CTN Expo with Lion King producer Don Hahn and Legendary Disney animator Andreas Deja

Language of the Soul Podcast

The CTN Foundation's annual gathering, known as the Creative Talent Network Expo or CTNX, is a flagship event in support of visual storytelling artists globally. As a non-profit charitable organization, the CTN Foundation has been hosting this extraordinary event for 15 years, making it the longest-running event of its kind in the world. In 2023, the 15th anniversary of CTNX created an inspiring atmosphere that drew students and budding animation artists from across the globe. This celebration is a unique blend of History, Heritage, and Heart, fostering a sense of encouragement and creativity. The CTNX community stands out as a distinguished assembly of artistic geniuses and master storytellers, making it a premier destination for anyone passionate about the world of visual storytelling.
To veteran animation artists like Language of the Soul host Dominick Domingo, the convention is nothing less than a family reunion. Join Dominick as he catches up with colleagues from his time at Disney Feature animation working on films like Lion King, Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, Little Match Girl and One By One. Nostalgia reigns as Dominick and his colleagues reminisce about the legendary ‘animation renaissance,’ a moment when the stars seemed to align to inspire onscreen magic.
Opening ceremonies at CTN kick off with a screening of Mushka, the first independent animated short from legendary Disney animator Andreas Deja. Seven years in the making, Mushka is a charming, poetic tale of a young girl and the orphaned tiger she raises. When the lights come up, Dominick and his crew are fortunate enough to capture an in-depth interview with Andreas, known for animating Disney villains like Scar, Jafaar and Gaston, as well as idealized male heroes like Triton and Hercules.
Next, we catch up with Don Hahn, producer of such blockbusters as Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Atlantis and Hunchback of Notre Dame. Don gives us his thoughtful take on the personal and cultural relevance of storytelling, and why it’s one of the most important jobs out there. Don’t be fooled by his approachable demeanor; the man is passionate about his chosen craft!
Recorded live on location at CTN Expo in Burbank, ca.

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Now more than ever, it’s tempting to throw our hands in the air and surrender to futility in the face of global strife. Storytellers know we must renew hope daily. We are being called upon to embrace our interconnectivity, transform paradigms, and trust the ripple effect will play its part. In the words of Lion King producer Don Hahn (Episode 8), “Telling stories is one of the most important professions out there right now.” We here at Language of the Soul Podcast could not agree more.
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Chapters

1. CTN Expo (00:00:20)

2. Illustration and Graphic Design Intersection (00:14:02)

3. Animated Film Tone and Character Expression (00:28:19)

4. Storytelling and Mythology in Communication (00:40:15)

5. Discussion on Animation Production Process (00:47:29)

6. AI and Human Touch Importance (00:51:35)

7. The Impact of AI on Storytelling (01:01:15)