2nd Annual Native American Animation Lab – Recap

The LA SKINS FEST, in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Animation, Crunchyroll, Cartoon Network, the Cherokee Nation Film Office and Women In Animation, hosted the 2nd Annual Native American Animation Lab.

The 2nd Annual Native American Animation Lab was an intensive workshop that featured guest speakers, mentors and an incredible pitching opportunity. This year’s lab was mentored by animation television showrunner and series creator Owen Dennis. Guest speakers included creative executives from numerous studios and networks. Animation writers and directors from Warner Bros. Animation and Sony Pictures Animation shared their career backgrounds. Storyboard artists discussed their creative process and the current software they use.

The program concluded with an intensive pitching session for each participant. Cartoon Network, Cartuna and Sony Pictures Animation listened to each fellows’ project pitch. Several fellows have had requests for follow up meetings. Every fellow garnered additional information regarding the animation industry and further developed skills that prepare them for employment in the industry.

The 2nd Annual Native American Animation Lab fellows:

Ryan Abramson (Spokane Tribe of Indians)

Blake Brown (Cherokee/Chickasaw)

Joran Fox (Three Affiliated Tribes – Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara – Fort Berthold Indian Reservation)

JohnTom Knight (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma)

Chad Martin (Hawaiian)

Shelby Ramirez (Navajo)

Arigon Starr (Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma)

Alana Walker (Nez Perce)

The lab is an intensive five day workshop that prepares Native Americans for careers in animated film, television and new media. It was created in accordance with the LA Skins Fest’s mission to improve media portrayals of Native Americans and to increase the number of Native Americans employed in all facets of the media industry.

The 2nd Annual NATIVE AMERICAN ANIMATION LAB is supported by :