NYAF's coming up fast, and we've got a lot of amazing talent and panelists from all over the planet. What gets me excited? A hell of a lot, but I take special pleasure in putting a spotlight on the guests and companies from right here in NYC. In this last week leading to NYAF, I want to highlight some of NYAF's amazing, hometown heroes.

Up first -- Animation Collective! Everyone dreams of making their own television shows, and Animation Collective is doing it. Animation Collective is the creative team behind shows including Kappa Mikey, Speed Racer: The Next Generation, Three Delivery, and Thumb Wrestling Federation: TWF. And, they're based smack dab in the middle of Manhattan.

Animation Collective is coming to NYAF to host a panel from 7:45-8:45 PM on Friday, Sept 26 in the Anime Panel Room (1A06). Panelists include directors from Kappa Mikey, Speed Racer: TNG (Steven Moverley and Henry Hilaire), and Three Delivery (Alan Foreman) as well as lead animators and layout artists from both shows, and a producer from Kappa Mikey and Speed Racer (Amy Ackerman). This is a great chance for those interested in the animation industry to learn just how its done. How do you actually make an animated TV show? How do you get a job in the industry? Find out on Friday at 7:45 at the New York Anime Festival!