Webster University's School of Communications Announces the Spring Speaker Series Line-up

Topics include: Intellectual Property Rights, Zhu Zhu Pets and Japanese Animation

The School of Communications (SOC) at Webster University announces its Spring Speaker Series containing topics covering a wide spectrum of the communications field.

For more information, check the SOC events website at: http://www.webster.edu/communications/events.shtml

or contact Maria Quinlan at (314) 246-4238 or mariaquinlan74@webster.edu.

The Series schedule is as follows:

Friday, February 26, 2010

Animation, Fine Arts and Working in Japan

Maya Yonesho, Animation Director

12:00 noon, Webster University, Sverdrup 123

Free and open to the public

In conjunction with SIGGRAPH and the Webster University Art Department

Monday, March 1, 2010

Hot Topics of Intellectual Property Rights

Ralph W, Kalish, Jr and Gary A. Pierson, II; Attorneys

4:30 p.m. Reception; 5:30 p.m. Presentation

Reception: Sverdrup Lobby; Presentation: Library Conference Room; Webster University

Free and open to the public

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Creating Zhu Zhu

Russell Hornsby, founder of Cepia LLC and James Landro, director/writer/producer

Noon

University Center Sunnen Lounge

Free and open to the public

About the speakers and their topics:

Maya Yonesho: Animation, Fine Arts and Working in Japan

The public will learn about the artist and working in the animation industry in Japan during an art lecture and screening of Animator Maya Yonesho's work.

Maya Yonesho was born in Hyogo, Japan in 1965. She has studies Visual Design and Animation at Kyoto Saga University of Arts. After working as an art teacher for six years, she returned to school to study Japanese painting and conceptual and media art at Kyoto City University of Arts. She worked as a clay animator and created shirt films. After receiving her MA of fine art in 1998 she began making independent films and has won the Excellence prize of Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan in 1998. Her films have been shown at numerous international festivals and museums. Yonesho also conducts various animation workshops.

Ralph W, Kalish, Jr and Gary A. Pierson, II: Hot Topics of Intellectual Property Rights

Kalish and Pierson are partners at Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP practicing and specializing in intellectual property rights and other relating topics. With their combined experience and expertise, they will deliver an informational presentation about hot and eternal Issues related to trademarks, copyrights, advertising and social media.

Ralph W, Kalish, Jr. has represented international franchises in all aspects of advertising, copyright, trademark law, and unfair competition. He has been named in the International Who’s Who of Trademark Lawyers 2009 and listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in the area of Alternative Dispute and Intellectual Property Law in 2010.

Gary A. Pierson is an intellectual property attorney who provides advice regarding advertising campaigns, sweepstakes and promotions, social media issues and entertainment industry matters. He also handles trademark, copyright, advertising, patent, trade secret, right of privacy and domain name disputes. He was listed in The Best Lawyers in America(r) in the area of Intellectual Property Law, 2010.

Russell Hornsby and James Landro: Creating Zhu Zhu

Cepia’s Zhu Zhu Pets™ were the hottest selling toys this past holiday season and recently won the Toy of the Year at the 104th annual Toy Fair hosted by Toy Industry Association. Zhu Zhu Pets™ were developed by a local St. Louis toy designer Russ Hornsby and promoted by Webster University alumni Jim Landro. As stated on the Zhu Zhu Pets™ Web site “The best alternatives to real live hamsters, Zhu Zhu Pets™ hamsters don’t poop, die, or stink, but they are still a riot of motion and sound.” Hornsby and Landro will discuss how a toy goes from an idea to a shelf in the stores as well as what’s next.

Russell Hornsby is the founder of Cepia LLC, the company that created Zhu Zhu Pets™. Webster University alumnus James Landro, director/writer/producer, received his degree in Film and Video Production and has worked on a variety of high profile product licenses such as Pokemon, Godzilla, Voltron, the Powerpuff Grils and other Cartoon Network properties. Landro’s company, Pulltab Productions, is responsible for the Zhu Zhu Pets™ commercial which has played heavily in major markets across the country, piquing consumer interest and driving sales.

For more than 25 years, Webster University’s School of Communications (SOC) has offered an exceptional media communications education to thousands of undergraduate and graduate students interested in a hands-on approach to learning. Students receive a reality-based view of their future professions because classes are taught by accomplished professionals and feature state-of-the art equipment. The SOC houses two academic departments the Communications & Journalism and Electronic & Photographic Media departments. The School features well-seasoned faculty from the entire spectrum of the media communications field including broadcast and print journalism, film, video and audio production, interactive media, photography, oral communications, advertising, marketing communications, public relations, scriptwriting and media literacy.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities.

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