The SVA Premieres screening was the pinnacle of a three-day event offering the attending graduates ample opportunities to network, glean insights from industry experts and alumni, and take in both the glamor and workaday functioning of moviemaking. A guided tour of Nickelodeon Animated Studios in Burbank, joined by BFA Animation Chair Hsiang Chin Moe (MFA 2008 Computer Art), BFA Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects Chair Jimmy Calhoun (BFA 2003 Animation) and SVA Director of Career Development Patricia Romeu, featured a moderated conversation with three studio artists who are also SVA alumni. Ian Higginbotham (BFA 2010 Illustration), Jim Mortensen (BFA 2005 Animation) and Andres Nieves (BFA 1989 Film) discussed their own career paths and emphasized that no professional journey is unique. A separate visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, devoted to the history, science and cultural impact of the filmmaking industry, covered the film world broadly in its sprawling permanent installation as well as in focused exhibitions on Black cinema, a deep look at Casablanca and production insights and objects from The Godfather and The Godfather Part II.

A closing-day brunch at the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood drew a number of alumni and industry representatives from film and animation studios, many of whom had attended the SVA Premieres screening, including Amazon Studios, Bento Box Entertainment, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Shondaland, Sony Pictures Animation and Titmouse; talent agencies such as Fourth Wall Management and the Gotham Group; and the nonprofit member organization Film Independent, all of whom networked with the recent graduates. Several SVA chairs, Provost Christopher J. Cyphers and administrative staff, including SVA Alumni Affairs and Development Director Jane Nuzzo and Associate Director Miranda Pierce were also on hand to greet the industry professionals and alumni. Following the brunch, two panel discussions were held about film and animation.

The film panel, moderated by MPS Film Directing Director of Operations Alistair McMeekin, featured creatives from film and television, including Be Water director Bao Nguyen (MFA 2011 Social Documentary Film); co-creator and producer of Netflix‘’ The animation panel, moderated by Hsiang Chin Moe, included Justinian Huang of Amazon Studios, Camille Eden of Nickelodeon, Dawn Yamazi of Illumination and independent writer Todd Casey. Eden stressed the importance of researching a company’s shows and sensibilities—“that will give you a leg up,” she said, adding that “the job description has all the answers to the exam.” Huang said to make an impression on studio executives, “lean into yourself” and stay humble: “Your ego can’t be bigger than your talent.” Casey cautioned young animators not to be too thin-skinned when your work is altered during the process; the industry is collaborative, and each person contributes a different strength to a project. “Know you’re not bad at your stuff if something’s changed,” he said. “It’s a battle of keeping your confidence. Try to find out why.” The potential influence of AI on the industry was also discussed, with panelists assuring grads that nothing replaces a unique and personal point of view. “Recognize your enemy,” advised Huang, “[and] consider harnessing its powers.”

Recent graduates showed their films, met industry experts and alumni and practiced the fine art of networking.