Tickets
When
Thu 5 Dec 2024
9am – 5pm, Networking Drinks: 5.15pm
A day-long celebration of Australia's animation community – explore how we can build a more sustainable future for our ever-growing workforce.
Calling all animation aficionados, aspiring creators and industry leaders! Join ACMI and Ludo Studio for Animation Utopia: a groundbreaking symposium where emerging and established talent in the Australian animation sector converge to explore the future.
This immersive event offers a platform for discussions with visionary artists and industry decision makers, exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at top Australian studios, and networking opportunities to connect with peers and experts.
Dive into topics exploring how to move your project from script to screen, the latest advancements in technologies and trends shaping animation and navigating the freelance industry. The day will conclude with a relaxed networking event in Cameo (ACMI's cafe & bar).
View speakers | View schedule
Presented with
Don't miss
Speakers
Joe Brumm
Creator of animated series Bluey
Adam Elliot
Academy Award Winning Animator and Filmmaker
Rhiannon Steffensen
Producer – Commercial, Ludo Studio
Claire Renton
Animation Director, Ludo Studio
Bradley Tennant
Production Designer/Creator, Sad Man Studios
Sam Leighton-Dore
Writer/Director/Creator, Sad Man Studios
Leela Varghese
Writer and Director
Emma Fitzsimons
Managing Director, Princess Pictures
Costa Kassab
Art Director, Ludo Studio and Princess Bento Studio
Carmel McAloon
Producer, Media World Pictures
Tom Oxnam
Artist, Illustrator and Animator
Alistair Baldwin
Screenwriter, Comedian, Director & Playwright
Liam Stewart
Animator, Ludo Studio
Libbie Doherty
CEO, Runaway Unicorn
Moon Hoang
Storyboard Artist, Illustrator & Animator
Catriona Drummond
Visual Development Artist, Princess Bento Studio
Mike Cowap
Co-Founder Princess Bento & Executive Producer, Princess Pictures
Bambini
ACMI X + Ludo Studio 2024 Animation Residency Winners
Schedule
8.30am
Registrations Open: Collect your pass and grab a coffee
9–9.35am
Acknowledgment of Country: ACMI Director of Programming, Emily Sexton
Introduction: Claire Renton and Rhiannon Steffensen, Ludo Studio
___________
9.35–10.35am
Session 1: How We Work
Unpacking the unique challenges faced by artists and storytellers working in an increasingly freelance industry. Our panellists delve into the lessons they wish they had known when starting out, shedding light on the nuances of freelance work in animation.
Session Moderators: Tom Oxnam
Panellists: Catriona Drummond (Ludo Studio and Fox), Moon Hoang
___________
10.35–11.05am
Morning tea (provided)
___________
11.05–11.50pm
Session 2: Joe Brumm & Adam Elliot: In Conversation
Insights and stories into the careers of Australia's leading animators.
Presenters: Joe Brumm (via Zoom) and Adam Elliot
___________
11.50–12pm
Break
___________
12–1pm
Session 2: Animation Today
What animated stories are making it to our screens and why? Explore the latest advancements and trends shaping the animation landscape today and pushing creative boundaries.
Session Moderators: Claire Renton (Ludo Studio)
Panellists: Costa Kassab (Ludo Studio and Princess Bento)
Liam Stewart (Ludo Studio), Libbie Doherty (Runaway Unicorn)
Mike Cowap (Princess Pictures & Princess Bento)
___________
1-1.45pm
Lunch (provided)
___________
1.45–2.15pm
Short Film Screening:
The Pansy of Pickadee (dir. Gus George & Paddy Morahan)
It Is What It Is (dir. Hannah Lin)
Organ Donor (dir. Maya Templer)
___________
2.15–3.15pm
Session 3: Script to Screen
Explore the journey of transforming a great idea into a captivating visual story for our screens. Our panel will guide you through the essential steps in the process, starting with what to do once you have that spark of inspiration.
Session Moderators: Alistair Baldwin
Panellists: Sam Leighton-Dore (Sad Man Studios)
Brad Tennant (Sad Man Studios),
Leela Varghese (Co-writer & Director, Lesbian Space Princess)
___________
3.15–3.30pm
Break
___________
3.30–4.30pm
Session 4: Animation Utopia Now!
What does an Animation Utopia look like for Australian artists? How to find and create projects that not only challenge your creative capabilities but also how to create a safe and supportive environment – because the work should be the challenge, not the workplace!
Session Moderators: Rhiannon Steffensen (Ludo Studio)
Panellists: Emma Fitzsimmons (Princess Pictures)
Carmel McAloon (Strange Chores)
__________
4.30–4.40pm
ACMI X + Ludo Animation Grant Recipients Showcase
See how Melbourne-based animation team Bambini, winners of the 2024 ACMI X + Ludo Studio Residency are progressing with their project Il Cattivo Bambino; an innovative and wholly original animated project.
___________
4.40–5.15pm
Closing Remarks
ACMI + Ludo Studio
___________
5.15–6.45pm
Networking drinks (Fed Square Foyer, Level 1)
Presented with
Projects & Partnerships
We have been working closely with the screen sector and small-to-medium creatives since 2015, providing access to a range of resources, programming and connection to industry.
