Chris Brearton and Dominic Hughes, partner and chief scientific officer respectively of AGBO, are set to deliver a keynote address at TIFFCOM. The event, organized in conjunction with the Tokyo International Film Festival, will take place on October 29. Their session, titled “Technology and Storytelling,” will be moderated by Naman Ramachandran, Asia editor at Variety.
The discussion will examine how creative professionals can collaborate with technologists to leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other digital tools to enhance narrative techniques. Prior to his current role at AGBO, Brearton served as vice president of corporate strategy at Amazon MGM Studios, where he managed the integration of MGM into Amazon. Hughes brings expertise in algorithms and AI, working closely with AGBO’s innovation teams to guide the implementation of AI within creative workflows.
Founded by the Russo Brothers, AGBO has generated over $7 billion in global box office revenue and produced 17 No. 1 worldwide debuts, including the blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame.” The studio is currently in post-production on “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release on December 18.
This keynote marks the second wave of confirmed conferences for TIFFCOM. On October 30, the Association of Japanese Animations will host a special session focused on the global expansion of Japanese animation. This event will feature the first public release of data from its 2025 industry survey, along with overseas strategy presentations from Nippon Animation and Production I.G. Speakers include Hitomi Hiratsuka, international sales director at Nippon Animation, and Yoko Ueda, corporate administration and IP director at Production I.G., with opening remarks from Association of Japanese Animations president Kazuko Ishikawa.
Also on October 29, a co-production conference titled “Anime’s New Frontier: Structuring and Financing International Co-Productions” will be held. The panel will feature Ervin Han, director of the Annecy-winning film “The Violinist” and co-founder of Robot Playground Media, alongside Taiki Sakurai, CEO of Salamander, and Ilan Urroz, CEO of Foliascope.
TIFFCOM’s programming for Asian series and film includes a showcase of Linmon Pictures’ 2026-2027 drama slate and a Taiwan originals project presentation by the Taiwan Drama Production Industry Federation, both on October 28. A session on “Japan’s IP Frontier” on October 29 will highlight six companies, including TV Tokyo, Fuji Television, and Hokkaido Television Broadcasting, as they expand formats and intellectual property overseas. Additionally, Nippon TV and Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings will present separate sessions on their global strategies on October 28 and 29, respectively.
The Tokyo IP Market has welcomed two new participants this year: digital comics publisher Comisma and toy manufacturer Takaratomy. These additions bring the total number of IP holders to ten, joining existing members such as Amuse Creative Studio, Kadokawa, Nihon Bungeisha, Nippon Animation, Shochiku, Shufu to Seikatsu Sha, Square Enix, and Toei.
TIFFCOM 2026 runs from October 28 to 30 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho-kan. It coincides with the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, which is scheduled to run from October 26 through November 4.
Love seeing AI discussed alongside actual co-production financing. Hope the dialogue stays practical and not just buzzwords.
Interesting timing with the anime sessions. AGBO’s tech focus meets Japan’s IP machine. Let’s see if it’s genuine or PR fluff.
Is anyone else concerned about how this affects animators in Japan? Co-productions are fine, but automation is scary.
$7 billion box office and they still need a panel to explain why? The Russo Brothers should just make movies.
Finally, a studio big enough to talk sense about AI. Hope they emphasize artists keeping creative control.