ASIFA-South’s free 2-day event runs June 28-29 featuring panels, roundtables, workshops and screenings; conference theme ‘Animation Re:Launch’ is a rallying cry for the industry to rebound and thrive after a challenging year.
ASIFA-South’s free two-day event, ASIFAC Animation Festival and Conference, runs June 28-29, 2024 (with a special awards ceremony on the 30th) at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta. Offerings include an array of panels, roundtable discussions, portfolio reviews, workshops, and screenings. This year's theme, "Animation Re:Launch” is a rallying cry for the industry to rebound and thrive after a challenging year.
Here are some highlights:
Panels and Roundtable Discussions:
Attendees get up close and personal with experts which provide a platform for voices from across the industry.
- "Sounds that make Animation:" Join voice talent and veteran sound designers and editors that have worked at Pixar on Blue-Eyed Samurai.
- "Ethics of AI and Changing the Landscape of Animation:" Discuss making a difference with your voice in a discussion with Asante Bradford (Georgia Department of Economic Development Industry Manager), Chris LeDoux (Crafty Apes), and others.
Behind-the-Scenes Panel:
- The highlight panel features a breakdown of this year's ASIFAC 2024 animated promo with the event’s committee / head of production, Min Kyung Cho, animator Wasan Hayajneh, and compositor Neko Pilarcik-Tellez.
"As a professional animator, I'm excited to get an opportunity to share my experience,” commented Cho. “…taking people through the pipeline of creating an animated short from start to finish and all the coordination that goes on behind the scenes to create a successful short."
Professional Development Session:
- 1-on-1 Session give attendees a chance to get professional advice, ask questions, have a friendly chit chat, or get a portfolio review from industry professionals including expert animators, illustrators, rigger, and VFX artist.
Special Feature Screening:
- The Concierge by director Yoshimi Itazu powered by Crunchy Roll.
Three short film blocks:
- Saturday Morning Cartoon
- (signature) Southern Spotlight
- International Selections
Cutting Edge Demo Panel:
- Explore advancements in animation technology: panel will highlight complementary animation tools and Wonder Dynamic’s suit-less motion capture platform, Ebsynth’s neural transfer tool, and others.
- Also includes a demo by VFX artists Palm Piraban (Barbie, Mean Girls, Mr. and Mrs. Smith), Zane Everett (Unity Education Ambassador), and executive director Jeff Yu (VR Technical Artist).
Booths and Exhibits:
- Local organizations and studios on hand include Moonshine Studio, The Paper Museum, and Momocon.
- Test out a demo of XP Pen station and visit the popup ASIFA-South Museum to learn about the organization’s historical journey.
The festival culminates on Sunday with an invite-only awards ceremony celebrating the best in animation talent and innovation along with a mixer and games for ASIFA members and special guests,
Additional information and registration are available here.
Source: ASIFAC
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
