Disney VP Takes Over Animania With Knockout Keynote at MAF 2023
Main Takeaways:
– The Manchester Animation Festival (MAF) announced its keynote speaker for the annual “Animation Nation Forum” is none other than Orion Ross, Disney’s Vice President of International Animation.
– The festival uses this keynote as a yearly opportunity to learn from an industry guru, and with Ross on the mic, it looks set to be an enlightening experience.
– The programme further promises exciting events, demonstrating MAF’s devotion to delivering nothing short of show-stopping spectacle.
In Summary:
Orion Ross, the wizard behind Disney’s animation curtain, takes the stage at MAF 2023. As the keynote speaker, he’s expected to give an inspiring, insightful, Mickey-Mouse-eared pep talk sure to put some bounce in animators’ sketch pads.
Hot Take:
Forget Disney World because MAF 2023 is the place to be! As Disney’s VP for Animation, Orion Ross, takes the spotlight, attendees should buckle up because they’re going on a magical carpet ride through the wild, imaginative world of animation. Prepare to be dazzled, because Ross is likely to make his presentation more entertaining than a barrel of Dingles (that’s Disney jingle, folks). Brace yourself for an infusion of animation wisdom straight from the fairy godmother’s mouth. This year’s MAF is shaping up to be more exciting than a nail-biting Disneyland roller coaster ride. Hold on to your sketchpads, animation fans, it’s about to get legendary!
Getting Up to Speed with the Manchester Animation Festival reveals the year’sfeatured speaker for its noteworthy “Animation Mix” forum (previously known as Industry Day), as well as additional events supplementing the lineup.
The Animation Mix forum every year provides an intimate interaction with a front-runner from the animation world. This year’s discourse will be led by Orion Ross, Vice President, International Animation, Disney Branded Television at The Walt Disney Company.
Under Ayo Davis’s leadership, Orion Ross and his UK team develop innovative animated series for Disney’s global audience and platforms, including Disney+. Orion’s team focuses on projects originating outside the USA, working closely with independent studios and artists.
The team’s recent and upcoming projects span an exciting range, from Disney+ Originals likeKizazi Moto: Generation Fire, and The Sunnyridge 3, to global collaborations likeMiraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.
Orion Ross shares his excitement about speaking at the Animation Mix forum, expressing eagerness to discuss Disney’s global projects and the growing opportunities for UK’s vibrant animation industry.
Nominations for 2023’s Industry Excellence Awards have also been announced, featuring Cartoon Saloon, Lupus Films, Hanna-Barberta, and Magic Light Pictures. The complete list of nominations is available on the Manchester Animation Festival website.
Adding to the event’s lineup, the State of the Animation Nation roundtable will present an insightful discussion on the contemporary scenario of the animation industry. The panel will include luminaries like Lucy Murphy (Director of Kids Content, Sky) and Courtney Arumugam (Executive Producer, The LEGO Group).
Throughout the week, intriguing panels such as Short Insights: The Animated Shorts Industry Perspective, and In The Frame: AI shaping the Future of Animation Production, will engross audiences with thought-provoking discussions.
Attendees will also have the chance to Meet the Puppets from Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and interact with a MixMups’ Panel; a refreshing addition involving disabled lead characters.
Special sessions with industry pioneers like Anttu Harlin (Co-Founder and CEO, Gigglebug Entertainment) and a unique Industry Light & Magic Masterclass with Alex Teoh (Senior Animator) are other highlights of the festival.
The Manchester Animation Festival acknowledges the support of the BFI, HOME, University of Salford, Blue Zoo, BBC Children’s & Education, XP-Pen, Leonardo Hotels. Join the festival from 12th to 17th November in-person and online. For more information, visit www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/orion-ross-industry-keynote-maf-2023/