Heading into its milestone fifth year, the AfroAnimation Summit (AAS) has become a force for black creatives in the US and on the global stage.
Born out of the pandemic and launched virtually in its first couple of years from 2021, it is now hosted in person at the Burbank Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and has welcomed around 7000 online and live attendees.
With a Premier Partner line up featuring a who’s who of Hollywood studios, including Disney, Dreamworks, Marvel, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Sony, LucasFilm, Cartoon Network and Pixar, the three-day event boasts networking and hiring opportunities, star-powered panel discussions, workshops, screenings, studio interviews, portfolio reviews, short films awards, internship corner, Oscar-like FRWD Awards and real-time illustration competition.
AAS alum and new Animation UK member, Olu Alemoru (Nutmeg Animations UK Ltd), chatted with the Summit’s co-founder Keith White about what he has in store for 2025, its origins and legacy, keeping momentum and hot button issues like AI.
We’re still six months away from AA25, but any major news in the offing for its fifth birthday?
Yes, we are in negotiations to bring the AAS2025 to a new host hotel destination in the Burbank area, add a new and innovative jobs app to help creatives search and apply for jobs fasters, expand into adjacent verticals to animation, double down on career building workshops, invite film distributors and financiers.
What was your role in co-founding the Summit and were the premiere studio partners immediately on board or was there a fair amount of scepticism?
I led the launch of the AfroAnimation Summit in 2021, coordinating with various teams to achieve our objectives and driving sponsorship sales to major studios. Initially, we received support primarily through speakers from studios. Financial backing in the first year came from companies like Kevin Hart’s Laugh-Out-Loud Network, Toon Boom, and a Canadian animation studio. However, by 2022, nearly all major Hollywood animation studios, came on board as financial sponsors.
What key advice would you give to aspiring creatives wanting to get a foothold in the industry?
Make networking an integral part of your strategy, especially in-person interactions. Meeting industry executives and connecting with fellow creatives face-to-face can open doors and create valuable opportunities. It’s not just about marketing yourself or your intellectual property—it’s about building relationships and finding those who share similar goals.
There’s doom and gloom about AI, which was discussed at AA24. What are your thoughts?
I believe that the future lies in the synergy between artificial intelligence and human intelligence. While AI is undeniably here to stay, it’s not something to fear but rather a tool that can enhance human creativity and problem-solving. The best outcomes will come from a collaboration between AI and humans, leveraging the strengths of both to drive innovation and progress.
How would you sum up AA’s journey so far?
Our journey has been about driving significant change in the animation industry by emphasizing the importance of inclusion, diversity, and representation. We’ve created pathways for diverse talent to connect with studio recruiters and executives, opened doors for high school and college students to explore animation careers, and recognized the impactful work of industry leaders. AfroAnimation has become a crucial platform for diverse creators to secure opportunities and contribute to the industry’s growth.
Nutmeg Animation’s short, Nutmeg vs. Baron Eelvil, was laureled in the Children’s Category. Watch it above.
