ASIFA-Hollywood and 2015 San Diego Comic-Con

Animated Effects in Live Action Productions, Thursday, 7/9/15, 3:30p.m. – 4:30p.m., Room: 26AB – When the word animation is used, we think of cartoons. However, the line between live action and animation is becoming blurred due to technological advances. This panel will include industry professionals who create some of the most memorable animated visual effects, and will discuss how they blend animation with live action seamlessly. ASIFA-Hollywood Vice President David Derks will moderate the lively discussion with Adam Howard (Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Peter Hyoguchi (The New Kind, Lavalancha), Kevin VanHook (The Vampire Diaries, Rizzoli & Isles), Ian Hunter (Inception, The Dark Knight, Interstellar) and Michael Hofstein (Ice Planet, Drop Zone, Mask of Zorro).

The State of the Industry: Animation, Friday, 7/10/15, 5:00p.m. – 6:00p.m., Room: 28DE – Moderated by Tom Sito What do the pros think of the animation scene today? Is 2D dead? What’s happening in visual effects? How do I get a job? This panel will explore how animators fit into current business models of animation studios and the ever-changing landscape of motion pictures, television and new media. From motion picture production to creating animated shorts for the internet, the panel will discuss the industry across all disciplines as it is today, and how animators find and create jobs. The panel will include professionals from major and independent studios, commercial production, as well as up and coming animators new to the industry. Disney and DreamWorks animator and chair of the USC Animation Department Tom Sito has been called a “key figure in the Disney Renaissance”, and one of the One Hundred Most Important People in Animation. He will be leading the discussion with Beth Sleven (Wallykazam), Musa Booker (Robot Chicken), Zahra Dowlatabadi (Bobbie Page), Rick Farmiloe (Boxtrolls), Jim Hillin (Spiderman), and Einar Baldvin (Pride of Strathmoor).

Worst Cartoons Ever!, Friday, 7/10/15, 8:15p.m. – 9:15p.m., Room: 6BCF – Jerry Beck (Cartoon Research) will once again compile a new election of the most terribly written, ugliest drawn and unintentionally funniest animated films ever made. Cartoons include Mighty Mr. Titan (a physical fitness superhero) and Super President (a one-man weapon of mass destruction)! Be sure to enjoy some of the worst there is out there in this hilarious salute. 2015 will be the 12th year of Jerry Beck hosting this classic show!