REIMAGINING THE FUTURE:
RACE, SOLIDARITY AND THE CULTURE OF WORK
The 2020 Women In Animation Virtual Summit At Annecy presents the theme of “Reimagining the Future: Race, Solidarity and the Culture of Work.”
This year’s summit covers two world-shaking topics — the pandemic, and the recently reinvigorated global call for social justice — and their momentous effects on the animation industry.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
PART ONE

WELCOME FROM WIA
Speaker: WIA President Marge Dean
Marge Dean welcomes viewers and introduces the summit theme about what the future of animation could look like, based on a pronounced shift to focus on racism and solidarity in our industry and in the world at large. (5 mins)
BLACK WOMEN IN ANIMATION: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Moderator:
Jamal Joseph (Professor of Film, Columbia University; Producer/Director/Writer/Activist)
Speakers:
Jade Branion (Writer), Camille Eden (Vice President of Animation Recruitment and Talent Development, Nickelodeon Animation Studio), Misan Sagay (Screenwriter, Netflix), Karen Rupert Toliver (Executive Vice President of Creative, Sony Pictures Animation)
Led by moderator Jamal Joseph, this panel is anchored in personal stories and experiences. The discussion will also address being colorblind versus color affirmative, the importance of finding voice on both the executive and creative side, and the overarching power of animation to make an impact, given the freedom of imagination to create more ideal and more representational worlds. (70 min)
REIMAGINING THE FUTURE:
RACE, SOLIDARITY AND THE CULTURE OF WORK
The 2020 Women In Animation Virtual Summit At Annecy presents the theme of “Reimagining the Future: Race, Solidarity and the Culture of Work.”
This year’s summit covers two world-shaking topics — the pandemic, and the recently reinvigorated global call for social justice — and their momentous effects on the animation industry.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
PART ONE
WELCOME FROM WIA
Speaker: WIA President Marge Dean
Marge Dean welcomes viewers and introduces the summit theme about what the future of animation could look like, based on a pronounced shift to focus on racism and solidarity in our industry and in the world at large. (5 mins)
BLACK WOMEN IN ANIMATION: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Moderator:
Jamal Joseph (Professor of Film, Columbia University; Producer/Director/Writer/Activist)
Speakers:
Jade Branion (Writer), Camille Eden (Vice President of Animation Recruitment and Talent Development, Nickelodeon Animation Studio), Misan Sagay (Screenwriter, Netflix), Karen Rupert Toliver (Executive Vice President of Creative, Sony Pictures Animation)
Led by moderator Jamal Joseph, this panel is anchored in personal stories and experiences. The discussion will also address being colorblind versus color affirmative, the importance of finding voice on both the executive and creative side, and the overarching power of animation to make an impact, given the freedom of imagination to create more ideal and more representational worlds. (70 min)

DATES
June 17 – 30, 2020
WHERE TO WATCH
SCHEDULE
PART ONE
Welcome From WIA
Black Women In Animation: Looking To The Future
Intersectionality And Solidarity
PART TWO
Introduction By Marge Dean
Producing In A Rapidly Changing World
Artists Creating From Home: A Series Of Home Studio Visits

INTERSECTIONALITY AND SOLIDARITY
MODERATOR:
John Agbaje, (Director of Animation & Development, FX Networks)
SPEAKERS:
Shari B Ellis (Production Manager, Gaumont Animation), Kaitlyn Yang (Founder, Alpha Studios), Julie Ann Crommett (VP, Multicultural Audience Engagement, The Walt Disney Studios; Secretary of WIA), Erika Dapkewicz (Lead Editor, Sony Pictures Animation)
As we live through what seems to be the largest civil rights protest in human history, we see the value of intersectional solidarity in this movement, and that the shared experience of struggle in the system, support and solutions can help each other thrive. This discussion will cover a wide range of life experiences, allyship in action, and lessons about effective solidarity. (60 min)
PART TWO

INTRODUCTION BY MARGE DEAN
SPEAKER: Marge Dean, WIA President
Marge Dean welcomes viewers to part two of the summit, focused on changes brought about by virtual collaboration as forced into play during a pandemic.

Producing in a Rapidly Changing World
Moderator:
Jinko Gotoh, Vice President of WIA, Producer for Netflix
Speakers:
Niki Lopez (Creator & Co-Executive Producer, Nickelodeon), Rita Mbanga (Producer, Sandcastle Studios/Sunrise Productions), Carina Schulze (Chatrone Partner; Executive Producer/Writer), Osnat Shurer (Producer, Walt Disney Animation Studios), Christina Lee Storm (Founder, Asher XR)
Women leaders from various disciplines in the industry will share their perspectives and best practices in a world challenged by pandemic. (60min)
Artists Creating from Home: A Series of Home Studio Visits
A collection of pre-recorded clips offering a glimpse into artists workspaces from around the world.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
WIA Would Like To Give Special Thanks To Our Global Fund Donors
Leadership Circle Donors
Partnership Circle Donors
Supporter Circle Donors
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
WIA Would Like To Give Special Thanks To Our Global Fund Donors