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.
Suzie Askham
Cinesite
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.
Chris Kazmier
Cinesite
About Chris Kazmier:
Chris’ talents as a VFX Supervisor, author, filmmaker, and musician reflect his all-around creative personality. With over two decades of experience leading VFX on both animated features and live-action films, his credits include Open Season, Arthur Christmas, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
Most recently, Chris brought his expertise in VFX and FX supervision to Cinesite’s work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Smurfs (2025). As a key member of the animation team on Mutant Mayhem, he helped lead Cinesite’s 20-minute contribution to the film, implementing new tools and pipeline methods that enabled the compositing team to create essential 2D FX—key to achieving the film’s distinctive visual style.
Allen Toellner
Cinesite
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.
