Anthony Sardinha, Devon Mack, Ana Sani, Eric Bauza

A group of Talented Canadian Actors talk about their craft, how to enter the industry, and how new technology may affect their livelihood. Co-Presented by Actra

It’s time to raise your voice, TAAFI attendees! As part of our celebration of Canadian talent and unifying the whole of our industry, we can’t forget a vital piece of our teams; Voice Actors! Artists and writers conceptualize them on the page, but voice actors give life to the characters we know and love– and now with this very special panel co-presented by our friends (and Mega Fest partners) over at ACTRA Canada, these talented performers can share their tricks and tips for all of our attendees!

For this panel, TAAFI is proud to welcome an all-star cast of Canadian talent; including the return of Eric Bauza (The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie), Anthony Sardinha (Hamsters of Hamsterdale), Deven Mack (Sonic Prime), Ana Sani (Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City), and moderated by director and screenwriter (and fellow VA)

This industry conference panel will offer advice on how to enter the industry, learn all about the craft of voice acting, and discuss the impact and changes that may arise thanks to new technology within the industry. Be sure not to miss it on Friday April 11th!

Janella Watson, Founder and Principal of Watson Creative Consulting, shares how she and her team of researchers and educators support creators in telling authentic stories, crafting diverse and resonant characters, and building culturally-responsive worlds. This keynote highlights the role of culturally responsive educational consultants in crafting stories that matter. 

 In this special keynote presentation, Janella will share practical tips and insights on creative storytelling that incorporate principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to create engaging and meaningful content for kids and families!

Join us on Friday April 11th as we explore the significance of authentic representation in children's media and its impact on fostering understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging in young audiences.

What goes into a project? Especially in the animation/VFX industries, it’s finding a way to acquire the proper funding. But for those just starting out, or who struggle with finding backers and financiers for your project, it can be tough to know where to start.

That’s why we’re excited to have Julie M. McDonald hosting an exclusive talk at this year’s MEGA FEST on just that subject! Well versed in the ways of industry financing thanks to her time as a production executive at Disney/Pixar, Cinesource, and MPC, Julie’s ready to offer her expertise and experience to all of our attendees who want the insider-scoop on how to fund, produce, and even start their very own studios!

Be sure to attend this exclusive keynote presentation

In a very special look at his upcoming film, award winning author and illustrator Michel Gagné is coming to 2025’s MEGA FEST with a behind the scenes look at his upcoming epic film The Saga of Rex, inspired by his graphic novel of the same name!

When an adorable little fox named Rex is plucked from his home world by a mysterious spaceship and transported to the arcane world of Edernia, he embarks on an epic journey through outer-worldly landscapes, faces strange perils, and makes surprising encounters. A story that is in turn adventurous, heroic, tragic, romantic, and wonderfully surprising, The Saga of Rex perfectly captures a vision of whimsy and wonder that will delight young and old.

Another essential step for any animated project is the process of adapting a story from script to screen; and now thanks to this incredible panel all about the Art of Storyboarding presented by some of our extraordinarily wonderful TAAFI friends, you too can learn the ins and outs of how to board your own projects and what it’s like working as a professional storyboard artist and revisionist!

Featuring the talented John Aoshima (Ultraman: Rising), Kirsten Whiteley (Lucas the Spider), Austen Payne (Corn and Peg), Melina Caron (Dimension 20 - Never Stop Blowing Up), and moderated by TAAFI’s very own Adriana (Vargas) Blake (Lana Longbeard), this incredible panel can’t just be contained in four panels alone! (that's a little bit of beat-sheet humour, for our non-boarder friends).

Be sure to head on Saturday April 12th for this must-see panel!