As an Oscar-nominated producer and the Vice President of Women in Animation, Jinko Gotoh has made significant strides in the animation industry, championing diversity and creativity throughout her career. With a portfolio that includes iconic films such as "Klaus," "The Lego Movie 2," "Finding Nemo," and "Space Jam." In her keynote at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024, Jinko shared her personal journey, reflecting on the pivotal moments that ignited her love for animation and her vision for a more inclusive CG industry. Join Fox Renderfarm, a leading cloud rendering services provider and render farm in the industry, as we explore her insights on the evolution of animation, the impact of emerging technologies, and the importance of fostering diverse narratives in storytelling.
Image from Interview Video Introduction
Fox Renderfarm: Please briefly introduce yourself.
Jinko: Hello to everyone at Fox Renderfarm! My name is Jinko Gotoh, I produce animated features and am based in Los Angeles.
Keynote Speakers © SIGGRAPH Asia 2024
Fox Renderfarm: What ignited your passion for animation?
For me, it all started when I was very young. The first movie I saw was "Lady and the Tramp," a Disney classic. I fell in love with the medium, captivated by the idea of talking dogs living in America. At that time, my father was traveling to the U.S., and we eventually moved there. I imagined that the U.S. would be just like what I saw in "Lady and the Tramp," and that vision enchanted me.
Lady and the Tramp © Disney
Shortly after, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Osamu Tezuka, the creator of "Astro Boy." When I visited his studio and saw his artwork—how he drew in cell animation, along with the background paintings and layouts—I knew right then that this was what I wanted to do when I grew up.
Astro Boy © Osamu Tezuka
Fox Renderfarm: You've worked as a producer on many high-profile projects, from "Finding Nemo" to "The Little Mermaid". What do these projects mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Jinko: First of all, I love storytelling and the medium of animation. There’s something powerful about how these stories can resonate with audiences of all ages—whether you're a young child or a grandparent.
Animation allows families to come together and experience a film together. Each person can take away something different from it because the storytelling is so rich. For me, the power of animation lies in its ability to bring families together, prompting conversations that can be more challenging with live-action films.
Fox Renderfarm: How do you view the development of animation in different countries? For example, there’s still a lot of potential for growth in the Asian animation industry compared to regions like Europe and North America.
Jinko: Absolutely! Amazing cultural narratives are waiting to be told. Countries like Japan and China, along with many others in Asia, have rich storytelling traditions that haven't yet reached global audiences. I see a significant opportunity for filmmakers from these regions to share their stories globally.
Conferences like SIGGRAPH Asia are essential because they bring people together and foster collaboration in sharing techniques and technologies for making films. Film festivals are also important ways to share Asian stories with the global audience.
Fox Renderfarm: With the rise of AI and emerging technologies, how do you think these innovations will affect animation production and the CG industry?
Jinko: I believe we need to view technology not as something to fear but as tools to help us become better creators. Instead of worrying that technology will take away our jobs, we should focus on how it can empower the creative process. A great example was showcased today in the art exhibit, where a creator used AI technology to produce a visual experience that he wouldn't have been able to create otherwise from his original video footage.
We must embrace these technologies to empower creators rather than succumbing to job displacement concerns. However, we must remember that legal and ethical issues must still be defined, regulated, and implemented to protect authors and creators.
Fox Renderfarm: Looking ahead to the future of animation, what changes are you most excited to see?
Jinko: As I mentioned this morning, I’m thrilled about the democratization of technology. We now have alternative open-source tools and real-time engines that were not available until recently. The only option for many years was to use very expensive tools or build our tools and pipelines like when I started in the industry. Today, there are resources accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world. The rise of platforms like YouTube and TikTok empowers people to learn how to use these tools and become filmmakers. This is incredibly exciting because it allows diverse voices to tell their stories, regardless of their background.
Fox Renderfarm: As a producer, what qualities do you think are essential to possess?
Jinko: Producing encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, and each great producer brings something unique to the table. It’s hard to articulate because of the many elements involved, but the key to effective production lies in assembling a great team that collaborates creatively. A successful producer must be able to select the right people and partner with the filmmaker or director, understanding how to assemble that team effectively. Filmmaking is inherently collaborative, so a great producer is not only a storyteller and a partner to the director but also someone who can foster a collaborative environment to create the best content.
Fox Renderfarm: You have frequently spoken about the importance of following your dreams. What advice do you have for young aspiring animators?
Jinko: I would say that if you truly believe in something, don’t let anything hold you back. Life is challenging, and nothing is simple. Becoming proficient at anything requires skill, talent, and hard work. If animation is your passion, pursue it relentlessly. Stay committed, and don’t let obstacles deter you from your path.
Fox Renderfarm: You’ve been an active advocate for gender equality through Women in Animation, and you have seen significant changes in the industry over the years. Intending to achieve 50/50 representation by 2025, which was set back in 2015, we are now approaching the 10-year mark. How do you feel about the progress made so far? What more can be done in the animation industry moving forward?
Jinko: Unfortunately, we won't hit the 50/50 mark by 2025. We started around 20% representation and have now increased to 32%, which shows incremental progress, but we all need to continue our efforts to achieve true parity.
Image from Women In Animation
What we've accomplished so far, with the support and recognition from the industry, underscores the importance of diverse crews, particularly from a gender standpoint. And it’s not just about gender; it's also essential to consider race and culture. The more diverse your team, the better your storytelling will be. A wide array of perspectives leads to richer stories that resonate with a broader audience. We must continue this vital work, even when economic challenges make it tempting to revert and only work with familiar and known faces. It’s crucial to prioritize diversity to connect meaningfully with audiences worldwide.
I've also met with people from Women in CG, and have encountered many with advanced degrees and professional experience who are anxious about balancing their careers and family life. It’s important to remember that partnership is key. Women shouldn’t shoulder all the responsibilities at home. Parenting is a shared effort, and it requires both mothers and fathers to contribute for a family to thrive. Responsibilities should be distributed so both partners can advance in their careers. I know families where fathers take on the primary caregiving role, and that can be a great option too. For a healthy family dynamic and demonstrating gender parity with their children, both parents should participate in raising the children and maintaining the family.
Fox Renderfarm: Finally, what’s your favorite part of the SIGGRAPH show this year?
Jinko: I’m thrilled to see so many Asians represented at SIGGRAPH ASIA. Typically, at SIGGRAPH in North America, Asians are not the majority. It’s wonderful to see such a large gathering of individuals from various Asian countries. It’s inspiring to be among so many people who look like me!
Image from SIGGRAPH Asia 2024
Jinko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinko-gotoh-168855/
