The Ensemble

Avery Kroll is an animation student living in Nashville Tennessee. Having completed her BFA in Character Animation at Southern Adventist University in 2022, she is now pursuing her MFA in as a graduate student studying animation at Lipscomb University.

Tony Bancroft is a seasoned Director, Animator, and Podcaster with over 30 years of experience in the animation industry. He known for his work at Disney, co-directing Mulan and animating iconic characters like Pumbaa from Thee Lion King and Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove. Bancroft has also contributed to projects like Stuart Little 2 and Space Jam: A New Legacy. He is currently the program director at Lipscomb University’s Animation Program and authored the acclaimed book: Directing for Animation. Alongside his twin brother, Tom, he hosts the Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast, the #1 podcast for animation on iTunes.

Chris Conner was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. Chris is a producer and production manager, known for Old Henry (2021), Highway to Fame (2012) and Howard's Mill (2021). Chris is known for his strong leadership skills and his ability to oversee complex productions from start to finish.

Pietro Schito is an Italian animation writer and producer. His first animated feature as a writer-producer is in development at Guillermo del Toro-founded stop motion studio Taller del Chucho. He co-wrote and is co-producing a short film directed by Giacomo Mora. In 2018 he has founded the Write for Animation YouTube Channel and community, where he share insights on the craft of storytelling with the top talent in the animation industry.