Dear Graduates, makers of inspired films that explore yourselves, others, ideas. You're discoverers and artists with or without regard to commercial expectations, ready to make your mark on the creative world. The last few years have been intense. You probably think you’ve worked harder than you ever will again. But the hope of relaxing couldn’t be further from the truth because the hill you’re about to climb is a steep one and you'll need resolve, a running start and the support of friends, family and a few strangers as you rush at the future. I'm happy to share my experiences with you; they may provide some insight and steer you away from some dicey paths. I'll talk about the business and how things work, and I'll give you my honest opinions as a producer entering my fifth decade in film and animation. I’ve been challenged, frustrated, elated, disliked and celebrated, and have managed not to get too disoriented by the creative industry while somehow finding a welcoming, warm, and generous community. My first word of advice: accept one word you may find terrifying, and that’s "Yes!" Embrace it, it's an important part of your future and after it, opportunity awaits.

Ron Diamond has produced, distributed features, television, ads, shorts and title sequences for 40 years. In 1980, UCLA Film School couple, Diamond and Carol Frank began distributing shorts with their company Max Media, the early works of Mark Baker, John Lasseter, John Halas, in ‘85 they sold their library of 150 films to focus on features. In 85’ Frank wrote and directed and Diamond produced their first live feature for Roger Corman. Frank and Diamond married in 87,’ daughters Sara and Anna continually bring great joy. Frank focuses on writing. Diamond produced live features in 87’ and 90’ and from 85’ to 90’ producing eight animated feature compilations including the Animation Celebration and the International Tournee of Animation. In 90’, Diamond turned to animation production, starting the still active Acme Filmworks, identifying and working with emerging international artist animators. In 95’ Internet publishing pioneers, Diamond and Dan Sarto founded AWN. Since 98’ Diamond curates feature length programs of new exemplary animated shorts, the "Animation Show of Shows," now in it’s 22nd edition, he releases them in art house theaters, universities, VOD/DVD...Diamond is currently producing a short based on Samuel Beckett's "The Lost One's" with German Director Raimund Krumme.