Netflix Animation Studios

Friday 10/23, 3:15PM-4:15PM

The Magic Behind Netflix’s Steps

Room 207 | Alyce Tzue | Netflix Animation Studios | Shelly Wan

Join Director Alyce Tzue for a behind-the-scenes look at Steps, a fresh and heartfelt reimagining of the Cinderella story from Netflix Animation Studios. Together with Production Designer Shelly Wan, the team will dive into their reinvention of the familiar tale, exploring the enchanting world of Alouette, the artistry behind the quirky cast of characters, and the healthy dose of style and technical brilliance sprinkled throughout.

Saturday 10/24, 9:30AM-10:30AM

Welcome to the Future: The Making of Ray Gunn

Civic Auditorium | Brad Bird | Neysa Bové | Netflix Animation Studios | Skydance Animation | Wendell Luebbe | Josh Herrig

Join two-time Academy Award winner Brad Bird for an in-depth look at his long-awaited passion project, Ray Gunn, from Netflix and Skydance Animation. Alongside key collaborators Wendell Luebbe (Art Director), Josh Herrig (VFX Supervisor), and Neysa Bové (Costume Designer), Brad will explore the film’s creative journey, the artistic influences behind its distinctive retro-futuristic aesthetic, and the technical craftsmanship that brought the vibrant world and unforgettable characters of Metropia to life.

Saturday 10/24, 2:45PM-3:45PM

In Waves: Memory in Motion

Room 204 | Phuong Mai Nguyen | AJ Dungo | Netflix Animation Studios

In Waves, the first animated film to open Critics’ Week at the Cannes Film Festival, tells the true story of two young surfers who embrace love and life, hand in hand. Join director Phuong Mai Nguyen and graphic novelist AJ Dungo as they discuss adapting AJ’s autobiographical work for the screen. Dive into the deeply personal story at the heart of the film, the unique artistry behind its visual style, and discover how the intimate memoir became a moving cinematic experience.

Sunday 10/25, 10:00AM-11:00AM

Re-Sharpening the Blade: Inside Blue Eye Samurai Season 2

Room 101-102 | Netflix Animation Studios | Michael Green | Amber Noizumi | Toby Wilson | Emily Sasaki

Jump back into the world of Blue Eye Samurai as co-creators Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, Production Designer Toby Wilson, and Character Design Lead Emily Sasaki talk through creating Season 2 of the critically acclaimed series. Together, they’ll dive into the new London setting, the new and evolved character designs, and the meticulous crafts at work behind the highly anticipated second season.

Sunday 10/25, 11:45AM-12:45PM

From First Step to First Credit: Careers in Animation

Room 107 | Shannon Vargas | Esther Tejano | Ethan Ng | Pablo Diaz De Leon Hicks | David Thibodeau | Netflix Animation Studios

Discover how to build a career in animation, no matter where you’re starting from. In this panel, artists and production staff from Netflix Animation Studios will share how they broke into the industry—from early portfolios or resumes and networking strategies to landing their first credit and growing their careers. Learn practical tips on developing your skills, collaborating with teams, and finding opportunities in today’s evolving animation landscape.