Turin, Italy – The highly anticipated VIEW Conference 2026, a premier global event celebrating the art, craft, and technology of computer graphics, animation, and visual effects, has significantly bolstered its speaker roster with the confirmed in-person participation of three formidable women leading major film studios: Holly Edwards, President of Skydance Animation; Michelle Grady, President of Sony Pictures Imageworks; and Janet Lewin, Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Head of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). This distinguished trio will join an already impressive array of industry luminaries convening in Turin, Italy, from October 12-16. Registration for the English-language event is now officially open, inviting professionals and enthusiasts worldwide to engage with cutting-edge insights and forward-thinking discussions.
The inclusion of Edwards, Grady, and Lewin marks a significant moment for the VIEW Conference, underscoring its commitment to showcasing diverse leadership and celebrating the pivotal roles women play in shaping the future of animated and visual effects filmmaking. Their collective expertise spans the creation of some of the most beloved and technologically groundbreaking projects in recent cinema history, promising attendees unparalleled access to the strategic visions and creative philosophies driving these powerhouse studios.
A Glimpse into the Leadership Driving Animation and VFX Excellence
Holly Edwards, at the helm of Skydance Animation, is instrumental in guiding the studio’s global teams and its slate of ambitious original animated feature films and television series. Under her stewardship, Skydance Animation has delivered critically and commercially successful titles such as Luck, WondLa, and Spellbound. Most recently, the studio’s feature Swapped achieved a landmark debut, marking the biggest animated film launch in Netflix history and setting a new record for the platform’s highest weekly viewership for an animated title. The studio’s pipeline remains robust, with the eagerly awaited Ray Gunn, directed by two-time Academy Award winner Brad Bird, slated for release later this year, further cementing Skydance Animation’s reputation for delivering high-quality, engaging content. Edwards’ leadership highlights a strategic focus on original storytelling and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of animated narrative.
Michelle Grady leads the global operations, strategic direction, planning, and production at Sony Pictures Imageworks. Her purview encompasses a vast array of projects, from upcoming animated features like GOAT, Project Hail Mary, KPop Demon Hunters, In Your Dreams, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and A Minecraft Movie, to recent acclaimed works that have redefined visual storytelling. The studio’s impressive recent credits include the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the critically lauded The Sea Beast, and the blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home. Grady’s role involves navigating the complex landscape of modern filmmaking, balancing artistic innovation with the technical prowess required to bring ambitious cinematic visions to life. Her presence at VIEW Conference offers a unique window into the operational strategies and creative decision-making processes at one of Hollywood’s most prolific visual effects and animation houses.
Janet Lewin oversees Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a legendary institution in the world of visual effects, and its global studios. Her responsibilities extend across production, creative, and studio operations, encompassing VFX, feature animation, immersive entertainment, and other emergent business lines. Lewin’s deep understanding of the industry was honed during her tenure overseeing visual effects for Lucasfilm projects, where she collaborated closely with filmmakers and production-side VFX teams on strategy, technology, and budget management throughout the entire production lifecycle. She served as the overall Lucasfilm VFX Producer on major Star Wars installments, including The Force Awakens, Rogue One, The Last Jedi, Solo, and The Rise of Skywalker. Furthermore, her role as co-producer on the groundbreaking series The Mandalorian saw her instrumental in driving the implementation of ILM’s StageCraft virtual production methodology, a technology that has profoundly impacted how live-action and digital elements are integrated. Lewin’s insights will provide invaluable context on the evolution of VFX, the challenges of large-scale production, and the future of immersive storytelling.
A Vision of Inclusivity and Innovation at VIEW Conference
Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez, Director of the VIEW Conference, expressed her profound enthusiasm for the distinguished lineup. "As a passionate supporter of inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality, I am proud to welcome to VIEW Conference three women speakers who are all leaders in their field," she stated. "Their collective contribution to the global film industry is immeasurable. It is truly an honor to bring them together at our beautiful venue in Turin, Italy, in October this year." This sentiment underscores the conference’s core values and its dedication to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated and amplified.
The VIEW Conference has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 2007. It was founded with the mission to bridge the gap between the academic world and the professional industry, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, technological exploration, and artistic inspiration. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most significant gatherings for professionals in computer graphics, animation, VFX, and interactive media, attracting leading figures from around the globe. The choice of Turin, a city with a burgeoning reputation as a hub for technological innovation and creative industries, further enhances the conference’s appeal.
A Comprehensive Program for a Dynamic Industry
The comprehensive program for VIEW Conference 2026 is set to encompass a wide spectrum of industry-relevant content, including keynote addresses, insightful panel discussions, in-depth talks, hands-on workshops, and masterclasses. These sessions will be led by distinguished professionals from the animation, VFX, gaming, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual production sectors, alongside experts from related fields. This multi-faceted approach ensures that attendees receive a holistic and up-to-date understanding of the current trends and future directions shaping the digital entertainment landscape.
Among the special guests confirmed to share their expertise are the celebrated two-time Oscar-winning cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins and his creative partner James Ellis Deakins, collectively known as Team Deakins. They are scheduled to deliver a captivating presentation delving into the intricate art, craft, and science of cinematography, offering a masterclass in visual storytelling from one of the industry’s most revered talents.
Further enriching the speaker lineup are Daniel Chong, director, and Nicole Paradis Grindle, producer, of Pixar’s upcoming animated feature Hoppers. Their insights into the creative process behind one of the most anticipated animated films will undoubtedly be a highlight. Additionally, Glenn Entis, Senior Director at Google DeepMind, will share his work leading teams focused on exploring creative applications of AI, including his role as executive producer of the animated short Dear Upstairs Neighbors. Entis’s participation signals the growing importance of artificial intelligence as a transformative force within the creative industries.
Showcasing Groundbreaking Projects and Emerging Technologies
VIEW Conference 2026 will also provide a platform for the creative teams behind some of the most recent and impactful VFX projects. Attendees can anticipate detailed presentations from:
- Paul Lambert and Mag Sarnowska, Production VFX Supervisors for Project Hail Mary, who will discuss their contributions to bringing this ambitious science fiction narrative to life.
- Eric Saindon, Senior Production VFX Supervisor at Weta FX, will offer insights into the visual effects for Avatar: Fire and Ash, continuing the legacy of groundbreaking work from the James Cameron franchise.
- Hal Hickel, Production Animation Supervisor, is set to discuss his work on The Mandalorian and Grogu, offering a look into the animation techniques that have defined the beloved series.
- Noelle Triaureau, Production Designer, and Juan-Luis Sanchez, VFX Supervisor, will present their work on Swapped, shedding light on the visual artistry and technical execution of Skydance Animation’s latest Netflix hit.
- Jay Worth, Production VFX Supervisor, will provide an overview of the visual effects for the critically acclaimed second season of Fallout, a project that has garnered significant attention for its faithful adaptation and immersive world-building.
All the aforementioned speakers are confirmed to attend and present in person, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to providing direct access to industry leaders. The VIEW Conference organizers have also indicated that additional speakers and program details will be announced in the lead-up to the event, promising an ever-evolving and engaging experience for all participants. This strategic approach ensures that the conference remains at the forefront of industry discourse, adapting to new developments and showcasing the most innovative talent.
The sustained growth and increasing prominence of the VIEW Conference reflect the dynamic nature of the computer graphics, animation, and VFX industries. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, and as storytelling mediums evolve, events like VIEW Conference become crucial for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and inspiring the next generation of digital artists and technologists. The presence of studio presidents like Edwards, Grady, and Lewin not only highlights the significant achievements of their respective companies but also underscores the vital role of visionary leadership in navigating the complexities and opportunities of the global entertainment landscape.
