Doll Face Animation
Carrie Tupper, tackled a conversation that clearly, should be had, and I was more than excited to explore this topic. Especially now, as my passion for women in business, as well as the empowerment of young girls continues to grow.
How can you help to create a change, if you do not know what the challenge is?
Women in Animation, yes, it is a discussion that should be held!
In the last five years, only three features in the US and two in France were helmed by women -- and all as part of a male-female directing team. Jennifer Yuh Nelson ("Kung Fu Panda") and Jun Falkenstein ("The Tigger Movie") were the only two female solo directors to helm US-produced animated features in the last 15 years.
As women boldly raise awareness of the misrepresentation, of women in the media, especially as it applies to women of color, who have been reduced to big asses, big mouths, and quick fists, thanks to reality show pressures to create interesting story lines, and the obvious desperation to accept fame, at whatever the cost.
It was a pleasure to connect with Kimberly Jessika, advocate of brown girls in animation. Her excitement could barely be contained as we began our phone interview, not even the states or phone lines separating us, could do much to diminish her larger than life personality as the PR and Red Carpet Femme Fatale, began discussing brown girls and the challenges that they have to overcome.
Doll Face Animation
Kimberly is so passionate about her cause, so much so, that she began creating her own comic books, and writing movie and television scripts with characters that "look more like us" she said boldly. Simply speaking about the problem and waiting for somebody else to actively create new and inspiring characters, was not enough for her.
KJ
I had to ask myself, what is the deal with Animations these days? I barely see any major movies with the female Super Heroines we know, like and love in the lead roles.
Wonder Woman Where art thou? Storm? Why is there not a movie about any of them?
I decided to take matters in my own hands and make my own Super Heroines.
NL
Why is it so important to you that women are represented in animation?
KJ
If you look at the news, you see so much negativity on women's issues that should not be an issue. Sex Trafficking is at an all time High. Female Genital Mutilation just got a law passed in Africa. Really!?!
I created my own Comic Books and scripts for TV and Movies for these Power Beauties!
Doll Face Animation
I love Superheroines and decided to create the League of Super Heroines. Of course, being a Brown girl my Super-Heroines are Brown Girls. With names like:
Hunter Evergreen
Larke Wilde
Maya Riva
Toronado Windstorm
Hellyn Brimstone
Blaize Marie Sun
How can there be a dull moment?
Although in 2014, women fared better as producers and executive producers, they experienced more challenges in the more technical areas, such as cinematography, and animation. Much like in all areas that involve a technical retention and understanding, there is a sense of sexism, and yet women, like Kimberly, are making their mark.
Carole Holliday
Known as the second black woman in animation history, Carole Holliday is a force to be reckoned with.
Writer, Storyboard Artist, Animator and Director, from the Little Mermaid, A Goofy Movie, Tarzan, and many of the Disney direct to DVD releases. She is determined to leave her imprint on the world of animation, and we are enjoying the journey.
Brenda Chapman
Co-director of Disney's The Prince of Egypt, she was a story trainee for Disney's The Little Mermaid, and was the first woman to ever serve as head of story for a feature film on The Lion King.
In 2012 she became the first woman in history to win the Oscar for Best Animated Picture, for Brave, according to my daughter, one of the best EVER!!
Eiko Tanaka
The first woman to open her own animation company in Japan, was a production manager turned producer.
From The Thundercats Reboot, to Steamboy, and Batman: Gotham Knight, this bad ass chick is doing incredible!
For the complete list of bad ass chicks in animation, Read Here...
Starting a business is exciting, but challenging, Nancy Laws, is passionate about helping women launch, manage, and grow their businesses. To learn more about Nancy and the Chic Mompreneur team, visit them NOW!
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