SXSW London 2026 brings together the world's sharpest minds to explore the future of tech, culture, and creative innovation. You can find Framestore right in the heart of the action, showcasing how we continue to push the boundaries of art and technology.
AMAZE. AMAZE. AMAZE: Animating Project Hail Mary’s Rocky
Arslan Elver, Senior Animation Supervisor | June 1, 2026, 3:30pm BST | Devonshire Square
How do you give a soul to a faceless alien? How do you convey deep intelligence, humour, and heartbreak using only five arms and a metallic carapace? How do you make an audience cry for a creature that looks like a giant spider-crab made of stone? Join Arslan Elver, Senior Animation Supervisor at Framestore, as he breaks down the creative journey of bringing Project Hail Mary's Rocky to life. This session dives deep into the challenges of discovering a unique physical language for an alien with no eyes, no face, and no human expressions.
Meet the Speaker
Arslan Elver | Senior Animation Supervisor
A self-taught animator, Arslan specialises in conjuring nuanced, deeply resonant characters. His craftsmanship was most recently displayed throughout John Krasinski's IF, a huge, animation-heavy project demanding dozens of unique hero characters.
An AMPAS member who has worked on blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter, Star Wars and the MCU (he was key to establishing the hugely-popular 'Baby Groot' character), Arslan has also lent his skills to projects like Where The Wild Things Are and the Oscar-nominated Christopher Robin - both of which were praised for their quiet, zen-like approach to character animation. Arslan recently finished working on Project Hail Mary.
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