The Korean Cultural Center New York will host a special screening of the first episode of the new Netflix animated series "Bass X Machina" on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. After the screening, the series' Bronx-born creator, LeSean Thomas, and Han Kwang-il, executive producer at Korean animation studio Studio Mir, will discuss behind-the-scenes stories of the U.S.-Korea collaboration. Admission is free, but advance registration is required.

New Yorkers can see the first episode of Netflix's upcoming animated series "Bass X Machina" ahead of its release. The Korean Cultural Center New York (Director Lee Jung-mi) announced on the 29th that it will hold a special screening of the series and a behind-the-scenes talk, "Behind the Scenes of Bass X Machina," on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at its Manhattan theater. The event is part of the center's regular screening series "Korea on Screen" and is co-hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) New York Center and Japan Society New York.

At a Glance

"Bass X Machina" Special Screening
Date and time
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Location
Korean Cultural Center New York Theater, 122 E. 32nd St., New York, NY 10016
Program
Screening of first episode + talk with LeSean Thomas and producer Han Kwang-il
Admission
Free (advance registration required)
Registration
Korean Cultural Center New York website koreanculture.org, Instagram @kccny
Hosts
Korean Cultural Center New York, KOCCA New York Center, Japan Society
Poster for the "Bass X Machina" special screening at the Korean Cultural Center New York on Nov. 5.
Poster for the "Bass X Machina" special screening at the Korean Cultural Center New York on Nov. 5. (Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center New York)

A Series Made by a Bronx Creator and a Korean Studio

"Bass X Machina" is an American original created by LeSean Thomas, a Bronx, New York, native, and completed with Korean animation studio Studio Mir as the lead production company. Based in Seoul, Studio Mir is known for its strong artwork and action direction on projects such as the American animated series "The Legend of Korra" and Netflix's "The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf."

A scene from "Bass X Machina." A steam-spewing, cow-shaped robot appears in a town in the Old West.
A scene from "Bass X Machina." A steam-spewing, cow-shaped robot appears in a town in the Old West. (Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center New York)

After the first episode is screened, LeSean Thomas and Han Kwang-il, executive producer at Studio Mir, will take the stage for a conversation. Attendees will hear firsthand how global animation is actually made, from planning and developing an American original to remote collaboration with a Korean studio and a production technique that blends 2D and 3D.

A scene of a confrontation with a giant robot. The blend of 2D artwork and 3D is a hallmark of the series.
A scene of a confrontation with a giant robot. The blend of 2D artwork and 3D is a hallmark of the series. (Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center New York)

This Year's Theme: K-Animation

The screening was planned as a key program of "Foreign Exchange: Cross-Cultural Conversations," Japan Society's talk series highlighting exchange among creators in the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region. Because the theme of the 2026 series is K-animation, masterclasses, artist talks and screenings will also be held from Nov. 3 to 5, before and after the screening, with New York art schools including the School of Visual Arts (SVA), Pratt Institute and New York University (NYU). The events are worth a look for animation students and aspiring industry professionals.

"It is meaningful to introduce New York to the capabilities of a leading Korean animation studio that is recognized in the global market for its outstanding direction and solid artwork," said Director Lee Jung-mi. "I hope this will be an opportunity to experience the synergy created when K-content meets creators from around the world."

The screening and talk are free, but advance registration (RSVP) is required. Detailed schedules and registration are available on the Korean Cultural Center New York website (koreanculture.org) and Instagram (@kccny).