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The Simpsons Oscar-Nominated Animator and Director David Silverman to Deliver Keynote Address at Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI)
PLUS: TAAFI Gets Even More Animated with this Year’s Official Short Film Selection
Welcome to the “Imagine Nation” of TAAFI 2013
Toronto, ON (June 11, 2013) – The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) adds to their programming roster, kicking-off the Festival with a keynote address by Oscar-nominated animator David Silverman, Director of The Simpsons and The Simpsons Movie.
Silverman animated all of the original short Simpsons cartoons that aired on The Tracey Ullman Show and went on to serve as director of animation of the television series for several years. In 2012, Silverman directed the theatrical short The Longest Daycare starring Maggie Simpson. The short was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
Other additions to the Festival include: • Keynote address and masterclass presented by Arc Productions, featuring Dr. Stuart Sumida. Dr. Sumida is a paleontologist and animal anatomy consultant who has advised on films such as The Lion King, Kung Fu Panda, Tarzan, and Stuart Little • Live Script Reads: Back by popular demand, ACTRA brings out some of Canada’s best voice actors to read a new script from the yet to be released 9 Story cartoon Camp Lakebottom airing on Disney XD and created by Toronto's 9 Story Entertainment featuring all-star voice actors and series directors Phil Lafrance and Jamie LeClaire
Plus, TAAFI brings back their official short film selection, spanning across all genres and showcasing a variety of different animation styles. Here is this year’s roster:
Shorts 1, Straight Up Toons: Frame-by-frame storytelling at its finest and most entertaining with stellar animation and classic ‘toon appeal.
Shorts 2, Reflecting Pool: The human condition in all its uncertainty is animated in this block of shorts reflecting on the questions: Why are we here? Who am I?
Shorts 3, Stylin': Smooth graphic styles and unique story twists permeate this fanciful film block with innovative ideas and original techniques delivered faster than the brain can process.
Shorts 4, Hilariously Strange & Incredibly Dark: Chaotic, artistic enjoyment from a subconscious dimension with a bit of strange, a dab of blood, a generous dollop of humour, and the amazing, visionary ‘wow’ that this recipe creates. Shorts 5, Student Shorts: Sophisticated storytelling and top-notch animation define this block featuring shorts from Canadian and International schools.
Shorts 6, Kids Shorts: A program of fun and inspiring animated films, suitable for kids of all ages that encourage smiles, learning, creativity, and enthusiasm.
For additional details including previously announced programming and the complete Festival schedule, visit the TAAFI website at: taafi.com
*MEDIA NOTE: For accreditation requests and access to photos and video clips please contact Danielle Lemieux at [email protected]
TICKET DETAILS: Early Bird tickets are available for purchase by phone or online through the TAAFI website starting as of June 17: taafi.com
Festival Pass: $149 regular or $99 early bird Includes Admission to all gala and regular screenings and The Nelvana Bouncing Ball TAAFI Party Industry Day Pass: $249 regular o A full day of animation arts workshops, panels and keynotes at Corus Quay Mega Pass: $349 regular or $249 early bird o Includes all Industry Day and Festival Pass events Screenings: $15 o Kids screening prices are $5 for children ages 3-13; free for children under 3 Workshops: Range from $15-90 Pitch-a-Palooza: $99 o Includes Pitch Labs and Story Labs Freshwater TAAFI: Free The Nelvana Bouncing Ball TAAFI Party: TBD, visit taafi.com for updates Gala Screenings: $20
About the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International, or TAAFI, is Toronto’s first and foremost international animation festival. Developed with a mandate to celebrate the many forms of animation from around the world, and to support and nurture the industry and community that creates these art forms, TAAFI aims to become a tent pole event in the international animation landscape. For more information visit: taafi.com
Social media links: Twitter: twitter.com/thetaafi Facebook: facebook.com/atthetaafi Vimeo: vimeo.com/thetaafi RSS Feed: feed://taafi.com/blog/rss -30- Media Contacts: Vanessa Andres Danielle Lemieux Holmes PR Holmes PR 416-628-5612 416-628-5606 [email protected] [email protected]