The OIAF presents, Animation Exposé, a series of daytime events curated to enhance your experience and understanding of the world of animation. While some programming is geared toward the animation industry, the Artist Talks, recruiting opportunities, and sketching activities are all interesting to anyone looking to learn what’s new in animation, meet inspiring creators, find a way to study animation, or even connect with their dream job at a leading studio.  

Artist Talks

Canada Room, National Arts Centre (NAC), 1 Elgin Street

Get the ultimate animation experience at Animation Exposé! Meet the wizards behind the curtain at the Artist Talk Series, showcasing artists from your favourite projects, including never-before-seen surprises and tips on a career in animation!

Entry to the Exhibitor Fair is free and open to the public.  A ticket or Anima pass is required to enter Artist Talks at Animation Exposé. 

Live captions are available for all Artist Talks at Animation Exposé

Vertical Vibes: Animator Influencers winning IG & TikTok

10:15 am – 11:30 am

Canada Room (Level 2 / Elgin Level)

Get ready to meet IG and TikTok’s animation stars and discover the secret to their success! You will hear about these animators’ career paths, creative processes, monetization approaches, and learning experiences. Prepare to reorient your phone and rethink your approach to animation platforms!

Panelists: 

Andrea Love, Animator & Director, Andrea Animates   ➡️   IG: @andreaanimates  TikTok: @andrea.animates 

Ben Treat, Owner, Frantic Frames LLC   ➡️   IG: @franticframes  TikTok: @franticframes 

Khrys Lloren, Director, NOFAC3 Productions   ➡️   IG: @nofac3.binch   TikTok: @nofac3666 

Simeon Kondev, Creative Director, BuzzFeed Animation Lab   ➡️   IG: @simeonkondev @thelandofboggs TikTok: @simeonkondev @thelandofboggs

Moderator:

Vladimir Jean-Gilles, Film Critic, CBC   ➡️   IG: @justaskvlad

Live captions are available for all Artist Talks at Animation Exposé

Creator Talk: Scavengers Reign

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Canada Room (Level 2 / Elgin Level)

Nominated for an Outstanding Animated Program Emmy, Scavengers Reign was co-created and executive-produced by Joe Bennett and Charles Huettner and adapted from their 2016 short Scavengers. Creator Charles Huettner, director Jonathan Djob-Nkondo, and Titmouse Inc. President Chris Prynoski are here to talk about creating this sci-fi thriller that follows the surviving crew members of a damaged deep space freighter stranded on a beautiful yet unforgiving planet. Discover the fascinating inspirations, creative process, and the incredible story behind the making of the show.

Panelists:

Charles Huettner, Show Creator

Scavengers Reign ‘The Signal’ selected for Animated Series Competition

Jonathan Djob-Nkondo, Director, Writer, Character Designer

Scavengers Reign ‘The Storm’ is a part of the special screening Optical Hopscotch: The Animation of Jonathan Djob Nkondo

Chris Prynoski, President & Founder, Titmouse

Moderator:  

Aaron Davidson, Manager of Adult Animation Comedy, Netflix  

Live captions are available for all Artist Talks at Animation Exposé

A Wild Vision: The Story & Artistry Behind DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Canada Room (Level 2 / Elgin Level)

Go behind the scenes of the making of DreamWorks Animation’s highly anticipated new film, The Wild Robot, with Writer/Director Chris Sanders, Production Designer Raymond Zibach, Head of Story Heidi Jo Gilbert and Film Editor Mary Blee. Learn how the creative team combined storyboards, scripts, concept art, and models to portray this captivating and emotional story. Followed by a signing session with Chris Sanders at 3:00 pm in the Canal Foyer. 

Don’t miss the OIAF Special Screening of The Wild Robot on Sept 25th at 5:00 pm, Bytowne Cinema.

Panelists: 

Chris Sanders, Writer/Director

Raymond Zibach, Production Designer  

Heidi Jo Gilbert, Head of Story  

Mary Blee, Film Editor 

Moderator: 

Ramin Zahed, Editor in Chief, Animation Magazine

Live captions are available for all Artist Talks at Animation Exposé

The Making Of Pixar’s Win or Lose

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Canada Room (Level 2 / Elgin Level)

Be the first up to bat to watch TWO full episodes of Pixar’s first-ever original series, Win or Lose. Followed by a “Making of” presentation by one of the series directors, get a special inside baseball look at how this unique series came to be.

Guest Speaker:  

Michael Yates, Series co-creator, Writer, Director

Live captions are available for all Artist Talks at Animation Exposé

Meet the Filmmakers: Feature Film Edition

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Canada Room (Level 2 / Elgin Level)

During OIAF, Artistic Director Chris Robinson hosts “Meet the Filmmakers,” an engaging forum where audiences and creators connect for open discussions. In the Animation Exposé feature film edition, Chris will chat with independent animated feature filmmakers competing at OIAF24 about the challenges and triumphs of solo filmmaking. Don’t miss this chance to ask your questions!

Panelists: 

Denver Jackson, director, The Worlds Divide 

Tomás Pichardo Espaillat, director, Olivia & Las Nubes (Olivia & The Clouds)

Gints Zilbalodis, director, Flow 

Nick Johnson, director, Sunburnt Unicorn 

Moderator: 

Chris Robinson, Artistic Director, Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) 

Live captions are available for all Artist Talks at Animation Exposé