In recognition of the great northern nation’s sesquicentennial, Spark CG has set a lineup of prestigious Canadian animators to speak over a six-month Special Series for Canada 150. Kicking off on July 8 and running through December 9 at the Vancouver Film School, heroes of indie Canadian animation hailing from Bonavista to Vancouver Island, from the Arctic Circle to the Great Lakes.
All sessions will be held Saturdays at 1:30 p.m.
SCHEDULE:
July 8: Robert Valley – “From Graphic Novels to Animated Music Videos and Short Films”
From writing to animating to directing, Robert Valley does it all. His latest independent film, Pear Cider & Cigarettes, oozes coolness and is a very personal story about Valley and his friend Techno, was recently nominated for an Oscar. How did he do it? Find out about this and much much more about this amazing artist and his distinctive stylings in this very special presentation.
August 12: Bruce Alcock – “The Commerce of Art & the Art of Commerce”
Is there anything Bruce Alcock can’t do? Music, painting, TV shows, independent films, commercials, apps, video games and multimedia art projects, he has done it all. Alcock’s work has been recognized by numerous awards including the Academy and Emmy Awards. Join us as Alcock discusses the balance of art and commerce, how they affect one another and how you need both to succeed.
September 9: Danny Antonucci – “East Van Rules! The Original Bad Boy of Animation”
Danny Antonucci has made a career of drawing on his childhood influences of life on the Eastside of Vancouver. From the cult classic Lupo the Butcher to The Brothers Grunt and the longest running original Cartoon Network series, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Antonucci continues to influence and inspire a generation of like-minded independents.
October 14: Cordell Barker – “Animation Heartland: A Field of Reams”
As an independent animation filmmaker who focuses on pacing, action and narrative, Cordell Barker is one of Canada’s brightest lights. With a distinguished career that has garnered two Oscar nominations and almost 50 awards from every major film and animation festival in the world, Barker has brought worldwide acclaim and attention, not only to Canada, but to its animation heartland, Winnipeg. It is our greatest pleasure to have Barker present and discuss his multi award-winning short films.
November 11: Theodore Ushev – “East Meets West: The Animation of Theodore Ushev”
Montreal is the most un-Canadian of Canadian cities. That’s why we love it. It’s Europe without the jetlag, Paris without the exchange rates, but with all the great things we’ve come to expect from the EU Continent — including animation. Theodore Ushev helps keep the Eastern European sensibility alive in Montreal. Growing up with a rich cultural heritage, mixed political landscape and cross border influences, Ushev has transformed his graphic designs into animated films that at once, entrance, shock and enthrall us. By the dark subject matter, the graphic textures and the European atmospheres, Ushev takes us on a cinematic journey of dreams and nightmares.
December 9: Janet Perlman – “Breaking out of the Cel, Janet Perlman Released”
Janet Perlman has carved out an impressive career in animated shorts, television commercials, educational films and children’s books. Alongside her independent work, her NFB films have earned international acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin. Perlman’s films are humorously funny, and yet always convey a message. Animation has allowed Perlman to incorporate all her artistic musings, drawing, storytelling and humour, dance and movement and music together. Entertaining and educational, these are the qualities that are equally important to Perlman and found in her many films.
Janet Perlman has carved out an impressive career in animated shorts, television commercials, educational films and children’s books. Alongside her independent work, her NFB films have earned international acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin. Perlman’s films are humorously funny, and yet always convey a message. Animation has allowed Perlman to incorporate all her artistic musings, drawing, storytelling and humour, dance and movement and music together. Entertaining and educational, these are the qualities that are equally important to Perlman and found in her many films.
Reservations are now open at canada150.sparkcg.ca; admission is $10 CAD or $7 for individuals in groups of 5 or more. Sign up for the Spark newsletter to stay up to date on announcements and events at list.spark.cg.
