Cinesite & Smurfs: Blurring the Lines Between VFX and Animation
Join us for an insightful presentation by Cinesite, as we pull back the curtain on their latest hybrid production Smurfs (2025).
Join us for an insightful presentation by Cinesite, a leading name in visual effects and animation, as we pull back the curtain on their latest hybrid production, Paramount Animation's Smurfs (2025).
This session will explore how artists blended the artistry of animation with the technical precision of visual effects. Learn how our teams navigated the unique challenges and creative opportunities that arose when combining these two disciplines, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at the pipelines and techniques that make it all possible.
About Suzie Askham:
With nearly 20 years of experience in VFX, Suzie has built her career specializing in camera-related disciplines such as previs, data wrangling, shoot supervision, postvis, and layout. After studying Animation at university, she shifted her focus to VFX and moved to London in 2005 to pursue opportunities in the industry. Suzie has worked at top studios including MPC, Framestore, DNEG, and Animal Logic, contributing her talents to a wide range of high-profile projects.
Suzie first joined Cinesite London in 2010 before moving to Cinesite Montreal in 2016 as Head of Layout and Matchmove. She returned in 2019 as CG Supervisor. Over the years, she has expanded her skill set across the VFX pipeline, evolving into a VFX Supervisor who combines technical expertise with creative insight. Suzie’s credits as VFX Supervisor include Paramount’s Smurfs (2025) and A Haunting in Venice, alongside DFX supervision on The Mandalorian Season 3 and Apple TV+’s Blitz. As CG Supervisor, she has contributed to Peter Pan and Wendy (Disney), Road House (Amazon), Strays (Universal), and several Netflix series.
Originally from Yorkshire, England, Suzie is passionate about filmmaking and camera craft. When she’s not working, she enjoys mastering photography, cycling, and spending time outdoors.
About Chris Kazmier:
Chris’ talents as a CG Supervisor, author, film-maker and musician are testament to his all-round creative personality. As a leading CG Supervisor for animated features and live action films for the past two decades, his career credits are extensive, from Open Season to Arthur Christmas and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
A key member of the animation team, Chris’ supervision and background in CG and FX supervision was integral to the creation of Cinesite’s 20 minutes of the film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Introducing new tools and methods to the pipeline provided the compositing artists with the necessary 2D FX needed for them to create important aspects of the film’s distinctive look.
About Allan Toellner:
Allan Toellner is a highly skilled Lighting and Compositing Supervisor at Cinesite, with a rich background in animation and visual effects. He has played a pivotal role in bringing to life some of the most dynamic and beloved animated films of recent years. At Cinesite, Allan has served as the Lighting Supervisor for significant projects, including Paramount Animation's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the recently released Smurfs (2025). His career with Cinesite also includes earlier work on the animated feature The Addams Family and the poignant CG short film Mila, a project dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of war on children.
Prior to his current role, Allan held the position of CG Supervisor at Bardel Entertainment, where he contributed to the Sausage Party series. He also gained valuable experience at Animal Logic, working on the 2022 film Super-pets. Allan's diverse experience across multiple studios and projects showcases his expertise and adaptability in the fast-paced world of animation production.
IMPORTANT INFO:
This panel will take place virtually over ZOOM. Ticket purchasers will receive a ZOOM link to this panel 2 hours before the published start time. If you don’t already have the ZOOM app, please make sure to download on your device before the panel start time.
If you purchase an All-Access Pass for our August Festival events prior to the date of this panel, you will also receive admission to this virtual panel, included as part of your pass.
If you are a current Annual Member of NFMLA, please email info@nfmla.org to receive a complimentary ticket to this panel. If you are not an Annual Member of NFMLA and would like to join, you can become a member here.
Join us for an insightful presentation by Cinesite, as we pull back the curtain on their latest hybrid production Smurfs (2025).
Join us for an insightful presentation by Cinesite, a leading name in visual effects and animation, as we pull back the curtain on their latest hybrid production, Paramount Animation's Smurfs (2025).
This session will explore how artists blended the artistry of animation with the technical precision of visual effects. Learn how our teams navigated the unique challenges and creative opportunities that arose when combining these two disciplines, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at the pipelines and techniques that make it all possible.
About Suzie Askham:
With nearly 20 years of experience in VFX, Suzie has built her career specializing in camera-related disciplines such as previs, data wrangling, shoot supervision, postvis, and layout. After studying Animation at university, she shifted her focus to VFX and moved to London in 2005 to pursue opportunities in the industry. Suzie has worked at top studios including MPC, Framestore, DNEG, and Animal Logic, contributing her talents to a wide range of high-profile projects.
Suzie first joined Cinesite London in 2010 before moving to Cinesite Montreal in 2016 as Head of Layout and Matchmove. She returned in 2019 as CG Supervisor. Over the years, she has expanded her skill set across the VFX pipeline, evolving into a VFX Supervisor who combines technical expertise with creative insight. Suzie’s credits as VFX Supervisor include Paramount’s Smurfs (2025) and A Haunting in Venice, alongside DFX supervision on The Mandalorian Season 3 and Apple TV+’s Blitz. As CG Supervisor, she has contributed to Peter Pan and Wendy (Disney), Road House (Amazon), Strays (Universal), and several Netflix series.
Originally from Yorkshire, England, Suzie is passionate about filmmaking and camera craft. When she’s not working, she enjoys mastering photography, cycling, and spending time outdoors.
About Chris Kazmier:
Chris’ talents as a CG Supervisor, author, film-maker and musician are testament to his all-round creative personality. As a leading CG Supervisor for animated features and live action films for the past two decades, his career credits are extensive, from Open Season to Arthur Christmas and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
A key member of the animation team, Chris’ supervision and background in CG and FX supervision was integral to the creation of Cinesite’s 20 minutes of the film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Introducing new tools and methods to the pipeline provided the compositing artists with the necessary 2D FX needed for them to create important aspects of the film’s distinctive look.
About Allan Toellner:
Allan Toellner is a highly skilled Lighting and Compositing Supervisor at Cinesite, with a rich background in animation and visual effects. He has played a pivotal role in bringing to life some of the most dynamic and beloved animated films of recent years. At Cinesite, Allan has served as the Lighting Supervisor for significant projects, including Paramount Animation's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the recently released Smurfs (2025). His career with Cinesite also includes earlier work on the animated feature The Addams Family and the poignant CG short film Mila, a project dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of war on children.
Prior to his current role, Allan held the position of CG Supervisor at Bardel Entertainment, where he contributed to the Sausage Party series. He also gained valuable experience at Animal Logic, working on the 2022 film Super-pets. Allan's diverse experience across multiple studios and projects showcases his expertise and adaptability in the fast-paced world of animation production.
IMPORTANT INFO:
This panel will take place virtually over ZOOM. Ticket purchasers will receive a ZOOM link to this panel 2 hours before the published start time. If you don’t already have the ZOOM app, please make sure to download on your device before the panel start time.
If you purchase an All-Access Pass for our August Festival events prior to the date of this panel, you will also receive admission to this virtual panel, included as part of your pass.
If you are a current Annual Member of NFMLA, please email info@nfmla.org to receive a complimentary ticket to this panel. If you are not an Annual Member of NFMLA and would like to join, you can become a member here.