Animated Women UK has announced that Dara McGarry, Operations Manager for Dneg Animation, as the organisation’s new Animation Chair.
As Co-Chair of Animated Women UK, the organisation supporting women in the UK’s VFX and animation industries, Dara will set the agenda for AWUK alongside Co-Chair for VFX Louise Hussey.
McGarry started her career at Disney Feature Animation in 1997, and over the course of 13 years worked in a variety of departments including Production, Technology and Effects on films such as Dinosaur, Chicken Little, Tangled and Frozen.
She moved to London in 2010, working as an Artist Manager for Dneg VFX and later in the Feature Animation department, helping to grow and shape the team from its nascent days of 12 people to a global team of 700. She now serves as the Operations Manager for Dneg Animation.
“I was delighted to be asked to join the board representing animation,” said Dara. “There are more jobs in our industry than ever before and I want to help artists find the work they are so passionate about whilst guiding the industry to be more diverse and inclusive. Now more than ever, there is a place for everyone at the table, and I want to make sure everyone gets a seat.”
McGarry replaces Beth Parker, who had been in the role of Animation Chair at AWUK since 2017. Parker has left her role at AWUK due to a job relocation to Finland. She will be focusing on her new role as Managing Director at Gigglebug Entertainment.
“A few years ago, while I was at Disney, we started working with Gigglebug,” said Beth. “Since then, the studio has grown with its own IP.”
“And they keep growing! With more and more work coming in, they offered me a job. This does mean my role at Animated Women UK will come to an end. I know my successor will get as much from the role as I have and will have the full support of the board, who have become great friends and mentors over the years. I wish my Co-Chair Louise and the rest of the board all my love and best wishes for successes to come!”
Jon Creamer
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