CTNX25 Honors ‘The Originals’ with 12 Scholarships at 17th Annual Event

The Creative Talent Network (CTN) announces CTNX25, the 17th annual event taking place November 20–23 at the Burbank Airport Marriott & Convention Center, celebrating “The Originals” — the pioneers and innovators who shaped animation — and empowering the next generation of artists through 12 CTN Foundation scholarships (ctnfoundation.org/active-programs).

The event blends intimate panels, hands-on learning, networking opportunities and recognition of the professionals who continue to inspire. Guided by the nonprofit’s mission, “No Artist Left Behind,” each of the 12 scholarship pairs emerging artists with mentors, studios, and resources to help launch and sustain creative careers.

This year’s event features four days of events, presentations, demos and more. For the complete schedule of speakers and events; check out the full schedule here. Tickets are still available at tickettailor.com/events/creativetalentnetwork.

“CTNX25 is about honoring those who built the path and opening doors for those who will lead the next generation,” said Tina Price, Founder of CTN and the CTN Foundation. “No artist should ever be left behind, and these scholarships make that promise real.”

Among this year’s special guests are Louis Henry Mitchell, Creative Director of Character Design at Sesame Workshop, home of Sesame Street. For over three decades, Mitchell has brought beloved characters like Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Big Bird to life through his artistic vision, guiding the legacy of inclusive and joyful storytelling for children around the world.

Mitchell will be participating in three sessions during CTNX25:

• Qreative Evolution: How to Question Everything to Find Your Creative Fulfillment – Nov. 21, 12:30 – 1 p.m.
• How I Got to Sesame Street – Nov. 22, 4 – 5 p.m.
• The Artist Outside of Sesame Street – Nov. 23, 1:30 – 2 p.m.

Another must-see session in the lineup will delve into a hybrid cinema classic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit. During Deconstructing Roger Rabbit with Legends, Oscar-nominated cinematographer Dean Cundey (Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Romancing the Stone) joins legendary animator Andreas Deja (The Lion King, Hercules, Who Framed Roger Rabbit) to break down an iconic scene from the 1988 live-action/2D animation movie. Attendees will discover the history, artistry, camera work and animation magic behind this visionary Toon Town neo-noir and career-defining work in a rare live interview.

Deconstructing Roger Rabbit will be presented Nov. 22 from 1 – 2 p.m. in the Eric Larson Theater – Academy 2.

Learn more at ctn-events.com/ctnx2025.