About
Animation Y’all! is an Animation Expo that is hosted on the Lipscomb University campus in Nashville, TN and produced by animation legends, Tom and Tony Bancroft (Disney animators and directors/ The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast). The first Expo was launched in February 2025 and our third annual expo will be returning to Lipscomb University's campus on April 2-4, 2027! It will include industry panels, animation special guests, art and product demonstrations, artist vendor tables and booths from colleges, local studios, and animation product suppliers. We’re also bringing back our Masterclass options (a separately ticketed class) as well as our Saturday Evening event!
About the Founders:
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Tom Bancroft is an acclaimed animator and illustrator renowned for his work at Walt Disney Feature Animation. During his decade-long tenure at Disney, Tom contributed to several iconic films, including The Lion King, Aladdin, Mulan, and Pocahontas. Notably, he was the supervising animator for Mushu in Mulan. After his time at Disney, Tom worked at various studios, created the Animation degree program at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, and is the current Co-Chair of the Animation Program (with his brother Tony). He also founded Pencilish Animation Studios, where he continues to innovate in the field of animation. In addition to his animation work, Tom is an accomplished author, having written instructional books on character design that have become essential resources for aspiring artists. He is currently co-directing and 2D animated feature for a release of summer 2025. He and his twin brother Tony have produced a bi-weekly podcast since August 2014 called, The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast, which quickly rose to the top of iTunes for animation podcasts!
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Tony Bancroft is a distinguished animation director and animator best known for his work with Walt Disney Feature Animation. With a career spanning several decades, he has been instrumental in bringing to life beloved characters in films such as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Tony co-directed Disney's Mulan, earning critical acclaim and solidifying his reputation in the industry. Beyond his work at Disney, he has directed and animated for various studios, contributing to animated features and television. Tony is the current Co-Chair of the Animation Program (with his brother Tom) and the Program Director for the Animation BFA program and the Imagine House program at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, while maintaining a strong presence in the global animation industry. Tony has also written a book, Directing for Animation, sharing his expertise with the next generation of animators. He and his twin brother Tom have produced a bi-weekly podcast since August 2014 called The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast, which quickly rose to the top of iTunes for animation podcasts!
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