VFS’s award-winning Classical Animation program offers backstage access on September 19!
Overview
VFS’s award-winning Classical Animation program offers backstage access on September 19!
Experience VFS’s Classical Animation program through demos, talks, & more.
VFS All Access Pass is an exclusive backstage access to VFS’s #1-ranked Classical Animation program and an opportunity to experience a future in traditional 2D animation for the entertainment and games industries. Attendees will experience demos in Toon Boom Harmony & cartoon drawing, attend an alumni roundtable on career-building, & more.
EXPERIENCE ALL THAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS
Attendees can discover the program’s curriculum including character design, composition, drawing, storyboarding, & colour theory, and how students create a powerful career portfolio. They can find out how VFS students develop their skillsets and networks through the program to land high-profile industry gigs on Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Stranger Things, FC26, and more.
EXPERIENCE A RIGGING DEMO IN TOON BOOM HARMONY
VFS Animation faculty will lead a demo on 2D animation rigging, showcasing industry-standard Toon Boom Harmony. A significant catalyst in the resurgence of classical animation, Harmony is the first choice by the largest animation and gaming studios around the world for producing the highest quality animated content for creative storytelling.
EXPERIENCE A CARTOON DRAWING DEMO
Attendees can join a hands-on demo in classic cartoon paper animation with Colin Giles, inspired by his industry experience in 2D animation for Cartoon Network commercials and on projects like Ren & Stimpy “Adult Party Cartoon” and Dan Vs. No experience needed!
ALUMNI ROUNDTABLE: MAKING A CAREER IN CLASSICAL ANIMATION
Colin will lead an industry roundtable on launching classical animation careers. He’ll be joined by recent VFS Animation alumni (stay tuned for this announcement!) who will share their student experience at VFS, their road to a successful industry animation career, and industry tips & insights. Q&A to follow.
EXPLORE A STUDENT ANIMATION SHOWCASE
Over six terms, VFS Classical Animation students create a powerful, multi-piece production portfolio – the ultimate industry calling card for landing their first gig. Attendees can discover the process behind creating this standout work and view actual portfolio work completed by recent students.
MEET THE HEAD OF THE PROGRAM
Colin Giles will share why VFS is ranked the #1 Global Animation School (Animation Career Review) and how the accelerated, production-based & collaborative training models launch careers in just 1 short year. Colin’s credits include Sausage Party, Eight Crazy Nights, numerous Disney Interactive titles, and commercial content for Cartoon Network, Ford, the NBA and Starbucks.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. PDT
Location: 151 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3
Cost: Free
*Light food & drink will be provided.
“What I got from going to VFS were some of the best experiences I’ve had, some great friendships and connections, and a job! It feels like there’s been no difference from graduating at VFS and then starting work right after, it feels like I’m in my class meetings and showing my work. With the job I have, I got the opportunity to have the role I wanted to – I’m a character animator.”
Eugenia Rocha Mendez
Classical Animation Alum
2D Animator, Titmouse
Watch the Classical Animation Student Showreel to see what can be achieved at VFS!
