Description
Go Beyond the Stage.
ANIMATED! The Extended Sessions is a brand-new 2-day online event created as the companion experience to ANIMATED! in Los Angeles. These are completely new sessions made specifically for this online event, with a deeper look at the craft, process, and thinking behind great animation.
2-Day Online Event
New Sessions
Replay Access Included
ANIMATED! The Extended Sessions
A two-day online learning event for artists, animators, filmmakers, students, teachers, and anyone who wants to better understand how animated stories are built.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard from artists all over the world saying the same thing:
“I wish I could be there.”
We understand. ANIMATED! in Los Angeles is going to be something special. Two full days. One stage. An incredible group of artists and filmmakers coming together to explore the animation pipeline.
But the live event experience can’t truly be recreated online. Being in the room, feeling the energy, meeting other artists, and sharing those moments between sessions is part of what makes it special.
So instead of trying to turn the live event into a stream or replay, we decided to create something new for the people who can’t be there in person.
That’s where ANIMATED! The Extended Sessions came from.
This is not a livestream of the Los Angeles event. This is not a replay.
These are completely new sessions created specifically for this online experience.
What Makes the Extended Sessions Different?
The live ANIMATED! event is built around the full animation pipeline, from story and design through production, post, and distribution.
The Extended Sessions give us room to slow down.
We can spend more time inside the ideas. We can look more closely at the creative process. We can focus on demonstrations, decisions, and conversations that deserve more room than a live stage schedule can always allow.
This is where we go beyond the stage.
Over Two Full Days, We’ll Explore:
- Character Design: creating characters with appeal, personality, story, and clarity
- Visual Development: exploring the look, feel, mood, and world of an animated project
- Animation: performance, acting choices, movement, timing, and drawing for life
- Story & Storytelling: shaping ideas into emotionally engaging visual narratives
- Creative Process: how professional artists think, revise, problem-solve, and push ideas further
- Industry Insight: lessons from artists and filmmakers working in studio, indie, and educational spaces
Whether you are a student, teacher, aspiring animator, working artist, filmmaker, or simply someone who loves animation, these sessions will help you better understand how strong animated work is built from the inside out.
This Is Not Just About Watching.
It’s about learning how artists think. How decisions are made. How ideas change. How drawings, performances, designs, and story choices become something the audience can feel.
Featured Presenters
The Extended Sessions will feature presentations from an incredible group of artists, filmmakers, designers, and storytellers, including:
- Aaron Blaise: Academy Award-nominated director, veteran Disney animator, and creator of Snow Bear
- Armand Serrano: visual development artist and production designer
- Chuck Williams: producer, filmmaker, and animation industry veteran
- Tim Hodge: animator, storyboard artist, director, and story artist
- David Coleman: artist, educator, and animation industry professional
- Terryl Whitlatch: legendary creature designer, animal anatomy expert, and concept artist
Plus, we’ll be announcing additional surprise guests soon.
Each session is being created specifically for this online event.
These are not recycled talks, livestream clips, or replays from the stage. The goal is to give you focused, meaningful instruction that expands the ANIMATED! experience.
If You’re Attending ANIMATED! in Los Angeles
Think of The Extended Sessions as a continuation of the live event.
After two days in the room, this gives you a chance to keep learning, keep building, and go deeper into some of the topics and disciplines introduced on stage.
It’s a great way to extend the experience beyond Los Angeles, especially if you want more time with the craft, process, and practical ideas behind animated filmmaking.
Special Access for Live Event Ticket Holders & CAT Members
As a thank you to everyone supporting the live ANIMATED! LIVE Event and our Creature Art Teacher members:
- VIP ticket holders receive access to The Extended Sessions for FREE
- Standard ticket holders receive 50% OFF
- Annual and Lifetime Members of Creature Art Teacher receive 50% OFF
- Monthly Streaming Members receive 25% OFF
Discount access may require a special coupon code or member login. If you qualify, please use the appropriate code or account access before checkout.
If You Can’t Attend the Los Angeles Event
This online event was built with you in mind.
You’ll still get two full days of high-level instruction, insight, and inspiration from artists who have spent their lives creating, designing, animating, directing, producing, and teaching.
It won’t replace the experience of being in the theatre, but it will let you be part of the larger ANIMATED! experience from wherever you are in the world.
Watch Live. Re-Watch Later.
Your registration includes access to the live online event plus replay access after it airs, so you can revisit the sessions and keep learning at your own pace.
Who This Is For
- Animation students who want a clearer view of the professional process
- Teachers looking for deeper animation and visual storytelling insight
- Character designers, illustrators, and concept artists
- Story artists and filmmakers developing their own projects
- Animators who want to better understand design, story, and performance
- Independent creators trying to build stronger animated work
- Animation fans who want to learn from the people behind the craft
You do not need to be a professional animator to benefit from this event. You just need curiosity, a love of animation, and a desire to grow as an artist or storyteller.
Event Details
- Event: ANIMATED! The Extended Sessions
- Format: 2-Day Online Event
- Dates: June 13–14
- Access: Live online viewing plus replay access for registered attendees
- Private Link: Access details will be emailed to registered attendees before the event begins
⚠️ Access Is Limited.
We are limiting registration because we want this event to stay focused, meaningful, and manageable for the presenters and attendees.
Why You Should Join Us
Animation is one of the most collaborative art forms in the world. It brings together drawing, design, acting, writing, filmmaking, music, sound, editing, leadership, technology, and heart.
The more you understand how all of those pieces connect, the stronger you become as an artist.
ANIMATED! The Extended Sessions will help you see those connections more clearly and learn directly from artists who have spent their careers bringing stories to life.
Two days. Brand-new sessions. Deeper learning. All online.
Reserve Your Spot Now.
Early Bird pricing ends soon, and access is limited.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about how animated stories are designed, developed, and brought to life, this is your invitation.
Join us June 13–14 for ANIMATED! The Extended Sessions.
