11 March – 2 April 2026
Delivered via the WAFF Industry Dayz Online web app. Designed for animation writers, directors, producers, and animators looking to advance projects, deepen knowledge, and build new collaborations.

Session 1 | Panels

11 March | 6:30 – 9:00 PM (NZT)
He Kauahi Catalyst Animation Applications: Year One Insights

• Bevin Linkhorn (NZ) – Investment and Development Executive, NZFC

• Abba-Rose Vaiaoga-Ioasa (NZ) – Development and Investment Executive, NZFC

He Kauahi Catalyst Success Story: Rat Qween

• Kate Goodwin (NZ) – Producer

• Wade Cowin & Rosie Howells (NZ) – Co-directors – Rat Qween

Session 2 | Speakers

12 March | 6:30 – 9:00 PM (NZT)
[Talk title TBC]

• Kirby Atkins (USA) – Writer / Director

Producing Animation: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

• Jodie Camilleri (AU) – Executive Producer, FIN Design + Effects

Session 3 | Roundtables & Talks

28 March | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (NZT)

This session includes two focused talks followed by attendee-driven small group roundtables. Topics and facilitators will be announced after registration closes.

[Talk title TBC]

• Craig Bartlett (USA) – Creator / Writer / Director

VFX & Animation World Atlas: Charting the World of International Co-Production

• Joseph Bell (USA) – Founder, HDRI Consulting / Author of the VFX & Animation World Atlas

Session 4 | Speaker

14 March | 10:00 – 11:30 AM (NZT)
Pitch Perfect: Selling Your Animation Project

• Rebecca Gibson (Canada) – Director / Producer / Showrunner

Find Your People: Marketing That Builds a Crowd Around Your Story

• Iris Lamarr (New Zealand) - Founder Reframe Collective

Sessions 5 & 6 | Speed Networking & Talks

1 & 2 April | from 7:30 PM (NZT)

Pre-matched 1:1 meetings to support project conversations, collaboration, and networking — plus optional technical “geek-outs.”

Geek Out on Toon Boom

• Colin Bennet (AU) – Toon Boom Ambassador

Geek Out on Houdini

• TBC (AU) – SideFX Ambassador (live Houdini animation demo)

Tickets & Partners

• $20 General | $15 Guild Members | $10 Students & Unwaged | 5$ Single Talk Ticket

• Funded & supported by the New Zealand Film Commission

• Delivered in partnership with VFXG, CAFE, DEGANZ & NZWG