Otis College to Host Lightbox Expo Panel Discussion on How to Break Through in the Entertainment Industry

The three-day industry expo and networking event includes Walt Disney Animation Studios, Netflix Animation, and Industrial Light and Magic among its sponsors.

Otis College returns to Lightbox Expo in Pasadena, California to host a panel discussion about breaking through in the entertainment industry. Lightbox Expo attracts professionals from live-action and animated films, games, TV shows, comics and illustrations and runs October 24-26, 2025 at the Pasadena Convention Center. The three-day event provides a space for artists to congregate, meet, and share their work with the public; further their skills in their respective industries; and make meaningful connections that will help them thrive in the entertainment industry. 

The Expo’s primary mission is to educate and empower, offering hundreds of programs, interviews, hands-on experiences, presentations, demos, and more to help attendees take their art to the next level. Sponsors this year include 20th Television Animation, DreamWorks Animation, Laika, Nickelodeon, Pixar, and Warner Bros. Animation, among others.

This year Joffrey Black, Chair of the Game and Entertainment Design program, will accompany a cohort of students, faculty, and alumni to the event, several of whom will host the panel discussion, “Otis to Industry: Bridging the Gap Between Potential and Pro,” on Saturday, October 25, from noon to 1:00 p.m. 

“Lightbox Expo is a bridge from education to industry—inspiring creativity, connection, and continued growth for students, alumni, and faculty,” Black says. 

For the panel discussion, Otis College alumni and faculty will unpack the complex journey from art school to industry success. They will explore what separates students who break through to industry from those who fall short—and the evolving challenges students face in today’s creative economy. The discussion will offer students, educators, and industry pros insights into the mindset, skills, and support systems needed to bridge the gap between potential and pro.

Faculty panelists include: 

• Jay Bhaumik, a senior lecturer in the Animation and Game and Entertainment Design programs at Otis College. He has worked in entertainment, games, attractions, and the tech industry for over 10 years as a designer, developer, researcher, prototyper, fabricator, and manager. 
• Chris Eckardt, an associate professor in the Animation and Game and Entertainment Design programs at Otis College. He has over three decades of industry experience as an on-set VFX and CG supervisor, cinematographer, creative director, and director across film, television, and commercial projects. 
• Sterling Jenkins, an adjunct associate professor in the Game and Entertainment Design program at Otis College. He is a concept artist with a deep-rooted passion for visual storytelling and cultural authenticity. With over a decade of experience in animation, tech, and video game development, he specializes in teaching character design, color theory, and concept art. 
• Mayuka Thais (’07 BFA Fine Arts), a senior lecturer in the Foundation and Game and Entertainment Design programs at Otis College. She is a creative edu-tainer whose artistic journey began at age five as a studio singer for Columbia Music Entertainment Japan. She works across disciplines as a voice-over artist for games, animation, and educational content.

Alumni panelists include: 

• Ashley J. Bautista (’24 BFA Game and Entertainment Design), a visual development artist and illustrator. With experience in event coordination, student mentorship, creative production, and marketing support, she brings a versatile background in organization, communication, and design.
• Chrystal Hemphill (’24 BFA Game and Entertainment Design), a concept artist with a passion for storytelling through gaming. She bridges the gap between technical game design, story, and digital art to bring concepts to life. She participates in game jams, volunteers her creative talents in her church community, and works with students of all ages to hone their skills and guide them through their own creative journeys. 
• Eli D. Sanchez Jr. (’21 BFA Animation), a visualization artist at Halon Entertainment, focusing on design that inspires awe and wonder, color, and creativity.

More information about Otis to Industry: Bridging the Gap Between Potential and Pro.

Related News