Last week, Sheridan hosted an exciting event at the Trafalgar Campus to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Animation program.
Animation Day, which took place on Thursday, February 7, was held in conjunction with a three-day conference featuring alumni from the Honours Bachelor of Animation program’s class of 2009, representing studios such as DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. and Corus Entertainment. Across the three days, the alumni conducted portfolio reviews, roundtables and workshops for Animation students.
Mark Sperber, a story artist with Sony Pictures Animation, helped coordinate the reunion. He noted that inspiration for the conference came to him in late 2018, when he realized that the following year would mark the 10th anniversary of his graduation from Sheridan.
“I knew all of my old classmates were working in the industry — some in LA, some in Vancouver, some in Toronto and Asia,” he explains. “I thought it would be great not only for us all to come back to our old stomping grounds, but to also share our knowledge. What did we learn after we graduated? What’s it like to be working in the animation industry today? How can students prepare? We wanted to be able to give back in some way.”
Animation Day featured screenings of student films from the past 50 years, a photo/boomerang station, a craft-making booth, Animation Plinko and a cake.
There was also an opportunity to send best wishes to the three Sheridan graduates who are currently Oscar contenders.
See some images from the event below:
The A-Wing pit was decked out with balloons and posters for the big day.
Alumni from the Honours Bachelor of Animation program’s class of 2009 mingled with Sheridan students at the event.
Students had the opportunity to stretch their creative muscles and create their own characters.
What’s a celebration without cake? Slices of Animation 50-decorated cakes were given out to attendees.
Students and staff could win prizes through a round of Animation Plinko.
Students and staff writing congratulatory messages to the Sheridan graduates nominated for Academy Awards.