Animators are in the business of bringing ideas to life in new and surprising ways—and they are continually reimagining the possibilities of their profession. Don't miss the chance to hear from creatives and key players in animation about all the ways you can put your imagination to work.
Presented with the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and SVA Theatre.
Special thanks to School of Visual Arts.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
The Center's programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Please note: All those entering SVA Theatre need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA / WHO authorized vaccine and must show proof of vaccination and government-issued ID upon entrance. “Fully vaccinated” means at least 14 days past the final dose of the vaccine received, plus a booster shot for those eligible to receive it.
Visitors of SVA Theatre must wear an acceptable face covering over their nose and mouth at all times. Please click here for SVA Theatre's current COVID protocols.
DOMINICK BEDASSE, STORYBOARD ARTIST, TITMOUSE INC.
Dominick Bedasse, notorious for unusual picture taking, is a storyboard artist based in Brooklyn, NY. Currently he serves as a board artist for the LA based animation company, Titmouse Inc, out of their East Coast studio in Manhattan. A recent MFA graduate of the School of Visual Arts Computer Arts Department, Dominick specializes in storytelling and 2D animation. An aficionado of all things cuisine, you will find him near a plate of well prepared foods when he is not immersed in his artistic projects.
FRANK LEE, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, MOTION DESIGN, GARTNER
Frank Lee is the Associate Director, Motion Design at Gartner. He tells time-based stories with a strategic view. Frank is an art director and animator with projects, ranging from short social media campaigns, broadcast show packages, to 360 creative for event campaigns—spanning across digital, print, and video. He has worked with clients such as IFC, MTV, Nickelodeon, Motorola, MasterCard, and multiple CPG brands.
AMANDA SPARSO, CG LIGHTER, PSYOP
Amanda Sparso is a New York based Computer Animator & Visual Effects Artist. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in 2018, she has built a diverse portfolio working on various CG projects across film, tv, and commercial.
Along with her work behind the screen, Amanda also serves as a mindset career coach to young talent, helping them build their brand and be authentically themselves. She currently works with students from Access: VFX, Rise Up Animation, and her own 1:1 coaching services in hopes of bringing in more diverse and inclusive talent across industry.
MODERATOR: CAT GULACSY, SENIOR TALENT ACQUISITION SPECIALIST, CALLING ALL TALENT; INDUSTRY OUTREACH ADVISOR, THE ANIMATION PROJECT
Cat Gulácsy is a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist focusing on Post-Production, Interactive and Design. Through her company, Calling All Talent, Cat draws upon her exciting 10+ year career in talent acquisition to advise, source and consult for many internationally recognized studios.
Cat believes in working in tandem with clients and talent to find the best fit for unique needs, culture and vision. She is able to draw on a deep understanding of specialized technical, design and production roles, and a broad network of talent.
Cat is also a passionate advocate for inclusion, education and mentorship. She is an adjunct professor at the School of Visual Arts, where she teaches the Business of Being an Artist. She also teaches Digital Animation & VFX Portfolio Development at Brooklyn College.
Cat serves as the Co-Chair of the New York Chapter of ACCESS:VFX, a cross-company initiative to promote diversity and inclusion in the VFX industry, and she is the Industry Outreach Advisor for The Animation Project, Inc., a program to increase access to design education and promote new talent in animation.