Adult Animation and Anime Lead Women in Animation’s 2025 Annecy Summit

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WIA [Women in Animation] has announced the lineup for its 2025 World Summit at Annecy. 

Excitedly, I’ve got some exclusive news to share as a fellow enthusiast! The upcoming event, happening on June 9th, is themed “The Future is Animated.” This special occasion promises a deep dive into the captivating world of adult animation, alongside other intriguing topics. Can’t wait to be there!

Marge Dean, President of WIA, openly expressed that this topic holds a special place in her heart, given her roles as creator of ‘Invincible’ and head of the studio at Skybound Entertainment, which primarily concentrates on adult animation.

Our goal is to tackle and overcome the problems and hurdles that the industry encounters, with a specific focus on promoting gender equality, while maintaining an optimistic outlook. It’s no secret that the industry is currently facing hardships, marked by high unemployment rates and decreased projects. However, it’s worth noting that adult animation is a sector experiencing significant growth within our industry.

Marci Proietto (20th Century Fox’s Executive Vice President of Animation), Marshall Becton (“Invincible” Producer), Sydney Bright (Head of Global Animation at WebToon), and Ollie Green (Executive Producer with Tree People International, Inc.) will be moderating the discussion titled “The Evolution of Adult Animation”.

As stated by WIA Vice President Jinko Gotoh, “It’s clear that those who spent their childhood immersed in anime will carry its impact into the realm of adult animation as well. Our aim is to bring attention to and emphasize the potential opportunities awaiting the upcoming generation.

According to Dean, “anime is the biggest influence in animation right now.” 

Beyond that, a whole generation is currently growing up with 24/7 access to animation through channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. These broadcasters and content creators have recognized this demand. It’s not just children who watch animation; even when they reach their teens, many continue to consume it. Shows like ‘Invincible,’ ‘Blue-Eyed Samurai,’ and ‘Arcane’ are proof of this trend, as they are currently some of the most successful series.

In another discussion titled “The Audience-Driven Future,” creators who are revolutionizing conventional production and distribution methods will take center stage. This engaging conversation will be led by Dean and will include Dang Khoa Trinh, CEO of OTSU Labs, Maya Penn from Upenndo! Productions, and Hayley Lam of Studio Munbou.

Dean stated that they focus on individuals who create their own fanbase by communicating their vision and intellectual property (IP) directly to fans, using it as a foundation for storytelling. They produce their own content, share it on YouTube, and leverage social media to cultivate a community or audience around their IP.

Instead of the conventional method of creating content, selling it to networks or streamers, they’re taking control by self-producing and distributing their work directly to the audience. We discussed this approach last year, and due to its increasing popularity, we’re expanding our team to capitalize on this trend. There aren’t many other options for independent content creators in today’s market.

Like Sophie Saget of Andarta Studios, who “really impressed” her. 

1) “She’s incredibly resourceful, managing to piece things together herself and finance it independently. Her strategic thinking is evident in every move she makes. One aspect of my duties involves visiting production studios, and I must say this one has been one of the most positive environments I’ve encountered in a while. There are numerous smaller studios across France and other regions that could greatly benefit from her as an inspiring role model.

Gotoh pointed out that since the industry is evolving, the upcoming generation is seeking chances that will let them stand out independently.

At What’s Next: Exhibiting the Future event, Linda Simensky, who leads character development and scripted content at Duolingo, will join forces with Rebecca Sugar, creator of “Steven Universe,” for a conversation about fostering new talent. Later in the program, Simensky will introduce Megan Dong (Warner Bros. Pictures Animation), Sylvia Prietov (Lucy Animation Studio) and Mailys Vallade (Maybe Movies). These creative minds will offer insights into their ongoing projects, which aim to broaden the horizons of animation, diversify its audience, and innovate the production process.

Dean mentioned that we could continue providing [the participants] with the same thing we’ve always offered – a sense of community. We strive to gather individuals to discuss possibilities. Though times are tough, it’s essential to focus on the triumphs. By staying connected and encouraging one another, we can foster an abundance of positivity and enjoyment,” said Dean.

Discovering talent from all around the globe is also one of the priorities, added Gotoh.

Animation isn’t confined to just the United States; instead, it’s a truly global industry that’s growing with fresh talent from all corners of the world, like Europe, Asia, and Africa. These newcomers are offering unique viewpoints on storytelling. This diversity is crucial because animation isn’t merely a genre, but a medium, often misunderstood as such, particularly in the U.S.

This year’s event will additionally honor the memory of public relations executive Fumi Kitahara, who sadly passed away earlier in the year.

In the words of Gotoh, “Fumi played a crucial role in the prosperity of WIA from the start. She served as our representative at Annecy, bridging connections between filmmakers globally and WIA. Her passion for animation was contagious, and she tirelessly advocated for filmmakers irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, race, or economic background.

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2025-06-02 13:17