Big names in animation and games are set to share insight into their industries as part of an international conference to be hosted by Teesside University this summer.
Film producer Max Howard along with 2D animator and illustrator Tina Nawrocki are confirmed as guest speakers for the 33rd Society for Animation Studies (SAS) Annual Conference, which will see global experts in animation converge on Teesside from across the world to share their knowledge.
Max Howard, who received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Teesside University in recognition of his work in the animation industry, created and ran animation studios for The Walt Disney Company in London, Paris, Orlando and Los Angeles working on some of Disney’s best known films.
As President of Warner Bros Feature Animation, he oversaw hit movies such as The Iron Giant and Space Jam, while at Dreamworks, he was co-executive producer for Spirit, Stallion and the Cimarron. He is currently executive producer with Avoke Productions on upcoming animated feature Drew’s World.
Tina Nawrocki, a 2D animator and illustrator from Canada, has over 16 years of experience working in the gaming industry, television, and film. She worked on the critically acclaimed game Cuphead, the first game by Studio MDHR, a Canadian indie game development studio. Tina also worked on the Netflix series Green Eggs and Ham as well as the latest Space Jam film.
The conference will bring together around 200 international delegates, including animation scholars and practitioners, to share and present their research from 26 June to 3 July.
Held at a different international location each year, the SAS Conference has only taken place in the UK a handful of times and Teesside University is one of just a few UK universities to have been chosen to host the prestigious event.
Hosting the SAS Conference highlights Teesside University’s international reputation for animation and further enhances relationships already cultivated through the University’s own Animex event.
Animex is an annual celebration of animation, games and visual effects which attracts the cream of the animation and gaming worlds to Teesside with a plethora of guest speakers who have shared industry secrets and behind the scenes glimpses of blockbuster films and games over the years.
SAS Conference delegates will also be able to enjoy elements of the University’s Animex Fringe, including expert talks, screenings, exhibitions and other events as part of the SAS Conference programme.
The theme this year for the SAS Conference is ‘animation unlocked’, which will examine how the pandemic has caused everyone to stop, isolate and innovate, as the world gradually continues to reanimate. Animation scholars across the globe will share their insights and research on a variety of subjects, from cultural reflections and identity to philosophy in animation, to exploring innovative practices and experimental approaches.
Katherine O’Connor, Senior Lecturer in Computer Animation in the University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said: “Hosting this conference will enhance the academic reputation of our already world leading animation and games courses.
“It’s a prestigious international event, hosted each year by a specially selected university, with locations in recent years including America and Singapore. It will bring international animation academics to Teesside from other universities across the globe which will also help to provide a real boost to the local economy.
“We’re proud to be teaming up with Animex to incorporate a range of Animex Fringe events into the SAS Conference programme to showcase the calibre and vast range of animation greats we continue to work with.”
Professor Chrisina Jayne, Dean of the University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said: “We are delighted that Teesside University has been selected to host the SAS Conference. Hosting this event will build on the fantastic reputation for animation which the University has already established through its courses, facilities and successful graduates, as well as the international links already created through Animex.”
