The TAAFI Animation Ambassador Special Induction Night happened this evening at the Corus/Nelvana building on the Corus Quay in downtown Toronto. It was an opportunity for the ambassadors of the different colleges' Animation programs surrounding the Toronto area to be introduced to the organizing members of TAAFI (Toronto Animation Arts Festival International) and be treated to a great evening of swag bags, pizza, a tour of Corus, and most importantly, networking.
Mrs. Helen Lebeau, Vice President of Production, Nelvana, led the ambassadors and their coordinators through an extensive tour of the Corus building. They went through studios, saw the atrium, and, after being broken off into groups, even got to speak with Nelvana Animator Daniel Clermont who gladly showed some of the animation tricks of a kids cartoon that they produce right in the studio.
The night was organized by Mr. Barnabas Wornoff whom acts as the liaison of all the ambassadors with the TAAFI organizers as well as being on the Board of Directors. Mr. Wornoff introduced us to the rest of the TAAFI team as we ate pizza and looked through our swag bags.
Volunteer coordinator, Natali, explained the benefits and opportunities as volunteers at the TAAFI festival.
Ms. Alex Moorshead, Event Producer, spoke about a pivotal event being organized this year called the "Welcome to the Industry Party". This event is an amazing opportunity for graduating students, as well as those looking forward to graduation, to network with their peers, showcase their work, and have fun celebrating their entrance into the Animation industry.
The ambassadors and their coordinators were additionally treated to a special talk by award-winning Nelvana director Jason Groh who stressed the importance of networking and creating jobs within the industry in Toronto. "It may be nice with all those palm trees down in California but there is plenty of work right up here." Urging us to understand that we do not need to travel away from Toronto in order to find employment.
Mr. Groh also presented the first episode of an upcoming show produced inside Nelvana. It was a delightful experience for all in attendance.
The entire night was a complete success. All the ambassadors in attendance had a great time and enjoyed the opportunity to connect and be a part of the outreach of the festival.
Celebrate, Connect, Support, Showcase, and Inspire. This is the mandate of the TAAFI STAAFI (see what they did there?) and it is now the mandate of the ambassadors. The ambassadors will be seen at the upcoming TAAFI events and their profiles can be found (soon) on the TAAFI website at www.taafi.ca
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