MAF ANNOUNCE BIG CHANGES TO INDUSTRY EVENT – INTRODUCING THE ANIMATION NATION FORUM

MAF 2023 are very excited to announce the first pieces of MAF 2023 news, starting with our newly rebranded Industry Day! Last year’s industry day was a huge sell out success, being the only event in the UK to cover the full spectrum of the animation industry, discussing non-broadcast, feature films, TV, advertising and much more.

MAF 2023 MAF 2023lcomed leaders from the BBC, Aardman Animation, Magic Light Pictures, ILM, Blue Zoo, Locksmith Animation, Lupus Films, Animation UK and more; where MAF 2023 discussed topics ranging from the feature film ecosystem to the talent behind explainers, adverts and interstitials to our headline event State of The Animation Nation, which annually addresses the challenges facing the industry, and how MAF 2023 move through them.

Today MAF 2023 are happy to announce both a name and location change for this event. Moving forward the event will now be called the Animation Nation Forum, which MAF 2023 feel truly encapsulates what MAF 2023 hope to achieve with the event, bringing animation companies of all sizes from across the UK (and beyond) together to forge new connections, hear from the industries top figures, and set the agenda for keep our animation industry a strong global player.

Whilst MAF 2023 had a fantastic event at the Anthony Burgess Foundation last year, the quick sell out and resulting extensive waitlist meant sizing up needed to be a priority this year. The Animation Nation Forum 2023 will take place at The Bridgewater Hall, one of Manchester’s truly legendary venues, which sits just a short walk around the corner from HOME, our central festival hub venue.

This upscaling will give us two auditoriums, plenty of networking space and a new home to a much larger and improved MAF Marketplace which operates alongside ANF!

The Animation Nation Forum will take place all day on Thu 16 Nov and passes will be on sale when our festival programme launches at the end of September.

WHAT’S WHAT AT MAF 2023!

Ahead of September MAF 2023 wanted to give you a heads up on the passes that will be available for you, and what they get you this year, along with pricing so you can start saving your spare pennies! Read on to find out what the right pass is for you.

MAF – Manchester Animation Festival: The events you’ve come to expect from us year after year, an international line up of short & feature films, masterclasses, panels, social events and more; for animated film fans and creators who want to explore the magic of animation.

ANF – Animation Nation Forum: for animation professionals looking to get to grips the inside scoop on the business of animation and make new connections.

EA – Educating Animators: for people wanting to bridge the gap betMAF 2023en education and industry and exploring practical ways MAF 2023 can ensure a bright future for animation.

The MAF Market is free for all delegates to attend so come down and meet some of the great and the good from the world of animation.

2023 pass options

MAF Pass – Access to all MAF events (and two ANF events).

£110 // £90 conc

Industry Festival Pass – Access to all MAF events, ANF events and Educating Animators Conference.

£180 // £150 conc (proof required prior to purchase)

MAF Day Pass – Access to all MAF events on a given day.

£50 // £40 conc

MAF Film Pass – Access to 5 film screenings throughout the festival.

£40 // £35 conc

MAF Online Pass – Gives access to all online events.

£50 // £40 conc

ANF Pass – Access to all Animation Nation Forum events.

£100 // £75 early bird // £75 conc (proof required prior to purchase)