Animation Nation Forum
The Animation Nation Forum takes place on Thursday 16 November and has been curated to debate, discuss and inform the industry. Designed for those working professionally in the industry, it is open and essential to anyone wanting to get the inside track on the business of animation. The day consists of back to back talks at our venue The Bridgewater Hall.
While at the festival, why not check out the MAF Marketplace, consider attending the MAF Awards (followed by the AfterMAF, our closing party) or take a look at the rest of the Festival programme on that day as there is plenty you may be interested in from Pitching Surgeries to Making Of/Work in Progress Sessions to screenings.
The below events are all included in the Industry Day Pass:
08:30 ScreenSkills Breakfast
Kickstart your Animation Nation Forum day with a free breakfast, courtesy of ScreenSkills Animation Skills Fund, and hear from Emma Turner, Head of Film, Animation and Future Skills and the team and discover how their exciting new group of animation trainees can help with UK animation productions.
09:30 The Animation Keynote
The animation keynote is Manchester Animation Festival’s yearly opportunity to hear from a titan of industry as they reveal their process and plans for the future. The Keynote speaker for MAF 2023 will be announced very shortly.
11:00 In the Frame: AI and the Future of Animation Production
In the world of animation production, where A.I has the potential to do everything, this panel ponders if it should do everything, exploring practical ways which studios can take responsible steps to ensure the collective good and the artistic heart of animation is maintained.
12:30 The Knowledge Exchange – Eco Talk
A hands on opportunity to learn from industry leaders on eco-conscious practices, renewable resources, and ethical production. Empower your studio to create a greener, more sustainable future for animation.
13:00 Short Insights: The place of animated shorts in industry
Shining a bright spotlight on the independent short film environment in the UK. Exploring their place in the wider industry as well as their the cultural significance, artistic contribution and the global significance of creating short films and sharing them with the world.
14:30 State of the Animation Nation
Presenting the State of the Animation Nation roundtable discussion. A session where industry leaders paint a contemporary picture of the animation industry by answering a wide range of hard hitting questions as we reflect on the challenges and triumphs that the industry has been subject to and what may lay ahead.
15:30 ANF Drinks Reception
After a full engaging day of panels and sessions, we invite all ANF attendees for a complimentary drink and networking ahead of the MAF 2023 closing festivities!