Animayó Gran Canaria: 20th Edition & Oscar Qualifier

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Animayo Gran Canaria: Where Hollywood’s Magic Meets Island Inspiration

Ever wondered where the next generation of Oscar-winning animators and VFX wizards are honing their craft? Look no further than the sunny shores of Gran Canaria, where Animayo, the International Animation, Visual Effects and Video Games Festival, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.This isn’t just another festival; it’s a hollywood-qualifying event, a breeding ground for talent, and a vibrant hub connecting industry giants with aspiring artists.

from May 7th to 10th, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will transform into a creative powerhouse, hosting masterclasses, workshops, and networking opportunities that could shape the future of entertainment. Think of it as a sneak peek into the minds behind yoru favorite animated films, video games, and visual effects spectacles.

A Star-Studded Lineup: Learning from the Best

Animayo isn’t shy about attracting top-tier talent. This year’s edition boasts over 40 guest speakers,including Oscar,Peabody,Emmy,Goya,Annie,Annecy,and VES (Visual Effects Society Awards) winners and nominees. These aren’t just names on a screen; they’re the creative forces behind some of the most iconic and beloved productions in recent history.

The festival offers 14 masterclasses and 6 workshops at the CICCA space in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, providing attendees with unparalleled access to industry expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, ther’s something to ignite your passion and elevate your skills.

Masterclass Highlights: A Deep Dive into Animation and VFX

The masterclasses cover a wide range of topics, from 3D animation and visual effects to game design and character development. Each 90-minute session, priced at 15 euros for the general public (free for pass holders), includes Spanish translation, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.

• Sherry Gunther Shugerman: Executive Producer of Twilight of the Gods, The Simpsons, and Family Guy. Imagine getting insights into the comedic timing and storytelling secrets behind some of the longest-running and most prosperous animated shows of all time.
• Lorelay Bové: Production Designer and Visual Artist for Zootopia,Big Hero 6,and Encanto. Learn how she brought these vibrant worlds to life, from character design to environmental storytelling.
• Vanitha Rangaraju: VP of Production Operations for shrek,Madagascar,and Puss in Boots. Discover the logistical and creative challenges of managing large-scale animated productions.
• Bruce de Anderson: Producer and Head of Production for Lilo & Stitch, Tarzan, and Pocahontas. Gain insights into the classic Disney animation pipeline and the evolution of storytelling techniques.
• Aaron Gilman: Executive Director and VFX Supervisor for Avatar, The Avengers, and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Explore the cutting-edge visual effects that brought these blockbuster films to life.
• terrence Masson: Creative Executive and VFX Supervisor for The Empire Strikes Back,Return of the Jedi,Hook,and South Park. Hear firsthand accounts of working on some of the most influential films in cinematic history.
• Rémy Terreaux: Animation Supervisor for Arcane, Puss in Boots, and Despicable Me 3. Uncover the secrets behind creating compelling character performances and dynamic action sequences.
• Jordi Solanes: lead Animator for arcane, Planet 51, and Wonder Park. Delve into the technical and artistic aspects of bringing animated characters to life.
• magdalena Rudnicka: VFX Producer for The Witcher (Seasons 2 & 3), The Witcher: Blood Origin, and Shadow and Bone. Learn about the challenges of creating realistic and immersive visual effects for fantasy television.
• Yvon Jardel: Animation Director for Stranger Things, Sonic, and Ant-Man. Discover how animation is used to enhance live-action productions and create memorable characters.
• Ángela Iturriza: Storyboard Artist and Animator for Batman: The Animated Series, Tarzan, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Explore the art of visual storytelling and character animation.
• Daniel Fernández Casas: Character Designer for Robot Dreams and Klaus. Learn the process of creating unique and memorable characters for animated films.
• Javier Romero: VFX Supervisor for Luck, Planet 51, and Mortadelo and Filemón contra Jimmy el Cachondo. Gain insights into the world of visual effects and how they enhance storytelling.
• Raul Rocha: Illusorium Animation Studios (Secret Level, Mega Man: Inicio, Sky: Children of the Light). Discover the innovative approaches used in independent animation studios.
• Carlos Ysbert: Spanish voice actor and dubbing director (Homer Simpson in The Simpsons, Tony Soprano in The sopranos, Chef Skinner in Ratatouille).Explore the art of voice acting and dubbing for animation.
• Sara Vivas: Voice actress and dubbing director (Bart Simpson in The Simpsons, Kyle Broflovski in south Park, Dexter in Dexter’s Laboratory). Learn the techniques for bringing animated characters to life through voice acting.
• Isatxa mengíbar: Voice actress and dubbing director (Lisa Simpson in The Simpsons, Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls). Discover the nuances of voice acting and dubbing for different audiences.
• Klaus Scherwinski: Storyboard Artist and Visual Development (Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Horizon Forbidden West, Hitman, Ryse: Son of Rome). Explore the process of creating visual concepts and storyboards for video games.

Expert Tip: Attending masterclasses is a fantastic way to network with industry professionals.Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share your own work!

Hands-On learning: Animayo’s Immersive Workshops

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, Animayo offers six workshops, each lasting 240 minutes.These sessions focus on practical skills in areas such as storyboard, concept art, character design, voice acting, video game development, and acting for animation.

Instructors include Raúl García (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King), Miriam hidalgo (Chico and Rita, Nocturna, Ellas son únicas), Ayose Lomba (UNAM), Javier Belda González (Game Designer), and the aforementioned Ángela Iturriza, Daniel Fernández Casas, and Sara Vivas.

Speedy Fact: Workshops provide an excellent opportunity to receive personalized feedback on your work and learn from experienced professionals.

The Power of Partnerships: Animayo’s Industry Connections

Animayo’s success is due in no small part to its strong partnerships with leading studios, production companies, universities, and schools. This year’s sponsors and collaborators include Walt Disney Animation Studios, Skydance Animation, Platige, Steamroller Animation, Rodeo FX Creative Company, 3Doubles Campus, Fortiche Production, Illusorium Animation Studios, U-Tad, Centro Universitario de Tecnología y Arte Digital, Movie School by Trazos, UDIT, Universidad de Diseño, Innovación y Tecnología, ECIB, Escola de Cinema de Barcelona, School of Visual Arts, Universidad del atlántico Medio (UNAM), and L’idem Animation School.

These partnerships provide valuable opportunities for students and professionals to connect with potential employers and collaborators. It’s a chance to showcase your talent and learn about the latest industry trends.

Beyond the Classroom: Autographs, Portfolio Reviews, and More

Animayo offers a variety of activities beyond masterclasses and workshops. Autograph sessions will be held for 30 minutes after each masterclass and workshop,allowing attendees to meet their idols and get personalized memorabilia.

Portfolio reviews, held at the Gabinete Literario, provide invaluable feedback from industry professionals. This is a chance to get your work seen by potential employers and receive constructive criticism to help you improve.

The festival also includes 15 educational presentations, 6 premieres and screenings, 3 author presentations, 5 school stands, 20 talent stands, 18 hours of recruitment sessions, and family-amiable activities.

Did you know? Portfolio reviews can significantly increase your chances of landing a job in the animation, VFX, or gaming industries.

Animayo’s Global Reach: From Gran Canaria to the World

Animayo’s impact extends far beyond Gran Canaria. Through its “Animayo itinerante” program, the festival brings its programming to cities and countries around the world, including Los Angeles, Madrid, Barcelona, Lanzarote, Portugal, Czech Republic, Brussels, Chicago, Mumbai, Prague, Colombia, Belgrade, and Korea.

This global reach allows Animayo to connect with a diverse audience and promote the animation, VFX, and gaming industries on an international scale.It’s a testament to the festival’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation around the world.

The future of Animation: What to expect

Animayo Gran Canaria offers a glimpse into the future of animation, VFX, and gaming. Here are some key trends to watch:

• Increased use of AI: Artificial intelligence is already playing a significant role in animation and VFX, automating tasks and creating new possibilities for creative expression. Expect to see even more elegant AI tools in the years to come.
• Virtual and augmented reality: VR and AR are transforming the way we experiance entertainment, and animation and VFX are at the forefront of this revolution. Expect to see more immersive and interactive experiences that blur the lines between the real and virtual worlds.
• real-time rendering: Real-time rendering is becoming increasingly significant for video games and other interactive applications. Expect to see more advanced real-time rendering techniques that allow for more realistic and immersive visuals.
• Focus on diversity and inclusion: The animation,VFX,and gaming industries are becoming more diverse and inclusive,reflecting the changing demographics of the world. Expect to see more stories and characters that represent a wider range of experiences and perspectives.

FAQ: Your Animayo Questions Answered

Q: What is Animayo Gran Canaria?

A: Animayo Gran Canaria is an International Animation, Visual Effects and Video Games Festival held annually in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.It’s a Hollywood-qualifying event that showcases talent, offers masterclasses and workshops, and connects industry professionals with aspiring artists.

Q: When and where does Animayo take place?

A: The 20th anniversary of Animayo Gran Canaria takes place from May 7th to 10th at the CICCA space in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Q: How much do masterclasses and workshops cost?

A: Masterclasses cost 15 euros for the general public and are free for pass holders.Workshops have a duration of 240 minutes each.

Q: Who are some of the guest speakers at Animayo 2025?

A: Guest speakers include Sherry Gunther Shugerman (The Simpsons), Lorelay Bové (Zootopia), vanitha Rangaraju (Shrek), Bruce de Anderson (Lilo & Stitch), Aaron Gilman (Avatar), and many more.

Q: What is the “Animayo Itinerante” program?

A: “Animayo Itinerante” is a program that brings Animayo’s programming to cities and countries around the world, promoting animation, VFX, and gaming on an
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Animayo Gran Canaria: The Future of Animation, VFX, and Gaming – An Expert’s Take

Time.news: Welcome,everyone. Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of animation, VFX, and gaming, with a focus on the Animayo Gran Canaria festival.We’re joined by Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in animation and digital arts education, to shed some light on this impactful event. Dr. Sharma, thanks for joining us.

Dr. Anya Sharma: It’s a pleasure to be here.

Time.news: So, Animayo Gran Canaria is celebrating its 20th anniversary. What makes this festival stand out from other animation festivals around the globe? What specifically makes it Hollywood-qualifying in ways other festivals are not.

Dr. Anya Sharma: Animayo distinguishes itself through a unique combination of factors. First, its Hollywood-qualifying status is a huge draw. This means that certain award winners at Animayo automatically qualify for consideration for the Oscars in the Short Film categories. That immediately elevates the festival’s importance.Second, the festival pulls in top-tier talent – we’re talking Oscar, Emmy, and VES award winners sharing their expertise. But beyond the glitz, Animayo focuses on education and skill development. The intensive masterclasses and workshops offer tangible value to attendees. What truly impressed me about Animayo is its commitment to fostering talent and promoting the animation, VFX, and gaming industries especially in the Spanish and Latin American markets.

Time.news: Talking about talent, the article mentions a star-studded lineup of speakers. Can you highlight a few key individuals and what attendees might gain from their masterclasses?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Absolutely. The sheer breadth of expertise is phenomenal. For aspiring animators interested in sitcoms, Sherry Gunther Shugerman, with her work on The Simpsons and Family Guy, offers invaluable insights into comedic timing and long-running series production. Lorelay Bové,having touched the visual design for Zootopia and Encanto,can unlock secrets of character design and world-building that are paramount. Then ther are vfx leaders like Aaron Gilman who helped with the visual magic of the Avatar and Avengers and can speak to the technological and creative challenges of blockbuster vfx.It really is a rare chance. Getting a masterclass from these individuals is like gold dust for serious animation professionals.

Time.news: The article also mentions workshops.How do these hands-on sessions complement the masterclasses?

Dr. Anya Sharma: The workshops provide a crucial element of practical application. You can hear how Lorelay Bové designs a character in a masterclass, then immediately jump into a workshop to work with experienced artists, like Raúl García of Disney fame, on their own designs, getting feedback and guidance. This immersive learning is incredibly beneficial, particularly for students and early-career professionals who need that hands-on exposure to hone their craft. The focus on areas like storyboard, concept art, and even voice acting broadens the skills base of any attendee.

Time.news: Is voice acting and dubbing becoming increasingly important?

Dr.sharma: Absolutely, with the globalization of media, voice acting and dubbing play a vital role in expanding the reach of animated content. Animayo’s inclusion of workshops and opportunities to learn from voice actors such as carlos Ysbert (Homer Simpson in Spanish) and Sara Vivas and isatxa Mengíbar (Bart and Lisa Simpson respectively) clearly highlights these aspects in bringing animated stories to life.

Time.news: Animayo seems to have impressive industry connections. How do these partnerships benefit attendees?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Animayo’s partnerships with industry giants like Walt Disney Animation Studios, rodeo fx, and leading animation schools create vital pathways for career advancement.These connections provide valuable networking opportunities, portfolio reviews, and even recruitment sessions. For students, it’s a chance to gain exposure to potential employers. For professionals, it’s about building relationships and staying abreast of the latest industry trends and perhaps landing a job in the animation and VFX industries.

Time.news: The “Animayo Itinerante” program expands the festival’s reach globally. Why is this international outreach so important?

Dr. Anya Sharma: “Animayo Itinerante” democratized access to high-quality animation education and showcases talent from diverse cultural backgrounds. By bringing Animayo’s programming to various cities and countries, it fosters creativity, promotes cultural exchange, and drives innovation within the industry on a global scale.

Time.news: The article touches on future trends in animation. What are your thoughts on the increased use of AI, VR/AR, and real-time rendering?

Dr. Anya Sharma: These technologies are reshaping the landscape of animation and VFX dramatically. AI is streamlining workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and enabling new forms of creative expression. From the outlook of education, it means incorporating new technologies into the training curriculum. Virtual and augmented reality are creating immersive experiences, while real-time rendering is revolutionizing video game development. Animayo’s focus on these trends is essential for preparing the next generation of animators and VFX artists for the future.

Time.news: The article mentions the growing focus on diversity and inclusion. How is Animayo contributing to this critically important shift?

Dr. Anya Sharma: By platforming diverse talent and showcasing stories from underrepresented communities, Animayo amplifies voices that have long been marginalized in the industry. This strengthens our global storytelling from diverse perspectives and provides a more accurate depiction of the world as a whole.

Time.news: Any final words of advice for someone considering attending animayo Gran Canaria in the future?

dr.anya Sharma: Absolutely! Come prepared to learn, network, and immerse yourself in the world of animation, VFX and Gaming. Take advantage of the masterclasses, workshops, and portfolio reviews. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share your work. Animayo is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry professionals and elevate your skills.

time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights. This has been incredibly informative.

Dr. Anya Sharma: My pleasure.

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