SCAD AnimationFest 2024: Big Honours To Genndy Tartakovsky

SCAD AnimationFest is back in Atlanta from September 26-28, honouring industry leader Genndy Tartakovsky, and the best in animation.

Some of the brightest animation industry leaders, students and guests alike will be uniting again in Atlanta. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is proud to announce the return of SCAD AnimationFest next week , from September 26th to 28th, 2024. The illustrious three-day event is not one to miss as it will be held at SCAD’s state-of-the-art SCADshow theater. This year’s honouree and keynote speaker is industry legend Genndy Tartakovsky ( Samurai Jack , Hotel Transylvania ).

There will be insightful panels featuring top executives from leading animation studios, including Adult Swim , Bad Robot, Crafty Apes, DC Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Animation. Most importantly, SCAD AnimationFest showcases the creative endeavours of SCAD students, and allow current students to conenct with alumni who are thriving in their respective industries. “At SCAD, animation is our number one degree program and a large part of student success includes the exclusive opportunity to be mentored by the best in the industry at this signature event,” said director of SCADFILM Mollie Brock.

Thursday will kick off the festival right with a behind-the-scenes presentation of the upcoming Max Original series from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, Creature Commandos. This much anticipated series comes from the mind of James Gunn ( Guardian of the Galaxy films, The Suicide Squad ) which is like the typical Suicide Squad roster, just no humans run by the same old Amanda Waller. Warner Bros. Animation executive vice-president of alternative programming Peter Girardi and supervising producer Rick Morales will be there to present it.

It would not be AnimationFest without a special screening . This year’s special screening features the stop-motion adult drama Memoirs of a Snail. The film is directed by Academy Award-winner Adam Elliot, and received the Cristal Award at this year’s Annecy Film Festival. Friday kicks off with the special SCAD AnimationFest Award of Excellence presentation for Tartakovsky. He has directed, animated and wrote a lot of the series I grew up with like Dexter’s Laboratory, along with other greats like Primal.

Friday will also highlight my favourite animated series of 2023, Netflix’s Blue Eye Samurai . Production designer Toby Wilson will take fans “behind the blade” with an in-depth look at the show’s development process and creative inspirations. The series recently won four Emmys this year! Blue Eye Samurai is currently in production for its second season. The special Friday night first episode preview will be for a new Adult Swim series coming out in 2025, Common Side Effects. Co-creators Joe Bennett and Steve Hely will be doing an exclusive Q&A after the screening too!

To shake things up each day at SCAD AnimationFest 2024, various SCAD Animation Spotlights will showcase current students’ work. The lineup features two captivating animated student films: Chelita and Time Flies. The final day, Saturday, will cap off the event with the iconic SCAD Student Animation Showcase to show off the best of the best projects from the current student body. Whether you need some inspiration for animation work, want to network with top-tier animation studios, or looking to upgrade your skills in animation or film, SCAD AnimationFest 2024 is the place to be.

For SCAD AnimationFest passes, current schedule, and more information, visit the official website .