A series of presentations and discussions on the role animation plays in social change.
Tara Kemes (she/her), Cinesite Vancouver’s General Manager, and John Kambites, Cinesite Montreal Producer, discuss making choices that reflect values through storytelling, and studio culture. The panelists also discuss Cinesite’s new partnership with Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali on the upcoming animated series, Iwájú, set to premiere in 2023 on Disney+. Iwájú, a name that loosely translates to “the future” in the Yoruba language, is set in Lagos and will explore deep themes of inequality, innocence and challenging the status quo. A series that is sure to be an industry game-changer.
"Iwájú" first-look image courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios & Kugali
SPEAKERS
Tara Kemes
General Manager // Cinesite Vancouver
(The Addams Family 2, The Addams Family)
Tara is the general manager of Cinesite's feature animation team in Vancouver. She joined the studio in early 2018 to lead its work on MGM's The Addams Family. Prior to joining Cinesite, Tara spent several years at Vancouver's Rainmaker Entertainment, last serving as Vice-President of Culture & Talent at the animation studio. In that role, Tara focused on creating a positive, welcoming environment for the team, and she brings that same inclusive spirit to Cinesite Vancouver in a broader oversight role. Tara has served as a board member for QMUNITY, British Columbia's queer, trans, and two-spirit resource centre, and currently is in governance and chair positions with several industry organizations that are focused on improving equity in animation and VFX. There's a shared mentality in all of those roles: Tara's guiding principle is to support, lift up and empower others, and it shines through in her management of Cinesite Vancouver.
Website // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // LinkedIn
John Kambites
Producer // Cinesite Montreal
(HitPig, Riverdance: The Animated Adventure, The Addams Family)
John has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Having worked his way up from a Production Assistant to a Producer, John continues to climb the management ladder through continued success in his respective industry. John has worked with the top players in the animation industry around the world. John has worked with Disney Animation, Warner Brothers Animation, Universal Kids, The Canadian Broadcast Corporation, Zodiak Kids, Nickelodeon and Spin Master. In addition to his animation work, John has produced two independent feature films.
Website // IMDb // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // LinkedIn
MODERATOR
Patil Angaladian
Marketing & PR Specialist // Cinesite Montreal
Coming soon.
A series of presentations and discussions on the role animation plays in social change.
Tara Kemes (she/her), Cinesite Vancouver’s General Manager, and John Kambites, Cinesite Montreal Producer, discuss making choices that reflect values through storytelling, and studio culture. The panelists also discuss Cinesite’s new partnership with Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali on the upcoming animated series, Iwájú, set to premiere in 2023 on Disney+. Iwájú, a name that loosely translates to “the future” in the Yoruba language, is set in Lagos and will explore deep themes of inequality, innocence and challenging the status quo. A series that is sure to be an industry game-changer.
"Iwájú" first-look image courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios & Kugali
SPEAKERS
Tara Kemes
General Manager // Cinesite Vancouver
(The Addams Family 2, The Addams Family)
Tara is the general manager of Cinesite's feature animation team in Vancouver. She joined the studio in early 2018 to lead its work on MGM's The Addams Family. Prior to joining Cinesite, Tara spent several years at Vancouver's Rainmaker Entertainment, last serving as Vice-President of Culture & Talent at the animation studio. In that role, Tara focused on creating a positive, welcoming environment for the team, and she brings that same inclusive spirit to Cinesite Vancouver in a broader oversight role. Tara has served as a board member for QMUNITY, British Columbia's queer, trans, and two-spirit resource centre, and currently is in governance and chair positions with several industry organizations that are focused on improving equity in animation and VFX. There's a shared mentality in all of those roles: Tara's guiding principle is to support, lift up and empower others, and it shines through in her management of Cinesite Vancouver.
Website // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // LinkedIn
John Kambites
Producer // Cinesite Montreal
(HitPig, Riverdance: The Animated Adventure, The Addams Family)
John has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Having worked his way up from a Production Assistant to a Producer, John continues to climb the management ladder through continued success in his respective industry. John has worked with the top players in the animation industry around the world. John has worked with Disney Animation, Warner Brothers Animation, Universal Kids, The Canadian Broadcast Corporation, Zodiak Kids, Nickelodeon and Spin Master. In addition to his animation work, John has produced two independent feature films.
Website // IMDb // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // LinkedIn
MODERATOR
Patil Angaladian
Marketing & PR Specialist // Cinesite Montreal
Coming soon.
