Tom Bancroft has played a pivotal role in bringing beloved stories to life for more than 35 years of experience. As a key animator at Walt Disney Feature Animation, he contributed to classics like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Tarzan, and Brother Bear. He is also the creative force behind Mushu, the iconic dragon from Mulan.

Bancroft is the CEO of Pencilish Animation Studios, the first-ever crowd-invested animation company, and co-host of The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast alongside his twin brother, Tony. In 2023, he produced the documentary Pencils Vs. Pixels, released on Amazon Prime. He is currently co-directing the upcoming 2D animated feature The Light of the World, set for worldwide release in September 2025.

Leveraging his extensive expertise in animation and character design, Tom will share valuable insights on crafting expressive characters and bringing stories to life. His session will provide practical techniques for artists to enhance their storytelling, refine their character personalities, and elevate their animation skills.