Industry Voices: A Deep Dive into Animation with Fiona Copland and Vanessa Wells
New Zealand’s animation sector continues to gain global attention—and it’s not by accident. From creative innovation to production grit, it’s the work of experienced practitioners that’s shaping the landscape.
Tonight! WIFT is thrilled to highlight a special conversation between filmmaker and Vanessa Wells and producer Fiona Copland, exploring what it takes to develop, produce, and elevate animation in Aotearoa.
Drawing on Fiona’s extensive background—including her work on the internationally celebrated Kiri and Lou—the discussion dives into the creative and logistical challenges of producing high-quality children’s content in New Zealand. From local development hurdles to international distribution wins, this is a candid and insightful look at the state of the sector.
With both Fiona and Vanessa bringing decades of experience across film, television, and documentary, this session offers valuable perspective on how far Kiwi animation has come—and where it’s heading next.
A must-attend for anyone working in VFX, animation, or storytelling in Christchurch this Wednesday at 6pm.