The Future of Digital Storytelling - Beyond the Blockbuster: How VFX Workflows Can Power Real-World Storytelling
Virtual production, neural rendering, and AI-driven pipelines have transformed how blockbusters are made—but their true potential goes far beyond the big screen.
This session explores how cutting-edge VFX workflows are being adapted for new impact-driven uses, from education and healthcare to inclusion and advocacy. Discover how tools originally designed for high-end film production can empower initiatives like swyvl to create immersive, accessible, and emotionally resonant experiences that support neurodivergent communities and beyond.
Speakers:
Neishaw Ali
CEO and Executive Producer, Spin VFX
Neishaw has produced over 150 films and 40 series, including Game of Thrones and The Umbrella Academy. She also founded BRIO, acquired by Adobe, and was named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment in 2024. She serves on the boards of the CFC, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, and VES.
Matt Collie
CTO, Spin VFX
With 20+ years in VFX, Matt has held roles from artist to platform engineer. He specializes in building technical infrastructures that empower artists, streamline production, and unlock new creative possibilities across animation and live-action pipelines.
Philipp Wolf
CEO and Co-Founder, swyvl
Philipp is a German-born producer and technologist based in Montréal. He has contributed to visual effects on Dune: Part 1 and Ghost in the Shell and now leads swyvl, a neurodiversity-focused immersive learning platform that helps organizations and communities foster environments where everyone can thrive.
Co-Hosted by:
swyvl: www.swyvl.org
SideFX: www.sidefx.com
Spin VFX: www.spinvfx.com
AMD: www.amd.com
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