VIDEO: <i>Moana 2</i> Head of Animation Amy Smeed—VIEW Conference Interview
April 3, 2025

VIDEO: Moana 2 Head of Animation Amy Smeed—VIEW Conference Interview

We are excited to share the next video in our 2024 VIEW Conference video series, produced in partnership with FilmCat. Amy Smeed, Head of Animation at Walt Disney Animation Studios, chats with CGW Managing Editor Kendra Ruczak about her work on Disney's  Moana 2 on location at the 25th annual VIEW Conference in Turin, Italy. 

Smeed shares insights into her animation and storytelling process, how she launched her career, animating the character of Rapunzel in Disney's Tangled, advice for aspiring animators, and more.

Mentioned in the video:

Walt Disney Animation Studios: disneyanimation.com
School of the Art Institute of Chicago: saic.edu
VES (Visual Effects Society): vesglobal.org

At VIEW Conference 2024, CGW teamed up with FilmCat to interview a stellar lineup of leading creative professionals about their work in visual effects, animation, and much more. The exclusive video series features behind-the-scenes insights into the year's top films and shows—plus inspiring career advice from across the industry. 

Watch a preview to see what's coming soon, including interviews with Kelsey Mann (Director, Inside Out 2), Chris Sanders (Director, The Wild Robot), Shannon Tindle (Director, Ultraman: Rising), and more:


Subscribe to FilmCat's YouTube channel to watch the full VIEW Conference 2024 interview series: youtube.com/@thisisfilmcat

For the past 25 years, the VIEW Conference has celebrated the latest achievements in computer graphics technology, including VFX, animation, game design, storytelling, virtual production, interactive & immersive media, VR/AR/mixed reality, artificial intelligence, real-time rendering, and beyond. Offering an unrivaled program of speakers, panels, workshops, and masterclasses, the conference immerses attendees in an inspiring, inclusive environment as they expand their industry knowledge, meet their heroes, and advance their careers. 

With a stellar lineup of award-winning directors, animators, artists, and game designers from around the globe, the 2024 VIEW Conference brought industry professionals, students, and enthusiasts together to explore their creative visions for the future. Registration for the 2025 conference is now open: viewconference.it/pages/registration

Video production by Danial J. Smith of Ravensview Films: ravensviewfilm.com
Video © Danial J. Smith