SCAD AnimationFest (Day 1)

From the venue:

SCAD AnimationFest is the highly anticipated three-day festival being held 9/25-27 at the university’s state-of-the-art SCADshow theater and will honor the creators of Phineas and Ferb, and directors of the Netflix global phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters. The best of the industry is on hand with premiere screenings, special events and exclusive conversations. 

11 a.m.

Storytelling Through Music with Disney Television Animation and Disney Jr.#Storytelling_Through_Music_with_Disney_Television_Animation_and_Disney_Jr.

In conversation with: Jay Stutler, senior vice president of music, Disney TVA; Dan Povenmire, co-creator, Phineas and Ferb; Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, co-creator, Phineas and Ferb; Craig Gerber, creator and executive producer, Sofia the First: Royal Magic; Michelle Lewis, composer, Doc McStuffins, Kindergarten: The Musical
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage

Music is an integral part of Disney's storytelling, sparking happiness and joy in content that creates lasting emotional connections with the company's most cherished audiences: kids and families. Join creators across Disney Television Animation (TVA) and Disney Jr. for a panel discussion focused on creating viral, record-breaking music for kids inspired by their favorite Disney characters.

12:30 p.m.

Inside the Stump: A Stop-Motion Journey with Ozlem Akturk#Inside_the_Stump:_A_Stop-Motion_Journey_with_Ozlem_Akturk

Presented by: Ozlem Akturk, co-creator and director of photography
Location: SCADshow, Stage 2

Step inside the stump with Ozlem Akturk, co-creator and director of photography of The Tiny Chef Show — the wildly popular stop-motion series that has charmed millions across social media and network TV. In this behind-the-scenes talk, Akturk shares how she carved out her place in the world of stop-motion, blending meticulous craftsmanship with creative resilience and life beyond the studio. Through exclusive visuals and personal insights, she will explore what it takes to thrive in a hands-on medium, from navigating production challenges to building lasting industry connections. Whether you're into filmmaking, animation, or just love a good story, this inspiring session offers a rare look into the artistry, hustle, and heart behind the lens of Tiny Chef.

2:30 p.m.

Inside the Hunt: The Making of 'Predator: Killer of Killers'#Inside_the_Hunt:_The_Making_of_Predator:_Killer_of_Killers_

Panelists: To be announced
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage

Go behind the scenes of Hulu's 2025 sci-fi thriller Predator: Killer of Killers in this exclusive look at the groundbreaking animation and visual storytelling that brought the legendary franchise to a new frontier. This session dives deep into the creative process — from early concept development to final compositing — exploring how the team used cutting-edge animation techniques to reinvent the Predator mythos for a new generation. Discover how motion capture, hybrid animation workflows, and advanced visual effects were fused to deliver a visceral, stylized experience worthy of the galaxy's ultimate hunter.

5 p.m.

A 'Phineas and Ferb' Celebration: Honoring Animation Legends Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh#A_Phineas_and_Ferb_Celebration:_Honoring_Animation_Legends_Dan_Povenmire_and_Jeff_Swampy_Marsh

In conversation with: Dan Povenmire, co-creator, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, co-creator and producer
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage

Celebrate Phineas and Ferb creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh as they receive SCAD AnimationFest's Legends in Animation Award. Known for its sharp wit, heartfelt storytelling, and endlessly inventive premise, Phineas and Ferb became a global phenomenon, capturing audiences of all ages with unforgettable characters, catchy original songs, and a summer that never seemed to end. This special event features a screening of a fan-favorite episode and a live conversation with Povenmire and Marsh as they reflect on the show's legacy, their creative process, and their enduring impact on the world of animation.

7:30 p.m.

Screening: 'The Mighty Nein'#Screening:_The_Mighty_Nein_

In conversation with: Tasha Huo, executive producer and showrunner; Joseph Martinez, art director; Jess Lackey, character and layout supervisor
Location: SCADshow, Main Stage

Visit SCAD AnimationFest for an exclusive preview screening of The Mighty Nein, the highly anticipated animated series from Critical Role and Amazon Studios. Based on the beloved second campaign of Critical Role, The Mighty Nein follows a band of chaotic adventurers as they confront their pasts and forge their destinies in a world of magic, mystery, and unexpected heroism. After the screening, stick around for an in-depth conversation with key creatives from the series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling, worldbuilding, and creative process that brought the characters of The Mighty Nein to life.