- March 19, 2023
Unreal Engine Stuttgart Megameetup #4 on April 11 in Heilbronn!

The MegaMeetup is back! This time with a special edition. Together with the Programming School 42heilbronn and the AI Salon, this edition is about the intersection between artificial intelligence, digital art and interactive media, made with Unreal Engine. Because one thing is certain: real-time engines like Unreal will also become even more efficient creation tools in the future through interfaces or onboard functions with smart algorithms: Who knows, maybe ChatGPT will soon be able to develop blueprints?
The meeting takes place on April 11, 2023, at 18.00 CET on site at 42heilbronn (Weipertstraße 8-10, Heilbronn, easy to reach by bus / train or car). Besides keynote speeches and exhibits, the focus will again be on food, drinks and networking. A detailed agenda with speakers will be provided later.
Registration required via https://www.meetup.com/de-DE/unreal-engine-megameetup-stuttgart/events/292194997/
The event is organized by our HEROES from b.ReX.
- March 19, 2023
NaturVision Filmfestival is looking for a new Festival Director (m/f/d)!

NaturVision, Germany’s first nature film festival and today one of the most outstanding festivals for nature, wildlife, environmental protection and sustainability in Europe, is looking for a new Festival Director (m/f/d)! The position offers great scope for creativity, many creative opportunities, and the chance to participate in transformation processes that are crucial for our society. The place of work is Ludwigsburg, the next and 22. NaturVision Film Festival will take place from July 20 to 23, 2023.
They are looking for a personality with, among other things:
- Courage, ideas and entrepreneurial initiative to constructively shape and further develop an internationally established festival whose diverse activities now extend far beyond a mere film festival
- Ideally, professional experience in the event sector, a relevant academic education and profound knowledge in the fields of media, nature, sustainability and environment
- Management and leadership experience as a managing director or in a comparable function with corresponding organizational and budgetary responsibility.
Curious? Here you can find out more about the position and the application (in German): https://natur-vision.de/de/ueber-uns/jobs/festival-leitung/
- March 9, 2023
“Cursed Children” successfully pitched at Cartoon Movie 2023!

At Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux, Matisse Gonzales Jordán (Director and Author) and Stefan Michel (Producer Studio Seufz) pitched the 2D animated feature film project “Cursed Children” (“Condenaditos“) – very successfully with a lot of applause in between! Congratulations!
Besides Studio Seufz also M.A.R.K. 13, Sola Media and for the AMCRS Stefanie Larson were present at the pitch! More about the project



- March 5, 2023
TechTalks Stuttgart, March 28, 2023

The TechTalks Stuttgart event series presents technical topics from the fields of visual effects (VFX) and animation for scientists, creative professionals, students and the interested public. After the keynote speeches, people can spontaneously take to the microphone on their own behalf. The next event will take place on March 28, 2023, at 18:00 CET at Das Gutbrod, Friedrichstr. 11, 70174 Stuttgart. Admission is free!
Please register in advance at contact@amcrs.de. Please note: The event will be recorded, but is not hybrid.
Program Schedule:
„Winkelauflösung einer simulierten Lichtfeldanzeige. (Angular resolution of a simulated light field display.)“ | Sophie Kergaßner, Audiovisual Media (M. Eng.) at Stuttgart Media University
Sophie Kergaßner is currently working on her master’s thesis at Stuttgart Media University. In this context, she recently published a paper on “Bewertung der Winkelauflösung einer simulierten Lichtfeldanzeige im Hinblick auf Dreidimensionalität, Bewegungsparallaxe und Seherlebnis (Evaluating the angular resolution of a simulated light field display with regard to three-dimensionality, motion parallax and visual experience)“, which she will present to us.
„VFX Creature Rigging und Simulation. (VFX Creature Rigging and Simulation.)“ | Lukas Kapp, Freelance Creature TD // Student at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
Lukas Kapp studies Technical Directing at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut. He presents his work on creature rigging and simulation for the Ghoul project (VES Award 2023 for “Outstanding Visual Effects in a Student Project”). As part of his research at Filmakademie, he is also working on the use of artificial intelligence for rigging tasks.
TechTalks Stuttgart is an initiative of the following institutions:
Animation Media Cluster Region Stuttgart | MFG Baden-Württemberg | Film Commission Region Stuttgart | Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart | Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg | Animationsinstitut
- March 3, 2023
Pipeline TD wanted at M.A.R.K. 13!

Our HEROES at The M.A.R.K. 13 Group are looking for a full-time Pipeline TD (m/f/d) in Stuttgart or remote!
The Pipeline TD is responsible for developing and maintaining software tools, support for artists, and general troubleshooting within the studio’s full-CG pipeline. The main focus is on ensuring the efficiency of artists and eliminating potential sources of error.
- March 3, 2023
Visual Media Lab Conference (VMLC), May 8-11, 2023, at HdM Stuttgart

The Visual Media Lab Conference will be held at Stuttgart Media University from March 8 to 11, 2023.
This event is for all people interested in film, TV and the science behind moving images. For the creatives, technical pioneers and students who are looking forward to a career in those fields.
How will films and TV shows be produced with new technologies in the future? What new skills will we need in the process? How will virtual worlds, visual effects and animations be created and which experience and knowledge is useful in production? International speakers from the film & tv industry will discuss these questions during the event on the topics of virtual production, high dynamic range and wide color gamut.
Pablo Garcia Soriano and Nick Shaw about the creation of the NBU-LUTs used for HDR-SDR simulcast In the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022. Christina Caspers-Römer and Christian Kaestner from the “1899” Netflix Series will speak about their studio setup and the challenges of Virtual Production. Presenters from Pixomondo will give insights to their very own workflows for Virtual Production. International cinematographers like Philippe Ros (AFC, ITC), Dave Stump (ASC, ITC), Daniel Schua, and colorists as Julia Leber, Dirk Meier (CSI, BVK, ITC) and Steffen Paul (“1899”) will give insights to their experiences in LED-lighting, cinema productions or commercials.
All details about the program, tickets, location etc. you can find here: https://www.hdm-stuttgart.de/vmlab/conferences/VMLC
- February 28, 2023
Frischvergiftung are looking for a Motion Designer (m/f/d)!

Our HEROES at Frischvergiftung are looking for a full-time / permanent Motion Designer (m/f/d)! The interdisciplinary design studio develops visual worlds that often accompany live events and produces digital exhibits, experiences, explainer films as well as trailers.
Do you have a keen sense of motion graphics, movement and editing, as well as experience with other 2D/3D applications? Apply now!
Here’s the job description and all info on how to apply: https://www.frischvergiftung.de/jobs/
- February 25, 2023
Next Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge on March 13 with Michael Scholz (halbautomaten)

Together with the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (organizer of Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film) and the AMCRS, MFG organizes the Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge as a prelude to the monthly network meeting of the film industry (Jour Fixe), at which speakers from the animation film scene report on current projects using practical examples and provide insights into their work.

On March 13, 2023 at 18:00 CET, Michael Scholz (Founder/ Creative Director of halbautomaten) will talk about „KINETARIUM – MULTIPLAYER-PLANETARIUM“
Kinetarium is a platform for interactive full-dome games that can be played by hundreds of players simultaneously. Each player can directly intervene in the dome projection with his/her smartphone. Playing the games is not only fun, but also offers the opportunity to experience scientific topics in a new way. The players can decide whether they want to play as a team, in competition, in alliances or in chaos. Each game plays out differently.
More about Kinetarium: https://www.kinetarium.space/en/home
The event will take place at Theater Rampe, Filderstraße 47, 70180 Stuttgart, and is free of charge.
The Jour Fixe offers a unique opportunity for exchange and networking with the MFG Unit Film Funding team. All participants are cordially invited to join the subsequent Jour Fixe starting at 19:00 CET.
- February 25, 2023
SAVE THE DATE, April 18, 2023: Panel Discussion “Medienproduktion der Zukunft”

Media production is undergoing profound changes that make a move towards innovative and technologically savvy production structures inevitable.
With topics such as mixed reality studios, virtual production with digitally prepared film locations, artificial intelligence as well as expanded LED technology, new possibilities are being created for film and media productions – especially in the area of moving image media. All sectors benefit from this, such as cinema, documentary and animated film, journalistic formats and live reporting. But new opportunities are also opening up for the visual effects (VFX) industry and, not least, for advertising film, which the region must take advantage of if it is not to lose out nationally and internationally in the field of media production.
What: Standortdialog „Medienproduktion der Zukunft“ (the panel discussion will be held in German)
When: Tuesday April 18, April 2023 / 10:00-17:00 CET
Where: Garage 229 / Haußmannstr. 229 / 70188 Stuttgart
About: Focus on film and media production
Technical Infrastructure / Shortage of skilled workers / Strengthening the production landscape and film and media funding / Technical research and development
An event by: Film Commission Region Stuttgart / WRS Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation
The Center for Media Competence and the Chair of Audiovisual Media, Film and Television at the Institute of Media Studies at the University of Tübingen have been commissioned by the WRS Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation to produce a current qualitative study on the media production of the future in the moving image sector, which provides recommendations for action for the Stuttgart Region as a business location.
To the study (German): https://wrs.region-stuttgart.de/publikationen/medienproduktion-der-zukunft/
Authors:: Alexa Vogel, Ilja Mirsky, Project Management: Prof. Dr. Susanne Marschall and Kurt Schneider.
Study Partners: Südwestrundfunk (SWR), Film Commission Region Stuttgart, b.ReX GmbH, Recom Film GmbH & Co. KG.
More information (German): https://uni-tuebingen.de/einrichtungen/zentrale-einrichtungen/zentrum-fuer-medienkompetenz/forschung-verbundprojekte/medienproduktion-der-zukunft/
- February 16, 2023
VES AWARD for Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg Production!
Press Release Animationsinstitut, Ludwigsburg, February 16, 2023

The production A CALLING. FROM THE DESERT. TO THE SEA by the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg wins the VES Award 2023 in the category “Outstanding Visual Effects in a Student Project“. Students of the Animationsinstitut created the visual effects (VFX) of the short film. Mario Bertsch (VFX Supervisor), Max Pollmann (VFX Producer), Lukas Löffler (Compositing Lead), and Till Sander-Titgemeyer (Creature Lead) accepted the award last night in Los Angeles on behalf of the entire team.
A CALLING. FROM THE DESERT. TO THE SEA tells the story of the sisters Ahlam and Yasmin, who defy the set boundaries and customs of their father. In order to reach a mystical sea, however, they first must face an enemy from within.
The visual effects team, which also includes Pascal Schober (Technical Director), Lukas Kapp (Rigging TD) and Lennard Fricke (VFX Producer), created the monster “The Ghoul” for the film. It took over two years to design the computer-animated creature, for which the team drew inspiration from the anatomy of humans, ostriches, caimans and dinosaurs. In addition, the students simulated the monster’s hair, spit and muscles.
The VFX team particularly praises the spirit within the project team: “Not only did we achieve our goal of seamlessly integrating a photorealistic creature into the film, but we are also incredibly happy to have worked with so many talented VFX artists. Of course, this holds true for the fantastic main production team around director Murad Abu Eisheh and producer Malin Krüger as well.”
Murad Abu Eisheh (Writer and Director), winner of the Student Academy Award in Gold, adds: “In this film, I wanted to create a mix of reality and fantasy that usually only exists in a child’s imagination. In doing so, I wanted to deal with my own experiences growing up in a society that tries to control your choices and free will from a young age.“
The excitement at the Filmakademie in Ludwigsburg is obviously enormous. Professor Juri Stanossek, senior lecturer for Visual Effects at the Animationsinstitut, emphasizes: “The VES Award is highly deserved. Congratulations to a great team that stands out for its excellent synergy, diligence, and talent.“
The VES Awards are considered the most important award in the VFX sector after the Oscars.
With the triumph of A CALLING. FROM THE DESERT. TO THE SEA, a total of ten productions with the direct involvement of the Animationsinstitut have now won a VES Award. The Animationsinstitut and the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg congratulate the entire team on this great success.
VES Awards 2023 Nominierungen related to AMCRS
We are very happy for everyone involved and congratulate from the bottom of our hearts!
- February 12, 2023
Animationsinstitut Partner in the EU Project MAX-R

Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg‘s Animationsinstitut is one of the partners in the EU project MAX-R (Mixed Augmented and Extended Reality Media Pipeline).
Description of the project: MAX-R aims to define, develop, validate and demonstrate a complete pipeline of tools for making, processing and delivering maximum-quality XR content. The pipeline will be based on open APIs, open file and data transfer formats which enable the development, and support the integration, of new tools. We will build on research and advances in VP technologies to develop real-time processes and tools that deliver better quality, greater efficiency, ease of use and interoperability between proprietary and open-source software. The new tools and processes will deliver enhanced interactivity, and novel content based on XR media data. A real-time pipeline based on open standards, creating pathways to further innovation, will launch a new era in the production of XR media.
The interdisciplinary Consortium of eleven partners (lead by Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona) from five countries covers the chain from technology development and product innovation to creative experiment and demonstration, and from XR media creation to delivery to the final consumer. It is built around Europe’s leading media technology developers, together with creative organisations operating in AR/VR/MR, Virtual Production, interactive games, new media, TV, video and news, multimedia and immersive performance.
Sources and more information: https://www.upf.edu/web/max-r/ & https://animationsinstitut.de/de/forschung/projects/max-r & in the video:
- February 7, 2023
Call for Applications Crazy Horse Session – 48h Animation Jam at ITFS 2023

The 30th Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS, April 25-30, 2023) is calling all filmmakers to apply to the online live animation competition Crazy Horse Session – 48h Animation Jam! Deadline for applications is March 1, 2023, and the Crazy Horse Session will be held in cooperation with our HEROES from M.A.R.K.13.
Applications are open to teams of two who are either animation students from international film and art schools or freelance animators and animation producers, and also not older than 30 years. Within 48 hours, up to six teams will develop a short animated film (30 seconds to a maximum of 2 minutes) around the ITFS mascot Trixi during the festival. The competition will take place online between Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 12 noon and Friday, April 28, 2023 at 12 noon.
A jury selected by the festival management will choose the winning film. The winning team will be appointed to the ITFS 2024 48h Jam jury and will receive an invitation to next year’s festival.
Application Form & Regulations
- February 7, 2023
HFM x Arthaus presents Metropolis (Robotic Angel)

As part of the event series “HFM x Arthaus“, the Haus für Film und Medien e.V. will show the anime “Metropolis (Robotic Angel)” by Rintaro on February 8 at 20:00 CET. Rintaro’s anime “Metropolis” is based on a 1949 manga by Japanese artist Osamu Tezuka.
Prior to the screening, the curator and producer of the exhibition Anime Architecture, Stefan Riekeles, will give an introductory talk on Anime Architecture: Imagined Worlds and Endless Megacities (also published by Thames & Hudson in 2020). Afterwards, there will be the opportunity for a discussion. Moderated by Ulrich Wegenast.
Location: Atelier am Bollwerk, Hohe Str. 26, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany
Link to the event and tickets: https://hfm-stuttgart.de/de/events/hfm-arthaus-metropolis-robotic-angel
In cooperation with the Arthaus Filmtheater Stuttgart, the HFM presents the film series HFM x Arthaus, taking place every second Wednesday of the month until summer 2023.
- January 29, 2023
Imagestorm expand the AMCRS!

We heartily welcome our new AMCRS HEROES IMAGESTORM – a media agency for content creation, code, and consulting from Ludwigsburg. Their heart beats for storytelling in all forms: film, animation, design, or interactive worlds.
Learn more about Imagestorm!

- January 22, 2023
Annie Awards 2023 Nomination for “The Most Boring Granny in the Whole World”!

“The Most Boring Granny in the Whole World” is nominated in the “Best Student Film” category at the Annie Awards 2023! Congratulations to the makers of the diploma film at Filmakademie‘s Animationsinstitut – Damaris Zielke (director), Jiayan Chen (producer) and all the others involved!
We have our fingers crossed for the ceremony at the 50th Annual Annie Awards on February 25, 2023! List of all nominees
The film premiered at Berlinale 2022 and has already won awards at ITFS 2022 and Goldener Spatz 2022.
- January 18, 2023
NOMINEES OF THE VES AWARDS 2023 ANNOUNCED!

Yesterday, the Visual Effects Society announced the nominations for the 2023 VES Awards! Among them are two companies that are also HEROES of the AMCRS.
PIXOMONDO received four nominations – in the category OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL EPISODE “The Boys: Payback” as well as “House of the Dragon: The Black Queen”, in the category OUTSTANDING COMPOSITING & LIGHTING IN AN EPISODE the Dance of Dragons from “House of the Dragon: The Black Queen”, and “See: I See You” in the category OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL EPISODE.
Scanline VFX were nominated in the OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL EPISODE and OUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, OR REAL-TIME PROJECT categories for their work on “Stranger Things 4: The Piggyback” and also in the OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL FEATURE category for “The Gray Man.”
The visual effects of Murad Abu Eisheh’s diploma film at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg “A Calling . From the Desert . To the Sea” were created by fellow students of the Animationsinstitut. The work of Mario Bertsch, Max Pollmann, Lukas Löffler and Till Sander-Titgemeyer achieved a nomination in the category OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A STUDENT PROJECT (AWARD SPONSORED BY AUTODESK).
Congratulations to all nominees and fingers crossed for the awards ceremony at the 21st Annual VES Awards on February 15, 2023 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles!
- January 17, 2023
SERU Animation are looking for Animation Artists!

You are an Animation Artist? You love bringing characters to life and know your way around Maya? Join the amazing team of busy Elfkins aka SERU Animation, producing the second part of the “Elfkins” 3D Feature Film Adventure!
If you are interested, contact them via email: ajob@seru.film
- January 16, 2023
Animationsinstitut Showreel 2022
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg‘s Animationsinstitut has just released its 2022 showreel featuring work by students from the fields of animation, visual effects and interactive media. This year’s showreel consists of scenes from the projects A CALLING FROM THE DESERT TO THE SEA, THE LAST SMOKER, HOW MANY, PUSSY LOVE, TOWN HALL SQUARE, MAKULATOUR, THE LAST BAR, KOLAJ, SYMBLINGS, FISH OR CHIPS. Have fun watching!
And don’t forget: the application deadline for the academic year 2023 is February 15, 2023. Click here to apply!
- January 16, 2023
Fresh HEROES on board – welcome, Frischvergiftung!

The AMCRS is growing – We welcome our new HEROES FRISCHVERGIFTUNG from Stuttgart! Frischvergiftung is an interdisciplinary design studio specializing in the conception and realization of digital experiences for the screen and the physical world.
Learn more about Frischvergiftung here!

- January 12, 2023
“THE CREÄTIVE HOUSE” presents creative diversity and encourages networking

From January 12 to February 17, 2023, the Haus der Wirtschaft in Stuttgart (where FMX is also held every year) will become THE CREÄTIVE HOUSE – a hotspot for Baden-Württemberg’s cultural and creative industries. A total of 22 cultural and creative companies selected in a statewide competition will showcase their projects and works in an exhibition, accompanied by a diverse and free-of-charge supporting program.
Organized by the Ministry of Economics, Labor and Tourism and conducted in close cooperation with MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg, the pop-up project focuses on cross-industry networking and exchange. Within the framework of the project, cultural professionals and creative companies from Baden-Württemberg will meet actors from business, science and politics. Individual program contributions will include insights into the work of creative professionals and future-oriented corporate design, presentations of serious games and animation and film techniques, and presentations and discussions of current trends and topics in the field of artificial intelligence and the media.
The vernissage on January 12 will be followed by Best Practice Talks, Open Stages, Salons for AI and Animation, expert contributions and much more. Click here for the complete program.
And of course, the AMCRS and its HEROES can’t be missing! On January 26, the CREÄTIVE HOUSE is themed All about Animation.
15:00 CET: Dominique Schuchmann, The M.A.R.K. 13–Group: “Hitchhikers Guide to Animation, VFX, Motion Graphics and beyond“. Animation and VFX for beginners and experts – lecture and film examples.
15:30 CET: Martin Fischer and Nico Dörle, a.o. Overtoon Studios: “Einfach erklärt und wirksam platziert – 2D Animation als Chance in der Digitalisierung” – film examples
Animation Salon
17:30 CET: Welcome by Stefanie Larson (Director AMCRS) and State Secretary Dr. Patrick Rapp
17:35 CET: Lecture by Heiko Burkardsmaier, Head of VFX Accenture Song / Stuttgart: “Einfluss von visuellen Effekten (vfx) auf die industrielle Produktion von computergenerated content“.
17:45 CET: Lecture by Maximilian Schmierer, Managing Director of b.Rex / Stuttgart, “fresenius medical care – XENIOS heart & lung app“.
18:00 CET: Lecture by Prof. Thomas Hundt, founder and managing director of jangled nerves / Stuttgart, “an icon electrified – Weltpremiere VW ID.Buzz“
18:15 CET: Get-together and networking
Film evening of the Filmakademie Ludwigsburg with Prof. Andreas Hykade
19:30 CET: Based on selected artistic biographies, Prof. Andreas Hykade, head of the Animation Directing department at the Animationsinstitut of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, will show the connection between artistic development during studies and economic success in professional life. The approximately one-hour lecture will be illustrated by film examples. Afterwards there will be the opportunity for exchange. Registration is requested – Click here.
Source: Press release Ministry of Economics, Labor and Tourism Baden-Württemberg and MFG Baden-Württemberg
- December 22, 2022
Happy holidays!

We wish you and your loved ones a fantastic and contemplative holiday season and a happy, healthy and successful New Year 2023! Thank you for your confidence in us, the cooperation and all the great things and events we had together in 2022! We are really looking forward to next year with you guys!
Here are a few impressions of this year’s AMCRS Christmas party – What a wonderful party this was!





- December 20, 2022
Study Technical Directing at Filmakademie’s Animationsinstitut
Until February 15, 2023, you can apply for the next academic year at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg‘s Animationsinstitut, for example for the study specialization Technical Directing. But what is this anyway? And why should you definitely study it at Animationsinstitut? Technical Directing alumnus Justus Schmidt tells us more in the video:
The most important requirement is a degree in computer science or a similar subject.
You can find out more about the study specialization Technical Directing and the application here: https://animationsinstitut.de/en/studies/study-specializations/technical-directing
- December 10, 2022
jangled nerves offer a study place for Media Design (B.A.) in cooperation with DHBW Ravensburg!

Our HEROES at jangled nerves are offering a study place for Media Design (B.A.) in cooperation with DHBW in Ravensburg from the coming winter semester. Other open positions: Architect or Interior Designer (m/f/x) to support their project management, Front Office & Hospitality Manager (m/f/x), Intern (m/f/x) in Interior Design / Scenography, Intern (m/f/x) in Media Design / Media Production.
Apply now!
- December 5, 2022
Obituary of Thilo Kuther, founder of Pixomondo

It is with great sadness that we learned about the passing of Thilo Kuther, founder of Pixomondo.
Thilo was a visionary and enthusiast. The long-time CEO founded the company in 2001 and started with video installations and 3D animation. Since then, Pixomondo has grown considerably, with locations in Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Vancouver, Montreal, Shanghai, Beijing, London, Toronto and Los Angeles, among others.
The Oscar-winning visual effects for Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” and the effects for „Star Trek Into Darkness“, the “Fast & Furious” and “The Hunger Games” franchise, among others, were created under Kuthers’ leadership. Pixomondo has also worked on several TV series – including “Game of Thrones“, “The Mandalorian“, “The Watchmen” and since 2017 “Star Trek Discovery“. There was also close collaboration with Roland Emmerich on “2012“, “Independence Day: Resurgence“, “Midway” and “Moonfall“.
It were not least these great successes that contributed decisively to the emergence of the animation and VFX hotspot Stuttgart Region.
In 2019, Thilo Kuther stepped down as CEO of Pixomondo and most recently led the company Xmachina.
Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Claudia, his family and his friends.
Source (among others) The Hollywood Reporter
- November 29, 2022
12th Animation Meetup on December 6, 2022!

The next Stuttgart Animation Meetup will take place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 19:30 CET – ATTENTION – this time exceptionally at Schlampazius (Bus Wagenburgstr. / U Ostendplatz, Stuttgart – Ost). A table has been reserved inside, please contact Julia Thonig at julia.thonig@gmail.com by December 5 if you wish to attend.
The Stammtisch is open to everyone – whether student, senior artist or newcomer.
Here everyone can talk shop, connect, chat and whoever wants can scribble funny cartoons and characters with the others.
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/2oG8qM98H
Tell your friends and colleagues!
Join the Stuttgart Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329784908362059
There is also a newsletter with all the new dates (also for the Germany-wide Online Meetup), job postings and other news from the industry. You can subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/hkr1dv
- November 28, 2022
Call for Entries for German Animation Screenplay Award at ITFS 2023!

The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS, April 25-30, 2023) calls for entries for the German Animation Screenplay Award for the best screenplay for a feature-length animated film not yet realised. And we, the AMCRS, are the proud sponsor of the prize money of 2,500 €!
2022, the award for the best screenplay went to Dino Mite / Minus Drei und die verlorene Stadt (by Armin Prediger, Andreas Völlinger, production: our HEROES Holger Weiss and Dominique Schuchmann, M.A.R.K.13 – COM, Stuttgart, and Björn Magsig and Sandra Schießl, TRIKK 17, Hamburg).
In addition, the ITFS will award the prize for the screenplay with the greatest international market potential. The prize is endowed with 1,500 € and donated by Pink Parrot.
The awards aim to promote excellent screenplays for German animated feature film projects in German and English language as well as promising authors, and to highlight the importance of professional screenwriting.
The closing date for both awards is February 1, 2023.
Application and Reglement (in German)

- November 27, 2022
The Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH is looking for a Managing Director

The Stuttgart-based Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (FMF) is the organizer of the International Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film and Raumwelten / Platform for Scenography, Architecture and Media as well as the Animation Production Days, a curated business platform for the European animation industry. The events are aimed at the general public and the international professional audience from all areas of animated film, creatives, producers and users.
The Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH is looking for a MANAGING DIRECTOR, starting on June 1, 2023.
Applicants should have demonstrable skills in the field of animated film and/or artistic and/or commercial management of an international festival. Team applications are welcome. The task of the new Managing Director(s) will be the innovative further development of the FMF and its events under changing artistic, technological, political and economic conditions. The key qualifications for management tasks are required.
The deadline for applications is January 7, 2023.
Click here for the job advertisement (German).


- November 21, 2022
Next Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge on December 12 with Elena Walf (Studio Filmbilder)

Together with the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (organizer of Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film) and the AMCRS, MFG organizes the Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge as a prelude to the monthly network meeting of the film industry (Jour Fixe), at which speakers from the animation film scene report on current projects using practical examples and provide insights into their work.

On December 12, 2022 at 18:00 CET, Elena Walf will talk about “News from “Lena’s Farm”: Insights into the creation process of an animation series“.
The hand-drawn animation series “Lena’s Farm“, on which Elena Walf has been working with her team for three years, is being created at Studio Filmbilder in Stuttgart. Producer Thomas Meyer-Herrmann had the idea for the series; the source of inspiration was Elena Walf’s short film “Bat Time” (2015), which was made as part of the TV magazine “Ich kenne ein Tier”. Each episode is designed like a short film and manages entirely without dialogues. The focus is on the big and small inhabitants of Lena’s farm: from cow to dog and squirrel – everyone is there. Elena Walf reports on the making of the series with numerous examples and provides insights into the creative process.
The event will take place at Theater Rampe, Filderstraße 47, 70180 Stuttgart, and is free of charge.
The Jour Fixe offers a unique opportunity for exchange and networking with the MFG Unit Film Funding team. All participants are cordially invited to join the subsequent Jour Fixe starting at 19:00 CET.
Please note: There is no longer a requirement to show a negative Corona test in order to participate. Nevertheless, we recommend to do a quick test on your own before the event and to wear a mouth-nose-protection during the event.
- November 20, 2022
Dieter Krauß receives the Baden-Württemberg Ehrenfilmpreis 2022!
Dieter Krauß, former member of the management board of MFG Baden-Württemberg as well as former managing director of Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (FMF, organiser of the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film and Raumwelten), will be awarded this year’s Baden-Württembergischer Ehrenfilmpreis (Baden-Württemberg Honorary Film Award). The non-endowed prize will be awarded at the 28th Filmschau Baden-Württemberg during the award ceremony on Sunday, December 11, 2022, in the Dürnitz Kulturlounge in the Altes Schloss Stuttgart.

The award honors people who help shape Baden-Württemberg as a media and film location, support it sustainably through their work and make an important contribution to the perception of the location beyond the state borders, according to the Filmbüro Baden-Württemberg.
The initiators justify their choice as follows: “Dieter Krauß has been an architect of the film scene in the southwest from the 1970s until today, keeping a firm eye on both the content and the financial side of the industry. The passionate cineaste is committed to a lively film location with his heart and soul. Thus Dieter Krauß also became one of the founding fathers of the Filmbüro Baden-Württemberg with its annual film shows. Although Krauß worked full-time in banking from 1974 to 1999, arthouse cinema remained his great passion.
After 25 years of working as a banker, Dieter Krauß moved to MFG Filmförderung. With the midwife, motor, film expert and firm pillar of the film scene in the southwest, the right man came to the right place at the right time. He dedicated himself to the countless interrelationships, dependencies and opportunities that are so extremely important for optimising the implementation of the socio-political tasks of the film industry and accompanied the development of the industry with great success. In autumn 2018 – after 18 MFG years – Dieter Krauß moved to Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH as Dittmar Lumpp’s successor.
Even after his retirement this September, the managing director will remain loyal to the Film- und Medienfestival; Dieter Krauß supports Uwe Schmitz-Gielsdorf, who took over the management in autumn for an interim period until the end of May 2023.”
In addition, Dieter Krauß was an advisory board member of the AMCRS from 2021 to 2022. Congratulations, dear Dieter!
Sources: Filmschau Baden-Württemberg, MFG Baden-Württemberg
- November 12, 2022
The second season of ANIMANIMALS is on air!

The popular and multiple award-winning animation series ANIMANIMALS was created by Julia Ocker, produced by our HEROES from Studio FILM BILDER, in co-production with SWR and KiKA, and funded by MFG Baden-Württemberg. Until November 30, 2022, one episode can be seen every evening at 18:10 CET on KiKA, afterwards you can find it in the media library.
In each of the 26 new episodes, a different animal faces an absurd adventure that can only happen to them: A piglet, who is cleaning so hard that the whole house is getting a mess. A ladybird, who has a ladybird neighbor, who has too much in common with him. A rhino, who is preparing for a romantic date, but his horn is in the way. A dormouse, who oversleeps his own birthday. And while finding the solution, each animal learns a little lesson about life.
The distributor Meta Media provides information on the international distribution:
Season 2 of the multi award-winning series has already been presold to DR Denmark, NRK Norway, TVO Canada, LTV Latvia and Benshi France. Season 1 has recently been relicensed by Netflix DACH, Disney Japan, Benshi France, SVT Sweden and PTS Taiwan. New sales of Season 1 include Mediacorp Singapore, DR Denmark, LTV Latvia and Daekyo Korea.
Julia Ocker, creator of Animanimals, says: “For me, each production of an Animanimals season is like a typical Animanimals story: Like a typical Animanimal, I stumble and make mistakes. And like an Animanimal, I hope these mistakes are helpful and lead me to a happy ending: That all of you will enjoy the new episodes!“
Thomas Meyer-Hermann, producer of Animanimals, says: “For the films of season 1, there were audience awards at festivals in Athens, Amsterdam, Mexico City, Barcelona, Baden, Singapore, Brussels, New York City, Paris, Lisbon and many more. Season 2 will speak to the whole world again, as it is built on the same strong base: Julia Ocker’s unique style, bright conception of life and generous sense of humor.”
Stefan Pfäffle (KiKA) and Benjamin Manns (SWR) say: “From the very beginning when KiKA and SWR came on board for season 1 we strongly felt that this series had the chance of becoming something extraordinary and something extraordinarily funny, looking at some minor challenges of life from a different angle. In the end it turned out that the series became exactly this. So, we are more than happy to be partner again on season 2 and can’t wait to present the new episodes to our audience.“
Sara Cooper, Founder of Meta Media Entertainment, says “The combination of Julia’s incredible creativity and heartfelt passion for this series combined with Thomas and his team’s production flair continues to result in outstanding work which I’m delighted to be bringing to an ever-growing number of worldwide fans.”
Source: Studio FILM BILDER, Meta Media Entertainment
Animanimals at KiKA: https://www.kika.de/animanimals/buendelgruppe2564.html
at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animanimanimals

- November 7, 2022
Unreal Engine Stuttgart Megameetup #3 on November 11!

The next edition of the Unreal Engine Stuttgart Megameetup will take place on November 11, 18:00 CET in the neo.Studio in Ludwigsburg, a fully Unreal-capable virtual production studio with five tracked live cameras. There will be deep insights into the studio technology and the integration of Unreal in the field of live video production, and, as always, delicious food and drinks – and currently (still secret) guest lectures. If you would also like to present your project (whether game, corporate or other media genres) at the Open Stage, please contact them in advance.
Location: neo.Studio, Oscar-Walcker-Straße 15, Ludwigsburg.
Please register in advance at https://www.meetup.com/de-DE/unreal-engine-megameetup-stuttgart/events/288791146/
The event takes place in cooperation with Pulsmacher and our HEROES from b.ReX.
- November 7, 2022
First AMCRS REEL TALK at jangled nerves!
Last week, the first edition of our new networking format AMCRS REEL TALK took place – hosted by our awesome HEROES at jangled nerves, and accompanied by Studio Seufz, b.rex, recom FILM & kaleidoscube! A big thank you goes to everybody for the open and constructive feedback rounds and the wonderful exchange. We’re looking forward to the next REEL TALK edition in spring 2023!

- October 26, 2022
AMCRS Reel Talk at jangled nerves

On November 3, 2022 at 19 CET, the AMCRS REEL TALK will take place for the first time – hosted by our HEROES from jangled nerves, Hallstrasse 25, 70376 Stuttgart!
Take the opportunity to pitch your showreel to industry professionals, get valuable tips and interesting contacts on top. And tell your friends!
Please register via contact@amcrs.de.
- October 24, 2022
The Research Center for Animation and Emerging Media (Institute of Media Studies, University of Tübingen) is looking for a Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d)!

The Research Center for Animation and Emerging Media (Institute of Media Studies, University of Tübingen, Germany) seeks to fill the position of a
Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
(for three years from January 1, 2023, salary category 13 TV-L, 65%)
Guided by the motto “We make animation visible!”, the digital humanities project AniVision – Animation in Ephemeral Films from Austria, East & West Germany between 1945 and 1989: A Combined Film Analysis and Computer Vision Approach uses machine learning and computer vision to explore a hitherto marginalized area of the stylistic history of animation. The project, which is funded by FWF and DFG as part of the Weave Lead Agency Procedure, focuses on ephemeral films, i.e., nonfiction films that are produced for a specific, usually short-term purpose, such as educational films, commercials, or public service announcements. Animation is used in a variety of ways in these films, e.g., to advertise a product in a memorable way, to vividly show a process inside the human body, or to address the audience emotionally with the help of an animated character.
AniVision investigates these different uses and stylistic patterns of animation by analyzing a large corpus of ephemeral films produced during the Cold War period in Austria, West Germany, and East Germany, following an interactive, computer-assisted approach that closely integrates animation research and computer science. AniVision is a transnational collaboration of Dr. Erwin Feyersinger (University of Tübingen, Germany) with Dr. Franziska Bruckner and Dr. Matthias Zeppelzauer (University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, Austria) and will start on January 1, 2023 with a duration of three years.
Deadline is November 6, 2022 (date of receipt).
- October 18, 2022
Raumwelten – Platform for Scenography, Architecture and Media 2022

With the theme /imagine, the eleventh edition of “Raumwelten – Platform for Scenography, Architecture and Media” will take place from November 16 to 18, 2022. The Raumwelten organizers from the Film und Medienfestival gGmbH are breaking new ground in 2022: The leading industry event for spatial communication in Germany will be held in the Raumwelten VR Hub, a digital multi-user experience accessible on mobiles, desktop and in virtual reality. Visitors and attendees can join from anywhere in the world – easily accessable and free of charge. By expanding the project in cyberspace, the event is to experience a significant internationalization, while also offering special opportunities for the regional public. The Raumwelten VR Hub will be enhanced by a pop-up exhibition at the Ludwigsburg Museum, allowing visitors to experience virtual reality on site. The new direction in 2022 will be supported by the new curator Allison Crank, an Award-winning American UX Designer and researcher, who is focusing Raumwelten this year on the theme of immersion and online social experiences that embrace the virtual medium.
Source: Press Release, Raumwelten, September 13, 2022
- October 18, 2022
11th Stuttgart Animation Meetup on October 25, 2022!

The next Stuttgart Animation Meetup will take place on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from 19:30 CET in a relaxed atmosphere at Flora & Fauna (U-Bahn Mineralbäder)!
The Stammtisch is open to everyone – whether student, senior artist or newcomer.
Here everyone can talk shop, connect, chat and whoever wants can scribble funny cartoons and characters with the others.
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/2plhBVQGx
Join the Stuttgart Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329784908362059
There is also a newsletter with all the new dates (also for the Germany-wide Online Meetup), job postings and other news from the industry. You can subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/hkr1dv
- October 9, 2022
“My Fairy Troublemaker” (“Meine Chaosfee & Ich”) celebrated its World Premiere in Stuttgart!

Today, October 9, the world premiere of the animated feature film “My Fairy Troublemaker” (“Meine Chaosfee & Ich”, director: Caroline Origer) took place in Stuttgart’s Innenstadtkinos. The film opens in cinemas across Germany on October 13 – an absolute recommendation! Of course, Maite Woköck (on whose idea the film is based and producer) & Sebastian Runschke (producer) from SERU Animation as well as Stefanie Larson from AMCRS were present at the premiere. We wish every success!

- October 7, 2022
Scanline VFX are hiring!
Our HEROES at Scanline VFX have a number of vacancies in the areas of pipeline/software, animation, compositing and production. Check out their jobs page!

- October 7, 2022
Uwe Schmitz-Gielsdorf new Managing Director of Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH
Translation from the press release of the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbh, October 4, 2022
There is personnel news at the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (FMF), which organises the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) and Raumwelten Platform for Scenography, Architecture and Media, among others: Uwe Schmitz-Gielsdorf will take over as managing director with immediate effect for an interim period until May 31, 2023, as the supervisory board of Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH has now announced.
Dieter Krauß, current managing director of the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (FMF), will retire on October 31, 2022 after five successful years with the FMF, but will continue to be available in an advisory capacity for an interim period. Ulrich Wegenast, Artistic Director has already left FMF on September 15, 2022. A call for applications for the long-term management position will be issued in due course.
As a lawyer and business economist, Schmitz-Gielsdorf is very familiar with commercial tasks. His passion and industry expertise for art, culture and theatre underscores his choice as managing director. Most recently, he was head of administration at the Stiftung Kunstmuseum Stuttgart gGmbH (2019-2020), demonstrating his affinity and knowledge of the local but also international art and cultural landscape. As an authorised signatory of the Ludwigsburg Schlossfestspiele (2009-2013) as well as a long-standing member of the management and legal advisor of the RuhrTriennale Internationales Kunstfestival Nordrhein-Westfalen (2002-2009), he brings with him a great deal of experience in festival operations, which will be of great benefit to the 30th anniversary edition of the ITFS in 2023.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to help shape the next 30th Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film as its managing director and at the same time to promote the start of a strategic further development. In addition to the cooperation within the national and international cultural landscape and the associated tasks, I am particularly looking forward to working with the likeable team of the FMF,” says Schmitz-Gielsdorf.
To the complete press release (German) of Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH

- September 30, 2022
MFG Zukunftskonferenz “Was machst Du?” on October 10, 2022

The economy and society are in the midst of a profound transformation in which many products, services and processes have to be rethought and developed. Shaping change is a core competence of the cultural and creative industries. Against the background of current crises and personal challenges, how can courageous creatives implement their ideas and create future perspectives with a desire for change?
The MFG Zukunftskonferenz (Future Conference) on October 10 at the Hospitalhof Stuttgart will focus on the question “Was machst Du?” (“What do you do?”). Successful, innovative players and entrepreneurs from the creative industries will present and discuss their ideas, solutions and learnings in workshops, keynote speeches and talk panels. The conference is supported by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, Labour and Tourism.
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the IDEENSTARK award to this year’s winners. With IDEENSTARK, the state awards actors in the cultural and creative industries in Baden-Württemberg. With a one-year coaching programme, they are supported by MFG Baden-Württemberg in advancing their ideas and business models and strengthening them for the future. The award is being presented for the sixth time this year and is supported by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts and the Ministry of Economics, Labour and Tourism Baden-Württemberg.
The conference and award ceremony is free of charge and open to all.
Register now for the Zukunftskonferenz and/or IDEEENSTARK Award Ceremony at: zukunftskonferenz.mfg.de
- September 25, 2022
Jobs at Zeitland media & games
Our HEROES at Zeitland media & games are hiring!
They are looking for passionate 2D & UI Artists (m/f/d) and 3D Artists (m/f/d) for their engaging fantasy, sci-fi, mystery game projects. Apply now!

- September 25, 2022
10th Stuttgart ANIMATION MEETUP on September 27, 2022

The next Stuttgart Animation Meetup will take place on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from 19:30 CET in a relaxed atmosphere at Flora & Fauna (U-Bahn Mineralbäder)!
The Stammtisch is open to everyone – whether student, senior artist or newcomer.
Here everyone can talk shop, connect, chat and whoever wants can scribble funny cartoons and characters with the others.
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/29yv8pnMc
Join the Stuttgart Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329784908362059
There is also a newsletter with all the new dates (also for the Germany-wide Online Meetup), job postings and other news from the industry. You can subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/hkr1dv
- September 21, 2022
Gil Alkabetz
We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of filmmaker Gil Alkabetz.
“With his passing, the international animation world loses one of its most important filmmakers and a clever and warm-hearted colleague,” is how Andreas Hykade aptly put it in his obituary on behalf of the Animationsinstitut at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg and AG Animationsfilm.
Gil Alkabetz was already connected to Stuttgart in the nineties through the presentation of his film “Swamp” at the State Academy of Fine Arts and his collaboration with Studio Film Bilder, e.g. for the animations in the feature film “Run Lola Run” as well as the films “Yankale”, “Rubicon” and „Trim Time“. He was a valued friend, companion and colleague of the Stuttgart animation scene.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Gil Alkabetz’s family. Our thoughts are with them and we wish them strength for these difficult times.
Read the full obituary by Andreas Hykade here:
on the Animationsinstitut’s website https://animationsinstitut.de/de/index/zum-tod-von-gil-alkabetz
on the website of the AG Animation https://www.ag-animationsfilm.com/zum-tod-von-gil-alkabetz/
Obituary by ITFS and Uli Wegenast: https://www.itfs.de/news/nachruf-auf-animationskuenstler-gil-alkabetz/

- September 18, 2022
New AMCRS IP Presentation Forum on October 20, 2022! Register now!
You’ve got a great idea for an IP?
You are developing a new game or interactive format?
You are in the middle of preparing your new animated short film or animated series?
You are a resident of Baden-Württemberg?
The IP Presentation Forum will take place for the fifth time on October 20, 2022. Come by and take the opportunity to present your project to professionals from the industry and to exchange ideas and get advice for the next steps!
Register until October 13, 2022! Registration via: contact@amcrs.de
Location: Hospitalhof Stuttgart
Büchsenstr. 33
70174 Stuttgart
- August 28, 2022
Partnership between Triggerfish, the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) and ITFS, FMX and APDs announced!
Press Release Triggerfish, August 25, 2022



Andreas Peschke, the German ambassador to South Africa, has announced a new partnership between Triggerfish, the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) and Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS), Film- and Media Exchange (FMX) and Animation Productions Days.
These leading German animation events – to be held from 25-30 April 2023 – usually attract up to 100,000 industry visitors to Stuttgart. Earlier this year Triggerfish spoke at FMX Stuttgart; to further promote German-South African exchange, a South African delegation of selected animators and creatives will be sponsored to attend next year’s Stuttgart festivals to gain international market exposure, experience and learn new skills.
This was celebrated at a cocktail event at the German Ambassador’s Residence in Cape Town last night during the 10th Cape Town International Animation Festival, the largest dedicated African animation festival on the continent, now running as part of FAME Week Africa until 26 August 2022.
“We are looking forward to welcoming a delegation of animators from South Africa, in the year of ITFS’s 30th anniversary,” says Andrea Bauer, head of programme at ITFS. “The ITFS has a long relationship with the animation industry in South Africa. As early as 2010, the festival dedicated a country focus to South African artists and their works, and we have a long-standing collaboration with Triggerfish in particular. Furthermore, in 2022, The Animation School gave an online presentation and also showed a selection of films by their students. So we feel that this partnership and the delegation’s stay at ITFS will not only be beneficial to the animators from South Africa, but that the encounters and mutual exchanges will also be of benefit to our local and regional industry.”
Carina Lücke, director of the non-profit Triggerfish Foundation, adds, “As a German who has lived in South Africa for many years, it’s a personal highlight for me to deepen the connection between their animation communities, which have already collaborated successfully on the Oscar-nominated Revolting Rhymes adaptation, which was animated in both countries.”
The German-South African exchange forms part of an ambitious three-year partnership between Triggerfish, The Walt Disney Company and Employment for Skills and Development in Africa (E4D), a technical assistance programme of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The project objective is to develop the South African animation sector’s value chain to provide a competent and diverse workforce: it is planned to expose 10,000 school leavers to the animation industry; empower 6,000 creatives with enhanced portfolios and market access; and create 200 more jobs.
Gavin Watson, the team leader of E4D, says they’ve identified animation as an industry sector that is attractive to young people and is growing fast. He adds that the opportunities for animators extend outside the traditional film industry, within fields like advertising, app and web design, architecture, engineering, gaming, industrial design, medicine, and the motor industry, not to mention growth sectors like augmented reality and virtual reality.
ABOUT E4D
Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) is a regional programme implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
GIZ is a global service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work. With over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, and peace and security, GIZ works with its partners to develop effective solutions that offer people better prospects and sustainably improve their living conditions. As a public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government and many public and private sector clients in around 120 countries in achieving their objectives in international cooperation.
E4D operates in six target countries in Africa, namely Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. E4D partners with companies and non-profit entities to secure decent jobs, improve the employment situation and build enterprise capacity. E4D together with its partners co-creates forward-thinking solutions integrating technological innovation driving socio-economic change for employment.
- August 17, 2022
Stuttgart’s Lord Mayor Dr. Frank Nopper visits Accenture Song
Great honour for the VFX scene of the Stuttgart region – on August 8, Dr. Frank Nopper, Lord Mayor of Stuttgart, visited Accenture Song (formerly Mackevision) and got to know the studio and their projects (currently Emmy-nominated for their work on “Lost in Space”, “Foundation” and “Stranger Things”). He was welcomed and accompanied by, among others,
Bernhard Grieb (City of Stuttgart Economic Development), Urs Franzen (Netflix), Heiko Burkhardsmaier & Juri Stanossek (Accenture Song), Carl Bergengruen and Robert Gehring (MFG Baden-Württemberg and our Stefanie Larson.





- August 17, 2022
Games from Baden-Württemberg at Gamescom 2022 – with Zeitland media & games

Next week, Gamescom 2022 will kick off in Cologne. As the world’s largest computer and video games trade fair, it will present and discuss the latest products and developments in the games market from August 24 to 28, 2022. Games companies and young developers from the southwest of Germany will also be there, presenting themselves to a broad audience at the Baden-Württemberg Booth initiated by MFG Baden-Württemberg for the ninth time. Our HEROES from Zeitland media & games from Ludwigsburg can also be visited there. The joint booth can be found from August 24 to 26 in the Business Area at B055-C060, Hall 4.1.
MFG also invites to the Gamescom 2022 Games Pitch BW. On August 26 at 10:00 CET, games publishers can get to know the diversity of the southwest German games scene at the Baden-Württemberg stand. In addition, on August 25 from 15:00 to 17:00 CET, there will be a Consultation Hour on the Games BW Funding Program, which supports developers of high-quality, culturally or educationally significant digital games and innovative, interactive media projects with game character during all phases of the development process.
Further information
Gamescom 2022
- August 8, 2022
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut celebrates its 20th anniversary!

Last Friday, July 15, 2022, Animationsinstitut at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg celebrated its 20th anniversary. Alumni from all over the world as well as political representatives joined students and staff of the institute for a festive Birthday Reception to look back on two successful decades since the founding of Animationsinstitut.
The celebration was attended by many guests, including Albrecht Ade, founder of Filmakademie, who looks back enthusiastically on the last 20 years: “Away from and in contrast to the era of one-dimensionality, the creation of artistic animated films is an exercise in freedom of thought. Passion, dedication and aspiration are manifested in these works. I am proud of Animationsinstitut’s level of work, and have been for many years.“
To thunderous applause, the book “20 Years 20 Projects,” created especially for the anniversary of Animationsinstitut, was presented, providing insights into the diverse history and development of the institution through twenty essays on twenty institute projects.
Since the founding of Animationsinstitut in 2002, a lot has happened: Not only was a research and development department established within the institute, but Animationsinstitut also organized the conference FMX – Film & Media Exchange up until last year. While the range of studies initially focused on animation, visual effects and technical directing, the institute expanded its course offerings just a few years later to include the specializations Interactive Media and Animation/Effects Producing. By doing so, Animationsinstitut promoted collaboration within Filmakademie. “Our primary goal at Animationsinstitut is the individual training and supervision of our students according to the premises of relevance, intensity and originality. For the past 20 years, we have worked in this spirit. In this regard, I would like to thank all the staff members of the institute for their dedicated efforts throughout the years,” said Andreas Hykade, Director of Animationsinstitut.
The success proves Animationsinstitut and its students right: Since the beginnings of the institute, more than 1000 student projects have already been honored with national and international awards – including most recently the prestigious student Oscar for the VFX project THE BEAUTY. This makes Animationsinstitut one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions in the industry.
Petra Olschowski, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts, is positive about the future: “The story of Animationsinstitut has only just begun. The institute is extremely dynamic and understands that the industry is in a constant state of change. Together with its students, Animationsinstitut responds proactively to new issues and challenges. It is precisely this dynamism and force for change that make the institute, and especially its students, ready for the future. This is why Animationsinstitut will continue to play a key role in the ever changing world of film and media.”
Press Release, Animationsinstitut, July 18, 2022
Our heartest congratulations!
Recording Of The Birthday Reception
Photo: Dominique Brewing
- July 19, 2022
Ulrich Wegenast leaves Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH

Prof. Ulrich Wegenast is leaving Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (FMF) after 17 years as Managing Director. At his own request, he will end his employment at FMF on 15 September to take on a new professional challenge and has asked the FMF supervisory board to terminate his contract prematurely.
The supervisory board complies with this request and thanks Prof. Wegenast for his many years of service as Artistic Managing Director of FMF. Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH organises, among other events, the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) and Raumwelten – Platform for Scenography, Architecture and Media in Ludwigsburg/Stuttgart. In his time as Artistic Managing Director, Wegenast established the ITFS Open Air Cinema on Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz (from 2006) together with his colleague as Commercial Managing Director at the time, Dittmar Lumpp. Moreover, together with Vincent Ferri, former manager of MIFA in Annecy, he founded the Animation Production Days in 2006, which have since become the most important event for animation production in German-speaking countries and take place during ITFS. On Wegenast’s initiative, the GameZone has been taking place as part of ITFS since 2013, exploring the intersection of computer games and animated film as well as bringing the subject of games in the classroom to the fore.
During the coronavirus crisis, ITFS was the first animation festival in the world to be held exclusively on the internet, setting new standards in the online presence of film festivals. ITFS is one of the largest animation film festivals worldwide and one of four Oscar-qualifying festivals in Germany. It reaches an audience of up to 100,000 and receives over 2,000 (film and project) submissions per year.
Since 2012, Wegenast has also been developing the conference “Raumwelten – Platform for Scenography, Architecture and Media”, which takes place in Ludwigsburg and Stuttgart and is the leading event for spatial communication in Germany.
Dr. Walter Rogg: “As Chairman of the Supervisory Board, I have accompanied Prof. Ulrich Wegenast in his 17 years as Managing Director and thank him and the entire team on behalf of the supervisory board and the associates for spectacular festivals of international acclaim and the creation of further significant formats. Ulrich Wegenast has made a great contribution to the development of our location for film and media.”
Lord Mayor Dr. Matthias Knecht, Ludwigsburg: “Prof. Ulrich Wegenast has created considerable attention in the Stuttgart region with several series of events. In Ludwigsburg, in particular, he has succeeded in making a magnificent mark with the Lichtwolke at Raumwelten. With his courageous, artistic eye and his sense for exciting development potential, he has opened up new paths in animated film, scenography and architecture. For this, the City of Ludwigsburg is very grateful to him.“
First Mayor Dr Fabian Mayer, Stuttgart: “The ITFS Open Air Cinema on Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz is a highlight in the event calendar for many thousand people in Stuttgart and for international guests, and an important showcase for our city. We are strongly committed to film and media and thank Prof. Wegenast for his important work and support over many years; we wish him all the best in his new role.”
Ulrich Wegenast: “I would like to thank our Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Walter Rogg and my colleague, Commercial Managing Director Dieter Krauß, who was already given his farewell into retirement (starting in autumn) at ITFS 2022, for the good and trusting cooperation. I owe a lot to the entire FMF team and at this point would like to make special mention of my colleague Andrea Bauer, Head of Programme, who I worked with intensively for many years. My time at FMF was fascinating and successful, but also – especially during the time of the coronavirus – very challenging. The ITFS is a ‘jewel’ in the German festival scene with a high international reputation and charisma, and Raumwelten has developed into the most important event for scenography in the German-speaking regions over the last ten years.“
Ulrich Wegenast will remain with the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH in an advisory capacity for the next few months.
Press Release, July 13, 2022

READ THE COMPLETE PRESS RELEASE
Photos: ITFS/Reiner Pfisterer
- July 13, 2022
The AMCRS and some of our HEROES will be part of the Creativity World Forum 2022!
The Creativity World Forum 2022, the annual gathering of the international Districts of Creativity Network will take place in Baden-Württemberg, online from July 18-20, 2022, and hybrid on July 21 at Hospitalhof, Büchsenstraße 33, 70174 Stuttgart.
Meet the AMCRS and a curated team of Virtual Production experts at the presentation “Sustainability with Animation and VFX” on July 20, 15:00 CET, online via Zoom.
Pixelcloud’s Jonas Kirchner and the Hochschule der Medien will be presenting their project “Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg VR” in the talk “Sustainablility in VR Games – practical examples” on July 20, 14:15 CET, online via Zoom.
Jan Adamczyk from Hochschule der Medien will talk about “Digital Locations” on July 20 at 16:00 CET, online via Zoom.
A “Virtual Get-together: 3D and VR-Experiences with Mozilla Hubs” will be presented by Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film in their ITFS VR Hub on July 20 at 19:00 CET. Enter the virtual Schlossplatz of ITFS VR Hub via the following link: work-in-vr.org. If you want to learn more about Mozilla Hubs, visit the workshop „How to create online social worlds for festivals and remote collaboration in Mozilla Hubs“ by the designers of the ITFS VR Hub, Allison Crank and Christophe Merkle, on July 21 at 14:15 CET (on-site in Lechler Room, Hospitalhof).
The results of the “DC Living Lab 2022” (organised by the MFG Baden-Württemberg on behalf of the Baden-Württemberg region (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism Baden-Württemberg) will be presented on July 21, 15:45 CET on-site at the Plenum, Hospitalhof.
(With links to the online Presentations)
- July 13, 2022
MACKEVISION / Accenture Song nominated for the EMMY AWARDS 2022!
Yesterday Juri Stanossek and his team from MACKEVISION (now Accenture Song) got nominated for the EMMY AWARDS 2022! In the category “Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie” they were honoured for their work on Netflix’ “Lost in Space”. They were also part of the VFX Team for “Foundation” and “Stranger Things, Season 4” – which were also nominated. Congratulations to the whole team, we keep our fingers crossed for the award ceremony on September 12!
COMPLETE NOMINEES LIST ON EMMY.COM
Screenshot: https://www.emmys.com/sites/default/files/Downloads/74th-nomination-list-v1_0.pdf?q=1
Image: Television Academy
- July 7, 2022
Jobs at Filmakademie’s Animationsinstitut
The Animationsinstitut at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg offers several job opportunities e. g. in the areas of IT, project management, research & development, administration, studies, and communication
- July 6, 2022
Prof. Andreas Hykade steps down as the director of Filmakademie’s Animationsinstitut
Prof. Andreas Hykade will step down as the director of Animationsinstitut at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg on September 30, 2022 in order to take on a new role at the institute that focuses on teaching. From the beginning of the academic year 2022/23, he will be Head of „Animation Directing“.
Throughout his entire career, the acclaimed animation director has perfected the art of seamless, organic transition. Practically from the beginning, his teaching activities ran parallel to his work on his own artistic projects. After eight years in charge of Animationsinstitut, Hykade feels that the right time has come for him to hand over his office: „When I took over as director, I had set goals for Animationsinstitut, laid down in the strategy paper ‚Filmakademie 2030‘ – most notably the financial security of the institute as well as the specialisation ‚Character Animation‘ and the comprehensive integration of the issue ‚intellectual property (IP)‘ into our curriculum. We were able to achieve all of this. In addition, we pushed on with the internal internationalisation of the institute, successfully navigated our conference FMX through turbulent times and expanded our research & development for the benefit of our students. Above all, however, we succeeded in offering our students a fully fledged course of studies during the difficult time of the pandemic. My thanks here go to all those who have actively supported Animationsinstitut in rising to these challenges.“
Andreas Hykade would like to make creative use of the freedom he is to gain. Several film, book and music projects for adults and children are in the pipeline. What’s more, he also wants to turn to the written word: „My time as head of Animationsinstitut was so exciting and moving that it definitely calls for an artistic treatment. I have two different working titles that I have yet to choose from: “The Beautiful Kingdom” or “The Boss Who Cried”.“
Press Release, Animationsinstitut, July 4, 2022
READ THE COMPLETE PRESS RELEASE

- July 3, 2022
The halbautomaten crew are hiring!
You are looking for a great job in a cool team? Maybe our HEROES at halbautomaten kommunikationsdesgn GmbH have something for you. They are in search of a Creative Producer – Project Manager digital (m/f/d)! Apply now!
MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
They are also looking for web developers, communication designers, creative coders, and interns!
- June 26, 2022
Unreal Engine Stuttgart Megameetup #2 @ b.Rex on July 8!
Our HEROES from b.Rex invite to their second Unreal Engine Stuttgart Megameetup. This time, it’s all about Metahumans: virtual humans that have become incredibly close to their „real“ counterparts. At the beginning there will be a short lecture (15 min) about the topic. Afterwards, you can try out an XSENS motion capture setup, which allows you to transfer your movements to a Metahuman in real time (even facial and hand movements). You can also create your own Metahuman on the touchscreen.
Additionally, as always, networking will be in the foreground. Food (also vegetarian) and drinks will be provided by b.rex. Entertainment will be provided by their pinball and retro arcade machines.
Weather permitting, the event will be held outside in the backyard and they will have a barbecue!
The Unreal Engine Stuttgart Megameetup #2 will take place on July 8, 2022, 17:00 CET, at b.Rex, Reinsburgstraße 96/1, 70197 Stuttgart-West.
More information and registration before July 5, 17:00 CET on https://www.meetup.com/de-DE/unreal-engine-megameetup-stuttgart/events/286504954/.
- June 14, 2022
Next Tech Talks Stuttgart on June 21!
The Tech Talks Stuttgart event series presents technical topics from the fields of VFX and animation for scientists, creative professionals, students and the interested public. The next event will take place on June 21, 18:30 CET at the Das Gutbrod, Friedrichstr. 11, 70174 Stuttgart. Free entry!
The number of visitors is limited, so please register in advance via contact@amcrs.de.
„Bye-bye lens grids?! Distortion and exposure fall-off workflows reinvented“
Marius Jerschke
Business and Ecosystem Development Manager Digital Cinematography
Marius Jerschke from Zeiss takes a closer look at the distortion workflow and its importance for compositing and matchmoving work. How do the traditional methods like lens grid work and what are their drawbacks? Marius will compare these approaches with a new Zeiss servie that provides frame-accurate distortion data for VFX work with only a few clicks.
„Programmable optics for computational photography“
Andreas Engelhardt
University of Tübingen
As computational imaging and optics converge new application specific camera designs emerge, reaching beyond the model of the human visual system.Adding a spatial light modulator (SLM) to the optical system of a camera enables modulation of thepoint spread function (PSF) programmatically, for example. This talk explores some of the applications and implications of jointly optimizing programmable optical elements and task specific reconstruction algorithms in the context of computational cameras.
TechTalks Stuttgart is an initiative of the following institutions:
Animation Media Cluster Region Stuttgart | MFG Baden-Württemberg | Film Commission Region Stuttgart | Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart | Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg | Animationsinstitut
- June 13, 2022
MFG Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge on July 11, with Erwin Feyersinger (University of Tübingen)
On July 7, 18:00 CET, MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg presents the Pre Fixe with the Animation Lounge as part of the MFG Jour Fixe in cooperation with the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (organizer of Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film Stuttgart and Raumwelten) and the AMCRS.
Erwin Feyersinger will talk about “Representations between exaggeration and stereotyping in character design and animation”.
One of the outstanding possibilities of animation is to bring essential features of characters to the point through abstraction and exaggeration. With examples across the history of animation, the lecture shows how this exaggeration can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, the characters gain in clarity and complexity and often also in general validity. On the other hand, exaggeration can also lead to the perpetuation of stereotypical and derogatory clichés.
Erwin Feyersinger is an academic councillor at the Institute for Media Studies at the University of Tübingen and co-director of the Research Center for Animation and Emerging Media. He is co-spokesman of the AG Animation of the Gesellschaft für Medienwissenschaft (GfM). Among other publications, he published the monograph Metalepsis in Animation: Paradoxical Transgressions of Ontological Levels and co-edited several edited volumes on animation.
Information on the event location in Stuttgart will be announced soon.
The MFG Jour Fixe afterwards, starting at 19:00 CET, offers a unique opportunity for exchange and networking.
MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
Photo: Fotostudio Ale Zea Tübingen
- June 13, 2022
The Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH is hiring!
The team of the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (organizer of Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film and Raumwelten) are looking for a trainee in the field of event organization as of August 1 and a trainee in the field of program realization as of September 26. Apply now!
Find more information and the application details here:
- June 5, 2022
Screenplay Award at Goldener Spatz 2022 for “The Most Boring Granny in the Whole World”!
“The Most Boring Granny in the Whole World” is on a winning streak – at Goldener Spatz, the biggest festival for German media for children, the animated film by Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s students, won the prize for the best screenplay, an award of the MDR Rundfunkrat (Broadcasting Council) together with the author Beate Völcker, endowed with 4,000 euros. The prize was awarded to scriptwriter Manuel Ostwald. Congratulations!
NEWS AT GOLDENER SPATZ WEBSITE
Image: (c) Goldener Spatz, Photo: Carlo Bansini
Tagged: goldenerspatz, mostboringgranny, filmakademie
- June 5, 2022
Zeitland get Games BW Funding for their game BLACK CASTLE!
Our HEROES from Zeitland media & games are developing BLACK CASTLE, a turn-based mystery adventure game set in the Black Forest in a gigantic castle. Their pitch in this year’s Games BW Funding of MFG Baden-Württemberg convinced the jury to promote the realisation of a prototype. With the help of this funding, the Zeitland team can develop a high-quality demo, which in turn should convince partners, investors and publishers to invest in the game.
Learn in their first interview more about the game and why they decided to choose the gloomy atmosphere of the Black Forest!
INTERVIEW FOR MFG BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG
Image: Zeitland media & games
- May 25, 2022
New music video release by Overtoon Studios!
Our HEROES from Overtoon Studios created an animated music video for the new single “Maria” by Nigerian Afrobeats singer, songwriter and producer CKay featuring the German band Silly Walks Discotheque! Summer is on the way!
- May 24, 2022
Exciting job opportunities in the Research and Development department of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut!
The Research and Development team at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut is delighted to offer several positions for two upcoming Horizon Europe projects in Extended Reality!
- Project Manager
- Producer
- Communication Expert
- Research Engineer
- Research Engineer AI
- Technical Artist
- Technical Artist / Technical Director
- May 19, 2022
Apply now for the IDEENSTARK 2022 prize for cultural and creative professionals from Baden-Württemberg
This year, MFG Baden-Württemberg will award the IDEENSTARK prize to cultural and creative professionals from Baden-Württemberg for the sixth time. The ten winning teams will receive a place in the one-year IDEENSTARK program (including individual coaching and group workshops) to help them realize their business idea, project or venture.
Cultural and creative professionals can apply online until June 7, 2022.
The award ceremony will take place on October 10, 2022 in Stuttgart as part of an IDEENSTARK Day, a creative conference with the IDEENSTARK community for the culture and creative industries in Baden-Württemberg.
Read more on the MFG web site.
Source: MFG Baden-Württemberg
- May 11, 2022
“The Most Boring Granny in the Whole World” by Animationsinstitut Alumni won the Tricks for Kids Award at ITFS!
The Tricks for Kids Award at Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film 2022 goes to „The Most Boring Granny in the Whole World“ – congratulations to Filmakademie’s Animationsinstitut alumni Damaris Zielke (director), Jiayan Chen (producer) and all the others involved! The film was chosen by a children’s jury.
Statement of the children’s jury: The film convinced us by explaining the serious topic of death in a humorous way. We could easily understand the granddaughter’s thoughts. Younger children can get an access to the subject matter that way. We think that it is a film suitable for all ages. The animation is so detailed and the perspective of the images so fascinating that we felt as if we had slipped under the covers too. We also noticed a good mood in the audience. The film leaves us thoughtful but not sad with the following idea: If there are no beautiful memories, then we should make some!
- May 11, 2022
AMCRS Showreel 2022 is online!
See the most recent projects and 2022 highlights of all our HEROES united in our brandnew AMCRS showreel!
All image rights belong to the studios.
- May 6, 2022
Our HEROES at ITFS on May 7, 2022!
Check out our HEROES’ events at ITFS on May 7, 2022!

10:00 CET
ITFS
Gloria 2 & online https://onlinefestival.itfs.de/onlineplus/young-animation/young-animation-3/
Young Animation 3
Auf bald deine Clara (Clara Stella Hüneke), Filmakademie
https://www.itfs.de/event/young-animation-3-wh/
11:00 CET
ITFS
Gloria 1 & online https://onlinefestival.itfs.de/onlineplus/internationaler-wettbewerb/internationaler-wettbewerb-4/
International Competition 4
Sloucn (Michael Bohnenstingl), Animationsinstitut
https://www.itfs.de/event/internationaler-wettbewerb-4-wh/
12:30 CET
ITFS
Cinema
School Presentation Hochschule der Medien
https://www.itfs.de/event/hochschulpraesentation-hochschule-der-medien/
14:00 CET
ITFS
VHS TREFFPUNKT ROTEBÜHLPLATZ & online https://onlinefestival.itfs.de/onlineplus/tricks-for-kids-shorts/tfk-4/
Tricks for Kids Shorts 4
Hello Stranger (Julia Ocker, Studio Filmbilder)
https://www.itfs.de/event/tricks-for-kids-4-3/
15:00 CET
ITFS
Open Air
Die Olchis – Willkommen in Schmuddelfing
M.A.R.K. 13
https://www.itfs.de/event/die-olchis-willkommen-in-schmuddelfing/
20:00 CET
ITFS
Hospitalhof
In Persona Music & Animation Spezial: Jochen Kuhn 2 (Hamburg)
Jochen Kuhn
https://www.itfs.de/event/in-persona-music-animation-spezial-jochen-kuhn-2-hamburg/
20:00 CET
ITFS
CONTAIN’T @ CONTAINERCITY
Night of Shame
Studio Seufz
- May 5, 2022
Our HEROES at ITFS, APDs and FMX on May 6, 2022!
Check out our HEROES’ events at APDs, FMX and ITFS on May 6, 2022!

09:00 CET
APDs
Landesmuseum Württemberg & Online
Co-Production and Financing Market, Investor Programme
Solveig Langeland (Sola Media), Carl Bergengruen et. al. (MFG), Stefanie Larson (AMCRS)
12:00 CET
FMX
ONLINE | Foyer Bertha-Benz
Slouch & Night of Shame – About Giving Up On Grandiosity
Michael Bohnenstingl, Director & Writer
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23415
12:30 CET
FMX
ONLINE | Raum Ulm
Filmakademie Presentations: Graduation Projects Animation and VFX
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23435
12:45 CET
FMX
ONLINE | Foyer Bertha-Benz
Q&A with Michael Bohnenstingl
Michael Bohnenstingl, Director & Writer
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23665
13:45 CET
FMX
ONLINE | Raum Ulm
Graduation Projects Interactive Media and AniFilm/AniPlay Projects
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23436
15:00 CET
FMX
ONLINE | Raum Ulm
Filmakademie Presentations: Technical Directing, Setextention and VFX
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23437
16:15 CET
FMX
ONLINE | Raum Ulm
Students’ Projects Medley
Hochschule der Medien (among others)
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23438
16:15 CET
FMX
ONLINE | König-Karl-Halle presented by Unreal Engine
3 Angels for Marvel Studios
Sebastian Lauer, VFX Supervisor, RISE | Visual Effects Studios, Erik Schneider, VFX Supervisor, RISE | Visual Effects Studios, Michael Wortmann, VFX Supervisor, RISE | Visual Effects Studios
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23411
17:00 CET
FMX
ONLINE | König-Karl-Halle presented by Unreal Engine
Q&A with RISE | Visual Effects Studios
Sebastian Lauer, VFX Supervisor, RISE | Visual Effects Studios, Erik Schneider, VFX Supervisor, RISE | Visual Effects Studios, Michael Wortmann, VFX Supervisor, RISE | Visual Effects Studios
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23667
18:30 CET
ITFS
Gloria 1
Best of Animation 3
Love & Theft (Andreas Hykade)
https://www.itfs.de/event/best-of-animation-3/
19:00 CET
ITFS
Gloria 2 & online https://onlinefestival.itfs.de/onlineplus/young-animation/young-animation-3/
Young Animation 3
Auf bald deine Clara (Clara Stella Hüneke), Filmakademie
https://www.itfs.de/event/young-animation-3-4/
21:00 CET
ITFS
Gloria 1 & online https://onlinefestival.itfs.de/onlineplus/internationaler-wettbewerb/internationaler-wettbewerb-4/
International Competition 4
Sloucn (Michael Bohnenstingl), Animationsinstitut
- May 4, 2022
Our HEROES at FMX, ITFS and APDs on May 5, 2022!
Check out our HEROES’ events at APDs, FMX and ITFS on May 5, 2022!

09:00 CET
APDs
Landesmuseum Württemberg & Online
Co-Production and Financing Market, Investor Programme
Sola Media, MFG, AMCRS
10:00 CET
FMX
Bertha-Benz-Saal
The Making of the FMX-Trailer BURNED
Isabella Braun, Producer & Justin Braun, Director & FX Artist
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/24048
10:00 CET
ITFS
Gloria 2 & online https://onlinefestival.itfs.de/onlineplus/young-animation/young-animation-1/
Young Animation 1
Flamenco (Paulo Morato Scatena), Animationsinstitut
https://www.itfs.de/event/young-animation-1-5/
11:30 CET
FMX
FMX Forum/Marketplace, AMCRS Booth
CinEuro Region Grand Est & AMCRS
12:00 CET
FMX
List-Saal Turm B
LED Wall Fireside Chat
Florian Gellinger, Co-Founder and Executive Producer, RISE | Visual Effects Studios, Paolo Tamburrino, Producer, Pixomondo
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/24528
12:30 CET
FMX
Raum Tübingen
Fresh Visions: Alumni Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
Adrian Meyer, Multidisciplinary Digital Artist & Filmmaker, Sebastian Selg, Freelance Filmmaker, Ramon Schauer, 3D Artist/TD, Animationsinstitut
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23392
14:00 CET
ITFS
VHS TREFFPUNKT ROTEBÜHLPLATZ & online https://onlinefestival.itfs.de/onlineplus/tricks-for-kids-shorts/tfk-2/
Tricks for Kids Shorts 2
The most boring Granny in the whole world (Damaris Zielke), Animationsinstitut
https://www.itfs.de/event/tricks-for-kids-2-3/
14:00 CET
ITFS
Jugendhaus Mitte & online
Edutain Me 8.0 – Inklusion und Vielfalt in Games
Jonas Kirchner, Pixelcloud (among others)
https://www.itfs.de/event/edutain-me-8-0-inklusion-und-vielfalt-in-games/
14:45 CET
APDs
Landesmuseum Württemberg & Online
Co-Production and Financing Market, Investor Programme
Sola Media, MFG, AMCRS
16:15 CET
ITFS
Planetarium Stuttgart
Workshop Talk: Halbautomaten Kommunikationsdesign
https://www.itfs.de/en/event/workshop-talk-halbautomaten-kommunikationsdesign/
17:30 CET
ITFS
Cinema
In Persona: Jochen Kuhn 2 – Fisimatenten
Jochen Kuhn
https://www.itfs.de/event/in-persona-jochen-kuhn-2-fisimatenten/
- May 3, 2022
Our HEROES @ APDs, FMX and ITFS on May 4, 2022!
Check out our HEROES’ events at APDs, FMX and ITFS on May 4, 2022!

09:00 CET
APDs
Co-Production and Financing Market, Producers for Co-Production Programme
Landesmuseum Württemberg & Online
Studio Filmbilder, Studio Seufz
10:00 CET
FMX
König-Karl-Halle presented by Unreal Engine
VIRTUAL PRODUCTION WORK ON THE STAR TREK FRANCHISE
Nathan Larouche, VAD+VFX Supervisor, Pixomondo, Paolo Tamburrino, Producer, Pixomondo
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23384
13:45 CET
APDs
L-Bank Rotunde & Online Livestream
Welcome
Carl Bergengruen, MFG, Marlene Wagener, Animation Production Days (among others)
14:00 CET
APDs
L-Bank Rotunde & Online Livestream
ENABLE! Case Studies and Market Trends
hosted by Lilian Klages (APDs, Eagle Eye)
14:30 CET
FMX
Bertha-Benz-Saal
How to run a VFX Business?
Heiko Burkardsmaier, VFX Executive Producer | Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Florian Gellinger, Co-Founder and Executive Producer, RISE | Visual Effects Studios
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23339
14:30 CET
FMX
Raum Karlsruhe
Game of Thrones – Building King’s Landing
Mohsen Mousavi, VFX Supervisor, Scanline VFX (among others)
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23780
15:00 CET
ITFS
Open Air
Latte Igel und der magische Wasserstein
Eagle Eye
https://www.itfs.de/event/latte-igel-und-der-magische-wasserstein/
16:30 CET
ITFS
Hospitalhof
In Persona: Jochen Kuhn 1 (Hamburg)
https://www.itfs.de/event/in-persona-jochen-kuhn-1-hamburg/
17:00 CET
FMX
Raum Reutlingen
Recruiting, retention, reality a few thoughts on talent
Laurie Blavin, Global Head of Talent Acquisition, Scanline VFX, Miggel Huard, Scanline VFX
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23762
17:00 CET
FMX
Raum Karlsruhe
Panel discussion: The challenges of creating high-end VFX for episodic TV
Oliver Markowski, RISE | Visual Effects Studios (among others)
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/24301
17:30 CET
FMX
Raum Reutlingen
Mackevision Recruiting Presentation
Michael Bergmann, Recruiting Senior Analyst, Mackevision, Gus Martinez, Compositing and VFX Supervisor, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Carina Thomiczny, Senior 3D Realtime Artist, Mackevision
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23763
18:15 CET
FMX
Raum Reutlingen
RISE Recruiting Presentation
Marian Dobrunz, Head of Human Resources, RISE I Visual Effects Studios
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23765
18:30 CET
ITFS
L-Bank Rotunde & Online Live Stream
Trickstar Professional Awards
German Animation Screenplay Award / Sponsor AMCRS, among the Nominees DINO MITE / MINUS DREI UND DIE VERLORENE STADT (Production: M.A.R.K. 13, Producer: Dominique Schuchmann, Holger Weiss), Animated Games Award Germany / Sponsor MFG, among the Nominees: A Juggler’s Tale (kaleidoscube)
https://www.itfs.de/event/trickstar-professional-awards-3/
19:00 CET
ITFS
Gloria 2 & online https://onlinefestival.itfs.de/onlineplus/young-animation/young-animation-1/
Young Animation 1
Flamenco (Paulo Morato Scatena), Animationsinstitut
- May 2, 2022
Our HEROES @ ITFS, FMX and APDs on May 3, 2022!
This week is going to be ANIMATED – our beloved Stuttgart will be an event hot spot for the Animation, VFX and Games fans and industries again: FMX – Film & Media Exchange (May 3-6), the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (May 3-8) and the business platform Animation Production Days (May 4-6) are taking place! And – after three years mainly on-site! We are absolutely thrilled!
Of course, our HEROES will be on board, too! Check out their events on May 3!

11:45 (CET)
FMX (Raum Reutlingen)
Large Scale Simulation for Marvels Loki
Fuat Yüksel, Head of Simulation, RISE | Visual Effects Studios
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/24387
12:30 CET)
FMX (König-Karl-Halle presented by Unreal Engine)
The VFX of LOST IN SPACE
Jan Burda, VFX Lead Compositor, Mackevision
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23329
12:30 (CET)
FMX (Bertha-Benz-Saal)
Let’s Talk about Mental Health and Wellbeing in Creative Industries
Laurie Blavin, Global Head of Talent Acquisition, Scanline VFX (among others)
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23317
16:00 (CET)
ITFS/APDs (Online)
Webinar: kids kino industry talk at Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film & Animation Production Days
hosted by Lilian Klages (APDs, Eagle Eye)
17:00 (CET)
FMX (Bertha-Benz-Saal)
Changing the Game – in the Work Environment
Sinje Gebauer, Managing Director & Executive VFX Producer, RISE FX South (among others)
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/23312
17:30 (CET)
After Work Event @ LAVAlabs
LAVAlabs Moving Images
All AMCRS members are invited!
18:15 (CET)
FMX (Bertha-Benz-Saal)
Let’s Talk about Climate Change and Sustainability in Creative Industries
Volker Helzle, Head of Research and Development, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg (among others)
https://fmx.de/en/program-2022/detail/event/24067
Already today, the ITFS is starting with the OnlineFree GameZone on OnlineFestival.ITFS.de:
May 02-15
ITFS
Local Heroes – Kokolores & Friends
Pixelcloud, Studio Seufz, Kaleidoscube (among others)
https://www.itfs.de/event/local-heroes-kokolores-friends/
May 02-15
ITFS
GameZone Talents
Hochschule der Medien (among others)
- May 1, 2022
HOW TO DEAL WITH WAR: Myself’s Online Animation Mentoring: X-Tra Edition
HOW TO DEAL WITH WAR: Send us your film! | Myself’s Online Animation Mentoring: X-Tra Edition
On the occasion of the war in Ukraine, Myself is calling for one-minute short films on the theme of HOW TO DEAL WITH WAR in the latest Online Animation Mentoring by Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. In times of crisis, we need the ideas of all artists. Therefore, it does not matter whether you study at Filmakademie or not: Myself is looking forward to your film!
Submit your finished film via myself@animationsinstitut.de. The submission deadline is May 9.
What is Myself’s Online Animation Mentoring?
Myself’s Online Animation Mentoring offers you the opportunity to learn everything about the realization of an animated film—from the first idea to the finished project. The lessons build on each other and conclude with a concrete exercise for you. Your results will be evaluated by Myself himself, who will give you a short, concise feedback.
https://animationsinstitut.de/de/start