Animation Industry Unites For AnimAID Fire Relief Fundraiser And Auction

A group of animation studios and industry workers have partnered with ASIFA-Hollywood to form AnimAID, a fundraising campaign to raise money for over 60 animation industry families who have lost or been displaced from their home due to the Palisades and Eaton fires that happened in Los Angeles last month.

The campaign, which includes an auction, will officially kick off tomorrow night at the 52nd annual ASIFA-Hollywood Annie Awards. The campaign’s goal is to raise five million dollars. Currently, donations can be made at the website for ASIFA-Hollywood, which is the fundraiser’s fiscal sponsor.

Here is what has been announced about the fundraiser:

• Animation producer Sandra Rabins, who is AnimAID’s chairperson, said in a statement: “This incredible community prides itself on collaboration, from the work we do to bring joy to people of all ages around the world to teaming up to lend a hand when our colleagues are in need. The display of generosity we have seen from every corner of the industry has been truly moving, and with AnimAID we plan to harness that kindness to help get those affected back up on their feet.”
• Animation studios supporting AnimAID include Dreamworks Animation; Illumination & Illumination Studios Paris; Mikros Animation; Netflix; Paramount Animation & Nickelodeon Animation; Sony Pictures Animation; Sony Pictures Imageworks; Skydance Animation; the animation studios of The Walt Disney Company, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, 20th Television Animation, Marvel Animation, and Lucasfilm Animation; Warner Bros. Animation; and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, among others.
• With the support of the studios, AnimAID will host an auction in partnership with Sotheby’s that will include among its offerings original artwork from the production of animated features and television series, including physical maquettes, artwork, cels, posters, and signed memorabilia. The auction will take place sometime this spring.
• Animation producer Don Hahn, the organization’s board director, said about the auction: “Art is at the center of what we do in animation, and what many people don’t realize is that there are hundreds of pieces of original art made during the production of an animated feature that rarely see the light of day. We are looking to tap into those archives to resurface some of that art — in addition to new, original pieces from renowned animation artists — in an effort to provide relief for those affected by the fires.”