Welcome to Animation Matchmaking Series!
Sparking fresh animation collaborations across Aotearoa and beyond
The Animation Matchmaking series returns for 2026, bringing together writers, directors, producers, animators, studios, and emerging creators from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world to spark new animation collaborations.
Delivered over one month through the Animation Matchmaking Online Web App, the programme features selected Tuesday evening and Saturday sessions with New Zealand and international speakers, roundtables and 1-to-1 speed networking.
All of this is accessible from your home or studio, wherever you are in the world.
This series is brought to you by: The Visual Effects Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand (VFXG), New Zealand Writers Guild (NZWG), and Directors & Editors Guild of Aotearoa (DEGANZ). It has been funded by the New Zealand Film Commission Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga (NZFC).
Animation Matchmaking Event Information
Animation Matchmaking - Meet the Speakers
Animation Matchmaking - View the Programme
How do participants benefit from attending the event?
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT
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Why join the Animation Matchmaking Series?
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Build funded-ready teams
Meet writers, directors, producers, and animators who are serious about applying for the next NZFC animation round. -
Tap straight into NZFC know-how
Hear exactly what the Commission is looking for, which funds fit your project, and the market intel fresh from Annecy. -
Grow your network
Expand your contact list beyond your city; the web-app and speed-matching sessions connect talent from every region in Aotearoa and beyond. -
Swap ideas and level-up fast
Roundtables and 1:1 meetings let you stress-test concepts, share craft tips, and pick up new strategies you can apply immediately. -
Find collaborators—then keep collaborating
The series is designed for ongoing partnerships, to find partners to co-write, co-produce, and co-animate with long after the event. -
Inject some fun into the funding grind
It’s free, online, and purpose-built for creatives. Expect lively discussions, practical takeaways, and a dose of inspiration to push your project forward.
Outcome snapshot: fresh teams, clearer funding pathways, stronger cross-discipline collaboration, and a bigger, better-connected animation community.
How It Works: Step by Step
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Sign Up (By the 17th of August)
- Register for the series before Monday, August 17th to gain access to the Animation Matchmaking Web App and create your profile with links to a drive that contains your materials (CV, PDFs, portfolio links, writing and/or animation samples).
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Join the Info & Inspo Session (Tuesday, 18th of August)
- Hear from speakers about funding and market opportunities as well as animation team building and collaboration.
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Profile Review Period (19th to 29th of August)
- After the 18th of August, the Roundtables and 1:1 Speed Matching Session will be open so participants can book the roundtables and 1:1 matches. Make sure to have reviewed each other’s profiles and start identifying potential collaborators between August 19th and 29th.
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Join Roundtables (12th & 19th of September)
- Book in advance to take part in group sessions to discuss ideas and meet a wide mix of participants.
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Request 1:1 Meetings (Before Saturday, 29th of August)
- Use the app to send and accept meeting requests for focused 1:1 speed matching.
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Attend 1:1 Speed Matching (From 29th of August onwards)
- Meet with pre-matched participants in timed sessions to explore collaboration opportunities.
You should have signed up via the VFXG website before registering here.
How does matchmaking work on the b2match platform?
Attending a matchmaking event offers a convenient and efficient method to connect with potential partners for collaboration.
20 minute 1:1 speed networking runs fast, but they are crucial for building initial connections as they provide a targeted way to meet potential collaboration partners, allowing participants to quickly evaluate each other's interests and expertise, and identify common goals and synergies.
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Login and register for the App
Register via the Register button.
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Create your profile to showcase who you are and what are you looking for before August 17th
Create a clear, concise profile to boost your visibility on the b2match platform.
Spell out who you are, what you offer, and who you want to meet, then back it up with proof. Upload samples of your work alongside your pitch, bio, skills, and interests. Solid examples plus a sharp profile attract far more meeting requests. -
Browse profiles of attendees after August 17th
Go to the participants list to find out who you could meet at the event and reach out. This allows you to maximize your chances of making valuable connections and achieving successful outcomes at the event.
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Send & receive meeting requests and messages before August 29th and throughout the event
Browse participant profiles and send meeting requests, starting from August 29th, to those you want to meet during the speed networking session of the event series. Send out messages to interesting participants to introduce yourself and initiate conversations even before the event to establish stronger connections.
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My schedule and meetings overview
Access your meetings in My Schedule or Meetings, where you have your complete schedule for the event, as well as the list of your meetings.
Happy Networking!
FAQ - Profile
FAQ - Meetings
FAQ - Agenda
FAQ - Link to your materials
FAQ- Roundtable Pitching & Participation
Copyright & Ownership Declaration
By submitting material to the Animation Matchmaking Series, the applicant confirms they are the sole creator and copyright owner of the submitted work. All intellectual property rights remain with the creator. Submission does not grant the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), Visual Effects Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand (VFXG), New Zealand Writers Guild (NZWG), Directors & Editors Guild of Aotearoa (DEGANZ), or any associated representatives any rights to copy, distribute, adapt, develop, or otherwise use the material beyond the purposes of assessment, selection, or facilitation of this programme, without the creator’s prior written consent.
By registering for this event on the VFXG website, you confirm that you accept the copyright protections covering all IP shared during these sessions. If you haven’t completed your registration on the VFXG Website, please do so by 4 August.
Collaboration & IP Acknowledgement
Participants in the Animation Matchmaking Series may be introduced to other creatives for the purpose of exploring potential collaboration. All intellectual property submitted by participants remains the sole property of its original creator. Any new ideas, concepts, or works arising from discussions or collaboration between matched participants are not considered jointly owned unless explicitly agreed in writing by all parties involved. Participants are encouraged to enter into written agreements before developing any collaborative work to clarify ownership, contribution, and future use.
By registering for this event on the VFXG website, you confirm that you accept the copyright protections covering all IP shared during these sessions. If you haven’t completed your registration on the VFXG Website, please do so by 4 August.