Disney’s Creative Future at AfroTech 2025

Get ready for a glimpse into the future! At AfroTech 2025 in Houston, The Walt Disney Company made a powerful statement: the next wave of storytelling is being built at the intersection of boundless imagination and cutting-edge technology. Disney’s technologists and creators offered attendees an exclusive look at how the company is constantly pushing creative and technical boundaries.

Where Engineering Meets Magic

Leaders from Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Jonathan Becker and Lanny Smoot, took the stage to reveal the magic behind Disney Experiences. Their session, ‘An Inside Look at Imagineering,’ highlighted the crucial role of curiosity, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in bringing beloved attractions to life. It’s a testament to how creativity and engineering are fused to shape the future of Disney’s immersive worlds.

Anastasia Ali, VP of Inclusive Marketing & Audience Growth at Disney, shared her enthusiasm for the event. “Being at AfroTech with creators and leaders who recognize that technology and storytelling are inseparable was inspiring,” she said. “We were proud to showcase our team and share how Disney continues to innovate across every corner of our businesses.”

A Sneak Peek at Zootopia 2 and Beyond

The excitement peaked when Marlon West, VFX Supervisor at Walt Disney Animation Studios, gave attendees a special behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated film, Zootopia 2. With credits on blockbusters like The Lion King, Moana, and Encanto, West shared how technological advancements have been instrumental in his career, inspiring many to envision their own futures in animation and filmmaking.

50 Years of Visual Effects with ILM

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the legendary studio behind countless iconic movie visuals, kicked off Disney’s presence with ‘Behind the Magic: 50 Years of Visual Effects.’ Visual Effects Supervisor Andrew Roberts traced ILM’s journey from its groundbreaking beginnings to its current status as a leader in visual effects. The session underscored ILM’s ongoing commitment to nurturing top talent in VFX, computer graphics, and production technology.

ESPN: Transforming Sports Storytelling

At the Talent Connection Mixer, leaders from ESPN, including The Kid Mero, Mary Almonte (Director, Andscape), Kevin Lopes (Vice President, Sports Business Development), and Marquis Daisy (Senior Director and Producer, ESPN Films), discussed how technology is revolutionizing sports narratives. They shared insights into how ESPN brings new dimensions to both live broadcasts and long-form sports content. For those seeking career opportunities, this mixer offered a direct connection with the teams shaping the future of sports entertainment.

Throughout AfroTech 2025, a consistent theme emerged: Disney’s unwavering dedication to merging creative vision with technological innovation. From crafting animated worlds and advancing production tools to building immersive attractions and reimagining sports coverage, Disney remains a prime destination for visionaries eager to define what’s next.