It was just a few years ago that animation was denigrated as an exclusive "boys club." But today, most Hollywood studio heads in feature animation are now women. Similarly, the pathways to becoming a director in animation have evolved as well, as the desire for authentic storytelling and diverse ideas appears to be opening the door to historically underrepresented creatives. How does one navigate this new landscape? Because it takes more than just artistic skill to become a director! Join a producer and a film exec and a talent manager as they discuss this new paradigm shift, and how you might prosper in it.

Presented by CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), and featuring Michelle Wong (producer of VIVO & Surf's Up 2) and Justinian Huang (VP, Creative, Sony Pictures Animation). Moderated by Alison Mann (Talent Manager & Co-President, Fourth Wall Animation Production Company).

In the month of September 2021, CAPE is accepting submissions for their inaugural CAPE Animation Directors Accelerator, co-chaired by Wong and Huang, which aims to identify and train the next generation of animation leaders, in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment. More information can be found at capeusa.org/cada!