Animated Connections Conference: Bridging Education and Industry

A dedicated day of discussion that blends industry practice with academic excellence to explore and enhance the prospects for educating in the animated artform. For 2023 our yearly Educating Animators conference has been reborn as the Animated Connections Conference.

The conference will demolish the barriers between education, training and industry to bring together key figures from the sector for lively chat and constructive conversations, highlighting good practice from industry and exploring all educational avenues that will build a better animation ecosystem for all.

At Animated Connections Conference the conversation between academia and industry is refreshed and anyone with an interest in training or education in animation is welcome to join us for a packed day of practical events, panels and keynote speakers.

2023 Keynote speakers include Andrew Schussel, Senior Director, Training and Development at DNEG Animation and Shelley Page, Key talent and artist liaison at Locksmith Animation.

This event will run from 13:00 to 17:45, ending with a drinks reception. Full schedule below:

13:00 – 13:10: Welcome
13:10 – 13:45: Opening Keynote: ‘Why Draw?’ by Andrew Schlussel
1q3:45 – 14:00: Break and Networking
14:00 – 15:00: ‘Industry Skills or Academic Excellence?’ with guests Michael Smith, Jon Rennie, Tim Searle and Shelley Page
15:00 – 15:15: Break and Networking
15:15 – 16:00: Breakout Sessions
16:00 – 16:15: Break and Networking
16:15 – 17:00: Present Findings
17:00 – 17:45: Closing Keynote: ‘How To Be Wanted’ by Shelley Page
17:45 – 18:30: Closing Thanks + Networking Drinks Reception

Guests

Andrew Schlussel

Andrew is Senior Director, Training and Development at DNEG Animation. Prior roles include leading training at Netflix Animation, Framestore and MPC, and educational roles at DreamWorks Animation and Pixar.

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Shelley Page

Shelley Page is Artist Liaison at Locksmith Animation, which is currently in production on 'That Christmas' (2024). She is constantly seeking out amazing artists for the studio's feature animation projects.

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Tim Searle

Tim is a director, producer, executive producer and enthusiast. He’s worked in animation for over 30 years (he started early) and is best known for his work on Toad & Friends, Mr Bean, Danger Mouse, Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed, Have I Got News for You, I am Not An Animal, 2DTV, Horrible Histories and more.

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Jon Rennie

Jon Rennie is Managing Director of Cloth Cat, an award-winning animation and games company specialising in the children's market. Projects include the Emmy-nominated Luo Bao Bei, Shane the Chef, The Rubbish World of Dave Spud, Olobob Top, Ethel & Ernest, Boj, Grandpa in my Pocket and Disney's Tales of Friendship with Winnie the Pooh.

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Michael Smith

Michael is the course leader of the BA(hons) Animation and supervisor on the MA Animation course at Leeds Arts University. Michael’s research interest is focussed on pedagogy, animation education and industry. He has recently had a book chapter published titled, The Industrialisation of Animation Education.

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