Wētā FX’s Motion Edit department helps bring digital characters to life.
From capturing an actor’s performance to delivering the final shot, they focus on translating every nuance of an actors performance to the digital character and integrating them with the final shot. Motion Edit Supervisor, Luisma Lavin, will take you behind the scenes on how the team tackled the complexities of immersing a fully CG character into the practical world around him in Michael Gracey’s musical biopic of Robbie Williams, Better Man.

Guests :
Luisma Lavin | Motion Edit Supervisor

Join us for a breakfast discussion around the growing animation industry in Aotearoa (New Zealand) through the lens of international co-production, focusing on the collaboration between the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) and the French National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC).
Moderated by Eric Soulier (Head of Culture, Education and Science – Embassy of France) with Michel Plazanet ( deputy-director of European and international affairs – CNC) and Chris Payne (Head of Co-Production and Incentives – NZFC) will share insights and best practices for producing content in partnership with France and Europe.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of some of the French support schemes such as the support scheme for “world cinema” and the French international tax credit and how these international collaborations are influencing the future of animation in both New Zealand and the global industry.

Guests:
Chris Payne – NZFC
Michel Plazanet – CNC

Moderator :
Eric Soulier – Embassy of France in New Zealand

Join Maureen Fan, CEO of Baobab Studios, for an engaging keynote exploring the intersection of creativity, technology, and storytelling.
With a distinguished career in animation and interactive media, Maureen will share her unique perspective on how the industry is evolving and what the fu-ture holds. Whether you’re passionate about traditional animation or the latest in immersive media, this talk will offer valuable insights into the art of sto-rytelling in a rapidly changing landscape.

Guests :
Maureen Fan, founder and CEO of Baobab Studios

How does an idea evolve into a captivating short film? This panel will explore the creative and technical journey of student filmmakers, bringing together French and New Zealand Students. Through a dynamic Q&A, the audience will gain insight into their narrative choices, production challenges, and the dedication that brings their vision to life, highlighting both approaches and experiences from each side.

Guests :

Chaussette :
Julie JALLA, Clarisse Barlette

Trash :
Maxime Crançon, Gregory Bouzid

End of Summer :
Jun Huang, Lisa Preston, Ben Liang, Xiang Wang

No More Vivaldi :
Shani Walker

Moderator :
Loic Girault

This discussion will explore the journey of producing an Māori animated series, offering firsthand insights into the creative and production process.
Joining the conversation, representatives from the Māoriland Festival and M.A.T.C.H will share their work in supporting Māori filmmakers and fostering the transmission of Māori culture through animation.
The panel will also feature a guest who will share her experience developing a project centered on Irish legends in the Gaelic language. This session will highlight the intersection of storytelling, industry development, and cultural preservation in animation.

Guests :
Libby Hakaraia – Producer
Rautini O’Brien – Creator, Director & Animator
Madeleine de Young – Māoriland Film Festival Director
Siobhán Ní Thuairisg – Creative from Ireland

Moderator :
Dan Selvin

This panel will take an in-depth look at Footrot Flats, New Zealand’s first animated feature film, and its enduring impact. Industry professionals will share their experiences adapting the iconic comic for the big screen, collaborating with the director, and shaping the film’s distinctive visual style. The discussion will also examine the role of a cartoonist in storytelling and the significance of Footrot Flats in New Zealand’s creative landscape. Offering a rare perspective on this landmark production, the session will provide valuable insights into the country’s animation history and artistic heritage.
More information to come soon!

Guests :
Tom Scott – Scriptwriter
John Barnett – Producer

Moderator :
Dylan Horrocks