<h3>Where</h3>Online<h3>When</h3>March 24-26, 2022

Toronto Animation Film Festival

<h3>Where</h3>Online<h3>When</h3>March 24-27, 2021

<h3>Where</h3>Hot Docs Cinema | Toronto, Canada | 506 Bloor Street West<h3>When</h3>Monday April 25th

<h3>Where</h3>Online<h3>When</h3>November 11-13, 2021

Toronto Animation Industry Conference

<h3>Where</h3>Online<h3>When</h3>November 18-22, 2020﻿

<h3>Where</h3>Corus Quay, Toronto, Canada, 25 Dockside Dr.<h3>When</h3>Saturday to Sunday, November 2-3, 2019

Toronto Animation / VFX Job Fair

TAAFI News

Jeremy McCarron

The Ins and Outs of Real-Time Tech With Trickfilm

Do you have an idea for an animated TV show, but you don’t know where to start? Then you'll definitely want to check out two-time Big Pitch winner Terry Ibele's "How to Create a TV Show Pitch Bible from Scratch (+ how to pitch it!)" workshop at this year's TAAFI Industry Conference! In this workshop, Terry will help guide aspiring pitchers and provide the framework to create a winning pitch bible from scratch! Over the course of two-hours, you'll learn; - All the assets needed to create a complete pitch bible- How to make connections with development executives at production studios and broadcasters- The best way to deliver your pitch with confidence Be sure to get to the Toronto Reference Library early, because this workshop starts at 10:30am! Don't miss out!

TAIS! Workshop - How To Pitch

Terry Ibele

Author of Ink and Paint's Mindy Johnson, the woman who literally wrote the book on the contributions of women in Animation, is coming IN-PERSON to Toronto to open our conference! A powerful speaker and visionary, Mindy's talk is one you can't miss!

Opening Keynote: Mindy Johnson

Mindy Johnson

Ben McEvoy

CASO - Planning for Sustained Success and Pivoting for Business Growth

Caso

Since the dawn of the animation industry, women have always played an integral role in helping to shape the creative vision and execution of various projects– and even more recently, many have become leaders in their field, paving the way for even more talented women!&nbsp; Join trailblazing female leads Deborah A. Anderson (BlkWmnAnimator), Marge Dean (Head of Studio at Skybound Animation, Women in Animation), Mindy Johnson (Animation Historian &amp; Author), Sumira Dhawan (Head of CG, Redefine) and Shaleen Sangha (Vice President of Kids and Family Content at Boat Rocker Media) on Friday November 3rd at 1:45pm-2:45pm for a roundtable discussion about the challenges women have historically faced throughout the industry, the successes of women rising to positions of leadership within animation, and the work still yet to be done to help create opportunities for women entering the workforce (and become trailblazers themselves!) We’re ecstatic to have such a wide and wonderful array of talented and awe-inspiring panelists and can’t wait to learn more!

Trailblazing Women in Animation

Deborah A. Anderson

Marge Dean

Sumira Dhawan

Shaleen Sangha

As creative-types, we dream of the day we can finally produce our dream projects– though getting the proper funding for your independent film sounds like a daunting task. But worry not; for we’ve brought together the greatest team since Chocolate and Peanut Butter to share their funding stories and secrets with you! Join independent animator Tina Nawrocki (Syrenka: Legend of the Warsaw Mermaid), Cloudrise Pictures’ Denver Jackson (The Worlds Divide), and Sheridan College’s Tabitha Fisher (Hey Men!) as they explain their experiences with crowdfunding via platforms like Indiegogo and Kickstarter, acquiring grants through platforms the Canada Council for the Arts and the NFB Film Assistance Program, how they handle self-financing their projects in addition to external funding, which funding avenue is right for the film you want to make, and a sneak preview at their incredible upcoming films! We’re so excited to hear what these phenomenal independent filmmakers have in store for us!

My Indie Funding Journey

Denver Jackson

Tabitha Fisher

Tina Nawrocki

Show of hands; who’s heard of A.I. art? Well, if you’re looking to learn more about the rising trends and influence this new technology could bring to the industry, then you’re not alone! Join TAAFI co-founder and Producer (Friends &amp; Enemies) Ben McEvoy on Friday Nov. 3rd at 3:00pm - 4:00pm as he takes an incisive look at emerging trends focusing on artificial intelligence and how it’s used in the creative field, how it could continue to affect the art and animation industries, as well as the potential dangers, and powerful new tools it could provide artists. As we move forward into a new generation of technological advancement, we need to make sure we have the appropriate mindset to properly analyze and realize the potential that lies ahead– even if it seems a bit scary! (Note: This newsletter has been generated courtesy of our proprietary STAAF.A.I)Ok maybe one human. But only like 15%; I promise.

Artificial Intelligence Era

Do you have the perfect idea for an animated tv show or web series? Are you wanting to learn the ins and outs of pitching from trained professionals? Are you ready to put your ideas out there-- and in front of experienced industry professionals? Then you're in luck; as our Big Pitch is back for 2023's Industry Conference! This year's submissions for pitch packages are already open and close on October 2nd. All packages must be uploaded in PDF format and contain the following;&nbsp;Logline Project Synopsis Target Audience (genre/target age group) At least one episode synopsis Concept Designs Creator BioThe competition is open to Canadian residents only and finalists must be able to present their project IN-PERSON!! Prizes included for winners of the competition from our Sponsors! We look forward to seeing all of your amazing submissions and wish all entrants the best of luck!

The Big Pitch

Aron Dunn

Wes Bryant

The Women Behind Red Ketchup (presented by SPHERE)

Carolina Tran-Yong

Emily Weedon

Jodi Christie

Marianne Culbert

Nicole Bauman

The TAAFI Industry Meet &amp; Greet is a special chance to have a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with various industry experts from around the world from such studios as Guru, Pipeline, Corus, and more! ﻿NOTE: PRE-REGISTRATION FOR MEET &amp; GREET IS REQUIRED - REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 2ND AND CLOSES OCTOBER 20TH, 2023.

Meet & Greet

Talkin' Bout 'Teenage Euthanasia'

Alyssa Nutting

Allison Levy

Atomic

Encouraging Diversity in Leadership 

Join us as Certified Money Coach Victoria Mateo helps us navigate tougher times and manage our money.

Reimagining Your Finances

In the world of animation, where technology often strives for perfection, it’s important to celebrate the imperfections and the profound impact they have on the art of storytelling. The human touch is a cornerstone of animation's emotional resonance, and stop motion serves as a powerful reminder of this connection. The story of animation is incomplete without imperfections – they weave the threads of uniqueness, humanity, and innovation that define our craft. Join Dale Hayward, animator and owner of See Creature Animation, as he celebrates the rough edges of animation in this very special presentation!

Dale Hayward

Perfection is BORING!

Think you have what it takes to be a TAAFIllionaire? Now is your chance to prove it! Join us for a mash-up of some classic TV game shows mixed with your favourite animated content. Just like a real game show, the final winner will walk away with a GRAND PRIZE (soon to be announced) Applications to participate are now OPEN until October 26th, 2023. Fill out this form if you’d like a chance to play:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://forms.gle/qGjaP2y15RQe4FHUA">https://forms.gle/qGjaP2y15RQe4FHUA</a> Anyone with an Industry pass is welcome to sign up for a chance to play. Signing up does not guarantee entry. Those who have been selected will be called down to the front during the Game Show, so make sure you’re there!

GameShow - Who Wants To Be A TAAFIllionaire 

“Way way back in early oughties…” There was a show called Clone High. It only got one season but inspired a devoted cult following that continues to this day. And now, like all the cartoons that ended too soon-- it's back and better then ever! Better yet; it's worked on by our good friends over at Jam Filled! Join us for a special in-depth look with animation director Ray Ocampo, background supervisor Brian Woods, production manager Meagan Borosch, and animation supervisor Kristin Handley, as they tell us just how they unthawed these frozen Clones and brought them back to our screens-- and our hearts!

Clone High Comes Back!

Brian Woods

Kristin Handley

Meagan Borosch

Ray Ocampo

Jam Filled

Grab a hot cup of cocoa, some cozy blankets, and curl up for a relaxing "Fireside Chat with Marge Dean" with moderator and fellow trailblazer Mary Bredin! Help us close out this year's conference with an in-depth and deeply personal look at the history behind and current state of the industry.

Mary Bredin

Fireside Chat with Marge Dean

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Behind-the-scenes

It's Saturday night and after a long few days of learning about and being inspired by the industry's latest projects and trailblazing folks, what is there to do to keep the energy going? Why, let's all go to The Pilot (22 Cumberland Street, just off Yonge Street) as Pipeline Studios presents the TAAFI Animation Industry Networking Party! The largest Animation Industry networking party to hit Toronto since the pandemic, this event is guaranteed to connect you to the industry's best and brightest.Share some drinks, munch on some tasty grub, and mix and mingle the night away. Please note this event is 19+ as it is at a bar. ID will be checked at the door.Just like our past events, Pipeline Studios brings their A-game and will claw their way into your heart with some fun and games. See ya there!T﻿AAFI General Pass holders have access to the party included in their pass! Tickets available <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/taafi-industry-conference-2023-tickets-646502144317?aff=oddtdtcreator">HERE</a>

TAAFI News

Toronto Animation Film Festival

Toronto Animation Industry Conference

Toronto Animation / VFX Job Fair

Studio Sessions

Opening Keynote: Mindy Johnson

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Behind-the-scenes

Thu, Nov 2nd

Fri, Nov 3rd

Sat, Nov 4th

The Ins and Outs of Real-Time Tech With Trickfilm

Sponsors

Premiere Sponsor

Founding Sponsor

Diversity Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Partner