# SCAD AnimationFest 2024: A Tribute to Animation Brilliance

Animation fans, professionals from the industry, and students are preparing for one of the most awaited gatherings in the animation realm—**SCAD AnimationFest 2024**. Organized by the esteemed **Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)**, the festival is scheduled for **September 26th to 28th** at the cutting-edge **SCADshow Theater** in Atlanta, Georgia. This year’s festival is set to be a memorable occasion, showcasing an outstanding array of panels, screenings, and networking chances, while celebrating one of animation’s most pivotal figures, **Genndy Tartakovsky**.

## Celebrating Genndy Tartakovsky: An Icon of Animation

The **SCAD AnimationFest** this year will highlight the illustrious **Genndy Tartakovsky**, the creative mastermind behind beloved animated shows such as *Samurai Jack*, *Dexter’s Laboratory*, and *Primal*, along with the *Hotel Transylvania* film franchise. Tartakovsky, renowned for his avant-garde storytelling and pioneering animation methods, will serve as the festival’s **keynote speaker**, and will be honored with the **SCAD AnimationFest Award of Excellence** on Friday, September 27th.

The impact of Tartakovsky on the animation landscape is extraordinary. His creations have motivated countless animators and storytellers, and his influence continues to direct the evolution of the art form. Attendees of the festival will benefit from a rare chance to hear directly from Tartakovsky as he discusses his creative methodology, career path, and the direction of animation’s future.

## A Star-Studded Assembly of Industry Pioneers

SCAD AnimationFest 2024 will host a remarkable lineup of **industry pioneers** from leading animation studios globally, including **Adult Swim**, **Bad Robot**, **Crafty Apes**, **DC Studios**, **DreamWorks Animation**, **Netflix**, and **Warner Bros. Animation**. These authorities will engage in **enlightening panels**, providing participants a glimpse into the latest trends, techniques, and advancements in animation.

A major highlight will be a **behind-the-scenes showcase** of the highly awaited **Max Original series *Creature Commandos*** from **DC Studios** and **Warner Bros. Animation**. Brought to life by **James Gunn** (*Guardians of the Galaxy*, *The Suicide Squad*), the series is set to offer a fresh perspective on the superhero genre, featuring a group of monstrous anti-heroes led by the mysterious Amanda Waller. **Peter Girardi**, Warner Bros. Animation’s executive vice-president for alternative programming, along with **Rick Morales**, the series’ supervising producer, will share an exclusive insight into the show’s evolution.

## Special Screenings and Unique Previews

An animation festival is not complete without special screenings, and SCAD AnimationFest 2024 certainly delivers. This year’s **exclusive screening** will proudly present the widely lauded **stop-motion adult drama *Memoirs of a Snail***, directed by **Academy Award-winner Adam Elliot**. The film, honored with the **Cristal Award** at the **Annecy Film Festival**, poignantly delves into themes of memory, loss, and resilience, brought vividly to life through Elliot’s distinct stop-motion style.

Moreover, enthusiasts of **Netflix’s *Blue Eye Samurai*** will experience an extensive panel led by **production designer Toby Wilson**, who will offer attendees a peek “behind the blade” to examine the creative inspirations and production process behind the acclaimed series. *Blue Eye Samurai* has distinguished itself in 2023, recently claiming **four Emmy Awards** and currently in production for its second season.

On Friday evening, attendees will also enjoy an exclusive **first episode glimpse** of **Adult Swim’s forthcoming series *Common Side Effects***, poised to premiere in 2025. Co-creators **Joe Bennett** and **Steve Hely** will participate in a **Q&A session**, giving fans an early look into what is expected to be yet another quirky and inventive segment of Adult Swim’s offerings.

## Highlighting SCAD’s Gifted Students

A central goal of SCAD AnimationFest is to honor the **creative efforts of SCAD students**. Throughout the festival, various **SCAD Animation Spotlights** will unveil the work of current students, creating an avenue for rising talent to flourish. Two exemplary student films, **Chelita** and **Time Flies**, will be showcased, providing attendees with a preview of animation’s forthcoming talent.

The festival will conclude on Saturday with the **SCAD Student Animation Showcase**, a much-anticipated event that presents the finest projects from SCAD’s remarkable student body. This showcase embodies SCAD’s dedication to fostering the next generation of animators and filmmakers, granting students the chance to display