Major players in the animation industry have come together with ASIFA-Hollywood, the professional organization behind the annual Annie Awards, to support members of the community affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires with a fundraising initiative that will be unveiled during the 52nd Annies on Saturday at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
The effort, called AnimAID, aims to raise $5 million over the next months to help the more than 60 families within the animation community who have lost or been displaced from their homes by the devastating fires.
Animation studios supporting AnimAID include DreamWorks Animation; Illumination & Illumination Studios Paris; Mikros Animation; Netflix; Nickelodeon Animation; Paramount Animation; Sony Pictures Animation; Sony Pictures Imageworks; Skydance Animation; the animation studios of The Walt Disney Company, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, 20th Television Animation, Marvel Animation, and Lucasfilm Animation; Warner Bros. Animation; Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and more.
“So many people have volunteered their time, energy and passion, it is truly inspiring,” said longtime animation producer and film executive Sandra Rabins, AnimAID chairperson. “This incredible community prides itself on collaboration, from the work we do to bring joy to people of all ages around the world to teaming up to lend a hand when our colleagues are in need. The display of generosity we have seen from every corner of the industry has been truly moving, and with AnimAID we plan to harness that kindness to help get those affected back up on their feet.”
Among the main fundraising efforts will be an auction supported by all of the animation studios in conjunction with Sotheby’s. The auction will include original artwork from the production of animated features and television series, such as physical maquettes, artwork, cels, posters and signed memorabilia, among other items. Sotheby’s will make these unique items available for auction in the spring via an online portal. The auction will be open to the general public.
“Art is at the center of what we do in animation,” said AnimAID board director Don Hahn, a veteran animation producer, director and writer. “And what many people don’t realize is that there are hundreds of pieces of original art made during the production of an animated feature that rarely see the light of day. We are looking to tap into those archives to resurface some of that art — in addition to new, original pieces from renowned animation artists — in an effort to provide relief for those affected by the fires.”
AnimAID is accepting donations here. Donations are tax deductible. ASIFA-Hollywood is the fiscal sponsor of AnimAID.
“Together we will work to achieve our goal of helping provide much-needed financial support for those who have lost so much,” said ASIFA-Hollywood executive director Aubry Mintz. “Animation is a strong, tight-knit community, and we will unite to support each other through these difficult times.”
