AAU Alum Tops Animation Competition Two Years Running
 Recent
Academy of Art University graduate Leo Antolini already looks like he is on his way to being
at the top of the
Animation industry. Leo placed third in Animation
magazine’s very competitive “Pitch Party” this year. Each year Animation magazine hosts this
competition to give the most creative and promising animators a shot to pitch a project to some of
the most influential producers in the industry, with a strong chance of getting something sent into
production. The top finishers in the event gain invaluable exposure in the industry.
Leo’s success at this year’s “Pitch Party” is even more impressive considering the fact that he
won the event last year for his project “Edgar and Kipp.” This year, his
cartoon Surgeon
Sturgeon received special attention from both the audience and judges. Animation magazine reported
that executive producer Rita Street of Radar Cartoons had this to say about Leo’s project: “It’s
super hard to sell an adult comedy show, but this one, if it’s well-written, might have a chance. I
like that it appears to be a super over-the-top soap opera.”
This type of praise from the biggest executives in the industry does not come easy. Leo is truly
an exceptional talent, and the Academy is proud that he still considers the instructors he had at
the school to be a major influence in his career. “The mentor relationships I had with faculty at
the Academy were really important” he says.
Leo Antolini’s consistent top place finishes in one of the industry’s most respected and popular
competitions is a sure sign that he is one of the true up-and-comers of the animation industry. He
is truly one to watch.
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