Art + Biz Day

TAC Day 3 Schedule

Friday, September 26, National Arts Centre (NAC), 1 Elgin St. 

9:15 am – 10:30 am   Industry Connect: Animation Community Roundtable

10:00 am – 11:00 am   Meet a Mentor (Session 1 / 2)  

10:30 am – 11:15 am   Brilliant Careers: Spotlight on Animators

11:30 am – 12:15 pm   Advice from Recruiters 

11:30 am – 12:30 pm   Meet a Mentor (Session 2 / 2)  

12:30 pm – 12:45 pm   Animators’ Picnic shuttle pick up at Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue

Please note: the program is tentative and may change.

Day 3: Panels and Activities

Industry Connect: Animation Community Roundtable

9:15 am to 10:30 am, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)

Join us Friday morning for a dynamic networking session centred on community building and inclusive collaboration. The event begins with a brief introduction at 9:15 am, followed by timed rotations and table-hopping conversations designed to spark connections and exchange across the animation industry.
Whether you’re looking to learn, share, or connect, this is your space to take part in meaningful conversations that reflect the diversity and energy of the animation community.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from a wide range of organizations.

Table Participants:   
National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
Production – Maral Mohammadian, producer, & Jelena Popovic, producer
Marketing and Publicity – Nadine Viau, publicist, & Judith Lessard-Berube, Senior Marketing Advisor

Animation Career EXCELerator Program (ACE Canada Society)
Rose-Ann Tisserand, Founder and Executive Producer

Women in Animation (WIA) -Montreal
Emma Sawyer, Marketing Lead

CAG & IATSE Local 938
Rajean Hoilett, International Representative

Disability Screen Office (DSO)
Kassia Neves, Communications Manager

Black Women Film & Media : Canada
Ella Cooper, Director, Founder and Producer, Black Women Film & Media, and Brown Rabbit Studios

Ottawa Film Office / Bureau du cinéma d’Ottawa
Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, CEO and Film Commissioner

ASIFA-Hollywood
Brooke Keesling, Board Vice President

TAIS – Toronto Animated Image Society
Oshi Wanigasekera, Director
Tobias Williams, Director & Chair of Programming

Canada Media Fund (CMF)
Kyle O’Byrne, Director Public Affairs

Meet a Mentor Sessions

Are you an emerging creator looking to forge connections at the OIAF? Entry-level members of the animation industry can sign up for a 17-minute meeting with a studio representative and/or industry experts. This program is designed to connect studio and industry organization representatives with registered creators for feedback on demo reels, portfolios, pitch decks, or to seek career advice and make new contacts.  Preregistration is required.

Priority access will be given to animators from equity-deserving groups to network and have their work reviewed. 

These sessions are split into two over the morning:

• Session 1: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Session 2: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

How to Sign Up: 

Registered passholders can submit the Meet a Mentor: Pre-Registration Form via the OIAF Visitor Portal.

Meeting registration will be open from September 5, 2025, to September 17, 2025. You may browse through the growing list of available mentors here.

Meet a Mentor (Session 1 / 2)

10:00 am to 11:00 am, Le Salon (Canal Level)

This program connects studio and industry organization representatives with registered creators and entry-level animation professionals for up to three 17-minute one-on-one meetings to receive feedback on demo reels, portfolios, pitch decks, or to seek career advice.
Priority is given to participants from equity-deserving groups.
Preregistration is required via the OIAF Visitor Portal.

Brilliant Careers: Spotlight on Animators

10:30 am to 11:15 am, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)

Discover the diverse paths and inspiring journeys of leading animators shaping today’s industry. This panel showcases the experiences, challenges, and successes of talented creators, providing valuable insights and advice for those building a career in animation. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, gain inspiration and practical tips from those who’ve made their mark.

Speakers: 
Celeste Koon, Writer / Creator, Pennyfarthing Pictures Inc.
Chadd Ferron, Mentor / Animation Supervisor, Animation Mentor / DNEG Feature Animation
Diana Reichenbach, Director, Kinder Conversations (Big Stories, Small Scribbles) in Animation for Young Audiences 7+ competition

Moderator:
Ella Cooper, Director, Founder and Producer, Black Women Film & Media, and Brown Rabbit Studios

Advice from Recruiters

11:30 am to 12:15 pm, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)

Hear directly from top animation recruiters as they share what they look for in candidates, how to stand out in a competitive job market, and tips for navigating the hiring process. This panel offers practical advice to help you land your dream role and build a successful career in animation.

Speakers: 
Shri Hughes, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Guru Studio
Coral Schoug, VP, Production (Canada), Brown Bag Films | 9 Story
Amy Hurwitz, Recruiting & Onboarding Lead, LAIKA

Moderator:
Theresa Scandiffio, Associate Dean, Animation and Game Design, Sheridan College

Meet a Mentor (Session 2 / 2)

11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Le Salon (Canal Level)

This program connects studio and industry organization representatives with registered creators and entry-level animation professionals for up to three 17-minute one-on-one meetings to receive feedback on demo reels, portfolios, pitch decks, or to seek career advice.
Priority is given to participants from equity-deserving groups.
Preregistration is required via the OIAF Visitor Portal.