The New York section of the Visual Effects Society (VES) invites you to an informative day-long event exploring the rapidly evolving world of AI and machine learning in visual effects, as well as the current state of the industry.

Through live presentations and panel discussions, Northeast regional leaders in VFX, film, and technology will share how AI is reshaping creative workflows, production pipelines. Industry leaders will also be discussing the future of our industry – regionally and globally. 

Confirmed Speakers & Participants: 

• Jiri Kilevnik: Creative Director & VFX Pipeline Architect, Runway
• Jesse Newman: Creative / Visual Artist, Ember + Ice
• Angus Kneale: Chief Creative, Preymaker
• Vivian Connolly: CEO, Executive Producer, Phosphene
• David Schoner : NJ Vice Chair Film Commissioner
• Alberto Ludena: VFX Supervisor, Producer & Author
• Ross Shain: Academy & Emmy Award-Winning Product Leader
• Terrence Masson: Chair at SVA MFA, VES, Producers Guild

Whether you’re a VFX professional, filmmaker, technologist, or just curious about the intersection of art and AI, this event is your chance to see where the industry is heading and connect with the people driving it forward.

RSVP Here:

Exploring AI in VFX: Innovation, Insights & The State of the Industry

Date: Sunday, September 28th, 2025

Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: SVA Theatre | 333 W 23 Street | New York City

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM: Doors Open & Check-in

11:10 AM – 11:50 AM: AI and ML techniques in VFX – Andy Milkis

11:55 AM – 12:35 PM: From Animatic to Final Pixels: AI Transforms VFX Production – Jiri Kilevnik

12:40 PM – 1:20 PM: Amplifying Creative Possibility – Jesse Newman

1:10 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM: Panel: AI and ML in VFX

Andy Milkis – Flame Artist / VFX Supervisor | Jiri Kilevnik – Creative Director / VFX Pipeline Architect, Runway | Jesse Newman – Creatvive Director / Visual Artist | Randy Little – VFX Supervisor | John Anderson – Senior VFX Executive || Moderator: Ross Shain – Award-Winning Product Leader

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM: Panel: The State and Future of the Industry

Angus Kneale – Chief Creative – Preymaker | Vivian Connolly – CEO/Executive Producer, Phosphene/ PNYA Chair | David Schoner – Senior Advisor for Film at the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission | Alberto Ludeña – VFX Supervisor/Producer, Author | John Anderson – Senior VFX Executive || Moderator: Terrence Masson – Founding VES member, SVA MFA Computer Arts Chair

Sponsored By:

• SVA NYC – MFA Computer Arts
• Weavy – Artistic Intelligence
• Topaz Labs

More sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact us to learn more.

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