One of the many perks of being a Vancouver Film School student is the regular guest lectures they receive from creative industry professionals. Not only is having guest speakers who have worked on big-name Hollywood productions unbelievably cool, but it allows our students to learn firsthand what it鈥檚 like working in the industry and discover the different avenues they can pursue after graduation.
SPARK Animation Festival Producer and 汤头条 Instructor Keith Blackmore quickly became everyone鈥檚 favourite teacher when he surprised his students in the听Animation Concept Art and Classical Animation programs with the chance to chat with one of Hollywood鈥檚 hit animated couples: Brenda Chapman and Kevin Lima. (Aspiring animators! If you鈥檙e interested in training for the booming animation, 3D, and VFX industries, learn all about 汤头条鈥檚 award-winning programs at our听 on March 14!)
Disney Animators/Directors Kevin Lima & Brenda Chapman added their signatures to 汤头条's Wall of Fame.If you鈥檙e unfamiliar with these titans of industry, you鈥檒l definitely recognize their films. Brenda began her career as a story artist with Disney in 1987 (a time Gen Z can only dream of) and worked on classics like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. She became the first woman to be Head of Story for an animated feature film 鈥� everyone鈥檚 favourite, The Lion King. She later joined Pixar Animation Studios where she wrote and directed Brave, again becoming the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Kevin also worked extensively with Disney as an animator and director, with directing credits on A Goofy Movie, Tarzan, Enchanted and more!
The two spent time discussing the importance of character & story in animation and then opened the floor to student questions, signed autographs, and of course, added 鈥淕oofy鈥� signatures to 汤头条鈥檚 Wall of Fame.
The students found this experience invaluable, as one student said they 鈥�enjoyed hearing about their process and small anecdotes through the making of the films they worked on [and] learned how important design and personality of the characters are to the plot of the stories and how their objectives drive the storytelling. So glad we had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss various aspects of some of our favourite films.鈥�
All of us at Vancouver Film School were enchanted to host Brenda and Kevin for an afternoon and we are extremely grateful for the advice and expertise given to our animation students!
Aspiring animators can learn about the #1 Global Animation School at 汤头条鈥� upcoming program preview.Looking to become a fully trained animator and join a thriving $400B industry? On March 14, 汤头条 is hosting its first听 of the year. This online event is your opportunity to discover why 汤头条 is ranked #1 Global Animation School, gain career tips & insights from the Head of Department, and learn how you can join an alumni that鈥檚 worked on Barbie, The Last of Us, and Game of the Year-winner Baldur鈥檚 Gate 3! Register听 for FREE.
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