Ben McEvoy
Executive Producer, Friends & Enemies
Ben leads creative initiatives for agencies, brands, media companies, entrepreneurs and educators, providing brand and content strategy, as well as hands-on creative production in animation, live-action, interactive web, apps, VR/AR, game development, events and interactive public activations, on projects throughout Canada, and internationally in the US, India, Singapore and China.
As partner / executive producer, Friends & Enemies, Ben works with his team of senior creatives and a broad network of multi-disciplinary production partners creating original and branded content experiences for brands, agencies and media clientele.
Notable clients include: Google, VICE Studios, 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, CBC, Doc Channel, Teletoon, YTV, CTV, Discovery Channel, The History Channel, TVO Kids, Shaftesbury, and the National Film Board of Canada.
Ben is also co-founder of the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) and a former board member.
2:15PM - 3:15PM
CASO - Surviving and Thriving
The past year has seen tremendous changes in our industry that have affected everyone from artists to owners. However, despite this, our industry continues to persevere and grow. How are the big studios making it work? What are the risks and challenges they face? Where are the opportunities? Join us for the first in a series of talks exploring what it takes to run a successful animation business, including insights on scaling a studio from startup to success, the ABCs for competing in the big leagues, and how to stay on top of the ball through the good times and the bad. Presented by the Computer Animation Studios of Ontario.
Moderator: Ben McEvoy Executive Producer, Friends & Enemies
4:45PM - 5:45PM
Artificial Intelligence Era
Show of hands; who’s heard of A.I. art? Well, if you’re looking to learn more about the rising trends and influence this new technology could bring to the industry, then you’re not alone!
Join TAAFI co-founder and Producer (Friends & Enemies) Ben McEvoy on Friday Nov. 3rd at 3:00pm - 4:00pm as he takes an incisive look at emerging trends focusing on artificial intelligence and how it’s used in the creative field, how it could continue to affect the art and animation industries, as well as the potential dangers, and powerful new tools it could provide artists. As we move forward into a new generation of technological advancement, we need to make sure we have the appropriate mindset to properly analyze and realize the potential that lies ahead– even if it seems a bit scary!
(Note: This newsletter has been generated courtesy of our proprietary STAAF.A.I)
Ok maybe one human. But only like 15%; I promise.
6:00PM - 7:00PM
The Big Pitch presented by Pipeline Studios
Do you have the perfect idea for an animated tv show or web series? Are you wanting to learn the ins and outs of pitching from trained professionals? Are you ready to put your ideas out there-- and in front of experienced industry professionals? Then you're in luck; as our Big Pitch is back for 2023's Industry Conference!
The competition is open to Canadian residents only and finalists must be able to present their project IN-PERSON!!
Prizes included for winners of the competition from Pipeline Studios!
We look forward to seeing all of your amazing submissions and wish all entrants the best of luck!
