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On Representation and Diversity: How Far Have We Come? K
aren Toliver, the current VP of animated films at Netflix, has had a remarkable, distinguished career in the industry, working in various positions at Disney, Fox Animation and, most recently, at Sony Pictures Animation as exec VP of creative. She is the producer of the Oscar-winning short Hair Love, directed by Matthew A. Cherry. At Fox Animation, she supervised the production of the Rio film franchise and the latest three films in the Ice Age series. She also spearheaded the Oscar-nominated movie Ferdinand. Toliver served as a production executive at Disney on films such as Brother Bear, Chicken Little and Meet the Robinsons. She was kind enough to answer a few of our questions about the importance of representation and the rise of diversity in animation:
In your opinion, what are the most significant changes that have happened in our industry in recent years in terms of representation? Studio execs are not only willing to consider new diverse artists and creative leads, but they know that it is a necessity. The intent is there. Now, the challenge is how to best support these artists as they enter the studio system, which can be difficult to navigate. Making animated content is hard, and artists not only need the talent to create content, but they need the soft skills that you can only learn by being on the job and gaining experience; the production itself must be ready and willing to support that learning. It is much easier to revert back to hiring people who have done the job before. But we must allow new voices to find their footing in this medium, and be patient and creative in order to support them. I think it’s a combination of new and experienced talent that will get us there, and I think everyone is going through some trial and error to find the right balance.
Animation Magazine: We live in quite a different world than we did 35 years ago. What are your thoughts on how far animation has come in the past few years in terms of diversity, both in content and behind the scenes? I remember talking to you about how, when Karen Toliver: I am really excited about what we were growing up, there were so few diis happening in animation. There are daily verse role models in the world of animation. conversations around telling diverse and au- Can you discuss that with us? thentic stories. Every exec I know has that top I’ve been in this business for a minute, and it of mind, and you can see it in the slate line- is truly remarkable to think about the shift in ups, literally at every studio in town. That is expectations myself and my peers had in the very different from when I started — and very industry compared to how I see people enterdifferent even from five years ago. And as frus- ing the industry now. Back then, we all wanted trated as I may be if a BIPOC artist is always to find a seat at the table, and yet there were busy and unavailSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse able, I am also thrilled to hear when a BIPOC artist is always busy and unavailable. And I am blown away by how many young artists are studying animation, and are passionate and eager to start their careers. It is very encouraging.
so few spots that the people that had found a way in were so worried about keeping their own seat — and everyone was very aware that no studio was likely to allow two of us in at one time. Karen Toliver So there wasn’t really a community that was helping pull each other in. It was very competitive and isolating. I know some people had mentors, but it was rare. I really didn’t have anyone that truly took me under their wing. We were pretty much figuring it out on our own. We have finally gotten to a place where people are helping each other get in the door, and the powers that be are getting used to seeing not one, but maybe even a few BIPOC in the same room. It sounds silly and basic, but it is true. That sense of community I feel now is amazing. And people really feel how important it is to reach back and help others. In 2022, most studios now have diversity and inclusion executives whose job it is to make sure all voices are heard and all people are represented… What are the pluses and minuses of this trend?
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The Princess and the Frog
jun|jul 22
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