TRÓIA, PORTUGAL — Trojan Horse was a Unicorn (THU) is an annual five-day festival for digital artists set to take place in Portugal from September 15th through 19th. Now in its third year, THU (www.trojan-unicorn.com) brings together the 3D, VFX, games and concept art industries, providing a platform to learn from the best, meet with other talents, take workshops, and have portfolio reviews.
The festival recently announced its fresh line-up of speakers, regional meet-ups, and THU TV.
“THU is moving from ‘The Little Engine That Could’ to a full-blown community that incites passion all around the world,” says Scott Ross, THU ambassador and former CEO of Digital Domain. “Artists fly in from all over just to be a part of it, and this year, THU is unveiling even more ways to get involved.”
Joining Scott Ross as one of the keynote speakers is Craig Mullins. A 20 year veteran, Mullins’ work has been used in Tron: Uprising and The Matrix Revolutions; as well as on games like Halo, Fallout 3, BioShock and Assassin’s Creed. He is known for his concept art and matte paintings. He also invented digital “speedpainting” while at Industrial Light & Magic; a feat that helped earn him a spot on ImagineFX’s “Top 50 Most Inspirational Living Artists” list.
Other new speakers include:
- Ian McCaig – Concept designer for Star Wars Episode VII
- Alberto Mielgo – Emmy-winning art director of The Beatles: Rock Band
- Shane Mahan – Legacy Effects founder, Supervisor on Pacific Rim and Life of Pi
- Kim Jung Gi – Popular Korean illustrator known for his intricate mental pictures
- Robh Ruppel – Art director for Uncharted creator, Naughty Dog
THU also spent the last four months hosting meet-ups as a way to connect artists after it ends. Featuring expert speakers and a unique theme, each meet-up takes place in a major city around the globe. New additions include Warsaw (June 12th) and London (July 4th).
THU now offers a way to participate from home through THU TV. A paid channel, THU TV will broadcast the entire September event 24-hours a day for all five days.