The World Animation & VFX Summit, a premier gathering in the animation and visual effects industry, is set to take place from November 7 to 10, 2021, at the historic Garland Hotel in North Hollywood, California. This year’s event promises to be a dynamic celebration of creativity and innovation in animation, featuring a range of activities including award presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that will bring together industry professionals from around the globe.
### Honorees and Awards
The summit will kick off with an awards ceremony that recognizes outstanding contributions to the field. Among the distinguished honorees, Gaumont Animation will be celebrated as the International Studio of the Year, with awards presented to U.S. President Nicolas Atlan and Executive Vice President of Creative Content Terry Kalagian. The innovative duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known for their work on Sony Pictures Animation’s beloved films such as “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” will receive accolades for their groundbreaking contributions to animated storytelling. This award will be presented by Kristine Belson, the president of Sony Pictures Animation.
Tom McGrath, the acclaimed director behind DreamWorks Animation’s successful “Boss Baby” series and the “Madagascar” franchise, will be honored with the Hall of Fame: Billion Dollar Director Award. Chris Meledandri, the founder and CEO of Illumination Entertainment—famous for creating the “Despicable Me” franchise—will receive the 2021 Vanguard Award for his significant impact on animated cinema. Other honorees include Chris Nee, the creator of popular children’s series like “Doc McStuffins,” and Jennifer Yuh Nelson, the Oscar-nominated director of “Kung Fu Panda 2.” Bruce Smith, known for creating “The Proud Family,” and voice actress Cree Summer, who is recognized for her extensive work in animation, will also be celebrated during this prestigious event.
### Engaging Panels and Networking Opportunities
Following the awards ceremony, attendees can look forward to three days filled with insightful panels and discussions led by industry leaders. The summit will feature inclusive networking breakfasts, lunches, and cocktail parties designed to foster connections among participants. These interactions will provide a platform for sharing ideas and experiences, focusing on the current landscape of the animation and VFX industries, innovations, and the evolving job market.
Jean Thoren, the founder and president of the World Animation & VFX Summit, expressed excitement about the return of the event in-person, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the industry’s vitality and the achievements of its trailblazers. The summit will highlight the vision and creativity of leading figures in animation, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and gain insights into the future of the industry.
### In-Depth Discussions on Animation and VFX
This year’s panels will cover a diverse array of topics relevant to animation and visual effects, including practical advice for producing successful international co-productions, the intricacies of creating content for virtual reality, and discussions with directors and producers of notable films competing for Academy Awards. The summit will showcase the making of acclaimed animated features such as “The Boss Baby: Family Business,” “Encanto,” “Flee,” “Luca,” and “Raya and the Last Dragon,” among others. Attendees will also have the chance to delve into discussions about this year’s standout animated shorts, which are vying for year-end awards recognition.
The agenda will also feature sessions that address innovations in new media, co-production opportunities, and the evolving landscape of streaming services. Panelists will discuss the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity within the industry and share strategies for effectively pitching animated projects to streaming platforms. Additionally, attendees will learn about refining their portfolios and resumes to secure coveted positions in animation.
### Notable Industry Professionals
This year’s lineup includes an impressive collection of animation and VFX professionals who will participate in the panels. Some of the key figures include Kim Adams, co-founder of Adventure Lab; Chris Applehans, director of “Wish Dragon”; and Kristine Belson, president of Sony Pictures Animation. Other notable names include Margie Cohn, president of DreamWorks Animation; Melissa Cobb, VP of Kids and Family at Netflix; and Jinko Gotoh, producer of the acclaimed film “Klaus.”
The summit will also host discussions featuring Kirk DeMicco, director of “Vivo”; Emily Hart, senior VP of development at Disney TV Animation; and Chris Henderson, founder of AstroNomical. These esteemed professionals will share their insights and experiences, providing attendees with invaluable knowledge about the current trends and future directions in animation.
### Health and Safety Measures
In light of ongoing health concerns, the World Animation & VFX Summit is committed to ensuring the safety of all attendees. Participants will be required to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19, administered at least two weeks prior to the event, along with a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of attendance. Valid identification will also be necessary. Upon arrival, temperature checks will be conducted, and masks will be mandated in accordance with local health guidelines.
### Conclusion
The World Animation & VFX Summit 2021 is set to be an inspiring event that celebrates the best in animation and visual effects. With its rich program of awards, panels, and networking opportunities, the summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. Attendees will leave with fresh insights, new connections, and a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of animation and VFX. For more information and to secure discounted tickets, interested individuals can visit the official summit website.
