THE ART OF LAUGHTER

LOCAL ROCK BAND DEFINES THE IMPORTANCE OF BRANDING

Red Carpet pros' influence counts, helping
the Living Arts College to dominate other colleges in the Addy Awards.

The Living Arts College is proud to announce that our students dominated the Addy Awards this year by taking First, Second, and Third place in the show. Not only did the students of the college take all three places, but they also took best in show. Below we bring you the students and their work which dominated all the other college students entries!

Here we see the winners of the Addy Awards. From right to left is Manny Neff, Jeremy Lewis, and Julian Thomas.

Student ADDY Gold in Single Ad Category:
Manny Neff – “Don’t Litter”

Student ADDY Silver in Photography:
Julian Thomas – “Limits”

Student ADDY Bronze in Illustration:
Jeremy Lewis – “Burned”

AND…

Student ADDY – BEST IN SHOW:
Manny Neff – “Don’t Litter”

Gold and Best in Show award winner is Manny Neff's entry, "Don't Litter".

Manny Neff "Don't Litter"

Silver award winner is Julian Thomas's entry, "Limits".

Julian Thomas "Limits"

Bronze award winner is Jeremy Lewis entry, "Burned".

Jeremy Lewis "Burned"

Congratulations to our student Addy Award winners of 2009.

Gold and Best in Show award winner is Manny Neff's entry, "Don't Litter".

Manny Neff "Don't Litter"

Silver award winner is Julian Thomas's entry, "Limits".

Julian Thomas "Limits"

Bronze award winner is Jeremy Lewis entry, "Burned".

Jeremy Lewis "Burned"

Congratulations to our student Addy Award winners of 2009.

Do not miss more Creative Pros at Work Mini Seminars
series @ Studio Arts Campus

The creative person has a rare opportunity at these events to meet
and share the work of some of the best creative minds in visual media.
The college sponsors Creative Pros at Work for students and seminar
ticket holders to foster professional growth through both networking and
added skill sets. Here is a rare opportunity to learn from those who have
made their mark ... and who get paid for their creative performance.

Past and present Mini Seminar guests includes:
● Pioneering HD filmmaker ... who clears up the mystery of the “film look."
● International award winning designer … with an insight to typography that makes it art.
● Lighting expert … learn and get insider tips and tricks.
● Major market TV talent … with a plan for you to get to the top.
● College grad on Academy Award winning film shares experiences on production steps.

Past Event: Softimage

EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT…

• SEE THE LEADING SOFTIMAGE DEMO ARTIST
• ASK THE REAL EXPERTS QUESTIONS
• RUB ELBOWS WITH THE LOCAL LEADERS

IN THE GAME AND ANIMATION INDUSTRY

The animation industry buzz is alive with the breakthrough features of the new SOFTIMAGE® |XSI Rel7, the latest version of its professional 3D animation software for games, film, and television. Softimage Company, a part of Avid technology, Inc. announced that they will bring their Road Show to Living Arts College.

The college has teamed up with the creators of SOFTIMAGE® to host an INSIDERS LOOK AT THE NEW SOFTWARE. Red Carpet Seminar series members are invited. Active students and graduates at the college are automatically members.

Those with a passion for animation or the business of creativity are invited to call for reservations.

• XSI is a robust and complete software package that allows artists and technical directors to create amazing visual effects for film.

• XSI has been used on such films as Jurassic Park, The Golden Compass, and Titanic to create incredible 3D animation and stunning visual effects.

• XSI’s new ICE (Interactive Creative Environment) technology turns XSI into an open platform to allow for greater collaboration between artists and technical directors.

• In such games as Metal Gear Solid 4, and NINJA GAIDEN 2, XSI is used to create a level of realism to completely immerse players in the game.

• With the release of XSI version 7, there have been numerous improvements to its user interface, lighting capabilities, shading, referencing, and its ability to use multiple cores.

• XSI now allows users to move assets from Maya and Autodesk 3ds Max to XSI easily with built-in plugins.

THE MAN BEHIND THE WHEEL OF BMWs ADVERTISING...

“MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE WHEEL OF BMWs ADVERTISING….”

The Living Arts College presents David Crawford, Senior VP / Managing Group Creative Director for GSD&M Idea City.

Along with Luke Sullivan, he helps manage the creative department while continuing to work directly with clients. They are known for their outstanding creative advertisement campaigns and Crawford is going to share his successful BMW campaign and the work behind the BMW wheel art paintings.

Besides his extensive account experience with BMW, he’s represented other large corporations including Kohler, Southwest Airlines, Norwegian Cruise Line, the American Legacy Foundation, Land Rover North America, Pennzoil, Don't Mess With Texas, Texas Tourism, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Pebble Beach, Rolling Stone magazine, RC Cola, Americans for the Arts and Rock the Vote.

His previous agency experience includes art direction at McKinney & Silver and work for North Carolina Tourism, Piedmont Airlines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Karastan Carpets, Fannie Mae and NCNB Bank.

Mr. Crawford has earned national recognition and awards from The One Show, Cannes, The Art Directors Club, the Athena's and the National Addy’s. His work has been featured in Communication Arts magazine and he was selected as an ADWEEK Creative All-Star. He has served as a judge for the One Show, The Art Directors Club and the Kelly Awards.

"AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE REAL WORLD"

Justin Drust, Audio Director for Red Storm Entertainment, presented along with his colleagues in the Campus Theatre.
Justin Drust has been responsible for making sure that games like Rainbox Six: Lockdown and Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter sound as good as they look and play.

Admission to this special session is by invitation to anyone interested in working in the creative industry that might benefit from high level input. Students of the College have an automatic invitation. Others may simply phone the College at 919.488.8504 to reserve an invitation.

Red Carpet Seminars feature some of the world’s leading professionals in filmmaking, digital imaging, audio production, game development and interior design. Seminars announced as schedules permit.

LIFE COACH, AUTHOR, SPIRITUAL AND MEDITATION TEACHER, POET...

“LIVING LIFE AS AN ARTIST”

LAC hosted its quarterly Professional Development Day in the Stars Theater.  Brian Piergrossi gave a workshop entitled “Living as a Life Artist." Brian facilitated a dialogue with practical questions, insights, and exercises on how to consciously create and live a life of your most seemingly impractical dreams. 

“We each express ourselves in our own unique ways with our own unique gifts and talents.”
 - Brian Piergossi, The Big Glow
At the age of 20, Brian was suddenly stricken by a mysterious and debilitating illness, later labeled chronic fatigue syndrome, leaving him with intense daily physical pain, too weak to effectively function in society on a daily basis. When medical professionals were unable to explain the suffering that he was experiencing, Brian made a lifelong commitment to explore the notion of human suffering.

For twelve years, Brian led a quiet and simple life studying and engaging in both conventional and non-conventional practices relating to spirituality and religion, physical and applied sciences, and art and creativity.

Brian has since felt a passionate calling to share his lessons with a straight-forward approach and present timeless spiritual truths in modern context with those who are open and interested in a full and creative life.

Brian has appeared on numerous radio and television programs. He facilitates life-changing retreats and workshops from coast to coast for individuals, partners and groups. His highly acclaimed book, The Big Glow: Insight, Inspiration, Peace and Passion and its poem ‘Love is the New Religion’ have touched the hearts of readers around the world.

More information about Brian can be found on his website at: http://brianpiergrossi.com

Admission to this special session is by invitation to anyone that might benefit from high level input. Students of the College have an automatic invitation. Others may simply phone the College at 919.488.8504 to reserve an invitation.

Red Carpet Seminars feature some of the world’s leading professionals in filmmaking, digital imaging, audio production, game development and interior design. Seminars announced as schedules permit.

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST TO PRESENT:

"HOW SOCIAL NETWORKING HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT PART OF PERSONAL BRANDING"

Jeffrey Cohen, Marketing and Social Media Strategist presented in the campus theatre.

He illustrated how to personal brand successfully using social media.

Mr. Cohen is a Durham, North Carolina-based B2B marketing and social media strategist and partner in OurHashtag. OurHashtag brings together the elements of community, marketing and technology to provide platforms for connection and engagement both online and off-line. Jeff is also Contributing Editor at SocialMediaB2B.com, the leading B2B industry social media site, which is highly ranked on the Ad Age Power 150.

Cohen has more than 15 years experience in business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing, on both the client and agency sides. He is also a photographer and blogger who blogs at DigitalPapercuts.com about social media, marketing, photography and life in general. He also produces an online video show with Kipp Bodnar focused on North Carolina Wine. NorthCarolinaWine.TV has provided an opportunity to use video and other social media tools to build out a large digital footprint and create a recognized online brand from scratch.

Admission to this special session is by invitation to anyone interested in working in the creative industry that might benefit from high level input. Students of the College have an automatic invitation. Others may simply phone the College at 919.488.8504 to reserve an invitation.

Red Carpet Seminars feature some of the world’s leading professionals in filmmaking, digital imaging, audio production, game development and interior design. Seminars announced as schedules permit.

GAME PRODUCTION PROFESSIONAL TO PRESENT

“THINKING OUT OF THE BOX AND CREATING AN IDENTITY”

Suzanne Meiler, Director of Design and Gaming at Vaco, LLC spoke to the Living Arts College students at the Stars Theatre.  

She presented a seminar on how to think “out of the box” in game production and what to expect on an interview, including both portfolio content and resume writing.

Ms. Meiler is responsible for serving the candidate needs of clients in the design, gaming, eLearning and media professions. Her focus also includes account management and professional recruitment. Suzanne shifted gears in her career to support the videogame industry and bring a fresh approach to the recruiting industry. She joined the recruiting industry and the Vaco team because of the lack of knowledge about the game industry from other recruiters. With her knowledge and experience in game production, Suzanne is able to relate to the needs of both the client and candidate. She has built strong relationships throughout the game industry and has a solid understanding of what companies are looking for in candidates to guide them in tailoring their portfolios and resumes to potential employers.

Prior to joining Vaco, Suzanne spent 10 years as an environment artist in the videogame industry and has shipped 10 games. For the past three years, Suzanne was the Lead Environment Artist for Atomic Games, where she worked on the highly controversial title Six Days in Fallujah. At Atomic, she focused on managing an art team through cross studios, assisted in staffing the art team, and produced art and documentation.  Previous to Atomic, she was a Senior Environment Artist for Ubisoft/Red Storm Entertainment for over 7 years. Suzanne has created environments on AAA titles such as the Ghost Recon Series, Rainbow Six, and Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2.

Suzanne earned her certificate in Art and Animation from the School of Communication Arts in 1999. She won the outstanding achievement award in 3D Computer Animation for excellence in software proficiency, artistic merit, portfolio development and citizenship.  She has also spoken throughout the Triangle at game conferences and colleges to promote the videogame industry and shares her knowledge on the best steps and right path to take to get employed in the videogame industry.  Suzanne is an active member of International Game Developers Association, Women in Games International and Triangle Game Initiative.

Distinguished Advertising Creative Delivers Graduation Address at Living Arts College

Michael Winslow, Creative Director/Brand Visualizer delivered the graduation address at Living Arts College’s fall commencement.

Mr. Winslow has been a Creative Director and Art Director for 30 years. He has won numerous national and international awards, including Gold and Silver Pencils from the One Show, Art Directors Club of New York Gold Medals, New York Film Festival Awards and the Steven E. Kelly Award for the best magazine campaign in an international competition. His work has been recognized by the One Show, CA Annuals, Clios, Graphis Magazine, ADWEEK, AD AGE and PRINT.

Mr. Winslow began his career at McKinney & Silver in Raleigh, NC as the agency emerged to become one of the early national and international powerhouses of creativity outside of New York. While at the agency, he helped build strong branding campaigns for North Carolina Travel and Tourism, Piedmont Airlines, Benihana, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Fannie Mae and GoodMark Foods.

Mr. Winslow was a partner and Creative Director for Rockett, Burkhead & Winslow (RBW) where he developed differentiating and successful brand stories for Duke, GSK, Volvo Trucks and CORT. During this time, RBW became the largest independent agency in the Southeast.

As an Art Director, Mr. Winslow was named one of the top 100 young people in advertising by AD AGE MAGAZINE, twice named to the ADWEEK All Creative Team and recognized for outstanding creative by the London International Awards.

Mr. Winslow is a graduate of East Carolina University, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.

Red Carpet Seminars feature some of the world’s leading professionals in filmmaking, digital imaging, audio production, game development and interior design. Seminars announced as schedules permit.

Creator/Producer of Hit Television Show Cheaters Introduces:
“The Psychology behind the Show” An UPCOMING STARS THEATER EVENT

Bobby Goldstein visit postponed to a later date.

Creator/Producer, Bobby Goldstein will make a surprise appearance at the Living Arts College.

Mr. Goldstein will share his knowledge on starting from scratch in the film business and moving into successful production of syndicated shows … including top rated Cheaters. His story displays how he applied practical know-how to real-world production including shooting on a budget, marketing a product and creating a revenue stream. He will explain how life skills contribute to a success in the business, and how psychology has played a key role in the development of Cheaters.

As a Dallas native, he attended Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas with a view to entering the entertainment business. Without much entertainment opportunity in Texas, he immersed himself in trial law from 1987 to 1998 after becoming a licensed lawyer and establishing his own law practice in Dallas.

But, by 1992, Mr. Goldstein began to stray away from his law practice to pursue his childhood passions - - music and film. He was raised surrounded by the milk business, so his affinity for entertainment appeared incongruent with his family business traditions. During his early years, he trained extensively as a pianist, honing his skill in both classical and pop genres. When Mr. Goldstein had free time, he launched ambitiously into the music-publishing and treatment-writing arena. He began writing and composing original music.

In 1995, Mr. Goldstein created the concept of Cheaters as a premise for a television series. His vision for the show came long before the popularity of reality programming. With no connections to the television industry, he wrote the treatment for Cheaters and forged ahead with his project. Mr. Goldstein began developing and perfecting his own television production and distribution company.

After establishing his own television production company (named Bobby Goldstein Productions), Mr. Goldstein filmed the pilot for Cheaters. Then he booked a flight to Los Angeles and shopped and pitched the concept of Cheaters to networks, from which Goldstein received less than an enthusiastic response. Not discouraged, he went forward and caused the syndication of Cheaters on a slow roll-out basis, believing that the program's ratings would confirm and validate its value in the television marketplace. Cheaters' record now speaks for itself, and so does Mr. Goldstein's track record as an executive producer.

Cheaters is Mr. Goldstein's first venture in the television industry, and he currently has several other projects in development, including additional television series and feature film projects.

Admission to this special event is by invitation to anyone interested in working in the filmmaking arena that might benefit from a “higher digital” education. Students of Living Arts College have an automatic invitation. Others may simply phone the College at 919.488.8504 to reserve a seat.

Red Carpet Seminar Series features some of the world’s leading professionals in filmmaking, digital imaging, audio production, game development and interior design. Seminars announced as schedules permit.

FORMER PIXAR MANAGER TO PRESENT:
“WHAT STUDIOS WANT: GETTING IN AND STAYING IN”

Admired production pro Doug Nichols contributed his knowledge and expertise on what studios look for in an artist.

Mr. Nichols defined the process of applying for a studio job, getting the job and keeping it. He shared his experiences in animation management.

Doug Nichols began his career in animation management at PDI (now PDI/DreamWorks) in 1988 as a Production Assistant. PDI’s expanding success allowed Nichols to move into the role of Assistant Producer, working on a variety of projects including broadcast graphics, commercials and theme park productions.

In 1991, he moved to Rhythm and Hues for two years as a commercial producer working on spots utilizing computer, traditional hand drawn and stop motion animation. He returned to PDI to focus on character-based projects including 15 Pillsbury Doughboy commercials, a Clio-winning spot featuring ice-skating penguins, the angels in the live action feature Angels in the Outfield, and the 1994 award winning short film "Sleepy Guy".

In 1995, he joined Walt Disney Feature Animation as the Digital Production Manager of Fantasia 2000 and Mulan, leading multiple teams to integrate computer generated characters and effects into traditionally animated films.

In 1997, he transferred within Disney to the Feature Animation Artist Development department, managing a staff of trainers and technical writers. He guided the training team in developing curriculum for traditional and digital artists who contributed to such films as Dinosaur, Tarzan, The Emperor’s New Groove and others. He also contributed lectures on computer animation production techniques, production process and animation history.

In 2001, Doug joined Pixar Animation Studios as the Manager of the Art Department for Finding Nemo. Further assignments at Pixar included Production Manager on the 2003 Academy Award nominated short film "Boundin", Lighting and Effects Manager on The Incredibles, Production Supervisor on the short film "Jack Jack Attack", Development Manager in Story and Editorial for both Wall-e and Up, and Development Manager for the Finding Nemo retooling of the submarine ride at Disneyland. Doug left Pixar in 2006 for a two-year hiatus from production. From 2008 until mid-2009 he was on the executive team at PDI/DreamWorks.

Doug has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting from San Jose State University, and is a member of the Visual Effects Society and ASIFA International. He has written and lectured on the history of visual effects and animation, and for 7 years was on the Advisory Board of the Gnomon College of Visual Effects. He is Head of Acquisitions, Senior Archivist and Sole Proprietor of the Nichols Archive, an extensive morass of books, films, videos and ephemera related to animated film. He lives in Hayward, California with his wife Shoshana and seven year old.

Admission to special events is by invitation to anyone interested in working in the animation arena that might benefit from a “higher digital” education. Students of the college have an automatic invitation. Others may simply phone the college at 919.488.8504 to reserve an invitation.

Red Carpet Seminar Series features some of the world’s leading professionals in filmmaking, digital imaging, audio production, game development and interior design. Seminars announced as schedules permit.

Creative Strategist Delivered Graduation Address at Living Arts College

Hex Marquez, Marketing Designer for S&M Brands delivered the graduation address at Living Arts College’s summer commencement.

Mr. Marquez considers himself a “Creative.” He chose this title because of the array of roles he takes on according to the project he is presented with. There are projects that require him to write strategy, others to design, others tocopy, and others to art direct.

He began down the Creative path over a decade ago traveling down the design field of architectural studies. Later, while attending classes at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business and participating in the Martin Agency’s student internship workshop, he redirected his focus toward the more strategically oriented design fields of commercial and communication arts.

While living in Blacksburg, Mr. Marquez worked as an Art Director for a regional newspaper, and as a member of State Your Name Theater Company he undertook roles as a dancer, actor, set designer and foreman, and ultimately producer and CFO.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, he attended the Portfolio Center in Atlanta, one of the nation’s premier advertising colleges on an AAAA’s scholarship, and graduated from their Advertising Art Direction Program. Then after graduation, he did a stint of freelancing around the United States. Mr. Marquez returned home to Virginia to take on some design projects for a couple of tobacco companies. Most recently, he has been working at the executive offices of S&M Brands, Inc., a tobacco company in Virginia, as the Marketing Designer heading up their Creative strategy.

Admission to this special session is by invitation to anyone interested in working in the design arena that might benefit from high level input. Families of the graduates of the college have an automatic invitation. Others may simply phone the college at 919.488.8504 to reserve an invitation.

Red Carpet Seminars feature some of the world’s leading professionals in filmmaking, digital imaging, audio production, game development and interior design. Seminars announced as schedules permit.

Local Entrepreneur Delivered Graduation Address at Living Arts College

Winston Bowden, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Contactology, delivered the graduation address at Living Arts College’ summer evening commencement.

Mr. Bowden manages sales and marketing at Contactology, a Durham-based company that supplies customers with online tools to harness the power of email marketing and online surveys. During his tenure at Contactology, the company has grown rapidly, doubling its revenue in 2007 and in 2008.

His experience in the entrepreneurial community began at the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) in 2000. At CED, Winston was responsible for creating and executing the strategic and tactical marketing plans for each CED conference and program.

Mr. Bowden devotes his free time to several non-profit organizations. He sits on the board of directors as chair for the Visual Art Exchange, which supports emerging artists and public art initiatives. He is also a member of the Southeast BIO marketing committee, where he helped launch their first online blog, a forum for entrepreneurs to discuss issues related to the life-science community.

Winston graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications.

Admission to this special session is by invitation to anyone interested in working in the design arena that might benefit from high level input. Families of the graduates of the college have an automatic invitation. Others may simply phone the college at 919.488.8504 to reserve an invitation.

Red Carpet Seminars feature some of the world’s leading professionals in filmmaking, digital imaging, audio production, game development and interior design. Seminars announced as schedules permit.

Special event for tough times …
Meet the man who breathes new life into dead resumes!

Meet Dick Hart as he presents:
R.I.P. Classic Resume Concepts
Don’t write the obituary just yet
…  your resume may rise from the dead!

Dick Hart, also known as the “Resume Guru”, equipped students with the secrets to resume success.

Mr. Hart was a certified public accountant for more than 30 years with the Government Accounting Office. During his last years in the business, he served as a director of outplacement, assisting colleagues in the agency transition to other positions. During this time, he found out that most people needed to bury old resume habits.

After he retired from the GAO, he wanted something more. That’s when it happened. An old friend and basketball teammate from West Virginia Tech suggested he start a class, write a book and launch his own business.

Former Walt Disney Imagineer Unveils His Adventures in the Design Industry

Kenneth Penkowski, Ulanguzi partner, uncovered the who, what, when, where, why and how of designing careers.

Discovering the top secrets on design careers, advantages of working hard, what professionals need to know and how you “brand” yourself.

While creating fantasies of dinosaur digs, sporting glory or African safari adventures, Mr. Penkowski never took his duties as Imagineer for the Walt Disney Company lightly. Focused on developing early concepts for theme park and resort attractions on three continents, he honed his abilities in the tradition of great Disney storytelling – a tradition that became a cornerstone of the culture of Ulanguzi.

Founded in 2001, Ulanguzi, a Raleigh-based design agency, brought together a talented group of marketing and advertising strategic thinkers and skilled designers and programmers from all parts of the country. Swahili for “spirit of revolutionary success,” Ulanguzi is the approach that is applied to solving an organization's marketing, communications, advertising and design challenges. Ulanguzi employs clear thinking, strategic planning and on-target creative solutions that propel companies confidently through the battle zones that face businesses every day.

What separates the firm from the multitude of agencies is dedication. They integrated a lot of the Disney environment into what they do, especially when it comes to the story. Making sure the client’s message is clearly communicated and valuing the client’s relationship is true dedication.

Gaming Professional shared Industry Knowledge

Mr. Sekula had much to share. He discussed the significance of software, the flexibility to learn new applications and what is being used. He also touched on the new advances to gaming such as normal mapping, new processes of production and workflow and what is needed to know in the real world to get a job in 3D. He explained the difference in the classroom setting from real world production.

Mr. Sekula attended the Living Arts College in the fall of 2000 and graduated with a certificate of digital animation the following year. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a level artist by Red Storm Entertainment, a local console game development company. Today, he is a Project Lead Artist on the Tom Clancy brand of games for the Xbox 360.

Digital Imaging Specialist Presents...
“How to prepare for careers in the newspaper and publishing industry”

Herman Spencer explored ideas on breaking into careers in the newspaper and publishing industry.

Mr. Spencer spoke on learning how digital photography, video and audio play a key role in relaying a story to the public. He addressed the state of the newspaper and how it’s still a relevant and reliable source of information.

Mr. Spencer has worked at the News & Observer for nine years. He started as a Digital Imaging Specialist and was quickly promoted to the Director of Imaging and Color Management. He assumed the role as Regional Content and Output Systems Analyst for nine McClatchy newspapers in the southeast region. He is an expert in the field of photo reproduction and several printing methodologies.

He was a student athlete at Chowan College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Printing Production and Imaging Technology in 1999. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of two national printing groups, Newspaper and Publication Flexography Users Group and FIRST: Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (4th ed.)

Stars Theater @ Digital Circus of the Living Arts College

Multimedia Expert PRESENTS:
“How to prepare your career for the unexpected”

Acclaimed production pro Greg Carter introduced students and guests to making it as a media professional using special skills.

His work is a wild, vivid, colliding universe that draws from his formal art training as well as the fringe world of underground comics and science-fiction stories. “I can get things out to such a wider audience than through the gallery world,” Carter said.  “That’s

what I enjoy.”

Greg Carter defined how to prepare careers for the unexpected. Using himself as an example, he showed that having a diverse background has benefited his astounding career when new opportunities have presented themselves.

With over 25 years of professional experience, his career reflects illustration, graphic design, multimedia, print and web-based projects. His present and past job titles have been design director, lead designer, media developer, animator, production manager, professor and illustrator.

CEO of Corporate Communications Firm
Speaks at SCA Commencement

Lorana Price, CEO and creative director of Holy Cow Branding delivered the keynote address at Living Arts College.

Holy Cow Branding provides businesses with award-winning branding, strategic and graphic design services. Under Ms. Price’s direction, the firm has won many industry awards, including three Hermes awards, a Davey award and a Summit International award in 2008.

Most recently, Ms. Price was named an Impact Woman Business Owner and an Impact Marketing Professional by Business Leader magazine. She has a long history with the American Advertising Federation – Raleigh-Durham and is currently on the advisory council for the Achievement Academy of Durham.

LOCAL ROCK BAND DEFINES THE IMPORTANCE OF BRANDING

Airiel Down is setting the rules for
breaking in with new ideas about music promotion

We heard from members of Airiel Down … a national touring independent rock band based out of Raleigh, N.C. as they spelled out the formula for success.

Members of Airiel Down defined the importance of branding whether it’s for yourself or for a company.  They wanted to help students educate themselves on how to be a business.

The band incorporated Autumn Rain Records, its very own production company and record label in 2003. Each band member has a critical function in the day-to-day operation and business of the band by each taking on roles such as marketing, booking, public relations, web design and maintenance, finances and even driving the tour bus.

The band prides themselves on their hard work, relentless attitude and high energy. Many critics such as Benjamin Ray claim, “Airiel Down is one of the hardest working indie bands in the country.”

Their new release, Shine, was released in February of 2009. The band's debut album, Vision, was released in July 2006. Both records were recorded by John Plymale (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Meat Puppets) at Overdub Lane in Durham, NC and mastered by Greg Calbi (Springsteen, Dylan, Bowie) at Sterling Sound in NYC.

Top Choreographer/Actor
performs in studio session at
The Living Arts College

Roland Tabor

Roland Tabor featured dancing with Omarion.

Roland Tabor aka “RoRo” shot one of his choreography sessions with winners of the ”Brang It” dance competition in the Stars Theater at the Living Arts College.

He shared his years of performance and dance know-how in a HD recording session conducted by Digital Film Program students and staff at the College.

“RoRo’s“ credits include: Stomp the Yard (2007) Coach Carter (2005) and You Got Served (2004). He currently is the choreographer for well-known vocal artists Beyonce and Usher.

Students from Digital Film Making gained “real world” experience as they taped the session.

SCA ALUM DEMONSTRATE RED CAMERA TECHNIQUES

Alex Carr with the blue shirt is featured here with the camera in the lower right corner.

Alex Carr is featured in the striped shirt here working with the camera in the lower right corner.

Being just 4 years out of the Living Arts College film program, you might say that Alex Carr is on his way to mastering the total art of feature filmmaking. Mr. Carr reviewed the breakthrough capabilities of the Red Camera that have swept through the feature film production world as the camera system of the future, available here and now.

As a college alum, member of the IATSE Union 600 Guild of Cinematographers and Apple Certified in Final Cut Pro, Alex Carr is a passionate filmmaker willing to share his knowledge of contemporary, digital filmmaking.

Stars past and perfect...
Here are some of the people who have visited the past Red Carpet Seminars.

WORLD PHOTOGRAPHER SHARED
CREATIVE IMAGE MAKING EXPERIENCES



Portrait of Henry Grossman by Debra Hooper

You know him by his work—capturing the Beatles at Abbey Road Studios during their Sgt. Pepper years. That session photography resulted in a historic record of the most popular band of the 20th century. His images are a poster of celebrities and newsmakers the world over appearing in Life, Newsweek, Time and People magazines.

Mr. Grossman is planning this rare visit at the urging of college Director Debra Hooper. “As a photographer of people who have made a difference, I decided that Henry Grossman is a living icon who has been a witness to history that none of us may ever experience. This is why it is so very exciting to have him appearing on campus to explain his creative experiences with members of the college community,” says Ms. Hooper.

Mike O’Connell, Cinematographer/Editor

Mr. O’Connell has received two regional Emmy Awards.  The first award was for his cinematography work on Watch Me Play, a history of professional women’s basketball. The second for his cinematography work on AMA-ZONE, a children’s program exploring the search for Biopharmaceuticals in the Amazon Rain Forest. 

Mr. O’Connell was selected twice as a CPB American delegate to the International Public Television Conference in 2005 and 2007.  In 2005, his independent production company, Haw River Films, released the musical documentary Grassroots Stages”, which was distributed nationally on PBS.  Mountain Top Removal is the second documentary feature release from Haw River Films and is currently on the film festival circuit worldwide. Screenings include Boston Film Festival, Cucalorus Film Festival, Planet in Focus Film Festival Toronto, Cleveland International Film Festival and the International Festival of Mountain Film in Slovenia.

Steve Wright, Digital Compositing Artist

Steve Wright is a senior industry veteran in visual effects compositing with over 20 years of production experience. Wright has created digital effects for over 60 feature films such as Blade: Trinity, Ray, Solaris, Traffic, U-571, Air Force One, Hart’s War, and many many more.  As a senior digital compositing artist and 2D technical director, he has a unique combination of both artistic and technical understanding of digital compositing and digital intermediate. 

Chris Stone, Cinematic Composer

Cinematic composer and founder of Audio Impressions in Los Angele,. Stone has become a prominent figure in electronic orchestral score realization. He designed the original Emulator library, and in his state-of-the-art studio, Stone has done the sound design for Battlestar Galactica, Big Wednesday, Logan’s Run, Pete’s Dragon, American Tail, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Jonathan Block-Verk, Promax/BDA

Promax/BDA is the world leading association of design and marketing professionals in digital media communications. Its international forums regularly attract not only thousands of international members, but top directors, producers, designers and content professionals from the most elite organizations.

Mr. Block-Verk decided to make a special visit to the studio campus of the College in North Raleigh at the request of Director, Debra Hooper. His goal was to help future designers, animators, audio professionals, and filmmakers chart a productive 2009 by investing time and energy in a planned approach to career development.

The College has long been an advocate of “location learning” by sponsoring attendance at the international forums and convention of Promax/BDA. Mr. Block-Verk provided a professional insider’s approach to portfolio planning …and professional level networking techniques at such forums at BDA.

Dwayne Ballen, NC Production

Regarded as an outstanding host and interviewer, Dwayne Ballen’s work has earned him high praise and numerous honors, including two Associated Press awards for sports journalism. His on-camera talents have won him many awards and he has also become a much sought-after speaker and emcee. His opinion on what he calls “the alarmingly high premium placed on competitive sports in our society” and other matters of social significance have led to his being sought out as a guest by regional and national media outlets as well as a guest speaker on college campuses. He has become a familiar face on the Fox News Channel. Mr. Ballen is CEO and Creative Director of Ballen Media, a multi-million dollar North Carolina based digital media company. His firm has a number of projects currently in development including documentary films on Charles Scott, the first great black athlete at a majority white institution in the deep south and the 1898 Wilmington, N.C. race riots.

Michael Caporale, Cinematographer

For over three decades, Michael Caporale has been on the cutting-edge of motion picture technology. He is the founder of Caporale Studios, which handles national and regional television commercials, audio and post production, photography, documentaries, and web design. Caporale is one of the original developers of the Avid editing system.
Caporale’s cinematography can be found in feature films Tattered Angel and Four Roses.

For more information on Michael Caporale visit: 
http://www.ballofwaxmovie.com/cast.htm
http://www.24pdigitalcinema.com
http://www.studiodaily.com/studiomonthly/tools/gearup/
feed.rss/7880.html

Bill Reh, NBC 17 Meteorologist

Bill has been forecasting the weather in central North Carolina since 1983. He earned the American Meteorological Society Television Seal of Approval in 1984. Bill spent 13 years working and forecasting the weather at WTVD in Durham, covering such weather events as the Red Springs killer tornado outbreak of 1984, the deadly Raleigh tornado of November 1988 and Hurricane Fran in 1996. He also wrote and produced the exhibit: "Ask a Meteorologist" for the N.C. Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

Tica Lema, NBC 17

Tica Lema has over 20 years' experience working in local and international television and print media. Recent projects she's worked on include America's first bilingual educational mini-series, Nuestro Barrio. She was recently featured on the cover of internationally distributed Air Brush magazine, and in 2006 she co-founded local production company, 4 Women in Film and associate produced the documentary film Milagros: Made in Mexico. She currently owns and operates a Latino relations company and was recently added as part of the Raleigh TODAY show team where she produces the daily morning traffic reports on NBC-17. 

Jason Atwell, Audio Engineer
Jason Atwell is an award-winning producer and audio engineer. He has been involved in many of the large tours and broadcasts throughout the world. As a current Grammy member and music activist, he is very supportive of music education and the arts. Atwell has been listed on the IMDB as well as many other sites for his contribution to the entertainment industry. Atwell has also been involved in the recording of albums across a variety of music genres, as well as producing music videos and mixing prime time shows.

Chris Scarlata, Design Director
Chris Scarlata is the Design Director for Comedy Central, a part of MTV Networks. He has also been the Art Director of On-Air Creative with Comedy Central and won the BDA 2007 Silver Award for Comedy Central’s “Last Laugh” production. Chris has been with them for over 10 years and was the Open Producer for The Greatest Millennium, a 1999 Comedy Central film. Chris’ specialties include art direction, branding, and creative problem-solving.

Eddie Hamrick, Professional Craftsman
Hamrick is a professional woodworker first and foremost and a master craftsman and carver. He is a woodwright who uses 18th Century reproduction tools such as the bow saw, lathe, plane, woodcarving chisel and marking gauges to create ultimate masterpieces; carving treasures for a lifetime. He is a master whose hands replicate the rich woodworking heritage of this proud nation. By his own proud admission, Hamrick comes from a large and poor family. He once said, "Kids like me weren't and still aren't expected to make it." However, he did make it. He reached the pinnacle of his professional career and the apotheosis of his life at the tender age of 50.

Eric Johnson, Executive Producer
Eric Johnson, Executive Producer, Composer and Sound Designer for Blazing Music & Sound was a guest speaker at the Living Arts College on Thursday, 7 February 2008 at 11:00 a.m.  The studios, located within Trailblazer Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina, are equipped with state-of-the-art Digidesign Pro Tools HD Workstations with Digidesign work surfaces and a variety of plug-ins.  Examples of their productions include commercials for Rubbermaid, Sony, Lowes Food, Wake Med and Time Warner.  They are also involved in television and film work boasting the following projects:  Great Inca Rebellion, Monster Road, John of God, Fit TV and Discovery Health CME.  For more information about the company, visit their website:  www.blazingmusicsound.com.

Leah Welsh, Los Angeles Executive Producer
Welsh relocated to Raleigh, NC from Los Angeles, where she most recently served as president and executive producer at Space Division, a commercial post-production company with clients including Jaguar, Jeep, Landrover, AOL, Home Depot, Del Taco and Kohl’s. Prior to her post there, Welsh held positions as Executive Producer at ARTiFACT, Inc. and Senior Producer at Bedlam Editorial. 

Welsh has a Cinematography Degree from the American Film Institute in Hollywood, CA, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Occidental College & Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles.

Based in Raleigh, N.C., Serious Robots is a top commercial post-production boutique that provides all aspects of editorial, animation and finishing to companies in commercial, long-form and other industries. Serious Robots is a division of Trailblazer Studios.

Steven Heller, Senior Art Director for New York Times
For 33 years, Heller has been an art director for the New York Times with almost 30 of those years on the New York Times Book Review. Currently, he is a senior art director. He is the founder and co-chair of the MFA Designer as Author program at the College of Visual Arts, New York where he lectures on the history of graphic design. Prior to this, he lectured for 14 years on the history of illustration in the MFA Illustration as Visual Essay program at the College of Visual Arts.

Heller was also the recipient of the AIGA Medal for Lifetime Achievement in 1999, the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame Special Educators Award in 1996, and The Pratt Institute Herschel Levitt Award in 2000.

Mark Gelfuso, Digital Cinematographer
Mark Gelfuso, a well-known Digital Cinematographer, 3D Layout Artist and Character Animator, visited the Living Arts College in January 2008.  The College was delighted to have Mr. Gelfuso share his exceptional background with the students.

Mark Gelfuso spent several years successfully incorporating traditional live-action cinematography practicalities within the CG animation medium.  A former live-action camera assistant and photographer, Gelfuso began his career working as a camera production assistant on low-budget, independent films while attending film college. 

Brett Ashy, The Ashy Agency
Brett Ashy is a native of Lafayette, LA and a graduate of the University of Louisiana with a BA in Public Relations.  After graduation, Brett joined the prestigious Circle in the Square Professional Theatre Program in New York City.  After a ten-year acting career of “show,” Brett delved into “business” as assistant to the head of Sales and Marketing at RGA/LA.  Three months later, the company restructured, the Director of Sales and Marketing resigned and Brett was appointed Director of Sales and Marketing and was about to get a “baptism by fire.. That same week, the movie Se7en opened, and the watershed main title sequence from that movie created by Kyle Cooper basically kick started Brett’s 12-year career of Sales and Marketing design firms. For information on Brett Ashy and The Ashy Agency, visit www.ashyagency.com

Ed Siomacco, Jr., Sony Pictures Imageworks, Los Angeles Technical Director
Mr. Siomacco is a Cloth/Hair and FX technical director a Sony Pictures Imageworks in Los Angeles, CA.  His most recent work is on I Am Legend, to be released in December of this year. Previous to I am Legend, Ed worked on such blockbusters as Spiderman 3, Sony Pictures Animation's Open Season, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. He worked on Narnia while he was at Rhythm and Hues Studios. In addition to his screen credits, Ed contributed to the book, Mastering Maya 8.5, a comprehensive reference book that covers all of Maya's latest advances with cloth, fur, and fluids.

Michael Donovan
Michael first attended SCA as a student and later taught 3D animation classes at SCA when the college was focused on using the Softimage (now XSI) program, running on SGI workstations. He also has a background in computer science (programming) and has trained in traditional 2D animation on the west coast.

Jakob Trollback
President & Creative Director of Trollbäck + Company, Jakob has received dozens of highly-recognized awards, including those from the Art Directors Club, the Prime time Emmy's, BDA - The Broadcast Designers Association, and Communication Arts Design Annual. Clients include top TV networks AMC, HBO and TNT, among other big name clients such as Nike, Fidelity, and Jaguar. Jakob spoke to the SCA on March 15, 2007.

Shawn Lovette
SCA Alumnus of the Digital Animation Department, Shawn worked on such blockbuster movies as Talladega Nights, Happy Feet, Superman Returns, and Cats and Dogs. 

Matteo Bologna
President & Creative Director of Mucca Design Corporation in New York City, Matteo has created award-winning identities for restaurants across the nation, including Balthazar, Country, Sant Ambroeus, and Schiller's, all in NYC, and the Standard Hotel Restaurants in Los Angeles.  Matteo spoke at the SCA on February 1, 2007.

Jason Atwell
Jason has worked extensively in the audio Industry as an A-list Audio Engineer, Audio Designer, FOH Engineer, Supervisor, Technical Director, Studio Engineer, Systems Tech, and Crew Leader in local and/or national locations. He has worked with such artists as Ja Rule, Counting Crows, Martina McBride, American Idol, Mandy Moore, and the Latin Billboard Awards.  Jason spoke at the SCA on June 6, 2007.

Nancy Baker
Nationally- and regionally-recognized painter, Nancy spoke to Marx Myth’s Art History class on April 20, 2007.

Damon Conn
At the time of the lecture, Damon was Art Director at 3D Solve, a game design company in Cary, NC.  He is a SCAD Alumnus, founder of 7 Studios (in LA), and had previously worked for Electronic Arts.  Damon spoke at the Winter 07 Graduation.

Brian Erickson
Freelance graphic designer and alumnus of NCSU College of Design, Brian has designed album covers and musicians’ websites for Sanctuary Records, Merge Records, and Indie Rock Media. Brian spoke at the Spring 07 Graduation.

Wes Phillips and Barrett Phillips
Founders of Five Point Productions in Cary, NC, they are responsible for the overnight hit superbowl '07 Doritos commercial. The two spoke at the Spring quarter Advising Day.

John Plymale
Independent Audio Engineer based out of Raleigh, John has worked with such musical groups as the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Portastatic, Caitlin Cary, and many more notable musicians. John spoke at the Spring Advising Day.

Randy Jones
Well-known entertainer and pop icon from the Disco era, Randy Jones was the cowboy of the Village People who went on to be a Multi-Platinum Recording Artist and American Music Award winner. Randy spoke at the SCA during the Winter quarter 2007.

Jala Anderson
Jala has over ten years' experience in the News Broadcast industry as a reporter and news anchor. She shared her inspiring journey of perseverance during SCA’s Winter quarter Advising Day.

Jeff Gordon
Author and freelance Contract Negotiator, Jeff is primarily involved in technology-related negotiations. Jeff received his B.S. and J.D. from Valparaiso University and is currently working on earning an MBA from North Carolina State University. Jeff spoke at the Spring quarter Advising Day, and gave an evening lecture on May 15, 2007.

John Demers
Actor, Voice Actor, and Producer, John has appeared as the lead role in several Discovery Channel productions.  He is the founder of Studio in The Woods, Inc. John spoke at the SCA’s Fall 06 Graduation.

Nick Heim
A filmmaker from Pavilion, New York, Nick holds a BA from Bowling Green State University and a Masters in Cinema and TV Production from the University of Southern California. He currently works for Center Line Productions in downtown Raleigh. Nick spoke at the SCA’s Fall 06 Graduation.

Bill Judge
Bill is an independent filmmaker and animator for Applied Research Associates.

Jay Francis
Jay is an animator and entrepreneur. He is the president of Phuuz Entertainment.

Jim Fink
Producer, Filmmaker, and New Media Designer, Jim works for New Century Digital Media.

Rafael Chandler
Writer for games and interactive media, Rafael has both corporate and small studio experience. He and his wife own Media Sunshine, a local consulting company. Rafael spoke at the SCA during the Spring quarter 2007.

Greg Carter
Illustrator and graphic designer, Greg works for Train of Thought Marketing, a local company with international clients such as AT&T, IBM, GlaxoSmithKline, Carolina Panthers, and Energizer.

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