Where are the women?

Did you know that, in the context of popular contemporary animated feature films, more than 90% of the directors of these movies are men? Did you know that approximately 80% of these movies have a male-driven narrative? And that almost half of these movies don’t even pass the famous Bechdel test? So where are the women exactly? As an animator practitioner and researcher, I’ve been investigating female representation and character design in the animation industry, both on and behind the screen. My research aims at exposing relevant data that can contribute to overcome this imbalance by fostering critical thinking and discussion around the subject. I’ve also interviewed many industry professionals to understand different perspectives and life experiences, that may provide answers on why there is still such discrepancy. I’d love to take this opportunity to share some facts, data and opinions with the tribe, to start a discussion among us, so that we can contribute to a more balanced and egalitarian animation industry.