WIA STUDIES & RESEARCH PROGRAM
WIA is dedicated to bringing the global animation community together to empower and advocate for people of underrepresented gender identities in the art, technology, production, and business of animation, inspiring excellence, and justice in all facets of the industry.
WIA has joined forces with various research partners over the years — including the world-renowned USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative — to measure the impact of WIA’s work, as well as changing attitudes throughout the industry. Through these partnerships, WIA elevates critical DEI research to better understand the state of diversity and representation in the animation and VFX industries.
Browse WIA Studies Below
The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative And WIA
The purpose of this study was to examine women’s participation in the visual effects industry. The Annenberg Inclusion Initiative accomplished this task in several ways. From a quantitative perspective, we scrutinized the gender of individuals credited in VFX positions and leadership roles across the 400 top films from 2016-2019. Using this database, we also determined the 60 top companies retained for VFX across the 400-movie sample and the gender distribution of C-suite or equivalent positions at these firms. We also assessed gender in nominations and awards in VFX at the Academy Awards® (including the Scientific and Technical Awards) and the Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards.
The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative And WIA
The purpose of the present study was to examine the ecosystem of animation for gender inclusion quantitatively and qualitatively. To this end, we assessed gender and the percentage of women of color working above the line, below the line in key roles, and in the executive ranks of both the film and TV animation industry. We also mapped out the U.S. pipeline from 2016-2018, examining the percentage of women enrolled or attending 5 prestigious animation programs and screening animated shorts at the 5 top film festivals in this country.
