The board of ASIFA-Hollywood, the organization behind the 52nd annual Annie Awards, thought, just like many other organizers behind events in the Season Calendar Awards, whether the show or show must be postponed or reduced because of the devastating fires that loose Angeles in the beginning destroyed in January. Many members of the animation community belong to those who have been seriously affected.
“We represent the animation community and it is really important to us, especially at the moment, that we support them thousand percent,” says Aubry Mintz, executive director of ASIFA-Hollywood. And after much discussion, the board decided that the show will continue, albeit with a somewhat more gloomy tone and the announcement of efforts to consolidate resources and support for people in the community who have to deal with different (and in many cases several) to lose.
“We discussed this with the board:” What are the implications if we continue with the Annies versus pause or expand? ” And the majority were of the opinion that they want the community more than whatever, “he says. ”
An important way it will support is through a fundraising that will be announced during the Annies.
“We still learn about our colleagues who have been evacuated, and those who have lost their houses,” says Mintz. “We are pleased to report that we have just approved a fundraising initiative that will have a considerable reach in our community. Together we will work to achieve our goal to help offer much needed financial support to those who have lost so much. Animation is a strong, close community and we will unite to support each other through these difficult times. “
ASIFA-Hollywood cooperates with a group of industrial managers, producers and artists to collect and distribute funds. This group is made specifically as a reaction to the animation community that is influenced and destroyed by the fires, Mintz explains. “Both groups work together on the details and parameters. ASIFA will be the non -profit that people can donate to and the other group will facilitate the distribution of the funds. ”
One of the things that the Asifa team had to think about with regard to the show was a possible change of location. At one point, Royce Hall, on the UCLA campus, was under an evacuation warning because of one of the fires. ‘Are we going to have a location? How does the community feel to have experienced this? I mean, there was a while when many of us, as individuals, were worried that we should evacuate, “it appears that producer of the producer and Asifa Vice President Frank Gladstone. Fortunately, the location is good to go and the process of putting on the show is moving forward.
This year, “Inside Out 2”, “Kung Fu Panda 4”, “That Christmas”, “The Wild Robot”, “Ultraman Rising” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” will compete for the best trophy, trophy, While “Chicken for Linda!,” “Flow”, “Kensuke’s Kingdom”, “Look Back”, “Mars Express” and “Memoir of a Snak” compete in the best independent function category. The nominations of Annies recognize all aspects of animation, including speeches.
This is the first year of Mintz as executive director of Asifa-Hollywood, who took over the role of Gladstone, which retired last year, but continues to produce the annual Awards Gala. Mintz says he is grateful that he has the guidance of Gladstone while taking on the role. His most important focus has introduced itself to the various studios and companies that help finance ASIFA’s initiatives outside the organization’s flagship.
His meetings have been promising. “It shows me and reminds me of how important animation is for the community.”
The Annies will honor performance in 32 categories, including the best animation function and the best function – independent. Nominees for the best function are “inside out 2”, “Kung Fu Panda 4”, “That Christmas”, “The Wild Robot”, “Ultraman: Rising” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.” Stands for the best function – Independent’s “chicken for Linda!,” “Flow”, “Kensuke’s Kingdom”, “look back”, “Mars Express” and memoir of a snail. “
The Annies will be held on Saturday 8 February in Royce Hall on the UCLA campus. The reception before the event starts at 4.30 pm and the award ceremony starts at 7 pm