SCAD AnimationFest schedule and tickets
SCAD AnimationFest 2025 features three days of screenings, presentations, and panels on the present and and future of animation and digital media. Explore the festival schedule before you purchase passes. Individual event tickets are on sale now.
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025
11 a.m.
Storytelling Through Music with Disney Television Animation and Disney Jr.
In conversation with: Jay Stutler, senior vice president of music, Disney TVA; Dan Povenmire, co-creator, Phineas and Ferb; Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, co-creator, Phineas and Ferb; Craig Gerber, creator and executive producer, Sofia the First: Royal Magic; Michelle Lewis, composer, Doc McStuffins, Kindergarten: The Musical
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
Music is an integral part of Disney's storytelling, sparking happiness and joy in content that creates lasting emotional connections with the company's most cherished audiences: kids and families. Join creators across Disney Television Animation (TVA) and Disney Jr. for a panel discussion focused on creating viral, record-breaking music for kids inspired by their favorite Disney characters.
12:30 p.m.
Inside the Stump: A Stop-Motion Journey with Ozlem Akturk
Presented by: Ozlem Akturk, co-creator and director of photography
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2
Step inside the stump with Ozlem Akturk, co-creator and director of photography of The Tiny Chef Show — the wildly popular stop-motion series that has charmed millions across social media and network TV. In this behind-the-scenes talk, Akturk shares how she carved out her place in the world of stop-motion, blending meticulous craftsmanship with creative resilience and life beyond the studio. Through exclusive visuals and personal insights, she will explore what it takes to thrive in a hands-on medium, from navigating production challenges to building lasting industry connections. Whether you're into filmmaking, animation, or just love a good story, this inspiring session offers a rare look into the artistry, hustle, and heart behind the lens of Tiny Chef.
2:30 p.m.
Inside the Hunt: The Making of 'Predator: Killer of Killers'
Presented by: Dustin Warnock, director, Third Floor Animation/The Third Floor Inc.
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
Go behind the scenes of Hulu's 2025 sci-fi thriller Predator: Killer of Killers in this exclusive look at the groundbreaking animation and visual storytelling that brought the legendary franchise to a new frontier. This session dives deep into the creative process — from early concept development to final compositing — exploring how the team used cutting-edge animation techniques to reinvent the Predator mythos for a new generation. Discover how motion capture, hybrid animation workflows, and advanced visual effects were fused to deliver a visceral, stylized experience worthy of the galaxy's ultimate hunter.
5 p.m.
A 'Phineas and Ferb' Celebration: Honoring Animation Legends Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
In conversation with: Dan Povenmire, co-creator, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, co-creator and producer
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
Celebrate Phineas and Ferb creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh as they receive SCAD AnimationFest's Legends in Animation Award. Known for its sharp wit, heartfelt storytelling, and endlessly inventive premise, Phineas and Ferb became a global phenomenon, capturing audiences of all ages with unforgettable characters, catchy original songs, and a summer that never seemed to end. This special event features a screening of a fan-favorite episode and a live conversation with Povenmire and Marsh as they reflect on the show's legacy, their creative process, and their enduring impact on the world of animation.
7:30 p.m.
Screening: 'The Mighty Nein'
In conversation with: Tasha Huo, executive producer and showrunner; Joseph Martinez, art director; Jess Lackey, character and layout supervisor
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
Visit SCAD AnimationFest for an exclusive preview screening of The Mighty Nein, the highly anticipated animated series from Critical Role and Amazon Studios. Based on the beloved second campaign of Critical Role, The Mighty Nein follows a band of chaotic adventurers as they confront their pasts and forge their destinies in a world of magic, mystery, and unexpected heroism. After the screening, stick around for an in-depth conversation with key creatives from the series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling, worldbuilding, and creative process that brought the characters of The Mighty Nein to life.
Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
10 a.m.
Level Up: Designing the Future of Games
In conversation with: Luis Cataldi, Epic Ecosystem and Unreal Engine academic advisor, Epic Games; Andrew Greenberg, executive director, Georgia Game Developers Association; Blake Baxter, co-CEO and co-founder, Immersive Enterprise Laboratories (IEL)
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2
The gaming industry is evolving faster than ever — and today's students are the ones who will shape what comes next. From groundbreaking visual storytelling to new forms of player interaction, the future of gaming promises bold innovation and endless creative potential. This panel brings together industry professionals to explore where games are headed and how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are influencing everything from game design to worldbuilding. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the possibilities ahead and the skills that will define the next generation of game creators.
11 a.m.
SCAD Student Showcase
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
At SCAD, animation students train in one of the most dynamic and influential fields in entertainment. This selection of student-produced short films highlights the diverse styles and techniques explored in the program, reflecting the creativity and craft SCAD students bring to careers in film, television, and beyond.
12:15 p.m.
Alumni Voices
Panelists: James Eason-Garcia (B.F.A., film and television, 2008), co-executive producer and story editor, Marvel's Iron Man and his Awesome Friends, Disney; Niki Marmo (M.F.A., visual effects, 2009), development director, Broadsword Online Games; Annika Elyse (B.F.A., animation, 2020), 2D rig artist; Cierra Ramsey (B.F.A., animation, 2019), background artist, Alane Adams Studios
Location: FORTY, Event Space
Meet SCAD alumni who turned their college dreams into creative careers in animation, game development, visual effects, and more. In this inspiring panel, these star SCAD alums will pull back the curtain on how they navigated school, broke into competitive industries, and produced career-defining projects. Expect candid stories and powerful advice to help you maximize your SCAD experience and chart your own path to success.
1:30 p.m.
Drawn to Stand Out: Building a Career with Your Unique Style
In conversation with: Sanford Greene, illustrator, Bitter Root; Rossi Gifford, comic artist and character designer and art director, Invincible Presents: Atom Eve
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2
Hear from artists who have turned their unique styles into careers across animation, comics, games, and more. By staying flexible and forging their own paths, these creatives have had opportunities on huge studio projects while also creating original content along the way. This conversation is a reminder that there's no one way into the entertainment industry, and that your individual voice can be your greatest asset in as a professional.
2:45 p.m.
SCAD Student Spotlight: 'Inkwashed'
In conversation with: Noah French (B.F.A. visual effects), producer; Emma Richmond (M.F.A. animation), director and animation co-lead; more to be announced
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
SCAD Animation Studios offers students from different disciplines the opportunity to work together on animated films that mirror the production practices of major entertainment studios. Join talented SCAD students for a special screening of Inkwashed, a film exploring what happens when catastrophe strikes a pair of doodled creations — who must choose between competition and teamwork to save each other. A 3D animated film pondering the question of what life would be like inside a drawing, Inkwashed envisions the mischief these drawings might get into.
This screening will be followed by a conversation with the student filmmakers.
4 p.m.
Visual Storytelling in Animation: Cinematography & Layout with Rob Dressel
Presented by: Rob Dressel, director of cinematography and layout, Walt Disney Animation Studios
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2
Walt Disney Animation Studios' Rob Dressel explores how cinematography and layout serve as the backbone of compelling storytelling in animation in this SCAD AnimationFest presentation. Dressel will share insights from his journey across both live-action and animated filmmaking, highlighting how previsualization, composition, camera movement, and staging work together to create emotionally resonant and visually dynamic scenes.
Whether you're an aspiring artist or an industry pro, this presentation offers an inside look at the tools and techniques used to bring animated worlds to life through the lens of the camera.
5:15 p.m.
From Scratch to Screen: Adapting Novels and Comics for a Global Audience
In conversation with: Leeanne M. Krecic, comic creator, Let's Play; Brandon Lee, author, The Beginning After the End; Heather Horn, producer, Crunchyroll
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
What does it take to bring a webnovel from a digital page to a major global streaming platform? Join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation with original creators Leeanne M. Krecic (a.k.a. Mongie) of romantic comedy Let's Play and Brandon Lee (a.k.a. TurtleMe) of the fantasy epic The Beginning After the End as they discuss the process from scratch and how both widely popular webnovels received their anime adaptations! Krecic and Lee will be joined by Heather Horn, a producer at Crunchyroll who has worked on both series and specializes in bridging anime production between Japan and global creators. With experience spanning titles like Viral Hit, Fena: Pirate Princess, and Metallic Rouge, Horn brings a unique industry perspective on what it takes to adapt and produce stories for an international audience. Whether you're an aspiring writer, artist, producer, or just a fan of webcomics and anime, this is your chance to hear firsthand how passion projects can evolve into something much bigger.
7 p.m.
Screening: 'Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires'
In conversation with: Juan Meza-León, director; Jose Carlos de Letona, producer
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
A bold animated reimagining of Batman set against the rich cultural tapestry of 16th-century Mesoamerica, Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires transforms the Dark Knight into Yohualli Coatl, an Aztec warrior rising from tragedy to embrace justice and vengeance after his father is slain by Spanish conquistadors. Following the screening, director Juan Meza‑León will discuss the creative vision, cultural inspirations, storytelling choices, and visual design that brought this unique fusion of superhero mythos and Mesoamerican history to life.
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025
9 a.m.
Flapjacks and Throwbacks: 'Monsters, Inc.'
In conversation with: Esther Pearl, CEO, Nell Productions; Nathan Stanton, assistant director, Sunrise Animation Studios
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
Start your Saturday with some laughs, heart, and a little monster mayhem — plus pancakes that even Mike and Sulley would sneak out of the factory for!
Join us at 9 a.m. for Monsters, Inc.-themed pancakes and other Boo-approved breakfast items. Then, at 10 a.m., grab your seat for a special screening of the beloved Pixar classic that opened the doors to the monster world and introduced audiences to Mike, Sulley, and Boo. Following the screening, stick around for a conversation with two industry veterans who played vital roles in the creation of the film: Esther Pearl, a production manager and script coordinator on Monsters, Inc., and Nathan Stanton, a story artist. Pearl and Stanton will share behind-the-scenes insights from their more than two-year journey creating this beloved Pixar classic, including the collaborative storytelling process and how Pixar's creative culture has helped shape the future of animation.
12:15 p.m.
'Bat-Fam' Presentation
Presented by: Mike Roth, executive producer and showrunner; Guillaume Fesquet, art director
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2
Bat-Fam follows the events of the hit film Merry Little Batman, focusing on Batman, Alfred, and young Damian Wayne — who has now taken on the mantle of Little Batman — alongside a few newcomers to Wayne Manor, as they navigate the fun and frustrations of life as a super family. In this presentation, go behind the scenes of Bat-Fam and discover how this unique take on Gotham's favorite crime-fighting family came to life. From early concept development to final animation, the creative team will walk you through their process. Whether you're a longtime Bat-Fan or new to the Batman universe, this is your chance to get an inside look at the making of this highly anticipated new show.
1:30 p.m.
The First Sketch: Building a Career in Online Animation
In conversation with: Zach Bellissimo (Long Gone Gulch), Brendan Blaber (JelloApocalypse), Zi Chen (Ramshackle), Devon St. Arnaud (GingerPale)
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
Join a dynamic panel of animation-focused YouTubers as they pull back the curtain on their creative journeys — from first uploads to viral hits. These self-made digital storytellers will share how they launched their channels, built loyal audiences, and turned passion projects into careers. Discover the tools, habits, and strategies that helped them thrive in the fast-paced world of online content creation. Whether you're an aspiring animator, storyteller, or content creator, you'll walk away from this panel with real-world insights, inspiration, and actionable advice to kickstart your own creative path.
3:30 p.m.
SCAD Student Spotlight: 'Blood and Bamboo'
In conversation with: Anya Perez (B.F.A. animation), director; Garrett Ray (M.F.A. animation), animation director; Aaron Raven Campilan (M.F.A. animation) background lead; Gab Talan (B.F.A. animation), production management
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
SCAD Animation Studios offers students from different disciplines the opportunity to work together on animated films that mirror the production practices of major entertainment studios. Join talented SCAD students for a special screening of Blood and Bamboo, a film about a mother who teaches her daughter an ancient fighting style disguised as dance — only for its true purpose to be revealed when Spanish soldiers raid their village
This screening will be followed by a conversation with the student filmmakers.
5 p.m.
A Global Phenomenon: 'KPop Demon Hunters' Screening and Award Celebration
In conversation with: Chris Appelhans, co-director, KPop Demon Hunters
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage
Join us at 5 p.m. for a special KPop Demon Hunters celebration featuring themed treats and interactive activities inspired by the film's colorful world and high-energy K-pop aesthetic! Then, at 6 p.m., head inside the theater for a special screening of the electrifying new animated film, which follows a group of fearless demon hunters navigating a vibrant, music-fueled world where K-pop culture meets supernatural action.
The film has soared to the top of global Netflix charts and made waves across international music platforms thanks to its vibrant fusion of K-pop style, Korean cultural motifs, and cutting-edge 3D animation. The film's success highlights how blending diverse cultural influences can redefine mainstream animation, inspiring studios around the world to experiment with bold new visual styles and storytelling methods. Director Chris Appelhans will receive the SCAD AnimationFest Impact Award on behalf of himself and fellow director Maggie Kang, and share insights on the film during a post-screening Q&A.
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