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Joel Benjamin Headshot

Joel Benjamin

  • Assistant Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Area Head, Animation

Education

MFA, Animation, DePaul University, 2016

Biography

I make animated films. My work includes narrative films and experimental projects. I have worked in 2D hand-drawn animation, 2D cutout, 3D animation, and VR animation. I choose the technique that best fits the idea.

In my narrative work, I focus on emotion. I want audiences to feel something real. I study how images, sound, and timing shape our reactions. I also look at what makes us connect to a character.

My experimental work is about play and discovery. Sometimes I test a new process or tool. Sometimes I use animation to work through a feeling. I often use absurdity, humor, and irony to push ideas further.

I am an Assistant Professor. I also serve as Area Head of Animation and Animation Advisor.

Links

Recent Work

3D animation of a woman in the dark lit by the flashlight on her vest
Still from Max Q (VR Film)
3D animation of a person playing a trumpet
Still from Hibernation
Collage of images of leaves and wood over a black and white background.
Still from Family Vacation Photos
HIBERNATION (Full film)

Awards

  • WINNER BEST VIRTUAL REALITY FILM (for Max Q VR) at Sci-On! http://www.sci-on.org
  • WINNER GRAND PRIZE BEST IMMERSIVE FILM (for Max Q VR) at Film Invasion Los Angeles http://filminvasionla.com/
  • WINNER AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD (for Max Q VR) at Sona Immersive (Carnegie Melon University) http://sonafestival.com/