SCAD AnimationFest 2025 is the most exceptional edition to date, providing remarkable discussions, stories, and breathtaking animation behind-the-scenes illustrations and insights.

With 104 days of summer vacation, the perennial dilemma is figuring out how to enjoy them in Atlanta, Georgia, this September. [SCAD AnimationFest 2025 made its much-anticipated return in stellar fashion](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/scad-animationfest-2025-demon-hunters/), offering remarkable discussions, stories, and breathtaking behind-the-scenes artwork and insights into animation. This year’s festival featured a host of prominent figures from the animation industry, honoring the creators of Phineas and Ferb, Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, along with [co-director of Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s *Kpop Demon Hunters,* Chris Appelhans](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/kpop-demon-hunters-teases-fortnite-collab/). SCAD also presented an unforgettable educational and immersive experience crafted by the students. Most notably, the student film showcase and spotlights were among the finest we’ve seen to date.

Although the celebrations may have concluded, the education and enjoyment at SCAD persist. This year’s SCAD AnimationFest featured a wealth of incredible discussions and guests, including the co-creator and director of photography for *The Tiny Chef Show*, Ozlem Akturk, Webtoon comic creator of *Let’s Play,* Leeanne M. Krecic, visual novel author of *The Beginning After the End,* Brandon Lee, and [Crunchyroll](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/anime-expo-2025-crunchyroll-premieres/) producer, Heather Horn. The animation sector is continuously thriving, innovating in ways that are astonishing. Let’s explore five exciting highlights from SCAD AnimationFest 2025.

### 1. Witnessing the Exclusive First Episode Preview of Prime Video’s *The Mighty Nein*


Building on the success of Prime Video’s [*The Legend of Vox Machina*](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/tv-series/the-legend-of-vox-machina-series-review/), *The Mighty Nein* brings Critical Role’s second campaign to life in animated form. However, its tone and animation style will differ. We had the special privilege of viewing the series’ first episode, which will premiere on the streaming platform in just under two months, on November 19th. The show’s executive producer and showrunner, Tasha Huo; art director, Joseph Martinez; and character and layout supervisor, Jess Lackey, came to SCAD AnimationFest to provide insights into the new series—set two decades after the conclusion of the first campaign.

One key point Huo shared during the panel following the screening was that viewers would notice a more “grittier,” “grounded” approach to storytelling, as the characters in this campaign are more layered. Huo mentioned that each episode would exceed the lengths of *The Legend of Vox Machina,* which were around 22 minutes. On the artistic front, Martinez and Lackey echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that this animated series possesses a more cinematic vibe. Based on the beloved second campaign of *Critical Role*, [*The Mighty Nein*](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/critical-roles-characters-reunite-in-the-mighty-nein-reunion-echoes-of-the-solstice/) follows a group of chaotic adventurers as they come to terms with their pasts and shape their destinies in a realm filled with magic, enigma, and unforeseen heroism.

### 2. Immersing in Atlanta’s SCADstory 4D Experience

This was a 4D journey I didn’t realize I needed until I stumbled into a room featuring a secret door with a luminous acorn, which led into another room filled with immersive scents and structures that materialized in sync with the narrative. If you think I’m imagining things, believe me, I wouldn’t either! If you’ve experienced numerous interactive walkthroughs at Disney Land/World or Universal Studios, this surpassed that. The highlight is that the animations, storyline design, and artwork are all crafted by the students.

Discover how the SCAD vision came to