On April 14, the IB program was fortunate to host its first guest speaker in post-covid times. Thanks to the invitation of Mr. Scroggs, Dalton Grant, Jr., an accomplished American storyboard artist and Hollywood industry veteran, spoke to our IB cohort about his experience in the film industry, and gave an in-depth view at how working in such a business could look for students interested in such a career path in the future.

Dalton gave students an overview of many of the different roles that go into making films, from producer to director and beyond. He shared with students his work on several projects, which included films such as Shrek 2, Cars and The Sponge Bob Movie. He gave students insights into the detailed and sometimes painstaking process that is making a scene of an animated movie. This often requires hundreds to thousands of sketches and takes! 

In addition to spreading his knowledge of the film and animation industry, Dalton left students with a positive and important message for students looking to follow their dreams. In response to a student question about how to deal with setbacks, Dalton stressed the importance of being honest with oneself and trusting oneself in the process of building one’s work and career.

Our student audience reveled in Daltons’ enthusiastic, passionate and often times humorous but consistently engaging presentation. A great number of students followed Dalton’s presentation with well-thought-out questions about the film industry as well as how to succeed in the face of adversity.

Dalton’s good humor and communication left students with a positive and uplifting impression. While especially engaging for our students interested in film and the arts, Dalton’s message on life and career is sure to be an experience that all BNDS IB students will remember for years to come.

Austin Parker

IB Program Assistant Director