Art + Biz Day
Sept 27, 2024
Co-presented with:
Made possible with the support of Ontario Creates
Art + Biz Day: BRIC @ TAC
Helping all creators find their career path
OIAF in partnership with BRIC Foundation presents Art + Biz Day: BRIC @ TAC at the National Arts Centre (NAC) 1 Elgin Street. Art + Biz Day includes a full morning of programming focused on breaking, reinventing, impacting, and changing the animation industry. Open to all TAC and Anima Pass passholders.
BRIC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit company dedicated to increasing representation in Entertainment, Gaming, Media and Tech. Founded in 2018 by Alison Mann, Nicole Hendrix, and Jill Gilbert, BRIC Foundation was created to change how entertainment companies approach and discuss hiring around diversity. By teaming up with Education, Government, Non-Profit, and Industry partners, BRIC is proud to be creating equitable pathways for future generations of diverse creators to tell their stories and make an impact on the world. More information can be found here: https://www.bricfoundation.org/donate
With generous support from:
In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, OIAF is striving to make TAC more accessible to all who wish to attend by offering complimentary subsidized passes for equity-deserving groups. Check this space in summer 2025 to apply.
Art + Biz Schedule
Friday, September 27
National Arts Centre (NAC), 1 Elgin St.
8:00 am – 9:00 am Art + Biz Networking Breakfast presented by Canada Media Fund (CMF)
9:00 am – 9:45 am Advice from Animators: Staying Strong in Tough Times!
9:30 am – 10:30 am Meet a Mentor (Session 1/2)
10:00 am – 11:00 am Examining One’s “Self” with Pixar SparkShort Director Searit Huluf
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Meet a Mentor (Session 2/2)
11:15 am – 12:15 pm Navigating the Animation Pipeline: Industry Roles & Career Strategies
Panels and Activities
Art + Biz Breakfast
Presented in partnership with Canada Media Fund (CMF)
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Canada Foyer & Canada Room (Level 2 / Elgin Level)
Start your Friday at the NAC with a Networking Breakfast presented by Canada Media Fund (CMF). Head into the weekend reconnected with fellow TAC attendees and meet new ones.
Talk: Advice from Animators: Staying Strong in Tough Times!
9:00 am – 9:45 am
Canada Room (Level 2 / Elgin Level)
Meet animators who have found success in the animation industry despite its ups and downs. Remember, you are not on your own. Hear valuable insights from studio animators about professional growth, building connections, and leaning into the animation community. This gathering of experienced animators aims to provide reassurance, optimism, and motivation as you navigate the industry and the next chapter of your career.
Panelists:
Hana Schonegger, Lead, Women in Animation (WIA) – Montreal
José Pou, Freeland Storyboard Artist, Animator
Sam Gurry, Filmmaker, Azealia Banks ’23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles’
Chris Rutledge, Director, Grin Machine
Moderator:
Alison Mann, Co-Founder and Manager, BRIC Foundation and Fourth Wall Management
Meet a Mentor (Session 1/2)
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Le Salon (Level 1 / Canal Level)
The OIAF presents this opportunity for you to meet with industry experts at real-time mentoring sessions. During a 17-minute meeting, you can get feedback on your demo reel, portfolio, or pitch, and even seek career advice!
Priority access will be given to animators from equity-deserving groups to network and have their work reviewed.
Preregistration is required. Sign up here!
Talk: Examining One’s “Self” with Pixar SparkShort Director Searit Huluf
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Canada Room (Level 2 / Elgin Level)
Named one of the Top 10 Animators to Watch in Variety, Searit Huluf is here to dive into her incredible career journey, discuss challenges, and celebrate her achievements as an animation & live-action director, writer, and producer. This one-on-one conversation with Aubry Mintz, Executive Director of ASIFA-Hollywood, and audience Q&A will explore Searit’s inspirations, foundation, and dynamic career within the animation industry, which will include a short Behind-the-Scenes presentation of the making of Self. Join Searit to contemplate ideas for finding opportunities and minimizing systemic challenges, while empowering the next generation of animators to pursue their dreams and step into leadership roles, including as directors.
Guest:
Searit Huluf, Director of Self, SparkShorts Director, Pixar Animation Studios
Moderator:
Aubry Mintz, Executive Director, ASIFA-Hollywood
Meet a Mentor (Session 2/2)
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Le Salon (Level 1 / Canal Level)
The OIAF presents this opportunity for you to meet with industry experts at real-time mentoring sessions. During a 17-minute meeting, you can get feedback on your demo reel, portfolio, or pitch, and even seek career advice!
Priority access will be given to animators from equity-deserving groups to network and have their work reviewed.
Preregistration is required. Sign up here!
Talk: Navigating the Animation Pipeline: Industry Roles & Career Strategies
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Canada Room (Level 2 / Elgin Level)
Join Alison Mann, Talent Manager/President of Animation at Fourth Wall Management and Co-Founder of the BRIC Foundation, and David Sharples an independent Producer & Creative Executive, for a presentation about navigating the animation pipeline. In addition to exploring the various roles within the animation industry, Alison and David will share strategies designed to advance your career, including BRIC’s new Digital Badging program, portfolio best practices, and interview tips.
Speakers:
Alison Mann, Co-Founder and Manager, BRIC Foundation and Fourth Wall Management
David Sharples, Independent Producer & Creative Executive