Animation lobby group Animated Women UK has announced Beth Parker, who manages the production of current series and development across Disney’s EMEA channels, as their new Animation Chair.
Parker takes over from Founder and current Animation Chair Lindsay Watson, who remains on the AWUK Board, but who is taking a step back to pursue other projects after nearly five years getting the organisation off the ground.
Parker joins VFX Chair Louise Hussey – Executive VFX Producer at Double Negative – in setting the agenda going forwards.
AWUK is a non-profit that exists to support, represent, celebrate and encourage women in the animation and VFX industries in the UK.
Founded in 2013, they aim to change the gender landscape by building a network that facilitates mentoring, knowledge exchange and education resulting in women in animation and VFX fulfilling their potential.
Animated Women UK says that in animation in the UK the average male salary is £45,803 compared to £34,382 for females.
Parker, who will actively take up her post in September, said: “Having spent over 20 years as a woman working in the creative industries, I’m very aware of the inequalities that exist. We have made positive inroads and I have seen the benefit of shared experience both as a mentor and a participant. I’m thrilled to be joining Animated Women UK, because of the opportunity to expand on the positive foundations established by Lindsay and the team. We still have a long way to go.”
Founder, Lindsay Watson, who remains on the board, said: “Beth has the skills to continue the great work that we’ve started. She has already proved a great supporter of our agenda and will no doubt prove invaluable as we continue to grow AWUK and have a positive impact on our industry.”
VFX Chair Louise Hussey adds: “We’re really excited to have Beth join our team. Her credentials speak for themselves and I’m eager to see what we can accomplish together.’
Staff Reporter
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