Women directing Animated Features and the Fight for Industry Equality

In recent years, animation has gained newfound respect. Many animated films excel with compelling stories, excellent voice casting, stunning visuals, and meaningful messages. They evoke laughter, tears, and often encourage sing-alongs. A notable trend is the influence of women executives in leadership roles driving these animated successes forward.

“Whether discussing live action or animation, there’s a reason behind the success of many female executives and producers,” notes Kristine Belson, president of features & series at Sony Pictures Animation. She acknowledges progress is underway, albeit slowly. “In some areas of animation, women are well-represented. However, I’m not as optimistic as I’d like to be. There’s still a significant gap between the number of female and male directors in animation. Until there’s parity, the work isn’t complete. Progress is occurring, but not rapidly enough.”

Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation, comments, “Women are bringing fresh perspectives, a collaborative spirit, and a focus on inclusion, which unites teams and strengthens company culture.” She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and retention at Paramount and Nickelodeon. “It’s not just about hiring women; it’s about creating a clear career path for them to advance into leadership roles, with support at every stage. Ensuring women have opportunities to grow and lead is crucial.”

This year, animated feature Oscar contenders like “KPop Demon Hunters” (co-directed by Maggie Kang, from Netflix, led by Hannah Minghella), “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain” (Maïlys Vallade), and “Elio” (Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi) all feature female co-directors.

Mindy Johnson, a CalArts professor and author of the upcoming book “The Only Woman Animator,” highlights that women have always contributed significantly to the medium. “It wasn’t just anonymous women tracing and coloring animation cels; they produced the brilliant artistry seen on screen. From this exceptional work, pioneering women have always been present,” Johnson states. “Society, culture, and the industry have failed to tell their stories, depriving us of half of our collective animated experience. We have much to catch up on, and we’re making progress today.”

The animation renaissance that began in the 1990s through the 2000s, with characters like Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” and other heroines like Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”), Jasmine (“Aladdin”), Pocahontas, and Mulan, inspired a generation to pursue animation. Johnson observes, “We noticed a trend about 20 to 25 years ago where young women were drawn to new animation programs in schools. CalArts has always been a leader, and now every major and minor campus offers animation programs.”

Johnson notes that the significant gender disparity of a decade or so ago has “shifted. We’re closer to equality. Though we’re still lacking in some areas, the industry is experiencing changes. … I’m thrilled to see women’s presence, ideas, and characters. Women are finally telling their stories without being the only woman in the room. They’re in a more supported and recognized position.”

Holly Edwards, president of Skydance Animation, remarks, “It’s fantastic that the animation industry is now led by so many remarkable women. There’s been a shift with more women in leadership, both creatively and in decision-making roles. I’ve been fortunate to have had incredible female mentors and colleagues throughout my career, and I know that diverse environments thrive. It greatly enhances the stories we tell.”

Addressing the perception of animation not being taken as seriously as live-action films, DreamWorks Animation president Margie Cohn cautiously states, “I think — and this might be unpopular — that many people view animation as children’s programming, seeing it as a safe space for women. Then we surprise them with our extensive skills, proving we can compete with men.”

However, creating an animated film is a lengthy, complex process, often taking four to seven years from concept to completion. “While there have been efforts to promote women to leadership roles, animation’s lengthy production means we won’t see the results immediately,” Kang explains. “There’s a desire to promote women in leadership, with active initiatives underway. But we still need more training and mentorship. I’d like to see more of that and contribute as much as I can.”