OC’s Department of Art and Design hosts film producer and storytelling consultant Bobette Buster for free ARC Talk Feb. 21

The Northeastern University professor and film producer will talk about her career in digital storytelling and how an artist’s community and faith can impact the work he or she creates. 

February 13, 2020 - Oklahomans can soon meet a Hollywood veteran who has worked with Pixar, Disney Animation, Sony Animation and 21st Century Fox. Bobette Buster will speak at Oklahoma Christian University Feb. 21 at OC’s second ARC Talk. 

After success in the launch of the first ARC Talk last October, when OC hosted narrative game developer Amy Green, OC’s Department of Art and Design will host Buster at 6:45 p.m. in Judd Theater.

Buster has had much success in her career as she has also worked with the Disney Channel and as a Hollywood producer on films and documentaries for over 25 years. She has taught at Northeastern University as the professor of the practice of storytelling. She travels the world giving lectures, including a TEDx presentation, to students who are looking to gain knowledge about the art of digital storytelling, and she offers advice on how to work toward the top of the design world. Now, she’s coming to OC. 

OC’s Gaming and Animation Instructor Ellie Kirkner is the organizer of ARC Talks and still wants to demonstrate how art can transform lives by crossing boundaries and reaching out to those on the fringes. Kirkner is excited about what Buster will be able to teach the OC community. 

“Bobette has been an international creative powerhouse,” Kirkner said. “The projects she has contributed to have reached every corner of the globe. With ARC Talks, we believe that creative work has the potential to create massive impact for good. It is my hope that Bobette's talk will touch the lives of the OC community and encourage and inspire us to look more deeply at the narratives we create in our professional, creative and spiritual lives.”

Buster, in addition to her experience in teaching, creating and speaking, has also written two books: “Do Story” and “Do Listen.” Being a creative executive for film producers Tony Scott, Larry Gellbart and Ray Stark is also something that she’s able to add to her list of accomplishments. With so much insight in the design business, Kirkner believes Buster is sure to have motivating advice for her audience. 

“Bobette is engaging, insightful and passionate about film and storytelling,” said Kirkner. “I'm looking forward to hearing her insights and walking away from this event with new appreciation for storytelling within the arts. We all feel that her ARC Talk will be immensely valuable to our ongoing commitment to learning and creativity within the Department of Art and Design, the College of Liberal Arts and OC as a whole.”

OC’s Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Tina Winn, is just as thrilled as Kirkner for the upcoming event. 

“As a person of faith who has enjoyed phenomenal success as a digital storytelling expert, documentary film producer, animator and university professor, Bobette has much to offer students from a variety of majors and interest areas,” Winn said. “We can all benefit from learning how to better tell our stories in a way that others will not only listen, but be inspired to do good in this world.”

Buster’s talk is open to the public. It will be in Baugh Auditorium at 6:45 p.m., with a reception before beginning at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are needed to attend; tickets can be ordered here. To learn more about studying art and design at OC, visit the department’s website here.