Meet the artists. Gain industry insights. Join the conversation.
FREE EVENTS · RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Making a Life in Animation:
Art, Opportunity & the Industry
PRESENTATION: NIC GREGORY
Director, Concept Artist & Background Artist
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Casting Community: Trends, Standards, and The Search for The “Perfect” Cast
PANEL DISCUSSION: CASTING SOCIETY OF AMERICA
Featuring casting professionals and members of CSA
MEET NIC GREGORY
DIRECTOR, CONCEPT ARTIST & BACKGROUND ARTIST
MAKING A LIFE IN ANIMATION:
Art, Opportunity & the Industry
PRESENTATION + AUDIENCE Q&A
Presented by: Nic Gregory
Breaking into animation is one challenge. Building a lasting creative career is another. How do you find opportunities, develop your skills, and keep creating as the industry changes around you?
Nic’s unconventional journey offers a perspective on finding your way, growing as an artist, and making room for your own creative voice. Whether you’re a student, an emerging artist or an established professional, come hear his story and bring your questions.
Come curious. Be part of the conversation.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
ace/121 Gallery
121 N. Kenwood St., Glendale
Enter from 140 N. Louise St.
CASTING COMMUNITY: Trends, Standards, and The Search for The “Perfect” Cast
PANEL DISCUSSION
Presented by: Casting Society of America
Casting is about more than finding someone who fits a role. How do casting professionals recognize talent, respond to changing expectations, and help bring a filmmaker’s vision to life?
At this first-of-its-kind GIFF panel, working casting professionals explore the one constant in entertainment: change. From new technologies and emerging media to fresh approaches to talent discovery, they’ll pull back the curtain on how casting shapes the stories—and performances—we see on screen.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, performer, or film lover, come discover a side of storytelling you may not have considered.
Bring your questions. Join the conversation.
Glendale Galleria – Lower Level JCPenney Court
100 W. Broadway, Glendale
Enter from the main entrance on Central Ave.
THE VOICES BEHIND THE CONVERSATION
MODERATOR
PAISLEY
BAKER, CSA
PANELIST
HENRY RUSSELL
BERGSTEIN, CSA
PANELIST
CANDIDO
CORNEJO, CSA
PANELIST
LESLIE
WASSERMAN, CSA
PAISLEY BAKER, CSA is a Los Angeles-based Casting Director casting nationwide across non-scripted, scripted film & TV, short form digital, branded, and commercial projects.
READ FULL BIO →
HENRY RUSSELL BERGSTEIN, CSA is a bi-coastal casting director and producer whose work spans theater, television, film, and podcasts.
CANDIDO CORNEJO, CSA is a proud Two Spirit casting professional with more than 16 years of experience in the entertainment industry.
LESLIE WASSERMAN, CSA is a casting professional specialising in scripted film and television. She also casts for the Sundance Institute’s Directors Lab.