Kris Pearn

Presenting
Kris Pearn was born in London, Ontario, Canada. After graduating from Sheridan College, Kris has spent most of his life making cartoons for both film and television. His credits include: Open Season, Surf’s Up, Arthur Christmas, and Shawn the Sheep to name a few. He was Head of Story on Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, and co-directed Cloudy Two: Rise of the Leftovers. He has most recently written and directed the Netflix animated feature THE WILLOUGHBYS based on the novel by Lois Lowry. Kris has been nominated for several Annies, has taught at Sheridan College, lectures all over the world through Schoolism, and has given a Ted Talk called “The Optimistic Opportunity of Failure”. He’s currently developing a few projects at Sony Pictures Animation and is based on a Donkey Farm in the middle of nowhere Ontario. Part time LA. You pick what’s better.

Participant Schedule

Sunday 10/29 10:00AM - 11:00AM

Unleashing Magic: Decoding the Art of Storytelling

Room 101-102 | Kris Pearn, Saraswathi Vani Balgam, Rita Street, Jay Fukuto, Jan Nagel

An engaging exploration of the evolution of storytelling in the modern era. The panel discusses the historical journey of storytelling, from ancient oral traditions to the influence of technology on contemporary storytelling forms. The panel will delve into the power of storytelling in the digital age, considering its democratization through social media and its fusion with visual arts and interactive mediums.
Saturday 10/28 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Directing the Narrative: Visionaries Behind the Lens

Room 104-105 | Kris Pearn, Jill Culton, Donna Lee, Kristen Lester, Bobby Pontillas

Delve into the world of animated storytelling with an esteemed panel of directors who have shaped the landscape of animation! Join Jill Culton ("Abominable"), Donna Lee (Director at Netflix), Kristen Lester (Director at Pixar), and Kris Pearn ("Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2"), as they engage in a captivating conversation moderated by Bobby Pontillas. Explore the creative journeys, directorial insights, and the challenges and triumphs experienced while bringing animated narratives to life. Gain invaluable insights and draw inspiration from the minds behind these acclaimed films. Whether you are an aspiring filmmaker, a storytelling enthusiast, or simply a lover of animated cinema, this Directors Panel offers a rare opportunity to learn from some of the industry's visionaries.