ANIMATION: Script to Screen
Announcing Our 2025 Featured Exhibit:
Animation: Script to Screen
Stop-motion animation, one of the oldest forms of animation, blends meticulous craftsmanship with creative storytelling. This June, featured artists from collaborating studios such as LAIKA, HouseSpecial, ShadowMachine, and Tippett Studio will share their craft, career stories, and this timeless art form June 20th-22nd at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts. The featured exhibit is co-curated by MOSMA (Museum of Stop Motion Animation) and Tiffany Schuster.
Scroll down to discover live talks with award-winning animators, behind-the-scenes demos, and hands-on ways to explore the world of animation—all happening right here at the Festival!
Conversations in Motion: Exploring the World of Animation
Meet Animation's Biggest Stars!
All talks are held in the Headlee Mainstage Theatre at Lakewood Center. Seating is first come, first served—unless otherwise noted—so grab your popcorn (or sketchbook) and join us for a rare peek behind the curtain.
This year’s Festival brings the action off the screen and onto the stage with the return of live presentations, master classes, and behind-the-scenes talks from some of the animation industry’s top talent.
From The Matrix to Wallace & Gromit, Coraline to Guard Dog, you’ll hear first-hand from the artists, animators, and VFX supervisors who bring your favorite characters to life. Whether you’re an aspiring animator, a film fan, or just want to see how Morph gets his charm, there’s something here for you.
Friday, June 20
Webster Colcord: Monsters, Mayhem, and Mistakes: a Career in Hollywood Animation
Webster Colcord is a master visual effects artist and animator with a wealth of experience on dozens of projects. His credits include The California Raisins, James and the Giant Peach, The Matrix, Deadpool, Ted, Disney’s Skeleton Crew and dozens more.
In addition to talking about his career, Webster will introduce rare clips of his work from his time with Will Vinton Studios in the 80s to his current work with Tippett Studio.
Hannah Brooks, Junior Animator, Aardman: Live Lecture from the UK
Have you ever watched Wallace & Gromit and wondered how they were brought to life? Find out how with Aardman Junior Animator Hannah Brooks. Hannah’s credits include Early Man, Shaun the Sheep, and The Epic Adventures of Morph.
In her live lecture, she’ll share the process of transforming Gromit & Morph from unmoving puppets into living characters infused with personality and emotion.
Bill Plympton, Independent Animator and Artist: 2D Animation Master Class
Animator, artist, and legend Bill Plympton is known for his distinctive hand-drawn animation style and unconventional, sometimes outlandish narratives. Often referred to as “the king of indie animation”, Bill is widely respected by fans and fellow animation professionals.
In his master class, Bill will discuss his short film Guard Dog as well as his animation work and process, along with giving some helpful tips and tricks. Highly recommended for future animators, artists, and fans of his work. Each attendee gets a free sketch!
Saturday, June 21
Michael Córdova, VFX Compositing Supervisor, LAIKA: Building Worlds with Pixels and Puppets: 27 Years with ILM and LAIKA
As a VFX artist, Michael Córdova has created effects for films from Star Wars to Star Trek, Iron Man to Avatar. He brings almost 30 years of experience to LAIKA, using his technical mastery in his role as Compositing Supervisor. Prior to joining LAIKA in 2011, he worked for 12 years at Industrial Light & Magic.
Michael will talk about his time with LAIKA and ILM, as well as the visual post-production work he’s done on the many films in his repertoire.
Anthony Scott, Lead Animator: Career Retrospective
From his first stop-motion films in his youth to his recent work on Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, Emmy Award winner Anthony Scott’s love of animation has been unwavering. He has forged a career defined by discipline, vision, and imagination.
Anthony will share stories from his 30 year history in animation, talking about his work on stop-motion staples like Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, James and the Giant Peach, and Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio.
Brian Hansen, Animation Director, ShadowMachine: A Look Inside the Craft of Stop-Motion Animation
Brian Hansen’s animation work spans eight Oscar-nominated feature films, including Coraline, Missing Link, and The Sea Beast. His career reflects a deep engagement with stop-motion and CG animation, honed through a diverse and expansive body of work. Most recently, he served as Animation Director for In the Know on Peacock.
Brian will share his enthusiasm for stop-motion animation, outlining the skills needed to become an off-screen actor and how to turn scripted words and actions into a vibrant, expressive performance.
Melanie Coombs, Producer, ShadowMachine: Insights on Stop-Motion Animation and Animation Technology
Melanie Coombs is a producer of award-winning film and television including Oscar® winner Harvie Krumpet, Annecy Grand Cristal winner Mary and Max and Co-Producer on Oscar® winner Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio.
Melanie will be sharing her wisdom on animation technology and stop-motion from In the Know, the TV show she produced for Peacock.