Open events

Mark Jones, Dean of the Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design at Sheridan College and author of The Starving Artist Myth, joins acclaimed animation producer Michael Hirsh, author of Animation Nation, for a conversation on the evolution of the Canadian animation industry. Their discussion centers on Hirsh’s pioneering journey – bootstrapping Nelvana from a small creative venture into a cornerstone of the industry, and later helping shape major players like Cookie Jar, DHX (now WildBrain), and WOW! Unlimited Media.

Hirsh’s story embodies the very argument Jones makes in his book: that artists who employ responsive flexible strategies can build impactful companies and shape an entire industry. When Nelvana first launched, there was no established animation industry for graduates to enter. Yet through collaboration between Nelvana and Sheridan alumni, a globally recognized animation studio was born. Today, the animation industry has transformed from a traditional studio-driven model into a creator-led universe. Join this fireside chat for a behind-the-scenes look at a major influence of Canada’s animation industry – and discover what it takes to turn an artistic passion into cultural and commercial success.