifer Wolfe's picture

Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.