2024 Schedule

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Beverly Garland Park

Opening Night Cocktail Party (Sponsored by Netflix)

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Garland Ballroom

Hall of Fame Awards Gala

8:30 am - 9:45 am Garland Courtyard

Registration & Networking Breakfast

Sponsored by Animation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland & Screen Ireland

10:00 am - 10:25 am Garland Ballroom

Creative Keynote: Mapping Out Your Unique Animation Journey with Craig Bartlett

Multiple Emmy-winning artist, writer, producer and show creator Craig Bartlett ("Hey Arnold!," "Dinosaur Train") discusses his career highlights and shares helpful tips and ideas for surviving the ups and downs of this unpredictable business.

Craig Bartlett Craig Bartlett
10:25 am - 10:50 am Garland Ballroom

Creative Keynote: Building a Brilliant Career Brick by Brick

Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, the comedic team behind this year’s well-received mini-series "LEGO: Rebuild the Galaxy" and the hit movie "Pokémon: Detective Pikachu" offer helpful tips on making it in the competitive animation business, while sharing amusing anecdotes about their writing partnerships, providing a unique perspective on how to keep the creative juices flowing and bringing fresh perspectives and dimensions to global franchises and properties.

Dan Hernandez Dan Hernandez
Benji Samit Benji Samit
11:00 am - 11:50 am Garland Ballroom

Get Ready for the Future with L.A.'s Own Creative Studios

Some of the key creative leaders from  L.A.-based animation studios discuss the future of the industry in L.A. The city’s movers and shakers will discuss their upcoming projects, what they look for in future hires, challenges and opportunities of the future and ways to combat the uncertainties of the entertainment field in our city.

Eric Towner Eric Towner
Timothy Reckart Timothy Reckart
Ben Kalina Ben Kalina
Dana Tafoya-Cameron Dana Tafoya-Cameron
John Andrews John Andrews
12:00 pm - 12:50 pm Garland Ballroom

Realizing Animation Dreams in the Canarias

Located in the heart of the Atlantic, the Canary Islands have become a global animation force over the past few years, attracting some of the top creative forces in the industry to a thriving ecosystem of homegrown and international productions. With its enticing 4% corporate tax rate and its collection of powerhouse digital studios, the region is home to many dynamic gaming, series and feature productions. This insightful panel will spotlight some of these cutting-edge projects and the talented teams behind them and illustrate why global animation producers and creators should consider partnering with the bright studios of this idyllic Archipelago.

Dirk Hampel Dirk Hampel
Dario Sánchez Dario Sánchez
Mercedes Marro Mercedes Marro
Léa Laurain Léa Laurain
Lorna Withrington Lorna Withrington
Pablo Hernández González-Barreda Pablo Hernández González-Barreda
1:00 pm - 2:25 pm Beverly Garland Park

Networking Lunch (Sponsored by Public Pixels Media)

2:30 pm - 3:20 pm Garland Ballroom

Games Without Frontiers

We will take a look at the new landscape of edgy and beautifully animated series based on popular games. What are some of the challenges of adapting game titles for today’s sophisticated audiences? What are the streamers looking for in 2025? What are some of the upcoming titles from leading gaming companies that are currently in development at the streamers and video outlets? How can you find jobs working on these shows?

Arnaud-Loris Baudry Arnaud-Loris Baudry
Tim Miller Tim Miller
Curtis Lelash Curtis Lelash
Tasha Huo Tasha Huo
John Derevlany John Derevlany
3:30 pm - 4:20 pm Garland Ballroom

Hot Topic: Thoughts on Animating the Climate Change Dilemma

A panel opening up the conversation to how we talk about climate change and more broadly sustainability in stories. Animation can deal with stories about sustainability as well, not just purview of live action. Does it scare people or can it be done in a way to entertain and possibly inform? Do we have to be experts to add elements in? Will anyone buy it? Join the discussion on these and other pressing questions - no promises to solve the last question but planet positive stories may be the future we need. Some might argue that if you don't at least have some thought to this issue then - your content will date itself.

Bobs Gannaway Bobs Gannaway
Carmiel Banasky Carmiel Banasky
Jennifer McCarron Jennifer McCarron
Mary Bredin Mary Bredin
4:30 pm - 5:20 pm Garland Ballroom

Awards Features Contenders Part 1

If you’d like to meet some of the major creative forces behind some of the best-loved and acclaimed animated movies of the year, this is the right spot for you. Find out the behind-the-scenes secrets and development/production successes and headaches of some of 2025’s award season contenders.

Kelsey Mann Kelsey Mann
Simon Otto Simon Otto
Vicky Jenson Vicky Jenson
Josh Cooley Josh Cooley
Chris Sanders Chris Sanders
Ramin Zahed Ramin Zahed
5:30 pm - 6:20 pm Garland Ballroom

Awards Features Contenders Part 2

Merlin Crossingham Merlin Crossingham
Shannon Tindle Shannon Tindle
Mike Mitchell Mike Mitchell
Alex Kirwan Alex Kirwan
Dana Ledoux Miller Dana Ledoux Miller
Ramin Zahed Ramin Zahed
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Beverly Garland Park

Cocktail Party

9:00 am - 9:50 am Garland Courtyard

Networking Breakfast

10:00 am - 10:25 am Garland Ballroom

Creative Keynote: Animation Family Ties with Natasha Kline

The creator of Disney TV’s acclaimed new series Primos (and Animation Magazine’s 2023 Rising Star) Natasha Kline shares the ups and downs of creating a hit animated TV series and offers advice on how to use personal experiences and unique perspectives in your art and professional life.

Natasha Kline Natasha Kline
Karen Idelson Karen Idelson
10:25 am - 10:50 am Garland Ballroom

Creative Keynote: Scaling Animation Peaks with Minnow Mountain

Austin-based studio co-founders Steph Swope and Craig Staggs offer a frank, humorous look at what it takes to run a thriving indie rotoscope-based animation studio in today’s tough climate, and share insider stories about some of their acclaimed projects, which include the award-winning Amazon Prime series "Undone," Richard Linklatter’s 2022 movie "Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood," "Tower" and "Quantum Cowboys."

Steph Swope Steph Swope
Craig Staggs Craig Staggs
11:00 am - 11:50 am Garland Ballroom

AI and Animation: Replacing Dystopian Nightmares with Positive Solutions

The current and future role of AI in animation has divided the industry over the past couple of years. This timely panel will take a look at the possible dangers of AI replacement of human labor force as well as the technical demands and impact of AI on the animation pipeline of both major studios and indie production houses. As the AI tools become more intuitive and intelligent, how will they help or hinder artists? How can we ensure that artists are protected and well-paid in future animation projects? What are some of the most recent innovations in the AI field that animation industry hopefuls need to be aware of?

Lin Tam Lin Tam
Sixte de Vauplane Sixte de Vauplane
Luisa Huang Luisa Huang
Todd Steinman Todd Steinman
Carlos F. de Vigo Carlos F. de Vigo
Joel Kuwahara Joel Kuwahara
Evan Baily Evan Baily
12:00 pm - 12:50 pm Garland Ballroom

Getting to Greenlight: Top Animation Execs Offer Tips on How to Get Your Projects Made

2024 has been quite a challenging year for both traditional outlets and the streamers as everyone tries to hang on to audiences as competition continues to grow elsewhere and the industry faces the threats and promises of new technologies. In this important and helpful panel, some of the top animation professionals and development execs discuss their priorities, the types of  projects they are looking for and reveal how to approach them with your hot animation pitches.

Katie Petrachonis Katie Petrachonis
Daniel Weidenfeld Daniel Weidenfeld
Kari Kim Kari Kim
Jason Caparaz Jason Caparaz
Elizabeth Taylor Elizabeth Taylor
Josh Fisher Josh Fisher
1:00 pm - 2:25 pm Beverly Garland Park

Networking Lunch

2:30 pm - 3:20 pm Garland Ballroom

The Delicate Art of Balancing Personal Visions and Industry Needs

In this inspiring session, we talk to some of the top artistic forces in the animation industry about how they manage to balance personal artistic ventures with coming up with projects that sell in the commercial marketplace today. What is the secret formula in staying commercially viable and ready for the changing demands of the animation industry while bringing your own personal visions and unique artistic perspective to a modern animated project. Our animation superstars also share their personal exercises and methods to stay fresh artistically and creatively and how they manage to be open to notes from producers and executives without sacrificing their soul.

Jorge R. Gutierrez Jorge R. Gutierrez
Vivienne Medrano Vivienne Medrano
Rodney Clouden Rodney Clouden
Juston Gordon-Montgomery Juston Gordon-Montgomery
Sanjay Shah Sanjay Shah
Mike Hollingsworth Mike Hollingsworth
3:30 pm - 4:20 pm Garland Ballroom

How to Find the Right Global Partners

Animation studios and production companies around the world are teaming up with international partners to create visually stunning projects. Many of these studios were able to take advantage of the new work-from-home paradigm to reach out to new artists and talent. Join some of today’s big players in the international animation scene who will share their success stories and offer advice on how to find the right resources and financing, expand your goals and up your productivity by teaming up with the right co-producers around the world.

Bob Higgins Bob Higgins
Adrianna "AJ" Cohen Adrianna "AJ" Cohen
Rick Mischel Rick Mischel
Frank Falcone Frank Falcone
José Carlos Garcia De Letona José Carlos Garcia De Letona
Sander Schwartz Sander Schwartz
4:30 pm - 5:20 pm Garland Ballroom

Independents' Day

2024 has shaped up to be a terrific year for thought-provoking, beautifully crafted animated features released by Indies. This intimate discussion will feature some of the talented directors of the big titles contending for the Academy Awards as they discuss the inspirations, challenges, highlights and details of their animated labors of love.

Morgan Neville Morgan Neville
Adam Elliot Adam Elliot
Usman Riaz Usman Riaz
Tim Harper Tim Harper
Archita Ghosh Archita Ghosh
5:30 pm - 6:20 pm Garland Ballroom

Drawn to Visual Storytelling in the Emerald Isle

Some of the top innovators of the thriving Irish animation scene offer a special behind the scenes look the country’s booming industry and provide a unique perspective on why these studios make wonderful production partners in an ever-changing landscape. We’ll take a look at some of the recent animation highlights from these creative studios and offer a snapshot of what to look forward to from the brilliant artists and storytellers of the Emerald Isle.

Vanessa Robinson Vanessa Robinson
Colm Tyrrell Colm Tyrrell
Vera Hourani Vera Hourani
Ronan McCabe Ronan McCabe
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Garland Ballroom

Riding the Animated Shorts Wave - Part 1

We will chat with some of this year’s top awards’ season contenders acclaimed animated shorts producers/directors to learn more about the latest trends and strategies to increase exposure in this fast-growing area of the animation business. How can you make festival and awards season exposure work for you as an animated shorts director and producer?

Nicholas Ashe Bateman Nicholas Ashe Bateman
Iain Gardiner Iain Gardiner
Damián Perea Damián Perea
Toby Cochran Toby Cochran
Jennifer Wolfe Jennifer Wolfe
7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Garland Ballroom

Riding the Animated Shorts Wave - Part 2

Maral Mohammadian Maral Mohammadian
Pablo León Pablo León
Searit Huluf Searit Huluf
Sean Pecknold Sean Pecknold
Jennifer Wolfe Jennifer Wolfe
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Garland Courtyard

Election Fright Night Watch Party

9:00 am - 9:50 am Garland Courtyard

Networking Breakfast

10:00 am - 10:50 am Garland Ballroom

ASIFA-Hollywood Presents: Annie Award Winners Discuss the State of Animation

A panel of well-known animation stars and past Annie award winners will discuss their projects and skills that earned them a prestigious Annie award win. Moderated by ASIFA-Hollywood’s Executive Director Aubry MIntz, the audience will remain engaged with remarkable stories by these talented artists discussing both studio and independent production and offering advice on what it takes to become the top of their field and how to survive during difficult, challenging times in this important industry.

Sanjay Patel Sanjay Patel
Justine King Justine King
Amber Noizumi Amber Noizumi
Raymond S. Persi Raymond S. Persi
Aubry Mintz Aubry Mintz
11:00 am - 11:50 am Garland Ballroom

Playing for Success

Animated shows and movies based on popular toy properties are hotter than ever. With development execs looking for tried and true properties to draw in audiences worldwide, we have seen a new wave of hot toons featuring familiar toy brands front and center. What are some of the challenges and rewards of launching new toycentric animated shows? How are some of the key players in this rewarding field shaping the new landscape of animated projects? And what are the main trends in this growing landscape? Join our panel of experts for a deep dive into these and other key topics related to this evergreen subject.

Rob David Rob David
Yvette Sittrop Yvette Sittrop
Laura Clunie Laura Clunie
David Shayne David Shayne
Nicole Dubuc Nicole Dubuc
Rob Hudnut Rob Hudnut
12:00 pm - 12:50 pm Garland Ballroom

Making Toons for the Preschool Set

2024 has been quite a fruitful year in the preschool animation landscape as several top-quality new shows have premiered on various streamers and cable and linear outlets. We’ll spotlight some of the show-runners behind these to understand how they created, developed and produced the shows, and to highlight some of the key steps you need to take to bring an inclusive, creative, inspiring and entertaining animated show to today’s preschool audiences and their parents.

Rich Magallanes Rich Magallanes
Stephanie Simpson Stephanie Simpson
Lynne Southerland Lynne Southerland
Leanne Preston Cortez Leanne Preston Cortez
Jennifer Oxley Jennifer Oxley
Rita Street Rita Street
1:00 pm - 2:20 pm Beverly Garland Park

Networking Lunch

2:30 pm - 3:20 pm Garland Ballroom

Business of Show Business

This eclectic panel on various current business and professional aspects of the animation and VFX world will highlight important things every studio owner, producer and artist needs to know. Panelists will offer tips on how to protect your animation ideas, copyrights, digital rights, sales and licensing rights, including attracting financial investors, as well as some of the latest technology solutions to help you up your game.

Strawn Dixon Strawn Dixon
Peter McHugh Peter McHugh
Eddie Gamarra Eddie Gamarra
Frank Saperstein Frank Saperstein
3:30 pm - 4:20 pm Garland Ballroom

The Next Wave of Adult Animation

With the massive success of several shows, adult animation has opened new doors of opportunity for creators who want to push the medium beyond what has traditionally been the territory of family entertainment. What are some of the challenges and rewards of producing animated content for a sophisticated, adult audience who is expecting top-quality material? How do you push the comedy envelope without becoming offensive and insensitive to segments of the audience? How much violence is considered too much for today’s viewers? We will talk to some of the show runners, development execs and creators to find out more about the next stage in this expanding and exciting area of the business.

Mark Levin Mark Levin
Steve Levy Steve Levy
Kiahna Manker Kiahna Manker
Travis Willingham Travis Willingham
Joe Cappa Joe Cappa
Mark Hoffmeier Mark Hoffmeier
4:30 pm - 5:20 pm Garland Ballroom

A Conversation with Three Major Studio Leaders

Join three of the most powerful women in animation —  Sony Pictures Animation president Kristine Belson, DreamWorks Animation president Margie Cohn and Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation president, Ramsey Naito — for a relaxed and frank conversation about the state of the business and the art form, the big studios’ priorities in 2025, a sneak peek at upcoming projects, and helpful advice on how to thrive in animation during these challenging, unpredictable and exciting times.

Kristine Belson Kristine Belson
Margie Cohn Margie Cohn
Ramsey Naito Ramsey Naito
5:30 pm - 6:20 pm Garland Ballroom

Fireside Chat: Chris Sanders & Joel Crawford

In this casual, free-wheeling dialog, the two brilliant DreamWorks directors discuss their most recent acclaimed movies ("The Wild Robot," "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish") and provide valuable insights into their creative methods, inspirations, and share their thoughts on the state of the animation business and how to survive the vicissitudes of the industry.

Chris Sanders Chris Sanders
Joel Crawford Joel Crawford
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Beverly Garland Park

Closing Night Cocktail Party