Industry Dayz Online Programme
A WAFF Event
As part of the Wellington Animation Film Festival, this series returns to inspire animation teams and encourage more folks into new collaborations ahead of upcoming animation funding opportunities. Delivered via the WAFF Industry Dayz Online Web App, the programme features inspiring talks from New Zealand and international speakers, roundtables, and 1:1 speed networking—all accessible from your home or studio.
This online programme is designed for animation writers, directors, producers, and animators developing projects or deepening their production knowledge, as well as those looking to step into animation.
NEW DATES 22 July to 20 August
Industry Dayz Online
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22 July - 20 August 2026
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Industry Dayz Online | 22 July - 20 August 2026 |
Session 1 | Panels
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 - NZFCHe 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-directorsSession 2 | Speakers
Kirby Atkins - USA
Kirby Atkins wrote and directed Mosley, directed The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, and won Best Animated Short for Mutt at the Hollywood Film Festival.
Writer / DirectorProducing Animation: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Executive Producer - FIN Design + EffectsJodie Camilleri - AU
Jodie Camilleri is a producer at Fin Design + Effects, with animation credits including Happy Feet Two and M3gan, working across large-scale character-driven visual effects productions.
Session 3 | Roundtables & Talks
The Saturday programme includes two focused talks to frame key industry themes, followed by 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.
Session 3 | Speakers
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.
Session 4 | Speakers
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 CollectiveSession 5 & 6 | Speed Networking & Talks
Pre-matched 1:1 meetings designed to connect attendees around active projects, creative alignment, and future collaboration — plus a few good old-fashioned software geek-outs for those who want to talk tools, pipelines, plugins, and production hacks. Participants can schedule sessions across the month, including dedicated matchmaking time slots, giving space for both strategic conversations and deep technical exchanges.
Session 5 & 6 | Speakers
Geek 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.
Grab Your Tickets
Online Event
$20 General | $15 Guild Members | $10 Students & Unwaged
Industry Dayz Online Series Partners
The online event is funded & supported by the New Zealand Film Commission and delivered in partnership with VFXG, CAFE, DEGANZ & NZWG.