WIA Launches First U.K. Collective With May 28 Locksmith Kickoff Mixer

WIA (formerly Women in Animation) is continuing its international expansion, officially launching its first U.K.-based collective while partnering with prominent British studio Locksmith for a kickoff event.

The organization announced today that WIA has welcomed WIA UK as an official Community Collective, marking its first formal presence in the United Kingdom. The move reflects WIA’s broader push to scale its global network and provide localized support systems for underrepresented talent across animation, VFX, and gaming.

The newly formalized group is led by director Tanya J. Scott, filmmaker and festival director Lauren Orme, and producer Amy Ashton, all established figures within the U.K. animation scene. The trio previously operated as a WIA “Connect” group before transitioning into a full Collective, a designation that signals deeper integration into WIA’s global infrastructure.

To mark the launch, WIA UK will host its first official mixer on May 28 in London, in partnership with Locksmith Animation, the BAFTA-nominated studio behind projects like Ron’s Gone Wrong and Netflix’s perennial family favorite That Christmas. The event will be held at the studio’s Regent’s Park Road location and is positioned as a members-only networking opportunity to foster creative and professional connections.

WIA UK leadership emphasized community-building as central to the initiative’s mission:

After a successful year as a Connect group, we are excited for WIA UK to continue building and engaging with our newly formed community as a Collective. We believe that lasting change comes from fostering genuine connections, which is why we’re dedicated to building a network where we can uplift and support one another. The Locksmith mixer will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our first year together as WIA UK and share our launch as a Collective.

The expansion is particularly timely given ongoing industry volatility, including layoffs and production slowdowns affecting animation globally. Executive director Hayley Porter highlighted the importance of grassroots connectivity:

We’re thrilled to officially welcome WIA UK as a WIA Collective. At a time when the industry is facing real challenges, building strong, connected communities matters more than ever. We’re grateful to Locksmith Animation for hosting and for their continued support as a Leadership Global partner.

WIA’s Community Collective model is designed to create “hyper-local” ecosystems that complement its global programming. The organization currently counts more than 40 such communities worldwide, spanning geographic regions, educational institutions, and specialized industry sectors.

Alongside the U.K. launch, WIA continues to roll out a slate of international programming, including online workshops, masterclasses, and networking events across major animation hubs like Los Angeles and Sydney.

With the addition of WIA UK, the organization strengthens its foothold in Europe while signaling continued investment in decentralized, community-driven support structures, an approach that has become increasingly central as the animation workforce navigates an uncertain economic landscape.

For more information on WIA events, check out the organization’s Events Calendar.