Hannah Keenan
Production is one of the most underrated areas of animation filmmaking, yet it is essential to every single step along the way. This year, I was the producer on Glaciation, directed by Noseh Okojie, and Homesick, directed by Danya Grigorev, as well as working in Lighthouse Studios as a production assistant. I took the opportunity this year to explore other interests that could develop my professional career such as creature design, which I have developed through projects both in and outside of college, small business creation and tutoring.
My main goal this year was to develop my skills as much as I possibly could, as well as supporting as many people as I could within their animation journey, creating production document templates that were accessible to anyone who asked.
By working with my classmates, lecturers, the IADT staff, my colleagues at Lighthouse and the plethora of people who have supported me not just year but every year of this course, I've been fully able to explore and develop my skills. I still have a lot to learn but I'm very grateful for all of the support that I have gotten so far.
Women have contributed throughout history to the constant progression and innovation of the film industry. Despite this, in the 21st century, women still represent a small percentage of film crews in all areas. In ostracising women from the industry at any level, the medium is itself put in jeopardy as their contribution not only diversifies the stories told but also connects with audiences on a global level. This study developed a methodology that implements modern technology to discern the gender disparity within film crews, both above and below the line and determines whether the percentage of women in these crews has grown over a period of seven years, 2019 to 2025. Not only did the method prove successful, it also found that there was only an increase of 10% in the total amount of women in film crews between 2019 and 2025. Across all four films analysed, no more than 18% of the departments involved in each film had a department with a higher number of women than men. It is clear that while there has been a slight increase in women in film crews, the gender gap is still very prevalent within the film industry. It is hoped that by proving this methodology effective, more studies can be carried out in order to better understand why gender disparity is widespread and why can be done to end it.
I am a Production Specialist, Animator and Illustrator who thrives on a challenge. I want to help make ideas become fully developed projects through good communication, teamwork and support. Drawing and animating are the ways I process the world and all it's big, bad, beautiful problems and I want to help those who feel the same way.
