The board of ASIFA-Hollywood, the group behind the 52nd annual Annie Awards, contemplated, like many different organizers behind occasions on the awards season calendar, whether or not the present needs to be postponed or scaled again due to the devastating fires that ravaged Los Angeles in early January. Many members of the animation group are amongst those that’ve been severely impacted.
“We symbolize the animation group and it’s actually essential to us, particularly at the moment, that we help them a thousand p.c,” says ASIFA-Hollywood govt director Aubry Mintz. And after a lot dialogue, the board determined that the present will go on, albeit with a considerably extra somber tone and that includes the announcement of efforts to consolidate assets and help for these locally coping with numerous (and in lots of instances a number of) losses.
“We mentioned this with the board: ‘What are the implications if we go ahead with the Annies versus pause it or prolong it?’ And the bulk felt that greater than something individuals wish to really feel like they’ve the group,” he says. “That’s why it’s essential that we preserve it going. The tone will change, however it can really feel extra supportive.”
One main means will probably be supportive is through a fundraising enterprise that can be introduced throughout the Annies.
“We’re nonetheless studying about our colleagues who’ve been evacuated, and people who have misplaced their houses,” Mintz says. “We’re happy to report that we’ve simply accredited a fundraising initiative that may have substantial attain into our group. Collectively we’ll work to realize our objective of serving to present much-needed monetary help for individuals who have misplaced a lot. Animation is a powerful, tight-knit group, and we’ll unite to help one another by way of these tough instances.”
ASIFA-Hollywood is collaborating with a yet-to-be-named group of business executives, producers and artists to boost and distribute funds. This group was created particularly as a response to the animation group being affected and devastated by the fires, Mintz explains. “Each teams are working collectively on the main points and parameters. ASIFA would be the nonprofit that folks can donate to and the opposite group can be facilitating the distribution of the funds.”
One of many issues the ASIFA crew had to consider in regard to the present was a potential venue change. At one level, Royce Corridor, on the campus of UCLA, was below an evacuation warning on account of one of many fires. “Are we going to have a venue? How does the group really feel having been by way of this? I imply, there was some time when many people as people have been anxious we have been going to must evacuate,” notes present producer and ASIFA vp Frank Gladstone. Happily, the venue is nice to go and the method of placing on the present is shifting ahead.
This yr, “Inside Out 2,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “That Christmas,” “The Wild Robotic,” “Ultraman Rising” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” can be vying for the perfect characteristic trophy, whereas “Hen for Linda!,” “Circulate,” “Kensuke’s Kingdom,” “Look Again,” “Mars Specific” and “Memoir of a Snail” are competing in the perfect impartial characteristic class. The Annies nominations acknowledge all points of animation, together with voice performing.
That is Mintz’s first yr as ASIFA-Hollywood’s govt director, taking on the position from Gladstone, who retired from the put up final yr however is constant to provide the annual awards gala. Mintz says he’s grateful to have Gladstone’s steerage as he takes on the position. His predominant focus has been introducing himself to the assorted studios and corporations that assist fund ASIFA’s initiatives outdoors of the group’s flagship Annies.
His conferences have been promising. “It reveals me and jogs my memory how essential animation is to the group.”
The Annies will honor achievement throughout 32 classes, together with greatest animated characteristic and greatest characteristic – impartial. Nominees for greatest characteristic are “Inside Out 2,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “That Christmas,” “The Wild Robotic,” “Ultraman: Rising” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.” Contending for greatest characteristic – impartial are “Hen for Linda!,” “Circulate,” “Kensuke’s Kingdom,” “Look Again,” “Mars Specific” and Memoir of a Snail.”
The Annies can be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Royce Corridor on the campus of UCLA. The pre-event reception begins at 4:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony begins at 7 p.m.
