Leo Chu, head of animation for SPIKE TV/MTV Networks, and Eric Garcia, animated film creator, screenwriter and producer, will present the class on contemporary animation to the University of Hawai'i-Manoa Academy for Creative Media, or ACM, at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Webster Hall, Room 112, on campus.

Chu is executive producer and Garcia is creative consultant for the hit animated series "Afro Samurai" starring Samuel L. Jackson and featuring music by RZA.

Both previously worked at Disney Studios, where Chu was vice president of creative affairs. Their collective credits include "Finding Nemo," "Mulan," "Lilo & Stitch," "Recess" and the upcoming "Meet the Robinsons." Both have also worked on U.S. adaptations of legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" and "Castle in the Sky."

"Leo and Eric show the fantastic potential of how Hawai'i, with its dynamic ACM animation program and talented students, can become a center for the creation, writing and production of animated film for the industry," said Chris Lee, Academy for Creative Media founder and director. "The two energetic young men are a driving force in the growing animation arena and consider Hawai'i an ideal place to develop an animation industry."

Chu and Garcia's presentation is part of the ACM/Jay Shidler Family Foundation Master Class Series. While the presentation is open, seating is limited, so reservations are required; contact Lily Ching at 956-7736 or lilychin@hawaii.edu.