(Edinboro, PA – September 29, 2023)
Graduate Jalil Sadool, an animator who has worked for visual effects companies including WETA Digital, Dreamworks, and Rhythm and Hues, returned to Edinboro with excitement as Grand Marshal of the 2023 homecoming parade. While on campus, Sadool reached out to current students and faculty in multiple events and venues.
Since leaving the Boro in 2004, Sadool has built and impressive résumé. His filmography includes popular movies like Rise of the Guardians (2012), The Adventures of Tintin (2011), and Avatar (2009), allowing him collaborations with high-profile directors such as James Cameron and Steven Spielberg. From the broad basics of Edinboro’s cinema curriculum, Sadool narrowed his focus to advanced 3D animation to work on Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014). Now as animation director for his Florida-based company, Steamroller Studios, his credits include Cyberpunk 2077, Mortal Kombat 11, two Tomb Raider games, and Fortnite.
Sadool gave a visiting artist address in Doucette Hall’s largest teaching space, discussing Steamroller’s current project roster and premiering footage from Spice Frontier, a TV show slated for release in summer/fall 2024.
As he emphasized the importance of networking, the veteran animator made it clear that PennWest students who truly seek media industry success needn’t fear failure. “You guys are not just students I am lecturing to,” said Sadool at a visiting artist talk in Doucette Hall. “You guys are all my family. I want you to succeed, and I want you to be able to make more connections or reach out to me with some of your work if you need some constructive advice.”