At AfroTech 2025 in Houston, The Walt Disney Company showed up with a clear message: the future of storytelling belongs to those who blend bold imagination with breakthrough technology. Across animation, visual effects, sports, and immersive experiences, Disney’s technologists and creators gave AfroTech attendees an inside look at how the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible and why the next generation of innovators has a place in shaping that future.
“Being at AfroTech with creators and leaders who recognize that technology and storytelling are inseparable was inspiring. We were proud to showcase our team and share how Disney continues to innovate across every corner of our businesses,” said Anastasia Ali, Vice President, Inclusive Marketing & Audience Growth at Disney.
Engineering Innovation: Inside Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development leaders Jonathan Becker and Lanny Smoot invited attendees into the world where robotics, physics, and design come together. Their session, An Inside Look at Imagineering, celebrated the curiosity, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration behind the magic of Disney Experiences.
Together, Smoot and Becker shared how creativity and engineering work together to shape the future of storytelling across Disney.
A First Look at Zootopia 2 with Marlon West
One of the most anticipated moments came from Marlon West, VFX Supervisor at Walt Disney Animation Studios, who offered AfroTech attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the all-new film Zootopia 2.
West’s credits include The Lion King, Moana, and Encanto, and he shared how technological breakthroughs have shaped his career and animation.
For many attendees, West’s presentation was an invitation to imagine their own careers in animation and filmmaking.
Behind the Magic: 50 Years of Visual Effects
Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the legendary studio behind some of the world’s most iconic visuals, kicked off Disney’s programming with Behind the Magic: 50 Years of Visual Effects. Andrew Roberts, Visual Effects Supervisor, traced ILM’s evolution from its early breakthroughs to today’s cutting-edge visual effects.
The session made it clear that ILM isn’t just preserving a legacy; its teams continue to nurture world-class talent in visual effects, computer graphics and production technology.
Tech, Talent, and Storytelling: The ESPN Experience
At the Talent Connection Mixer, leaders and talent 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) shared how technology is transforming sports storytelling.
The panel highlighted how ESPN’s teams bring new dimensions to live and long-form sports narratives.
For attendees exploring career opportunities, the mixer was a chance to connect directly with Disney teams building the future of entertainment.
Where Technology Meets Storytelling
Throughout the conference, one theme stood out: Disney’s longstanding commitment to pairing creativity with technological excellence. Whether redefining animated worlds, advancing production tools, building immersive attractions, or reimagining sports coverage, Disney continues to be a destination for visionaries who want to shape what’s next.
To learn more about career opportunities across Disney, visit www.disneycareers.com/.
