The animation community has shown its solidarity with the AnimAID initiative, a fundraising campaign organized by ASIFA-Hollywood to help more than 60 families from the animation industry affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. With a goal of 5 million dollars, the campaign will continue over the coming months, offering support to those who have lost their homes or suffered serious material damage.
A Collective Effort from the Most Important Animation Studios
The animation industry has responded with an unprecedented collaboration. Major studios have shown their support for AnimAID, including:
- DreamWorks Animation
- Illumination & Illumination Studios Paris
- Mikros Animation
- Netflix
- Paramount Animation & Nickelodeon Animation
- Sony Pictures Animation & Sony Pictures Imageworks
- Skydance Animation
- Disney's animation studios: Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, Marvel Animation, and Lucasfilm Animation.
- Warner Bros. Animation & Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
A Charity Auction with Exclusive Animation Art
As part of the campaign, a charity auction will be held in spring in partnership with Sotheby’s, where original artwork from animated films and series will be put up for sale. These pieces, many of them previously unseen, include sketches, concept illustrations, and production art from the most iconic animation projects.
Art as a Tool to Help the Community
The AnimAID board director, Don Hahn, highlighted the importance of using art as a means to support those affected:
"Art is the heart of animation, and many people don't know that in the production of an animated film, hundreds of pieces are created that rarely see the light of day. With this auction, we want to rescue some of that art and, together with new creations from renowned artists, raise funds to help our colleagues in these difficult times."
A Call for Solidarity
The animation community has always been an example of collaboration, both in creating content that reaches audiences of all ages and in its ability to come together to support those in need. AnimAID is a demonstration of how the industry can mobilize to provide support to its own members and ensure that those affected by the fires can recover.
"Animation is more than entertainment, it's a community that supports each other in difficult times."