The upcoming conference program, in partnership with the Academy Software Foundation, highlights cross-industry efforts to develop shared technology for VFX, animation and sound; additional confirmed speakers include Pixar’s technical director Markus Kranzler and Inda Barnardo, director of ‘Cat and Moth.’

Join a virtual conversation about the intersection of good/bad story and good/bad design with ‘The Willoughbys’ director and Escape Studios’ Saint John Walker.

Join the free March 5 online conversation with leading animated feature film directors sharing insights into this year’s possible Oscar nomination line-up.

Join a free conversation with five directors from the studio’s in-house short film incubator: Madeline Sharafian, director of ‘Burrow;’ Bobby Alcid Rubio, director of ‘Float;’ Eric Milsom, director of ‘Loop;’ Stephen Clay Hunter, director of ‘Out;’ and Edwin Chang, director of ‘Wind.’

Program includes sessions with director Glen Keane on the making of ‘Over the Moon;’ RISE’s Florian Gellinger and their first in-house productions, ‘Dragon Rider’ and ‘Stowaway;’ and MR. X’s creative team discussing the film adaption of ‘Monster Hunter’ video game; project submissions being accepted until February 22 for Animation Product Days.