������Ƶ Computer Animation alumni-led projects won big at the 4th Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. The ceremony took place at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City on March 1 and 2.

 

Michael Yates ’14 won four Emmys for his Pixar animation series Win or Lose. As co-creator, writer, director, and EP, he was awarded the Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series, Outstanding Writing for a Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series for the episode “Pickle”, Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series for the episode “Home”, and Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program for the episode “Mixed Signals.”

 

The show is the first original series from Pixar Animation Studios. The series tells the story of a single week in the lives of a co-ed middle school softball team, with each episode showing the perspective of a different team member, as well as the coach and umpire. The voice cast includes comedian and actor Will Forte.

 

Esteban Bravo ’17 won Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation – Storyboard for Win or Lose. In 2017, Bravo also won Gold at the 44th Student Emmy Awards in the Animation category for his senior thesis short, In A Heartbeat.

 

Echo Wu ’16 won Outstanding Show Open as the creator, writer, director, and EP for the Netflix series Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld.

 

The series follows a Chinese-American 16-year-old named Jentry, who, while living with her grandmother in Texas, discovers she is being hunted by a demon king who hopes to steal her superpowers, all while navigating run-of-the-mill teen problems. Wu calls the show a love letter to her childhood. The voice cast includes Ali Wong, among other familiar voices.

 

Kal Athannassov ’16 won Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation – Character Design for Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld. The two grads have also shared awards for their collaboration on their senior thesis animation, The Wishgranter, which was nominated for a Student Academy Award, and won a BAFTA/LA Student Film Award and a College Emmy. Athannassov won four Daytime Emmys for past projects, Baby Yaga in 2021 and Crow: The Legend in 2019.

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As Lead Character Designer, Computer Animation Faculty Joseph Pepe began creating the iconic Ash Na’vi (Mangkwan) Clan in 2013. Pepe’s work involved meetings with Academy Award-winning writer/producer/director James Cameron and producer Jon Landau, as well as an extensive collaboration process with production designers, effects and animation teams, makeup artists, and costume designers.

Over nearly 30 years in the entertainment and effects industry, Pepe has worked in a wide range of creative roles, including visual effects artist, concept artist, and character makeup designer. His extensive film credits span numerous major productions, including Alien vs. Predator, Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus, The Cabin in the Woods, and all of the Avatar films—bringing a depth of industry expertise that continues to inform his work and teaching at ������Ƶ.

“My role as Lead Character Designer entailed designing and managing many aspects of the character design process,” Pepe said in an Instagram post. “From faces and bodies to strip patterns, bioluminescence patterns, and makeup, plus many other minutiae involving character details.”

After the generic Ash female and male characters were designed, along with concepts for the Tlalim (Windtraders) Clan, the Sully Family, and the Recoms, Pepe began working out the specific details of evil sorceress Varang, played by Oona Chaplin. That design process stretched into 2017, including another meeting with Cameron and Landau to review screenshots from auditions.

“I had been creating initial concepts of Varang using various female faces from my selected references,” Pepe said. “I had already established the feathered headpiece, tight-bound breast ropes, and a loincloth. In the middle of 2017, Legacy Effects began their ZBrush and digital scan design process as Varang began to take shape.”

Pepe was also a key character designer for the original 2009 Avatar film. More details about his contribution to Avatar: Fire and Ash can be found in a new hardcover book, The Making of Avatar: Avatar | Avatar: The Way of Water | Avatar: Fire and Ash, available now. A book of artwork from the film will be released this summer.

“As each one of the sequels are released, I am honored to have been part of this team of incredible artists and people,” Pepe said.

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“Every one of these films has its own voice. From the style, to the subject matter, to the tone, no two Ringling Computer Animation projects are the same,” said Computer Animation Department Head Paul Downs. “Our students are telling stories that matter to them, and by the time they graduate, they’re not just ready for the industry, they’re passionate filmmakers with something to say.”

ASIFA-Hollywood is a prominent professional organization dedicated to promoting the Art of Animation and the largest chapter of the international organization ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation). Current initiatives include the Animation Archive, Animation Aid Foundation, Animation Educators’ Forum (AEF), film preservation, open source support, special events, screenings, and the annual Annie Awards.

Animation Educators Forum 2025 Top 5 Student Films

Dogs of Bishkek
Director: Viktor Niksdorf

Holy Cow
Director: Karthik Swaminathan

Beetle Summer
Directors: Ari Chen & Jane Yuan

Jurassic Ward
Director: Max Bellomio

Beautify
Director: Liza Makarenko

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Prisha Shah ’27, who interned with DreamWorks this summer as a TV Production Intern, was featured on the “DreamWorks Careers” Instagram with a she made about a day in the life of an intern. 

Three recent Computer Animation grads served summer internships at Pixar this year, with one earning special praise and another landing a full-time position with the animation studio. 

Lisa Makarenko ’25 was highlighted in an “Intern Spotlight” Pixar social media post for her amazing impact in technical direction and set dressing/modeling departments. (In May, Mazaranko earned a Best of Ringling Gold for her senior thesis film, Beautify.)

Mairin Francis ’25 and Vivian Osness ’24 also served as Pixar interns this summer and were featured in Intern Spotlights. Francis, who was also a technical direction intern at Pixar in 2022, has since been hired full-time at the studio as a crowds/fix animator.

Prestigious summer internships have become an annual tradition for ������Ƶ students and alumni. The real-world work experience and networking opportunities serve as valuable stepping stones into professional positions at a wide range of prestigious companies across numerous industries.

There are currently more than 30 ������Ƶ alumni working for Pixar.

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We’re proud to share that at least 15 alumni from our Computer Animation program were part of the creative force behind this global phenomenon. Leading the animation charge was Josh Beveridge, an alum who served as the film’s animation director. 

Beveridge is the Head of Character Animation at Sony Pictures Imageworks, where he has helped shape some of the most visually groundbreaking animated films of the past two decades. A graduate of ������Ƶ, Josh joined Imageworks in 2005 and has since worked on a long list of celebrated titles, including the Academy Award-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Sea Beast, Hotel Transylvania, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and I Am Legend.

Josh’s work has earned him industry-wide recognition, including a Visual Effects Society Award for Spider-Verse and a nomination for I Am Legend. 

Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, KPop Demon Hunters follows three superstar idols who secretly work as demon hunters. The combination of action, music, and strong animation attracted a global audience, leading to a sold-out theatrical sing-along event that topped the North American box office in late August.

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This year’s multi-day festival, the 52nd annual SIGGRAPH conference, will take place from August 10-14 in Vancouver, B.C.

The Mooning is a “hard-hitting” animated mockumentary revealing the truth behind the 1969 moon landing. The short film was previously awarded Highly Commended Film of the Year for 3D Animation by The Rookies.

“These projects don’t just meet professional standards, they redefine them,” said Dawn Fidrick, the director of this year’s festival. “It’s inspiring to see student filmmakers leading the charge in both storytelling and innovation. This year’s winners reflect a global future of animation that is fearless, inventive, and deeply human.”

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Published on June 6, 2025, the list comprises only 13 colleges and universities and was based on survey responses from ASIFA-Hollywood, the Animation Guild, Black N Animated, and LatinX in Animation, as well as relevant metrics like graduation rates and retention data. 

THR recognized ������Ƶ in part for the Animation Department’s technological offerings, including a rack-mounted render farm and the state-of-the-art, preloaded laptops provided for each Animation student. The article also cites the College’s small class sizes for maximizing student/faculty interactions and the history of multiple Academy Awards won by Animation students and alumni.

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The film follows a young woman named Vera as she battles a hyper-idealized version of herself that steps out of a beauty filter app. Beautify explores themes of self-worth and identity through a surreal lens, blending emotional storytelling with thriller and horror elements.

Makarenko is passionate about storytelling in all forms, especially visual storytelling. “I love illustration and concept design, and I’m especially drawn to emotionally rich, slightly eerie narratives,” she said. 

As with many of the majors at the College, studying the human form plays a huge role in the growth of Computer Animation Students. In Makarenko’s commitment to figure drawing, she supplemented her studies outside of credited coursework. “I’m a big fan of figure drawing and was a regular at FEWS [Figure Enhancement Work Shop], and have gone regularly throughout my time at Ringling. It’s something that’s really helped me grow artistically and stay connected to the fundamentals.”

Not surprisingly, her successes follow her off-campus. Marenko was offered a coveted internship for the summer. 

“I’m super excited to share that I’ve been offered a position as a Set Dressing TD Intern at Pixar this summer! It’s a huge opportunity, and I can’t wait to learn from and contribute to such an inspiring team,” she shared. “After graduation, I hope to keep working in visual development or layout, telling meaningful stories and helping create emotionally impactful animated films.”

Pixar, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is known for producing some of the most successful animated films of all time, including the Toy Story series, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out. As an intern, Marenko will work alongside Pixar employees and contribute as a member of the team. Interns also take part in lectures and screenings held on the Pixar campus, gaining insight into the studio’s creative process and production workflows.

������Ƶ’s Computer Animation program is ranked third in the world for 3D Animation by The Rookies. Alumni win Oscars and Annies and work at leading animation studios worldwide, including Pixar.

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The Saturday viewing will feature five short thesis films from 2024 Film grads: Curtain Call, Culture War, Walk of Generations, Swan Song, and Best Kept Shut. Read more about the films:

Curtain Call, 2024

18 min. Directed and written by Wilderley Mauricette ’24, produced by Zachary Rodriguez ’24, and starring Jared Wofford, Tony J Scott, and Donavan Cornelius.

Jared Wofford (StartUP, Swagger, David Makes Man) and Tony J. Scott (Manhunt. The Equalizer) star in this American crime drama following Rashon, a young, intelligent drug dealer secretly pursuing his passion for theater. As he juggles managing a team of dealers under his powerful mentor, Kane (Jared Wofford), and leading a play at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, his double life begins to unravel. With opening night approaching, Rashon’s dedication to theatre causes him to miss critical drug meetings, drawing Kane’s suspicion. Confronted and warned by Kane, Rashon is torn between his two worlds. Ultimately, he chooses the stage over a crucial drug deal, leading to chaos in his criminal operations and an unexpected, transformative confrontation with Kane.

This film will also screen on Sunday, April 6, at 11 am at New College of Florida’s Sainer Pavilion as part of a series of Florida Narrative Shorts.

Poster designed by Sandra Lee ’24, Graphic Design. 

Culture War, 2024

27 min. Directed and written by Celi Mitidieri ’24, produced by Celi Mitidieri and Milena Montero ’24, and executive produced by Patrick Alexander, Vivian Owen, Carmela French, and Susan Palmer. Starring Libby Harrity, Gaby Batista, and Kyla Baldonado. Cinematography by Alejandra Cintron Rivera ’24, edited by Matthew Peterson ’24, and production design by Carly Jones ’24. Sound design by Nicholas Horne 1’24 and composition by Katya Richardson ’24.

A small Liberal Arts College in Sarasota, Florida, finds itself in a culture war against the government for the basic right of educational freedom. Now, the community must learn how to find resistance amid a reality they didn’t sign up for. 

This film will also screen on Friday, April 11, at 2:30 pm at New College of Florida’s Sainer Pavilion, as part of a collection of Florida Documentary Shorts. 

Walk of Generations, 2024

2 min. Directed and written by Delaney Mann ’24, produced by Milena Montero ’24, and starring Jamie Saunders, Tommy Bolanos, Morgan Elgarten, and Null Chirpich.

A young artist at a thrift store discovers a magical pair of Dr. Martens that connect her to the boots’ previous owners.

This film will also screen on Sunday, April 6, at 11 am at New College of Florida’s Sainer Pavilion as part of a series of Florida Narrative Shorts.

Swan Song, 2024

17 min. Directed and written by Matthew Peterson ’24, produced by Nicholas Horne ’24 and Matthew Peterson, cinematography by Beau Agrawal ’24, and edited by Delaney Mann ’24. Starring Noel Olken, Joanna Walchuk, Veronica Bernier, Tommy Bolanos, and Muna Nweke.

Andrew, a film student, must connect with his unresponsive father, Tom, who has Alzheimer’s. When every attempt to relate to him fails, Andrew turns to filmmaking, the only medium Tom responds to.

Best Kept Shut, 2024

12 min. Directed and written by Gabriel Lopez ’24, produced by Milena Montero ’24, and starring Mandy Mills, Jordan Woods-Robinson, and Jim Edwards.

A young woman discovers a hidden, locked door in the house where her father has gone missing.

A second screening of ������Ƶ films will take place on Sunday, April 6 at noon. The films were all made as part of an Index initiative featuring Florida groups and organizations. Each of the six student-made short documentary films highlights the important work of local environmental nonprofits. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

FEATURED DOCUMENTARIES:

Computer Animation

Two animated shorts by ������Ƶ Computer Animation grads will screen on Friday, April 5, at 5 pm in the  Morganroth Auditorium as part of a screening of Animated Shorts. 

Hotel L’infini, 2024

3 min. Directed and written by May (Hsi-Chen) Lee ’24 and Lindsay Browne ’24

Jacque, a diligent bellboy of the extravagant Hotel L’infini, is caught red-handed for possible murder by a brooding detective who chases him through the hotel.

The Mooning, 2024

3 min. Directed and written by Mason Klesch ’24 and Vivian Osness ’24, with voices by Jack Broadbent, Bethan Dixon, Carol Sparrow, and Brandon Jenkins.

An animated mocumentary that reveals the truth behind the 1969 moon landing.

Get tickets and read more about the films on the website. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest ������Ƶ news in your inbox.

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This year’s tally is just the latest in a growing tradition of ������Ƶ alumni being nominated for—and often winning—at the Oscars. That reputation comes, in part, from the Computer Animation program’s approach to teaching the full range of production duties.

“Ringling’s Computer Animation graduates have learned and practiced the entire production pipeline as part of their education here,” said Computer Animation Department Head Jim McCampbell. “Because of this, they not only understand the connections between those multiple areas, they are capable of working in any of them. This means our alumni are a priceless ‘Swiss army knife,’ which, when combined with their artistic talent and tireless work ethic, makes them predestined to be successful. That’s why you see them working in many different departments at many different studios.” 

Additional alumni were among the crew on Wicked and Dune: Part Two, both of which were nominated for Best Picture and Best Visual Effects. The Best Visual Effects category also includes Ringling alumni for Alien: Romulus, Better Man, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

The Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at 7 pm EST. 

Below are the complete lists of ������Ƶ alumni who worked on Inside Out 2 and Wild Robot. 

INSIDE OUT 2

• Joshua West
• Connie Qin He
• Olivia Coucci
• David Torres
• Aviv Mano
• Jessica Torres
• Kevin Andrus
• Lindsay Andrus
• Tarun Lak
• Catherine Hang-Hicks
• Rob Gibbs
• Michael Sauls
• Donghoe Kim
• Michael Bindinger
• Beth David
• Alyssa Ragni
• Luke Martorelli
• Jacob Mann
• Michael Yates
• Andreas Procopiou
• Katie Bickley
• Gwendelyn Enderoglu
• Nick Pitera
• Gaston Ugarte
• Maria Bjarnadottir

WILD ROBOT

• Kelly Kehaulani Nakasone
• Richard Wiley
• Matt Sullivan
• Hannah Lee
• Marina Illic
• Shir Baron
• Elisabeth Franklin Constantine
• David Guo
• Robert Huth
• Maarten Lemmens
• Garrett O’Neal
• Reece Porter
• Jeremy Schaefer
• Kate Vaillant
• Anna Conde
• Sam Liang Durkin
• Kevin Luan Lu

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