The animation industry faces challenges, leading Women in Animation (WIA) to launch vital initiatives. Marge Dean, WIA President, emphasized the impact of streaming on the field, stating, “We saw drastic cuts in projects from all the major streamers long before the writers and actors went on strike.” Dean’s candid acknowledgment of abrupt project cancellations and industry-wide layoffs points to an unsustainable surge in production.
WIA’s comprehensive response includes the “Animating Resilience” initiative, focused on providing adaptation strategies and bolstering well-being. Dean’s concerns extended beyond the immediate challenges. She highlighted the insidious threat posed by attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, stressing the collective responsibility to defend these values:
We must be diligent in protecting these efforts and continue to require all employers to value DEI as central to our collective success.
Dean’s letter reverberated with concern for vulnerable segments within the animation community. She urged support for equitable participation, stating,
We probably have not hit bottom yet, but soon we’ll see more shows being greenlit, more jobs opening up, and a healthier work environment. Her candid tone offered both reassurance and a call to action.
Optimism punctuated Dean’s message about the industry’s future. Despite the current challenges, she envisioned a rebound. “We all have to find ways to survive until we turn the corner,” she urged, emphasizing collective resilience. Dean’s perspective highlights the industry’s capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
In essence, Dean’s message underscores the animation industry’s need for unity, adaptability, and fairness as it navigates through turbulent times. As WIA takes a proactive stance, Dean’s leadership serves as a guiding light, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding diversity and collective well-being in the pursuit of a sustainable and flourishing animation landscape.
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