The third Women in Animation World Summit will unveil landmark research from Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. A press released announced that the Summit — to be held June 10 at the Impérial Palace Hotel during the Annecy International Animation Festival in Annecy, France — will feature Smith’s presentation of “Increasing Inclusion in Animation.”
Conducted in partnership with Women in Animation (WIA), the study presents the stats on women working in animation today, the obstacles they encounter in their career, and the pipeline of women in animation.
“As the leading voice in the advocacy of women in animation, we had a desire to pair with a highly-respected research institution,” explained WIA prez Marge Dean. “For the last year, we have had the honor and privilege to collaborate with Dr. Smith and USC Annenberg on this groundbreaking study. We look forward to bringing the findings of this important study to the Annecy Animation Festival, the most important global gathering of the animation industry, and discussing next steps with leaders in the world of animation from then on.”
“Partnering with Women in Animation allowed us to engage in a broad investigation of the animation industry to understand the particular challenges facing women, animation companies, and educational organizations at this juncture,” said Smith, founder and director of the Inclusion Initiative. “We are excited to share the results of the study and to work together to create solutions that move the industry forward and accelerate change.”
French actress/producer Julie Gayet will close the Summit with a keynote address. She will discuss her advocacy for women in and out of show biz and her work as a filmmaker.
As with its 2018 edition, the Summit will livestream on Facebook and bring together execs, filmmakers, and artists from all over the world to talk about women’s progress in the animation industry. The theme of this year’s Summit is “belonging,” “the feeling of being personally accepted, respected, included, and supported in your workplace.”
Among the 2019 events are “BC’s Five in Focus: Animation,” a program detailing WIA Vancouver’s efforts to support five women in creating animated shorts; “Supporting Students of Animation,” a panel focusing on the needs of women and nonbinary animators entering the workforce; and “The Face of Animation Leadership in Hollywood,” a panel discussing the need for greater inclusion in animation.
The Summit is presented by WIA, Les Femmess’Animent (LFA), Annecy Fest, and Mifa 2019. Keep an eye on WIA’s website for more details.
