What historic firsts did the "Pixels and Pencils" panel at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival achieve?

The panel made history with a record-breaking number of women filmmakers and included the first returning director, Domee Shi, as well as the first animated short film director, Kent Seki.

How did the "Stranger Things" cast prepare for their final season's awards campaign?

The article does not mention any details about the "Stranger Things" cast's awards campaign preparations. The article is focused on the "Pixels and Pencils" directors roundtable at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival.

What advice did the animation directors give to the SCAD animation student, Anthony DiMarco, who joined the panel?

The directors offered a range of advice, from the philosophical ("Tell the truth") to the practical ("Don't be afraid to be embarrassing" and "Network up, down, sideways -- and don't be an asshole").

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Animated Oscar Contenders Wow at SCAD Savannah Film Festival

Animated Oscar Contenders Wow at SCAD Savannah Film Festival

7 Nov

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Summary

Record-breaking number of women filmmakers at "Pixels and Pencils" panel
Domee Shi returns as first director to appear for a second year
Animation students inspired by directors' advice on overcoming rejection

Animated Oscar Contenders Wow at SCAD Savannah Film Festival

Last month, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival hosted the fourth annual "Pixels and Pencils" directors roundtable, bringing together some of the brightest talents in animation. The panel featured directors behind this year's most acclaimed animated features, including Domee Shi, who returned for a second consecutive year after her success with "Turning Red" in 2022.

The event made history in multiple ways, with a record-breaking number of women filmmakers and the first inclusion of both a returning director and an animated short film director. The directors candidly discussed their creative inspirations and the challenges of working in animation, offering valuable advice to aspiring filmmakers in attendance.

Highlights of the discussion included Shi's unconventional take on the alien abduction trope and the collaborative partnership between Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, who worked together on "K-Pop Demon Hunters." The panel also featured insights from other directors, such as Ugo Bienvenu's desire to imagine a better future and Alex Woo's exploration of disappointment and resilience in "In Your Dreams."