CTN Animation Expo 2011

For the past couple years I had heard about the greatness that was the CTN Animation Expo. It started in 2009, where I got wind of great things happening. 2010 is really where it exploded among the circles I orbit. So I went to the CTN Animation Expo this year to check out what all the hubbub was about -- and, boy, does that hubbub have a lot of substance in its hullabaloo!

If you don't know what the expo is about, allow Wikipedia to enlighten your brain-wrinkles:

CTN Animation Expo is an annual three day animation convention that focuses on putting "the talent" center stage. It is held at the Marriott Convention Center in Burbank, California during what is officially proclaimed by the City of Burbank to be "Animation Week" for this event. Founded by animation talent veteran Tina Price this event is presented by the Creative Talent Network.

Basically, it's an expo that celebrates animation by having talks, demos, screenings and various recruitment opportunities for budding baby animators in Burbank, California. What's so special about Burbank? Walt Disney Animation, Warner Brothers Studio, Dreamworks, Jim Hensons Creature Shop, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network...

It was an awesome experience to be around all these fantastic artists and feel that inspired. The direction that RubberOnion is going to take in 2012 is something I'm extremely excited about and this trip had a large part to play in that.