Lists of participating speakers and companies have also been published; presentation categories include VFX for Features, Feature Animation, Sound Design, Managing Change, and News.
(From L-R) Robin Wright and Tom Hanks today and rejuvenated in Robert Zemeckis’ ‘Here.’ Image © Eyeline Studios/Metaphysic.ai/Sony Pictures
The FMX 2025 program is now online. Lists of participating speakers and companies have also been published. The event runs May 6-9 in Stuttgart, May 10 – June 10 on-demand.
Production supervisor Kevin Baillie and Metaphysic VFX supervisor Jo Plaete will host an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how artist-empowering AI transformed Robert Zemeckis’ film Here. This session explores how AI-enabled de-aging technology preserved the performances of Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, and Kelly Reilly, seamlessly spanning decades.
Baillie and Plaete will break down the real-time face-swapping system that allowed actors and directors to see de-aged performances instantly on set, as well as the AI-driven post-production techniques that allowed Zemeckis to leap over the “uncanny valley.” They will also discuss AI’s broader impact on digital environments, body reconstruction, and enhancing prosthetics for aged characters. This session is part of the VFX for Features track.
Oscar-winning animated feature, ‘Flow.’ Image © Dream Well Studio, Sacrebleu Productions, Take Five.
A devastating deluge hits the world in the Oscar-winning animated feature, Flow. Since the animals don't talk, non-verbal communication plays a decisive role: body language and the animals' natural sounds. In his FMX presentation, animation supervisor Thibaut Delahaye will explain how he approached his part of the feat, focusing on animating quadrupeds. The session is part of the Feature Animation track.
Sound designer Gurwal Loïc Dallas will elaborate on how sound can convey emotions to help immerse viewers in a film without dialogue. The session is part of the Sound Design track, curated by Nami Strack.
Florian Gellinger, co-founder and executive producer, RISE | Visual Effects Studios, looks at the history of our vocabulary and compares it to other industries. How are these industries perceived in the public compared to what we do? How are the companies in our industry marketing themselves? This session is part of the Managing Change track, curated by Imke Fehrmann.
‘Secret Level.’ Image © Platige Image/Amazon.
Platige Image Producer Marina Borokhova and Lead Previs Artist Dominik Wawrzyniak will take an in-depth look at the pre-production process of the "Crossfire" episode of Prime Video’s Secret Level animated anthology series. They will cover everything from storyboarding to motion capture, editing and previs. This session is part of the Animated Series track.
How does it feel to have a body? How do we want it to feel? Raman Djafari's presentation will provide insight into his process and thoughts as a director of animated music videos and short films, as well as his practice as an illustrator. This session is part of the News track, curated by Shelley Page.
Source: FMX 2025
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
