Creative Conversations
Discover the intricacies of animation, as creators delve into how they bring animated stories to life and offer an insider’s perspective on this captivating art form.
Brenda Chapman
Writer/Director
Chapman Lima Productions
Brenda Chapman is an American animator, screenwriter, storyboard artist, and director. In 1998, she became the first woman to direct an animated feature from a major studio, DreamWorks Animation's The Prince of Egypt. She wrote the storylines of The Lion King and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Nicholas Freeman
Freelancer
Nicholas Freeman is a character designer and freelancer, with a decade-long career, he has worked in animation, comics, and AAA game design. In his capacity as a freelancer, Nicholas has successfully undertaken a diverse range of projects for prominent streaming platforms, including Disney Plus and Netflix. Noteworthy among these are his contributions to acclaimed productions such "Kulipari and the Army of Frogs," and the highly regarded webcomic "1000," which garnered the esteemed Ringo Award. Nicholas's journey as an artist began at the illustrious Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he pursued a degree in animation. However, before completing his formal education, he decided to leap headfirst into the captivating world of animation.
Bradford Simonsen
Producer
Disney Animation
Bradford Simonsen brings his expertise and diverse experience in the worlds of animation and visual effects to his role as producer. Brad recently produced “Once Upon A Studio” with Yvett Morino, a short film celebrating 100 years of Disney Animation. He previously produced "Baymax" the Series with Roy Conli for Disney Plus. He previously produced Walt Disney Studios' short film, "Us Again," which was included in the shortlist for the 94th Academy Awards® Animated Short Film category, and won the prestigious NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Short-Form (Animated). He first joined Disney Animation in 2012, and has served as associate producer on three Oscar®-winning features, "Big Hero 6," "Zootopia" and "Encanto," as well as the 2018 Oscar®-nominated film, "Ralph Breaks the Internet." He also produced the animated short film, "Weeds," which garnered festival acclaim and Academy consideration.
Click here to see the complete schedule of conversations.
Click here to download the Creative Conversations Flyer.
This is a free event. Priority for in-person training programs and financial stipends, including opportunities for paid internship placements, is given to active participants, ages 18- 24, in Creative Conversations, as well as young people who are low income, foster youth, homeless, and/or justice involved.
Presented by Venice Art’s Center for Creative Workforce Equity.
Supported, in part, by:
