An event for members of the Animation, Children’s Programming, Cinematographers, Commercials, Daytime Programming, Directors, Emerging Media Programming, Performers, Producers, Science & Technology, Special Visual Effects, and Writers Peer Groups
Emerging Tech is changing how animation is made but not who makes it impactful and meaningful.
Discover how today’s animators are using intelligent tools to speed up production while preserving the heart of storytelling. This session explores real-world emerging technology use cases in animation, ethical considerations, and why human creativity remains irreplaceable in bringing stories to life.
Please note that these presentations aim to discuss how technologies can help the storytelling process and are provided for both technical and production members. Depending on member interest and feedback, additional sessions may be developed for more in-depth learning in the near future.
Participants:
Benjamin Lock is a BAFTA-winning producer working at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and real-world production. With over 25 years of experience across Europe, Asia, and North America, he has helped deliver large-scale animation and visual effects projects including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and Ready Player One.
Ben has held senior roles at Aardman, Framestore, Lucasfilm/ILM, and Autodesk, shaping a pragmatic approach to innovation that connects creative ambition with scalable production practice. Now based in Los Angeles, he leads AI-assisted production at Moonvalley's Asteria Film Company, collaborating with studios on commercially safe models and artist-controllable pipelines.
He is a graduate of the UK's National Film and Television School and a member of BAFTA, the Producers Guild of America, the Visual Effects Society, ASIFA-Hollywood, and the Television Academy. He also co- leads the PGA's Conversations in Innovation working group, supporting producers as they navigate emerging technologies with clarity and intent.
Lin Tam is an award-winning Director, Producer, and Chief Creative AI Officer at Immix Studios, shaping the future of animation through generative AI.
As an AI Animation Filmmaker, Lin pioneers production models that unite generative AI, automation, and human-led storytelling; rethinking how animated worlds are created, scaled, and emotionally experienced. Her work focuses on using AI as a creative multiplier, enabling filmmakers to move faster while deepening narrative impact.
A member of the Television Academy, Producers Guild of America, and Screen Producers Australia, Lin is a sought-after speaker on the evolving language of AI-driven animation. She has presented at SXSW Sydney, Producers Guild of America, the Hollywood Professional Association, Animation World Summit, and other leading industry forums.
David Williams is an Unreal Engine Specialist twho began his career in Hollywood visual effects before transitioning to real-time filmmaking to focus on independent storytelling. After working as a CG Generalist on major features and commercials, David moved away from the technical friction of traditional rendering to embrace the flexibility of Unreal Engine.
He was hired by Epic Games as a Mentor for the Unreal Virtual Production Fellowship, guiding industry veterans through the shift to real-time workflows. David later founded the UE Film Academy, where he has taught over 1000 students a methodology that prioritizes directing and narrative over technical hurdles.
Currently developing an independent game for release in 2026, David’s work focuses on the power of real-time tools to empower a single creator to tell stories of any scale, allowing for total creative control and iteration at any stage of production.
Renard T. Jenkins is the President and CEO of I2A2 Technologies, Studios, and Labs. A media consulting/advisory firm and animation development studio specializing in emerging technology development and integration for the entire film, television, and animation ecosystem. They focus on human centered design, content engagement tool development, the inclusive innovation processTM, and production pipeline and media supply chain innovation & improvement.
Jenkins also currently serves as President of the Hollywood Professionals Association, Immediate Past President of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE).He sits on the board of Exceptional Minds and is also an active member of the Television Academy and The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. He has held Executive roles across the Technology, Media, and Entertainment industry.
Jenkins previously held Senior Executive roles at Warner Bros., PBS, TV One, ESPN, NBA Ent., MLB, NFL, and Turner Broadcasting. Jenkins is a recipient of numerous awards, including a Peabody, two Headliners, and a 2020 Broadcasting and Cable Technology Leadership award. In 2017, Jenkins was recognized with an Innovator of the Year award for his work in High Resolution, High Dynamic Range and Next Generation Audio for broadcast and streaming production, acquisition and distribution.
Additionally, he holds certifications as a sound engineer, AI/ML engineer, and application designer, among others. Jenkins holds a deep passion for the visual arts (especially animation and photography) and, when time permits, offers pro bono services in location sound recording, live mixing, studio recording, post-production, editing, and finishing for aspiring filmmakers, animators, and musicians. His family’s guiding principle is “In all things, integrity, and integrity in all things.”