Infinity Festival Educational Series hosted by The Aster

On June 6th, Infinity Festival, Z by HP and Intel present the fourth in our Innovator Series: "A Journey in Creative Technology". Join RICK HACK, Intel’s Head of Media and Entertainment Partnerships, along with Sony Pictures Imageworks Chief Technology Officer MICHAEL FORD and VFX Supervisor & Creative Director, CG Features MICHAEL LASKER on a deep-dive into the career highlights of two influential individuals that have shaped contemporary filmmaking through advances in technology.

Hosted by our very own LORI H. SCHWARTZ, Infinity Festival’s monthly Innovator Series focuses on education, offering students, alumni and aspiring professionals a unique opportunity to connect with our vibrant community and network with fellow enthusiasts in the tech and entertainment realms.

MICHAEL FORD, a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, serves as Chief Technology Officer of Sony Pictures Imageworks. Drawing on his extensive VFX and animated feature production experience, he is responsible for innovation across the studio.

Most recently, Ford served as SVP, Software Development and Systems Engineering and Visual Effects Supervisor. As Visual Effects Supervisor, he collaborated on Sony Pictures Animation’s "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation", "Smurfs: The Lost Village", and "Concussion" for Columbia Pictures. Prior to joining Imageworks, Ford has worked on numerous feature films at Industrial Light and Magic and Centropolis FX, including "The Mummy", "The Perfect Storm", and "Godzilla".

Ford is an active participant in the VFX and animation community as a member of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences and governing board member of the Academy Software Foundation (ASWF). He has been nominated for four Visual Effects Society Awards.

MICHAEL LASKER is a visual effects supervisor and creative director, CG features at Sony Pictures Imageworks, most recently supervising Sony Pictures Animation’s Academy Award-nominated animated feature "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse".

Lasker has over two decades of experience working on live-action and animated features. His recent credits include the Academy Award-nominated "The Mitchells Vs. The Machines", and the Academy Award-winning "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse". Valuing teamwork and collaboration, Lasker previously served as a computer graphics supervisor on "Smurfs: The Lost Village", "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs" and "Hotel Transylvania".

He began his computer graphics career in New York City working on commercials for leading advertising agencies. Lasker received a BFA in computer graphics from Syracuse University.

RICK HACK was hired to operate as Intel's liaison to M&E companies pursuing transformational tech-based partnerships and strategic relationships. He engages with industry thought leaders, technical decision makers, and policy makers to solve industry challenges and drive adoption of new tech, solutions, platforms, and products. In this capacity, Rick has led groundbreaking projects including envisioning entertainment experiences inside autonomous vehicles, delivery of location-based experiences and the simulation of creating creatures leveraging AI & ML for major studios releases.

Most recently, Rick has been recognized for multiple industry awards to deliver the first 8K live stream & immersive stream with Tokyo 2020 and Beijing Olympics 2020 with NBCU. Earlier in his career he was Head of M&E for CBS Radio and produced the first livestream coverage for red carpet blockbuster films and TV series. Rick also serves as Secretary for the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG).

All students and alumni are invited to attend.

And the best part -- each monthly event is FREE!

The event is held in Aster Park located on the second floor for meet & greet from 6pm-7pm where snacks and beverages will be provided, followed by programming from 7-8pm. Afterwards, recharge your social batteries with networking opportunities at the Lemon Grove on the beautiful Aster rooftop. Food and Drinks will be available for purchase.

Valet parking is complimentary and nearby street parking is usually available.

Location address:
The Aster
1717 Vine Street (between Hollywood and Yucca)
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Weekly invitation mailers to students and universities will be sent out with R.S.V.P. information. Seating is limited.

THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT! Please RSVP ASAP :)

See you there!