On the evening of November 19th, 2005 The Animation Co-op presented "In The Can" - an animated short film screening and panel discussion featuring 5 award-winning independent filmmakers. The event was hosted by Woodbury University, who provided a spacious venue for an audience of more than 150.

Following a welcome by Woodbury University's Dori Herrick, Animation Co-op Co-founder Kevin Geiger outlines the evening's program: Moon Seun's "Henry's Garden", Meni Tsirbas' "The Freak", Sam Chen's "Eternal Gaze", Roger Blonder's "Wonder Water Web" and Mike Blum's "The Zit".

Moderator Jeremy Cantor poses a penetrating question to the panel: "Why?"

Moon Seun describes the creative need that compelled her to quit the major animation studios for the life of an independent filmmaker. She also remarks on the benefit of a "sugar daddy" to bankroll the endeavor.

Meni Tsirbas explains how he used an artist residency to produce his animated short film in a land speed record of 6 months.

Mike Blum expounds upon the challenges of self motivation and crew motivation, emphasizing that free pizza only gets you so far. Roger Blonder thinks, "Mmmmm... pizza."

Roger recovers long enough to provide a unique perspective into the vagaries of the educational market. Sam Chen thinks, "Mmmmm... pizza."

The attendees were a mixed group of students, teachers, amateurs and industry professionals - many of whom are working on or have completed their own short films... all of whom are thinking about pizza.

Sam Chen draws laughter from his fellow panelists as he dashes the hopes of an audience member with his reply to the question of short film profitability.