Landmark Theaters Sunset
Animation has become one of the most globally scalable storytelling formats in entertainment. From international blockbusters to prestige anime-inspired fantasy worlds, animated content travels across borders with unprecedented reach. This has caught the eyes of streaming platforms who are investing heavily in animated originals and international co-productions.
With the global rise of animation and cross-cultural fandom, how do we create South Asian stories?
This panel explores the pathways for South Asian IP to expand across streaming, gaming, publishing, and merchandising.
Moderated by Megha Davalath, Pre-Production Technology at Netflix Animation Studios
PANELISTS:
Arun Ganapathy
Manager, Music Creative and Production for Animation Series and Kids & Family TV, Netflix
Arun Ganapathy is an accomplished audio executive expert at bridging strategic creative execution with production workflow optimization. He currently leads music creative and production efforts for Netflix Series Animation’s Adult Spectacle/Genre and Comedy slates. Arun has overseen notable projects such as Devil May Cry, Arcane, Blue Eye Samurai, Haunted Hotel, and Stranger Things: Tales from 85. Previously, he was a composer and music producer at Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Productions and Bleeding Fingers Music. He contributed to Aquaman, In Full Bloom, The Planets, and Bayonetta 3. Beyond production, Arun champions DEI initiatives, founding the first “Employee Enrichment Task Force” at Netflix Series Animation.
Jaydeep Hasrajani
Writer and Director. Co-Founder, SAVA Collective
Jaydeep Hasrajani is an animator, designer, storyboard artist, and director based in Los Angeles. He is the creator of Boons and Curses (Netflix), an original fantasy series inspired by South Asian mythology. Previously, Hasrajani worked on The Powerpuff Girls (Cartoon Network), The Fungees (Cartoon Network), and Ghee Happy (Netflix). He and creative partner Jake Goldman are currently developing an original feature for Paramount Studios. Hasrajani also teaches in the Master’s program at San Jose State University and co-founded SAVA (South Asians in Visual Arts), a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting South Asian voices in entertainment.
Avneet Kaur
Head of Workflow-Studio Pipeline, Walt Disney Animation Studios
Avneet Kaur is an animation veteran with over 20 years of experience in animated feature films. Currently the Head of Workflow for Studio-Pipeline at Walt Disney Animation Studios, she has held pivotal roles since 2004, including Simulation Supervisor and Head of Characters and Technical Animation. Kaur has led creative and technical teams on high-budget features, ensuring seamless delivery through strategic cross-functional management. She holds a Bachelor’s in Architecture and a Master’s in Visualization Sciences. Her credits include Bolt, Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen 2, and Wish, plus Academy Award® winners Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, and Encanto. A dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity, she collaborates with organizations like Women in Animation and Girls Who Code.
Pradipto Sengupta
Head of CFX, DreamWorks Animation
Pradipto Sengupta is the Head of Character Effects (CFX) at DreamWorks Animation. With a career spanning nearly two decades, he has created character FX for some of the most beloved films of our time, including the Academy Award-nominated Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, The Wild Robot, The Boss Baby, and How to Train Your Dragon 2. His journey spans from Webel Animation Academy in Kolkata, India, to major studios across India, China, and the U.S., contributing to major franchises like Madagascar and Trolls. A tireless advocate for the craft, Pradipto is an ASIFA-India advisory member, a former VES Board of Managers member, and a juror for prestigious animation festivals.
MODERATOR:
Megha Davalath, Pre-Production Technology at Netflix Animation Studios
Megha Davalath is an animation executive and production technologist with 15 years of experience in feature animation. At Netflix Animation, she leads global technical strategy for Pre-Production Technology, unifying pipelines across studios worldwide. She has held leadership roles at DreamWorks and Spire Animation, contributing to films including Kung Fu Panda 3, Trolls, and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. A trailblazer in the South Asian community, she is the founder of SAVA (South Asians in Visual Arts) and an active contributor to Women in Tech, advancing diverse talent across animation, games, VFX, and immersive media.
