EMU Today

YPSILANTI- Walt Disney Animation Studios' Amy Smeed, head of animation for the upcoming film, "Moana," will give a one-hour presentation Monday, Oct. 24 at Eastern Michigan University.

“Moana” is a CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought- her own identity. The film is scheduled for release to the general public on Nov 23.

The presentation will be held in the Roosevelt Hall Auditorium on EMU’s campus, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in reserving a seat can RSVP on the Moana presentation reservation website.

There will be a Q&A following the presentation.

Smeed began her professional career at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1998 working as an assistant on the production of “Dinosaur.” Following “Dinosaur,” she went on to achieve full animator status in 2004 on the film Chicken Little.

Smeed has since animated several Disney features including, “Meet the Robinsons,” “Bolt,” “Frozen,” “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Tangled,” the last film, which earned her a Visual Effects Society (VES) award nomination for outstanding animated character in an animated motion picture.

The Simulation, Animation and Gaming program presents this event. Visit the College of Technology, Visual and Built Environments website for more information on the Simulation, Animation and Gaming program.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.