Motion Picture/TV Animation Night to Spotlight Students

Animation students in College of DuPage's Motion Picture/Television program will screen their work during the fifth annual Animation Night at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, in the Playhouse Theater at the McAninch Arts Center. Click here for a poster with more information.*

Animation Night will showcase projects from 15 students that demonstrate a variety of animation styles. Tony Venezia, professor of the MPTV program, said the free event is an invaluable opportunity for students to showcase their work in front of a live audience.

"Every year is so different, because each student's unique vision is reflected in their work," he said. "And every year, I think it's the best group of films I've ever seen. For example, one experimental film this year uses a sand animation technique. The original story is written in the style of a Brothers Grimm fairytale."

Tony Meers of Villa Park has created "Sk8Dude," a 2-D animation that runs just over two minutes. The piece consists of 32 separate animated shots, each one composed of 90 to 120 drawings.

"It's more than I anticipated," he said. "This project has been very life-consuming, but I can see the progress in my technique. I'm looking forward to Animation Night because I thrive on the critiques of others. What I'm trying to get across in my story, I want to make sure the audience understands it."

Meers has taken a variety of courses at College of DuPage since he was a junior in high school. And while his resume includes working as a chef, carpenter and sign language interpreter, he's now following his passion. His goal is to transfer to Columbia College, earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation and find work at a large studio animation house.

"Right now, I'm honing my skills as an animator," he said. "The instructors at COD either have worked or are working in the industry, and they pass along that experience to us. They also have great contacts within the industry."

Animation Night will include refreshments and a chance to speak with both the students and faculty. Venezia said the event continues to grow each year.

"I'm looking forward to a great show," he said. "I believe in each student and take pride in their work."

For more information, call (630) 942-2020, email venezia@cod.edu or visit www.cod.edu/mptv.

*Poster Information: The graphic design accompanying this article is a portion of the poster created by student Ngoc Ngo to promote Animation Night. There is a much deeper meaning behind the artwork used to create this unusual image, which Ngo looks forward to sharing with individuals at the May 14 program.