Master Classes are in-depth, interactive learning experiences focused on craft and career building and led by renowned industry experts. Topics include fiction and documentary filmmaking, TV writing and production, and navigating and succeeding in the entertainment industry. 

New advancements in technology have created more accessible pathways to getting movies made. In animation, independent creators now have the opportunity to bring their vision to life more efficiently with the use of Artificial Intelligence as a tool.

In this dynamic three-hour Master Class, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Michaela Ternasky-Holland (Echoes of Legend, Thank You, Mom) will guide you through the exciting intersection of animation and AI. Drawing from her acclaimed work, Michaela will share how she collaborates with visual artists and technicians to craft emotionally resonant animated projects, tips on working with Generative AI and finding the right workflow that fits your project. 

Whether you're a seasoned animator curious about AI or a storyteller ready to explore animation for the first time, this Master Class offers a practical, inspiring roadmap to help you realize your vision — on your terms.

Topics Covered Include:

• Proven strategies for team collaboration in AI-assisted animation
• Best practices for working with Generative AI tools
• Collaborating and scheduling with your creative team
• How to design a workflow that aligns with your creative goals

Table of Contents

• 0:00:00–0:02:11: Welcome and introduction of Michaela Ternasky-Holland
• 0:02:11–0:09:05: Michaela’s background and experience in VR, AR, and Animation
• 0:09:06–0:34:28: Overview of animation, automation, and enhancement
• 0:34:29–0:40:00: AI animation production pipeline
• 0:40:01–0:44:05: Level setting
• 0:44:06–1:00:06: Thank You, Mom case study (development, character consistency, prompt tracking)
• 1:00:07–1:08:15: Q&A part 1
• 1:08:16–1:15:11: Animation workflows: viability testing, execution, and completion
• 1:15:12–1:17:40: AI tools for each phase
• 1:17:41–1:20:23: AI tool overview
• 1:20:24–1:25:08: Tool breakdown (AI and Traditional)
• 1:25:09–1:38:25: The Christmas Recipe case study (script writing, character design testing, storyboarding
• 1:38:26–1:41:31: Limitations of AI in animation
• 1:41:32–1:47:05: AI tools for prompting
• 1:47:06–1:57:50: Visual design and storyboard image prompting
• 1:57:51–2:01:19: Animation prompting
• 2:01:20–2:05:52: Q&A part 2
• 2:05:53–2:09:26: VO and lipsync prompting
• 2:09:27–2:33:38: Echoes of Legend case study (team collaboration, production timeline, VFX, post-production workflow)
• 2:33:39–2:36:51: Takeaways working with generative AI
• 2:36:52–2:40:38: Final thoughts
• 2:40:39–2:50:28: Q&A part 3
• 2:50:29–2:52:03: Closing