Wildfires have devastated large areas of southern California, prompting animation studios, others in the industry, and ASIFA-Hollywood to create the fundraising campaign AnimAID. They plan to raise money for over 60 families in the animation industry who lost their homes due to fires that happened in Los Angeles. Their goal is to raise $5 million; donations can be made at the ASIFA-Hollywood website.

Animation studios that are supporting AnimAID include Dreamworks Animation, Illumination & Illumination Studios Paris, Mikros Animation, Netflix, Paramount Animation & Nickelodeon Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Skydance Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, and The Walt Disney Company, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, 20th Television Animation, Marvel Animation, and Lucasfilm Animation.

AnimAID will partner with Sotheby’s to host an auction of original art from animated films and TV series, including maquettes, cels, posters, signed memorabilia, and more. It will be held sometime in the spring.

“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,” animation producer and AnimAID’s chairperson Sandra Rabins said. “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.”

“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,” animation producer and AnimAID board director Don Hahn said. “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.”