Presented by:
Mind the Gap: Navigating the Industry After Graduation presented by Sheridan College and Pipeline Studios
Fri, Nov 3rd
4:45PM - 5:45PM
Novella
Recent animation grads, it's been a long trip just to get here, and you've finally arrived at your destination - the animation industry. But even after 3 to 4 years of studying and honing your craft, making the transition from classroom to studio can feel daunting. You're not alone! Many have taken the same steps and felt the same mixture of excitement and apprehension you're feeling now.
Theresa Scandiffio is joined by Kevin Micallef, Lindsey Weeks, and Natali Topalovska, who will be sharing their own early career experiences and touch upon the unique challenges facing grads today.
Kevin Micallef, Creative Director of Development, Nelvana
Kevin Micallef is a 29-year veteran of the Animation TV and Feature Film Industry, currently the Creative Director of Development at Nelvana Enterprises. Previously directing a number of shows that range from preschool to teen including the TV series Elinor Wonders Why which received Two Emmy Nominations, for Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Preschool Series. Grossology, which was nominated for six Canadian Screen Awards and Detentionaire, which received three Canadian Screen nominations as well as a nomination for Best Teen Series at the Cartoons on the Bay Festival. Prior to Directing, Kevin was an animator for Walt Disney Studios, Sony, Warner Bros and Lucas Arts on such features as Lilo and Stitch, Osmosis Jones and Eight Crazy Nights.
Lindsey Weeks, Human Resources & Studio Coordinator, Pipeline Studios
Lindsey is a core member of Pipeline Studios' People & Recruitment team and channels her extraordinary passion for people in everything she does. In her 5 years at Pipeline, she has successfully led countless initiatives to enhance studio culture and engagement, while remaining at the forefront of the studio's talent acquisition and co-operative education programs.
Natali Topalovska, Production Workflow Manager, Brown Bag Films
Natali Topalovska is the Production Workflow Manager for Brown Bag Films, with 12+ years of industry experience in the world of animation. Natali started her career as a Production Intern at Brown Bag Films (formerly 9 Story Entertainment) and steadily moved up the ranks before doing stints at Pipeline Studios, Yowza! Animation Corp, and House of Cool Inc., with roles in both scene planning and production management. Brown Bag was thrilled when she rejoined the studio as a Line Producer in 2021. She has been involved in many amazing series, including titles like Let’s Go Luna (PBS), Welcome to the Wayne (Nickelodeon), Pretzel and the Puppies (Apple TV), What If...? (Marvel), and Rosie’s Rules (PBS). She is currently based in Toronto, where she is producing a Pilot alongside her current role and teaching Part-Time as a Professor at Sheridan College.
Theresa Scandiffio, Associate Dean, Animation and Game Design, Sheridan College
Theresa Scandiffio is the Associate Dean of Animation and Game Design at Sheridan College. Prior to joining Sheridan, Theresa led archival, curatorial and community outreach projects and educational initiatives at museums, festivals and universities in Toronto, Chicago, and Orlando. From 2010-2020, Theresa was a member of the programming team who launched the Toronto International Film Festival’s year-round home, TIFF Bell Lightbox. For over a decade, she led the strategic and artistic vision of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Learning, Heritage and Community Outreach divisions, including post-secondary research partnerships. Theresa has sat on numerous boards and advisories and was an Ontario delegate for the 2015 Governor General Canadian Leadership Conference and a 2017 Civic Action DiverseCity Fellow. She received her PhD in Cinema and Media studies from the University of Chicago.
