Animated Visions at Lightbox Expo 2024

LightBox Expo has quickly become one of my favorite places to reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and celebrate the incredible creativity of our animation community. This year was especially meaningful because I had the chance to see our SVA community shine through a special night of screening “Animated Visions” showcasing short animated films created by the talented recent alumni of the BFA Animation and BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects programs at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). The event provided an opportunity for the SVA community to connect with industry professionals.

Notable attendees included: Antonio Canobbio, Ben Kalina, Gabe Lee, and Sung Jin Ahn from Titmouse; Angela Arzumanyan (BFA 2018 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects) from Dreamworks Animation; Cat McDonnell (BFA 2017 Computer Art), Character TD from Walt Disney Animation Studios; Chingtien Chu (MFA 2017 Computer Art), Lighter & CG Artist at Framestore; Deena Beck (BFA 2012 Animation), Storyboard Artist at Disney TVA; Deborah Stoll, Writer; Jena Olson & Lisa Bergeson from WIA (Women in Animation), Karla Chiriboga & Gabriela Chavez (MFA 2015 Computer Art) from Universidad San Francisco de Quito; Mark Osborne, director; Michael Altman (BFA 2014 Computer Art), character TD at Walt Disney Animation Studios; Shauna McGarry, animation writer; and many more. It was wonderful to see such a vibrant mix of alumni, industry professionals, and friends come together to celebrate the incredible work of our graduates.

At the Lightbox Expo, we had two major presence, including the artist table and a SVA-lead panel. The table featured works by alumni Polly Guo (BFA 2012 Animation), Wungavu Tashmon Dimps Jr. (BFA 2022 Animation), and Emily Zullo (BFA 2023 Animation). A selection of zines, stickers, and prints was available for sale, offering a fantastic way to meet fellow artists passionate about animation. Our SVA panel is titled “Epic Fails: Stumbling Towards Growth”. Polly Guo, along with character animator Jakub Bednarz; cinematographer and co-director Yong Duk Jhun (MFA 2000 Computer Art); and current senior BFA Animation student Angelina Retodo, shared their experiences. Moderated by Angelica Vergel, the panel explored how failure can be a valuable tool for professional growth.

For me, LightBox Expo is a beautiful reminder that creativity grows through connection. Some of the most memorable moments happen between panels and portfolio reviews, in spontaneous conversations, shared meals, joyful reunions, and the excitement of introducing one person to another.