Online Series
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18 August - 19 September 2026
|
Online Series | 18 August - 19 September 2026 |
Animation
Matchmaking
Online Event
This online series returns for 2026, bringing together writers, directors, producers, animators, studios, and emerging creators from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world to spark new animation collaborations.
Delivered over one month through the Animation Matchmaking Online Web App, the programme features selected Tuesday evening and Saturday sessions with New Zealand and international speakers, roundtables and 1-to-1 speed networking.
All of this is accessible from your home or studio, wherever you are in the world.
You don't need to attend every session, but please register by 17 August so we can organise the roundtables and help you get the most out of the speed networking.
Speakers
From Startup to Studio: The Growth of Cosmic Dino
Co-Founder | Director | Cosmic DinoRicard Cussó - AU
Ricard is an award-winning Spanish-Australian animation director and co-founder of the Brisbane-based Cosmic Dino Studio. A two-time Australian Directors Guild Award winner for Best Direction in Animation, he directed the animated feature Scarygirl and co-directed The Sloth Lane — which premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival — as well as the beloved Tales from Sanctuary City trilogy.
He Kauahi Catalyst Animation Applications: Year One Insights
Bevin Linkhorn - NZ
With over twenty years’ experience in the screen industry, Bevin Linkhorn is an Investment and Development Executive at the New Zealand Film Commission. He has worked across film, television, animation, and factual entertainment as a producer, writer, and script editor, with a strong focus on story and supporting emerging talent.
Investment and Development Executive - NZFC
Abba-Rose Vaiaoga-Ioasa - NZ
Abba-Rose Vaiaoga-Ioasa (Puipa‘a, Toamua, Alafua – Samoa) is a Development and Investment Executive at the New Zealand Film Commission, with experience spanning development, producing, distribution, and marketing across a wide range of screen projects.
Investment and Development Executive - NZFCProducer & Director Relationship in Animation
Dave Mullins - USA
Dave Mullins is an Academy Award® and Annie Award®-winning American writer, director, and animator with more than 20 years of experience at Pixar Animation Studios and 7 years at Walt Disney and Sony Imageworks. He won the 2024 Academy Award® for Best Animated Short Film and the Annie Award for Best Animated Short for writing and directing his film the War is Over!
CCO/Writer/Director | ElectroLeague
Co-Founder | Director | Cosmic DinoBrad Booker - USA
Brad is a seasoned film producer and former animator with three decades of experience in the entertainment industry. His noteworthy productions include Rumble (2020) for Paramount Pictures and The Book of Life (2014) for 20th Century Fox. The latter garnered a nomination for "Best Animated Feature" at prestigious events like the Golden Globes®, the Producers Guild of America, and The Critics' Choice Movie Awards, but also secured 5 Annie Awards.
He Kauahi Catalyst Success Story: Rat Qween
Kate Goodwin - NZ
Kate Goodwin is a mixed-media producer whose credits include Stage Challenge (NZIFF Best Emerging Artist), Self Help, Rohe Kōreporepo – The Swamp, The Sacred Place, Listen to Me Marlon, and Let Me Be Me. She is currently producing the NZFC Catalyst-funded short Rat Qween alongside creators Rosie and Wade.
Producer
Wade Cowin & Rosie Howells - NZ
Wade Cowin and Rosie Howells are a creative animation duo behind Yap Trap and the in-progress short Rat Qween, combining illustration, animation, writing, and performance. Rat Qween is supported through the NZFC Catalyst fund.
Co-directorsMosley: The Making of a New Zealand–China Animated Co-Production
Kirby Atkins - USA
Kirby Atkins has written feature film scripts for Robert De Niro, Miramax, and 20th Century Fox. He has worked with some of the most recognizable names in cinema across animation and visual effects; such as, Sony Animation, Weta Digital, and Steven Spielberg. His short film Mutt won Best Animated Short at the Hollywood Film Festival and he has directed the TV show The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius. In 2019, Kirby wrote and directed the first New Zealand/China Film Group co-production of Mosley which was nominated for multiple international awards.
Writer / DirectorSurviving Earth: International Collaboration
Co-Founder | Chief Business Officer | Floating RockGarrick Rawlingson - NZ
Garrick is a versatile professional with expertise in client outreach and creative project leadership. He has extensive experience in character and creature animation and developed his creative eye having worked for top VFX studios around the world on films like Alita: Battle Angel, Peter Rabbit 2, and The Hobbit 3. His natural social skills aligned him well for connecting with people and businesses.
Distribution Then, Now and Next: Lessons from a Lifetime in Animation
Craig Bartlett - USA
Craig Bartlett is the creator of Hey Arnold!, which ran for 100 episodes and spawned two films including Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie. He also created Dinosaur Train and Ready Jet Go! and previously directed on Rugrats and Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
Creator / Writer / DirectorVFX & Animation World Atlas: Charting the World of International Co-Production
Founder, HDRI Consulting / Author of the VFX & Animation World AtlasJoseph Bell - USA
Joseph Bell is a consultant, speaker, and creator of VFX & Animation World Atlas. He advises animation and VFX studios on growth, business strategy, international markets, and scaling creative services sustainably.
Pitch Perfect: Selling Your Animation Project
Rebecca Gibson - CA
Rebecca Gibson is a filmmaker, devoted mentor, and nationally recognized mental health advocate in her home country, Canada. Rebecca recently launched her new production company, Live From Winnipeg. Currently, she is in prep for the 52 X 11-minute Stevie and the Sacred Animals, an animation/live-action hybrid preschool series she co-created.
Director / Producer / ShowrunnerFind Your People: Marketing That Builds a Crowd Around Your Story
Iris Lamarr - NZ
Iris Lamarr is a screen marketing strategist and leadership trainer whose work spans Sony Pictures releases, independent films, and high-pressure VFX environments—helping creators turn craft into connection and audience.
Founder Reframe CollectiveGeek Out on Toon Boom
Colin Bennet - AU
Colin has spent 15 years working with Toon Boom Harmony across all manner of traditional to rig based pipelines and loves exploring the balance of efficiency and quality.
Toon Boom AmbassadorGeek Out on Houdini
SideFX AmbassadorTBC - AU
SideFX showcases Houdini animation software, delivering powerful procedural workflows, with a live demo exploring real-world production techniques for industry professionals.
The New Creator Playbook: Building Your IP in the Digital Age
Nicholas Cabana - CA
Nicholas is an Annie Award–nominated animation veteran and named one of Animation Magazine's "2026 Rising Stars." He is the Creative Director and Co-founder of Claynosaurz, a pioneering transmedia brand recognized for its innovation in community-driven storytelling, animation, collectibles, and social-media strategies. What began as an experiment by veteran animators wanting to build their own brand, "Claynos" has won over 40 industry awards and grown into a multi-million dollar IP ecosystem spanning content, games, products, and an upcoming TV show.
Claynosaurz Co-founder & Creative Director | Claynosaurz 
Arman Haque - AU
Arman Haque is a Post Production Artist from Australia. Arman first began working in the VFX industry in 2018 in Shanghai, China. He has since worked on a number of films as a visual effects artist including Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). Arman then moved on to work in the animation industry and is now at 'Glitch Productions' working on indie animation projects for YouTube. Titles include Murder Drones, The Amazing Digital Circus, and the upcoming pilot for The Gaslight District.
Lighting & Rendering Lead | Glitch Productions Steamroller Animation: Making Cool Stuff Isn't Enough
Aaron Gilman - CA
During Aaron's time at Steamroller, the studio has expanded its global footprint, cultivated initiatives in staff training and well-being, and developed strong bonds with industry partners through collaborations on a variety of high-profile projects, including Avatar 2: The Way of Water, Fortnite, Overwatch 2, Sonic 3, and Batman: Arkham Shadow. Steamroller has also built an internal pipeline to support its growing slate of original features, series, and video game IPs, excelling in real-time production.
Aaron Gilman, Steamroller Animation, CEOThe Wellington Animation Film Festival
Arthur Struyf - NZ
Vice President of Creative Aotearoa French ExchangeArthur Struyf is Vice President of Creative Aotearoa French Exchange (CAFE) and a Production Coordinator at Wētā FX. He previously supported the programme team at Show Me Shorts Film Festival and worked on the industry side of Doc Edge. Through CAFE, he helps foster connections between French-speaking and New Zealand creatives through cultural exchange, networking and events, including the delivery of the Wellington Animation Film Festival.
Speed Networking
Pre-matched 1:1 meetings designed to connect attendees around active projects, creative alignment, and future collaboration. Participants can schedule sessions across the month, including dedicated matchmaking time slots, giving space conversations and exchanges.
Roundtables
The programme includes a few small-group sessions where attendees can choose from several roundtable options. Roundtables are designed for active participation — an opportunity to pitch yourself or your concepts, connect with potential collaborators, or deep dive into important topics. Roundtable topics and facilitators will be announced after registration closes, allowing sessions to be shaped around attendees.
Grab Your Tickets
$20 General | $15 NZ Guild Members | $10 Students & Unwaged
Animation Matchmaking Partners
The online event is funded & supported by the New Zealand Film Commission and delivered in partnership with VFXG, DEGANZ & NZWG.