Sept 24 – 26,
2025
Made possible with the support of Ontario Creates
The Animation Conference (TAC)
This animation business forum is designed for professionals in content creation, development, production, distribution and marketing. TAC brings together key players in North America and international markets and provides a forum for active networking, practical information exchange, and trade in a comfortable and intimate environment. Running alongside the OIAF, attendees also get access to some of the world’s best talent in animation.
TAC 2025 returns to the National Arts Centre (NAC) at 1 Elgin St.
TAC Registration Desk
The TAC Registration Desk is open Wednesday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, located on the Canal Level in the Babs Asper Theatre Coat Check. This is where you can pick up your pass, a map, the TAC Program Guide, and other OIAF materials, or ask staff and volunteers questions.
Make Connections
TAC is one of the best industry events you’ll find for networking. Make solid connections at organized pitching events and casual parties.
Don’t miss favourite events such as Pitch THIS! presented by The Canada Media Fund, and Fast Track, presented by Praxinos, speed-meeting sessions that get you in front of the buyers and production executives you want to meet.
Enjoy a coffee from the Pipeline Studios coffee stations and head into the Mercury Filmworks TAC Delegate Lounge, in the Rossy Pavilion Foyer, which will be open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday for TAC AnimaPass holders to take meetings, have a break, or enjoy lunch. Enjoy a delicious catered TAC Luncheon, included with a valid TAC AnimaPass, on Wednesday and Thursday of TAC.
On Wednesday, the Toon Boom Boat Cruise is the perfect opportunity to catch up with other TAC delegates in an informal and intimate setting. This 2-hour sightseeing cruise tours Parliament Hill, The Canadian Museum of History, Rideau Falls, and other popular sites in the beautiful Capital. The Boat Cruise bus shuttle service runs from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm from Sparks St. & Elgin St. Afterwards, take a direct shuttle to the Bytowne Cinema to attend the Opening Ceremonies and Short Competition 1, or the secondary shuttles back to the pick-up point at Sparks St. & Elgin St.
For an end-of-the-day toast on Thursday, head to the Rossy Pavilion Foyer in the NAC for the 5 à 7 Cocktail Reception.
Days 1 & 2 of TAC are open to valid TAC AnimaPass holders only.
Art + Biz Day returns this year on Friday morning, featuring exciting programming designed to help all creators discover their career paths. OIAF, in partnership with the Canada Media Fund (CMF), presents Art + Biz Day as a whole morning of programming focused on integrating and nurturing the animation industry.
Art + Biz Day is open to all TAC AnimaPass holders as well as OIAF AnimaPass holders.
Afterwards, jump on a double-decker bus from Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, to go to the Animators’ Picnic.
All events are subject to change without notice.
TAC 2025 features a line-up of talks to help you navigate the animation industry today.
TAC Day 1 Schedule
Wednesday, September 24, National Arts Centre (NAC), 1 Elgin St.
9:00 am – 9:15 am Opening Remarks with Telefilm Canada
9:00 am – 11:45 am Pitch THIS Semi-Finals, presented by the Canada Media Fund (CMF)
9:15 am – 10:00 am Tribute to Rick Morrison, presented by Jam Filled Entertainment
10:00 am – 11:00 am Reception for Rick Morrison
10:15 am – 11:00 am State of the Industry: Canadian Animation Seizing Opportunity, presented in partnership with CASO
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Spinning a Classic: Reimagining Charlotte’s Web for a New Generation
12:00 pm to 12:45 pm Prepare to Pitch, Part 1 with Emily Brundige
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm TAC Luncheon, presented by the High Commission of India
1:15 pm – 2:00 pm Perfect Your Pitch, Part 2 with Eric Calderon
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm Meet the Canadian Broadcasters
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Fast Track: Classic (Session 1 / 3), presented by Praxinos
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm Ask the Experts: Realistic Budgeting for Co-Productions
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm Boat Cruise Shuttle Service (Sparks St. and Elgin St.)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Toon Boom Boat Cruise (Hull Marina, 160, rue Laurier, Gatineau, Québec.)
Please note: the program is tentative and may change.
Day 1: Panels and Activities
Opening Remarks with Telefilm Canada
9:00 am to 9:15 am, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
TAC 2025 opens with a welcome from the OIAF team, followed by remarks from Anita Damiani, Telefilm Canada’s newly appointed National Director, Feature Films – French Market. Damiani will speak to Telefilm’s expanding support for animated features, co-productions, and the evolving opportunities for Canadian creators.
Tribute to Rick Morrison, presented by Jam Filled Entertainment
9:15 am to 10:00 am, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
Join us for a heartfelt tribute to Rick Morrison, a visionary producer and pillar of Ottawa’s animation community. From his work on The Raccoons to helming Big Jump Entertainment, Rick’s legacy spans decades of storytelling, studio-building, and mentorship. As part of the tribute, Jam Filled Entertainment will present the TAC Lifetime Achievement Award to Rick posthumously, with his brother Cory Morrison accepting the honour on his behalf. A reception will follow.
Host:
Frank Taylor, Principal, SOGO Strategic Consulting
Reception for Rick Morrison
10:00 am to 11:00 am, TAC Delegate Lounge (Terrace Level Foyer)
Following the Tribute to Rick Morrison, join industry friends and family in the Delegate Lounge for a reception for Rick, featuring a mimosa toast in honour of Rick and his enduring legacy.
State of the Industry: Canadian Animation Seizing Opportunity, presented in partnership with CASO
10:15 am to 11:00 am, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
This year’s State of the Industry panel explores Canada’s potential in a rapidly evolving global animation landscape. Around the world, studios are navigating uncertainty stemming from market slowdowns, industry consolidation, and the creative and economic shifts driven by new technologies. But amid this turbulence, Canada may be well-positioned to take a more strategic role. With deep creative talent, institutional support, and growing interest in international collaboration, the conditions are right to think more ambitiously about Canada’s place in the industry. Together, the panelists will explore how the sector can move from a mindset of adaptation to one of strategy. What would it take to seize this moment? And what might Canada offer or learn from the global community in return?
Speakers:
Wes Lui, Co-General Manager, House of Cool / Wildbrain
Daniel Fill, President, Dark Slope
Tamara Boutcher, Head of Feature Animation Production, Cinesite
Andrew Pelekis, CEO, Claynosaurz
Moderator:
Virginie Lavallée, Co-Founder, The Happy Producers
Spinning a Classic: Reimagining Charlotte’s Web for a New Generation
11:30 am to 12:30 pm, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
The creative teams at Sesame Workshop and Guru Studio reveal their latest collaboration: a brand-new animated adaptation of E.B. White’s beloved classic Charlotte’s Web for HBO Max.
In this exclusive sneak peek, they’ll share the challenges they faced reimagining this timeless story, the inspirational art behind the iconic countryside setting, and the beloved characters Wilbur and Charlotte.
Hear how they weaved their magic to breathe new life into this timeless tale for today’s kids and their nostalgic parents.
Speakers:
Olexa Hewryk, VP & Head of Animation, Sesame Workshop
Gyimah Gariba, Art Director, Charlotte’s Web, Guru Studio
Yurie Rocha, Director, Charlotte’s Web, Guru Studio
Frank Falcone, President and Executive Creative Director, Guru Studio
Moderator:
Dan Sarto, Co-Founder and Publisher, Animation World Network – AWN.com
Prepare to Pitch, Part 1 with Emily Brundige
12:00 pm to 12:45 pm, Le Salon (Canal Level)
Get ready to pitch with acclaimed animation writer Emily Brundige (Goldie, Hilda, Pubertina) in this hands-on workshop designed to help you shape your animated series concept for the spotlight. Drawing from her recently self-published A Guide to Developing Animated Shows, Emily will share practical tools for crafting pitch materials that highlight your voice, characters, and world. This interactive session will focus on early development, concept clarity, and building a strong foundation before you pitch.
Pick up Emily’s book on-site or purchase it digitally here: https://www.sendowl.com/hub/lil-toughy
TAC Luncheon, presented by the High Commission of India
12:30 pm to 1:45 pm, TAC Delegate Lounge (Terrace Level Foyer)
Connect with fellow TAC delegates over lunch, presented by the High Commission of India, and reflect on the day’s sessions. This informal midday gathering provides an opportunity to continue conversations, expand your network, and explore international collaboration opportunities in animation.
Perfect Your Pitch, Part 2 with Eric Calderon
1:15 pm to 2:00 pm, Le Salon (Canal Level)
In this advanced session, 30-year industry veteran Eric Calderon, and host of the popular Surviving Animation YouTube Channel, will guide you through refining your pitch. Building on foundational concepts, Eric will focus on wider commercial opportunities for your intellectual property and mastering the art of an authentic performance. Gain practical insights to confidently showcase your project’s unique strengths, leave a lasting impression on decision-makers, and speak directly to your actual audiences.
Watch Surviving Animation on YouTube or follow Eric on LinkedIn for his ongoing discussions about the business of cartoons.
Meet the Canadian Broadcasters
1:45 pm to 2:30 pm, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
Meet decision-makers from Canadian broadcast networks, hear about their current and future priorities, and discover what drives their programming decisions. Panellists will discuss how they receive and assess pitches, what to include, and what is working (or not) for their audiences. The discussion will also explore their creative and financial contributions during development and production, as well as how they ensure that commissions and acquisitions align with their brand identity and viewer expectations.
Speakers:
Lisa Cinelli, Executive in Charge of Production, CBC
Magali Boccaccio, Head of Content, TFO
Kirsten Hurd, Commissioning Editor, TVOkids
Moderator:
Lisa Broadfoot, VP, Industry & Business Affairs, Canadian Media Producers Association
Ask the Experts: Realistic Budgeting for Co-Productions
2:45 pm to 3:30 pm, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
From funding breakdowns to production planning, this practical session dives into the realities of budgeting for co-productions and large-scale animated projects. Industry experts will share firsthand insights on how to approach budgets for co-productions from different regions, access available funding, and navigate common challenges. Designed as a “how-to” conversation with ample room for audience questions, the panel provides useful starting points, smart strategies, and hard-earned advice.
Speakers:
Damien Dornford, Creative Director, AirStride Entertainment
Athena Georgaklis, Executive Producer, AthenaG Productions
Moderator:
Jessica Beirne, President and Executive Producer, The Producer Place
Toon Boom Boat Cruise
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm, Sparks St. and Elgin St.
The Toon Boom Boat Cruise bus shuttle service operates between 3:30 pm and 4:15 pm, departing from the corner of Sparks St. and Elgin St. and travelling to the Hull Marina, located at 160, rue Laurier. There will be two buses doing two rounds of pick-ups. If you miss the first pick-up, wait with OIAF volunteers at Sparks St. and Elgin St. for the second pick-up.
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Ottawa River
Catch a shuttle bus, up the street from the NAC at Sparks St. and Elgin St., to make it to the boat before launch! The boat will launch from a new dock for 2025, the Hull Marina, at 160, rue Laurier, Gatineau, Québec.
The Toon Boom Boat Cruise is the perfect opportunity to catch up with other TAC delegates and grow your network in an informal setting with incredible views. This 2-hour sightseeing cruise tours the Ottawa River between Ontario and Quebec, passing by Rideau Falls, Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and other popular sites in the beautiful Capital. Guests will be treated to drinks and charcuterie. Afterwards, take a direct shuttle to the Bytowne Cinema to attend the Opening Ceremonies and Short Competition 1, or the secondary shuttles back to the pick-up point at Sparks St. & Elgin St.
The Boat Cruise is open to valid TAC AnimaPass holders only.
TAC Day 2 Schedule
Thursday, September 25, National Arts Centre (NAC), 1 Elgin St.
9:00 am – 9:45 am Meet the International Broadcasters
9:00 am – 10:00 am Fast Track: Pitch Development (Session 1/1), presented by Praxinos
10:00 am – 11:00 am Canada x France: Animation Coproductions in Action, presented by the Embassy of France in Canada
10:30 am – 11:15 am Animation on Location: The Business of Animation for 4D spaces
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Roundtable: What’s On-Screen for the Future?
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm How-to Co-Pro: Connect with Edwards Creative Law
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm TAC Luncheon, presented by the Ottawa Film Office (OFO)
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Fast Track: Classic (Session 2 / 3), presented by Praxinos
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm Masterclass with Carolyn Hay: From Logline To Deadline
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm Switching Streams
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Fast Track: Classic (Session 3 / 3), presented by Praxinos
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Pitch THIS! Finale presented by The Canada Media Fund
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 5 à 7 Cocktail Reception
Please note: the program is tentative and may change.
Day 2: Panels and Activities
Meet the International Broadcasters
9:00 am to 9:45 am, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
Get a global perspective on content priorities and pitch strategies from top decision-makers at leading international broadcasters. This panel offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from major players about what’s working in their markets, what audiences are responding to, and how they evaluate new ideas. Learn how each brand approaches development, acquisitions, and co-productions, and how they maintain a distinct identity while serving global and local audiences. Whether you’re developing content for adult animation, cross-generational audiences, or niche markets, this session will help you craft more thoughtful and strategic pitches.
Speakers:
Tommy Gillespie, Senior Director, Content Production, PBS Kids
Jordan Askins, Manager of Development, Adult Swim
More speakers to be confirmed
Moderator:
Archita Ghosh, President, Rezolution Pictures International
Canada x France: Animation Coproductions in Action, presented by the Embassy of France in Canada
10:00 am to 11:00 am, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
Presented in partnership with the French Embassy in Canada, this panel brings together key animation leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the art and business of international coproductions. Featuring David Sauerwein (Zephyr Animation, Lana Longbeard), Dylan Edwards (Copernicus Studios, Lana Longbeard), Terry Kalagian (Gaumont Global Animation & Family), Laura Chrétien (Special Touch, Allah Is Not Obliged), and Daniela Mujica, Productions Ocho (Allah Is Not Obliged) the discussion will dive into the creative collaboration, funding frameworks, and practical challenges behind projects like children’s series Lana Longbeard and feature film Allah Is Not Obliged. Moderated by Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, Ottawa Film Commissioner, this session offers invaluable insights for producers, creators, and executives eager to build successful cross-border partnerships in animation.
Speakers:
Terry Kalagian, President, Gaumont Global Animation & Family, Gaumont
Dylan Edwards, Head of Development, Copernicus Studios Inc. (Lana Longbeard)
David Sauerwein, Producer & Co-founder, Zephyr Animation (Lana Longbeard)
Laura Chrétien, Line Producer, Special Touch Studios (Allah Is Not Obliged)
Daniela Mujica, Producer, Yzanakio & Productions Ocho (Allah Is Not Obliged)
Moderator:
Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, CEO and Film Commissioner, Ottawa Film Office / Bureau du cinéma d’Ottawa
Animation on Location: The Business of Animation for 4D spaces
10:30 am to 11:15 am, Le Salon (Canal Level)
Animation on Location is an intimate fireside chat exploring the creative and commercial potential of immersive, location-based animation. Join Eric Calderon, EVP of Creative Development at Falcon’s Beyond, a global powerhouse and pioneer in location-based immersive storytelling, including theatres, theme parks, zoos, museums, and more. Alongside Julien Demers-Arsenault from Rodeo FX Advertising & Experiences, a studio known for crafting striking branded experiences for clients such as McDonald’s, Red Bull, and Tiffany & Co., they share insights from their work in 4D and experiential storytelling. From Falcon’s Beyond’s large-scale theme park installations in Dubai or Florida, to Rodeo’s recent “La Forêt des Merveilles” holiday projection in Old Quebec, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look at how animated narratives can transform real-world spaces and spark new business opportunities.
Speakers:
Eric Calderon, Executive Vice President, Falcon’s Beyond
Julien Demers-Arsenault, Creative Director, Rodeo FX – Advertising & Experiences
Roundtable: What’s On-Screen for the Future?
11:30 am to 12:30 pm, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
Feeling unsure how sustainability fits into your role? What difference can one person or one show make? Whether you’re a coordinator, a storyboard artist, a showrunner, or just someone with questions, you’re not alone. And you’re exactly who this session is for. This lively roundtable, facilitated by Mary Bredin, brings together industry leaders and creators to explore how they can envision animated stories with future worlds that are joyful, just, and environmentally sustainable. This is a space to share ideas, ask questions, and consider how animation can lead to cultural change. As children encounter more disinformation and ecological anxiety, what is presented on screen and how it is portrayed matters more than ever. The session will begin with a brief introduction, followed by open and rotating table discussions designed to spark connections, creativity, and actionable ideas.
Speakers:
Wayne-Michael Lee, Director, Independent
Karen Fowler, VP Development, 9 Story Media Group
Melissa Peters, Creator, Writer, Director
Emily Brundige, Writer/Showrunner, Li’l Toughy
Jillianne Reinseth, Senior Creative Executive, Jolly Chipmunk
Moderator:
Mary Bredin, Creative Director/Founder, Green Tiger Consulting
How-to Co-Pro: Connect with Edwards Creative Law
12:00 pm to 12:45 pm, Le Salon (Canal Level)
Join entertainment lawyer Mark Edwards, Managing Partner from Edwards Creative Law, for a how-to session and interactive seminar covering the basics of starting and completing co-production deals. Bring your questions and dive into the legal essentials of co-productions, from contracts to financing, in this practical, participant-driven session. More info: edwardslaw.ca/animation
TAC Luncheon, presented by the Ottawa Film Office (OFO)
12:30 pm to 1:45 pm, TAC Delegate Lounge (Terrace Level Foyer)
Presented by the Ottawa Film Office (OFO), enjoy a delicious meal while catching up with delegates and meeting new collaborators in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. With Parliament as the backdrop, OFO celebrates Ottawa’s vibrant screen-based community and the exciting opportunities that make the region a hub for animation and creative talent.
Masterclass with Carolyn Hay: From Logline To Deadline
1:45 pm to 2:30 pm, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
You got the gig! Now what? In this animation writing master class, award-winning 25-year industry vet writer Carolyn Hay will take you through the journey from that good idea through to delivering a final script that flies off the page. A deep dive into nailing the concept, creating characters that resonate, addressing notes and crafting a script that soars.
Switching Streams
2:45 pm to 3:30 pm, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
As the definition of “broadcaster” evolves, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Roblox are becoming primary channels for content discovery and audience loyalty, especially for younger viewers. This panel examines how studios and creators are treating non-traditional platforms such as YouTube not as a side hustle but as a central distribution strategy: building serialized content, experimenting with crossovers, launching trailers, and navigating funding models that facilitate long-term monetization. From animated podcasts to algorithm-savvy kids’ content, discover how companies and independent creators are turning to alternative platforms to establish their digital networks.
Speakers:
Steve Couture, CEO, Epic Storyworlds
Aaron Long, Director, Sublo and Tangy Mustard
Celeste Koon, Writer / Creator, Pennyfarthing Pictures Inc.
Moderator:
Aron Dunn, Executive Producer, Treason Media
Pitch THIS! Finale, presented by the Canada Media Fund
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
Pitch THIS! is TAC’s signature pitching contest. Watch this exciting finale as the two finalists present their pitches to the TAC audience and a jury of industry professionals, who will determine the winner of the Pitch THIS! Grand Prize!
Learn more and meet the mentors on the Pitch THIS! webpage.
5 à 7 Cocktail Reception
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Rossy Pavilion Foyer (Terrace Level)
Head to the Rossy Pavilion Foyer to close out the second day of TAC with a 5 à 7 Cocktail Reception.