(Oktapodi, 2007)

Spend an afternoon enjoying examples of animation from across generations at this all-ages program. From noon to 1 pm and again from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, screen short films and clips showcasing 2D (or cell) animation, stop-motion animation, and computer-generated imagery. The film selections showcase how technology has shaped children’s film (and film in general) since its earliest days. You’ll see the evolution of film right before your eyes!

The lineup includes:

Cell Animation:
Gertie the Dinosaur, 1914
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, 1937
The Secret of Kells, 2009

Stop-Motion Animation:
The Dinosaur and the Missing Link, 1915
Teeny Super Little Guy, 1971
Western Spaghetti, 2009

Computer-Generated Imagery:
Luxo, Jr., 1986
Paco, 2008
Oktapodi, 2007

At 1 pm and 3:30 pm, adults and older children can participate in live demonstrations of the different film technologies with three experts in the field. A demonstration of 2D animation will be presented, you’ll see puppets and other elements of stop-motion animation, and a character will come to life (with help from the audience) on the computer screen. Younger moviegoers (ages 4 and up) can participate in a hands-on workshop that allows you to design and create your own simple toy inspired by the earliest experiments in 2D animation.

Featured Animators

John Ludwick has developed and directed 2D and 3D animated pieces for the Cartoon Network, PBS Kids, and ToonDisney. He has been a storyboard artist for over 10 years and is currently a lecturer in the Media Arts and Science program at the IUPUI School of Infomatics.

Albert William focuses in the area of health and medical-related animation. Some of his 3D medical images have appeared on the covers of major medical research journals as well as on health programs aired on local PBS stations. One of his main goals as a research associate in the Media Arts and Science department in the IUPUI School of Infomatics is to use his design abilities to make difficult medical concepts easier to understand through visual imaging.

J. Stephan Leeper has worked as a freelance animator and model maker and was 3D Layout Supervisor at Big Idea Productions where he worked on the VeggieTales series, including the feature film Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie. In addition, he works with puppets, computer animation, and other media to create original stop-motion animated films, and has played an instrumental role in building the Digital Media Arts program at Huntington University.