I received a message during the week of March 5th from an event director named Miles Flanagan. I met him previously at another event he hosted/created thanks in part to my good friend Irene Villalobos, whom I can't thank enough for what she has done with/for me. I knew about the event before hand, but I didn't know the exact details, so when Miles invited me, I was excited yet nervous for this was my first major event.
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| The Regent Showcase, home of the 2012 Los Angeles Animation Festival |
The Regent Showcase Theater in Hollywood, California was the location of the Los Angeles Animation Festival, a four day event that brought together lovers and creators of animation. From the moment that I arrived, the scene was hectic. Opening festivities were indeed fun with the Master of Ceremonies being none other than the famous voice actor of SpongeBob Square Pants and Heffer Wolfe of Rocko's Modern Life, Tom Kenny. After all, what would the Los Animation Film Festival be withouth a famous voice actor?
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| Tom Kenny, voice of SpongeBob SquarePants. |
The red carpet was filled with guests of the first night, including Shrek who celebrated the 10th Anniversary of earning the first ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature with a screening on the final day of the festival and featured performers of the night Nylon Pink, a very fun, all female Japanese electropop group.
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| Shrek and Nylon Pink on the Red Carpet. |
All the participants were excited to be attending, and the schedule was packed with some amazing films in the world of animation, including a few West Coast premiers. Now, you probably know me already, so I won't go into much detail about those films at this point of time, but I was moved by one and enthralled by another. Tonight, it was about connecting with everyone, previewing the coming attractions and enjoying the excitement in the air of what was to come.
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| Miles Flanagan, Co-Director of the Los Angeles Animation Festival |
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| John Andrews, Co-Director of the Los Angeles Animation Festival |
The first night was a huge success and I couldn't wait to attend, capture more red carpet arrivals and even screen a few movies. I wouldn't return until March 9th, a huge night for the festival, and I can't wait to share with you what exactly happened.
-Xander Pavon
