MAF 2023 updates – Animation Nation Forum & Pass Information!
10 August 2023
We are very excited to announce the first pieces of MAF 2023 news, starting with our newly rebranded Industry Day! Last year’s industry day was a huge sell out success, being the only event in the UK to cover the full spectrum of the animation industry, discussing non-broadcast, feature films, TV, advertising and much more.
We welcomed leaders from the BBC, Aardman Animation, Magic Light Pictures, ILM, Blue Zoo, Locksmith Animation, Lupus Films, Animation UK and more; where we discussed topics ranging from the feature film ecosystem to the talent behind explainers, adverts and interstitials to our headline event State of The Animation Nation, which annually addresses the challenges facing the industry, and how we move through them.
Today we are happy to announce both a name and location change for this event. Moving forward the event will now be called the Animation Nation Forum, which we feel truly encapsulates what we hope to achieve with the event, bringing animation companies of all sizes from across the UK (and beyond) together to forge new connections, hear from the industries top figures, and set the agenda for keep our animation industry a strong global player.
Whilst we had a fantastic event at the Anthony Burgess Foundation last year, the quick sell out and resulting extensive waitlist meant sizing up needed to be a priority this year. The Animation Nation Forum 2023 will take place at The Bridgewater Hall, one of Manchester’s truly legendary venues, which sits just a short walk around the corner from HOME, our central festival hub venue.
This upscaling will give us two auditoriums, plenty of networking space and a new home to a much larger and improved MAF Marketplace which operates alongside ANF!
The Animation Nation Forum will take place all day on Thu 16 Nov and passes will be on sale when our festival programme launches at the end of September.
If you have any further questions about this year’s edition, please see our newly updated FAQs which you can find here.
If you’d like to enquire about a marketplace table, or supporting the festival as a sponsor please email dan@manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk.
What’s What at MAF 2023!
Ahead of September we wanted to give you a heads up on the passes that will be available for you, and what they get you this year, along with pricing so you can start saving your spare pennies! Read on to find out what the right pass is for you.
MAF – Manchester Animation Festival: The events you’ve come to expect from us year after year, an international line up of short & feature films, masterclasses, panels, social events and more; for animated film fans and creators who want to explore the magic of animation.
ANF – Animation Nation Forum: for animation professionals looking to get to grips the inside scoop on the business of animation and make new connections.
EA – Educating Animators: for people wanting to bridge the gap between education and industry and exploring practical ways we can ensure a bright future for animation.
The MAF Market is free for all delegates to attend so come down and meet some of the great and the good from the world of animation.
2023 pass options
MAF Pass – Access to all MAF events (and two ANF events).
£110 // £90 conc
Industry Festival Pass – Access to all MAF events, ANF events and Educating Animators Conference.
£180 // £150 conc (proof required prior to purchase)
MAF Day Pass – Access to all MAF events on a given day.
£50 // £40 conc
MAF Film Pass – Access to 5 film screenings throughout the festival.
£40 // £35 conc
MAF Online Pass – Gives access to all online events.
£50 // £40 conc
ANF Pass – Access to all Animation Nation Forum events.
£100 // £75 early bird // £75 conc (proof required prior to purchase)
For any additional questions please see our newly updated FAQs.
All passes will be on sale at the end of September. Exact dates and timings will be announced closer to launch.
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