Miami Dade College (MDC) again will host the MIA Animation Conference & Festival on Friday, Oct. 13, and Saturday, Oct. 14, at its Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami.
The acclaimed event features world-renowned speakers and technology influencers from the nation’s top animation studios, universities, and the best talent in the industry. It has become one of the most exciting and cutting edge events for animation in the world, with involvement from a community of advanced technology explorers, decision makers, trendsetters, software developers, disruptors and creative industry professionals.
The industry conference focuses on Computer Animation, Gaming, Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, Film, Web Design and Visual Arts.
It draws some of the world’s top leaders in animation and education, and features exhibitions, workshops and master classes. It has been designed to be a forum for active networking and practical information exchange with strong commitment and emphasis in education while developing and nourishing new talent.
Featured speakers at this year’s MIA Animation Festival include Matt Shumway, animation supervisor at ILM; Drew Tolman, vice president development and production at Dreameast Studios; Leah Hoyer, vice president of creative at Telltale Games, and Kat Thorson Good, director at the Walt Disney Company.
Some of this year’s highlights include the Arts & Technology Breakfast, which will explore the ways in which the arts and tech industries can work together to build a connected creative ecosystem. Also, exploring the power that creativity can bring to everything it touches, specifically to amplify technology as a true connector and catalyst for innovation.
Another highlight is Game On, the third annual indie game competition, which is sponsored by MIA Animation and the Idea Center @ MDC. The competition was created to encourage independent game development and fresh voices in the video game industry. In addition to a $1,000 cash award, the winner will receive a consulting meeting with an experienced incubator program. The finalists will be showcased at the MIA Animation Festival where attendees will be able to play the prototype.
The MIA Animation Festival also will hold a Pitching Contest for applicants to submit animation projects for a TV animated series. The top submissions in both categories will be invited to pitch their idea in person to a panel of animation industry experts and professionals. The top pitch overall will be set up with interviews with major animation studio execs in Los Angeles. The submission deadline is Aug. 31.
Yet another highlight of the MIA Animation Festival is the Students and Young Directors competitions, which are currently taking submissions for animated films to be judged for conceptual, technical, and aesthetic innovation and excellence. The submission deadline is Sept. 15.
The conference is free for MDC students and faculty; $115 for students and $195 for professionals.
For more information, visit miaanimation.com or call 305-521-3429.
