‍ ‍I’m James Zhao — an animation director and creative working across 2D, 3D, and AI.

I’m drawn to stories about people, strange worlds, and the things that make us human.

My background in animation production led me from character animation and visual development into directing and experimental filmmaking. Today, I’m exploring how emerging AI technologies can expand what small creative teams are capable of making.

I’m a co-founder of Lightcore Animation, where we develop original films and IP while building our own AI-assisted animation workflow.

Currently, we’re developing Eden-02 — a science-fiction animated film about humanity, survival, and the cost of staying human.

I’m interested in making things that wouldn’t exist without us